The following days were filled with laughter and camaraderie as the group settled into their rooms. The serene atmosphere of the Verdant Ridges allowed everyone to unwind and enjoy themselves after all the battles and rigorous training.
One evening, as the group gathered in the main hall for dinner, Ryuu quietly pulled Liora, the god girl from a different world, aside.
"Liora," Ryuu said, his usual confidence tempered by a hint of nervousness. "I wanted to ask you something."
Liora looked up at him, her glowing eyes softening with curiosity. "What is it, Ryuu?"
Ryuu took a deep breath, then smiled, his voice more certain than before. "Would you like to go out with me? I mean, as more than just friends... I—I really like you, Liora."
Liora's eyes widened slightly before a soft, radiant smile spread across her face. "I thought you'd never ask," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Yes, Ryuu. I'd love to."
The group, as usual, found themselves eating dinner together in the main hall that evening. As the news of Ryuu and Liora's relationship spread, everyone congratulated them. There was one pair, however, that remained largely silent—Hana and Kael.
Eri, always the sharp observer, caught sight of Hana's distant gaze. With a mischievous smile, she leaned toward her sister. "So, Hana… when are you going to ask Kael out?"
Hana nearly choked on her drink. "W-What?! I—I don't know what you mean…"
"Oh, come on," Eri teased, "I saw how you looked at him on the walk back. Everyone can see it. You're just waiting for the right moment, huh?"
Hana's face turned beet red. "Eri! Stop it!" she stammered, her heart racing. She quickly changed the topic to avoid further teasing, but it didn't stop Eri from chuckling under her breath.
Later that evening, Hana took it upon herself to cook a special meal for Kael. She spent hours carefully preparing the ingredients, trying to make everything just right. When she finally set the table, Kael walked in, surprised but smiling.
"Wow, Hana, this looks amazing," Kael said, pulling out a chair and sitting down. "What's the occasion?"
Hana hesitated for a moment but smiled warmly. "Just wanted to make something nice for you. You've been doing so much for all of us, and… well, I thought you deserved something special."
Kael gave her a genuine smile. "You didn't have to do all this, but I'm glad you did."
As they ate, the atmosphere felt a little different. There was an unspoken bond between them, growing stronger with each passing day. After they finished the meal, Kael leaned back in his chair and looked at Hana thoughtfully.
"You know, Hana," Kael began, his voice softer than usual, "You're… you're the kind of person who would make a perfect wife and mom someday. You're strong, kind, and always thinking about others. Anyone would be lucky to have you by their side."
Hana's heart skipped a beat, her face turning a deep shade of crimson. She wasn't sure if she was hearing things or if the words had really come from Kael's mouth.
Kael, noticing her flushed cheeks, immediately felt a warm rush spread through him as well. He quickly looked away, trying to hide his own embarrassment. "I—uh—didn't mean it like that," he muttered, his voice becoming more awkward. "I just—"
But before he could finish, Hana broke the silence with a soft laugh. "Thank you, Kael. That… that really means a lot." She could barely contain her blush, but she found herself smiling more than usual.
The two of them sat in companionable silence for a while before heading back to the others. The night carried on with more friendly chatter and playful teasing, but for Kael and Hana, things felt different.
The days following their quiet dinner were filled with activities and exploration. The group, despite their growing bonds and relationships, kept their spirits high with laughter. Ryuu and Liora were inseparable, and Tetsu and Eri had become quite the duo as well. However, the topic that lingered in the air was always Hana and Kael. Everyone could see the connection between them, even if the two hadn't admitted anything yet.
One evening, as they all gathered to watch a bonfire, Eri leaned over to Hana with a knowing smirk. "So, when's the big confession, sis?"
Hana's face turned a deep shade of red. "Eri! Please!"
Tetsu and Ryuu, hearing the conversation, exchanged knowing looks before smirking themselves. Kael, meanwhile, could only stare at the fire, trying to ignore the teasing glances his way. The atmosphere between him and Hana felt lighter, and it made him wonder if maybe, just maybe, he could start understanding what this "romance" thing was all about.