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This light novel is inspired by the beautiful landscapes and cultures of Bolivia and South Korea. However, the characters, events, and situations portrayed are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, places, or events is purely coincidental. This content does not intend to represent or reflect the historical, social, or cultural reality of either country. The author disclaims any legal liability arising from the interpretation of these elements.
Chapter 34 — Coffee with Cuñapé
34.1 A Pleasant Atmosphere.
The women had already finished the training, and the atmosphere was much more relaxed.
Laughter filled the room as the aroma of coffee and freshly baked cuñapé mingled with the murmur of conversations.
Some had settled on makeshift benches, with their babies in their arms or scampering around them.
"Oh, you wouldn't believe it!"
a petite woman with a messy bun blurted out, laughing.
"That shameless rooster... he was still crowing at one in the morning, as if the sun had just risen.
My husband wanted to wring his neck!"
Several women burst into laughter.
"Oh, leave him be, girl!"
Said another.
"He's probably in love. That's how they crow when they're in love."
"In love with what!"
The first one retorted.
"Of annoying me, I guess."
Everyone laughed.
***
Ryu, who was observing from a corner while timidly sipping his coffee, couldn't help but smile.
There was a warmth in the air that he hadn't felt at the previous indigenous summit,
that formal and tense one in the hotel.
Here, everything was more intimate, almost like family.
The women shared the same accent, joked as if they were sisters.
Even with children in their arms, they seemed to enjoy the moment and pay attention.
Amidst the laughter and murmuring, Ryu felt a pang in his stomach.
Deep down, he profoundly admired their strength.
It wasn't common, at least for him, to see so many women balancing children, work, and learning with such a natural ease.
But that warmth would soon be interrupted.
A familiar silhouette appeared in the doorway, bringing with it unresolved issues.
34.2 A Provocation with a Warning.
Zayra was laughing with a group, but suddenly her gaze fixed on the entrance.
Yandé had just appeared.
Ryu saw him too and, in an almost instinctive gesture, his shoulders tensed slightly.
"I'm going to say hi,"
Zayra said, setting down her cup.
Ryu straightened up.
"Do you want me to come with you?"
He asked cautiously.
She shook her head gently.
"It's not necessary. There are some things I need to sort out with him."
Ryu nodded, but the slight frown on his brows betrayed him.
As she walked toward the door, his heart skipped a beat.
His fingers nervously played with the rim of his cup.
It wasn't just jealousy, it was the almost childish fear of losing a place he was just beginning to feel was his.
When he thought about the years of history Zayra and Yandé shared, something uncomfortable stirred in his chest.
***
Zayra reached Yandé, who was waiting for her with a relaxed smile.
"Hello, Zayra."
He greeted her with his usual confidence, tilting his head.
"Hello, Yandé."
They stepped aside into the garden.
The air outside was warm, and the singing of birds filled the silence that followed for a few seconds.
"Yandé… I think I owe you an apology."
She said, looking down.
He shook his head gently.
"No, Zayra. You're an adult woman; you made your decisions. I have no reason to be upset."
"Maybe I should have told you sooner."
She murmured, feeling awkward and not daring to look up.
Yandé watched her and let out a small laugh.
"Zayra, I've known for days."
She looked at him, surprised.
"Who told you?"
"No one."
He smiled wryly.
"I heard you talking to your sister the other day at the hotel.
It wasn't intentional… I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Zayra sighed.
"So…"
"There was no need to make a scene."
He interrupted.
"I care about you a lot and I want you to be happy. I hope he's a good men."
Zayra swallowed.
"Thank you, Yandé."
"Come on, stop with that sour face."
He looked at her with his characteristic big smile.
"You always take everything so seriously. Relax a little."
She laughed too, a bit relieved.
For a moment, she saw the friend she had always known in him again.
Yandé had already noticed Ryu watching them from a distance.
Although he knew they were an official couple, he couldn't resist provoking him just a little.
So, before he left, Yandé leaned in slightly, carefully taking a loose strand of her hair and tucking it behind her ear.
Zayra tensed, not expecting Yandé to do that.
His eyes, without looking directly at Ryu, shone with a provocative glint, and his voice was a barely audible whisper.
"If it doesn't work out with him, I'll always be here."
Ryu watched everything from a distance.
Yandé left Zayra and headed back to the communal room.
As he passed Ryu, he looked at him with a provocative smile but said nothing.
Ryu felt a shiver run down his spine; every gesture from Yandé was calculated to send a clear message.
"If you don't take care of her, I'll be here."
34.3 Amorsingui
Zayra's mother was still talking with her friends.
She suddenly saw her daughter and her son-in-law looking tired and said.
"Go to the car; I'll catch up with you in a moment."
Her voice relaxed.
Zayra nodded, and together with Ryu, she walked toward the car.
Her mother continued chatting with the women, laughing, while they settled in.
Ryu sat down and looked at Zayra.
"Do you think your mom will be coming soon?"
He asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Zayra smiled softly, as if nothing had happened.
"I'd say at least ten or twenty minutes." She replied.
"Does that bother you?"
Ryu shook his head. "No, I was just asking," he said, sighing lightly.
She yawned, clearly exhausted. Slowly, she rested her head on his shoulder.
"I'm so tired…"
She whispered.
"Amorsingui, it doesn't mater if I'm here?"
Ryu tensed for a moment, and his heart gave a little leap.
For an instant, the world seemed to stop, and the weight of the afternoon vanished in that nickname.
The word sounded playful, intimate, almost like a secret between them.
His cheeks warmed slightly, and he smiled without her noticing, a wave of relief washing over him.
"Amorsingui…"
He thought.
"Only she could say that and make my heart tremble like this."
Zayra had already fallen asleep.
He, without a word, put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her a little closer.
There was no need for words.
Even so, as he held her, the image of Yandé tucking the strand of hair behind her ear refused to fade,
like a silent thorn that reminded him the challenge was not over.