The days passed quietly, but tension was building beneath the surface—a romantic storm beginning to brew.
Asha's affection became more open, no longer masked by teasing. She began leaving little notes of encouragement for Jon, humming lullabies around him, and even cooking with her mother despite her pregnancy just to make his favorite dishes.
One evening, as Jon returned from training with some young warriors, he found her sitting alone under the moonlight, rubbing her belly with a soft smile.
Asha:
"Jon… When our baby's born… I want them to grow up seeing you every day."
Jon (quietly):
"…Asha—"
Asha (looking at him):
"I know I shouldn't say things like this. I know you have your own journey… But I want to be more than just someone you protect."
Jon was silent, his heart aching with the weight of her words. He had cared for her deeply, but he still felt unsure of what he could give—not just to her, but to anyone.
The next morning, Satsuki waited by the training grounds with a lunchbox.
Jon (smirking):
"You're spoiling me."
Satsuki:
"I thought you needed proper nourishment. And… I enjoy cooking."
Jon raised an eyebrow.
Jon:
"That's the first personal thing you've told me."
Satsuki looked away, ears twitching.
Satsuki:
"Don't get used to it."
But later that day, while treating a small wound on Jon's hand, Satsuki's fingers lingered a little too long. Her eyes locked with his, and something unsaid passed between them.
The tension grew.
One night, after a village gathering, Jon stood alone on the cliffside near the Spirit Tree, gazing at the stars.
Then footsteps approached. It was Asha. Moments later—Satsuki.
Both girls looked at one another, then at Jon.
Asha (voice soft):
"Jon… there's something between us. I won't pretend I'm not in love with you."
Satsuki (firmly, almost whispering):
"I didn't want to feel anything. But I do. I care about you."
Jon looked between them, his heart caught in the center of two beating hearts—one filled with warmth and shared life, the other with quiet intensity and loyalty.
He didn't speak.
But he knew that no matter what he chose, someone would be hurt.
And the path forward would only get more complicated.