The sun set slowly, casting a warm, amber glow across the horizon as dusk gradually settled over the village. A familiar evening rhythm began as merchants started packing up their wares to close down their shops for the night.
While nearby tavern doors swung open, lighting lanterns to prepare for the evening wine business. This village had existed in the area for centuries, tucked away and largely forgotten by the outside world.
It was completely surrounded by a dense, intimidating forest and bordered by a massive, rushing river. This natural fortress was a blessing, acting as a powerful barrier that protected the human villagers from the dangerous supernatural creatures lurking in the deep wilds.
A little deeper into that shadowed forest rested a massive, ancient tree. Its colossal roots twisted like thick veins, growing firmly and deeply into the fertile soil.
The tree boasted expansive, heavy branches laden with a thick canopy of leaves that never dried up or fell off, no matter how harsh the weather became.
Unlike the dark woods around it, the tree's bark and foliage radiated an enchanting bud-green color that seemed to glow from within. Its vibrant hue never faded, and it constantly carried a strange, melodic hymn through the wind, sounding as though it were softly whispering secrets to the earth.
Jin was on his way to the sacred site when he spotted the glowing canopy from a distance. The moment the breeze brushed past him, he felt that familiar, comforting hymn resonate in his presence.
A soothing warmth bloomed across his chest as he felt the tree's immense spiritual power actively strengthening.
When he finally arrived at the base of the trunk, he looked around the quiet, empty clearing and let out a soft sigh. "She's always late," he muttered to himself."Who?" a voice jokingly countered from above.
Jin gasped and whirled around. There she was, sitting comfortably on a massive tree root that had arched high out of the ground before burying itself back into the soil.
She was wearing a perfectly fitted pink T-shirt paired with a long, flowing grey skirt. Smiling down at him, she revealed two crisp green apples held tightly in her hands.
With a playful flick of her wrist, she tossed one straight towards Jin. He caught it deftly, staring down at the smooth fruit in surprise before gawking back up at her.
"Is this real?" he asked, his voice full of disbelief.
"It is. Try it," she replied with a grin, hopping down from her perch.
Instead of answering, Jin quietly sat down on one of the smooth, mossy roots of the ancient tree. He patted the empty space right next to him, gesturing for her to join him.
She seemed momentarily stunned by his uncharacteristically gentle invitation, but she quickly brushed it off with a smile and sat down.
A comfortable silence settled between them for a few long seconds before Jin finally took a crisp bite into his apple.
Leaning in, she gave him a playful nudge with her elbow. "So... are you planning to get married after a one-night stand?"
Jin caught himself completely off guard. He bit his own tongue halfway through chewing his apple, wincing sharply from the sudden flash of pain. "Ouch!"
"I knew it!" she cheered happily, clapping her hands together. "So, who's the lucky guy?"
"That's not the reason at all," Jin protested, blushing as he managed to swallow. "It's something much better than that."
She doubted his words instantly. Lowering her gaze to his stomach, she reached out and playfully tapped it. Jin instantly smacked her hand away, his cheeks burning.
"Why do you always jump straight to the most impossible events?" he asked, looking completely irritated by her teasing."What? You're an Omega after all, so it's totally possible!" she argued, laughing.
Jin rolled his eyes dramatically, trying to steer the conversation back to safety. "What I actually wanted to tell you is that I managed to gather fragments of my mother's spiritual energy. They are completely compatible with this tree right here."
As he spoke, a bright, genuine smile illuminated his face. Seeing his expression made her heart swell with happiness, knowing just how much grueling effort he had been putting in simply to keep his mother's soul safe and anchored.
"That's truly wonderful news," she said softly, her tone turning gentle. "But... is that really all you had to tell me?"
Jin hesitated, his smile faltering into nervous energy. "Not that much more, I guess," he mumbled.
"Which is?" she urged gently, leaning closer to encourage him.
Jin gazed at her for a fleeting second before his entire face flushed a deep crimson. Averting his eyes, he stared down at his shoes, nervously tapping his fingers against the apple.
"Well, you see... you know that friend of mine, Alex?" he asked, his voice dropping to a vulnerable whisper. "I think... no, I feel like I'm falling for him."
She gasped loudly, her eyes widening in pure delight before she threw her arms around him, pulling him into a tight, enthusiastic hug.
"Really! Oh my goodness, Jin! Does he feel the same way about you too?"
Jin slumped slightly in her embrace, a wave of sadness washing over his features. "Uhm... it's one-sided," he said dejectedly.
She pulled back just enough to look him in the eyes, offering a warm, reassuring smile. "Let it be the way you assume for now. But trust me, I'm absolutely sure he has the exact same feelings for you."