A hundred years before passed…
"Jauna."
"Oh, you're here. What is it?" she said to Maruq as she saw him outside their small home.
"I'm just walking with you to school."
"Don't you have a carriage? Why are you bothering to walk with me?"
"Hmmm, just because."
"That can't be just because."
"Don't ask." The young man handed her something.
"What's this?"
"Just eat it."
He gave her a crescent-shaped bread, soft and sprinkled with sugar on top.
"Thank you. Don't you have something to drink with this?"
"You won't ask," he said, already watching Jauna with a bottle containing a blue drink.
"Wow, thank you for feeding me."
He looked at the young woman but didn't reveal what he was thinking inside. He was happy whenever he saw her happy.
"Someone saw you and Maruq together again," Jauna's classmate Lhorah commented.
"What now? We've been friends for a long time. We've known each other since we were little."
"They think there's something going on between you."
"It's been a long time. We're best friends, aren't we? Isn't that reason enough for why we're always together?"
"It's not like that, Jauna, but… things are different now. We're young adults. We're not children anymore. Naturally, people think differently about you, especially those who don't know the real story from back then."
"Oh, let them think whatever they want. I don't even care, and you shouldn't either."
Jauna first met Maruq when her mother brought her to Maruq's mansion. She was brought there once for a celebration in a hall. At that time, she was seven years old, and Maruq was ten.
They met when Jauna got lost wandering around the large mansion. Unable to find her way back, she gradually began to cry, then scream. Maruq heard her and immediately came to her, holding her hand and guiding her slowly back to the hall.
Since then, Maruq made it a rule to bring her there every day so she would have someone to play with. Jauna was always happy to go because, according to her, Maruq always fed her delicious food, often bread made by the mansion's baker.
To this day, they remained close. Maruq had no other female friends besides Jauna. Many joked and teased that perhaps Jauna had already captured Maruq's heart.
"You still won't admit it? How weak of you."
"Not yet. I'm afraid that despite knowing each other for so long, I might lose her in an instant."
"You know, if you don't ask, someone else might beat you to it. You know there are many suitors for her. Look at Jauna's beauty. If I didn't know you loved her, I might have already tried."
"Oh, no, that's impossible. I might kill you," said Maruq, laughing softly. Lishk, his classmate, was startled. True or not, Maruq's aura suddenly changed based on Lishk's reaction. He was no longer joking.
"Do you want me to ask her for you? Remember, after we graduate, we won't always be here. We'll often be far away, always on missions. We don't know what will happen along the way."
"No. I'll do it myself. I'm just waiting for the right moment."
"You've been saying that for so long. Old tune."
It was Jauna's graduation day in the medical course. Maruq's graduation would be the next day.
"Jauna, I will tell you something tomorrow, on my graduation day," he whispered in her ear.
"Can't it be today?"
"No. It would ruin your day if I said it now," he joked, smiling. He had attended Jauna's special day, insisting to go in place of his mother. In return, his mother's salary would be tripled for a whole month. Jauna had no idea.
They spoke inside the carriage. They sat across from each other, about half a meter apart.
"Ah, Maruq. I hope you won't be angry."
The young man frowned as he looked at her.
"I know… you are popular with the girls. I'm just lucky to have been your friend since childhood. I have something to confess, and it's up to you how you will react."
Maruq stood and sat beside her. "What is it that you want to say?" She tried not to show that she was nervous. Would the young woman confess to him? Would she introduce another man she liked? That thought annoyed him.
"I like you, Maruq. I've liked you for a long time."
Maruq's heart jumped at her words. She felt the same unusual feeling as he did. She had just beaten him to the confession.
"You are very brave, Jauna. Thank you."
"Eh? That's all?"
Maruq held her cheek and kissed her.
"W-wait. Why did you kiss me?!" she asked, surprised.
"That's my answer," Maruq said, repeating the kiss. This time longer, with a trace of longing.
"W-w-wait, what does that mean?"
"I like you too, Jauna. For a long time."
"Aha, so we feel the same way," she replied, suddenly realizing something. "What?!!!"
"You're right. You just confessed first. Give me a hug."
"When did you feel that way?"
"From the start. From the moment I met you. For a long time, if you still remember."
"That's why you didn't study for three years, just to keep up with me in school," she elbowed him gently.
"I'll court you every day, Jauna."
"Ah, even if not, what we've shared is enough for me. Thank you for being patient with me, even though we are from different social status."
"Then should I marry you right away?" Maruq asked.
"Marry right away? That's too fast."
"What are we waiting for?"
"What about your parents' approval? Hmm."
"They know you. They won't object."
"I'm nervous."
"Don't be, as long as I'm with you."
The next day was Maruq's graduation. His parents were there, along with Jauna. She applauded as Maruq's name was called to receive his certificate.
Maruq waved in Jauna's direction. After the ceremony, they rode the carriage together. Sitting side by side, Maruq reached for her hand, which she tried to pull away.
"Hey, that's embarrassing."
"Mother, Father. Is it embarrassing to hold the hand of the one you love?"
Maruq's parents laughed at her.
"Watch out, or we'll be crawling with ants in this carriage because of what you're doing to Jauna."
Maruq whispered to her, "They've known since last night."
Jauna suddenly wished the ground would swallow her in shame. She didn't know what to say and just lowered her head.
In the following days, Jauna and Maruq's relationship progressed smoothly. One month before Maruq was required to join missions following his graduation, Jauna had been working, pushing herself to achieve higher levels in her studies. Although magic was not unknown to them, it had ranks from lowest to highest.
"Return home safely," Jauna said tearfully, the second farewell between them and Maruq. At first, they had gone five days without seeing each other.
"I'll just keep myself busy while you're gone."
Maruq stroked Jauna's head, ruffling her hair slightly.
"Are you leaving tomorrow?"
The young man nodded. "Can you sleep beside me tonight?"
Jauna agreed.
The next day, Maruq left early, riding his own horse, dressed in a military uniform. His rank was commander, as he had placed among the top three in the final exams. This was his current position.
"Take care, okay?"
"For you," Maruq said, hugging Jauna and kissing her on the lips before leaving.
Jauna busied herself with her work and continued her studies to attain a higher title.
Months, years, decades passed, with Jauna awaiting Maruq's return. Until one day, she received a sad piece of news.