Sho weaved carefully through the bustling capital streets, alive with excitement. The Saint from the Holy Church was visiting, and the city was packed with people, merchants, and nobles.
Suddenly, someone bumped into him.
"Oh! I'm sorry," Sho said smoothly, turning to see who it was.
His eyes caught her immediately. "Hm? Liyana?"
The girl looked up, tilting her head, crimson eyes meeting his. "Oh… you're here."
Sho smiled faintly, stepping a little closer. "Yeah… I could say the same about you. Funny running into you here in the middle of all this chaos."
Liyana blinked, caught off guard by the ease in his tone. "I… I wasn't expecting to see you either."
Sho leaned casually against the fruit stall beside her, keeping his gaze locked on her. "You know, for someone so quiet and… subtle, you really have a way of showing up where you're least expected."
Liyana tilted her head, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Is that… a compliment?"
Sho's grin widened. "Of course. You stand out, Liyana. Makes the city feel… less ordinary. And I like that. It keeps things interesting."
Her cheeks flushed faintly, and she looked away for a moment. "I… I see. You always know what to say, don't you?"
He chuckled lightly. "Maybe. Or maybe I just notice the important things." He leaned just a little closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "And right now, you are very important."
Liyana's crimson eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and curiosity. "I… important?"
Sho gave a playful smirk. "Yes. Don't worry, I'll make sure you notice it." He straightened, giving her a wink before starting to step past her.
Liyana found herself watching him leave, heart a little faster than usual. He… he's bold. And… confident. I didn't expect that from him.
Sho glanced back over his shoulder, catching her gaze and giving a small, teasing wave. "Don't wander off too far, Liyana. I might need to find you again."
She blushed lightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Hmph… we'll see about that."
Sho disappeared into the crowd, leaving Liyana with a fluttering feeling she wasn't used to — and a curiosity she couldn't ignore.
> He's… different. And somehow, I think I like it.