The morning sunlight slipped through the gap in Lis's bedroom window, illuminating her peacefully sleeping face. Her reddish-blonde hair, usually neat, was now messily spread across the pillow, and her lips were slightly parted as she breathed softly. Suddenly, the alarm clock beside her bed rang loudly, startling Lis and making her open her eyes immediately.
"Ugh… is it morning already?" she muttered, her voice still hoarse from just waking up.
She slowly got herself up and headed to the bathroom to shower and refresh herself. As she stood beneath the warm spray of water, her thoughts couldn't be separated from Ryu — from his gentle smile yesterday as they walked home together, from the calm yet confident way he spoke, from how he helped her when she almost dropped her books in class.
"Why do I keep thinking about him?" Lis whispered to herself as she rubbed soap over her body.
After finishing her shower, Lis chose her clothes more carefully than usual. Normally, she would just wear her school uniform without much thought, but today she felt like adding a small special touch — she picked a light purple tie with a small star pattern on it and tied her hair with a ribbon of the same color. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt her face looked brighter than usual, and her eyes seemed to shine more.
"I'm probably just overthinking things," she murmured with a small smile before grabbing her school bag and heading out.
As she walked toward school, she hoped she would meet Ryu along the way. She often saw him walking alone along the main road that passed through the city park, and today she wished she could meet him again so they could walk together like yesterday.
After a few minutes of walking, she saw a very familiar figure — Ryu, walking calmly while reading a history book he held open in his hands as he walked. Lis felt her heart start to beat faster than usual, and her face began to feel warm.
"Ah… why am I like this?" she whispered to herself as she took a deep breath to calm down.
She quickened her pace to catch up to Ryu and greeted him, trying to sound relaxed:
"H-hallo Ryu! Are you walking to school too?"
Ryu immediately closed his book and looked at her with a warm smile that made Lis's heart beat even faster.
"Hello, Lis! Yeah, I usually walk to school from here because I can read while walking," Ryu replied softly. "You look more beautiful than usual today — that new tie really suits you."
Ryu's compliment instantly made Lis's face turn red like a pink apple. She quickly turned her face toward the road so Ryu wouldn't notice her blushing.
"Ah… th-thank you, Ryu… I bought this tie yesterday," she replied in a slightly trembling voice.
They began walking together toward school. This time, the atmosphere wasn't as awkward as yesterday. They talked about the history books they were reading — Ryu was reading a book about an ancient civilization believed to have connections to the dark world, while Lis was reading a book about ancient mythology that told stories of gods and rulers with extraordinary power.
Ryu: "Did you know, Lis? According to the book I'm reading, it's believed there was an ancient civilization that could communicate with another world — a world they called the 'World of Darkness.' They said that civilization was highly advanced and peaceful before it mysteriously disappeared."
Lis (her eyes shining with excitement at a topic she loved): "Yes! I've read about that too in one of my books! They said that civilization had a very powerful and wise king — a ruler who could control the power of darkness for the good of his people."
Ryu looked at Lis's excited expression with a gentle smile on his face. He felt happy to find someone who shared the same interests as him — especially about things that not many people understood or cared about.
They continued talking about various topics along the way. When they arrived at the school courtyard, several of Ryu's classmates noticed the two of them together and began whispering among themselves with sly smiles. But Ryu didn't pay them any attention — he was enjoying his conversation with Lis and felt happy to have such an interesting new friend.
When they entered Class 10-B, most of the students were already seated. Ryu went straight to his desk in the corner of the classroom, and Lis followed him to sit beside him as usual. As they sat down, Lis felt her heart pounding due to their closeness — the distance between their desks was only a few centimeters, and she could feel the warmth of Ryu's body beside her.
The first lesson of the day was history, a subject that both of them loved. The history teacher, Mr. Bambang, entered the classroom carrying several thick books and the board he would use to explain today's topic about ancient Asian civilizations.
Mr. Bambang: "Good morning, everyone! Today we're going to discuss a very fascinating ancient civilization — one that is believed to have connections to extraordinary supernatural powers. Does anyone know about such a civilization?"
Without thinking twice, Ryu and Lis raised their hands at the same time. They glanced at each other in surprise, then smiled warmly at one another.
Mr. Bambang (smiling happily): "Alright, Ryu, you can answer first."
Ryu slowly stood up and began explaining the civilization he had read about — how they coexisted with the dark world and how they used that power to build an advanced civilization. Mr. Bambang and the other students listened intently, as Ryu's explanation was clear and detailed.
After Ryu finished, Mr. Bambang turned to Lis.
"Excellent answer, Ryu! Now Lis, do you have anything to add?"
Lis stood up, slightly nervous but still confident. She explained the mythology related to that civilization — about how they believed in a ruler of darkness who protected them from danger and guided them toward prosperity. As she spoke, Ryu looked at her with admiration — he was impressed by Lis's deep knowledge of the topic.
After the history lesson ended, there was a short break before the next class. Many students left the classroom to buy snacks or walk around the corridors, but Ryu and Lis chose to stay behind. They talked about the history books they were reading and exchanged opinions on several theories within them.
Lis: "You know, Ryu, according to the book I read, the ruler of darkness they mentioned was actually a very powerful and wise woman. Many people mistakenly thought she was a man because of her overwhelming power."
Ryu (his eyes lighting up with excitement): "Really? I've read about that theory too, but I wasn't very sure. What book are you reading?"
Lis: "It's called 'The Secret History of the Dark World' — it's quite rare and hard to find. I got it from my ancestors who kept it for many years."
Ryu felt extremely curious about the book. He had always wanted to read deeper materials about the dark world, but such books were often considered forbidden or only kept by certain families.
"May I read that book someday?" Ryu asked, hope visible in his eyes.
Lis (smiling brightly): "Of course! You can come to my house anytime if you want to read it. I also have many other books about the dark world that you might like."
Ryu felt very happy hearing that. He quickly agreed, and they decided to meet at Lis's house that coming Saturday to read the books together.
As they were talking, one of Lis's classmates, Maya, approached them with a sly smile.
"Hey Lis! You and Ryu seem really close now. Looks like you're having a lot of fun with him," Maya said teasingly.
Lis's face instantly turned red at Maya's words. She quickly denied it in a slightly trembling voice:
"N-no, it's not like that, Maya! We're just friends who share the same interest in ancient history!"
Maya simply smiled again before walking away. Lis felt extremely embarrassed and quickly turned her face away, not knowing that Ryu was also feeling shy and happy at the same time.
When the lunch bell rang, Ryu invited Lis to have lunch together in the quiet and beautiful school garden. The garden had many large trees that provided cool shade, along with several wooden benches that were comfortable to sit on.
Ryu brought a lunchbox prepared by his mother — rice with grilled chicken, stir-fried water spinach, and sweet braised tofu. Meanwhile, Lis brought a lunch she made herself — whole wheat sandwiches with lettuce, tomatoes, grilled chicken, and fresh fruits like strawberries and grapes.
Ryu: "Wow, your lunch looks really delicious, Lis! Did you make it yourself?"
Lis (smiling proudly): "Yes! I like cooking and making my own food. Do you want to try some?"
Without hesitation, Ryu accepted a piece of the sandwich Lis offered. He took a bite, smiling in satisfaction.
"It's really delicious! You're truly good at cooking, Lis."
Ryu's praise made Lis feel very happy. She also tried the food prepared by Ryu's mother and was impressed by its taste.
"The food your mother made is really delicious too, Ryu! It tastes warm and full of love."
Ryu smiled warmly at that.
"My mother really is good at cooking. She always says that food made with love will always taste better."
They ate while talking about many things — their hobbies, their families, and their dreams for the future. Ryu said he wanted to become someone who could protect others and build peace between different worlds, while Lis said she wanted to become a history researcher who could uncover secrets of ancient worlds unknown to others.
While they were eating, they noticed a small elementary school child crying near the playground. The child seemed to have fallen and scraped his knee, crying in pain and loneliness.
Without hesitation, Lis stood up and approached the child gently. She bent down and softly touched his shoulder.
"It's okay, little one… you're hurt, aren't you? Let me help you."
Lis took a clean cloth from her bag and carefully cleaned the wound. She then took a small bandage she always carried and gently wrapped the child's knee. Meanwhile, Ryu took an apple from his lunch bag and gave it to the child to cheer him up.
After the wound was treated and the child stopped crying, he smiled at them with eyes still slightly red.
"Thank you, big sister! You're so kind!"
Lis gently patted the child's head.
"It's okay. If you're ever hurt or in trouble, you can look for me or big brother Ryu, alright? We'll always help you."
The child nodded cheerfully and ran off to play again. Ryu looked at Lis with admiration and happiness.
"You're really kind-hearted, Lis. Not many people would take the time to help others like you did."
Lis blushed slightly at Ryu's words and smiled softly.
"It's nothing, Ryu. I just felt sorry seeing him cry alone. Besides, I learned it from someone who always says that we should help others who are in need."
Ryu knew Lis was referring to Astaroth, even though she didn't say the name. His admiration for Lis only grew stronger.
After finishing lunch, they cleaned up and returned to class for the afternoon lessons. As they walked back, they walked closer than usual. Lis felt peaceful and happy beside Ryu — as if she had found someone who truly understood her and whom she could trust.
After the afternoon classes ended, Ryu remembered that he had his usual katana training at the city park. He usually trained alone, but today he felt like inviting Lis along.
"Lis, do you have any plans after this?" Ryu asked hopefully.
Lis: "I don't have any special plans, Ryu. I usually just go home, read books, or cook for tomorrow."
"Then… would you like to come with me to practice katana arts at the city park? I usually train there every day after school," Ryu invited gently.
Lis felt extremely happy hearing that. She had always wanted to see Ryu practice katana, especially after hearing that he was the one who defeated the 7 Sovereigns with his katana skills.
"Of course! I really want to see you train, Ryu," Lis replied cheerfully.
They walked together to the city park not far from the school. The park had a wide open field often used for exercise or relaxation. In one corner, several large trees provided cool shade — the spot Ryu usually used for training.
When they arrived, Ryu took out the katana he always carried in its black cloth sheath. Lis watched in awe as Ryu drew the katana with a smooth, graceful motion. The blade gleamed like a mirror, bearing the same small star pattern as Aethel's katana — even though this was a normal katana crafted by his father.
Ryu: "Before I start training, let me show you some basic movements first, Lis. You can watch and learn if you want."
Lis nodded happily and sat on a large rock near the training area. She watched attentively as Ryu began practicing with fluid yet powerful movements. Every swing of his katana was graceful and filled with hidden strength — showing how much time and effort he had devoted to his training.
Ryu demonstrated various basic katana techniques - from the proper stance, the correct way to hold the katana, to various attacking and evasion movements. Every movement he performed was executed with extraordinary precision, without a single mistake. Lis watched in complete awe - she had never imagined that the art of katana could look so beautiful and mesmerizing.
While Ryu was practicing a spinning attack, he accidentally glanced toward Lis, who was watching him with eyes full of admiration. He felt slightly distracted and almost dropped his katana—but he quickly regained control and continued his training.
After about half an hour of practice, Ryu stopped and turned toward Lis, his face lightly covered in sweat.
"So? Are you interested in trying it?" Ryu asked with a gentle smile as he handed her a non-sharp katana specifically made for beginners.
Lis felt a little nervous but also extremely excited. She carefully took the katana and tried to hold it properly, just as Ryu had shown her.
"I've never held a katana in my life, Ryu… I'm afraid I'll make a mistake," Lis said in a slightly trembling voice.
"It's okay, Lis. Everyone has to start from the beginning, right? I'll help you," Ryu replied reassuringly.
Ryu stepped closer to Lis and gently stood behind her. Carefully, he adjusted the position of her hands and body to match the proper stance for holding and using a katana. When he touched her hands to correct her grip, Lis felt her body stiffen slightly and her face begin to flush—she could feel the warmth of Ryu's body behind her and catch his fresh, pine-like scent.
"Like this, Lis… your right hand should be on top, your left hand below. Your body should lean slightly forward, but stay relaxed. Don't tense up too much, or it'll make it hard to move smoothly," Ryu explained softly near Lis's ear.
Lis tried her best to follow Ryu's instructions. Although she still felt a little awkward and unsure, she felt calmer knowing Ryu was behind her, guiding her. After a while, she began to feel more comfortable with her stance and could hold the katana more steadily.
"That's very good, Lis! You're learning quickly," Ryu praised, making Lis feel extremely happy.
Ryu then demonstrated several basic movements for Lis—such as how to raise the katana properly, how to perform horizontal and vertical strikes, and how to evade an opponent's attack. Lis tried to follow each movement earnestly. Although she sometimes made mistakes and occasionally stumbled due to losing her balance, she never gave up and always tried again with greater determination.
While they were practicing evasion movements, Lis accidentally slipped and almost fell to the ground. But before she could hit the ground, Ryu quickly caught her with his strong arms and supported her so she wouldn't fall. The two of them were now standing very close—Lis's chest nearly touching Ryu's, and they could feel each other's breath.
"Why did it turn out like this…?" Lis murmured silently, her face growing even redder.
"Are you okay, Lis?" Ryu asked with concern, still holding her.
"Y-yes… I'm okay, Ryu… sorry for worrying you," Lis replied in a very soft voice.
Ryu simply smiled gently and helped Lis stand properly again. He looked at Lis's blushing face with a warm smile and said,
"You're doing very well for a beginner, Lis. Don't push yourself too hard—katana training takes a lot of time and patience."
Lis nodded with a small smile and returned the katana to Ryu. They sat together on the same large rock, resting while breathing in the fresh air of the city park. The sun began to set in the western horizon, casting a beautiful golden glow across the sky and making the atmosphere feel even more romantic.
Lis: "Learning katana arts from you was so much fun, Ryu. I never thought it could be this enjoyable."
Ryu: "That's how it is, Lis. Katana arts aren't just about strength and violence—they're also about discipline, patience, and self-control. That's what allows me to control my power better."
They continued talking about many things while enjoying the beautiful sunset. Lis felt incredibly happy and peaceful by Ryu's side—she felt as though she had found a place that truly suited her and someone she could rely on. But she still didn't realize that what she felt wasn't just ordinary friendship—she had already begun to develop deeper feelings for Ryu.
On Friday morning, Lis woke up feeling extremely happy and excited. She knew that tomorrow, Saturday, she would meet Ryu at her house to read books about the dark world together. She couldn't wait to show him her collection of rare books.
After breakfast, she went to the underground room that served as a private library inherited from her ancestors. The room was filled with large, old wooden bookshelves, holding thousands of books about history, mythology, and the dark world collected over generations.
Lis carefully cleaned and arranged the books she planned to show Ryu. She chose the most interesting and rare ones—including "The Secret History of the Dark World," the book she had mentioned earlier; "Mythology of the Dark Sovereigns," which told the story of Astaroth and other dark rulers; and "The Hidden Power of Other Worlds," which explained methods of communicating with other realms.
While organizing the books, she discovered an old photo album hidden behind the deepest bookshelf. She carefully opened it and found old photographs of her ancestors standing beside someone who looked remarkably like Ryu—someone with white hair and blue eyes filled with wisdom.
"Who is this person…?" Lis whispered in curiosity.
On the back of the photograph, faded handwriting read:
"Accompanied by Astaroth, the Sovereign of Darkness—our loyal companion and protector."
Lis felt shocked and amazed reading those words. She never imagined that her ancestors had met Astaroth directly. It made her feel even closer to Ryu and to the dark world she cherished.
She carefully put the album away and continued arranging the books for Ryu. After finishing, she went to the kitchen to prepare food and snacks for the next day—she baked delicious chocolate chip cookies, brownies with caramel sauce, and prepared fresh fruit juice from strawberries and grapes.
As she cooked, her thoughts were constantly filled with Ryu—his gentle smile, his calm voice, and how he helped her during katana training. She felt deeply grateful to have met someone like him, unaware that she had already begun to fall in love.
In the afternoon, Lis went to the market to buy additional ingredients and something small she could give Ryu as a gift. She found a small shop selling handcrafted wooden accessories—including a star-shaped book holder carved with beautiful dark-world patterns.
She instantly fell in love with it and happily bought it, feeling it would be perfect for Ryu, who loved reading books about the dark world. She carefully wrapped the gift in light purple wrapping paper and kept it safe for the next day.
On Saturday morning, Ryu woke up feeling extremely excited. He had prepared since the night before—showering with pine-scented soap he knew Lis liked, wearing comfortable yet neat casual clothes (a light blue short-sleeved shirt and black pants), and bringing several dark-world books he owned to exchange with Lis.
He also brought a small gift for Lis—a necklace with a small star-shaped pendant made of dark purple crystal he had found near the Xylia Tree. He felt the necklace would suit Lis perfectly and reflect their special connection to the dark world.
After breakfast, Ryu rode the bicycle given by his father to Lis's house. The road passed through the beautiful city park and several clean, orderly residential areas. When he arrived in front of Lis's house, his heart began to race—it was a beautiful wooden house with a backyard filled with colorful flowers and tall, shady trees.
Ryu gently knocked on the door. Moments later, it opened, revealing Lis standing inside with a bright smile that made his heart beat even faster. She wore beautiful casual clothes—a white long-sleeved blouse with lace at the cuffs and a flowing light purple skirt. Her reddish-blonde hair fell freely over her shoulders, and her face looked even more beautiful without any makeup.
"H-hallo Ryu! Welcome to my home," Lis said happily.
"Hello, Lis! You look very beautiful today," Ryu said, making Lis's face immediately turn red.
"Thank you, Ryu… I've been waiting for you," Lis replied softly.
Lis invited Ryu inside her warm, cozy home. The living room was decorated with handcrafted wooden ornaments and paintings of nature and ancient worlds. The air smelled fresh with a hint of roses.
"Please have a seat, Ryu. I'll bring the books and snacks I prepared," Lis said as she carefully hurried toward the kitchen.
Ryu sat on the soft sofa, looking around in admiration. He felt comfortable—almost as if he were at home. Soon after, Lis returned carrying a small wooden rack filled with neatly arranged books and a large tray of food and drinks.
"Wow… you prepared all of this for me, Lis? Thank you so much," Ryu said gratefully.
"It's nothing, Ryu. I just want you to feel comfortable and happy here," Lis replied warmly.
They began opening the books and reading together. Ryu was amazed by the depth of knowledge within them—many things he had never encountered before, revealing new secrets of the dark world. Lis patiently explained the difficult parts and shared her insights.
While reading "Mythology of the Dark Sovereigns," they found a chapter specifically describing the relationship between Astaroth and Lis. It stated that Lis was the only one who remained loyal to Astaroth during difficult times and had been entrusted with the task of meeting and helping Astaroth's successor when the time came.
"I never thought our story would be written in a book like this, Lis," Ryu said in awe.
"Me neither, Ryu… I didn't know our story had been recorded in history like this," Lis replied happily.
After several hours of reading, they took a break and enjoyed the snacks Lis had prepared. Ryu was impressed by the taste—the cookies were crispy outside and soft inside, the brownies rich and decadent, and the fruit juice refreshing.
"You're really good at cooking, Lis! It's incredibly delicious," Ryu praised.
"Thank you, Ryu. I'm glad you like it," Lis replied cheerfully.
As they ate, Ryu remembered the gift he brought. He reached into his bag and took out the wrapped necklace.
"Lis… I have something I want to give you," Ryu said nervously.
Lis looked at him with curious, hopeful eyes.
"What is it, Ryu?"
Ryu carefully handed her the gift. Lis opened it excitedly and found the necklace inside. She gasped in delight—the dark purple crystal star pendant was stunning.
"Ryu… this is so beautiful! Thank you so much," Lis said tearfully.
"I'm glad you like it. I found that crystal near the Xylia Tree and thought it would suit you perfectly," Ryu said gently.
Lis immediately put on the necklace and looked at herself in the mirror, smiling with satisfaction.
"You know, Ryu… this necklace is very similar to the one Astaroth gave me when I was little," Lis said softly.
Ryu felt deeply moved, realizing that their bond had been destined long before they met.
Lis then remembered the gift she had prepared. She went to her room and returned with a light purple-wrapped package.
"Ryu… I have something for you too," Lis said shyly.
Ryu opened it eagerly and found a star-shaped wooden book holder carved with dark-world patterns. He was delighted.
"It's beautiful, Lis! Thank you so much. I'll keep my most precious books here," Ryu said gratefully.
They then went to Lis's beautiful backyard to enjoy the warm afternoon. The garden was filled with colorful flowers—roses, jasmine, sunflowers—and large trees providing shade. In the center stood a small wooden table with two chairs.
They sat together in the garden, sipping warm tea that Lis had made. They talked about everything - their future, their dreams and aspirations, the little things that made them happy. Lis felt incredibly peaceful and happy beside Ryu - she felt as though she had found a place that truly belonged to her and someone who truly understood her. But she still didn't realize that the feelings she was experiencing were not just ordinary friendship - she had already begun to develop deep romantic feelings for Ryu.
Lis:
"Do you know, Ryu… ever since I met you, my life has become more colorful and enjoyable. I feel like I can truly be myself when I'm with you."
Ryu looked at her with a warm smile that made Lis's heart flutter.
"I feel the same way, Lis. Ever since you transferred to our school and entered my life, I've felt calmer and like I have a clearer purpose. You make me feel like I'm not strange or different—you make me feel accepted just as I am."
Lis felt her face heat up after hearing those words. She lowered her head briefly so Ryu wouldn't see her emotional expression, then lifted it again with a gentle smile.
"You're not strange or different at all, Ryu. You're an amazing person—strong, kind-hearted, and always ready to help others. I'm really proud to be your friend."
Ryu smiled once more, then looked up at the sky as it gradually turned a golden orange with the setting sun. The calm and beautiful atmosphere of the park made both of them feel peaceful and happy.
"I have something I want to show you, Lis," Ryu said mysteriously.
He stood up and gestured for Lis to stand as well. Then he raised his hand toward the sky and gently gathered the dark power within him. A soft dark-purple light emerged from his palm, forming star patterns identical to those on the Xylia Tree and the Aethel Katana.
Lis watched in awe as the star patterns moved gracefully in the air, glowing with a beautiful and gentle light. Several small stars even drifted down and landed on their heads and shoulders, making them look as if they belonged to another world.
"This is one of the powers I gained after becoming the Second Dark Sovereign," Ryu explained softly.
"I can create darkness that doesn't harm others—instead, it brings calm and peace."
Lis felt deeply amazed and slightly moved. Carefully, she raised her hand and touched one of the small stars resting on her palm. The light felt warm and comforting, like a gentle embrace.
"It's so beautiful, Ryu… I never imagined that darkness could look this beautiful," Lis said in awe.
Ryu smiled and invited Lis to stand beside him as they enjoyed the sunset and the dark starlight they had created together. They stood in silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's warmth and the peace around them.
As night fell and the air grew chilly, Ryu took off his jacket and placed it over Lis's shoulders. She accepted it gratefully—the jacket was still warm from his body and carried a scent of pine that she liked.
"Thank you, Ryu… I feel much warmer now," Lis said softly.
"It's nothing, Lis. I don't want you to get sick from the cold," Ryu replied with a gentle smile.
They returned to Lis's house and spent the rest of the evening watching a documentary about ancient world history while sharing stories from their lives. Lis cooked a delicious dinner—cream mushroom soup with toasted bread, chicken steak with roasted vegetables, and chocolate ice cream with caramel sauce for dessert.
Ryu felt truly happy, as if he were at home. He was deeply grateful to have met someone like Lis—someone not only beautiful and intelligent, but also kind-hearted and capable of truly understanding him.
When it was time to leave, Ryu stood at Lis's front door with a heart filled with sadness at having to part, yet happiness from spending such a wonderful day together.
"Thank you so much, Lis, for this amazing day. I really enjoyed it," Ryu said sincerely.
"I'm really happy I could spend the day with you too, Ryu. You can always come to my house anytime," Lis replied with a cheerful smile.
Ryu nodded warmly and rode his bicycle away. But before he got far, Lis called out with a slightly trembling voice.
"Ryu!"
Ryu stopped and turned back, curious.
"Is something wrong, Lis?"
Lis walked toward him slowly, then with the courage she gathered within herself, she gently kissed Ryu on the cheek. Her face immediately turned red, and she quickly turned away so she wouldn't see his reaction.
"Thank you for everything, Ryu… see you tomorrow," she said softly before running back into her house and quickly closing the door.
Ryu touched the cheek that Lis had kissed, his hand trembling slightly. His face felt warm and his heart raced. Smiling happily to himself, he continued riding home.
On his way back, he couldn't stop thinking about Lis—her beautiful smile, her kindness, and the gentle kiss she had given him. He felt incredibly happy, as if something new had begun to grow inside his heart—something he had never felt before.
Meanwhile, inside her house, Lis stood behind the door with a flushed face and a pounding heart. She touched her lips, feeling shy yet happy.
"Ah… have I really started to like him?" she whispered with an embarrassed but joyful smile.
She went to her bedroom and lay on her bed, holding the necklace Ryu had given her. Looking out the open window at the stars in the night sky, she felt grateful and happy to have met someone like Ryu. Even though she hadn't fully realized her feelings yet, she knew her life would be different—and better—with Ryu in it.
On Sunday morning, Lis woke up feeling happy and slightly nervous. Her thoughts couldn't stray from Ryu, or from the gentle kiss she had given him the night before. She felt embarrassed yet delighted, unable to suppress the smile that appeared whenever she thought of him.
She went to the bathroom to freshen up. Standing under the warm shower, she reflected on Ryu and her feelings. She realized she felt happy whenever she was with him, joyful when she saw his smile, and deeply worried whenever he was in danger. Yet she still refused to admit that she was falling in love—believing it was only friendship and that she wasn't worthy of someone like Ryu.
After bathing, Lis made breakfast—sunny-side-up eggs, toast, and fresh orange juice. While eating, her eyes fell on a small photo attached to the refrigerator. It was a picture of her and Ryu taken by Maya at the school garden a few days ago. They were smiling happily while discussing a history book—a beautiful moment captured between them.
Lis carefully picked up the photo and smiled softly. She felt grateful for such precious memories and hoped to create many more in the future.
At noon, Lis decided to go to the city park, hoping Ryu might be practicing katana there as usual. When she arrived, she immediately spotted him moving gracefully and powerfully as always.
She hid behind a large tree, watching him in admiration. Every katana movement reflected the effort and discipline he had put into his training. She felt proud to be friends with someone like him.
After a while, Ryu stopped, sensing someone watching him. He looked toward the tree where Lis was hiding and recognized her instantly. Smiling gently, he gestured for her to come out.
Embarrassed at being caught, Lis stepped out with a flushed face.
"I'm sorry, Ryu… I didn't mean to spy on you. I just happened to be here and saw you practicing," she said softly.
"It's okay, Lis. I'm actually glad you saw me. Would you like to practice katana again today?" Ryu replied.
Lis nodded happily and took the beginner katana Ryu had prepared. They practiced together as before—Ryu patiently teaching her the basics while Lis followed enthusiastically.
While practicing a spinning evasion move, Lis slipped and almost fell. Ryu quickly caught her, preventing her from falling. They stood very close—Lis's chest nearly touching Ryu's, feeling each other's breath.
They locked eyes in silence. Lis's heart raced, her face burning red. Ryu felt the same warmth and pounding in his chest as he gazed into her blue eyes.
Realizing their position, they quickly pulled apart, both blushing and smiling shyly.
"I-I'm sorry, Ryu… I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," Lis said quietly.
"It's okay, Lis. Don't worry," Ryu replied gently.
They sat together on a large stone to rest, talking more intimately than usual—about dreams, happiness, likes, and dislikes.
Lis:
"I've always felt different from others. But since meeting you, I finally feel like I've found where I belong."
Ryu:
"I feel the same. Since you came into my life, I no longer feel alone."
Lis felt deeply moved. Though she hadn't fully accepted her feelings yet, she knew Ryu held a special place in her heart.
As night fell, they parted with a promise to meet again at school. Before leaving, Lis kissed Ryu's cheek once more—this time with greater confidence.
On their way home, both realized the same truth:
What they felt was no longer just friendship—they were falling in love.
They went to sleep that night with hearts full of happiness and hope.
END OF CHAPTER 7