An unexpected conversation

ㅤ For Terun, Nahato was a role model in everything. And although Nahato was not noticed in the relationship, absorbed in his duty, Terun still decided to approach him with an embarrassing question. However, for a long time, he simply wandered silently like a tail, his head down, and awkwardly glancing sideways at Nahato. However, this often happened when Nahato led them around, demonstrating his skills as Dreamcatcher before training. Terun, however, usually reacted more actively to enemy attacks, flinching more quickly and hiding more skillfully. "What happened to you?" Nahato asked in a scolding tone, punishing him with a piercing gaze when the danger had passed. "I… It's… Well… Basically…" Terun couldn't formulate his thoughts, panicking. He stuttered around and around again: "I… It's…" Nahato let out a tired sigh. It wasn't a heavy burden for him to care for Terun, to teach and guide him. But sometimes he wished—he really wished—that Terun would learn to express his thoughts more boldly. "Look at me," Nahato said without irritation or pressure. "Take a deep breath, then speak slowly and calmly." Following the simple instructions, Terun managed to utter one short, clear sentence, yet one that conveyed the essence of the troubling problem: "I've fallen in love…" Nahato was speechless this time: he wasn't prepared for this. A Rufres wasn't born in a family, as was the case with most races: they were born alone. Therefore, relationships between members of the species were often friendly or mentor-like; true pairings were rare. Nahato certainly didn't aspire to such a lifestyle, so he had no idea how to respond to his protégé's words. But this pause allowed Terun to catch his breath, calm down, and collect his thoughts. "She's very beautiful, kind, and sweet. You can't take your eyes off her charming smile." Terun spoke enchanted, as if seeing his beloved before him. And the words he used to describe her made Nakato wonder where he'd picked up so many literary words. Terun went on and on until he ran out of epithets. "But… She's older than me. More serious and responsible: she already has a ward! I'm afraid to even talk to her. What if she's not interested in me… What if she doesn't appreciate my feelings, and they'll be a burden to her. After all, I… Compared to her…" He began to lose his composure again. "Maybe I shouldn't approach her at all?" "If you don’t try, you’ll never know," Nahato gave in. He wasn't well-versed in such matters, so he couldn't offer any useful advice other than the common "truth." "You may be cowardly and insecure, often clumsy, young and inexperienced," Nahato began listing without malice, evoking even more fear and uncertainty in Terun, "but you have many positive qualities. You're no worse than anyone else; there's no need to compare yourself to others. You're good just the way you are." Nahato patted Terun on the head encouragingly in confirmation. However, the lack of specifics regarding positive qualities was alarming. "Follow your heart. What does it tell you?" Terun tried to listen. He closed his eyes and peered inside himself. But his breathing became labored, and his heart began to flutter wildly, creating a heaviness in his chest and filling his arms with a sense of helplessness. "Too excited to say anything coherent…" he said, disappointed. "Then…" Nahato looked closely at his protégé. He didn't want to hurt him; he genuinely cared for him. But he saw no other option than to take the risk. Waiting would only torment himself. Take a risk and be reciprocated—you'll find happiness. And if they refuse, at least you won't stand there in indecision, even if you have to heal your heart. Better sooner than later, cherishing unrealistic hopes. "…you have no choice but to act," Nahato continued. "And I—to support you." Nahato smiled approvingly. For a moment, he felt his protégé grow up. He really was capable of a lot, but he only showed his determination in critical moments. Terun was capable of so much; he just needed to believe in himself. The way Nahato believed in him. "You…" Terun asked, overcome with anxiety, "will you be there?" He desperately needed moral support. Just the knowledge that someone was standing over his shoulder. A reliable support. ㅤ In the city, standing at a distance, out of sight of his ward's beloved, Nahato watched, quietly rooting for him. Terun spoke hesitantly, stuttering, and a wave of excitement welled up within him. The only thing that kept him from losing his voice was the thought of Nahato being nearby. Though he spoke incoherently… But when he mustered up the courage to look his beloved in the eyes, to see her radiant smile, peace enveloped him in its embrace. He was accepted. Terun had taken a risk worth taking. And his unusual achievement made Nahato proud. Convinced that his support was no longer needed, Nahato left the two lovers alone. ㅤ