They made their way to the pub; the place was filled with loud music, the exact opposite of the calm streets outside. Maybe this noise was still better than the thuds they had heard earlier.
They looked around and spotted Zuv and Allan, still drinking even though they looked dead drunk. Grayson was seen flirting with a girl.
His eyes were fixed on her, and she kept blushing and glancing at the menu.
Crystal pulled Nora's hand and dragged her toward Zuv. The music was so loud that Crystal's voice couldn't be heard. To make it worse, they were sitting right next to a loudspeaker.
Allan sat straight without speaking. Grayson joined after finishing a drink, and he pointed them toward a table far away. They walked, while Zuv and Allan stumbled along the way.
"Can you hear now?" Grayson asked.
"Yeah," Crystal answered.
Zuv and Crystal immediately started bickering. Allan was already closing his eyes and continued drinking. Nora was unusually quiet.
Grayson asked,
"Wanna grab some fresh air?"
"Yes," Nora replied and stepped outside.
"It's so much better here. It feels like we're worlds apart," Grayson smiled.
This was the first time Nora had seen him smile—really smile, not the polite smile he used for customers.
"You look happy," she commented.
"Yeah? You think so?" Grayson smiled again and turned around.
"Yes. Are you just drunk?" Nora asked.
"I am drunk, but it's something else. You know that feeling when you try to hold onto love for someone who doesn't love you back, but then you finally let go? It feels so much lighter. I just love the way it is now," Grayson said, looking at the passing cars.
"Yeah? And the date?" Nora asked.
"It was nice. Would you believe me if I said that was my first date?" Grayson turned to her with the brightest smile.
"I actually would," Nora chuckled.
"I hope you smile like this someday. You know—just not feeling burdened by anything," Grayson said.
"I hope so too," Nora replied.
"You know… it was late by the time I realized I missed my chance. Differences aside, if you want something, go get it, okay?" Grayson patted Nora's head and headed back inside.
After more chatting and laughter, they all walked toward the cab.
"Nora, can I speak to you about something?" Allan asked.
"Sure," Nora replied.
Everyone looked at them and then said their goodbyes.
They walked along the street in silence. All the places they had been together, his jokes, her smiles—they all felt alive again, memories meant to stay for eternity. Under the moonlight, everything felt special. Mixed emotions washed over Nora with each step she took beside Allan toward an unknown future. Maybe the moon shines brightest when love is in the air. Her breathing grew faster as he held her, as if he never wanted to let go, yet the words still weren't there. Was it "sorry"? Or "I still love you"?
"Nora… I know I've done so many things to hurt you." Allan's face sank, though he still held her hand by the beach. The sound of the waves echoed all the times they had met, spent time together, all the things he'd said, and the feelings that had always lingered under the moonlight.
"I never actually told you, but… I have a girlfriend. I love her. I know you hate me." His words made her heart drop, yet his grip on her hand tightened.
"Can we be friends again? I want to watch over you. The distance is hurting us one way or another. It's for the best. I'll support you with anyone you like in the future. I'll stay by your side—please let me. I want to protect you. I won't cross lines or lie to you," Allan said, crying.
"If that's what you want," Nora replied, tears falling from her eyes as she held his hand.
"But I love you. I don't think I can change that. Even if you lie about loving someone else," Nora sniffed. Allan stared at her, stunned.
"You… love me? No, you're just influenced by the ring's power. Besides, I love my girlfriend. We even kissed in front of you," Allan said, his throat dry.
"You know… Cora said she knew he lied, and I also know when the person I love lies to me. You said you'd stop lying—then stop lying now." Nora wiped her tears.
She kissed Allan, tears in her eyes as they held onto each other. Their eyes were filled with love and sorrow. No villains keeping them apart—just their own past choices haunting them.
Allan pulled away and gently wiped her tears. Holding her softly, he said,
"I don't think I can be forgiven, so please… stay away. I can't go on. Every time I see you, I feel guilty for everything I did. I can't erase these memories. I feel like ripping my heart to shreds just to escape that feeling."
At the end, Allan hugged Nora and cried.
"So don't say you love me—I hate it when you say that. I just want to be friends and watch over you. Be happy, please. I can't give you that happiness. I'm not the same person you fell in love with. If you really love me… then don't accept my feelings," Allan said, still holding her close, tears falling onto her shoulder.
"Why do you always do this to me? I hate you so much. Can't we just be together? Even if it's a mistake?" Nora hugged him back, crying.
"I don't want you to ever regret being with me. We were friends before, right? And we were happy. Let's try being friends again, okay? I'll be by your side so you never feel alone. And don't go anywhere scary without me," Allan said, kissing her head.
"Don't date anyone then. Not even fake ones," Nora said, burying her face in his chest, crying but restless.
"Alright. I won't… until you find someone," Allan agreed with a small smile, hugging her tighter.
"Or until you are ready," Nora whispered, calming down a little.
"I didn't know a girl would be begging me to be her boyfriend. I've achieved my goal in life," Allan joked.
"Shut up," Nora said, smiling.
They sat by the beach for a long time, comforting each other. Tears dried, and a gentle smile remained on their faces as they watched the sun rise.