Six years later.
The sun hung low over the Wagha cliffs, painting the sky in gold and lavender. The wind was gentle, carrying the scent of pine and dragon smoke through the village.
In a quiet courtyard behind a modest home, Kim Taehyung, now six years old, stood proudly in his small human form. Dark hair tousled by wind, a smudge of dirt on his cheek, and something green clutched in his hand.
Taehyung: "So... are you not happy with the gift I gave you?"
Sitting on a stone bench nearby, Nain, now nine, raised an eyebrow. Her arms were crossed, her tone flat.
Nain: "Is that even a gift, Tae? It's... a leaf. A small leaf."
Taehyung pouted, holding it out like a treasure.
Tae: "But I plucked it from the tallest tree!"
"I flew and flew and flew and—"
Nain (cutting in): "I know. Okay? I know."
"Go now. I think my parents are fighting again."
She looked away, trying to sound unaffected, but Taehyung's golden-brown eyes watched her quietly.
He stepped closer, voice soft but certain.
Tae: "Don't worry."
"When I become a big boy… I'll save you."
Nain sighed and ruffled his hair roughly.
Nain: "Go now, my little baby brother."
Taehyung stiffened.
Tae: "I am not your brother. We are not blood related."
There was a pause. Nain blinked, but didn't reply.
Nain: "Okay, okay. Just... go."
And with a huff, Taehyung turned and stormed off—leaf still in hand, pride bruised but heart strangely warm.