That night, a village festival lit the spiritfolk glade with lanterns and gentle music. Fireflies shimmered between trees, illuminating stalls of sweets, spirit games, and flower garlands. It was the first festival since the corrupted beast's attack—and everyone needed the warmth.
Sam wore a simple forest-green robe gifted by Asha, while Ren arrived in a deep violet kimono lined with silver leaves. Her pink hair was tied in a loose ribbon that shimmered under the firefly light.
Ren (approaching):
"You clean up... decently."
Sam (blushing):
"You look like a dream."
She rolled her eyes but failed to hide her flattered smile. They walked together through the festival, trying spiritfruit sake (which made Sam hiccup uncontrollably), tossing rings at targets, and getting tangled in a two-person archery game where Ren almost shot Sam in the foot.
When the music turned slow and ethereal, villagers began to pair up and dance beneath the glowing Spirit Tree.
Ren hesitated.
Ren:
"I don't dance."
Sam (holding out his hand):
"I'll lead. Just follow me."
She bit her lip. Then, wordlessly, she placed her hand in his.
Their dance wasn't graceful, and Ren stepped on his foot twice—but Sam never stopped smiling. Around them, petals swirled and fireflies danced in tune.
As the song came to an end, Ren leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ren:
"You really… want this? Me?"
Sam (pressing his forehead to hers):
"I want you, Ren. Always."
And beneath the firefly sky, as the spiritfolk celebrated life and love, Sam and Ren's hearts finally aligned in full.