"A-Aether... You're here?" Stella's voice came out breathy, slightly panting, as if she had sprinted the entire way the moment she heard he was nearby.
Aether stood up, raising a hand to wave casually, but before he could say anything, Stella's teary eyes locked onto him. She ran straight at him—and in a heartbeat, she leapt into his arms.
He caught her effortlessly, sweeping her into a tight embrace. His arms wrapped around her with a strength that felt both protective and tender. "I missed you~" he whispered into her ear, his voice low and warm.
"I-I missed you too... so much..." Stella murmured back, her voice trembling as her arms clung around his neck. She pressed her face into the curve of his shoulder before planting a soft, trembling kiss on his cheek. Her grip on him was desperate, like a clinging vine—refusing to let go, even for a second.
