Volume 1. Chapter 40

The darkness of the forest surrounded her like a thick fog. Lily walked barefoot across soft grass beside Ken. He was smiling, his dark hair tousled slightly by the breeze, and his eyes sparkled with kindness. Her heart beat calmly, steadily, as if nothing bad could ever happen. They walked side by side, enjoying light conversation, as if the entire world had been created just for the two of them.

But suddenly... everything changed.

From between the trees, two figures burst out - Kiki and Julie. They were like whirlwinds, bright and loud, their voices tearing through the silence of the forest.

“He’s going to be our husband!” Kiki shouted, grabbing Ken’s arm.

“Ours!” Julie echoed, clinging to his other arm.

Lily froze for a moment, her eyes darting between Ken and the girls.

“What are you doing?!” she yelled, rushing forward.

Her heart pounded like a drum. She ran toward them, swinging a sword that had somehow appeared in her hands. She managed to pull Ken free from their clutches, and for a moment, he collapsed against her shoulder. Lily felt his breath warm against her neck.

But then Ken pulled away. His eyes were full of sorrow, as if he had accepted something inevitable.

“I’m sorry, Lily,” he said softly but firmly. “It’s time to say goodbye.”

His words hit like a blow. In front of him, a glowing portal appeared, radiating blinding light. Ken stepped toward it.

“No! Wait!” Lily reached for him, trying to grab his hand, but her fingers grasped only air. “Ken!”

The portal closed, swallowing him completely. Lily stood alone. Her knees buckled, and she collapsed onto the grass, feeling all her strength drain away.

“No... no... no...” she whispered, covering her face with her hands. Grief and helplessness engulfed her completely.

Lily’s eyes snapped open.

The cold morning air brushed her cheeks, and she realized with surprise that she was lying on the grass. Her heart still raced as if she’d been running. For several moments she just stared ahead, trying to make sense of what had happened. Suddenly her gaze fell on a figure nearby - Ken, asleep, breathing softly, a faint smile on his lips.

Lily exhaled in relief. A dream... it had only been a dream.

She closed her eyes again for a moment, listening to her own breathing, willing herself to calm down. Slowly. Quietly. Around her, the forest was waking with the first light of dawn. Birds chirped morning songs, and a soft breeze stirred the grass. She glanced at Ken again.

He lay on his side, his face peaceful and serene. His hair was slightly messy, and one hand was tucked under his cheek. Lily couldn’t help but smile, her lips trembling slightly.

“You look so cute even in your sleep,” she whispered softly, not wanting to wake him.

She watched him for a long time, feeling warmth spread through her chest. Her thoughts swirled, impossible to stop. Ken had become more than just a companion. He was her friend, her support, and perhaps... something more.

“He came into my life so suddenly,” she thought. “At first, I saw him as weak, helpless... But he’s strong. Not physically, maybe, but in spirit. His wit, his kindness, his way of finding joy in the simplest things... It’s what makes him so special to me.”

Her gaze wandered across his face again. Her fingers trembled slightly, and she pressed them tighter to her chest.

“Thank you for coming into my life,” she whispered. “You’ve brought color to it.”

Her voice was soft, like a breeze through the trees. She smiled, her eyes filled with warmth.

“I’ll protect you, Ken. For as long as you want me by your side. I won’t leave you, even if the whole world stands against us.”

She sighed, feeling a strange lightness after those words. The sun was rising, casting golden light over their small camp. Lily realized it was time to get up.

“He needs something special for breakfast today,” she thought, rising from the grass. “I want his day to start with a smile.”

Quietly, careful not to make a sound, she stepped over to her magic bag. Thoughts of the coming day filled her mind, but the warmth of the words she’d whispered to Ken remained in her heart - a little secret, just for her, keeping her spirit warm.