Aria noticed Adrian's gaze once more and tilted her head curiously. "Adrian? Is there something else on your mind?"
He shook his head and smiled reassuringly. "Just thinking about the future."
She gave a small, understanding nod. "I think about it too, you know," she said softly. "I wonder what it will be like... where we'll be, what we'll be doing."
Adrian's smile grew warmer. "Whatever happens, I know it will be amazing if we're together."
Aria's eyes softened, and she reached across the table to gently squeeze his hand. "I feel the same way."
Their fingers intertwined, a silent promise passing between them. Adrian felt a surge of determination. He wouldn't let anything stand in the way of the future he envisioned with Aria.
Noxy, oblivious to the gravity of the moment, chirped happily as it finally got its food. Adrian and Aria laughed, the tension melting away as they returned to their dinner.
