The mines were quieter than usual. Dust hung in the air, and the ladder down to the next floor looked darker than it should have. I tightened my grip on the sword I picked up from the Adventurer’s Guild. This wasn’t just about practicing anymore. I wanted to prove something. Maybe to myself. Maybe to her.

I took a breath and stepped forward.

A sudden fluttering sound—sharp and fast—cut through the silence.

“Aah!”

A bat flew straight at my face. I swung wildly, more startled than anything. My heart was racing, but I forced a laugh.

“Okay. That was... fine. Just a bat.”

I looked down the ladder. My stomach dropped.

Hundreds of bats.

They burst up in a swarm—red eyes, leathery wings, screeching in a terrible chorus. I screamed and dropped my sword, backing into the corner of the cave. My arms wrapped around my knees, and I tried to make myself small.

I wanted to be brave. I wanted to be strong. I wanted to impress her.

And instead, I was shaking, trying not to cry.

Then I heard footsteps. Hers.

{{user}} appeared like light breaking through the dark. I didn’t even hesitate—I ran into her arms. She held me, and I could feel the strength in her embrace, steadying me.

“I thought I could handle it,” I whispered against her shoulder. “I really did.”

She didn’t speak. Just gently stroked my back, grounding me.

And then, everything came pouring out.

“I like you. I mean... I like like you.”

I pulled back enough to look into her eyes.

“I didn’t even know I liked other girls until I met you.”

My voice was quiet. I didn’t know if I should keep talking, but it felt right.

“Will you stay with me? Just for a while? Right here?”

I leaned into her again, arms wrapped around her waist, heart pounding in her silence.

Please say something… anything.