While continuing his training, Zeth noticed a few wizards traveling rapidly in the sky. He was curious because this was not something that normally occurred. "Oh well," Zeth said, and continued with his training.
After training for three hours, Zeth, as always, proudly admired his own body. He loved his physique. Despite not having magical abilities, he was still very strong. Zeth was tired and sweaty. "Maybe I'll go for a swim?" Zeth said and started swimming. The sea fascinated him. He love the ocean as much as he love the stars.
He dived deep. Sitting on the ocean floor, he closed his eyes and tried to listen to his heartbeats. This was Zeth's favorite meditation activity. Zeth could hold his breath underwater for up to four minutes. Finally, he resurfaced and swam to the shore. "Alright, that's enough. It's time to go home," Zeth said. As the only male in his family, he couldn't stay away from home for too long.
While heading towards the village of Asugna, Zeth saw a few more wizards flying in the sky. This was strange. Moreover, every time Zeth saw a wizard, he felt envious. He didn't have any magical abilities of his own. Frustrated, he muttered, "Damn it!" and kicked a small rock on the ground. This always bothered him. Even a 92-year-old grandmother in the village had magical powers, yet Zeth didn't have any. That's why he always felt incomplete.
Zeth, who arrived at his village, thought, "Maybe I'll visit Toran." Toran was a beautiful girl of his age. They were friends, but Zeth was in love with her. However, considering his lack of magical abilities, Zeth believed that she would not love him back. So, for two years, he never confessed his feelings to her.
When he reached in front of Toran's house, he shouted, "Hey Toran! Are you home?" Toran immediately opened the door and said, "Oh Zeth! What wind blew you here?" Zeth replied, "What do you mean? I came here to see you!"
"We live just 100 meters apart, yet you never visit!"
"Well, I'm a busy man, you know."
"At least, you can drop by and say hello once in a while."
"I guess... Anyway, do you have plans today? I thought we could hang out."
"Well... actually, no. Let's hang out!"
...
"Shall we go to the Sacred Forest?" Toran suggested.
"Why there?" Zeth asked.
"I want to see it," said Toran.
Toran and Zeth went to the Sacred Forest, Toran's favorite place. The Sacred Forest was surrounded by dense pink and purple trees, a peaceful place for anyone.
Being called sacred was due to the fact that it had also suffered from the disaster that struck the village of Asugna 71 years ago. While the village was affected, the Sacred Forest remained untouched. People believed that it was a place that kept away evil spirits and thus named it the "Sacred Forest".
"Let's sit here!" Toran said.
"Okay," Zeth replied.
"The view is so beautiful, isn't it?"
"Well, yes... It really is beautiful."
The view stretched over a long forest and an endless sea right behind it. The scenery was breathtaking. Zeth was captivated by the view as well. They sat in silence for a while, just watching the scenery. Then, Zeth remembered the wizards he saw in the morning. He wanted to ask Toran about it to spark a conversation.
Zeth turned to Toran, who was also looking into his eyes.
"Hey Toran, this morn-"
Toran pressed her lips against Zeth's. Zeth's eyes briefly widened in surprise, but he didn't waste the opportunity and kissed her back with equal fervor. They were kissing passionately, like crazy. It was their first kiss. Finally, Toran pulled away.
...
...
"That was amazing," Toran said.
Zeth was just staring into Toran's eyes.
"Your eyes are so beautiful," Zeth said.
"Haha, where did that come from?" Toran asked.
"I've been aware of it for a long time, I just said it now," Zeth replied shyly.
There was a moment of silence between them. They both continued to admire the view. Zeth was very happy but also embarrassed. He couldn't say anything. Toran stood up, took Zeth's hand, and said, "Let's go, it's getting late!" "O-okay," Zeth stuttered.
They made their way towards home. They arrived at Toran's house first. Toran quickly kissed Zeth's cheek and went inside. Zeth stood there, bewildered and embarrassed, staring at the door. He started walking towards his own house.