Together.
The word remained between them even after they started walking again.
It wasn't said out loud.
But it was there.
The street in front of them was quieter than the square. The warm lights of the garlands were left behind, and the noise of the city was reduced to a distant murmur.
Viviana was still holding Luca's hand.
Not like before, when it had been more of an instinct.
Now it seemed like a choice.
Their steps synchronized without trying.
After a few minutes, Viviana spoke first.
"You know what's weird?"
"What?"
"I don't feel tired anymore."
He glanced at her quickly.
"You were at the hospital two hours ago."
"I know."
She shrugged slightly.
"But… it's like all the fog in my head has gone."
Luca was silent for a second.
Then he said,
"Probably the adrenaline."
Viviana stared at him.
"Or the company."
He almost smiled.
They passed a small park. The empty swings moved gently in the evening wind, creaking softly.
Viviana stopped.
"Wait."
Luca stopped immediately.
"What happened?"
She took a few steps toward the park fence.
"I haven't been on a swing in years."
He raised an eyebrow.
"Do you want to work this out?"
She gave him a provocative smile.
"Are you afraid?"
"Of the swings?"
"Of being ridiculous."
"No."
Two minutes later, they were both sitting on the cold metal swings.
Viviana leaned forward slightly.
"I can't believe we're doing this."
"You proposed."
"I didn't think you'd accept."
Luca swayed a little.
"Neither did I."
For a few moments, everything was simple.
The cold air.
The creak of metal.
The silence between breaths.
Viviana turned to him, still swaying.
"You know what I realize?"
"What?"
"If I hadn't fainted today…"
"I wouldn't be here."
She nodded.
"Exactly."
She looked up at the sky for a second.
"Life is strange."
Luca looked at her.
"I don't think it's strange."
"No?"
"I think it's just… unpredictable."
Viviana jumped off the swing.
"That's a more philosophical way of saying the same thing."
He got off too.
By the time they reached her street, the city was almost quiet.
Most of the windows were already dimly lit, and the air had turned cooler.
Viviana stopped in front of the building.
"This is where I live."
Luca looked at the old entrance to the apartment building.
"It seems quiet."
"It is."
For a moment they stood there without saying anything.
Then Viviana noticed something.
"You're still holding my hand."
Luca blinked.
"Apparently."
"I'm not complaining."
He squeezed her fingers lightly.
"Okay."
She laughed softly.
Then her expression changed a little.
More serious.
"Hey."
"Yes?"
"I'm glad you didn't leave today."
He frowned slightly.
"Why would I?"
"Some people get scared."
"I don't."
Viviana looked at him for a few seconds.
Then she took a step closer.
"I know."
And kissed him again.
Not like in the market.
This kiss was shorter.
But more secure.
When she pulled back, she was smiling.
"Good night, Luca."
"Good night, Vivi."
She entered the building.
Luca stood outside for a few seconds, watching the stairwell light come on inside.
After the upstairs door closed, she turned to leave.
On the sidewalk across from him, another figure stood leaning against a lamppost.
Ethan Cole hadn't tried to hide.
But he hadn't been noticed either.
He had watched the scene silently.
He couldn't hear everything they were saying.
He was too far away.
But he noticed something else.
Viviana wasn't talking at all.
Still, Luca would sometimes respond—calmly, confidently, as if continuing a conversation that hadn't been said out loud.
Sometimes he would smile.
Other times he would nod his head slightly, as if he had heard something.
But Viviana hadn't said anything.
Ethan furrowed his brows slightly.
For a few seconds he tried to find a normal explanation.
Maybe Luca was just guessing.
Maybe it was a coincidence.
But it happened too often.
And Ethan didn't believe in repeated coincidences.
In his mind, his thoughts were already starting to form into a plan.
If he wanted to find out what was really going on…
he needed someone closer to Viviana.
He took out his phone.
He opened his contacts.
And pressed a name.
Ioana.
His colleague at the bank.
The phone rang once.
Twice.
Then she answered.
"Yes?"
Ethan smiled slightly, leaning closer against the lamppost.
"I have a question for you."
"It depends."
"How much money would you like…"
He paused.
"…to become good friends with Viviana?"
There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds.
Then Ioana laughed softly.
"That sounds suspicious."
"It's not."
"Then tell me the plan."
Ethan looked back at the street where Luca was already leaving.
"I'll explain tomorrow."
And he hung up.
Because sometimes, to understand a mystery…
you just have to get the right person close enough.