The forest was quiet, the sunlight filtering through the tall trees in golden streaks. Sho's steps crunched softly on the fallen leaves as he wandered deeper, his mind replaying the events of the royal court and the mock battle.
Then, by a tree with low-hanging branches, he spotted her — a young girl with long silver-white hair and crimson eyes, sitting quietly, picking and eating small apples. She looked so calm, so ordinary… yet something about her drew Sho in.
He hesitated for only a moment before approaching. "Hi," he said softly, waving at her.
The girl tilted her head slightly, her crimson eyes meeting his. "Hello?" Her voice was gentle, almost melodic, like the wind brushing through leaves.
Sho smiled. "Now that I think about it… I don't even know your name, miss."
The girl blinked, a faint smile playing on her lips. "I suppose I never thought it mattered to anyone," she said, voice quiet but warm.
Sho took a careful step closer, lowering his tone. "Well… it matters to me. I want to know your name."
Her smile deepened, a soft blush creeping over her cheeks. "Sho… you're persistent, aren't you?" she teased lightly, tilting her head again.
Sho chuckled. "I'm Sho. Sho Ardenthal. And I think I'd like to call you… by your name, if you'll tell me."
She studied him for a moment, her crimson eyes shimmering with a mysterious light. Finally, she said, almost shyly, "I am… Liyana."
Sho felt a warmth spread through him at the sound of her name. "Liyana…" he repeated softly, savoring it. "It's a beautiful name."
She looked down at the apple in her hand, then back at him. "You're very polite, Sho. Most people would just… stare."
"I can't do that," Sho replied, smiling warmly. "Not when I meet someone like you. It feels… special."
For a few moments, the forest was silent except for the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant sound of birds. Their eyes met, and Sho felt a connection — unspoken, quiet, yet strong.
> There's something about her… something different. I don't know why, but I feel like I've known her a long time.
Liyana tilted her head again, brushing a strand of silver hair behind her ear. "Well, Sho… it seems we'll be seeing each other more often."
Sho grinned. "I think I'd like that, Liyana."
As they shared a quiet smile, the forest seemed to hold its breath, the world shrinking around the two of them. Sho didn't know what lay ahead, but for the first time in a long while, he felt at peace — and curious about the girl who seemed so ordinary, yet clearly anything but.