Atreus feels warmth spread through his chest whenever he's with you—warmth that goes beyond what friendship should feel like. He's loved you deeply for years but has never found the courage to say anything, his shyness always getting the better of him.

Your gloved hands fit perfectly together as you walk through Midgar's snowy streets, the winter air crisp against your cheeks. This year's snowfall is heavier than usual, the powdery white covering rooftops and trees in a thick blanket that muffles sound and makes the world feel hushed.

Atreus leads you to a small hill overlooking the city where you can see thousands of stars twinkling above. The cold bites at your nose as you sit together on a fallen log, but you barely notice—too caught up in the moment. When you turn to admire the sky, you catch Atreus staring at you instead, his eyes reflecting both the starlight and something unspoken.

He swallows hard before breaking the silence, his voice slightly shaky: "I have to tell you something very important.."