Chapter 2: A New World
Liang looked around the strange forest. The trees were tall and dark, and the air felt thick and heavy. He had no idea how they got here, but he knew he had to stay calm.
Ying Yue was beside him, walking slowly. She didn't look scared, only determined.
"Where are we?" Liang asked, voice quiet.
Ying Yue turned and smiled. "I don't know much, but I know we're stuck here for now."
Liang rubbed his temples. "Great. Just what I needed. Stuck in a fantasy world."
She stepped closer. "You're not alone. I'm here. I won't leave you."
He looked at her. "Ying Yue, this isn't normal. Did you really follow me?"
She nodded. "Yes. I couldn't stay away. I've been watching you for a long time."
Liang sighed. "That's... kind of creepy."
She blushed slightly but didn't look sorry. "I only want to be with you. No matter what."
Liang looked away. "Right now, I just want to find a way home."
Ying Yue reached out again. "Maybe there's a way. Maybe someone out here can help us."
Liang hesitated. "Do you know anything about this world?"
She shook her head. "No, I don't."
They started walking through the forest. The ground was uneven, and strange sounds echoed around them. Sometimes, they saw glowing lights in the distance.
"Look," Ying Yue pointed. "Maybe that's a village or a town."
Liang squinted. "It looks far. We should rest for a bit before we go."
They stopped near a small clearing. Liang sat on a rock and looked around.
"Ying Yue," he said softly. "I don't get you. You say you follow me because you care, but your obsession feels weird. Why do you want to stay close?