Days passed since their unexpected reunion, yet Anaberu found herself struggling with the swirl of emotions that Kai's presence stirred in her.
Her heart, though filled with an undeniable warmth at seeing him again, was also cautious—careful of the past wounds she had barely begun to heal.
Kai had made several attempts to court her, but each time, Anaberu changed the topic. She couldn't bring herself to be accepted by him completely—not yet.
But fate had other plans.
One crisp morning, Anaberu visited the market, hoping for a brief escape from the turmoil in her heart.
Kai saw her and then he took off after her, pushing through the bustling crowd. His movements were swift and sure, until he finally reached her at the edge of the market, where the cobblestone path led toward the quieter part of the village.
His heart heavy with understanding. He couldn't let her slip away again—not without telling her everything that had weighed on his heart. She had always been a woman of resolve, and he knew she was struggling with more than just the past.
"Anaberu," he called out gently, his voice cutting through the stillness.
She halted, her back to him, her body rigid. She had nowhere to run.
"I understand if you need time," Kai continued, his tone soft but firm.
"But I can't keep pretending that I don't feel something for you. Something real."
Anaberu turned slowly, her heart beating in her throat. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with both fear and longing.
"I've been carrying these feelings for so long," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
"From the first time we met, when you didn't even trust me, I was already drawn to you. Through all the dangers we faced together, I felt something inside me grow stronger. And after all this time, after everything we've been through, I know one thing for sure—I never stopped loving you."
Anaberu's breath caught in her chest. She opened her mouth to speak, but words failed her.
"I don't want you to be ashamed of who you are, Anaberu," Kai continued, stepping closer.
"You haven't married yet..remember..but even if you did, even if you're a widow, a divorcee..or whatever..I still want to be the one who helps you, who stands by your side—no matter what the world thinks of us."
His words wrapped around her like a gentle embrace, and before she could think twice, she reached out and took his hand.
"I'm scared, Kai," she whispered.
Kai's thumb gently caressed the back of her hand.
"I'm not going anywhere," he promised, his voice a quiet vow.
"Not unless you tell me to."
"I love you, Anaberu."
She met his gaze, her heart racing, and with that simple, unspoken agreement, everything changed.
She hugged him.
"I love you too, Kai," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I'm yours."
The moment hung in the air, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Anaberu felt something she hadn't felt in a long time: hope.
But as quickly as that hope blossomed, the newfound happiness was shadowed by a distant call from Kai's past.