Chapter 2: Festival Feelings
The two friends made their way to the town square, the trodden dirt paths changing to cobblestone streets leading them to the heart of Cyril. The sounds of the festival grew louder with each step, a crescendo of laughter and merriment filled the air with excitement. As they approached the festival grounds, Ryo couldn't help but notice the extra security patrols. The recent events had put everyone on edge, and the mayor had increased the town's defenses as a precaution. Despite this, the mood remained festive. The scent of sizzling meats and freshly baked goods filled the air, mixing with the sound of laughter and the occasional bark of a merchant's advertisement. Colorful banners fluttered in the wind, displaying the crest of Cyril – a silver dragon coiled around a blue crystal.
The newly built stage in the town square, where Tinaro would deliver her speech later in the evening, was adorned with autumn colored streamers dangling from the edges of the pagoda and colorful lanterns were suspended from the rafters. Hues of crimson, yellow, and orange lights danced from the lanterns thanks to the colored paper used. Poles with streamers dangled in a spiral fashion were implanted in the grounds of the town square where various small bonfires flickered and danced to the jovial melodies strummed by musicians. People both young and old alike kicked up dust and fallen leaves as they danced in the street.
The aroma of roasting meats and sweet pastries wafted towards them, making their stomachs rumble. Ryo's eyes widened at the sight of the brightly colored tents and the bustling crowd that had gathered for the night's festivities. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, orderly life he was accustomed to on the farm.
"They certainly went all out this year," Ryo surmised. Ryo wondered if this was an attempt to distract or maybe provide some comfort to the townsfolk due to the unrest in the north. But he pushed the thought away as a couple of kids ran past them holding what appeared to be sparking sticks. His gaze followed the kids as he himself was amazed by the new imported item from the east.
"Hey, check it out. Those are called sparklers. They're supposed to ward off evil spirits or something like that. The traveling merchants brought them from the east," Dai said with a look of wonder in his eyes.
"Really? That's so cool!" Ryo watched as the children played with the sparkling sticks, their laughter echoing through the square. "It's like they're holding little stars in their hands. How do you think they actually work?"
Daishi shrugged. "Dunno. Maybe it's some sort of alchemy?" He winked at Ryo, referring to the mystical art that was the subject of their favorite stories. "Either way, looks like a good way for the merchants to make coin."
"It's not alchemy, guys. It's just a bit of chemistry and some clever crafting." Tinaro's sweet, melodic voice interrupted their musings. She had snuck up on them again, her emerald eyes twinkling with mischief as she often did. Her blonde, shoulder length hair was crimped and danced around her as she spoke. "You see, there's this mineral called potassium perchlorate. It's pretty common in dry desert regions. But if you mix it with a few other ingredients, and apply it to the end of a stick, it creates a sparkling effect when you rub it against something rough. They sure are pretty though." She held up a sparkler she had bought from the merchant earlier that day. "I got you guys each one."
Ryo took the sparkler from her hand, heart racing as their fingers briefly touched. He then shifted his gaze to the sparkler and studied it closely. It was unlike anything he had ever seen in the village. His eyes then met hers, and he felt a sudden awkwardness that made his heart race. She had always been beautiful to him, but tonight, she was radiant. Her green eyes were as vibrant as the spring grass, her skin had a gentle tan kiss from being under the summer sun, and the dark blue shimmer bow on the side of her head sparkled like a thousand tiny lights against the midnight sky. The way the festival lights hit her hair made it appear like it was made of the finest threads of gold.
Tinaro's outfit was a simple yet elegant creation of Cyrilian design with a sweetheart style neckline with thin straps that wrapped around the back of her neck. Sheer sleeves connected to the dress started below her exposed shoulders and extended to about elbow length. The fabric of the outfit was a soft blend of natural dyes, a deep shade of blue that glistened like scintillating stars on a clear summer's night. A shawl was draped over her shoulders the same color as the fabric of the dress. The dress flowed elegantly like a gentle stream to slightly above her knees. Small silver dragon circles lined the bottom edge of the dress in homage to the Cyrilian banner. The dress cinched at her waist with a folded design and pulled to behind her back into a bow, emphasizing her figure in a way that made Ryo's cheeks burn with a warm blush.
The moment stretched between them like the warm ribbon of a sunset, and Tinaro's eyes darted away from Ryo's gaze. She had noticed his stare and felt the weight of his unspoken feelings. It was a moment that seemed to last forever, yet was over in a mere second. Ryo looked down at the sparkler in his hand, his heart racing as he fiddled with it nervously.
Daishi, ever observant, took in the charged atmosphere and decided it was time to break the tension. He nudged Ryo with his elbow, a knowing smile on his face. "Thanks for the science lesson, Tin. I always knew you were the brainy one of us." He said it with a playful tone, trying to lighten the mood.
Ryo's cheeks grew even redder, and he cleared his throat. "Yeah, Tin, thanks. Who knew we'd get a science class lesson at the festival?" he said, trying to play along.
Daishi winked at Tinaro. "Well, I'm sure we can find more 'fun' things to do other than talk about minerals." He looked around the festival, taking in the sights and sounds. "So, what do you say? Are we going to check out this festival or do you guys have another science project you're dying to show us?"
"No, hardly. It's just interesting stuff to know." Ryo took a deep breath, trying to push away his nervousness. He glanced over at Tinaro, who had been watching him with a knowing smile. "Actually, Tinaro," he began, his voice slightly shaky. "Um… you, uh… Look great tonight." He wanted to feel comfortable around her, but for some reason today he did not feel as comfortable around her as he usually did. Maybe it was because her attire made her look so divine? Or that he was going to confess his true feelings to her tonight? He felt his heart pumping and his palms perspire. For whatever the reason, he felt a bit uneasy in his stomach and tried to suppress that feeling.
Her cheeks flushed a deeper shade of pink at the compliment. "Thanks, Ryo. It's just a bit fancier than what I usually wear," she said, twirling slightly to show off the dress. It was indeed a sight to behold, the material flowing around her like a gentle breeze. And the dress seemed to shine like the sparklers they had seen earlier. Not only were her shoulders exposed, but the dress design also exposed her back about mid length in a v formation just below her shoulder blades. The design further complimented her femininity and sent Ryo into a swirl of emotions. "Do you like it?"
"It is a special occasion. And… Well, you look… stunning," Ryo managed to get out, his voice slightly cracking. He was surprised by the sudden boldness that had come over him, but the words felt true as they left his mouth.
Tinaro's smile grew wider and she blushed even more, looking down at the ground. "Thank you," she beamed shyly. "I was hoping you would like it."
Daishi, noticing the awkward silence, clapped Ryo on the back. "Alright, lovebirds, let's get some grub before we get too lost in the stars of our own little world," he said, gesturing towards the food stalls.
Ryo felt his face redden even further, but he couldn't help but chuckle at Dai's teasing. He took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, let's go." He offered Tinaro his arm, feeling his heart race as she took it. Her hand was soft and warm against his arm, sending a thrill through him that he had never felt before. A feeling which seemed to magnify tenfold when he felt her press her body against his and her sweet smelling aroma waft towards him, intoxicating his senses even more with each breath. He couldn't help but beam with the biggest smile having the most beautiful girl in town on his arm.
The three of them made their way through the festival, the sounds of laughter and music filling their ears. The scents of various foods wafted through the air, making their stomachs growl in unison.
"Oh, look!" Tinaro exclaimed, pointing towards a food vendor with a large wooden sign that read 'Exotic Delicacies from Across the Continent'. "They have those berries I've been hearing so much about from everyone. Supposedly, they taste like a mix of sweet and tart, with a hint of something... mystical."
Dai rolled his eyes, "Oh please, Tin. Mystical berries? What could be mystical about berries?" He was more interested in the smoky aroma of roasting meats that wafted over from the neighboring stall. "If you two want to indulge in your fantasies with your 'fancy' berries, go ahead." He sniffed the air dramatically, his eyes drawn to the alluring scent of smoking meat wafting from a nearby stall. "Now that," he said, pointing towards a burly man turning a spit with a juicy piece of meat, "That's something that doesn't need a fancy title to be amazing I'll be over there getting something that actually fills me up," he said, heading towards the grill.
Ryo watched Dai go and chuckled to himself. He was a bit surprised by his friend's lack of interest but then again, it was typical Daishi behavior. Or, did he do that on purpose to give them alone time? Either way, it allowed Ryo to turn his focus to Tinaro. "Do you really believe in all that?" he asked, his curiosity genuine.
Her eyes sparkled with mirth. "Maybe a little. But, I suppose that depends on your definition of 'mystical'," she replied, her voice as sweet as the berries she spoke of. "But mostly, I just like trying new things. Life's too short not to try new things and to be more adventurous. Besides," she tugged on his arm gently, "What's more adventurous than exploring the unknown, together, right? Taking that chance." Her words lingered in the air, and for a moment, Ryo wasn't sure if she was talking about berries or hinting at something more profound.
Ryo nodded, feeling the warmth of her hand on his arm and his heart racing in his chest as he pondered her meaning. Then implication of her statement hit him like a bolt of lightning. Was she hinting at something beyond the ordinary festival delights? Maybe even something to do with their friendship or perhaps, their future? His heart raced, and his mind swirled with a mix of excitement and nerves. Was it possible she felt the same way about him? He had always harbored a secret crush on her, but the thought of her returning his feelings was like a distant star—beautiful and hopeful, yet so unreachable. But there did seem to be a spark of chemistry between them, especially tonight. It seemed the universe was guiding him that tonight was the night their friendship would change.
"You're right, Tin," he smiled at her, feeling the warmth of her hand on his arm which seemed to pulse with the rhythm of the festival drums. Ryo felt a strange excitement building within him. He swallowed hard, trying to push aside the jitters that had taken up residence in his stomach and tapped the top of her hand. "We should live a little, take chances. So… Let's see what these 'mystical' berries are all about… together."
As they approached the vendor, Tinaro's eyes lit up at the sight of the berries. They were a vibrant shade of purple, almost unnatural in their intensity. The vendor was a short, plump woman with a headscarf adorned with beads and feathers, her dark eyes twinkling as she saw them approach. She had a round, cheerful face and spoke with an accent that Ryo couldn't quite place. "Ah, you've come for the mystical berries of the ancients," she said, her voice lilting with an exotic melody.
Ryo stepped forward, his curiosity piqued. "What makes these berries so special?" he asked, unable to resist the allure of their legend.
The vendor's smile grew, revealing a set of teeth that had seen better days. "Ah, young sir, these are not your ordinary berries," she said with a dramatic flair, her eyes glinting with amusement. "These berries come from the very edge of the world, where the earth meets the sky. They're said to carry the essence of the gods themselves. Eat them, and you shall taste the very essence of the cosmos!"
Tinaro leaned in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Really?" she whispered to Ryo, her voice a mix of skepticism and wonder.
The vendor, her smile as warm as a summer's day, nodded solemnly. "Indeed. They are said to bring visions of distant lands and futures unseen and awaken powers untold," she whispered, leaning closer to the pair as if sharing a sacred secret. "But," she added with a wink, "their true power lies in the taste. They are a delight that transcends the ordinary. A burst of sweetness and tartness that leaves your tongue yearning for more! And they are best enjoyed with someone special!"
Ryo looked at Tinaro, who was clearly captivated by the vendor's story. Her eyes were wide with excitement, and he couldn't help but get swept up in it. "How much for a serving?" he asked, reaching into his pocket for some coins.
The vendor's eyes darted between the two of them, and she must have noticed the unspoken connection because she leaned in and whispered, "Ah, I see. There is something deeply special between you two. Yes, I can tell. For such a lovely couple like yourselves, I'll give you a taste for free," she winked. "But only one serving to share, mind you," she added with a knowing smile.
Ryo's eyes widened, and his cheeks grew hotter than a blacksmith's forge. He stumbled over his words, trying to correct her. "Uh, we're not a—"
But Tinaro only giggled, taking the vendor's words in stride. "Thank you," she said with a playful smile, taking the small basket of berries from the woman. "We're just friends, really," she assured the vendor, her eyes flicking back to Ryo with a mischievous glint.
The vendor's grin widened as she handed a handful of berries to Tinaro. "Ah, blossoming young love. It's always so sweet to see," she said blissfully and turned to Tinaro. "It's always the quiet ones that hide their feelings best. But don't worry, these berries will surely bring you both closer." With that, she gave them a knowing wink before turning to serve another customer.
Ignoring the woman's teasing, Tinaro pulled a berry out of the basket, examined it briefly, and then popped one of the purple berries into her mouth. Ryo watched, his heart racing, as Tinaro's eyes closed in pleasure, her cheeks puckering slightly as she bit down on the fruit. She chewed thoughtfully for a moment before her eyes opened again, a look of surprise flitting across her features.
"It's... it's incredible," she praised, holding out the basket to Ryo. "Here, try one."
Ryo felt his stomach flutter as Tinaro turned to him, holding out another berry. She looked up at him, eyes playfully dancing with a glint of flirtation. "Open up," she said, voice soft and inviting; and before he could react, she leaned forward and gently placed the berry on his lips and pushed it into his mouth. The warmth of her touch on his lips sent a jolt through him, and he felt his heart skip a beat. The gesture was so sudden and intimate that Ryo's breath hitched, his heart racing.
Tinaro stepped back, her own cheeks a rosy shade of pink. She watched as he bit down gently on the berry. Ah, blossoming young love. It's always so sweet to see. The words from the vendor echoed in Ryo's mind as the taste of the berry exploded in his mouth—sweet, tart, and with an undertone that was indeed mystical. It was as if the essence of his feelings for Tinaro had been captured in a single fruit. He looked into her eyes, and for a moment, it felt as if the bustling festival had faded away, leaving just the two of them in a bubble of quiet understanding.
The sensation grew stronger, and suddenly, Ryo's vision seemed to swim with colors, like a kaleidoscope of stars had invaded his sight. He felt a warmth spread from his chest, and his skin tingled. It was as if the energy of the berry had awakened something within him. The ground beneath his feet felt alive with the hum of the earth's power, and the air around them crackled with the unseen force of the wind. The smells of the festival grew more potent—the berries' sweetness mingling with the savory aromas of roasting meat, the tang of the smithy's metalwork, and the faint scent of the sea carried by the breeze.
"Wow!" was all Ryo managed to say, or could say.
"Mystical indeed, right?!" Tinaro exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she took another berry. The vividness of her experience reflected in her voice. The music from the festival grew more vibrant, and the sounds of laughter and chatter became a symphony of life that resonated in their very souls.
Ryo felt something stirring within him, something he couldn't quite put into words. It was like the berry had unlocked a door to a world of sensations that had been hidden from him all his life. He took another one, feeling akin the warmth of the sun's kiss on his cheek as he chewed, the juice a burst of flavor that seemed to dance on his tongue. "These berries... they're not like anything I've ever tasted before," he assented, his voice filled with awe, as he glanced back to the vendor's stall.
Just as he spoke, Ryo's eyes flicked to the rooftop just beyond the berry vendor. He caught a glimpse of something that made him freeze. For a split second, a shadowy figure had been there, perched like a gargoyle watching over the festive crowd below. It was gone as quickly as it had appeared, leaving him to wonder if he had imagined it. He blinked and turned to look again, but all he saw was the fading light playing tricks on the tiles.
Tinaro, noticing his sudden distraction, looked concerned. "Ryo, are you okay?" she asked, reaching out to touch his arm gently. The warmth of her touch brought him back to reality.
Ryo took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling of unease that had settled in his stomach like a lead weight. "Yeah, I'm fine," he lied, forcing a smile. He didn't want to ruin the night with his overactive imagination. "It's just... I know you're giving that speech tonight. Are you ready for it?"
Tinaro's smile faltered for a brief moment, as if the weight of the evening's responsibilities had suddenly crashed down on her. She took a deep breath, composing herself. "I'm as ready as I can be, I guess," she said, her voice betraying a hint of nerves. The festival was a celebration of their town's harvest and prosperity, but it was also an opportunity for the town's most promising young adults to address the community. It was a responsibility she had been given, and one that she took very seriously. "I've been working on it for weeks. It's nothing too grand, but I hope it inspires everyone. It's not like I'm going to save the world with my words or anything. But given the difficulties of the year and the unrest of recent events…" Tinaro's voice trailed off.
Ryo reached out and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You've put your heart and soul into it. That's all that matters. Besides," he said with a comforting smile, "you're one of the smartest people I know. If anyone can lift our spirits, it's you."
Tinaro's eyes searched his, looking for any trace of doubt in his expression. Finding none, she took a deep breath and nodded. "Thank you, Ryo. That means a lot. I just don't want to disappoint everyone." Her grip on his hand tightened briefly, and for a moment, Ryo felt a jolt of energy pass between them. It was strange, almost like the berries had left a lingering spark of power in their touch.
Ryo knew that Tinaro had been working tirelessly on her speech. She had always been the voice of reason and hope in their little group, the one who could bring a smile to even the most downtrodden faces. The thought of her being nervous was almost comical to him. "You won't, Tin," he said with conviction. "You never do. Your words always have a way of... I don't know, just making everything feel right." He gave her a warm smile, the kind that made her feel like she could conquer the world.
Tinaro blushed, her cheeks matching the deep shade of the berries. "Thanks," she swooned, her voice filled with emotion. She then grabbed another berry and ate it contemplatively. "You know, Ryo, I couldn't have made it this far without you. I hate to admit it but I wasn't planning on putting a lot of effort into this. But you helped me a lot with the speech."
Their eyes met, and Ryo felt his heart swell with warmth. He had always been there for Tinaro, supporting her dreams and ambitions, even when the rest of the town didn't understand her thirst for knowledge and adventure. It was in that moment that he realized just how much she meant to him, not just as a friend but as someone who had become a beacon of light in his own life.
"I didn't do much. Just gave you ideas and you did the rest. But I'm just happy to be here supporting you, Tin," Ryo said, his voice earnest. "So, um… After your speech, um... would you... would you care to dance... with, with me?" He couldn't believe he had just asked her to dance. Clumsily. But still. It was so unlike him, so... forward. Maybe there was something in the air. Or maybe the berries filled him with a newfound boldness. Either way, he wanted to seize the moment. He felt his palms grow damp with sweat as he awaited her response. The festival had become more than just a distraction; it had become the stage for a confession that had been building for months.
For a moment, she said nothing, and the air grew thick with anticipation. Tinaro's eyes searched his, seemingly looking for something; and for a moment, Ryo thought she might decline. "You know, your words mean more to me than you could ever know," she said, her voice a gentle caress. She smiled, a soft, genuine smile that made his heart flutter, reached out, and accepted his outstretched hand. "I'd love to dance with you after the speech," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din of the festival.
Ryo felt his heart leap in his chest. It took all the effort in him not to jump in the air with glee. The words he had hoped to hear had been said, and suddenly, the night ahead of them looked brighter than the festival lights. He couldn't wait to hold her close as they danced under the stars, feeling the rhythm of the music and their hearts beating in sync. It would be the perfect opportunity to confess his feelings to her.
Daishi returned with a plate of sizzling meat, the juices dripping down his fingers as he took a hearty bite. He looked at Ryo and Tinaro, his eyes narrowing as he chewed and swallowed. "What's going on here?" he asked with a grin, noticing their joined hands.
With the inopportune arrival and interruption from Dai, Ryo and Tinaro quickly dropped their hands to their sides as if they had been caught in a forbidden act. "It's... it's nothing," Ryo said, a bit too quickly but not at all convincingly.
Daishi looked at the basket of berries still in Tinaro's other hand and raised an eyebrow. "Mystical berries, huh?" He took a bite of the meat, juice dripping down his chin as he spoke. "Guess they're more potent than I thought," he said with a knowing smirk. "I didn't know they came with a side of hand-holding."
Tinaro chuckled, the sound as sweet as the berries they had shared. "Don't be silly, Dai," she said, her eyes twinkling. "We're just enjoying the festival." She showed her fingertips which were stained slightly from the berry juice.
"Well, these berries must be some powerful stuff if they're making you two all lovey-dovey," he teased, waving a piece of meat in the air. "But hey, if it gets you to finally tell her how you feel, more power to 'ya!" He took another bite, savoring the flavor as he watched his friends.
Ryo's face grew even hotter than the coals of the grill. He cleared his throat, trying to play it cool. "It's not like that," he said, his voice slightly strained. But even as the words left his mouth, he knew it was a feeble protest. The berries had indeed stirred something within him, something he hadn't even been aware of. Like something that one was dormant had now come alive. Maybe, they really were magical.
Daishi took another bite of his food, his grin never wavering. "Well, if you say so," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But I've gotta admit, you two do seem pretty cozy."
Tinaro played it off casually, her cheeks still tinged with a hint of pink from the berries and the conversation. "We're just friends, enjoying the excitement of the festival," she said, her voice light and airy. "But, who knows what the future holds?" She glanced at Ryo with a mischievous smile that sent his heart racing once more. The way she said it was loaded with meaning, hinting at a shared secret that was only theirs to know.
But before they could explore this newfound tension further or Dai say anything else embarrassing, a town elder approached the group, his stern face a stark contrast to the festive atmosphere. "Miss Tinaro," he called out, his voice carrying over the din of the festival. "The time for your speech is upon us. Your parents are already waiting for you by the stage."
Tinaro's eyes widened, and she looked around as if she had lost track of time. "Oh no," she gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "I didn't realize it was already so late!" She turned to Ryo with an apologetic look. "I need to go get ready," she said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. "But, I'll see you after for that dance, okay?"
Ryo nodded, trying to keep the disappointment from his face. He had wanted to spend more time with her, to let the magic of the berries linger in their shared moment. But he knew the speech was important to her, and he would not be the one to stand in the way of her dreams. "Good luck," he called out as she hurried away, the fabric of her dress fluttering in her wake like a banner of hope.
Daishi looked at Ryo with a knowing smirk, wiping the grease from his chin with the back of his hand. "Oh man, you have it bad," he said, his voice a blend of teasing and amusement. Ryo couldn't help but feel a sting of embarrassment. "Did you tell her?"
"No, I... I didn't get the chance to," Ryo admitted, his voice trailing off as he watched Tinaro disappear into the crowd. "But I will, tonight." I won't miss my opportunity to tell her.
Daishi laughed, slapping Ryo on the back. "That's the spirit!" he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Those magical berries must have really done the trick."
"Yeah, they were something else." But Ryo's mind was elsewhere, his eyes drawn back to Tinaro. She still looked as radiant as ever. She was now speaking to her parents, no doubt about the importance of the speech, if she was ready, and maybe some other stuff. Then the town elder seemed to present a town guardsman to her—a tall, muscular man with a proud bearing, broad shoulders, a commanding presence, and only a few years older than them—to which he made a comment that elicited laughter.
Ryo took a deep breath, trying to push aside the swirl of emotions that filled him—excitement, nerves, passion, and now a newfound jealousy. He watched as Tinaro laughed at whatever was said, the sound as clear as a bell in the chaotic festival while the town guard, a man Ryo recognized as sergeant Tyson Osina, looked on with what appeared to be admiration. Ryo felt a twinge of something he hadn't felt before—a pang of envy. Unknowingly, he clenched his fists, and for a brief moment, small flares danced across his knuckles. He had never felt anything like it before, and he didn't know what it meant, but he couldn't ignore the jealousy burning in his chest. He watched as Tinaro laughed again, this time with sergeant Osina. The guard leaned in close, whispering something in her ear that made her blush even deeper. The guard had good looks and a charisma to match that was undeniable, and Ryo felt like he was losing her even before he had the chance to truly claim her. How could he compete with the peak of masculinity?
Ryo couldn't shake the feeling that he was losing her. But then, as if she had felt his gaze, Tinaro turned and looked straight at him. Her eyes searched the crowd, and when they found him, she gave him a reassuring smile and a gentle wave—one that was just for him. It was as if she knew the battle he was fighting within himself, and she was telling him to be strong and not to worry. Ryo felt a surge of courage, the light from his fists fading as he straightened his posture and took a deep breath, feeling a release of some kind of pressure.
Daishi noticed Ryo's gaze and followed it to Tinaro. "Looks like your girl's got quite the fan club going on over there," he said with a smirk, poking at Ryo's ribs. "Better get some more of your 'magical' berries."
"Get out of here," Ryo pushed back on him playfully. "I'm gonna grab some other food before she starts." As he walked over to the nearby meat vendor, he watched her as she was led to the stage, her steps filled with the grace of a gazelle and the confidence of a leader. As she took her place in the center, the town's chatter hushed into a respectful silence as the crowd assembled closer to the stage. The evening lights painted her in a warm, golden glow, making her look like a goddess descended from the heavens to bless them with her wisdom. Ryo felt his heart swell with pride, and he realized that he had to tell her how he truly felt. No more hiding, no more fear.
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