Part 4

A few days had passed, and what once resembled a hastily assembled camp had begun to take on the warmth and rhythm of a true home. The soft rustle of leaves overhead, the scent of tilled earth and drying wood, and the quiet chatter among companions brought a sense of peace that none of them had expected in this strange in-between world.

The grapevines, which had miraculously shot up overnight thanks to the fertile magic of the land, now stood tall and proud. Their curling tendrils clung to trellises made from rough-cut wood and bound with silken thread, forming neat rows beside the clearing. The once-green grapes had darkened into heavy clusters of deep purple, practically bursting with ripeness.

It hadn't taken long for the group to gather the fruit, laughing and working shoulder to shoulder as they stomped and pressed the juice into thick, sticky streams. The sweet scent had lingered in the air for hours, clinging to their clothes and hair, a reminder of the harvest they'd brought in together.

Now, the barrels sat beneath a shaded lean-to beside the house—round, wooden guardians of their hopes. Sealed tightly and resting coolly in the shade, they held the precious juice within, slowly transforming it into wine. Every so often, someone would check on them, sniffing the air or giving a hopeful glance, waiting for the telltale aroma that would signal the fermentation was complete.

The morning sun filtered through the canopy in golden beams, dappling the ground with soft, shifting light. A cool breeze carried with it a subtle, fruity sweetness that hinted at something new—something promising.

Loo stood near the barrels, her silver hair shimmering as it caught the morning light. She lifted her head and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. A slow, knowing smile curved her lips. "The wine… it's almost ready," she called over her shoulder, her voice light with restrained excitement.

At her words, the others stirred to attention. Flora, who had been gently pruning the vines with care, dropped her shears and quickly wiped her hands on the hem of her dress before hurrying over. "Are you sure?" she asked, her blue eyes wide with anticipation.

Loo gave a single, confident nod, inhaling again. "The scent is changing—richer, fuller, with that distinct sharpness. Just one more day. By tomorrow, it should be ready to open."

From his workbench at the edge of the clearing, Hoshi looked up, his hands still dusted with sawdust. He watched the growing excitement among the women with a quiet smile tugging at his lips. "If it tastes half as good as it smells, we might actually have a real shot at getting home."

Tier let out a victorious cheer, throwing her fist into the air as a spark of joy lit up her golden eyes. "Finally! I miss my bed, my warm baths, my fluffy pillows—gods, even the smell of my own house in Great Tree Village!" she said with dramatic flair, spinning once before settling her gaze on Hoshi.

She paused, her expression softening. "No offense, Hoshi. I really do appreciate the home you built for us—it's more than I ever expected out here. I just… I miss the people back home too."

Hoshi chuckled warmly, wiping his hands on a cloth as he leaned against the edge of the workbench. "None taken," he said, his green eyes glinting with understanding. "I miss my friends and my fellows back in Keimonomimi Village just as much. Helping you all has made the waiting easier, but… I'd be lying if I said I didn't long for home too."

Ria chuckled under her breath, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her pointed ear. "Let's just hope it actually works," she murmured, casting a skeptical glance toward the sealed barrels resting in the shade. "Even if Hakuren can smell it, there's no guarantee she'll find us in this world. We could be anywhere."

But Flora stepped forward, her footsteps light but steady as she moved to the center of the group. Her expression was calm, yet resolute, and her hand lifted to rest gently against her chest. "She'll find us," she said softly, with a conviction that silenced the doubt in the air. "Dragons have senses that defy logic—sight beyond sight, scent that travels through the fabric of time and space."

She turned toward the barrels, the faint aroma of fermenting wine already curling in the morning breeze. A hopeful glimmer lit her eyes. "And if we know Hakuren…" she paused, a smile slowly blooming across her face, "If there's even a whisper of wine on the wind, she won't be able to resist."

Hoshi smiled, taking in their hopeful expressions. They had come a long way in just a few days—what had once been panic and frustration had turned into determination and teamwork. If everything went well, tomorrow could be the day they finally saw their home again. For now, though, all they could do was wait.

That evening, while the others were gathered inside, caught up in another round of Profiteer, Hoshi and Flora strolled through the quiet landscape. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of ripening grapes and fresh earth. Fireflies blinked in the distance, their soft glow adding to the serenity of the night.

As they walked, they spoke of home—of the bustling streets of Keimonomimi Village and the towering majesty of Great Tree Village. Hoshi shared stories of the lively market days, where races of all kinds worked together to build a thriving community. Flora, in turn, painted vivid pictures of her village, describing the warmth of its people, the unity between races, and the joy of living among friends and family.

"I can't wait to see your home one day," Flora said softly, hugging her arms as a cool breeze passed.

Hoshi smiled. "Same here. I'd love to see the Great Tree Village for myself. Sounds like a place worth visiting."

Just then, a streak of light cut across the sky. A shooting star, brilliant and golden, trailed across the vast expanse above them.

Flora gasped, her eyes widening in awe. "Look at that…"

Hoshi tilted his head back, watching as the star burned brightly before fading into the horizon. A small smile touched his lips. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

Flora nodded, her gaze lingering on the sky. "Do you think it's a sign?"

Hoshi glanced at her, curious. "A sign of what?"

"That everything will work out. That we'll get home soon." She hesitated, then added, "That we were meant to meet."

Hoshi blinked at her words, but before he could say anything, Flora turned away, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear.

The night was calm, the scent of fresh earth and ripening grapes lingering in the cool breeze. The stars above shimmered like diamonds, their light reflecting in Flora's deep blue eyes as she stood before Hoshi, her hands clenched at her sides.

They had spent so much time together—building, laughing, sharing their thoughts beneath the vast sky. And now, with the wine nearly ready, their time in this world was coming to an end. The thought of leaving weighed on her heart, heavier than she ever expected.

"Hoshi…" Flora's voice was barely above a whisper, but in the quiet night, it carried straight to him.

Hoshi turned to her, his expression gentle as always. "What's wrong, Flora?"

She took a deep breath, gathering the courage she never thought she would need. "I know we're going home soon. And that's what we've all been waiting for, right?" She let out a small, nervous laugh before shaking her head. "But… I realized something."

Hoshi watched her carefully, sensing the shift in her demeanor.

"When we first got stuck here, I was worried, scared even. I wanted to go home as soon as possible," she admitted, clasping her hands together. "But then… I got to know you. I saw how hard you worked, not just for yourself, but for all of us. You never hesitated to help, to build, to make sure we were comfortable. You made this empty world feel… like home."

She bit her lip before finally meeting his gaze. "And somewhere along the way, I started wishing that maybe… just maybe… going home didn't have to mean leaving you behind."

Hoshi's breath hitched, his heart pounding as her words sank in.

Flora smiled softly, her face tinged with a shy blush. "I like you, Hoshi. More than I ever expected to. And I don't know what's going to happen once we go back, but I don't want this to be the end. I want to see your village. I want you to visit mine. I want to know if… if maybe, we could have something more."

She exhaled, as if letting go of all the fear that had held her back. "I don't need an answer right now. I just… I just needed you to know."

Hoshi stood frozen for a moment, Flora's words echoing in his mind. The night air felt warmer somehow, his heartbeat drumming louder than before. He had never expected this—never thought that in this strange world, in such an uncertain time, he would find someone who made him feel… whole.

He looked into Flora's deep blue eyes, shimmering with nervous anticipation, and realized the truth that had been growing inside him all along.

"Flora…" He reached for her hands, gently wrapping them in his own. "I—" He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "I was so focused on finding a way home, on making sure everyone was okay, that I didn't stop to think about what would happen after. But the truth is…" He took a deep breath, his grip on her hands tightening slightly. "I feel the same way."

Flora's eyes widened, her breath hitching as his words settled in.

Hoshi smiled, warmth filling his chest. "Spending time with you, working together, sharing all these little moments—it's made me happier than I've been in a long time. I don't want to say goodbye either. I want to visit your village, and I want you to see mine. And more than that…" He gently brushed a strand of silver hair from her face. "I want to be with you."

Flora let out a small, relieved laugh, her cheeks glowed with a soft pink. "Really?"

"Really."

Before another word could be spoken, Hoshi slowly leaned in, and Flora met him halfway. Their lips touched in a tender kiss, soft and sweet, filled with unspoken promises. The world around them faded for just a moment—no worries, no uncertainty, just the warmth of each other.

When they finally pulled back, their foreheads rested together, both smiling like fools under the starry sky. Hoshi gave her hands a gentle squeeze.

"No matter what happens next," he said, "we'll figure it out together."

Flora nodded, her heart full. "Together."

Silence hung between them for a moment, the stars above bearing witness to the vulnerability in her voice, the hope in her eyes.

"Let's head back," she said, her voice a little softer than before.

Hoshi watched her for a moment longer before nodding. "Yeah… let's go."

As they walked back toward the house, the warmth of the moment lingered between them, unspoken but undeniable.

As Flora stepped back into the house, the warm glow of the fire flickering against the wooden walls, she barely had a moment to compose herself before three pairs of eyes locked onto her. Loo, Tier, and Ria exchanged knowing glances, smirking like a pack of mischievous foxes who had just uncovered a secret.

Loo folded her arms and leaned against the table, her silver hair shimmering in the firelight. "So… where did you go?"

Flora stiffened, heat rushing to her face. "Just went for a walk," she said, trying to sound casual.

Tier grinned, tilting her head. "Uh-huh. And did this 'walk' happen to include a certain hardworking village elder?"

Flora's blush deepened, her fingers nervously twirling a strand of her hair. "M-maybe…"

That was all the confirmation they needed. "I knew it!" Tier clapped her hands together triumphantly. "You like Hoshi."

Flora's face burned even hotter. "I-I—That's—" She covered her face with her hands, groaning in embarrassment as the girls giggled.

But then Ria quieted down and asked the question that lingered at the back of everyone's mind. "So… what's going to happen once we all go home?"

Flora lowered her hands and took a deep breath. Her expression softened as she smiled. "We're going to figure it out. I promised that I'd visit his village, and he promised he'd visit ours."

There was a moment of silence before the room erupted into cheers. "Finally!" Loo laughed. "I was wondering when you'd stop daydreaming and actually fall for someone real!"

Tier grinned. "And a good one, too. Hoshi's strong, kind, and hardworking. I approve."

Ria smirked. "You better invite us to the wedding."

Flora groaned, but she couldn't stop the smile tugging at her lips. As much as they teased, she knew they were happy for her. And in truth… she was happy too.

The following morning, anticipation hung in the air as everyone gathered around the barrels. Loo leaned in, taking a deep, deliberate inhale. Her eyes widened with excitement as she exhaled with a satisfied grin.

"The wine is ready!" she declared.

Hoshi stepped forward, gripping his magical tool as it shifted seamlessly into the shape of a hammer. With one decisive strike, he broke open the top of the barrel. A rich, intoxicating aroma immediately filled the air, the scent so potent that it made everyone's mouths water.

Ria smirked. "There's no way Hakuren will be able to resist this!"

As if on cue, a powerful gust of wind swept through the clearing, followed by the unmistakable sound of massive wings cutting through the sky.

"It's Hakuren!" Flora shouted, her heart leaping with hope.

The sky shimmered with refracted light as the great dragon Hakuren descended from the clouds in a sweep of graceful might. Her massive silver wings folded against her sides, scattering sunlight like diamond dust across the clearing. With a pulse of ancient magic, her towering form shifted midair, shrinking and reshaping until a statuesque woman landed lightly on her feet.

Silver hair, cut just above the shoulders, framed her face like strands of moonlight. Her violet eyes—piercing, regal, and ageless—swept over the camp with a quiet intensity. Clad in a flowing white dress that billowed in the breeze, she barely spared a glance at the stunned group before her. Something more urgent had her attention, the scent of wine.

Without a word, she strode forward, almost gliding, her steps driven by an unshakable purpose. She reached the nearest barrel, snatched up a wooden cup, and dipped it into the dark, glistening liquid within. Raising it to her lips, she took a long, deliberate sip.

Her expression shifted almost instantly. Eyes fluttering shut, she let out a low, contented sigh. "Oh wow," she whispered, her voice tinged with reverence. The complexity of the flavor danced across her senses, rich and earthy, kissed by sweetness and time. A soft flush crept into her cheeks as the alcohol hit her bloodstream faster than expected. "This is… incredible."

She took another sip—more careful this time, savoring each drop. But as she lowered the cup, finally pulling herself back into the moment, she blinked. Standing before her were four very familiar faces, wide-eyed and waiting in breathless anticipation.

"Hey, guys," Hakuren said casually, brushing a lock of silver hair behind her ear. Her violet eyes glimmered with amusement. "So this is where you ended up everyone has been looking for you. How exactly did you manage this?"

Loo let out a weary sigh, folding her arms across her chest. "It's a long story," she muttered, then gestured toward the strange marble door behind them. "To sum it up: we were traveling through the village like normal, and that gate suddenly appeared out of nowhere. We went to inspect it, and it sucked us in like a vacuum. Next thing we knew, we were stranded in this bizarre world—and no matter what we tried, the gate wouldn't open again. We thought we were stuck here for good… until Flora had the idea to lure you with your one true weakness."

Hakuren arched a silver brow, swirling the deep red wine in her cup with regal elegance. "Let me guess," she said, taking another sip, "wine? That's not the worst plan I've heard."

Tier stepped forward, her expression tight with anticipation. "So… can you help us?"

Hakuren let out a light laugh. "Of course. This is child's play for me."

They led her to the silent marble door—once the gateway between worlds, now nothing more than a quiet door. Hakuren approached it with measured grace, her dress trailing behind her like mist. She placed a single hand against the stone surface, her expression shifting from amused to curious.

Her brow furrowed. "Hmm. This kind of magic is… unusual." She closed her eyes for a moment, attuning herself to the faint pulses of lingering magic. "It's some kind of ancient, unstable gate—definitely not built by any modern spellcaster. I've never felt anything quite like it."

"Can you open it?" Loo asked, her voice strained with urgency.

A grin slowly curved Hakuren's lips. "Of course I can." Her hand began to glow, a soft white light spreading from her palm and weaving intricate sigils through the air. The atmosphere shimmered with gathering power, the very ground humming with anticipation.

"I just need to reinforce the magical flow," she murmured. "Once I stabilize it, the portal will reopen. Give me a moment…"

The group stood breathless as the energy spiraled around the gate, growing brighter with each passing second. Hakuren's eyes flashed with draconic intensity. "You'll be home before you know it."

The moment the gate shimmered to life, revealing the swirling portal leading back to Great Tree Village, cheers erupted from the group.

"Yes! We did it! We can go home! I can't wait to see my husband and baby!" Loo cried, her armd fluttering in excitement.

Haruken, however, seemed less caught up in the celebration. Her sharp eyes scanned the group until they landed on Hoshi. "And who are you?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Hoshi straightened up. "I'm Hoshi from Keimonomimi Village. I helped them make the wine. Sorry for the trouble—this gate was created by one of my Fellow, and, well… it caused more problems than we expected."

Haruken's gaze flicked to Flora, who stood close by, her fingers subtly curled around Hoshi's sleeve. A knowing smirk crossed her lips. "I see. So, you and Flora… are close friends?"

Hoshi and Flora both blushed, exchanging a glance before mumbling in unison, "Something like that."

Haruken sighed, rubbing her temple. "Then I suppose I should be the one to break the bad news." She turned to Hoshi, her expression serious. "I take it you plan to visit Great Tree Village?"

Hoshi nodded. "Of course! I may have responsibilities as the elder of my village—but I was looking forward to visiting Flora and everyone else regularly."

Haruken let out a heavy sigh. "That's not going to be possible."

The air grew dense, as if the world itself were holding its breath. All eyes were fixed on Hakuren, whose expression had turned solemn beneath the golden gleam of her silver hair. The soft flicker of arcane light still shimmered faintly in the gateway behind her, but its glow felt colder now—more uncertain.

"This portal is unstable," she said, her voice low but unwavering. "This will be a one-way trip. Once we return to your village, there will be no coming back to this place."

"What?" Flora's voice cracked as she stepped forward, panic tightening her throat. "Why? Why can't we come back?"

Hakuren's gaze drifted toward the sky, her violet eyes reflecting the endless expanse above. "Because the world we stand in now… is not part of either of your homes," she said softly. "This realm is a bridge—a tear in the fabric between universes. The wine you crafted carried its scent far enough to reach me, but I can sense it now. Hoshi does not belong to our world. His home lies beyond the other side of that rip, beyond my reach."

Her voice, usually smooth and confident, dipped into something gentler—almost regretful. "Even my magic cannot map the path between our realities. Once the portal activates and we pass through, the tear will seal. There will be no returning. Not for him. Not for you."

A heavy silence fell, thick and suffocating, like mist before a storm. The flickering wind through the trees offered no comfort, only the whisper of impossible choices.

Loo, Tier, and Ria stood still, the blood draining from their faces. Slowly, their eyes turned to Hoshi and Flora, as if realizing the true cost of their return. Concern etched deep lines across their faces—not for themselves, but for the two people who now stood on the brink of heartbreak.

It was more than just a portal closing. It was the beginning of a farewell that none of them had been ready to face.

Hoshi stood frozen, his fists clenched at his sides. The reality of the situation pressed down on him like an unbearable weight. If he stepped through that portal, he might never see Flora again. His heart ached at the thought, but he knew his duty. Keimonomimi Village needed him—he had sworn to protect and guide his people. No matter how much he wanted to stay by Flora's side, abandoning his village was not an option.

Flora's breath hitched, her fingers trembling as she gripped the fabric of her dress. Her heart pounded against her ribs, screaming at her to act before it was too late. If she let Hoshi leave now, she might never see him again. The idea of returning to Great Tree Village without him felt unbearable. Yet leaving for Hoshi's world meant giving up everything she loved—her home, her family, her life as she knew it.

She took a shaky breath, lifting her gaze to Hoshi's. In that moment, she knew—she had to make a choice. As Flora locked eyes with Hoshi, a storm of emotions raged inside her. Her heart pulled her in one direction, while her memories and responsibilities anchored her in another. She loved Hoshi—deeply, undeniably. In him, she saw a future filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She imagined their life together, the quiet moments in a home they built side by side, the joy of starting a family just as her sister had. It would be a dream come true.

But then reality crashed down on her. If she stayed with Hoshi, she would be leaving behind everything she had ever known. Her sister, her brother-in-law, the nephew she adored—she would never see them again. The friends who had been there for her since childhood, the new family she had made in Great Tree Village… all of them would become nothing more than distant memories. Could she really bear that?

Tears welled in her eyes, blurring the image of the man she had come to love. "This wasn't fair" she thought to herself. Fate had brought them together, only to tear them apart. How could she be expected to choose between her family and the man who had captured her heart? If only she had more time—more time to be sure that what they had was worth such a sacrifice.

Before she could speak, Hoshi gently took her hand in his. His warmth, so familiar now, sent a painful ache through her chest.

"You should go home," he said softly.

Flora gasped, her tear-filled blue eyes searching his deep green ones. "Hoshi…"

"I can't take you away from your family," he continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion. "I won't. You love them too much, and I would never ask you to make that choice. So we should both go home where we belong." He squeezed her hand, his expression resolute. "But I promise you this—I will never stop trying to find a way back to you. Even if it takes the rest of my life, I'll keep searching."

Flora's breath hitched as a fresh wave of tears spilled down her cheeks. He was letting her go, but not because he wanted to. He was doing it because he loved her.

Flora reached up with trembling fingers, gently placing Hoshi's hand against her cheek. His warmth seeped into her skin, grounding her in this fleeting moment, a moment she wished she could hold onto forever. The weight of their impending separation bore down on her chest, suffocating, cruel—but still, his touch made her happy. Even now, even as they stood on the precipice of goodbye.

Tears shimmered in her blue eyes as she whispered, "I will too. I'll do everything I can—every ounce of research, every spell, every forgotten legend—I'll search for a way to bridge our worlds. It can't end like this, Hoshi. We won't let it."

Hoshi cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a stray tear that slid down her cheek. His own eyes burned with emotion, a storm of love and longing that threatened to consume them both. "We won't," he vowed, his voice steady despite the pain laced within it.

For a moment, time stood still. The portal glowed behind them, humming with the magic that would rip them apart. The others watched, their hearts caught between joy and sorrow, knowing they were witnessing a love so pure, so strong—yet one that fate had deemed impossible.

Flora's breath hitched as Hoshi leaned in, closing the distance between them. Their lips met in a desperate, lingering kiss, pouring every unspoken word, every unshed tear, every promise of reunion into it. It was not a goodbye—it was a vow.

As they pulled away, their fingers slowly untangled, reluctant to let go. They stared at each other for one final, aching moment before turning toward their fates. And as they stepped through the portal—returning to the homes they loved, yet leaving behind a piece of their hearts—only one thought remained. They would find each other again. No matter what.

When both parties finally returned to their respective villages, they were met with overwhelming cheers and joyous celebration. Friends embraced them, families wept with relief, and the air rang with the sounds of festivity. The villagers rejoiced at the safe return of those they had feared lost, and for a time, it felt as though everything had righted itself.

But the joy was short-lived.

It didn't take long for the truth to surface—for the laughter to fade as people began to realize what Hoshi and Flora had gained… and what they had lost.

The tale spread quickly: of a chance encounter in a world between worlds, of bonds formed in the crucible of isolation, and of love blooming between two hearts separated by dimensions. The revelation cast a quiet shadow over the celebrations. Smiles softened. Eyes dimmed. It was a happy ending for some—but not for them.

And so, the search began. Driven by hope and fueled by longing, Hoshi and Flora each turned to study, research, and magic—desperate to bridge the void between their worlds. Countless hours were poured into ancient texts and forgotten rituals. They consulted sages, petitioned spirits, even sought the wisdom of dragons and the guidance of gods. But every lead turned to dust, every spell unraveled in their hands.

Days bled into weeks. Weeks into months. And still, the chasm remained. Magic may be powerful, but the immense span of space is even stronger.

In Great Tree Village, Flora dedicated every waking moment to the pursuit of the impossible.

By day, she combed through ancient tomes in the village archives, her fingers smudged with ink and dust. She questioned the oldest scholars, chased legends whispered on the wind, and traveled far to speak with wandering sages—her voice always carrying the same desperate plea: "Is there a way to cross worlds?"

By night, she poured over spells and scrolls by candlelight until her vision blurred and the words danced off the page. When hope flickered, dim and fleeting like a candle in a storm, she held fast to memories—to the warmth of Hoshi's hand against her cheek, to the gentle strength in his voice, to the love in his green eyes the moment he said he would never stop trying.

And so, neither did she.

Even Hakuren, mighty and ancient, visited her on occasion—watching from the doorway as Flora studied enchantments so convoluted that even a dragon couldn't decipher them. On one such evening, Hakuren had stepped quietly into the room, her silver hair catching the firelight, her violet eyes somber.

"Flora," she said softly, her voice heavy with the weight of truth, "this magic… it didn't come from our world. The gate that opened wasn't of our making. If it came from his side, then it is beyond even my reach. You are chasing stardust."

Flora didn't look up from her book. Her fingers moved gently across the weathered parchment, as if the answer might rise to meet her touch.

"Then I'll keep reaching," she whispered, "until my hands touch the sky." And she did. Every day. Every hour.

Each evening, when she returned to her family's home and sat down to dinner, she left a chair empty at the table—always beside her. No one questioned it. No one moved it. It stood as a silent vow. A symbol of her longing. A space held open for a man lost to another world.

A prayer in wood and silence: "Someday, Hoshi will come home. And when he does, this chair will be waiting."

Meanwhile, in Keimonomimi Village, Hoshi was no less relentless in his pursuit. From the moment he returned home, he threw himself into his quest with unwavering resolve. He combed through every magical tome his fellows could uncover, scoured scrolls passed down by elders, and traveled beyond the bounds of his homeland—seeking the wisdom of mages cloaked in firelight and alchemists whose arcane knowledge was etched into forgotten stone.

With each passing day, he clung to the same hope that had steadied him in that in-between world: "There must be a way back to her."

In time, he turned to Hermes—the creator of the accidental gate between worlds—with desperate hope in his eyes. She listened quietly, the usual mischievous spark in her gaze dulled. When she finally spoke, her words fell like stones into the silence.

"You're asking for the impossible," Hermes said, her voice low, her brow furrowed in frustration. "That gate was a cosmic fluke, a ripple through dimensions that I can't recreate. If I could even locate where their world lies—somewhere beyond the furthest stars, past realms no map can trace—maybe. But I dont even know which way to search. You might as well try to turn back time itself. That would be easier."

But Hoshi didn't falter. He stood tall, his voice calm, but filled with an unshakable fire. "Then I'll keep looking for a way," he said. "Even if it takes a lifetime, I'll find her again."

And so he continued—unmoving in his resolve, unbending in his faith.

At every festival, every banquet, every village gathering, he left a seat beside him untouched. A place not for a friend, not for a stranger, but for her. A woman from a different world whose laughter echoed in his memory, whose blue eyes haunted his dreams, whose love still filled the quiet spaces in his heart.

The empty chair spoke louder than any words ever could. It was a silent vow, a sacred place of waiting. And as the seasons turned and the stars wheeled overhead, Hoshi and Flora, worlds apart, clung to hope not as a comfort, but as a promise.

Both of them hope that one day, we will find our way back to each other.

And so, time continued to move forward—unrelenting, indifferent. Seasons came and went, the world changed around them, but their love endured, steadfast and unyielding. It defied the cruel logic of distance, laughed in the face of fate, and burned as brightly as the day they were torn apart.

Flora kept her vigil beneath the Great Tree, her research continuing, her hope unwavering. And Hoshi, across the veil of reality, pressed on through scroll and starlight, never letting go of the memory of her smile.

Perhaps the gods watched from their eternal thrones, silent witnesses to a bond no realm could sever. Perhaps they pitied the two hearts that fate had split across dimensions—souls who had found one another in the chaos, only to be pulled apart by the unseen hands of destiny.

Perhaps, somewhere in the shifting threads of time and space, a new path was beginning to open. Not a mistake. Not a fluke. But a doorway carved by love itself—slow, steady, and sure.

And perhaps—just perhaps—one day, Flora and Hoshi would once again stand beneath the same sky. No longer dreaming of one another from afar, but side by side, fingers interlaced, hearts finally at peace.

Their love, tested by separation, tempered by time, would emerge not broken, but unbreakable.

And when that day came, not even the stars would burn brighter than their reunion.