Volume 1. Chapter 34

A warm, sunny day over the forest clearing promised peace, but for Ken and Lily, every moment of their journey was filled with lively conversation. They sat on the grass beside a cozy, makeshift table fashioned from a piece of wood and a couple of large stones. Lunch was simple yet delicious - thanks to a bottomless magic pouch, they had plenty of supplies.

“So I tell them, ‘Why do you need a lightbulb? You’ve already got a candle!’” Ken said, finishing the story with a grin and some ridiculous hand gestures.

Lily burst out laughing, her voice ringing like bells.

“And what did they say?” she asked, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.

“They said the candle was for a sacred ritual, and the lightbulb was for lighting the room!” Ken threw up his hands theatrically. “Can you imagine a ritual with a lightbulb? That’s just…”

“Ridiculous?” Lily guessed, laughing even harder. “You’re right - a candle does feel more ceremonial.”

“Exactly!” Ken winked. “Though I was ready to suggest some string lights to make it extra festive.”

Lily shook her head but smiled. She liked Ken’s lighthearted tone, even if she didn’t always understand his jokes. Sometimes he seemed too bright - his odd habits and way of speaking were unusual for her world. But that brightness was intriguing, even a little captivating.

As they finished their meal, Lily glanced at the bow and arrows lying nearby.

“Ken, do you know how to shoot a bow?”

“A bow?” He thought for a moment, rubbing his chin. “Well, if you count a slingshot from when I was a kid… then no, not really.”

Lily chuckled.

“Then I can teach you. It’s a useful skill. You never know when you’ll need it.”

Ken looked at the bow resting on her lap and sighed.

“Well, if you’re willing to endure my obvious failure, I’m all yours.”

Lily stood, picking up the bow and an arrow. The clearing was perfect for practice - open, with trees that could serve as targets.

“First, hold the bow properly,” Lily instructed, handing it to him.

Ken took the bow with both hands, mimicking the heroes from old movies he’d seen in his world. He struck a dramatic pose and puffed out his chest, trying to look intimidating.

“Like this?” he asked with a serious face.

Lily blinked, furrowing her brow slightly. It took her a second to realize Ken was joking.

“No, not like that,” she said, trying to stay serious. “You’re holding it wrong.”

“Back off, forest witch, I have my own style!” he declared.

Lily gave a small, embarrassed smile, her cheeks flushing red. She wasn’t sure how to react to his antics. She had been raised to be serious and attentive during lessons, and now she didn’t know whether Ken was joking or just clumsy.

“Ken, if you want to learn, you’ll have to focus,” she said gently but more firmly.

Ken immediately realized he’d gone too far and looked sheepish.

“Sorry, Lily. Sometimes I forget not everyone gets my sense of humor. All right, I’m serious now. I promise.”

Lily sighed in relief and stepped closer. She took his hands, guiding them into the correct position. Her fingers gently adjusted his grip.

“Like this,” she whispered. “Relax your shoulders… Perfect.”

Ken’s heart skipped a beat. It was too close, too sudden. Lily seemed entirely focused on teaching, but her touch silenced him and made him follow her instructions with full attention.

“Now draw the string,” she said. “Don’t rush - feel the tension.”

Ken, trying to distract himself from the awkwardness, focused and did as she instructed, aiming at a tree.

“Hold tighter, or the arrow will fly off in the wrong direction,” Lily corrected.

He nodded, listening carefully, and released the arrow. It didn’t hit the tree - it landed in the dirt a few meters away. Ken shook his head and laughed.

“That was a warning shot,” he joked, more subdued this time.

Lily smiled. She could see Ken was taking it more seriously now, and she was pleased.

“You can do better,” she encouraged. “Try again.”

Ken gave it his all. Gradually, his movements became more confident, and the arrows got closer to the target. After several tries, he finally hit the tree - barely, but it counted.

“Yes!” he shouted, raising his arms in triumph.

“Great job!” Lily beamed. “See? It’s not so hard.”

“It’s all thanks to my amazing teacher,” Ken said with a smile, looking into her eyes.

Lily blushed and looked away, but her lips curved into a shy smile.

“Stop it, you did it yourself,” she replied softly.

“But it was easier with your help,” he added, more seriously.

Lily looked back at him, smiling wider. Her heart felt warm. She knew Ken meant a lot to her, but his words stirred something deeper - something that scared her.

They spent a few more minutes practicing and joking. Lily taught Ken something new, and he kept her spirits high. The forest around them echoed with the sounds of their voices and laughter.

Ken thought about how Lily had changed how he saw himself. Her smile, shy as it was, felt like the greatest reward. And Lily, watching his efforts, felt a warm glow inside.