Crunch.
Crunch.
Stomp.
Soft footsteps echoed through the silent forest beneath the night sky.
Noah and Akari walked side by side along a narrow path winding between towering ancient trees.
Although there was no moon visible overhead, the forest was strangely illuminated by a gentle silver glow. The mysterious moonlight filtered through the thick canopy, casting shimmering patterns across the ground.
A cool breeze drifted through the woods, gently rustling the leaves overhead. For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
The peaceful silence was oddly comforting.
Noah took a slow breath, enjoying the fresh air.
"It's actually not that bad here," he said with a faint smile.
"Everything is so quiet... so peaceful. The gentle wind, the forest... it's relaxing."
Akari looked around before smiling softly. "Yes..."
She brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"If you have someone to share it with... this place isn't such a terrible place to live."
