Steam curled into the air as Lili gently washed Leo's back, the water warm and quiet except for the soft ripples around them.
Leo sat perfectly still, ears tinted red.
"Relax," Lili said with a smirk. "You're so stiff, it's like scrubbing a log."
Leo grumbled under his breath. "Not my fault someone ambushed me…"
Just then, the bathhouse door creaked open.
"Leo, I brought some fresh cloth—" Lyra's voice rang out, cheerful… until her eyes landed on the scene before her.
She froze.
Leo and Lili. Together. Steam. Bath.
Lyra's expression dimmed, her voice dropping. "Ah… Sorry. Wrong time. I'll just… leave these here."
She quickly placed the clothes on a nearby bench, turning her head away.
Leo bolted upright, panicking. "Wait—Lyra! It's not what you think! I swear!"
Lili, still behind him, burst out laughing. "Oh no, it's exactly what she thinks!"
Leo whipped his head back, panicked. "Lili!"
She grinned. "Turn around, Leo."
He blinked. "Why?"
Her tone dropped. "I'm going outside."
Leo's face turned red again. "O-Okay! I'm not looking!"
He squeezed his eyes shut as Lili stood, water dripping as she stepped out. She wrapped herself in a towel with a playful huff and walked out with a mischievous grin.
Leo sank lower into the water and let out a deep breath. "Great. That's gonna be hard to explain…"
He leaned back.
"I'll fix it later. Somehow. First… just a bit of peace."
The stars were out.
A soft breeze danced through the village as Leo stepped outside.
He wore a simple white shirt and black trousers, his long red hair still slightly damp. A few strands hung in front of his ears, others clung to his forehead.
He glanced up at the moon, silver light glinting in his eyes.
"Alright…"
He exhaled softly.
"Time to go. Lyra's place."
He adjusted his collar and started down the road, the gentle sound of crickets echoing in the night.
The house stood at the edge of the glowing village—a freshly built structure of logs, flat stones, and leafy vines woven across its roof. Warm yellow light spilled from its windows, and the sound of chatter, laughter, and clinking dishes echoed from within.
Leo stood in front of the door, taking a deep breath.
"Alright… let's get this over with."
The dinner had been filled with laughter.
Wooden plates clinked together, voices overlapped, and the crackling fireplace kept the chill at bay. The newly built house, though simple, felt alive—buzzing with stories, jokes, and warm food.
Lia was bouncing excitedly in her seat, proudly explaining to Zack how she helped cook the soup.
Sara was playfully arguing with Balzock over who ate the most.
Sheron and Niya were quietly watching everyone, smiles soft and eyes full of pride.
At the table's far end, Leo sat between Lyra and Lili, laughing at something Lia said, but occasionally stealing glances at Lyra—who hadn't entirely smiled since dinner started.
She's still thinking about the bath scene, Leo thought.
Gotta fix that.
As the plates emptied and the chatter slowed, people began stretching, yawning, and getting up.
Sara stood first, slinging her bow over her shoulder. "Alright, I'm off. Gonna test a new arrow design tomorrow."
Balzock grumbled as he got up. "You better not test it in my direction, girl."
They both laughed as they exited.
Then Zack and Sheron followed, guiding a sleepy Lia as she dragged her feet—until she insisted, "I'll help Mama clean!"
"Alright, alright," Zack smiled. "But don't break more plates like last time."
Leo, standing now, glanced at the remaining mess on the table. "Hey, Lyra… wanna handle the dishes together?"
Lyra looked surprised. "Oh—sure."
She glanced toward her mother and Lia. "We'll clean the dishes outside. There's less space in here."
Niya nodded. "Thank you, both of you."
The night had fallen completely now. The stars glittered above like tiny silver fires, and the wind carried the smell of pine and fresh earth.
Leo and Lyra walked side by side, each holding a wooden tub filled with plates and cups. The house behind them still glowed from its lanterns, but the world ahead was quieter.
They reached a spot near a stone well and placed the tubs down.
Leo crouched, raising his hand. Streams of water spiraled up from the well, twisting through the air. With precise movements, he began gently washing the plates one by one.
Lyra sat on a nearby rock, drying them with a soft cloth, stacking them in a woven basket beside her.
But between them… was silence.
Not uncomfortable, but heavy. A kind of quiet that pressed on both of them.
She still hasn't let it go, Leo thought, glancing sideways at her.
He decided to break the stillness.
"Hey, um… so how was dinner for you, Lyra?"
Lyra kept drying, not looking at him. "It was good. Everyone had fun. I'm happy they did."
Then she paused. Her tone softened. "You didn't have to come out here, Leo. I could've done this on my own. It's nothing hard."
Leo smiled faintly. "Yeah, but I wanted to. You're my family, Lyra. Even if it's something small, if I can help… I'm glad to."
Lyra's hands slowed… and then, almost in a whisper:
"Then why…?"
Leo looked at her—and knew what she meant.
Before she could finish, he stepped in quickly.
"Lyra. About earlier—in the bath. Let me explain."
She froze, saying nothing.
"When I went in, I really thought Lili was already gone. I had no idea she was still there. She… kinda teased me, and offered to wash my back. And yeah, she kept insisting, and I agreed."
He sighed. "That was my mistake. I should've said no. But there was nothing weird, I swear. No bad intentions. Not from me. Not even from her."
"I just want you to know that," he finished, voice low but clear. "And I'll be more careful. I promise."
There was silence.
Then, suddenly, the plate in Lyra's hands slipped and dropped to the grass.
Before Leo could say anything—she stepped forward and hugged him.
"…It's okay," she whispered.
Leo blinked, wide-eyed.
"I know Lili. She raised us, helped us. I trust her. And I trust you."
She pulled back slightly and looked at him, her eyes softer than they'd been all evening.
"But please… don't do things like that with anyone else."
Leo gave a small, sheepish smile. "Alright. I won't."
Without thinking, he reached up and brushed a strand of her black hair behind her ear—and gently brushed her elven ear.
Lyra jolted, instantly turning beet red.
"H-Hey! Don't touch my ears!" she shouted, flailing back a step. "It's—it's embarrassing!"
Leo laughed under his breath, turning away as if to hide his smirk. "Noted."
Lyra pouted, covering her ears, but her lips curled into a reluctant smile.
The stars glimmered above them, and their shadows stretched long across the ground—two figures under the moonlight, slowly drawing closer.