Aisha noticed him eventually.
Not right away—she was too busy juggling tasks, too focused on being useful—but after the third time she turned around and found Callen only a few steps away, she paused.
“Oh,” she said softly. “You’re still here.”
He nodded once. “I am.”
That was all.
He didn’t announce his intentions. Didn’t explain himself.
He simply stayed close, his presence steady and unmistakable as the festival preparations continued around them.
Wherever Aisha went, Callen followed.
Not hovering.
Not crowding.
Just… there.
She moved from booth to booth, clipboard tucked under her arm, checking off tasks, offering help.
Callen trailed behind her like a silent shadow, silver eyes scanning everything—people, movements, tone shifts.
At one stall, a vendor leaned over the ta
