Solaceโs smile grew a little warmer, his posture easing as he turned his attention to each of them. โIf Iโve done anything right, itโs because of you all. Hanan Gege, youโre the reason we stay grounded. Your leadership holds this family together, even when everything feels like itโs spinning out of control. And Saint, your mind? I donโt even know how it works, but somehow, youโre always five steps ahead, solving problems before we even know they exist.โ
Saint grinned, tipping an imaginary hat. โGuilty as charged.โ
โAnd Mayesh Jiejie,โ Solace continued, โYouโre the heart of our creativity. Your vision and attention to detailโitโs why everything tonight looked perfect. The rose petals, the props, the entire atmosphereโthat was all you.โ
Mayesh dramatically wiped a fake tear with her scarf. โFinally, someone who understands my genius.โ
Solace laughed softly, his gaze settling on Ailesy. โAnd Ailesy, youโre the spark. Youโre the one who gets us moving, who turns every wild idea into something real. Half the time, we wouldnโt even get started without you saying, โLetโs just do it.โโ
Ailesy leaned over and nudged her shoulder, smiling. โHey, thatโs what familyโs for, right?โ
Solace exhaled deeply, his voice filled with warmth as he looked at them. โI mean it, though. Last night, during the gift exchange, it really hit me how much love this family has. Seeing the effort you all put into everything, how much you care for one anotherโit reminded me why we do this. Iโm proud of us. Proud of all of you.โ
The air shifted, not heavy but full of meaning, each of them taking in the weight of his words.
โWell,โ Hanan said with a sly grin, breaking the moment, โDonโt get too sentimental on us now, Solace. Youโre gonna make me cry, and thatโs not happening tonight.โ
โExactly,โ Saint added, grabbing his jacket. โThe familyโs probably already plotting their next snowball ambush, and we canโt miss that.โ
Solace shook his head, laughing as he stood. โAlright, letโs go. The chaos isnโt going to handle itself.โ
And with that, the five of them walked back toward the noiseโhearts full, bonds stronger than ever, and ready to take on whatever wild adventures came next.