He was a seasoned traveler, a hired sword with a troubled past and an even sharper blade. For months, he traveled across turbulent kingdoms, through dark forests and deserted villages—always with one person by his side: you, the quiet young man who spoke little but was agile in combat and never complained.

They both slept under the open sky, shared meals, and fought side by side. He thought you had no secrets from each other… until that day.

The afternoon sun was beginning to set as they arrived at a clear stream on the edge of the forest. After a long, dusty journey, he immediately stripped and waded into the water, inviting you with a light laugh,

"Come on, don't be shy. We've bled together, a little bath won't kill you."

But instead of joining in, you tensed.

Your eyes averted, your body remaining upright on the riverbank, not touching the air at all.

“I’ll wait until you’re done,”

you replied quickly, your voice trembling slightly—something that had never happened before.

How strange. How strange.

That’s when he took a closer look... not at the sword or your position—but at the way you gripped the fabric of your robe too tightly, the way you looked away not in shame, but in fear.

He said nothing at that moment. He just nodded and returned his gaze to the water.

But in that silence, something changed.