Enigmas - Chapter 17

Returning back to their temporary shelter, Yoan entered the house, frowning to himself when he saw Hilia no longer on the bed. She was fiddling with his bow, beaming with excitement and he folded his arms across his chest.

“Seeing as you are up and about, you are perfectly fine now?”

“I am perfectly recovered now!” Hilia perked up, rushing to Yoan with the bow in her arms. “And when did you get this?!”

“The first day we came here.”

“Is this…for me?”

Yoan nodded in response, “I couldn’t find the right moment to give it–”

Hilia jumped onto Yoan, giving him a tight hug. “Yoan! Thank you, I love this!” She squealed, grinning up at him. “I wanted to get a bow since long ago! Thank you!”

His eyes widened considerably as he felt her soft body against his, his heart palpitating. He knew that Hilia has loved the idea of wielding a bow ever since she saw her mother’s archery skills, however, he didn’t expect such a joyous reaction from her.

He had never seen her this happy, after her grandmother died right in front of her. Knowing he was the reason she was this happy, Yoan struggled to keep his feelings within him.

I want to hold her tight in my arms, so tight that she have no means of escaping.

Clenching his fists, he held himself back, just like he had always done for the past few years. Yoan himself knew that he was a coward, a coward that didn’t dare to confess his feelings, a coward for not taking risks, a coward for not wanting to hurt himself.

I’ve grown used to this cycle.

“Hi-Hilia.”

“Hmm?”

“The bow…is poking me.”

“Oh sorry.”

Yoan recovered from his depressing thoughts, clearing his throat, calming himself down. “I have another news for you.”

“What is it?”

Yoan smirked arrogantly, rubbing at his nose. “The mayor of the town offered us his carriage to the main town, we’ll reach there in two days.”

“What? Really?!”

“In exchange, we have to deliver his package to someone in the main town.”

Yoan felt a strong slap on his back, causing him to wince as he stumbled forward, and he didn’t even have a chance to recover when the same force struck at his back.

“Not bad, Yoan! Not bad, I didn’t know you were so dependable!” Hilia complimented, slapping at his back continuously with a bright smile on her face.

Yoan grabbed her hand, stopping her as he made a face. “Are you saying I wasn’t dependable before this?”

“Maybe?” Hilia teased, before blinking in realisation, pressing her palm on his chest, the warmth of her hand seeping through his shirt. “Yoan, are you fully recovered now?”

Yoan glanced down, seeing the concerned look on her face, along with her palm rubbing gently at his chest. It made him flustered as he pulled her hand away from his chest with one hand, while the other grasped at her other hand, dragging her.

“I’m fine, thanks to you. Come on, we are setting off as soon as we can.”

“Yo-Yoan, wait! Your sword!”