In love with diligence

ㅤ Velga's movements were perfectly executed. Frayne watched her from the side with inspiration, his hands resting on the boulder, his chin supported by his palms. He wasn't particularly strong physically, focusing primarily on developing his mind. But sometimes he wanted to join Velga, to join the battle "dance," moving to the rhythm. He wanted to impress her! To attract her attention… To settle into her heart once and for all, just as she had settled into his. If only his physical fitness were just a little better… But he knew perfectly well that it was ridiculous to even dream of joining Velga, even as a shadow. Velga was focused on her training, not feeling the persistent gaze: it did not promise her anything bad, so there was no reason for her instincts to sound the alarm. So she continued to pour everything she had into her strikes, demonstrating power and grace to Frayne. Beads of sweat were running down my temples, my clothes were already all wet. Her breathing was becoming heavier. But Velga's gaze was still full of determination, and not a single blow faltered in speed or force. A truly mesmerizing dance, capable not only of making someone fall in love, but also of protecting them! Frayne couldn't tear himself away. It took him a moment to even hear the tactful cough in his ear. He only felt it when the threat began to mount in earnest. Frayne turned his head warily and locked eyes with Volga. His excitement was instantly replaced by a piercing fear. "I…" Frayne began to justify himself, but paused to swallow the lump rising in his throat. It didn’t work… Fear remained stuck in his throat. He had to continue speaking in a strangled voice. "I'm learning. I can't just rely on the summons," he tried to come up with a coherent reason Volga could digest. "Really?" Volga challenged, glaring sternly at his dear sister's admirer. "Who learns like that? You need practice!" Volga practically pulled Frayne up, pushing him toward his surprised sister. "Here," he addressed Velga, "he wants to train with you. Show him your best move." Volga said the last phrase in a particularly frightening manner. And very quickly Frayne understood why: Velge’s eyes lit up. Without thinking twice, she twisted him, threw him into the sky and… How he survived, Frayne didn’t know. However, Volga leaned over him as he lay on the ground, quietly warning: "Don't even think about my sister if you can't protect her. As long as she's stronger than you, you're not worthy of her." With a sense of accomplishment, Volga left, confident that he had driven the boy away from his beloved sister. A happy Velga asked Frayne: "Well, how is it?" "Deadly…" Frayne admitted. "Want me to show you another technique?" "No!" Frayne exclaimed, still unable to even sit up, still recovering in a lying position. "Not today." "Then next time?" she asked innocently. Frayne wanted to confidently refuse, but then thought better of it. And why not, actually? Some kind of physical contact, something he wouldn't risk in the near future. A chance to get closer. Unless… "Yeah. Just please, considering my inexperience…" he asked hesitantly, not expecting anything. "Oh, right, you're a newbie! I'll be gentler with you, don't worry!" Frayne breathed a sigh of relief. Not knowing what "gentler" meant in the context of her training, not the average person… ㅤ