That morning, on Aryan's eighth day with Jihan, the two of them were now on the bank of a wide river that separated the area they stepped on from the Forbidden Forest.
"Enough up here you take me, Jihan."
The girl glanced at the face of the young man beside her with her hand still holding the young man's hand.
Aryan smiled. "I know, you know the conditions in the forest better," his gaze fell on the Forbidden Forest across the river. "However, no matter what happens, let me go through it myself. I don't want to put you in a dangerous situation."
Jihan took a deep breath. "I see," she said, "and I wish you success in whatever you're going through."
"Thank you."
Aryan pulled the girl into his arms, and hugged her with all the tenderness and warmth he could, kissing the top of her head with so much passion.
"I'll never be able to repay your kindness, Jihan."
"No, Aryan," Jihan smiled, looking up with a flushed face. "You've done more than I could ask for…"
