Nia'le reclined in his room, enveloped by the warmth of his blanket. His arms were neatly folded, with hands tucked beneath his head. The fabric playfully lifted as he gently blew it away from his face, only to let it settle again. Thoughts of Tassa's words lingered in his mind - words that spoke of mysterious magic tulips from their initial encounter.
Intrigued, he pondered the nature of these enchanted flowers. Questions swirled in his mind: What powers did they possess? Why did Tassa have them, and who bestowed such a gift upon her? Lost in contemplation, he absentmindedly touched his lips, tapping them in a rhythmic dance of reflection.
Yet, as he dwelled on Tassa, the focus shifted. No longer fixated on the magical blossoms, his thoughts now centered on her visage.
Nia'le closed his eyes as if drifting into a daydream, though fully aware of his wakefulness. In the canvas of his mind, Tassa's eyes, nose, ears, skin, smile, and lips flashed vividly. Her entire being seemed to materialize before him, bathed in a soft, enchanting glow. In this mental tableau, she sweetly smiled, surrounded by a colorful, pink background adorned with light sparkles.
"Tassa, Tassa, Tassa..." he softly uttered, her name becoming a rhythmic chant in the quietude of his room.
"Why? Do you need something?" Tassa's voice interrupted his reverie.
Nia'le abruptly sat up in bed, his surprise evident as he gazed at her by the open door. A hint of worry crossed his face, and he glanced sideways, half-expecting Ayamani to be accompanying her. However, his expression shifted to one of emotionless realization as he discerned Ayamani's absence, even if he strained to see him. Nia'le rest his head on the palm of his hand, and asked Tassa with boredom evident in his tone why she was inside his room. Tassa, in response, pressed her lips together, her hands tapping the dark blue dress she wore. "I like to visit someone. Can you come with me?" she inquired.
Nia'le, curious about the absence of Ayamani, questioned, "What happened to your Ghost chaperon?"
"He's not my chaperon," Tassa clarified, cautioning, "if you say that again, he might literally kill you. Well, you see, Ayamani is a very short-tempered guy. If you want him to leave, he will, and he won't come back. He has that kind of issue."
Nia'le, seemingly indifferent, retorted, "Like if I care. Anyway, I can't go out sauntering around, knowing that I'm infamous, whether I'm in the UK or America. That's what you get for becoming a celebrity."
Tassa rolled her eyes at him, responding with a hint of boredom, "We won't be that far," she assured. "It's been a while since I visited her."Nia'le noticed a sudden sadness in Tassa's eyes as she spoke about the person she wanted to visit. He couldn't help but wonder if it was her mother or a dear relative, especially considering that it was her old home they were heading towards.
Leaving the confines of Nia'le's room, they embarked on their journey to visit the person close to Tassa's heart. Instead of heading outside the forest, they ventured deeper into its heart. Tassa held onto Nia'le's arm, her free hand gently tracing the bark of every tree they passed. As they walked, she shared a glimpse of a past encounter, recounting, "I got lost here once. Someone chased me, and just when I thought it was the end, he saved me." Nia'le, respecting her emotions, refrained from delving further into the details of her past. Yet, curiosity lingered about how her home came into his father's possession. He pondered whether it had been sold to his father and acquired for the sake of him and his sister. As Nia'le was on the verge of asking Tassa about the person they were about to meet, she abruptly announced, "She's here." Confused, Nia'le scanned their surroundings but found no one. Turning back to Tassa, he observed her kneeling beside a headstone, using her hands to clean it. Tassa paused and smiled, her gaze fixed on the headstone. Though it seemed tears were on the verge of falling, none did, as she maintained her composure. Tassa preferred to keep her emotions private, projecting strength and independence to those around her. Intrigued, Nia'le squatted down to read the name on the grave's headstone. Puzzled, he asked Tassa about the relationship between her and the person buried there. Tassa's sweet smile remained as she answered, "She's my sister, who was also my friend's girlfriend. He probably visits her every day. The grave is clean, without a speck of dust or dirt. Isn't that right?"
Nia'le examined the headstone and confirmed its pristine condition. Tassa spoke fondly about her late friend to Nia'le, while a mysterious figure, concealed behind a big tree, stood in the shadows, wearing a luxurious dark blue velvet coat. The sleeves draped over his wide shoulders, revealing a sense of nonchalance. His light brown hair framed live yet sleepy eyes that opened as Tassa reminisced about missing not only Suman's girlfriend but also Xart and him. Suman, hidden behind the tree, listened attentively, his presence unnoticed yet deeply felt. Amidst the graves, Tassa's words echoed, creating a poignant atmosphere.
"Where are they?" asked Nia'le.
Tears welled up in Tassa's eyes as she replied, "They left me. Left me in the hospital that mistreated me." Clenching her fist and bowing her head, the tears streamed down, wetting her dress. "They didn't care whether I lived or died in that horrifying place. I thought they were my friends, but I was wrong."
Hidden behind the tree, Suman clenched the upper left side of his coat, listening intently as Tassa poured out her pain. "I hate them, I hate them, I hate them. Liars, frauds..." Tassa and Suman both gritted their teeth, their gaze fixed on the ground. "I can't forgive them," she solemnly declared.
As Tassa's cries began, the rain poured down. However, Suman softly waved his hands, and the wind pushed the dark clouds away, revealing a sky that echoed the emotional storm unfolding beneath it. Suman moved his hand through the thin air, mimicking the gesture of touching Tassa's chin, even though he remained concealed behind the big trees. Surprisingly, the illusionary movement seemed to have a real effect on Tassa. She lifted her head, sensing a phantom touch on her chin, as if someone was gently urging her to face them.
In a soft and clear whisper that only Tassa could perceive, Suman spoke into the air, "Quart, even when it seems that we don't care about you, just so you know, we are eager to meet you again. I'm truly sorry, our Quart. Forgive us."
Touched by the ethereal message, Tassa abruptly stood up, scanning her surroundings. "Suman, are you here? Is that you, Suman?" she inquired anxiously. Unbeknownst to her, Suman smirked behind the tree, swiftly fading away before she could spot him concealed behind her.
Ayamani silently observed as Suman disappeared, choosing not to disclose his presence to Tassa. "Who is this Suman, Tassa?" Nia'le inquired. Tassa pressed her lips together and silently distanced herself from him. As the sun began to radiate more intensely, the once ominous atmosphere of the place transformed into an enchanting realm reminiscent of a captivating forest.
Nia'le, gripping Tassa's shoulder, requested a brief halt, indicating his need to take a leak. Tassa, casting a glance over her shoulder, directed, "Just be quick, understood." Nia'le, with a hint of exasperation, retorted, "I won't be swift, but ensure you stay put, understood." Suppressing a smile, Tassa settled gracefully on the verdant grass, which appeared meticulously trimmed despite its natural state. Nia'le proceeded a short distance away, leaving Tassa to take a leak. With an air of patience, she embraced her knee, resting her chin upon it, lost in her thoughts. The scene played out beneath the luminous sun, adding a sense of serenity. "Do you think we'll be able to be together again, Ayamani? The three of us. Me, Suman, and my Xart, after they abandoned me. And—was that really Suman who was talking to me back then, or was it just me talking to myself?" Tassa questioned.
Ayamani stood behind her, his voice shaky and resonating like a wolf's growl. "Who knows, Tassa."
Tassa smiled into the distance and responded, "Of course, maybe someday, we will all be together again. I don't know why, but I feel like right from the start, I had a strong feeling that we will never get separated again. The three of us are going to become inseparable. It feels like we have always been."
Ayamani gazed down at her and calmly redirected the conversation, "Ixartxist," he said.
Tassa looked at him, prompting him to elaborate on Ixartxist. Ayamani took a moment before continuing, creating an air of intrigue. Ayamani's gaze shifted downward, devoid of guilt or emotion, even as he harbored the knowledge that he was betraying Ixartxist by divulging information about his plans for Tassa. He understood the potential consequences – a death sentence at the hands of Ixartxist once the betrayal was uncovered. Despite this, Ayamani proceeded to share the unsettling details with Tassa.
He revealed that Ixartxist had created a legion of shadow demons, a thousand strong, all tasked with finding and protecting her. The prospect of her demise seemed implausible, given the relentless guardianship of these creatures. Ayamani disclosed Ixartxist's sinister intentions: to eventually summon these demons, claim Tassa as his own, and make her his cherished bride. The transformation of Ixartxist into a monstrous being, fueled by selfish desires, had eroded his true personality.
Tassa's eyes, once filled with concern, now reflected sadness. "You mean he has become more malevolent, evolving into darkness because of me?"
"Perhaps," Ayamani replied.
"But why does he like me so much? I don't even know him; I haven't met him in my life."
"You draw him, pulling him back into the depths of hell."
"What does that suppose to mean?"
"I can't reveal much. My lips are sealed about the truth behind him, Tassa. All I can provide are some keywords; you'll need to unravel the meaning for yourself." Tassa continued to stare at him, struggling to comprehend the cryptic information.
Meanwhile, Nia'le returned, ready to resume their journey. Spotting Tassa seated on the ground, he approached, and Ayamani assisted her to her feet. She expressed her gratitude to Ayamani and turned her attention to Nia'le, glaring at him as she questioned, "What took you so long?" Nia'le, displaying his typical nonchalance in their arguments, rolled his eyes and retorted, "Why does it always have to be my fault every time you're not in the mood?" Folding his arms defiantly. "You see, this is why we can't have a decent conversation, Taaaassaaa," Nia'le remarked. Tassa glared at him, raising an eyebrow in defiance. "It's all because of your attitude!" Nia'le accused.
"What's wrong with it?" Tassa exclaimed.
"Oh, nothing, except for being ornery, cattish—oh, what's the right word again?" Nia'le pondered, looking up and touching his chin. "Oh yeah, curmudgeon!" he annoyingly declared.
Tassa and Nia'le continued their verbal sparring, resembling children in a playground. Ayamani, disliking small quarrels and immature arguments, trailed behind them, silently wishing for both to cease their bickering and enjoy a peaceful walk back home. Despite his silent pleas, the duo persisted. Every attempt at a small conversation transformed into a heated argument, and Ayamani couldn't endure it any longer. He slapped his forehead with his emaciated hand, dragging it down as if erasing his face out of sheer annoyance at their incessant squabbling. And then, abruptly, Nia'le came to a halt, instructing Tassa to cease her steps. He raised his left arm sideways, inadvertently tapping her nose due to the height difference. Despite the unintended contact, Nia'le offered a cheerful apology. Tassa regarded him with indifference, prompting her to inquire about the source of his sudden amazement. Nia'le, rolling his eyes at her ornery expression, continued to wear a smile as his gaze returned to the expansive fields of dandelions. Seizing the moment, Nia'le reached for Tassa's hand, his enthusiasm evident. However, Tassa, mindful of the potential hazards, hesitated and let go, expressing her concern about the risk of tripping. Unfazed, Nia'le assured her that running through the fields of dandelions would create a spectacle of beautifully airborne seeds. Tassa considered his words, her gaze shifting from the dandelion-covered landscape to Nia'le's expectant eyes. Eventually, she relented, and Nia'le took her hand once more. Together, they embarked on a whimsical journey through the sea of dandelions. Each step stirred the delicate white seeds, casting a dreamlike flurry into the air. The fields transformed into a canvas of enchantment, In a surprising turn of events, Nia'le swept Tassa off her feet without a word of consent. Startled, she instinctively wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, ensuring her stability, even though deep down, she knew she was safe in Nia'le's embrace.
"This is amazing, Tassa. It's so wonderful," Nia'le exclaimed, his voice filled with genuine awe. "I would gladly give you both of my eyes just so you could see how beautiful this scene is."
Tassa's smile radiated a warmth that Nia'le had never witnessed before. She responded with equal warmth, her words carrying a gentle reassurance. "It's enough for you to describe it to me, Nia'le."
For a brief moment, Nia'le paused, his gaze fixed upon Tassa's beautiful face. The realization struck him that he was still cradling her in his arms. Stammering, he struggled to find his words, overwhelmed by the sensation of holding what felt like a living goddess. It was almost unfathomable to him that this goddess was none other than Tassa, her warm smile directed solely at him. Sensing his unease, Tassa gently shifted her feet and requested to be put down. Nia'le obliged, carefully lowering her back to the ground. As her feet touched the earth once more, the enchantment of the moment lingered, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. As Tassa tapped her dress, a playful request escaped her lips, urging Nia'le to paint with words the beauty that surrounded them and adorned her in that moment. Taking a seat in front of her, Nia'le, facing Tassa, embarked on the task she had bestowed upon him. "I see... umm... an..."
Impatient yet eager, Tassa interrupted, urging him to unveil more than just the picturesque landscape. "C'mon, say it already. What is it, Nia'le? Isn't there something else making this moment even more beautiful? The trees, the sun, the clouds? Anything, come on, say it."
Observing Tassa's infectious enthusiasm, Nia'le was struck by the realization that he had never witnessed her so genuinely happy before. Her innocent and sweet smile worked its way into his heart, sparking an unfamiliar warmth. With a smile of his own, he combed his wavy brunette hair and spoke.
"I see a wonderfully beautiful face that I had never seen before in my whole life."
With her chin resting on her knee, Tassa inquired, "Of whom?" Nia'le arched an eyebrow in response, turning the question back to her, "Of whom, what?" Pressing her lips together, Tassa sought clarification, "You mentioned seeing a wonderfully beautiful face. So, are you referring to a person? Do you have a picture of someone, and you're staring at her face or something?"
Nia'le couldn't help but smile, and a hint of laughter escaped him, prompting Tassa to press further into her inquiry. Covering his face with his hand, he replied, "Where did you get the 'face' word?" Tassa maintained a serious gaze, emphasizing the importance of her question. However, Nia'le continued to awkwardly laugh.
"I said 'place,' not 'face.' I've never seen such a wonderfully beautiful place in my whole life, not face. Besides, there's only the two of us here. Are you suggesting that I'm romantically falling for you, seriously?" Nia'le chuckled, attempting to diffuse the situation with humor. Tassa snorted in amusement, folding her arms. "Well, why not?" Nia'le halted his fake laughter, looking at her curiously. "Well, I am a woman, and you are a man. It's alright to catch feelings for me, unless, of course, you're gay, Nia'le."
"I'm not gay," he replied.
Tassa shot a teasing smile over her shoulder, provocatively asking, "Are you?" as if tempting him to make the first move.
"I'm a man, Tassa, and I can prove it," Nia'le asserted, feeling a playful challenge in the air.
Tassa continued her teasing, goading him until he couldn't deny his growing feelings for her. The desire to kiss her became undeniable, and Nia'le made up his mind. He closed his eyes, moved his head towards her, and prepared to take that bold step.
Ayamani, sensing the impending moment, moved closer, ready to intervene and prevent Nia'le from carrying out his plan. As Nia'le's face hovered just an inch away from hers, ready to seal his unspoken emotions with a kiss, Tassa interrupted the suspense.
"I'll be honest with you, Nia'le."
Both Nia'le and Ayamani froze in anticipation, waiting for Tassa to reveal her thoughts and feelings in that crucial moment amidst the carpet of daisies and the fading sunlight. "The truth is, I ship you with Ayamani," Tassa happily declared.
Nia'le and Ayamani both felt a wave of disgust wash over them at her words, but Tassa persisted in sharing her thoughts. Clapping her hands innocently, she placed them near her cheek and sweetly smiled. "You see, Ayamani hated you, Nia'le. He despised your very existence, and you, the awesome bad guy who didn't give a damn about him, it's starting to sound more romantic, don't you think?"
Nia'le and Ayamani's fists clenched, their anger flaming within them due to Tassa's misguided idea about their relationship.
"You don't care, and he doesn't care. It's like some kind of BL romantic genre," Tassa continued, oblivious to their growing frustration. "I'm not into BL, honestly, knowing that it goes against my God's law. But don't you think it sounds amazing, you guys—"
Unable to tolerate her further musings, Nia'le and Ayamani simultaneously hit Tassa on the head, silencing her and preventing her from delving any deeper into their personal lives. However, Tassa's reaction wasn't what they expected; she shot them an angry glare, clearly displeased with their attempts to silence her.
The sea of daisies bore witness to the unfolding drama, as the trio found themselves caught in a tense moment. Ayamani, typically averse to quarrels and arguments, reluctantly stepped into the verbal fray. He felt compelled to defend his stance amidst the immature banter that had taken an unexpected turn.