A Meeting Beneath the New York Sky

The autumn sky over New York City stretched clear and bright above the headquarters of the United Nations. Flags from every nation fluttered in harmony with the cool breeze, welcoming hundreds of delegates, diplomats, journalists, and security officers as they arrived. The international stage was set, holding both hope and unspoken tension.

Shouts from reporters overlapped as the door of a black diplomatic sedan swung open. Camera flashes lit up endlessly, while security personnel immediately formed a tight line to keep their distance.

Verlando "Ando" Asterian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Arvenia, stepped out with calm composure. His black suit was immaculate, without a single wrinkle, and the navy blue tie bearing his nation’s emblem sat perfectly in place. His gaze swept steadily across the surroundings, before offering a brief nod to several fellow diplomats who had arrived earlier.

"Good morning, Minister Verlando."

"Good morning," he replied, concise yet polite.

Before he could take another step, a dozen microphones were extended toward him.

"Minister, will Arvenia support the regional peace resolution tabled today?"

"Is it true your government is exploring new trade partnerships with Asian nations?"

"Do you intend to meet with the Velorian delegation during this session?"

Nathan Elric, his Chief of Staff, raised a hand slightly to signal. "Apologies, the Minister must proceed directly to the assembly hall."

But one journalist called out again. "Just one more question, Minister!"

Ando paused for a moment, looking straight into the cameras. "We are here to engage in formal dialogue, not to state our positions through the media. The Republic of Arvenia’s full statement will be delivered during the session."

Those words were broadcast instantly across every live feed around the world.

Nathan gave a faint smile as they walked inside. "Safe, measured response. As always."

Ando replied quietly, his eyes remaining alert to every detail. "Our duty is not to create sensational headlines, Nathan. It is to ensure that international relations remain standing firm."

On the other side of the courtyard, the motorcade of the Kingdom of Veloria arrived. The door opened, and a woman stepped out with effortless grace. Zera Della Naviera, the youngest Minister of Foreign Affairs in Veloria’s history, looked striking in an ivory tailored suit, with a pale blue scarf draped neatly around her neck. Her movements were calm, yet her gaze carried such unyielding resolve that everyone around her felt both a sense of deference and deep respect.

"Good morning, Minister Zera."

"Good morning," Zera replied with a warm smile.

Livia Moreau, her personal secretary, stepped forward glancing at her tablet. "The first agenda begins in thirty minutes. After that, you have a bilateral meeting with Nordvia, followed by a luncheon with the Secretary-General."

"Very well. Ensure all our position papers are complete and arranged in order."

"I have checked them three times already, Minister."

Zera nodded slowly, then walked toward the main entrance.

Suddenly, a UN staff member rushed past carrying a stack of documents, and accidentally bumped into Zera’s shoulder.

"Excuse me! Pardon me!"

Thud!

The blue folder in Zera’s hands slipped loose. Dozens of pages scattered, caught by the autumn wind and flying in every direction.

"Oh, I am so sorry! It was truly an accident!" The staff member looked utterly panicked.

People nearby glanced briefly, then returned to their own affairs. No one stopped.

Except one person.

Verlando.

Without hesitation, he knelt down and began gathering the scattered pages one by one. Nathan and Livia quickly stepped in to help as well.

When only one sheet remained, caught near their feet, both Ando and Zera reached for it at almost the same time. Their fingers brushed for a fleeting instant.

Both froze.

Zera pulled her hand away first, hiding the sudden, quiet surprise that had risen within her.

"Thank you very much, Minister."

Ando handed over the neatly reassembled folder. "You are welcome."

Their eyes met for the very first time. Only for a few seconds. Yet somehow, it felt as though something had shifted between them—as if they had known each other long ago, even though both were certain they had never crossed paths before.

"Delegation of the Republic of Arvenia, please proceed to the main assembly hall!" the protocol officer’s voice broke the silence.

Immediately followed by the next announcement. "Delegation of the Kingdom of Veloria, please make your way to the assembly hall."

Ando gave a polite nod. "I will see you inside, Minister."

Zera offered a faint smile. "Until then."

They walked in opposite directions toward separate entrances. No one noticed that one reporter’s camera was still rolling, capturing that brief moment—a simple photograph of two national leaders, helping one another with no hidden agenda.

No one yet knew that this fleeting encounter would mark the beginning of a far greater story. One that would see their two nations standing on opposing sides, between feelings that had grown unexpectedly, and loyalties that would be put to the ultimate test.

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