The World They Left Behind

Ningning took a deep breath, as if gathering her courage. "Back then... I fell on purpose. I wanted to see if you would catch me." Her voice trembled. "I didn't think it would hurt you. I just wanted to see your reaction."

Arga was silent. He stared at Ningning with piercing eyes, trying to comprehend her words. "What?" he finally asked, disbelief in his voice. "You put yourself in danger just for that?"

Ningning's face was once again filled with tears, but she forced herself to continue. "I wanted your attention, Arga. I wanted to know if you cared. So I deliberately... wasn't careful. I didn't think this would happen."

Arga ran his hands over his face, trying to suppress his emotions. He looked at Ningning with a mix of anger and concern. "Do you know how worried I was back then? Did you even think twice? What if I hadn't caught you? What if you had really fallen? What if..."

His words were cut off as Ningning, her eyes still brimming with tears, suddenly pulled his face closer and kissed him. For a moment, the world seemed to stop. A magical silence enveloped the small room, only their breaths intertwined.

Arga was taken aback, but slowly, he returned the kiss. Something long suppressed now flowed freely, wrapping them in an undefined warmth.

But the moment was suddenly broken by a voice from outside. "Miss Ningning, we're ready to roast the meat! Will you be joining us? We have plenty, and the drinks will make you laugh all night!" someone called out cheerfully.

Arga slowly pulled away from the kiss, his breathing still heavy. He gazed at Ningning, their eyes meeting in a silence filled with meaning. Ningning, with flushed cheeks and teary eyes, gave him a small smile while wiping away her tears.

"Arga, I'm sorry too for punishing you back then. I know you're a true man, and I trust you," she whispered softly.

Arga just smiled, then gently pinched Ningning's cheek. "I know," he replied, his small smile bringing warmth that gradually dissolved the tension between them.

That night, despite being filled with emotions, left an unforgettable mark on both of them. Slowly, Arga began putting his clothes back on. Each movement was careful, as if afraid to disturb the silence that had settled between them. Once he was done, he reached for Ningning's hand, holding it firmly yet gently, like comforting a child who had just woken from a nightmare.

"Come on," he finally said, his voice low but warm. "Let's have dinner. I think today has been heavy enough for us. Some warm meat will make you feel better."

Ningning said nothing, only nodded slightly. Her eyes were still wet, but now they carried a faint smile that tried to dispel the remnants of sadness.

They stepped out of the room together, leaving behind the tension that had turned into something calmer, more familiar. Outside, the night air was soft, carrying the aroma of roasted meat mixed with cheerful laughter. Oil lamps hung from wooden posts, casting a golden glow that danced on the happy faces around them. The small village thrived in warm harmony, like an embrace for those who were wounded.

That night, people gathered around a long table filled with dishes. Roasted meat, grilled corn, and various harvest offerings were served in abundance. A bonfire crackled in the middle of the field, adding to the cozy atmosphere, while the star-filled sky above seemed to join in their celebration.

Arga and Ningning arrived at the bustling scene, their steps slowing as eyes turned toward them. One young man sitting by the bonfire grinned widely. "Ah, you finally made it! What took you so long? What were you two up to, huh?" he teased.

Another man beside him patted his shoulder hard, nearly spilling the drink he was holding. "Hey, don't talk to them like that! Have some shame, will you?"

Soft laughter spread among the crowd, but it was soon interrupted by an elderly man standing at the head of the table. The leader of the group, with a wise smile and an authoritative voice, raised his hand to draw attention. "Welcome, Lady Ningning. We are very pleased to have you join us. Today marks the final day of the harvest, and this is the result of our hard work. Please, enjoy our feast, including the freshly prepared meat."

Ningning smiled and nodded politely, while Arga followed behind her with a composed yet alert demeanor. They took their seats at one side of the long table, where plates were already filled with food.

An older man, with raised eyebrows and a questioning look, broke the silence. "Lady Ningning, forgive me if this is impolite, but who is this man? I don't recognize him, and he's clearly not from your guard, is he?"

Ningning hesitated for a moment, unsure how to respond. Before she could speak, Arga suddenly stood up, calmly taking control of the situation.

"I'm Arga," he said in a low yet clear voice. He bowed his head as a sign of respect. "I'm a newcomer, recently arrived in this place. I apologize if my presence surprises you."

The crowd nodded slowly, a few offering warm smiles, accepting the introduction without much further inquiry. The leader spoke again, this time with a more relaxed tone. "Interesting, Arga. We have a tradition here of sharing stories on the last night of the harvest. We usually talk about how we ended up in this place. It's a kind of... celebration, and also a way to get to know each other better."

Arga simply nodded, though a nervous feeling slowly crept up inside him. A tradition like this, sharing stories with strangers, was something unfamiliar to him.

"Before that, please enjoy the meat," the same man said, offering a plate full of freshly roasted meat that was still steaming hot. Its aroma was so enticing that it seemed to invite everyone to momentarily forget their worries.

Arga took the plate, nodding in gratitude. As he sat back down, Ningning glanced at him with a faint smile, something in her eyes—a silent acknowledgment that, for tonight, everything would be alright.