The tension of the cafe dissolved into laughter that felt like sunlight breaking through clouds. Daniel and Starfania exchanged a look—half disbelief, half triumph—as if they'd just survived a storm together and somehow found joy in the wreckage. A faint tremor of adrenaline still danced in her veins when Daniel stepped closer, pulling her into an impulsive embrace.
" Wow," he murmured, his laughter soft against her ears. " I had no idea you had that kind of fire in you."
For a heartbeat, Starfania froze, surprised by the warmth of his arms around her. She felt her cheeks flush as she gave a playful shrug, her voice teasing but laced with something gentler. " Well, sometimes it's good to keep a little courage up your sleeve."
Daniel leaned back, studying her with an amused grin that somehow softened the air between them.
" Couldn't agree more," he said with a chuckle. " You were brilliant back there. Becka didn't know what hit her. "
Starfania laughed quietly, the tension draining from her shoulders.
The moment might have lingered longer if not for a soft tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Samantha, the waitress, looking mortified.
" I—I'm so sorry for what happened earlier," she stammered. Starfania shook her head, smiling kindly. " It's fine, really. You didn't do anything wrong."
Relieved, Samantha offered a grateful smile before retreating to the counter. When she left, Daniel and Starfania shared another look—this one more peaceful, almost conspiratorial. The cafe had returned to its usual rhythm, and yet, for them, something had subtly shifted.
They stepped out into the golden light of the late afternoon. The air had that still warmth of an ending day, and their footsteps echoed softly along the cobblestone street. Daniel fell into step beside her, occasionally brushing his hand against hers by accident—or maybe not entirely by accident. They didn't speak much at first; the silence was comfortable, filled with the hum of life around them. Eventually, they found themselves in a quiet park tucked between willow trees and blooming asters. The soft scent of earth and flowers hung in the air as they settled onto a weathered bench.
Starfania tilted her head back, watching the sunlight danced through the branches.
" It's peaceful here, " she whispered. Daniel nodded, eyes following hers toward the leaves.
" It's nice," he agreed. " I come here sometimes after practice to think. Or when I need to escape everything."
Something in his tone drew her attention.
" Escape what? " She asked. He hesitated, then smiled faintly. " Expectations, mostly. Being the team's captain sounds great until you realize everyone except you to never mess up."
His gaze flicked towards her, earnest and unguarded. " But I guess you'd understand that better than anyone."
Starfania blinked, surprised by his insight. " You mean because who my father is?"
He nodded, gently. " You carry it differently, though. You don't let it define you."
She smiled wistfully, glancing down at her hands. " Maybe not. But it still feels heavy sometimes. Like no matter how much I try, I'll always be the girl living in someone else's shadow."
Daniel leaned back, watching her carefully.
" You're wrong about that," he said softly. " You've got your own light, Starry."
The nickname slipped out naturally, unthinking, and when he realized it, he flushed. " Sorry—that just sort of came out."
Her heart skipped, warmth flooding through her chest.
" It's…okay," she said with a shy smile. " I kind of like it."
The silence that followed wasn't awkward—it was filled with something unspoken, fragile but real. A breeze stirred between them, carrying the scent of rain on stone, and for a brief second, she thought she could stay in this moment forever. Then a sharp whistle broke through the peace. Across the parks, Daniel's coach waved, his expression impatient. " Daniel! Practice started fifteen minutes ago!"
Daniel groaned, burying his face in his hands. " Oh no. I completely forgot."
Starfania laughed, the sound bright and genuine. " Looks like you'd better go before he breathes fire."
Standing, Daniel raked a hand through his hair, half-laughing, half-sighing.
" I can't believe I lost track of time." He turned to her, eyes soft. " I really enjoyed today, Starfania."
" Me too," she replied, voice quiet but warm. For once, the word didn't feel so heavy. He smiled, that same crooked grin that always managed to disarm her. " We should do this more often."
Her response came without hesitation. " I'd like that."
" Daniel!" His coach barked again, louder this time.
" Coming!" Daniel called, already jogging backward, his hand lifting in a wave. " Catch you later, Starry!"
Starfania stood there long after he'd gone, the echo of her new nickname still floating in the air, wrapping her warmth she hadn't felt in a long time. She pressed a hand over her heart, smiling to herself as the afternoon sun rose high above the rooftop.