The forest was quiet, save for the soft rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. Moonlight filtered through the branches, scattering silver patterns on the ground.
Sho remained a few meters away, his heartbeat quickening. He had never seen anyone like her before — the silver-white hair, the crimson eyes, the serene presence. Even in human form, she exuded something unworldly, yet calm.
The girl — Liyana — continued eating her apple as if nothing unusual had happened, though her eyes never left him.
Sho took a cautious step forward. "Um… hello," he said finally, voice breaking slightly from nervousness and awe.
She tilted her head, a soft smile curling her lips. "Hello. You're… Sho, right?"
His eyebrows shot up. "W-what? How do you know my name?"
Her smile widened just a little, mischievous and knowing. "I could feel you coming before you even entered the clearing. Your presence… it's hard to miss, even for someone like me."
Sho froze. Someone like… her? "H-Huh… I didn't think anyone would notice me here." He shuffled forward another step, hands clenched in uncertainty. "Are… are you alone?"
"I am," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "But… you're not afraid?"
Sho blinked. Afraid? Why would I be afraid? "I… I don't know. I guess I'm more… curious."
The girl tilted her head, studying him with those piercing crimson eyes. "Curiosity can be dangerous, you know. Especially in forests at night."
Sho's lips twitched into a small, nervous smile. "I guess I'm used to danger by now."
She laughed quietly, the sound like wind chimes in the night. "Used to danger, huh? Then perhaps you're brave… or foolish."
For a few moments, they simply looked at each other. The air seemed to thrum faintly, a subtle pulse neither could fully explain.
Sho's mind raced.
> There's something about her… like I've felt this before.
Her presence… it's calm, yet it makes my pulse spike. And… the resonance…? Could it be…?
He shook his head. No, that's impossible.
"Do… do you live nearby?" Sho asked cautiously, trying to make conversation.
She shook her head. "No. I'm just… passing through. Sometimes, I like to watch the moon rise."
Sho nodded slowly, unsure of what to say next. Everything about her feels… different. And familiar, somehow.
Another long pause hung between them, broken only by the soft rustling of leaves. Sho stepped a little closer, still careful not to startle her.
"You… seem… strong," he said finally, his tone hesitant. "Even though you look… human."
She smiled faintly, and for just an instant, a glimmer of something ancient and powerful shone in her crimson eyes. "Strength isn't always obvious," she said softly. "Sometimes, it's hidden. Waiting for the right moment to appear."
Sho's pulse quickened again. Her words, her presence, her eyes… they felt like a puzzle he needed to solve, yet the solution was just out of reach.
He swallowed and whispered, almost to himself, "I feel like… I've been waiting for someone like you."
The girl's smile deepened slightly, and the air between them seemed to shimmer faintly, though Sho didn't realize it.
> She's no ordinary girl…
And somehow… I can't look away.
The wind carried the faint scent of apples and something older, stronger — a presence that could hide entire kingdoms if she wished.
She tilted her head toward him again. "Then… perhaps we were meant to meet."
Sho's eyes widened, and he took a small, cautious step forward.
> Meant to meet…?
The moonlight danced across her hair and her eyes, making her glow like someone not entirely human. Yet, her expression was soft, inviting, and… somehow intimate.
> Who are you… really?
But before he could ask, she took another bite of her apple, as if nothing extraordinary had happened.
And the forest held its breath.
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