chapter 2 : lanterns in the sky

The festival was already in full bloom when Arin stepped out of the café that evening. The air buzzed with laughter, the smell of sweet buns drifting from food stalls, and lanterns glowed softly along the streets. Children ran past him with sparklers, their tiny lights flickering like stars pulled down to earth.

Arin hugged his notebook to his chest. Crowds were never his favorite, but tonight something tugged at him — maybe the promise of seeing the lanterns rise, or maybe… the memory of Riven’s words earlier.

“I think I’ve been waiting for you my whole life.”

Those words still pulsed in his mind, fragile and terrifying. Omegas didn’t often hear things like that from alphas — usually it was about instincts, bonds, claims. But Riven had spoken it so softly, almost reverently, as if he wasn’t confessing desire but recognition.

Arin was still lost in thought when he heard the familiar low voice behind him.

“You came.”

He turned — and there was Riven, dressed simply, hands in his pockets, but his presence seemed to part the crowd without effort. He wasn’t smiling, but his eyes held that same quiet warmth that always disarmed Arin.

“I… didn’t want to miss the lanterns,” Arin mumbled, adjusting his glasses.

Riven fell into step beside him, their shoulders almost brushing. “Then I’ll walk with you.”

It wasn’t a request. But it wasn’t a command either. Just a statement, calm and steady, like it was the most natural thing in the world.

They moved together through the festival. Arin kept stealing glances at him — at the way children darted around Riven without fear, how vendors greeted him politely, how he seemed to fit in yet stand apart. There was something about him that softened the noise of the world, like being in his orbit dulled the sharp edges around Arin’s heart.

When they reached the riverbank, the crowd had already gathered, waiting for the lantern release. Hundreds of paper lanterns swayed gently in people’s hands, each one painted with wishes and dreams.

Arin clutched his own — a pale blue lantern he had bought on the way. On it, he had written just three words in careful handwriting: Please let me belong.

His fingers trembled as he held it. He didn’t realize Riven was watching until the alpha spoke.

“May I see?”

Arin stiffened, instinct flaring — omegas didn’t like showing their vulnerabilities so easily. But something in Riven’s voice made him nod. Slowly, he turned the lantern so the words were visible.

Riven read them quietly. His expression didn’t change, but his hands curled slightly, as though restraining himself from reaching out. Finally, he said, “You already do.”

Arin’s breath caught. “You don’t even know me.”

“I know enough,” Riven replied softly. “I know the way you sit by the window every day like the world outside is too heavy. I know how you smile at children when you think no one’s watching. I know you doodle in your notebook when you’re lost in thought. And I know… that every time I walk into that café, I feel like I’m finally where I’m supposed to be.”

Arin stared at him, stunned, his heart thudding against his ribs. No one had ever spoken to him like that. Not as an omega. Not as something fragile or useful. Just… as himself.

Before he could reply, the call went out: “Release the lanterns!”

The crowd lifted their glowing wishes into the sky. One by one, lanterns drifted upward, painting the night with soft gold. Arin fumbled with his, almost missing the moment, until warm fingers brushed his.

Riven’s hand closed gently over his own, steadying the lantern. Their eyes met, close enough for Arin to see the reflection of the tiny flames in his gaze.

“Together?” Riven asked.

Arin swallowed, his voice barely a whisper. “Together.”

They released the lantern. It floated upward, joining the sea of dreams that lit the night. And as it rose higher, Arin realized his chest felt lighter, warmer, as though for the first time… he wasn’t carrying his wish alone.

When the crowd began to drift away, Riven stayed by his side. Neither of them spoke. But in the quiet, in the glow of fading lanterns, Arin thought he heard the unspoken promise in Riven’s silence:

You belong, with me.

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