The mist wrapped around them like a protective veil, as if the forest itself was guiding their steps. Tay led the group, his hand gently intertwined with New’s. The air between them crackled with unspoken tension, not from the danger that lurked ahead, but from the way they were drawn closer to each other.
New’s heart raced, not just from the strange pull he felt from the forest but from Tay’s presence. The way Tay’s fingers held onto his, firm but careful, sent shivers down New’s spine. They paused for a moment by the riverbank, the mist swirling over the water.
"New," Tay whispered, turning to face him. The look in Tay's eyes was more intense than before, filled with something that made New's breath catch in his throat.
Without thinking, Tay reached out, brushing a strand of New’s hair away from his face. His touch lingered, fingers gently trailing down New's cheek, leaving a warmth behind. New looked up, his wide, innocent eyes locking with Tay's, and for a moment, everything else faded—the forest, the mist, the dangers ahead.
“Tay...” New’s voice was soft, almost trembling. He stepped closer, their faces only inches apart, his breath mingling with Tay’s in the cool air. He could feel the heat radiating from Tay's body, his heartbeat quickening.
Tay hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering down to New’s lips before he leaned in, capturing them in a gentle but lingering kiss. New gasped softly, his hands instinctively reaching for Tay’s chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. The kiss deepened, and the world around them seemed to blur, as if the forest itself was holding its breath, giving them this moment.
When they finally pulled apart, Tay rested his forehead against New’s, their breaths ragged but in sync. "We’ll figure this out together," Tay whispered, his voice filled with determination. "I’m not letting you face this alone."
Before New could respond, the sound of footsteps approaching broke their moment. They quickly stepped apart, just as Ryu appeared from the trees, followed by a new face—a tall, athletic boy with a mischievous smile and short black hair.
"Hey, looks like I found you guys!" Ryu called out, clearly oblivious to the tension that had just filled the air. "And look who I bumped into on the way—this is Phon."
Phon, who appeared a couple of years older than New, gave a playful salute. "I heard you guys are causing quite the stir in the village. Thought I’d tag along and see what all the fuss is about."
Tay eyed Phon warily but nodded in acknowledgment. "We could use the help."
Before they could exchange more words, the mist swirled again, denser this time, and from the shadows, a soft, musical laugh echoed through the trees. A new figure stepped forward—a girl with long, flowing hair and a mysterious aura about her. Her name was Mina, and she had the uncanny ability to manipulate the mist around her.
"Seems like I’m late to the party," Mina said, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She moved with a graceful confidence, her presence immediately commanding attention.
Ryu raised an eyebrow. "Mina, I didn’t expect you to be out here."
"Couldn’t resist," she replied with a wink. "Besides, the magic in this forest is getting stronger. I can feel it. And New… something about you seems to be amplifying it."
New shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, his fingers subconsciously brushing against Tay’s hand again. "I don’t know why it’s happening."
Mina smiled softly. "You’re special, that much is clear. But we need to figure out what kind of magic is at play here—and fast. The balance of this forest is shifting."
Tay straightened, his protective instincts kicking in. "Then we’ll stick together. Whatever comes, we’ll face it as a team."
With their new allies, Phon and Mina, by their side, Tay and New exchanged a glance. The intimate moment they had shared still lingered between them, but now, with their friends around and the danger growing, they knew they had to focus on the challenges ahead. But even as the mist deepened, the connection between Tay and New felt unbreakable, bound by magic—and something far more powerful.
ns 15.158.61.8da2
