The morning light filtered through the window, casting a warm glow in the place. The girl stirred, blinking away the remnants of sleep. The scent of something sweet wafted through the air, pulling her from her daze.
As she sat up, she noticed Saber in the small kitchen area, expertly flipping pancakes. The rhythmic sound of batter sizzling on the pan filled the space, mixed with the soft music playing in the background.
"Good morning!" Saber called out, a smile brightening his face.
The firl rubbed her eyes. "Morning… what's that smell?"
"Pancakes. I thought you might like some," Saber said, turning to pour syrup into a small bowl.
Her eyes brightened at the sight. "You made these?"
"Of course! I didn't want you to wake up alone," Saber replied, his voice light as he removed his apron.
The girl slid out of bed, still in her pajamas, and walked over to join Saber at the counter. "They look amazing," she said, eyeing the stack of golden pancakes.
"Just wait until you taste them," Saber insisted. He served a plate and handed it to the girl, her excitement palpable.
The girl took a bite, and the flavors danced on her tongue. "These are incredible! How did you learn to make pancakes?"
Saber chuckled softly. "A little bit of practice... I guess?"
The girl smiled, her thoughts drifting momentarily to the intense emotions of the previous day. In this simple moment, surrounded by the aroma of pancakes and Saber's warmth, things felt lighter.
"Thank you, Saber," she said sincerely. "For everything... I didn't expect to wake up to this."
They finished their food and stepped outside into the sunlight. The day was bright, and a light breeze drifted through the trees.
"It's nice out here," she said, feeling the warmth on her skin.
"Yeah, it is. I like coming here to think," he replied, glancing around. "It's calming."
"Yeah, it really helps clear my mind. Sometimes it feels like everything is just too much," she admitted, taking a deep breath.
"It can be overwhelming. But getting outside can help you focus," he said. "We can't control what happens, but we can choose how we deal with it."
She smiled. "You have a talent for that. Finding a positive side."
Saber smiled unconsciously before looking at the sky that was slowly fading into the grey oblivion. He sighed then returned his attention to the girl.
"Just trying to make the best of things," he said with a casual shrug. "It's easier when you're not alone."
She looked down at the ground, kicking a small rock. "So, what's next? Do you have anything planned?"
"I was thinking we could walk to this lake nearby. Bring some snacks and just enjoy the time," he suggested.
Her eyes lit up. "Is that your last wish? I'd love that! Just us!"
Saber glanced at her, hands in his pocket. "Yeah, sure, just us. It'll be fun," he said with a grin.
"Let's do it!" she exclaimed.
They turned back toward the old shack, the wooden structure standing sturdy against the backdrop of trees. The door creaked as they stepped inside, and an earthy scent of wood and spice greeted them.
"Okay, what should we take?" Saber asked, glancing around the small kitchen. The shelves were filled with jars, some labeled, others not.
"How about sandwiches? They're easy to pack," she suggested, rummaging through the fridge.
"Mmm, good idea. We can add some veggies, maybe cheese," he replied, pulling out a loaf of bread.
As they worked together, there was a comfortable rhythm to their movements. She sliced the tomatoes, while he spread mayonnaise on the bread, her laughter mingling with the soft sounds of the kitchen.
"Do you want anything special on yours?" he asked, pausing to look at her.
"Maybe a little mustard? I like a bit of zing," she said, smiling warmly.
"Got it!" Saber quickly grabbed the mustard, squeezing some onto her sandwich.
"Perfect!" she replied as she put the slices together.
Once the sandwiches were ready, they packed them neatly in a basket along with a few apples and bottles of water. Saber also grabbed some trail mix from the cupboard, tossing it in for good measure.
"Do you want to take a blanket?" he suggested, eyeing the small pile of blankets in the corner. "We could sit by the lake."
"Great idea! It'll be nice to spread out," she said, grabbing a soft, checkered blanket.
With their basket in hand and excitement building, they stepped back outside. The sun bathed the world in golden light, and the air felt electric with anticipation.
"Ready?" he asked, glancing over at her with a gentle smile.
"Absolutely! Let's go!" she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
They began the short trek toward the lake, the chatter and laughter echoing through the trees as they walked, the sound of rustling leaves and chirping birds enveloping them.
The path twisted and turned, leading them deeper into the woods until they finally reached the shimmering surface of the lake.
The scene before them was breathtaking: the water glistened like a thousand jewels under the sun, framed by towering trees that bowed slightly in the gentle breeze.
"Wow! Look at that!" she exclaimed, dropping the basket and rushing to the water's edge. She knelt down, trailing her fingers through the cool liquid, sending ripples cascading outward.
He set the basket down beside her, chuckling. "Easy, there! And be careful not to fall in."
"Can't help it!" she replied, looking up at him with a playful grin. "You know, this is the perfect spot."
Saber nodded as he joined her by the water. Together, they took a moment to soak in the beautiful scene around them.
"Let's set up," he suggested, glancing at the basket filled with snacks and their drinks.
"Right! I'll grab the blanket," the girl said, enthusiastically rustling through the contents of the basket. She pulled out a vibrant, checkered blanket and spread it out on the soft grass, making it look inviting and cozy.
Once the blanket was set, he opened the basket, revealing an array of treats: sandwiches wrapped in parchment, fresh fruit, and sparkling fruit drinks. "I outdid myself this time!" he declared proudly.
"Seriously, you did! This looks amazing!" she said, her eyes wide with delight.
As they sat down, the sound of water lapping at the shore created a soothing backdrop. They dug into the food, enjoying each bite while sharing conversation and laughter, letting their worries drift away with the gentle breeze.
As they ate, Saber's gaze drifted toward the forest in the distance. The fog, a slow-moving specter, began to swallow the trees, blurring the edges of his familiar world.
His smile faded. He stared at his sandwich for a moment too long before taking a reluctant bite.
Deep down, Saber knew this was their last day together. Despite the preparations he'd made, an ache nested within him. It felt as if a vital part of his essence was being drawn away—a piece of him left behind in the fog.
His chest felt hollow, as if a missing piece were yearning to be filled. Memories swirled around him, each one a reminder of their shared laughter, secrets, and fleeting moments that now felt irretrievable.
"Haaaa…"
Saber sighed deeply, drawn from his thoughts by the soft humming beside him. He turned to the girl, watching her eat with a carefree demeanor that made him smile.
Her long crimson hair swayed gently with each movement, framing her face in a cascade of vibrant color. When she slowly opened her aquamarine eyes, Saber felt an inexplicable pull toward her, as if she were a magnet to his soul.
Just as she was about to take a bite of her oversized sandwich, she caught his gaze.
"…Is there something on my face?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, a hint of playful curiosity in her voice.
Saber averted his eyes. He closed them tightly and let himself fall back onto the grass, feeling the cool blades against his skin. Though puzzled by his reaction, the girl shrugged and resumed eating.
With a sigh, Saber covered his eyes with his forearm and asked himself for the last time.
"...Last time, huh?"