He’d meant to knock. Honestly.

But the moment the door cracked open, her scent hit him—warm vanilla laced with something deeper, something he couldn’t name but always recognized. It wrapped around him like a memory, soft and aching, and before he could stop himself, he was stepping in.

The hallway light was out, and thunder murmured somewhere beyond the walls, but inside the room, everything was still. That scent—hers—was everywhere, clinging to the air like it had been waiting for him.

He didn’t mean to intrude.

He just… missed her. Or maybe he just wanted to know her better. By the time he realized it was Zoey’s room, he was already inside.

Moonlight spilled through gauzy curtains, casting long, quiet shadows across the walls and furniture. The space was filled with odd, whimsical things—trinkets and keepsakes he could absolutely imagine her picking up on a whim.

The floor was scattered with notebooks of every kind: leather-bound, spiral, hardback, cloth-covered. Some bristled with sticky tabs, others had ribbons spilling from their spines like bookmarks left mid-thought.

His eyes drifted to the nightstand, where one notebook lay half-open—a soft blue cover, worn at the corners, a pencil tucked lazily between the pages. He paused, then lowered himself onto the edge of her bed and picked it up.

The first page was a scrawl of lines, half-crossed, rewritten, circled. He blinked. These were lyrics.

Page after page spilled with unfinished verses, aching metaphors, raw fragments of thought. Some were jagged with anger, others so tender it felt almost wrong to read them. There were so many voices here—so many versions of her that the world had never heard.

He didn’t know why, but he felt an urge—quiet, insistent—to pick up the pencil and add something of his own. A word here to smooth the rhythm. A line there to carry the verse forward. Maybe even a brand new lyric, tucked into the spaces she’d left behind.

He was so absorbed in the words—in her—that he almost didn’t hear the soft creak behind him.

Zoey was at the door.

She didn’t speak, just stood there—expression unreadable, one hand braced against the frame.

Mystery quickly closed the notebook and set it back. “I didn’t mean to… I thought this was the guest—.”

“I know.”

Silence hung like a weight between them. She walked in slowly and retrieved the notebook, holding it to her chest like a shield.

He looked down, suddenly unsure what to do with his hands, the pencil drooping uselessly between his fingers.

“These are beautiful,” he said quietly. “Why haven’t you—?”

“They weren’t ready,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her fingers curled tighter around the notebook, as if holding onto it might shield her from the moment. “Or maybe… I wasn’t.”

Her eyes flicked down to the floor, unsteady and unsure, like she was searching for the right way to stand still in a room that had just shifted.

“I’m sorry I looked,” he said.

She glanced up—just for a second—and it was enough. He could see it all flicker behind her eyes: the doubt, the self-critique, the voice in her head insisting those lyrics weren’t worth showing to anyone. That maybe he didn’t mean it. That maybe he was just trying to be kind. That maybe she should be embarrassed.

Before she could retreat again, he stood from the bed and stepped toward her. Gently, he cupped her face, his thumb brushing her cheek as he tilted her chin up with the lightest touch.

“Hey,” he said, soft but firm, “Look at me.”

Her breath caught. His touch wasn’t forceful—just enough to guide her gaze back to his. Her eyes shimmered, not with tears, but with the weight of too many thoughts crashing all at once.

“You don’t have to explain,” he said, voice low. “But just so you know—none of it was terrible. Not even close.”

She opened her mouth like she might protest, but he gave the smallest shake of his head, silencing her gently.

“I’m not saying it to be nice,” he added. “I mean it. Every word on those pages felt like you. The real you. And that’s why it’s beautiful.”

Zoey’s fingers tightened around the notebook again, knuckles white. Her voice cracked when she finally said, “I don’t usually let people see… this part of me.”

. . . to be continued in AO3

Parting the balcony drapes, I welcomed the crisp, invigorating morning air, accompanied by the mesmerizing sight of the autumn leaves swaying in the breeze. My attention was drawn to a baby squirrel that was sitting on a fragile-looking branch, engaged in a playful pursuit with a slightly larger companion — likely its mother — before both vanished among the intricate foliage of the trees.

The leaves had already begun their transformation with their subtle change in hues – a palette of warm oranges, muted yellows, and rustic reds. A light breeze rustled through the trees, causing a cascade of leaves to float down one by one, as if tenderly plucked from their branches.

The world seemed to pause, caught between the vibrancy of fading summer and the quiet anticipation of approaching winter.

“I don’t really want to get up. I’m so comfortable right now.” I said, digging even deeper into his embrace.

“It's 7am. Time to get up. We're already late as it is.”

“Cuddling has never felt like this. I honestly feel like I’m melting into a puddle and my brain is mush. Or is it just this way with you?”

“You. Are. A. Butthead.” He turned away in a subtle attempt to conceal the blush coloring his cheeks, and then playfully flicked my forehead lightly for good measure.

Yet he remained right where he was, showing no inclination that he was going to get up and move away from me. His reluctance to be honest with himself only added to his charm. Cute moments like this were totally worth it.

Giggling, I went to nestle into the crook of his neck, feeling him smile into my hair. I feel so utterly content and at peace that I couldn't have asked for a better start to the day.

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Without any particular destination in mind, we opted to just leisurely stroll through town, letting our feet lead us to wherever it is we needed to go.

It suddenly dawned on me that this was likely his way of fulfilling my wish of wanting to see the town when it's in full Halloween spirit. I was touched that he remembered something that I had only mentioned in passing a long time ago.

Stepping into town felt like we were crossing into another alternate universe with autumn decorations gracing every corner. Everywhere you looked, the shops were transformed into cozy havens with delightful fall decorations. Artfully arranged pumpkins of various sizes adorned each storefront, inviting passersby to come take a closer look. Each shop seemed to be engaged in a competition of breathing life into the pumpkins, crafting them into various imaginative characters, adorning them with pine needles and wreaths of acorns. Fascinated children approached them, amused and curious by the array of pumpkins kept on display.

Cozy cafes featured outdoor seating surrounded by plump cushions and featured baskets overflowing with decorative gourds and corn husks, while allowing their customers to enjoy the autumn atmosphere.

The pavement was adorned with maple leaves, painting the ground in a vibrant palette of amber and orange hues. The crisp gust of wind carried the scent of apples and cinnamon, infusing the air with a sensory bliss.

As we wander through town, the sound of the rustling of the leaves and the warm, welcome ambience of the area makes it feel like we were transported into a magic wonderland.

Peering into one of the store windows, my own reflection stared back wearing an autumn sweater on top of a cozy shirt, adorned with a cuddly teddy bear stitched onto the breast pocket. Paired with a sleek black skirt and matching boots, the outfit exuded a chic yet cozy charm that mirrored the elegance of the season.

The adorable teddy bear stitched onto my sweater brought an odd but endearing reminder of Sen at the hospital, with his bear pen snug in his pocket.

Walking beside me, shielding me from the bustling crowd, Kyogoku sported a classic autumn brown trench coat, complemented by a sleek ensemble featuring a black shirt, trousers, and matching shoes.

A bit further down the path, we stumbled upon a charming cafe adorned with an enchanting display of soft fairy lights resembling autumn leaves giving the place an ethereal and distinctly autumnal vibe. It continued on to the inside where more artfully placed decorations created the illusion that we had stepped into a mythical dream world.

Upon stepping inside, our senses were immediately captivated by the picture on the wall that showcased the beauty of a lone castle surrounded by a beautiful lake, magnificently overlooking a garden of maple trees. Lining the walls were shelves adorned with a multitude of books, each one beckoning to be explored and devoured page by page.

Cute ghosts with pumpkin-shaped candles nestled inside their mouths placed in an artful manner, gave the place a spooky yet adorable theme.

"This truly embraces the spooky season!" I remarked, careful not to let my fear seep into my voice. Naturally, he caught on.

"You sure you won't be scared?" he teased.

“No?? Of course I’m not scared…who gets scared of…floating objects or…um weird sounds? Not me, that’s for sure. Nope, not scared at all." I shakily asserted, trying to stride confidently to the counter to order our drinks, making a conscious effort to avoid glancing at the eerie decorations adorning the ceiling.

Chuckling softly under his breath, he trailed behind me.

Standing behind me, while looking like he was trying to read the menu on the screen above us, he subtly whispered in my ear, “I'm serious. We can go to another cafe if you want," he offered, his tone serious. He was well aware of what ghost stories did to me, especially considering that he had witnessed first-hand what my reaction to them was during the New Year's scare.

"No," I replied, gently shaking my head. "I'm the one who wanted the full autumn experience. It's just that it inevitably comes with Halloween, which I just happen...to not enjoy as much."

An array of adorable treats adorned the display – from kittens donning pumpkin hats to charming ghosts accessorized with various pumpkin-themed accessories. The selection extended to an assortment of cinnamon rolls, each unique in shape and size, along with enticing apple pies, biscuits, doughnuts, and an array of other delectable delights.

Having placed our orders, we settled into seats we found on the first floor, granting us a view of the lively street below. From our vantage point, we could see numerous individuals walking, jogging and having fun, fully immersed in the autumn spirit.

Couples on dates, families with toddlers in tow, and senior citizens leisurely observing the passing scene, enjoying the calmness of the day watching the gentle breeze scatter the falling leaves in all directions.

A tiny ghost adorned with headphones was perched on our table, its comical expression suggesting a mockingly frightened reaction to our presence.

"Look at those cute ghost candles! And are those pumpkin-shaped ice cubes?” I remarked as my gaze fell upon a nearby couple savoring a drink adorned with frozen creations.

“I'm not sure if I should be excited or slightly terrified by the level of Halloween commitment here."

The tantalizing scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as a staff member approached with our order. Placed before us, the coffee was accompanied with adorable ice cubes shaped like ghosts and pumpkins, which I thought were a cute touch. The cinnamon rolls exuded an irresistible aroma, their golden layers glistening with a generous drizzle of syrup. We, meaning I, couldn't resist savoring their cinnamon rolls and I'm pretty sure I devoured most of our order myself all the while Sen sat back and enjoyed watching me eat with a content smile on his face.

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We decided to go for a walk in a nearby park after finishing our meal and unexpectedly stumbled upon a huge patch of pumpkins lined up ready to be carved for a contest. The vibrant hues of orange and red leaves served as a picturesque backdrop to the lively scene.

The pumpkin carving contest was like a big, fun art show in the park. Lots of people brought pumpkins, and everyone had different ideas for how to carve them. There was some kind of event going on to see who carved the best pumpkin.

Laughter echoed through the air as families, friends, and even strangers bonded over the shared excitement of transforming ordinary pumpkins into extraordinary works of art. The park buzzed with a contagious energy.

“Let's go try!” I suggested.

“Pumpkin carving – because mutilating vegetables is the epitome of artistic expression.”

“Oh come on! It's not just a pumpkin; it's a canvas for our spooky creativity! Embrace the artistry.”

He looked at me like I was nuts, but nevertheless gave in.

They were more than happy to welcome those who arrived late and anyone who was eager to join the fun. We were allowed to take our pick of the pumpkin we liked from what was left in the lineup. Opting for something small, we got right into it and turned it into a contest of our own.

“Do you think you can win against me?”

"Challenge accepted. Prepare to be amazed by my pumpkin-carving prowess! I'm not going to lose!"

Seated on either side of the table we both set about being focused on carving out our respective pumpkins with the sound of rustling leaves in the background.

Regrettably, neither of us possessed the finesse of pumpkin-carving experts. Our pumpkins, instead of turning into spooky masterpieces, turned into . . . well I'm not sure what it turned out into but it was definitely not spooky in any way.

"Well, our pumpkins certainly cured any expectations of traditional carving skills. A real breakthrough." I attempted to inject a positive spin into our pumpkin-carving adventure. “You know what, we should start a trend – 'unspooky pumpkins.' Who needs scary when you can have whimsical?"

“Right, because nothing says Halloween like pumpkins that defy all expectations.”

"Our pumpkins are rebels, forging a new path in the world of gourd aesthetics. Embrace the chaos!"

Sen kept giving me the side-eye as I desperately tried to spin our pumpkin fiasco into a positive light. Eventually, our attempts at composure failed, and when our eyes met our valiant efforts to keep a straight face crumbled and we burst out laughing.

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While resuming our stroll in the park, we turned a corner and unexpectedly found ourselves in the midst of a canine adventure. We stumbled upon a lost dog, its leash lying on the ground nearby. Its big, adorable eyes were filled with uncertainty and fear, trembling as its owner was nowhere to be seen.

Shrinking back when others approached, it suddenly bounded towards us with no hesitation, leaving us surprised. The little furball clung to us, particularly Sen, its cuteness impossible to ignore. Unable to resist its hopeful eyes, we took its leash and hoped to find its owner while on our walk.

As we navigated the winding paths adorned with fallen leaves, the dog's excitement mirrored the vibrant colors of the season. The crisp air was filled with the scent of fallen leaves.

Choosing to meander through the park, we found ourselves on a pathway adorned with a cascade of fallen autumn leaves on either side, and the enchanting sight continued as more leaves gently fell during our walk.

The dog, caught in a burst of excitement at the sight of a squirrel, enthusiastically yanked on the leash, dragging me along with him. Before I knew it, we tumbled into a sizable pile of autumn leaves, that someone had gathered serving which as an unexpected cushioned landing spot, and there I found myself, sprawled on the ground, mesmerized by the leaves falling in slow-motion around me until a sizable leaf abruptly landed flat on my face, obstructing my view.

Meanwhile, Sen stood on the side struggling to suppress his urge to laugh, his face betraying his desire to roll on the floor in response to my predicament.

“Well, that wasn't exactly how I planned to embrace autumn.”

“I must say, you have a unique way of connecting with nature. Weirdo.”

He bent down and settled for regarding me with a gaze akin to someone observing their adorable pet that had found itself in a bit of mischief. It was heartening to witness his eyes sparkle with laughter, even if it came at my expense.

“Go ahead, laugh. I know it's hilarious.”

“You've got leaves in your hair! Let me help you with that.”

“Why do I get the feeling you're thoroughly entertained?”

“Probably because I am?” Amusement sparkled in his eyes.

At some point, he had whipped out his phone, capturing moments of me in disarray – my hair resembling a nest and a couple of leaves sticking out on my sweater.

Meanwhile, the dog fervently barked, its paws firmly planted on the tree trunk where the squirrel had sought refuge.

Sitting up, I grabbed a large red leaf and covered my face, attempting to shield whatever pride remained. Unable to contain himself, he burst into laughter. Witnessing his amusement, I couldn't help but join in, and together, we probably resembled a pair of eccentric individuals, laughing for no apparent reason in the middle of the park – our dog gazing at us with an expression that suggested we were a bit crazy.