Jealousy?


One could perceive an atmosphere of serenity and calm in that natural setting. The Great Forest extended majestically before the eyes of Aqua and Sora, who, being young and full of life, were amazed by the beauty that surrounded them. With every step they took, their admiration for the flora and fauna around them grew deeper and more extensive.

The lush and radiant greenery of the forest enveloped them in a magical sensation. Sun rays filtered through the dense canopy of trees, creating plays of light and shadow that danced to the rhythm of the wind. The vivid and vibrant colors of the flowers, from delicate lilies to energetic daisies, painted a picture of spectacularity in every corner.

For Aqua, whose most recent passion had been agriculture, this place was practically a paradise on Earth. Each plant, each leaf, seemed to have a story to tell. Her heart filled with joy as she observed the harmony of nature and the vitality emanating from it. If she had hesitated to come to this world, now, without a doubt, she would have missed out on all this wonder unfolding before her eyes.

Sora, attentive to Aqua's reactions, couldn't help but smile at seeing her so happy. The light in her eyes and the radiant expression on her face were contagious. It was evident that Aqua was enjoying every second in that magical environment, and it filled Sora's heart with joy. As he watched her delight in the flowers resting on the rock, he couldn't contain a chuckle of admiration. It was incredible how something as simple as flowers could illuminate Aqua's soul and make her shine so brightly.

"I see you really like this forest," Sora mentioned softly, his eyes focused on Aqua, who was still absorbed in her floral contemplation.

"I love it!" Aqua responded enthusiastically, raising her voice filled with emotion. Her gaze met Sora's, and a big smile formed on her face. That smile radiated pure happiness, and Sora couldn't help but feel his heart fill with warmth and love for this blue-haired girl. Just seeing her so fulfilled and happy brought him indescribable joy.

"This is so beautiful!" Aqua's ecstasy knew no bounds in that enchanting environment. Every step she took seemed to fill her with renewed energy, releasing the essence of a little girl discovering the world for the first time. Her enthusiasm was palpable in every gesture as she frolicked among the flowers, not caring about formalities or social conventions. Her hands played with delicate petals, her eyes lost themselves in the variety of colors, and her fingers caressed the soft and fragrant textures of the surrounding flora. In that moment, Aqua had recaptured the magic of exploring new worlds and discovering the wonders that lay beyond her everyday life.

"I'm glad you're having fun, Aqua," said Sora with a genuine smile, his voice filled with affection. He admired the way she immersed herself in every little detail, finding fascination in the seemingly insignificant. Sora walked slowly toward Aqua, who was picking up a small yellow flower from the ground. "I told you you'd enjoy this world," Sora added with a smile.

"Yes, you were right," admitted Aqua, looking at Sora with a slight smile as she gently ruffled his head, affectionately messing with his hair. "I love this place."

She withdrew her hand from Sora's head, where she had placed a flower she found on the ground moments before, mimicking the gesture he had made with her by placing another flower in her hair. Now, Sora had a small yellow flower adorning his mane, courtesy of Aqua. A soft laugh escaped Sora's lips as he realized the exchange of floral gifts, watching Aqua, who still held the flower he had given her dearly. That flower would remain in her hair until the end of the day, and Sora decided that he would also wear his in the same spot.

"You know, that's just the beginning. You still have to see the castle, and you're going to love it," said Sora excitedly, trying to convey to Aqua the thrill he felt about sharing that place with her.

"I can't wait," replied Aqua, showing her excitement and determination to savor every second of that date. She was ready to be surprised by every wonder that world had in store for her.

"Shall we go then?" Sora asked, filled with impatience to discover more of that magical world. Aqua simply nodded in response. She was excited to venture further into that unknown place, certain that the castle would be as wonderful as the forest they had just explored together. "Alright then, let's go," added Sora, about to take the first step.

However, before Sora could take the first step, a spark of surprise ran through his body as he felt the soft presence of Aqua's hand intertwining with his. The unexpected contact caused a slight blush to appear on Sora's cheeks, who felt overwhelmed by the physical and emotional closeness that gesture implied. His heart skipped a beat as he tried to maintain composure.

"I don't want to get lost, so lead the way," Aqua said with a delicate smile, conveying vulnerability and trust that melted Sora's heart. Despite feeling a slight discomfort due to his own shyness, he couldn't resist that sparkle in Aqua's eyes and her genuine desire to connect more deeply with him. With a shy smile in response, he nodded, accepting the role Aqua granted him at that moment.

"Alright, if we get lost, I don't know what I'd tell Terra and Ven," Sora mentioned, trying to find some reassurance in his words. The idea of facing his friends' reprimand if something went wrong prompted him to take extra precautions. But his tone revealed a slight insecurity, showing traces of his nervousness.

Aqua let out a soft giggle at Sora's statement, finding amusement in his concern. That laughter was like a gentle breeze that dissipated some of the tension around them. Her laughter was warm and comforting, a melody that filled the air and brightened Sora's heart.

They walked in silence through the forest, enjoying the calm and serenity that surrounded them. The soft sound of their steps blended with the whisper of the wind among the trees, creating an intimate and comforting melody. Although words flowed occasionally between them, it was the laughter and affectionate gestures that conveyed the special bond they shared.

As Sora walked alongside Aqua, he was still processing the reality of that moment. He couldn't believe he was on a date with Aqua, the brave and powerful Keyblade master. Inside, he felt a whirlwind of mixed emotions. If someone had told his past self, he wouldn't have believed it for a second. He was aware that Aqua was much more than just a battle companion; she was the person he loved and someone he deeply admired. That's why the fact that Aqua had agreed to go out with him felt like a dream come true. Happiness overflowed in his heart.

However, Sora wasn't the only one experiencing emotional growth. Aqua was also in a state of awe and gratitude. She couldn't believe she was on a date with Sora, the boy who had saved the worlds and defeated Xehanort. To her, Sora represented unparalleled strength and courage. She felt a deep connection with him, even though she sometimes underestimated herself. She recognized her own insecurities and emotional wounds, but she also knew that Sora saw beyond that. She was aware that Sora had many other responsibilities and concerns, so she was surprised and grateful that he wanted to spend time with her.

Aqua realized that their personalities were very different. Sora exuded joy, kindness, and an extroverted and childlike energy that sometimes surprised her. But amidst those differences, she found the beauty of their relationship. For her, love wasn't about finding someone identical, but finding someone who complemented her own essence. And Sora, with his vitality and optimism, did just that.

Aqua questioned if they really needed to wait so long to express their feelings. They had gone through trials and tribulations that had strengthened their bond, and time seemed relative compared to the experiences they had shared. Did she really have to wait so long? She wondered if she should resist the urge to openly express what her heart yearned for.

On his part, Sora shared the same concern. After facing so many dangers and countless challenges in his life, he wondered if it was necessary to wait longer to let his feelings come to the surface. Did he really have to wait that long? Words seemed to fade in the intensity of what he felt for Aqua. Every beat of his heart resonated with her presence, and he only wished he could clearly express the importance she had in his life.

"Look, do you see that?" Sora said excitedly, extending his arm and pointing with his index finger to a place in the distance. Aqua directed her eyes to where the young man was pointing and was amazed to see a long and majestic gray stone bridge. Its span seemed imposing, but Sora quickly intervened to dispel any concern. "It's shorter than it looks," he confidently asserted.

Aqua couldn't contain her excitement and responded with a radiant smile as she eagerly pulled on Sora's arm. She was eager to explore the surroundings of the castle. From the outside, the castle presented itself as an imposing and beautiful building. Aqua's excitement to see it from the inside completely overwhelmed her. She had forgotten how rewarding that feeling of venturing into a completely new world was for her. It was like reliving old times, and she simply felt happy.

Sora, on the other hand, let himself be carried away by Aqua's enthusiasm and followed her to the bridge. Surprisingly, his initial attitude of doubt and fear completely transformed. It was amazing to witness that sudden change in him. They walked together at a leisurely pace, while Sora reminded Aqua of the most important rule of all: "Don't reveal that you're from another world." Aqua nodded understandingly. Of course, she knew that rule and was aware of its importance. Up until that moment...

Finally, they reached the castle gates. To their surprise, the guards at the entrance simply let them pass without asking any questions. Sora didn't find this strange, as the kingdom had become remarkably friendly, generous, and happy since Rapunzel had returned home after so many years of absence. Rapunzel's positive influence seemed to have spread throughout the kingdom, making people more welcoming and kind.

Aqua, with palpable curiosity, examined the surroundings with wandering eyes. There were several people moving around the area, and as they walked, she caught glimpses of interesting places: small shops displaying peculiar items and food vendors emitting enticing aromas. The whole place seemed like an explosion of colors and animation, adorned with paintings depicting a radiant and vibrant sun.

"What should we do first, Sora?" Aqua asked, trying to take in all the visible details. Sora contemplated the scene and suggested, "How about we get something to drink first?" His gaze met Aqua's, who responded with a wide smile and an enthusiastic nod. After the long walk through the forest, the idea of enjoying something refreshing sounded extremely tempting to both of them.

"Alright then, let's go," declared Sora as he started walking, still holding Aqua's hand. It seemed that neither of them had any intention of letting go, and neither of them minded. Together, they explored the place, marveling at the diversity of colors and the lively atmosphere surrounding them. Finally, they arrived at a small stall that caught their attention instantly. The place seemed to offer a variety of beverages made from different fresh fruits.

"Does this catch your eye?" Sora pointed out, observing the stall with interest. Aqua, after looking at the place curiously, replied, "It looks very refreshing. Can we try one of these?" Aqua's eyes met Sora's, who responded with a slight smile.

"If you want to, of course," Sora affirmed. Aqua lit up even more at his response. They both headed towards the small stall, and Sora called out to the vendor, "Excuse me." The vendor, whose interest had been piqued by the couple, turned his attention towards them, ready to serve them.

"Oh, new customers. Finally!" exclaimed an older man, approximately sixty years old, who seemed genuinely excited to have Sora and Aqua at his stall. "What can I get for you, young ones? Oh, but how forgetful of me. Obviously, you're here for something to drink. After all, that's what my shop offers," the man joked. Sora and Aqua let out a soft laugh, finding him charming and friendly.

"Anyway, choose the flavor of the drink you like the most, young ones. Take your time, I'll wait," the man said cheerfully, revealing that he hadn't had many customers on that particular day.

"Well, what flavor do you want?" Sora asked, glancing sideways at Aqua, who was carefully examining each of the available flavors on a wooden board above the stall.

"I want a blueberry one," Aqua replied with a wide smile, pointing enthusiastically at the sign indicating that flavor. Then, she turned her attention to Sora and asked, "And you, Sora?" observing him curiously as he held his chin, lost in thought.

"I guess... a strawberry one, it looks delicious," Sora said with a smile, making a final decision.

"Got it. Give me a few seconds, young ones. I won't take long," assured the kind elderly man, smiling as he headed to the back of his shop to prepare their order.

"I'm surprised by the wide variety of fruits available in this place," Aqua commented as she looked at the juice board, displaying a diverse range of fruits, from the common ones to some more exotic or hard to find.

"Does it surprise you after seeing the abundant flora in this place?" Sora teased, giving Aqua a sidelong glance, which made her let out an embarrassed laugh at his observation.

"I guess so," admitted Aqua with a smile.

"Sorry for the long wait," the shopkeeper commented as he came out from the back of the shop, holding two drinks of the flavors they had ordered. They were of medium size, perfect for them, and came with straws.

"No worries at all," Sora whispered with a small smile as he watched the man. Then, he reached into his pocket to take out the money and pay for the drinks.

"Don't mention it, young man," replied the shopkeeper as he handed the drink to Aqua. "Here you go, young lady, enjoy."

"Thank you very much," Aqua thanked as she received the drink from the man. Then, she took the straw with her right hand and took a small sip to taste it. "Wow, it's delicious!" she exclaimed in surprise. The man burst into laughter, filled with pride upon hearing Aqua's compliment.

"I'm glad you like it. You and your boyfriend have a good eye for choosing my shop. We make the best drinks in the Kingdom," the man asserted, laughing again. Sora and Aqua blushed crimson upon suddenly hearing the term 'boyfriends'. Although understandable, given that they were holding hands, they hadn't realized that detail.

"W-We're not... he and I are not..." Aqua stammered, blushing and nervous, trying to clarify the situation.

"You're not a couple?" the man questioned, and Aqua shook her head several times while Sora pretended to quickly search for money in his pocket to pay and leave. "Oh, but you two give off the impression that you are. You're even holding hands," the man commented, noting the obvious display of affection between them.

"Uh, well... you see..." Aqua tried to explain, but the man interrupted once again, bursting into laughter. He found it amusing to see those teenagers behave that way, as it reminded him of his youth. Observing both of their expressions, he knew exactly where things stood between the two of them.

"Ah, you two remind me of myself when I was young," the man admitted, wiping a tear of laughter from his right eye. "Don't worry, young ones, you don't have to pay me. This one's on the house," the man generously offered.

"E-eh, are you sure?" Sora asked, looking at the man, who simply nodded and then offered him his drink. Sora accepted the gesture, surprised by the man's kindness.

"Sure, kids. Just promise me you'll come back here," the man said, while Aqua and Sora looked at each other for a few seconds before turning their attention back to him, nodding with gratitude.

"Sure, don't worry," Sora said with a small smile, to which the man responded with a wide satisfied grin.

"Alright then, I hope to see you back at my shop soon," the man said, and Aqua and Sora nodded with big smiles on their faces. "You're both very young, so enjoy your lives to the fullest, especially now. There's nothing more beautiful than the feeling of loving someone," the man reflected, passing on his experience and wisdom to the young couple.

"Th-thank you and goodbye," Sora thanked as he bid farewell shyly, blushing, and walked away from the place with Aqua. The man just chuckled slightly as he watched them leave, while Aqua let out a soft laugh at what had just happened. Sora, on the other hand, kept walking, getting farther and farther from the shop, and his face reflected a mix of embarrassment and excitement. After walking for a while, they were finally far enough away.

"How delightful, sir," Aqua remarked as she savored her drink slowly, letting the refreshing and delicious liquid caress her palate. Sora, on the other hand, could only sigh as he nodded in response, admiring the expression of pleasure on his friend's face.

"I guess so..." Sora sighed, bringing his drink to his lips and allowing the flavor to burst in his mouth. The delight on his face was evident. "Wow, this is really good."

"Isn't it?" Aqua affirmed with a smile, her gaze fixed on Sora. Then, she kindly extended her drink towards him. "Do you want to try mine?" she asked with a note of curiosity in her voice.

"Are you sure?" Sora asked, with a slight uncertainty in his eyes. However, Aqua nodded confidently and brought her drink a bit closer to Sora's face. He responded with a serene smile and, with the help of the straw, took a small sip from Aqua's drink, which she still held in her hand.

"Wow, it's really delicious," Sora expressed, letting out a whisper of satisfaction. The unique flavor of Aqua's drink blended perfectly with the smoothness of the liquid and the freshness of the ingredients.

"Yeah, that man has a great stall," Aqua admitted, reflecting on the amazing taste of the drink. She wondered why that place didn't attract more customers, considering how exquisite it was.

"Who knows... Do you want to try mine?" Sora offered, kindly extending his strawberry-flavored drink towards Aqua. She nodded happily and brought her mouth to the straw of Sora's drink, taking a small sip. Her lips moistened delicately, and then, with an expression of satisfaction, Aqua smiled.

"Wow, it tastes fantastic!" Aqua exclaimed with joy, her voice filled with enthusiasm as her eyes met Sora's. He responded with a wide smile, caught up in his friend's excitement. However, Sora noticed that Aqua was giving him a peculiar look, piquing his curiosity. Her eyes shifted back to Sora's drink, then to him, and again to her drink. Sora let out a soft laugh, sensing Aqua's intrigue, which made him realize something in that moment.

"Do you want to switch?" Sora asked with a soft voice, offering Aqua the opportunity to try his favorite drink.

"Really?" Aqua asked with surprise, her eyes shining with excitement. Sora simply smiled and nodded in response, admiring the enthusiasm reflected in Aqua's eyes.

"It seems you really liked it," Sora acknowledged, recognizing the satisfaction Aqua had experienced from trying his drink. The casual choice he had made initially now revealed itself as a true gift for his friend.

"But you picked it," Aqua pointed out, slightly puzzled. Sora shrugged nonchalantly.

"To be honest, I liked the blueberry one better," Sora admitted sincerely, bringing an excited smile to Aqua's face. It was evident that he preferred the blueberry drink over the strawberry one, and if Sora wanted to make a trade, who was she to refuse? "Here," he added, passing the blueberry drink to Aqua, who briefly let go of Sora's hand to receive the cup. Then, she handed her mango drink to Sora, who accepted it with gratitude and anticipation.

"Thank you, you're the best, Sora," Aqua expressed with a radiant smile as she eagerly admired the cup containing the delicious blueberry drink, now in her hands. Sora's gesture of swapping the drinks had stirred a sense of gratitude and appreciation towards her friend.

"No worries, you're welcome," Sora replied humbly, as they continued walking together, letting the atmosphere of the kingdom envelop their senses.

However, Sora noticed from the corner of his eye that Aqua's hand was now free, and he felt an urge to hold it again. It seemed that Aqua was so absorbed in her drink that she hadn't noticed the possibility of intertwining their hands once more. Sora took a deep breath, convincing himself that if Aqua had held his hand before, she wouldn't mind if he did it again. Moreover, he understood that he should take the initiative at that moment and not leave all the responsibility to Aqua. "Let's keep going," Sora said, giving a nervous smile as he slowly reached for Aqua's hand, feeling his heart race in anticipation of her reaction.

"Yes, let's keep going," Aqua responded with a smile, quickly taking Sora's hand before he could do it himself. "If you wanted to hold my hand, you just had to do it," she added, gently laughing. Sora couldn't help but blush slightly at her reaction, nodding in response while trying to control his nervousness. Together, they continued walking through the kingdom, marveling at the various wonders they encountered along the way.

What captivated Aqua the most was the exquisite decoration of the place. Paintings of various styles and colors adorned every corner of the kingdom, giving it a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It fascinated Aqua immensely, as each work of art seemed to tell a story and bring a sense of joy to the place. Additionally, as they moved on, they could hear music resonating throughout the corners of the kingdom. Different genres and melodies accompanied their journey, adding even more joy and vitality to the environment. This kingdom was undoubtedly an embodiment of happiness in all its forms.

"It seems like people are livelier today," Sora mentioned as they sat together on a bench in the area. They were a bit tired from walking and exploring, so they decided to take a short break. Unfortunately, their drinks had already run out, which led them to let out a light laugh.

"Yes, and it's quite warm too," Aqua replied with a soft laugh, agreeing with Sora's observation. Both of them enjoyed a moment of relaxation, allowing themselves to immerse in the lively atmosphere of the place.

"While we rest, we can think about where to go next," Sora suggested, considering the possibility of continuing their adventure.

"You're the guide, so you decide," Aqua responded with confidence in her friend's choice.

"Alright... Let's see," Sora mumbled, bringing his right hand to his chin as he thought about a place to explore. Until that moment, they had only been walking around the outskirts and hadn't reached the most important area of the kingdom: the central square.

"I know! We can go to the-" Sora couldn't finish the sentence, as suddenly everything around him turned dark, as if he had closed his eyes. "Huh? Aqua? I can't see anything," he expressed confusedly, seeking answers in the midst of the sudden darkness.

"It's not me," Aqua commented, her voice reflecting her own confusion as she glanced at a girl who was nearby. The girl was wearing a long dress that reached her feet, with various shades of pink, and her short hair was of a charming brown color. The most striking feature was her smile, radiating joy on her face.

"Who am I?" the girl mentioned, covering Sora's eyes with her hands. Sora took a moment to think, trying to recognize the voice, but it wasn't familiar to him. "Come on, Sora, already forgotten about me?" The girl smiled as she waited for Sora to recognize her. Finally, he smiled slightly, identifying the voice, and sighed, as he knew exactly who else it could be in that kingdom.

"Hello, Rapunzel," Sora said, listening to the girl's little giggles as she finally removed her hands from his eyes. He turned his head back and saw the mentioned Rapunzel, with a big smile on her face and releasing little chuckles.

"I thought you'd forgotten about me," Rapunzel admitted, crossing her arms in a somewhat "playful" manner.

"Not at all, you just caught me off guard," Sora replied, laughing as well. Although it had been some time since his last visit, Sora would always remember Rapunzel and the special connection they had forged.

"I thought you wouldn't come back. It's been a while, you know?" Rapunzel mentioned, sighing as she crossed her arms.

"Heh, sorry, Rapunzel. I've been way too busy... And when I say too busy, I mean really busy," Sora explained, acknowledging his lack of communication. Both of them had been immersed in their own responsibilities and challenges during that time.

"Well, now that we're together again, I'm glad to see you," Rapunzel said, stretching her arms towards Sora. "Will you at least give your dear friend, Rapunzel, a hug?"

Sora let out a slight laugh at that and stood up from the bench to approach Rapunzel and embrace her. However, he forgot that he was dealing with Rapunzel.

"I'm so happy to see you, Sora!" Rapunzel exclaimed, squeezing the hug tighter and tighter with a great expression of happiness upon seeing her dear friend. Meanwhile, Sora started to request one thing:

"R-Rapunzel... Oxygen... Please." He felt like he was gradually running out of breath, but Rapunzel, unaware of her superhuman strength, continued demonstrating her effusiveness and affection. Finally, Rapunzel realized the situation and quickly let go, bringing her hands to her mouth, embarrassed by her lack of control.

"Sorry, sorry!" she apologized hastily, concerned that she might have hurt her friend.

"I-It's okay..." Sora said, feeling a bit sore from the tight hug but smiling slightly to reassure Rapunzel.

While all this was happening, Aqua observed the scene from the bench, with her eyes half-closed, fixing her gaze on Rapunzel. A strange feeling began to grow inside her, without fully understanding what it was. Sora noticed a small chameleon coming out from behind Rapunzel's shoulder.

"Hey, hi, Pascal!" Sora greeted the little reptile, smiling as he extended his hand towards him. The chameleon responded with enthusiasm, raising its tiny paw to greet Sora. Then, it directed its gaze towards Aqua, who was still sitting on the bench. In the same manner as with Sora, the chameleon raised its paw in a greeting gesture, puzzling Aqua. She lifted her hand to respond to the greeting but felt confused by the naturalness with which a chameleon could interact with people.

"Look, let me introduce you to my friend Aqua," Sora said, approaching Aqua, which prompted her to stand up from the bench. Rapunzel also approached them, showing her joy at having new friends in the kingdom.

"Pleased to meet you, Aqua! It's great that Sora brings new friends to the kingdom!" exclaimed Rapunzel with enthusiasm and happiness. Meanwhile, Sora whispered in Aqua's right ear:

"She's very... friendly, hehe."

"Yes, I noticed," whispered Aqua, keeping her gaze on Rapunzel, feeling a strange annoyance or discomfort at the closeness between Sora and Rapunzel. She couldn't exactly describe what she was feeling, but there was something about that connection that didn't sit well with her. However, she decided to let it go for the moment and not dwell on it.

"Pleased to meet you too, Rapunzel," greeted Aqua, trying to maintain a friendly attitude despite her mixed feelings.

"What brings you to the kingdom of Corona?" Rapunzel asked curiously.

"We just came to hang out, nothing more," commented Aqua, while Rapunzel beamed at that response.

"Awesome! Can I join you? Come on, say yes. I want to show you places in the kingdom. Besides, Flynn won't be back until tonight, and I have no one else to hang out with," pleaded Rapunzel. Sora looked at Aqua for her approval to have Rapunzel accompany them. Aqua sighed and nodded, not having much else to do about it.

"Sure, Rapunzel. In fact, I was going to tell Aqua that we should go to the main square," said Sora.

"Perfect!" exclaimed Rapunzel, jumping with joy. Then, she took the hands of Sora and Aqua. "Let's go!" She led them to the central square.

"You'll get used to it," said Sora, smiling somewhat embarrassed by Rapunzel's enthusiastic attitude. Aqua huffed at all this and then nodded her head, while Sora continued to smile shyly. Rapunzel guided them to the central square without stopping and at full speed. She usually got very excited about meeting new people, especially if that person was a friend of Sora. She knew that if Aqua was Sora's friend, she must be a great person. After a few minutes of being led by Rapunzel, they finally arrived at the much-anticipated central square.

The place was even more colorful and beautiful than the rest of the kingdom. Garlands hung on the walls, and floral decorations adorned every corner. But what caught everyone's attention the most was a large painting in the center, depicting some sort of sun. Aqua felt intrigued by the image, as the sun seemed to appear in various places throughout the kingdom. Perhaps it held significance for them, a symbol of special meaning. That painting sparked her curiosity, and she thought about asking Sora or Rapunzel if they knew its history or symbolism.

"Lovely, isn't it?" mentioned Sora, looking at Aqua, who simply smiled faintly and nodded in response.

"Yes, very lovely," admitted Aqua, gazing at Sora.

"I'm glad you like it," said Rapunzel, beaming while releasing their hands. "The plaza is the most colorful and beautiful place in the kingdom. We always make sure everything is as eye-catching as possible."

"Yes, by the way, does that sun have something to do with your kingdom?" Aqua asked, pointing to the large yellow sun surrounded by violet hues painted in the center of the plaza. "I've seen it throughout the castle." Rapunzel nodded several times in response.

"I drew that sun when I first arrived in the kingdom. It's based on the magical flower," Rapunzel explained, which confused Aqua, causing her to tilt her head slightly. Rapunzel chuckled at that and continued her explanation. "My mother told me that a long time ago, a drop of sunlight fell to the earth, got buried, and grew into a golden flower. That flower was special, as it had healing and rejuvenating properties for people."

"Wow, and is that flower still around here?" inquired Aqua, intrigued. Rapunzel shook her head.

"My mother explained to me that the flower was used to cure her illness a long time ago when she was pregnant with me, thanks to it she was healed, and not only that, I inherited the powers of that flower," Rapunzel explained, surprising Aqua, who glanced at Sora, who merely nodded with a slight smile. "Unfortunately, I lost my powers long ago," she continued, touching her short, now brown hair. "I used to have long, blonde hair, just like the flower, you know?"

"Wow..." Aqua said, limited to processing the shocking story she had just heard.

"Nevertheless, the short hair makes you look lovely, Rapunzel," Sora complimented, beaming broadly. Rapunzel responded with a wide smile, appreciating Sora's compliment.

"Thank you, Sora," said Rapunzel. On the other hand, Aqua squinted at Sora, just as she had done moments before with Rapunzel. For some strange reason, she felt like giving him a shoulder punch for that comment. She wasn't exactly sure why it elicited that reaction from her, but she controlled herself and didn't do it.

"Oh, wait here. I'll bring you something you have to try! They make delicious ice cream here! Wait here!" exclaimed Rapunzel, not giving them a chance to say a word. With that, Rapunzel quickly left the area. Sora chuckled a bit at that, making it clear that he was happy that he and Aqua were in her kingdom.

"It's quite cheerful, don't you think?" said Sora, glancing at Aqua with a smile.

"I suppose..." murmured Aqua without much enthusiasm, her cheeks slightly puffed.

"Is something wrong?" Sora asked, confused by Aqua's attitude.

"Nothing," Aqua replied tersely, crossing her arms. Sora tilted his head, trying to understand what might be going through his friend's mind.

"Well... How about we sit over there?" Sora suggested, pointing to the fountain where they could sit and wait for their friend Rapunzel. Aqua simply nodded in response, and they both began walking towards the fountain without saying another word. Once there, they sat in silence, waiting for Rapunzel while enjoying the background music that filled the plaza.

The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, with the sound of laughter and conversations floating in the air. The cheerful and catchy music created a festive atmosphere, inviting passersby to be carried away by the rhythm. Lost in her thoughts, Aqua gazed at the water dancing in the fountain.

"... You and her get along very well, don't you?" Aqua broke the silence, glancing at Sora.

"Are you talking about Rapunzel?" Sora asked, puzzled by Aqua's demeanor.

"Who else if not her?" Aqua responded with a somewhat brusque tone, which confused Sora for a moment. He decided to let it pass, attributing it to his imagination.

"Well, Rapunzel is a very good friend. I helped her a lot a while back, and over time we've grown close. I really like her; she's a strong and determined person. She's simply amazing, a wonderful woman who never stops smiling. She's brave and cheerful," Sora said, his face lighting up with a broad smile. He vividly remembered the first time he met Rapunzel when she finally left her tower and showed herself full of energy and joy. Anyone in her place would feel that way after being locked up for so long. Aqua furrowed her brow slightly upon hearing that.

"Determined, strong, brave, cheerful..." Aqua thought, recalling what Sora had just said. "She has short hair..." She continued thinking as her mind went back to the conversations she had with Ventus before coming here. She remembered how Sora seemed attracted to that type of women. She also reflected on how she herself lacked even a trace of those qualities. She wasn't strong, brave, or determined, and she lacked the joy and vitality that Rapunzel exuded. These thoughts began to generate an uncomfortable sensation in Aqua's heart, a slight pain she couldn't ignore. She wondered if she could really catch Sora's attention as she was now. He seemed to value people like Rapunzel, speaking of her with evident appreciation. In contrast, Aqua felt that she didn't fit the aspects that attracted Sora, except for the short hair. That made her feel bad about herself. She questioned whether she could awaken Sora's interest in her current state since he seemed to value precisely the characteristics she didn't possess at the moment. That insecurity filled her mind as another memory slipped into her thoughts.

"If you keep hesitating so much, you're going to lose it," echoed in Aqua's mind like a persistent echo. Those words, coming from some corner of her consciousness, impacted her deeply. They were like a relentless reminder that if she continued to be consumed by uncertainty and insecurities, she might lose what she longed for so much.

Terra's memory mentioning those words didn't offer much comfort at that moment. Was she losing Sora in this sea of doubts? Perhaps she never really had him, and she had only created false illusions in her mind? Aqua wondered if Sora was helping her just because he appreciated her as a friend or because he simply enjoyed helping others. After all, Sora had always shown an innate willingness to lend a hand to anyone, whether they were his friend or a complete stranger. Maybe she had constructed in her mind an idealized image of a relationship with Sora that could never materialize. How could Sora fall for someone with so many problems, fears, traumas, and insecurities? Aqua didn't believe that Sora could fall in love with someone like her—someone so gloomy.

Her mind became a whirlwind of doubts as her gaze fell to the ground in silence. Inside her, everything was in total chaos, filled with anguish, unanswered questions, and a sudden fear that enveloped her completely. She felt the weight of her own limitations and flaws, as if they were chains keeping her trapped in a state of hopelessness.

"But..." murmured Sora, and Aqua glanced sideways upon hearing his voice. Sora was smiling faintly as he looked ahead.

"You're not as brave and strong as you think, Aqua," Sora admitted, looking directly into her eyes while his smile became serene and sincere. With tenderness and sweetness, he reached out and gently stroked Aqua's hair.

"D-Do you really think I'm brave and strong?" Aqua stammered, feeling a slight blush tint her cheeks from Sora's caresses. Sora simply nodded in response and continued speaking.

"Yes, very much so. I would say you're incredibly brave and strong. In fact, you're much more than that. If I were to mention some qualities, I'd say you're intelligent, enthusiastic, dedicated, determined, kind, resolute, fabulous, loyal, skilled, generous, admirable, fantastic... and I could keep listing for a long time. And, you're also cute..." Sora finished speaking without wiping that sweet and loving smile off his face.

Aqua stared at Sora, feeling a wave of happiness course through her body. Every word Sora spoke made her heart beat strongly, as if each mentioned quality was a note in a melody resonating within her. But what made her heart beat the fastest was when Sora called her "cute." It was as if her heart was about to burst out of her chest from excitement.

"U-Uh, well, at least that's what I think..." Sora mumbled, stopping the caresses in Aqua's hair and withdrawing his hand with a slight nervous smile and a timid blush on his cheeks. He realized the words he had just said to Aqua and how he called her "cute." "You have great courage in wanting to leave your past behind. That requires a lot of bravery and courage, and it's something I greatly admire about you..."

Sora's words resonated in Aqua's heart like a soft and comforting melody. She felt overwhelmed by the warmth of his words and how he valued and appreciated her. In that moment, all the doubts and fears that had tormented her vanished like mist under the sun.

"... Sora..." Aqua whispered as she continued gazing at Sora, who avoided looking at her due to his reddened face. Aqua simply smiled sweetly and lightly touched Sora's shoulder with her index finger to get him to look at her. Sora, feeling the gentle touch of Aqua, subtly turned his gaze to see her as the redness in his cheeks gradually subsided. Aqua continued smiling and then said,

"You're cute too..." The redness intensified in Sora, who felt like steam might be coming out of his ears upon hearing Aqua call him cute. He quickly averted his gaze while hearing a soft chuckle coming from Aqua.

"Thank you for telling me that... really," Aqua said with a small smile filled with hope and happiness.

"I-I... I just spoke the truth, nothing more. I just wanted to make sure you knew that about yourself, in case you had forgotten..." Sora whispered nervously. Aqua nodded with a wide smile on her face.

"Maybe I worry too much..." Aqua thought as she looked at Sora's shoulder. Without saying another word, Aqua gently rested her head on Sora's shoulder, leaning against it for a more comfortable wait. Sora tensed up when he felt Aqua's head on his shoulder so suddenly.

"A-Aqua..." Sora stammered, trying to glance sideways at Aqua.

"Last time, you mentioned I could do this without any problem, so that's what I'm doing. Your shoulder is like a little pillow to me," Aqua explained. Sora just smiled slightly at her words and said nothing more. And so, both of them waited for Rapunzel in complete silence, a comfortable silence where they could hear the sound of the fountain and the music in the background. They were undisturbed by anything or anyone. They waited for a few more minutes until Sora spotted Rapunzel in the distance, coming with three ice cream cones for them.

"Look, Rapunzel is here," Sora alerted, and Aqua opened her eyes, as she had kept them closed all that time to relax. Thankfully, she hadn't fallen asleep. She looked where Sora was pointing with his finger to see Rapunzel.

"She took a little while," Aqua admitted, getting up from Sora's shoulder.

"Yes, but it seems she's got those ice creams she mentioned," Sora said.

"They look delicious," Aqua added with a subtle smile, now much calmer and less annoyed.

"Sorry for the delay!" Rapunzel mentioned as she approached Aqua and Sora, who stood up. "I got a bit confused and had to take a few turns," she said, laughing shyly. "Anyway, here you go," she offered two ice cream cones to each of them. "I wasn't sure about your favorite flavors, so I decided to go with all vanilla. Is that okay?" Sora just smiled and nodded, taking the ice cream cone along with Aqua.

"Yes, thank you very much, Rapunzel. You didn't have to bother," Sora said, and Rapunzel shook her head in response.

"Don't worry, Sora. I'm doing it because I'm happy to have both of you in my kingdom," Rapunzel admitted. Sora and Aqua smiled at that. Then, Sora took a little lick of his ice cream, just as Aqua did.

"Wow, they're delicious," Aqua said, fascinated by the smooth taste of the vanilla melting on her tongue.

"I know! I always go to that stand on hot days, maybe a bit too much," Rapunzel said excitedly, whispering the last part as Sora and Aqua laughed at that. "Anyway, do you want to go somewhere?"

"Sure! Why not?" Aqua declared, looking at Sora, who was still eating his ice cream, and then nodded. "You got some on your nose, silly," pointing to Sora's nose.

"Uh," Sora blinked several times. "I didn't notice," he said, wiping his nose, while Aqua and he laughed about it.

"You're so absent-minded," Aqua mentioned.

"A little," Sora said, smiling, then looking at Rapunzel. "Lead the way, Rapunzel."

"Follow me!" Rapunzel raised her voice and began to walk, with Sora and Aqua following without hesitation. Throughout the journey, the three of them conversed. For example, Rapunzel began to ask Sora where he had been all this time and what he did. Sora simply made up a believable excuse, telling her that he had to take care of his family and friends during that time, and that he only managed to take some time to return to the kingdom with Aqua. Speaking of Aqua, Rapunzel noticed that both of them got along very well; in fact, she observed the interaction they had at the fountain in the square when she got lost. According to Rapunzel, there was great chemistry between them, which made her think about many things. She decided she would ask Sora about it later.

They continued their journey, and it seemed that Rapunzel was taking them out of the castle, back into the forest. This surprised Sora and Aqua, but Rapunzel assured them not to worry, that she would take them to a place she had found a week ago with Flynn, and they would surely love it. They walked across the rock bridge and then turned right, following the edge of the lake. After a few seconds, they ventured into the forest (their ice creams were unfortunately finished). They walked for a few minutes, and after passing a couple of large bushes, they arrived at a beautiful and shimmering area.

"What do you think?" Rapunzel asked with a hopeful smile, hoping that Sora and Aqua would like the place.

"It's like a paradise," Aqua simply said. It was an open area, spacious enough to walk leisurely. The grass reached a bit above their feet, and there were small flowers of different colors scattered around the place. Some butterflies fluttered, delicately landing on the flowers. But the most impressive thing of all was a small pond of crystal-clear water, illuminated by sun rays filtering through the branches of the trees, giving it a beautiful and radiant appearance.

"Well... I honestly don't know what to say," Sora remarked, scanning every corner of that little paradise unfolding before his eyes. "How did you discover this?" he asked, glancing at Rapunzel.

"Well, as I told you, Flynn and I found this place a week ago while we were gathering some things for my paintings. We had exactly the same expressions the first time we came here," Rapunzel let out a light laugh, then walked toward the small pond. "Come on, dip your feet to relax them. It'll feel good after all that walking."

"Sure," Aqua said cheerfully, approaching where Rapunzel stood with her feet already submerged in the water.

"Come on, Sora," Aqua said, and Sora smiled slightly as he joined them. Once there, he took off his shoes, leaving his feet bare, and dipped them into the water, sitting at the edge next to Rapunzel on the right side. Aqua followed Sora's example, removing her shoes and long socks, and sat at the edge next to Sora on the left side.

"Ah, it feels so refreshing!" Aqua sighed, feeling the water, which had the perfect temperature, neither too cold nor too hot. It was simply perfect to relax a bit.

"Yes, you're right," Sora agreed as he leaned back a bit, supporting his body with both hands behind him, swaying his feet in the water from side to side slowly.

"I'm really glad you liked it," Rapunzel mentioned, smiling broadly at Sora and Aqua. "Hey... there's something I want to ask, may I?" Sora and Aqua looked at each other for a moment, then turned their attention to Rapunzel and nodded. "How long have you known each other? I can see that you two have a lot of trust in each other."

"Oh... Well," Sora began as Aqua stared at him, waiting for his response. She wasn't going to answer; she wanted Sora to do it, to see if he knew when they had met. Sora started thinking. Obviously, Sora and Aqua had known each other for years if you counted from the time he first met her as a child. But, of course, he wasn't going to tell Rapunzel that he met Aqua when he was a child and she was eighteen, as she is now. So he decided to mention the time he rescued her from the Realm of Darkness, because you could say that was when they first met. Plus, he was nervous about Aqua's fixed gaze, as if she was examining him to make sure he didn't make a mistake.

"We've known each other since January 25, 2019," Sora said with a smile, recalling the exact date when he rescued Aqua from the Realm of Darkness. Aqua, for her part, smiled with joy to see that Sora remembered the date they met for the second time, so to speak.

"Wow, you even know the date, how sweet, Sora," Rapunzel said with a smile, and Sora blushed, embarrassed by Rapunzel's comment. Sora would never forget the date he met Aqua; it's a very important date for him and for everyone, as it was the day they managed to save Aqua after several years she had been trapped there.

"I'm surprised too," Aqua mentioned, drawing Sora's attention as he looked at her. "I never thought you would remember the date."

"W-well, it's an important date... A-at least for me it is..." Sora stammered, and Aqua's smile only grew wider at that, happy that Sora considered that date important to him.

"Aww, Sora, how cute you are," Aqua said, bringing her right hand to Sora's hair and giving him gentle pats. "Cute, very cute, good boy, good boy."

"I-I'm not a dog, Aqua!" Sora complained, raising his voice a bit, embarrassed by how Aqua was treating him. It felt like she was petting a dog, not to mention the way she was praising him. Rapunzel couldn't help but let out a small laugh at their interaction and then said...

"It seems like Aqua has you well trained, Sora," Rapunzel teased, chuckling softly as she observed the dynamic between the two.

Sora huffed slightly, embarrassed by the teasing, but then Rapunzel stopped laughing and smiled sweetly as she looked at Sora and Aqua.

"You two must care about each other a lot," Rapunzel said, and Aqua stopped petting Sora's hair to look at Rapunzel, as did Sora. Both had a slight blush on their cheeks.

"Well..." Aqua started and then smiled again, continuing to stroke Sora's hair. "You're right, I care a lot about Sora. I just hope he feels the same way about me."

"Ah... Y-yeah, I care about you too, Aqua," Sora admitted, blushing, and Aqua nodded, maintaining her smile and continuing with the hair stroking. "C-can you stop now? It's embarrassing..."

"No, your hair is soft," Aqua remarked, and Sora sighed resignedly. He had no choice but to wait for Aqua to get tired or bored of stroking his hair.

The atmosphere became slightly more intimate as Rapunzel watched the scene with tenderness. It was evident that there was something more than just friendship between Sora and Aqua. The bond and affection they shared were undeniable, and Rapunzel felt grateful to witness that special connection.

"Let her be, Sora. Are you embarrassed that a girl is stroking your hair?" Rapunzel commented, as Sora quickly shook his head.

"I-it's not that, it's just... won't your arm get tired?" Sora said, looking at Aqua, who blinked a few times and then smiled sweetly. She had a good idea.

"Yes, you're right. In fact, I just got an idea," Aqua said, gently taking Sora's head and turning it to his left side. Sora simply went along, quite confused about what Aqua was doing, but still curious to see what would happen. He didn't expect what was coming next.

Aqua brought Sora's head to rest on her soft lap to better accommodate his hair. Sora started to feel an immense warmth in his face as he made contact with Aqua's legs. His face felt like it was on fire. He didn't expect Aqua to do something like this. Aqua, on the other hand, seemed completely calm, smiling sweetly as she continued to stroke Sora's hair. Somehow, she had wanted to do this for a while.

Rapunzel, just like Sora, was surprised by the situation, but she remained quiet, watching with a big smile on her face. She found what she had just witnessed adorable.

"Comfortable?" Aqua asked, looking down at Sora, who was lying on her lap.

"Y-yeah... v-very comfortable," Sora responded, feeling Aqua's hand in his hair. He wondered how he had suddenly ended up in this situation. According to him, there was no particular reason for Aqua to do this, to give him the pleasure of resting on her lap.

He didn't want to sound like a pervert or anything, but Aqua's lap felt incredibly soft and warm. Sora loved lying there, it was extremely comfortable. The sense of security and protection he experienced there was indescribable. He allowed himself to be completely relaxed, embracing the tranquility of the moment.

"Oh! I just remembered something," Rapunzel said aloud, pulling both feet out of the water. "I had to go get Maximus!"

She stood up and looked at her friends with concern. Earlier this afternoon, before meeting Sora and Aqua, Rapunzel was on her way to find Maximus. According to her parents, the horse should have been watching over her, but she managed to slip away for a few seconds to go to the bathroom. On her way back, she ran into her two friends and completely forgot about Maximus. Right now, she couldn't imagine how worried the poor animal must be, searching for her frantically.

"Wait here!" she exclaimed, running back to the castle. "I won't be long!"

As Rapunzel ran off, Aqua and Sora let out a small laugh at how absent-minded their friend could be. Then, both of them turned their gaze to the pond and fell into complete silence. They enjoyed every passing second without any more worries, immersing themselves in a feeling of complete relaxation. The gentle sound of water and the whispers of the wind created a natural symphony that enveloped them, offering a moment of peace amidst the bustle of the outside world.

Time seemed to fade away as Sora and Aqua stayed there, sharing an intimate and special moment. Their gazes intertwined silently, communicating without the need for words.

"Are you having a good time?" Sora broke the silence, still lying in Aqua's lap, gazing at the pond. He wanted to make sure Aqua was truly enjoying herself, feeling comfortable about being there.

"Of course I am..." Aqua responded calmly, never stopping her gentle strokes through his hair. "Why do you ask?"

"I just wanted to make sure... I was afraid things might go really wrong, you know?" Sora admitted.

"Why?" Aqua asked, curious to understand Sora's concerns.

"First of all, I never expected you to agree to go out with me," Sora explained, and Aqua tilted her head slightly, confused and surprised to hear that Sora actually thought she might reject his proposal. After everything they had shared together, the last thing he should worry about was Aqua turning him down. In fact, he shouldn't have even considered that possibility.

"Sora, I would never turn you down. I think we've been through enough together for that not even to cross your mind," Aqua replied sincerely. Sora chuckled lightly and nodded in response.

"It was just nerves, okay?" Sora admitted, trying to downplay his concerns.

"Nerves? Why would you be nervous? You've had dates with Kairi, haven't you? You should be used to it," Aqua asked, still puzzled by Sora's attitude.

"It's different," Sora confessed, trying to find the right words to express his feelings. "It's just that I'm going out with you, Aqua. I think that's reason enough for me to be nervous."

"You were nervous... because of me?" Aqua asked, still confused by the situation. Sora nodded, and Aqua couldn't help but smile slightly at that revelation. "I guess you could say I was nervous too, knowing I was going out with you."

"Really?" Sora asked, now intrigued by Aqua's response. He wanted to understand what was behind her nervousness.

"To be honest... I have to tell you that I asked Ven a couple of things about you," Aqua revealed, and Sora let out a small laugh upon hearing that. Aqua also chuckled as she disclosed her little investigation. "Hey, it's my first time going on a date, okay?"

"Really? I thought you and Terra had gone on dates before," Sora said, surprised to learn that this was Aqua's first time going on a date. Aqua shook her head.

"Terra and I never had a date. It was always him, me, and Ven; neither of us dared to ask the other out. Unlike you and Kairi," Aqua explained.

"Hey," Sora said, turning his body to sit on the grass and be able to look directly at Aqua, a small smile on his face, momentarily stopping the caresses in his hair. "I'm not an expert at this either, you know?"

"Well, you have more experience than me," Aqua replied, smiling back at Sora. "I can imagine all the dates you had with Kairi."

"Believe it or not... we didn't go out that often. In fact, it was rare when it happened," Sora revealed.

"Really? You also brought her here, didn't you?" Aqua teased, and Sora widened his eyes, quickly shaking his head, which made Aqua giggle.

"I never brought Kairi to this place or any other world. We only went to Twilight Town, nothing more. You're the first person I've invited to come to a world with me on a date," Sora said with some embarrassment but sincerity. Aqua smiled sweetly at that.

"Oh, then I'm glad to know I'm the first woman you've brought to this place," Aqua said.

"And the only one..." Sora added, and Aqua looked at him surprised, her cheeks turning slightly pink. Sora, too, began to blush at what he had said.

"I-I mean... I don't plan on dating other women, only you," Sora tried to fix what he said, but Aqua just blinked several times, then chuckled softly.

"I mean..." Sora continued trying to explain himself, getting even more red. He definitely wasn't fixing the situation for himself. Aqua simply smiled tenderly at that and resumed caressing Sora's hair.

"That makes me really happy, Sora," Aqua whispered affectionately, as she observed Sora's face, who remained silent, gazing deeply into her eyes. They looked at each other, without saying a word, immersed in the intensity of their connection. "If you only want to go out with me, I have no problem with that. After all, I also want to go out with only you and no one else."

"R-really, Aqua?" Sora asked, surprised by Aqua's words.

"Really... Do you promise you'll keep taking me to places like these? I'd love to see those places you've been to and I haven't, I'd really enjoy that. Plus, we can spend more time together, right?" Aqua expressed. Sora remained silent, gazing into Aqua's eyes. He never expected her to want to keep going out with him. That meant they would have more dates like these, they could spend more time together. Plus, they would have to travel to explore those worlds, something Sora immensely enjoyed. If Aqua wanted to travel by his side, it filled him with happiness. A big smile formed on his lips, and he nodded slightly before responding.

"Of course, Aqua. I promise we'll keep traveling to various worlds. If that makes you smile, then it's okay with me. After all, I do all this to see you smile a lot, to see that smile I like so much," Sora replied with determination and sincerity.

"Good boy. I'm glad to hear that..." Aqua whispered, as a smile appeared on her face due to Sora's last comment. "So you like my smile?"

"You could say that... it's lovely," Sora admitted without hesitation. Aqua let out a slight laugh at that and continued to gaze at Sora, who still watched her with a faint smile.

"Your smile is lovely too, I'd say... it's beautiful," Aqua admitted, playing along with their little game.

"Not as much as yours, Aqua," Sora insisted.

"I already said yours is beautiful," Aqua affirmed.

"No," Aqua denied quickly, while Sora simply smiled at that and said:

"Yes," Sora affirmed.

"No," Aqua denied.

"Yes," Sora affirmed.

"No," Aqua denied.

"Yes," Sora affirmed.

"No," Aqua denied.

"No," Sora denied.

"Yes," Aqua said and then blinked several times as she said 'yes'. Then, she looked at Sora, who had a big smile on his face.

"Hmm, well played," Aqua admitted, and Sora couldn't help but burst into laughter. In turn, Aqua chuckled, which soon turned into laughter and then into giggles. Sora definitely made her laugh a lot. In that moment, both of them were laughing without any apparent reason, just laughing incessantly, filled with joy and happiness.

"It looks like I won," Sora mentioned, controlling his laughter as Aqua wiped a small tear from her right eye, caused by the previous laughter.

"It's not fair, you cheated, Sora," Aqua complained, puffing her cheeks as she looked at Sora, who only smiled serenely and slightly.

"I didn't cheat. It's just that..." Sora began to say, bringing his right hand to Aqua's face and then playfully tapping her nose with his index finger. "You're a sore loser, Aqua."

"Hmm, I'm not a sore loser, silly," Aqua retorted, making a little pout.

"Yes, you are," Sora affirmed with a smile. Those moments of laughter and games between them became a demonstration of the bond they shared.


"Don't they look incredibly cute?" a female voice asked from behind some bushes, quite happy to observe the couple.

"You know, Rapunzel, I'm quite surprised. I didn't expect to arrive at the kingdom and find out that Sora came, let alone that he came with someone," whispered another male voice behind the bushes, specifically Flynn's voice.

"I just can't stop watching them, Flynn. They're so adorable. You're lucky that right when I went to look for Maximus, you showed up," Rapunzel mentioned, radiantly joyful.

"Niií," Maximus neighed in the middle of Rapunzel and Flynn, also watching the couple with curiosity.

"But, are they a couple? Because they definitely seem like one," Flynn commented, full of curiosity.

"Well, I didn't ask them," Rapunzel laughed awkwardly, scratching the back of her neck. "I was so excited that Sora was here again that I forgot that little detail." Both Flynn and Maximus looked at each other incredulously. Rapunzel was definitely a very absent-minded person.

"Well, now, what are we doing behind some bushes?" Flynn asked, looking at Rapunzel, who simply pointed at the couple.

"To see what they do alone. It fills my heart with tenderness to see how they interact," Rapunzel admitted, her eyes sparkling. She loved witnessing the love between couples, perhaps due to the various books she read during her time locked in the tower. "You should have seen how she placed him on her lap, it was so cute and adorable."

"What if we just go to them?" Flynn suggested, observing Rapunzel. Maximus let out a small neigh in support of that idea, as he also wanted to approach the couple and greet Sora.

"Aaawww~ but I want to spy a little more. What if they kiss?" Rapunzel said with enthusiasm.

"Rapunzel, it's not right to spy on people. Besides, why do you want to see if they kiss?" Flynn explained and asked.

"Because it's cute!" Rapunzel exclaimed, raising her voice slightly, just enough so that Aqua and Sora wouldn't hear her.

"First, we don't know if that will happen, as we don't even know if they're dating or not," Flynn explained again, trying to reason with Rapunzel. Although she was pure-hearted, she also had a vivid imagination that could sometimes lead her to somewhat inappropriate situations.

"But what if we ruin the moment?" Rapunzel asked, concerned. Flynn just placed a long and disappointed expression, as he didn't expect Rapunzel to want to keep spying on two people who most likely wouldn't do anything beyond the little games and flirting they were enjoying at that moment.

"Rapunzel, it's getting late. Let's go to them. What if instead of spying, you ask them directly if they're dating?" Flynn suggested. Rapunzel looked at Flynn for a few moments, then at Maximus, who nodded quickly. Then, she glanced sideways at her right shoulder, where Pascal nodded repeatedly. Rapunzel huffed a little annoyed, but she had no choice but to accept Flynn's suggestion.

"Alright, let's go to them," Rapunzel said resignedly. And so, Flynn, Maximus, Rapunzel, and Pascal came out of the bushes, walking towards where the couple was. Sora and Aqua continued talking and laughing with each other, not even noticing the presence of the newcomers.

Thus, everyone emerged from the bushes without much fuss and headed towards the couple to greet them.

"Hey, Sora, long time no see," Aqua turned her gaze back to see the person speaking, who turned out to be Flynn, along with the ones mentioned before. Sora subtly got up from Aqua's lap to look at Flynn and just smiled slightly before standing up from the ground and approaching him. "And you? Not even a letter from you," Flynn said, and Sora chuckled in response.

"Sorry, I've been pretty busy lately. Only today I could take the time to come," explained Sora. Flynn smiled at that as he observed Sora, and then noticed how Maximus approached him to greet him, nudging his head in a somewhat forceful manner.

"Oh, hi, Maximus," greeted Sora the big white horse as he stroked his blonde mane with his right hand. "Seems like you're doing well, buddy." Maximus neighed in confirmation, happy to see Sora again.

"And where are Donald and Goofy?" asked Flynn, noticing the absence of Sora's other two friends.

"Oh, they stayed back home. They couldn't come," Sora lied, obviously. Flynn nodded in understanding, thinking that perhaps Donald and Goofy had more important things to do or that Sora simply wanted to be alone with his companions, who were now putting on their shoes after taking their feet out of the water.

"Let me introduce you to Aqua," said Sora, looking at Aqua, who just smiled serenely and approached both of them, extending her hand towards Flynn for a handshake.

"I'm Aqua, nice to meet you," greeted Aqua, and Flynn accepted the handshake amicably while smiling.

"Flynn, pleasure to meet you," Flynn replied, returning the greeting. After that, they both separated.

"She is..." Sora began to say, but was interrupted by Flynn before he could finish the sentence, causing both young people to blush intensely. "Your girlfriend, right?" Flynn asked, making both Sora and Aqua show a deep crimson hue on their faces. "Glad to know you're dating someone, Sora."

"W-wait, no, it's not what you think," denied Sora, putting his hands in front of Flynn quite nervously, just like Aqua. "A-Aqua and I are not a couple, w-we're just friends, just friends," he clarified as Aqua felt unable to utter a word, everyone present blinked several times, then looked at each other and again at the two embarrassed young people who just smiled sheepishly.

"Oh, I see, I'm sorry. I thought you two were dating," Flynn replied.

"D-don't worry, Flynn. It's all right," said Sora again, smiling slightly and nervously.

"Aaawww, they're not a couple?" Rapunzel spoke disappointed, puffing her cheeks at that news. She hoped those two were a couple, after all, who the heck wouldn't think that seeing their interactions? They seemed like a couple in every sense of the word. God, they even flirted and played with each other like they were one. "This must be a joke, right?" Rapunzel asked, hoping that Sora and Aqua were pulling a prank on her. Unfortunately for her, that wasn't the case. Both Aqua and Sora shook their heads, much to Rapunzel's dismay.

"Well then," said Rapunzel crossing her arms, annoyed by this news. However, she was sure of one thing: they weren't a couple, but it was clear to see that those two were attracted to each other. Even the blind could tell that. So maybe they weren't a couple today, but she was absolutely sure that those two would end up together. She'd bet her position as a princess on that if necessary.

"Again, I apologize for the misunderstanding," Flynn apologized once more.

"N-no worries, Flynn. It's okay," Sora said again, smiling nervously as he went to put on his shoes, which were by the edge of the pond.

"Are you also a friend of Rapunzel's?" Aqua asked this time, looking at Flynn with curiosity. He simply shook his head and then passed his hand over Rapunzel's shoulder, hugging her.

"I'm her boyfriend," Flynn replied.

"Husband, Flynn," Rapunzel corrected.

"Oh, right, husband. I always get it wrong," Flynn laughed embarrassedly. Aqua just looked surprised at the couple. For her, it was surprising that they were married. I mean, they were quite young to get married, maybe not so young, but surely they weren't even close to thirty, which is when people usually decide to get married. But well, maybe they loved each other so much that they knew they would be together forever. That was cute. Maybe she and Sora...

"Wow, that's great. I didn't expect you to be married, Rapunzel," Aqua admitted, surprised.

"Well, a lot of things happened. Those things made me realize that I wanted to be with Flynn forever... There's nothing more beautiful than sharing your life with the person you love," Rapunzel said, discreetly gesturing with her eyes towards a spot. Aqua discreetly looked to where Rapunzel was pointing and saw Sora, who was finishing putting on his shoes. Aqua smiled shyly as a slight pink hue appeared on her face and she turned her gaze back to the couple.

"Ready," Sora said, now with his shoes on. "And now what?"

"We better head back. It's starting to get dark, and you can see how beautiful the kingdom looks at night," Flynn suggested. Aqua and Sora looked at each other and nodded at that proposal. The group set out to return to the kingdom. From the forest, they could already see in the distance how the kingdom was slowly being illuminated. This was due to the various lights in the area: lamps placed here and there, as well as different light decorations that were visible from the distance they were at.

"It looks very lovely," Aqua mentioned, observing the kingdom. Although it wasn't fully night yet, she could still appreciate the beautiful lighting surrounding it, as well as the way it illuminated the large lake.

"And that's not even seeing how the kingdom looks on Rapunzel's birthday," Sora said. Aqua tilted her head, interested in what Sora mentioned, wondering what exactly happens on that day. "On her birthday, they release a bunch of lanterns into the sky, illuminating every corner of the place. It's simply beautiful."

"Oh, that sounds pretty amazing. I'd love to see it someday," Aqua admitted.

"Don't worry, when it's Rapunzel's birthday, we'll come, alright?" Sora smiled at Aqua, who nodded in response.

"I can't wait," Aqua said, and they continued their walk back to the castle, which didn't take long. After crossing the stone bridge, the group found themselves back inside the castle. They walked for a few seconds, admiring the decorations of the place, which already looked very beautiful during the day, but with the lights on, it became even more stunning. Everyone walked aimlessly, simply admiring the different decorations, although Sora and Aqua especially stopped to appreciate every detail.

"Sora," Aqua called to the boy, who curiously looked at her. "It's already nighttime," she pointed to the sky. Sora looked up, and indeed, it was already nighttime. The day had flown by for both him and Aqua.

"You're right," Sora said, looking back at Aqua. "Do you want to go back home now?"

"Actually... I'd like to stay a little longer, if that's possible," Aqua admitted.

"Sure, we'll leave whenever you decide," Sora replied.

"Perfect... It's just that I like this place, I don't know why, but it makes me feel really happy in some way. I guess it's the atmosphere of the place," Aqua confessed with a smile.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that, Aqua," Sora said. Unbeknownst to them, they had completely separated from their friends. Absorbed by the beauty of the decorations, they had kept walking until they reached one of the edges of the castle, where there was a small wall to prevent further passage but perfect to lean on and from where they could see the lake, illuminated by both the moon and the lights of the kingdom. They stood there in complete silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

"Did you notice we got separated from the others a few minutes ago, right?" Aqua broke the silence, glancing at Sora, who was still leaning against the wall, contemplating the lake. Sora nodded in response. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"And why didn't you say anything? You noticed it too, didn't you?" Sora countered, glancing at Aqua.

"I guess I enjoy being alone with you," Aqua smiled serenely as she moved a little closer to Sora, who was on her right side. "Don't you?"

"Yes, I do..." Sora admitted in a whisper, accompanying his response with a smile.

"Sora, there's something I've wanted to ask you since that night at my home," Aqua said, and Sora looked at her fully, no longer resting his head on his hand. He was quite curious to know what exactly Aqua wanted to ask him. If it was something she had been wanting to ask since then, it must be important.

"What have you been thinking about your future?" Aqua asked suddenly.

"My future?" Sora questioned, trying to reflect on Aqua's question.

"I mean, what plans do you have now for the future, Sora? What do you think you'll do with your life?" Aqua asked, and Sora looked back at the lake, lost in thought.

Aqua genuinely felt curious about Sora's plans for the future. Now that they were all together, she would like to know what he thought about his own future. What would he do now? Maybe go back to school, she remembered that he, Riku, and Kairi used to go to school before. But who knows if studying was still part of Sora's plans now. Perhaps he would focus on becoming a Keyblade Master, or maybe he had other dreams and goals in mind.

For his part, Sora, being honest with himself, didn't have a defined plan for the future. At this moment, he had achieved all his goals. He had explored the various worlds beyond Destiny Islands, forged friendships in each of them, and ensured everyone's safety after defeating Xehanort. Now, maybe the only thing he wanted was to live a peaceful and serene life, a normal life, so to speak. He was ready to enjoy every moment and face whatever fate had in store for him.

"To be honest, I never really thought about something for my future. Everything I wanted, I've already accomplished, at least I believe so. I don't feel like I'm missing anything in particular. As a kid, my biggest goal was to explore and travel, and I've already done that. Then, my goal was to make sure everyone was safe, and fortunately, I achieved that too. I guess I don't have specific goals for the future," Sora sighed as he closed his eyes, letting the cold night wind caress his face. Then he slowly opened them again.

"Right now, I just want to be at peace... I want everyone to be happy," Sora admitted.

"You care so much about everyone... Have you ever cared about yourself?" Aqua asked, feeling the need to know if Sora had ever cared about himself in his life. She had witnessed all the crazy things he had done for his friends, even driving a Keyblade into his own heart years ago. She felt like Sora didn't care much about his own safety, as long as he could protect others. While it was admirable, it also worried Aqua a little.

"What do you mean?" Sora asked.

"I mean, you've been so focused on everyone else, wanting each one of us to be okay, happy, peaceful, and at ease... But what about you? Have you ever focused on yourself?" Aqua asked, seeking answers. Sora simply sighed in response. He found happiness in his friends' happiness. He supposed he had never really worried about focusing on himself. His happiness depended on his friends' happiness. If his friends were happy, so was he. And if his friends weren't happy, neither was he. The decisions he had made and the actions he had taken were always driven by his desire to protect and make others happy, even if it meant neglecting his own happiness in the process.

"I guess not... I never saw it as necessary to focus solely on myself. To me, thinking only about myself didn't seem like the right decision. I'd feel selfish if I only thought about myself and not others. I guess it's always been that way for me. Even if it means straying from the right path, I won't deviate from what my heart has decided. My heart chose to be happy with all of you by my side. If you're not happy, I wouldn't be either. That's why I care for everyone and not just myself," Sora finished speaking as he glanced at Aqua, who simply remained silent and felt understanding toward his words.

"Still, you should occasionally focus on yourself," Aqua admitted.

"I suppose so, maybe I'll do that in the future, who knows," Sora smiled faintly.

"Then you don't have any dreams?" Aqua asked.

"For now, I have only one," Sora admitted.

"And what would that dream be?" Aqua asked as she watched Sora stop leaning on the wall and look directly at her.

"Who knows, maybe I'll tell you in the future," Sora said with no further explanation.

"That's not fair, Sora," Aqua pouted in annoyance, while Sora simply chuckled under his breath about it.

"And what about you? Do you have any dream you want to fulfill?" Sora asked now, and Aqua stayed silent, observing the boy in front of her. She nodded in response, trying not to look Sora in the eyes. Should she tell him? That question repeated in her mind at that moment. She had a dream, and that dream was to be with Sora forever. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, but was this the right moment to tell him? They were alone, there was no one else around, just the two of them.

"Sora... I want..." Aqua whispered very softly, just enough for Sora to barely hear her. Sora tilted his head to the right, confused, as he could barely hear what Aqua was saying to him. Then she whispered a little louder, something Sora appreciated because he could hear what she said.

"So, what is that dream?" Sora asked curiously.

"I want... you... I... us... you see..." Aqua tried to find the right words to express what she felt.

"Go on. How hard can it be for you to tell me your dream?" Sora said and asked, and Aqua felt her cheeks burning as she spoke each word. Her heart was beating rapidly, as if it wanted to escape from her chest. With her right hand, she grasped the pendant she had given to Sora, seeking strength and courage. Now was the moment, she could do it, she had to do it. It had been a long time, and she needed to let out what she felt.

"Sora, I... I like you," she said, but whispered the last part very softly, making it difficult for Sora to hear her clearly.

"How do you say, Aqua? I can't hear you well," Sora admitted. It was quite strange to him that Aqua had to struggle so much to tell him her dream. How difficult could it be to say something like that? Perhaps it was embarrassing, or maybe she thought he would mock her dream, which would never happen. Nevertheless, he wondered how big or embarrassing that dream was for her that she couldn't even say it properly.

"You like m...!" Aqua began to say, but her expression of excitement and nervousness faded away when they were interrupted by Rapunzel's loud shout, as she ran towards them. Behind her, the rest of the group was approaching at a slow pace. Rapunzel scolded them, crossing her arms and looking at them with seriousness.

"You two separated from us! We looked for you everywhere." Sora and Aqua glanced at each other and then turned their gaze to Rapunzel, feeling somewhat embarrassed about their carelessness.

"Sorry, Rapunzel, I guess we got too distracted," Sora mentioned, while Rapunzel sighed. According to Flynn, she was the absent-minded one in the group.

"It's getting late, don't you think?" Flynn spoke, catching everyone's attention, and they all nodded in response. "What will you two do now?"

"I suppose we'll go home," said Sora, but Rapunzel quickly grabbed both Sora and Aqua by the arm.

"Of course not! You two are far from home. I won't allow you to leave for your home at night!" Clearly, Rapunzel didn't know they would simply leave in the Gummi Ship, she obviously thought they would walk somewhere, and that was something she wouldn't allow. "Stay at the castle!"

"What?" Sora and Aqua asked in unison, while Rapunzel smiled widely.

"Don't worry, Sora. My parents won't have a problem with it. I told them about you, and they'll be delighted to welcome you and Aqua. We have plenty of rooms, so relax, let's go!" Rapunzel dragged Sora and Aqua towards the castle, while Flynn could only smile at the situation. Sora chuckled, embarrassed by Rapunzel's decisive actions, while Aqua lost herself in her thoughts, frustrated that she couldn't tell Sora how she felt about him. In that moment, she couldn't help but wonder how long it would be until she had another opportunity like this to express herself. She sighed resignedly, trying to convince herself that she would have more chances in the future. At least, that's what she wanted to believe to feel better.

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Sure, go ahead! I'm excited to read the next chapter. Don't worry about the spoilers, and it's great to know we're almost finished with the story. Even if it's not very long, I've enjoyed every part of it so far!