Over the next week, Sam found himself in training sessions with Ren more often than not. She remained abrasive—throwing verbal barbs, calling him "bookworm" or "clumsy elf"—but Sam could see the softening in her eyes when he smiled. He, in turn, found her passionate spirit and explosive temper oddly… endearing.
During a sparring lesson using mana threads to bind enemies, Ren struggled once again. Her ribbon slipped from her hair as frustration overtook her.
Ren:
"This is stupid! Why can't I do it?!"
Sam gently approached.
Sam:
"Because you're trying to be perfect, instead of just being… you."
Her eyes met his—those wide, mint-green pools of fire and confusion.
Ren (gritting her teeth):
"You're such an idiot…"
Then she punched him in the arm.
Sam (wincing):
"Ow! Was that necessary?"
Ren (blushing furiously):
"Yes. Because I think I like you and I hate that I do!"
The confession caught Sam completely off guard, but his heart beat a little faster.
Sam (smiling warmly):
"Well… I think I like you too. Even when you're mean."
She stared at him a moment longer before turning away, flustered.
Ren:
"Don't get the wrong idea, elf boy! You're still annoying."
Sam (chuckling):
"Of course."
As the sun set and the Spirit Tree lit the village with its ethereal glow, two hearts—once from different worlds, now caught in the same rhythm—took the first steps toward something unexpected and beautiful.