into the sun

the moon's vow

The journey to Italy was meant to be a fresh start. A chance to leave behind the weight of the past and build something new, in a place untouched by the chaos of their lives. Florence welcomed them with open arms—the cobblestone streets, the lavender-scented air, the promise of renewal. It felt like stepping back in time, a chance to reclaim lost moments and finally live out the love they fought so hard to keep alive.

Lada had brought Earn, Tan, Bow, and P'Suzie along, wanting her friends close and create a great time together. She had planned every detail of this trip meticulously, right down to the villa they stayed in—a secluded estate just outside Florence. Their friends enjoyed the villa as well—Tan and Bow would make breakfast, while P'Suzie took photographs of the stunning landscape, joking that they all looked like they had stepped out of a romance movie. There was laughter, warmth, and the shared sense that they had earned this joy after all they had been through. It was everything Lada had dreamed of.

One evening, they all gathered outside under the pergola, the sky painted in shades of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon. Earn sat beside Lada, her hand resting gently on Lada's knee, her eyes glowing as they talked about everything and nothing, the vineyard stretching endlessly around them. Lada's heart swelled with love as she watched Earn laugh, her whole face lighting up in a way that made Lada's chest feel both full and weightless.

The next day, Lada, ditched the friends group unapologetically, and took Earn to Siena, a short drive from Florence, to relive a memory that had meant everything to her—their first real date. Strolling through Piazza del Campo, Lada felt the past rushing back to her—the vibrant chatter of tourists, the distant strains of a street musician playing an old Italian ballad, the golden lights that bathed the square in warmth. Everything felt familiar, and yet new, as if they were stepping into a cherished dream.

Earn walked beside her, her gaze drifting over the piazza, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the surroundings. It was as though no time had passed—like they had been here just yesterday, young and hopeful, the world stretching endlessly before them. Lada glanced at Earn's face, watching the play of emotions there—nostalgia, wonder, a hint of sadness.

Lada's heart fluttered at the sight. She tightened her hold on Earn's hand, her thumb brushing over the back of Earn's knuckles in a silent reassurance. She led Earn through the square, the two of them moving almost in tandem, their steps instinctively aligned. There were no words between them—none were needed. The magic of the evening, the intimacy of the place, filled every moment.

As they reached the shaded archway where they had once shared their first kiss, Lada paused. Earn stopped beside her, her breath catching slightly as she looked around, her gaze lingering on the familiar surroundings. Lada could feel Earn's heart beating through her hand, the warmth of her presence, and she knew that Earn remembered too.

The archway was quieter now, tucked away from the bustle of the piazza. The world beyond seemed distant, the laughter and music fading to a soft hum. Lada turned towards Earn, her eyes meeting hers, a soft smile playing on her lips. Earn's cheeks flushed under the gentle gaze, a color Lada hadn't seen in a long time, and it made her heart swell.

Earn stood still, her eyes searching Lada's face, her lips parting as if to say something. But before any words could form, Lada stepped closer, her hand moving to cradle Earn's cheek. She could feel Earn's warmth beneath her palm, the way her skin seemed to hum under her touch. Earn's eyes fluttered closed, her breath shaky, her lashes brushing her cheeks.

Slowly, Lada leaned in, her forehead pressing gently against Earn's, her other hand sliding up to rest at the nape of her neck. The air was heavy between them—charged with anticipation, with longing, with all the unspoken words that neither of them could voice. Lada let her eyes drift shut, letting herself feel every heartbeat, every breath.