The city of Thirtos, the largest city on the Gaia plains, is renowned as a rapidly developing center of civilization since the arrival of the Earth people. This transformation has resulted in significant changes in the economy and technology, establishing the city as a hub for innovation that attracts a diverse audience. Towering skyscrapers rise majestically into the sky, radiating the splendor of magnificent and futuristic architecture. At night, the streets come alive with the twinkling lights of fireflies, beautifully gathering above the hanging gardens, creating a magical ambiance that captivates every passerby.

  Situated by the sea, Thirtos is recognized as a bustling main harbor; nearly every journey to the Gaia plains docks here, as this is the only area providing safe and comfortable access for large ships. The two other islands, hidden beyond the towering waves, are unsuitable for docking large vessels; the ferocious waves and treacherous reefs jutting up from the ocean surface pose daunting challenges for sailors daring enough to explore the vast seas. The strategic presence of Thirtos as a harbor not only supports local trade but also enhances international commerce, playing a crucial role in the economic connectivity of the region.

  This evening, the sky appears brilliantly clear, as if adorned with a shimmering tapestry of stars. The three moons shine brightly on the horizon, adding to the beauty of the night sky. The red moon, emitting a warm glow, is named Garnet, an everlasting symbol of pride for the Gamma people. Meanwhile, the gentle blue moon, Aquamarine, represents peace and tenderness for the Gaia nation; and the third purple moon, known as Amesti, stands as a symbol of wisdom for the Earth people, seemingly conveying messages of hope and insight to all who gaze upon it.

  Although the Gamma people have long vanished, the light of the Garnet moon continues to shine the brightest among them all, radiating a blush-red glow that captivates lovers. Couples often spend their nights under its light, enchanted by its beauty that can only be found in the city of Thirtos, where the palette of the sky meets the romance of the night.

  “The beauty of the Garnet moon is truly indescribable. It’s no wonder many refer to it as the moon of love, as its warmth is profoundly felt within,” Hernandez remarked, leaning against a pillar. With a hopeful gaze, he glanced at the girl standing beside him, radiant in a dress adorned with shimmering embellishments that seemed to reflect the moonlight. Her glass slippers sparkled brilliantly, while her hair, pinned with butterfly clips, danced gently with every breeze, creating a magical moment under the night’s glow.

  “Do you agree with that?” he asked curiously, awaiting a response from the girl who appeared enchanted by their surroundings.

  The girl sat gracefully on a white bench embellished with climbing plants, where brightly colored flowers blossomed vibrantly, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. Each blooming petal seemed to tell a story, crafting a captivating ambiance that mesmerized anyone who passed by with its beauty and elegance.

  “I neither blame nor endorse this notion, even though many believe in it. True beauty is something felt in the heart, not merely a judgment from others,” she said with a meaningful gaze, inviting contemplation with every word she spoke.

  Hernandez felt surprised and somewhat confused when he learned that Rinoa, the girl he had admired from afar, was willing to accept his invitation for a date.

  "Why?" Rinoa asked with a charming smile, the warm glow in her eyes radiating joy that captivated Hernandez's heart.

  Hernandez fell silent, enchanted by the happiness that surged within him, while Rinoa took a deep breath, appearing hesitant or perhaps just experiencing an uncertainty that was difficult to express. Her smile remained enchanting, yet a hint of doubt flickered in her eyes, as if signaling an emotional complexity between them.

  Then, Rinoa called the children who were hiding behind the fence, their faces gleaming with curiosity and genuine wonder. With enthusiasm, they climbed the worn wooden fence, as if it were a bridge to freedom from the hardships of their lives. These children were young beggars who usually asked for money from the officials passing by in the park. In their gazes, there was pure joy, despite often being treated like animals—trampled and kicked for a morsel of food. However, what saddened Rinoa the most was not the cruel treatment they received, but the adults who exploited them for begging, taking advantage of these children's vulnerability for personal gain.

  The children carefully sat quietly in front of the loving girl. They were hesitant to warm up to her, a bit reluctant to come closer because of their dirty, smelly bodies. They didn't want to tarnish the elegance of the princess. Rinoa could only smile with emotion, feeling the sincerity and genuine nature of these little ones.

  “You don’t want to get close, do you?” Rinoa said gently, her voice filled with warmth that seemed to touch the heart. The softness of her tone created a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere, making the children feel accepted even as they hesitated to approach. The moonlight that bathed the scene added to the beauty of the moment, intensifying the sense of emotion that enveloped their interaction.

  "We are afraid that your clothes will get dirty," said the eldest child, his voice expressing concern.

  With enthusiasm, Rinoa pulled something from her small bag, her face shining with excitement. Gently, she blew a shimmering soap bubble, and in that instant, the children ran after the floating bubbles, dancing in the moonlight. They ran joyfully, some mimicking the movements of flying birds, while others energetically played horsey. Their laughter filled the night as minor collisions occurred among them, but not one of them felt angry; instead, they all laughed freely, savoring the simple joy of the moment.

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  “Rinoa... she has never shown that attitude towards me, nor towards anyone else at school,” Hernandez murmured to himself, his voice barely audible amidst the cheerful footsteps of the children.

  "Is there something you want to tell me?" Rinoa asked with a deep look, as if she could read the thoughts of Hernandez that trembled among the crowd of joyful children running around.

  "Rinoa, I truly love you," Hernandez confessed, his voice shaking and nearly swept away by the lively laughter of the children racing around him. In his eyes, hope and longing flickered, as if every word from him was a bond he wished to forge amidst the joyous commotion.

  "Huh," Rinoa let out a soft sigh, as if she had heard a gentle whisper from Hernandez. Her voice nearly drowned out by the surrounding commotion—the laughter of children rang out like a symphony of cheerful innocence. This happy moment stood in stark contrast to the unspoken burdens weighing on her heart, wrapping it in feelings of nostalgia and tenderness.

  A tired little child toppled to the ground, his body collapsing with a heavy breath. Rinoa, with a gentle yet firm tone, urged him not to lie down on the dusty ground, but a group of other children merely laughed joyfully, continuing their game as if the world around them was filled with unending happiness.

  "This is a flower for you, big sister," said the little girl with a sweet smile, her missing front teeth clearly visible, while her runny nose added an adorable touch to her face. She held up a brightly colored wildflower that she had picked with great care, displaying the sincerity of her heart.

  "This is a flower for you, big sister," the little girl said with a sweet smile. Her gapped front teeth were clearly visible, and the runny nose added a cute element to her face. She lovingly held the brightly colored wildflower she had picked, showcasing the depth of her heartfelt sincerity.

  With joy, Rinoa accepted the flowers, bringing them close to her face to inhale their sweet aroma. Although she knew that the wildflowers grew by the roadside, their beauty was undeniably captivating. “Thank you as well,” Rinoa said, then reached into her pocket to pull out several bills, intending to give them to the children in hopes of helping them even more. In doing so, she wanted to touch their lives, as if the flowers they had given her symbolized the hope and kindness that connected them all.

  “No need to, sister,” said the tallest child firmly, his eyes displaying confidence despite the difficult circumstances. “That’s not how it works, friend,” he added, in a gentler tone, as if trying to convey that the help coming from within themselves was already more than enough.

  “Yes!!” chimed in the other children with enthusiasm, their voices ringing out in unison, indicating their unanimous agreement. Each of their faces radiated happiness and sincere hope, reflecting the warmth of togetherness in facing the challenges ahead.

  “It’s okay, please feel free to take some for a meal,” Rinoa encouraged softly, hoping to convince them. However, the children steadfastly refused, their gazes reflecting pride and contentment with what they already had.

  “We are also very happy, big sister. The sister back there has helped us a lot. Thanks to her, we can finally be free and have a place to stay with our friends,” the tallest child said, his voice filled with enthusiasm and conviction, reflecting their gratitude for the assistance they had received.

  Suddenly, Rinoa glanced at Hernandez who was standing behind her. His face turned crimson, as if flames were igniting on his cheeks, especially when Rinoa bestowed a warm, radiant smile upon him. The feelings within him stirred, creating an intense and unexpected mixture of emotions, making him feel trapped in a whirlwind of tension and excitement.

  “Um, big sister, I want to marry you,” the tall child declared with enthusiasm, his eyes sparkling like stars in the dark night.

  “WHAT?!,” Hernandez exclaimed, giving himself a little smack on the head as if just realizing he might become the goalkeeper in this game of love.

  “Ouch, sniff! It seems like this love hurts much more than falling off a swing!” the tall child exclaimed.

  “Rinoa is mine,” Hernandez declared firmly, showcasing his confident stance in front of the boy.

  Rinoa could only respond with a sweet smile, an expression hinting at a mix of happiness and challenge. With boldness, the little girl kicked the tall boy's leg and then playfully stuck out her tongue as if to provoke him. The voices of other children echoed around them, shouting “liar!” at the tall boy, adding to the cheerful and spirited atmosphere of this captivating love match, creating contagious laughter among them.

  “Am I really beautiful?” Rinoa asked with a light smile, as if seeking reassurance, like a detective questioning a key witness in the case of ‘beauty.’ Perhaps she hoped to gain more than just an answer—maybe a discount voucher at a beauty salon, or at least a secret recipe to achieve the look of a magazine model!

  Hernandez coughed, his voice cracking in the silence. Rinoa shifted her gaze to Hernandez, her smile fading slightly, leaving a trace of annoyance on her elegant face. Reluctantly, Hernandez could only swallow hard, feeling the tension rising between them, as if all eyes were fixed on them, amplifying the awkwardness in their interaction.

  “Of course! You’re even more beautiful than the princesses in the fairy tales I read every night,” he said, a look of admiration on his face, his eyes shining as if highlighting the beauty before him.

  “If that's the case, marrying your brother might be more complicated than assembling a 1000-piece puzzle,” Rinoa remarked, playfully brushing her fingers through her hair, an expression on her face that suggested she had just stumbled upon a quirky yet intricate topic.

  “Why is that?” asked the tall boy, his tone filled with curiosity.

  “Because there will be many boys lining up like at a bazaar, all wanting to marry your brother!”

  “Unfair,” the tall child pouted, feeling trapped in an unjust game, like a chess king suddenly betrayed by one of its pawns.

  “What can we do? That’s the fate of being a beautiful girl,” Rinoa replied, flashing a smile that seemed to convey, “Anyone who says being beautiful is easy has never been bombarded by a lineup of admirers!” She continued, “But there are plenty of other girls who might be even more beautiful than my sister. Who knows, they might be ready to fight for the attention of the princes!”

  Prittttt!!!! The sharp sound of the guard's whistle shattered the silence, causing the children to run away with enthusiasm. “Thank you, sis!” they shouted, their cheerful voices echoing in the air, seemingly erasing all the surrounding quietness.

  “I apologize, ma'am, for this inconvenience,” said an officer politely, his face displaying remorse as he tried to calm the homeless person who was bothering him. With an empathetic gaze and arms crossed, he struggled between his duty and a profound sense of humanity, attempting to resolve the uncomfortable situation.

  “It’s okay,” Rinoa responded softly, trying to ease the atmosphere. Yet, behind her smile, there was a hidden doubt, strikingly evident in her sparkling eyes.