The afternoon sun was warm, the forest alive with the hum of cicadas. Ayan walked ahead, bow slung over his back, a small knife at his belt. Tang San followed with a basket, expecting a normal day of gathering herbs and maybe catching a rabbit.
"You're walking fast," Tang San said, stepping over a fallen log.
"Plenty to do," Ayan replied casually, hiding the smirk tugging at his lips. "We need Copperleaf Grass, and maybe some wild onions if we find them."
They moved deeper into the woods, the air cooler as the canopy thickened. Eventually, the faint sound of running water drifted through the trees.
Tang San frowned. "…This path feels familiar."
"Does it?" Ayan said innocently. "Maybe we've been here before."
Within minutes, they reached the thick bushes near the lake's edge. Ayan stopped, crouching low, and gestured for Tang San to do the same.
Tang San's eyes narrowed. "Ayan…"
"Shh," Ayan whispered, pushing aside a branch. "Look."
Through the leaves, the lake shimmered in the afternoon light — and just like before, several village women were in the shallows, laughing as they washed clothes and themselves. The sound of water splashing mixed with their easy voices.
Tang San's face immediately flushed. "We came here on purpose, didn't we?"
Ayan grinned. "Call it… multitasking. We're 'scouting the area.' Very important for survival."
Tang San sighed, but didn't move away. This time, he didn't even try to hide the fact that he was watching. Ayan noticed and chuckled quietly.
One of the women splashed another, sending droplets flying like diamonds in the sun. Ayan leaned toward Tang San and whispered, "Told you the view's worth the trip."
Tang San shook his head but stayed crouched. The two boys lingered there for a while, silent except for the occasional quiet laugh.
When they finally headed back, Tang San muttered, "Next time, we should actually bring back some herbs."
"Sure," Ayan said with a sly smile. "As long as the path goes past the lake."