ephemeral. | 선우

06: last quarter

THE LAST QUARTER moon hung low in the sky, its light dim and uncertain. The night was darker now, the shadows deeper, as if the world itself was preparing for the inevitable descent into darkness. Sunoo felt a sense of dread as he made his way to the pond, knowing that something was changing—something that could not be undone.

Yuzuki was waiting for him, her figure barely visible in the dim light. She looked more fragile than ever, as if the weight of the world was pressing down on her, pulling her deeper into the shadows.

"Sunoo," Yuzuki whispered as he approached, her voice filled with a quiet resignation. "The light is almost gone."

Sunoo's heart clenched at her words, a surge of fear gripping him. "But you're still here," he said, his voice trembling. "As long as you're here, there's still hope."

Yuzuki shook her head, her expression distant. "I don't know if I can hold on much longer. The darkness... it's too strong."

Sunoo moved closer, his heart aching with the knowledge that he might not be able to save her. "You're stronger than you think," he said, his voice filled with desperation. "You've been my light, Yuzuki. Don't let the darkness take you."

Yuzuki looked at him, her eyes filled with a sadness that seemed to stretch beyond the night. "But what if the darkness is a part of me, Sunoo? What if I can't escape it?"

Sunoo reached out, taking her hands in his. "Then I'll stay with you, even in the dark. You're not alone, Yuzuki. I'm here, and I'll always be here."

For a moment, Yuzuki looked at him with something like hope in her eyes, but it was fleeting, quickly replaced by the familiar shadow of doubt. "I wish I could believe that," she murmured, her voice barely audible.

They stood together, the last quarter moon casting its faint light over them. But as the night wore on, the darkness grew stronger, and the light that once seemed so certain began to flicker.

"Promise me," Yuzuki whispered, her voice trembling. "Promise me that you'll remember me, even when the light is gone."

Sunoo felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes, his heart breaking at the thought of losing her. "I promise," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll remember you, Yuzuki. Always."

They held each other tightly, the last of the light fading as the night deepened. The end was coming, and they both knew it, but for now, they held on to the fragile connection they had, hoping that it would be enough.