The season of warm, refreshing breezes had come again, gently caressing cheeks flushed as red as ripe apples. Valentin pushed open the hallway window leading to the dressing room, inhaling deeply. The scent of spring filled his lungs, and the faint rustle of new leaves brushing against one another reached his ears from afar.

"Ah… it’s so nice."

He sighed, his voice full of admiration, and let his body relax like a cat basking in sunlight. The warm air brought with it a languidness, perhaps a lingering effect of their second honeymoon.

Valentin’s golden lashes, delicate as angel feathers, fluttered …