NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38: Chapter 34
Ryo Akira stayed hidden behind the water plants, his movements as quiet as a whisper. His curiosity had gotten the better of him after hearing the soft voices coming from the nearby shore. Though he felt a flicker of guilt for eavesdropping, he couldn't resist the pull of their conversation.
"Krista, what's that you're using? It smells so nice!" Hannah asked, tying her damp hair into a loose bun. Her tone was filled with admiration, her eyes locked on the small bar of soap Krista held delicately.
"This? It's soap. My brother Ryo gave it to me," Krista replied with a soft, proud smile. "It's not just fragrant; it also cleanses perfectly."
Ryo's ears perked up at her words. Hearing Krista speak so warmly about him sent a strange warmth through his chest, though he couldn't help but cringe at how much attention she drew to his gift.
"Brother Ryo this, Brother Ryo that." Ymir rolled her eyes, a wry grin playing on her lips. "If I didn't know better, I'd think he's all you ever think about."
Krista's cheeks flushed, her hands tightening around the soap. "It's not like that!" she protested, but the blush spreading across her face betrayed her. "He's just kind and thoughtful, that's all…"
From his hiding spot, Ryo sighed, shaking his head. *This girl really doesn't know how to deflect.*
The chatter continued, the group's relaxed laughter mingling with the gentle rustling of the lake's surface. But Ryo's heart nearly stopped when Ymir's gaze swept across the water. For a moment, he thought she'd spotted him, but her eyes quickly returned to Krista.
"Well, if your brother Ryo's so perfect, maybe he should be here protecting you from prying eyes," Ymir teased, a sly grin forming. The girls giggled, and Ryo felt his ears burn. *She knows,* he thought, clutching the reeds for cover.
Before he could retreat further, Mikasa's quiet voice cut through the conversation.
"Mikasa, how are things with Eren?" Hannah asked casually, leaning back on her palms. "We've all noticed how close you two are."
Ryo glanced toward the group. Mikasa's stoic expression faltered for just a moment, and her grip on the towel around her shoulders tightened.
"There's nothing to tell," Mikasa replied flatly, though her tone carried a weight that silenced the others. "But wherever he goes, I'll follow."
A somber silence fell over the group, the lighthearted atmosphere from moments ago suddenly heavy. Even Ymir looked uncomfortable.
"That's... really brave of you," Krista said softly, her eyes filled with admiration. "But also kind of sad…"
"It's not sad," Mikasa interrupted, her voice firm. "It's my choice. Eren is my family, and I won't leave him, no matter what."
Ryo's gaze lingered on Mikasa. Her unwavering loyalty struck a chord in him, though he knew her words were laced with pain. *So this is what it's like to truly care for someone,* he mused, feeling both moved and strangely distant from the moment.
As the girls' conversation shifted to lighter topics, Ryo decided he'd had enough. Slowly, he began to back away, careful not to make a sound. His mind swirled with their words, particularly Krista's unwavering belief in him. *I have to get stronger. For her, and for everyone counting on me.*
With a final glance at the group, he slipped away, the sound of their laughter fading as he moved deeper into the water.