"Brave" | Mina x F Reader

It was a fine usual morning at the Suganuma Village. Average heat from the sunlight radiating through the surfaces of the houses, stalls and the stone road that was being walked over by a bunch of people doing their own business.

Then there was you who belongs to these crowd of villagers, sitting in front of your wooden cart and under the roof connected near the end of the handle to lessen the heat you'll receive and avoid getting too much irritated and uncomfy at it.

Arranging your set of mangoes and papaya after some were taken out by the customer who bought those to you, another one appears and requested some apples to buy before she inserted it in her basket.

You thanked her nicely and looked around at the people crossing by back and forth when someone made your head stop moving.

Smiling at the sight, you pretended not to stare at the appearance of the young lady you saw; focusing back on your cart while other villagers stepped aside and paved the way as they watched her in awe.

Some continued to walk while you still tried to act oblivious not until you sensed that she's standing in front of you.

You heard the sound of an umbrella being closed. Looking at the source of it, there are two familiar people emerged in your eyes; a man wearing a blue chained and silver plated suit is beside an exceptionally beautiful woman wearing a costly casual school uniform.

"Hi, YN!", she greeted at you; showing off that adorable gummy smile with her little wave. The young man just nodded at you.

"A pleasant day, princess.", you grinned at her then smiled back with a nod also to her right hand man.

"These oranges looks so fresh and neat. Are these newly picked at the farm?", she asked you, holding an orange in her hand as she raised it.

"Yes. The farmers told me earlier, that's why I had to come here early to sell it."

"I'll take 5 of these, please."

"Will do, princess.", her right hand man helped her pick up those oranges to lend to you.

"Yah! You should stop it. I don't even know if you're being sincere or rather teasing me.", Mina said with a slightly sulking tone. You laughed while you're computing the total cost of the oranges mentally as you heard what she said.

"I am saying it with all respect, princess. I know you don't like me calling that if we are close together but mind you, we are in the middle of the public.", you said as you began wrapping the oranges while looking around at the surroundings. "Somebody might hear me addressing you without your rank and report it."

"Yeah, I know but still... I'm not used to it, especially that you're the only citizen here that I allow to call me by my name you know?"

"That will be 150 yen... Mina.", you whispered it to her; giving her ordered fruits in her hand while his right hand man just snorted at your plan B to avoid getting caught.

"I heard it, you're disrespecting the princess. I must have you reported and face your punishment.", he said while crossing his arms after you leaned back.

You glared and casted a weird look at him. "Nice try, Minho. I know you can't do that to me."

Mina nodded and smiled in agreement at you.

"Heh, sorry. I was just kidding.", Minho said. "The princess won't allow me that easy and ofcourse, I know you well now too YN."

"That's why I'm considering myself to be lucky enough to be friends with a royalty and a palace personnel.", you said, admiringly looking at the both of them.

"You deserve it, we knew you are a good person since I found you and he learned about you.", Mina said as she gave you her money as the payment.

"Thanks for the fresh oranges YN, I was going to make this as an orange juice for my lunch later in the class."

"Ohh okay.", you reacted. "Have fun learning in the school, Mina."

"And you too, I hope you sell much today as always.", she said. Minho placed all the oranges to the basket he's carrying.

"Hey! Before we go, can you meet me tomorrow beside the castle?", she requested.
"It's going to be weekend, my homeworks are already done so can you join me somewhere?"

"Okay then, what time I'll meet you?"

"Around 1:30 in the afternoon, sounds good?"

"Got it. I'll see you there.", you nodded.

"Your highness, your class is about to start in 20 minutes.", Minho reminded him as he glanced upon the clock tower.

"Okay! We have to go back now, bye YN!"

"Have a nice day princess!", you bowed at her and she patted you in the shoulder while Minho also gestured at you before they made their way out of your sight, walking away from your stall; leaving you alone again and continued to wait for other customers to buy your fruits.

You and Mina are close friends. The two of you met when Mina saw you being surrounded by a group of young boys in the village teaming up to bully you.

It was unnoticeable at first until Mina saw the red flag that there's something wrong going on when one of the boys pushed you, sending your body falling into the ground.

The princess came on the rescue and the boys recognized her immediately, giving them chills around their body as the felt the intimidating power they might face once they try to mess up with the daughter of King Akira and Queen Mashina and the one and only child of the kingdom of Myouis.

So without further do after Mina warned them about hurting you again, they quickly apologized and ran off.

Mina offered you a hand as a support for you to stand back up and you accepted, although the shock in your face can be seen because you didn't expect that the princess herself would be the one to see you being bullied and helpless.

That made her to be shy in front of Mina who's checking up on her.

"Are you okay? Did they hurt you somewhere physically?", she asked you, gripping your right wrist as she stared at you whose trying to avoid her eyes in embarassment.

You didn't answer and Mina understood it. Having a rich and royal personality interacting with a normal young villager would be very sudden to take of.

She smiled knowledgeably and sighed before asking again. "Hey, don't be scared of me please. I literally just saved you from them."

"S-sorry it's just... I can't believe you're here p-princess.", you said, stuttering while looking away from her.

"I was about to go fishing at the river down there when I saw some laughing noises near me. I came here and I saw you here, didn't knew that it was from their teasing.", Mina explained.

"Answer me honestly. Do they bully you often?"

You gulped.

"Y-yes."

"And what do they use against you?"

"T-they said I should stop acting like a boy when in fact I'm a girl. I don't even know why I'm acting or moving like this, I can't help it. This has been within me since birth.", you said, even the way how you spoke to her has some mannerisms of how a boy speaks, especially your look. You have a short black hair almost similar to a normal male haircut.

"They added that I'm just trying to betray my responsibilities of being a villager and a woman in our society. They make me feel like I'm a disgrace in our family.", you said, lowering your head as you are emotionally affected at the painful words they shot at you.

Mina felt sorry for you and instantly cheered you up. She was in disbelief that they were still some other people around here who's ego and attitude is way worst than hers.

"Don't worry, next time they come here; you are free to tell me and I will send my guards to hunt them and send them the punishment they deserve.", Mina assured you, massaging your shoulder.

"You shouldn't mind them now. Whatever it makes you comfortable, don't let anyone prohibit you from it.", she advised and looked at you interestingly.

"Are you perhaps... not seeing yourself as one of us?"

"Beg your pardon, p-princess?", you asked her confusingly.

"A girl or a woman. A straight one specifically, like me. Tell me, if you do have a chance to wear this type of clothing like I'm wearing, would you... like it? Or just tell me by what you see in me, are you liking what you're seeing?"

You began tracing Mina from down to the top. It was going smooth, your eyes are focusingly processing if there was some interest or desire of you to wear these outfits someday but it got all blocked when you reached looking at her face.

Your heart just randomly began pounding rapidly and heat reached up into your face as your eyes matched her face. Her elegant, gorgeous face that you can confidently say that the gods took time to discuss what her look would be.

Because you aren't even sure and just figured out if she's too perfect to be in this world.

You brought down your gaze again as you caught the formation of her hypnotizing grin. That damn smile that you began liking to see over and over again since that day you met her.

"Well?"

"I c-can't make up my mind, yet. I still don't know.", you rubbed up your nape.

"I see. Maybe you're just troubled, and I'll give you time for that ofcourse.", she sweetly smiled and again; your body almost weakened.

"May I know your name?"

"Y-YN."

"Nice to meet you, YN.", she offered you her hand and you took it for a shake. "Stop crying now, this time you won't gonna be like this because I want us to be friends."

You stared at her shockingly, it was unreal for you to realize that the princess herself was even the one to offer an additional acknowledgement to you not only as your princess but now also as your own friend.

Correction: your ONLY friend.

You grew up not having anybody to treat like that because you grown as a very private, silent, shy and mostly helping your family to earn money and buy their needs.

Through the other youngsters like you, it didn't fail for you to wonder what could it feels like to have someone as your ally and close with you aside from your family.

As much as you want to try, your lack of skills on opening a conversation with other is pulling you.

But since you want to change, you want to take this as an opportunity now that you met a very special girl named Mina. You can't risk losing somebody already.

"F-friend?"

"Yes, I can be your friend. YN. Do you want me to be?"

"S-sure."

"If that so then, would you mind joining me on the river. Do you know how to catch fish?"

"N-no."

"Then come with me, I'll teach you how."

Shortly after, your friendship bond with Mina grew larger each days as both of you try to insert some free time for the two of you to have fun together.

-THE NEXT DAY-

Being true to the planned meetup, you waited beside the post near the castle where you finished eating your packed strawberries as you watched people across the village doing their miscellaneous things again.

Glancing at the left, you saw Mina and Minho exiting the castle with the royal guards saluting at them before transitioning back to their steady stances.

Mina found you first and walked right away just as when Minho saw you standing from a distance too.

"Let's go! This will be exciting!", she said enthusiastically as she raised her fists in the air. You looked at Minho if he knows any hint why Mina is this hyped up but you only got a shrug and a purse from her lower lip.

After walking for minutes and took some double turns around the village, you locate yourselves now surpassing from the houses and the people, reaching the open area of Twiceland where all you can see is green and yellowish leaves swaying along the wave of the wind.

Your curiosity arises as you step closer and closer to that end of the path that looks dimmer than everywhere around here.

Even Minho was knitting his eyebrows, clueless at what's going on.

"Princess, what are-"

"Minho, I think it's time for you to go.", Mina rotated her body around, facing her right hand man and stopping her on his way.

"B-but... with all due respect, princess; are you serious? The direction you're-"

"We'll be fine, Minho. I can take it from here with YN.", Mina assured him but still the hesitating Minho isn't done yet.

"You sure, princess? If the king and q-"

"They won't know unless you talk, right? And we both know you won't do it because... even from me, I can be angry at what you did and still... might do something bad about it.", Mina said, flashing her smile that seemed different from both you and Minho's perspective. It looks like she's warning her terrifyingly which is on Minho side; he won't dare not following Mina's request more because he know what the princess can be capable of; worse than her parents.

"Are we talking loud and clear, Minho?

"Okay, y-your highness. Please be safe whatever you two are up into.", Minho said worryingly. Even you are getting tensed now at the way Minho looked uncomfortable at the unpleasant possibilities that might occur.

"We will. Thanks for the concern, Minho. You can go now home and do whatever you want too."

"Thank you, your highness.", Minho bowed and looked at you one more time with a glare that telephatically tells you to guide the lady to safety which you aren't sure enough because both you and him are also scared of what's going on.

Although, still you are willing to do your best. Who knows, there might be a time that she'll need you for her protection and all you have to do is to take the responsibility of it as a friend.

Returning to the current situation, Minho walked away from you and Mina.

"Follow me and let's hurry, we can't stay there until nighttime.", Mina said as she continued walking again. You followed her puzzledly.

"Wait, Mina just... what are we going to do this time?"

"You'll see.", she smirked and proceeded her steps. You sighed in defeat despite the urge of you wanting to know about it right away.

You and Mina finally entered the gap of what it seems like a forest with all the types of trees scattered around the area. There are other who are old, young or even dead; branches were the only ones remained.

Your heartbeats are intensifying as you can't hear anything at the midst of silence except from the sounds of the footsteps you and Mina are creating.

"M-mina..."

"Hmm?"

"Can you tell me what are we going to do e-exactly? I don't mean to offend you b-but... I'm not liking this at all honestly.", you said as you fidget your fingers and body slightly shivering in fear as there was some dark spots around that you and her were just passing through it as if it was nothing.

Mina halted in her steps and so as you.

She saw your face weakened and almost colorless, she's definitely lying to herself if she won't admit that she was softened and felt awful of your frightened state.

She apologetically smiled and what she did next took you aback.

Your hand received a touch from her, grasping and locking it together with her fingers with her thumb rubbing the top of your palm gently.

All of the sudden, you stopped being uneasy.

"You shouldn't be scared at anything YN. Whether what you're doing is you have me there on your side or it's you doing it for me. All you have to do is be brave as you think about us, that's when you know that you'll get through everything.", Mina comforted you with her soft words. "We got each our backs, and we won't let anything that affects us dangerously, right?"

"Y-yeah."

"Then trust me, we're getting closer... and like I said, you're with me. I don't mean no harm at all if it's you, YN. I want you to be safe and happy.", she said before she read the map she's been holding on since you and her entered the forest.

But this time, she was holding it with one hand. The other is placed securingly in your hand, ensuring that you'll be fine because after all... it's Mina.

After a few more minutes of exploring, Mina stopped her tracks and rolled the map.

"We're here."

Mina side glanced at you before her head moved up, directing her eyes next above at the towering large old tree in front of you two.

You were amazed, but still you are confused because what's even special about this tree?

Here's Mina to the save with her information to share with you.

"You probably be wondering what are we doing here, YN.", Mina read your thoughts. "But, this tree has a myth that I read earlier back in my room that led me here in curiosity. And I'm glad that this still exists."

"What does it say?"

Mina opened her pouch and pulled out a pack of seeds inside along with a canister filled with water before closing her belonging again.

"The myth says that if you touch the tree and plant anything in this forest, most recommended if it's just inches away from here; you'll get to find out the right person for you as soon as the sprout of the seed you planted grew.", Mina said.

"How does it connects to the point though?"

"Repaying the love.", Mina simply replied. "As you plant something with respect to this mythical tree, some said that this is the guardian of the forest; that means you're asking permission for you to contribute taking care of the nature he's in charge with."

"So as you plant your seed here, if it grow that means it granted your wish and the only thing he can have in return as a reward is... to find that somebody meant for you that you'll receive the similar amount of love, growth and development that you willingly expressed for the nature.", she explained.

Your mind was left blown away by that logic.
"Why, Mina? Are you interested on love these days?"

"I guess I am.", Mina smiled timidly. "I'm just curious if there's somebody who can ready to risk it all to let me know how much he or she loves me."

"He or she?", you furrowed your eyebrows.

"Yeah. I don't care if it's gonna be a man or another woman like me. All I need to be to be feel loved and feel special aside from what my parents gave to me."

As you remained speechless, you saw Mina stepped forward, narrowing her space between the tree.

What she mentioned piqued your curiosity to try it too. Never once crossed in your mind that you'll get to question yourself what is love and what can it bring to you.

You stood beside her and synchronically put your hands together at the rough surface of the tree, lasting for a few seconds before removing away.

"Join me plant these seeds, please."

Who are you not to oblige with the princess' pleads.

You helped Mina dug a hole in the ground and carefully placed the seeds there before covering it back with soil. To finish, you let Mina water it by herself.

"There, it's done!", Mina clapped in glee. "Now we should wait and see what's going to happened next."

"Is there any particular way that you want to encounter the right person for you?", you asked her.

Mina cupped her chin with her fingers as she thinks. "Hmm... I don't know but if I ever get to know his or her feelings to me and I had the same, I'll crush that person with a hug right away in gratitude."

"Good idea.", you agreed. Mina just giggled.

"Let's return now to the village. I believe it's starting to go dark also outside.", Mina then wore her pouch on her back and followed her as both of you walked your way in return.

"I just want to say sorry also for earlier."

"Why?"

"I should've told you already when you are already afraid, but I decided to keep it because I wanted to make the surprise worth anticipating.", Mina frowned.

"Next time, I won't do it again. If you want to, you can just leave me alone next time."

That last words didn't suit you well so you retorted.

"Wait, no Mina. There's no need for that, okay?", you prevented her. "I am getting scared earlier but there was never an intention appeared in my mind that I would want to ran away and leave you here all by myself.

Minho gave me the task to keep you monitored and for my friend I have to do it. That's part of my role and my responsibility, Mina. I can't have your desire for adventures get ruined all because of my stubbornness and selfishness. If I see you happy at what you do, then might as well I'll join you too."

Mina's heart blossomed at your touching words of assurance. She can somehow feel relieved that it wasn't a big deal at all to you of what she did.

"Thanks, YN. You are such a great friend.", she ruffled your hair which elicited a laughter to you.

"Hehe, as I should be always for you, Mina.", you beamed.

As you stepped out of the forest together with her, a loud sound of a horn resonated around the village that was still audibly loud for both you and Mina to hear.

Both were also felt... alarmed because that sound only means one thing.

"An urgent announcement. What could it be?", Mina looked at you concerningly.

"Let's head back to the village. Now."

You ran along with Mina towards the village where you separated your way from her as you said goodbye and let her return to the castle when both saw Minho waiting for the princess outside.

On the other hand, you joined your parents who belongs to the crowd of people gathered in front of the castle where the spokesperson of the kingdom is seen standing with two royal guards on each of his side in the balcony.

"I demand a silence, everyone! Hear the message from the informant!", the general of the imperial forces shouted as he makes his arrival along with some of his men following him while forming a line.

The people listened quickly at the intimidating general. All looked above as the informant cleared his throat and watched everyone set their attention at him, prepared to learn the news he received earlier.

"As per the guards who are based on the entrance of our sacred land, they were sent a message through this scroll by a group of outsiders.",

The informant rolled and spreaded the scroll, revealing the contents for him to read.

"It says that the opposing kingdom of Thricehold led by Prince Reo wants all of us to be warned again by their impending attack to invade Twiceland. We assumed that they are taking their frustration of declining Prince Reo's proposal of courtship to the daughter of the Myoui clan, Princess Mina.

All of the villagers began whispering and blabbering at one another. Some were frantically anxious and worried about what could happen to all of them when chaos comes to victimize everyone it involves.

It also taken you aback as you learned that Mina is the main target and that could put her in grave danger once the outsiders became successful and manage to arrange her in a relationship with Prince Hiro which she never wanted to have.

It increased your nervousness about Mina's state of safety that all of your moments together with her ran back all over your mind.

"As we all may know, they've had many attempts to win this kingdom and none of them were successful, but that doesn't mean this could happen again this time.", the informant reminded.

"The message was now brought to King Akira and Queen Mashina. With the use of their power, they seek immediate action through a command to the imperial force to prepare theirselves according to the plan they have in mind.", the informant said, looking straight at the warriors below him who are seriously inspecting all the people present, including you and your family.

"General Shinsuke, your turn.", the informant told the heavily built looking man in a uniform amongst any men around here.

"We did came up with plan but we only had one problem, and that is we lost many fellow comrades from the previous battle.", General Shinsuke slightly went low on his voice as the regret and grieve still won't let go of him from what happened.

"Since we need many replacements, we are open for recruitments to let everyone participate and contribute to the survival and protection of our beloved kingdom of Twiceland.", the general declared; thus turning everyone to react in shock.

"We are expecting that the spots will get filled up tomorrow, as the training will start in time after the nunber of warriors gets completed. The camp is available tomorrow for anyone who wants to join us. Again, we are doing this for Twiceland and for the sake of survival; we ask for your help. Thank you."

The general and his men slowly disappeared as the crowd grew noisy with their reactions, thoughts and opinion at the current situation.

You remained silent as you are still processing everything you heard.

Everyone is placed in danger.

All of these would soon feel the wrath from the enemies desperately want to make everyone including you to bow down to them as they try to become the new rulers and expand their empire.

But your thoughts were focused more on your family and Mina, knowing that her simple rejection over the showcasing of love coming from that Prince Reo would soon spawn another heated tension between Twiceland and Thricehold.

Not wanting to let anything bad happen to them, you recalled again the invitation shared by the General to the people who are intently listening to them about the recruitment training program welcoming anyone who has the interest to stand up for Twiceland.

You and your family arrived home, deeply processing what they learned a while ago.

"I really hope nothing goes down unwell. Another battle is about to take place here in our village. We must stick and stay together, okay? In our family, everybody must be unharmed.", your father said, introducing another discussion only would get in between each other.

"We should just pray and keep ourselves strong and hopeful that this can end and be solved.", your mother said next, trapping your hands with her hold.

"Let's pack it up tomorrow and wait for f-"

"I'm joining the imperial forces."

All their eyes went glued on you with pure bewilderment, their eyebrows furrowed and mouth slightly agape in disbelief about what you just said interruptingly.

"W-wait, daughter..."

"What did you just said?"

"I... I...I'm entering the recruitment-"

"NO!", your mother almost pushed you hard away from her but composed herself instantly. "I'm not letting you there-"

 "Mother, I don't have any choice. I have to help them! They are searching for more warriors and for me, I can't just allow how those outsiders are threatening us again. I have to help us from being spared.", you explained.

"That's the only thing I could prove my purpose of being one of the people here living in Twiceland, ma.""Son, wait please.", your father stopped you. "I understand your intention of serving for the kingdom, but have you ever thinking about the sake of yourself? About... what might happen to us if you... oh god I can't say it.", he shook his head.

"We can't let it happen too, YN. We can't afford losing another child, please!", he begged as he kneeled in front of you; reminding you about the distress of losing their very first child and your late baby brother who died early due to illness.

"You can help through anything, YN but not this. Don't sacrifice yourself as if we can take losing you from us.", your mother gripped your hand tighter; urging you to change your mind.

You have utmost love and respect for your parents, following and granting their directions, guidelines and others but... this time it won't flinch or driven you to reconsider your decision.

That's because unlike before, you have another person outside of your family that you hold dearly in your heart.

It's not only about them anymore.

It's also about Mina.

"But mother, father... m-my friend... is important to me too. I have to do something to protect her on my own.", you said as your raised your head to glance at your parent's thoughtful expressions.

"F-friend?"

"When did you-"

"I know, I haven't had one... not until I met Mina."

Their eyes widened.

"Mina... Wait, Mina as is Princess Mina of the Myoui clan?!"

"You are friends with her?!"

You nodded and flashed a shy smile. "She saved me many times from the neighborhood youngsters who bullies me. She was like a light who helped me escape through my hard times of dealing all the hurtful words I get from them about who I really am."

"The more she helps me, the more I get motivated to do atleast one thing in return to everything she has done for me. I have to be the one to show how much I care for her this time, ma... pa.", you said as your eyes became teary.

"So please, I'm asking for your understanding again. Let me enter the training camp and participate on the battle."

Your mother and father looked at one another before they saw your gloomy mood and frowning emotion, realizing how much it troubles and takes a huge toll on you to know that your loved ones are going to face the terror that awaits for them on being a part of this place.

They sighed heavily and looked at you worriedly. "Daughter, are you really sure about this?"

"Yes, papa."

Your father nodded. "Alright, fine. If that's what you are fighting and hope for, all we can do is to support you."

Your eyes that were almost blinded with all the tears clogging your sight litted up in joy and appreciation, as your reasoning finally convinced your parents to unrestrict you from your decisions.

"We're expecting you to come back, daughter. Please, be safe out there okay? We will wait for you.", your mother pulled you to a hug as she sobbed in your shoulder.

Your father had his own tears falling too as he saw his wife crying in front of her comforting daughter about to sacrifice her whole life for the kingdom they are under in, for the community, for them as the parents and last but not the least... for your friend Mina.

"I'll shall return, ma. You have my words. Thank you again.", you sweared.

You seperated yourself away from your mother and went on to hug your father too.

"Goodluck, my daughter."

"Thank you father."

-THE NEXT DAY-

Early in the morning, you fell in line and applied at the executives about your interest on become a new recruit to be an addition to the army of warriors.

They accepted, however you caught that they must be looking at you in disdain and ridiculously; that a female villager would enter this such quite of a service to pay for.

Along with the othew new trainees, you had gone through a series of different training workouts and obstacles as part of the first preparation.

What sets you aside from them though is that you are the only female aspiring warrior out of every male ones, and that led you to suffer from discrimination; disliking gender equality.

Meanwhile, as you are doing your training in the camp; Mina went outside the castle and ran to visit your house where she was only greeted by your parents.

"Oh, princess! H-how can we help you, our lady?", your mother kneeled and bowed first before proceeded by your father as both with all due respect for the highness.

Mina was amazed and impressed however at the kind act of your parents, but it won't get her much longer as she still finds it cringe that she is being looked upon by many.

Once she steps out of the castle, all she ever wanted is to live a peaceful life and away to the life of being wealthy royal being; get portrayed as just a normal citizen of Twiceland also just like the rest of them.

Fortunately, it was only you who can be able to do that for her. Now she knows where did you get that deed from your parents.

"A-ahh... please, Mr. and Mrs. LN get up.", Mina said as she gestures for your parents to rise up.

"Uhm, is YN here?"

"Sorry princess but YN is currently having a training at the campsite.", your father said.

"W-wait... training?!", Mina raised her tone in surprise, scaring your parents at her intense reaction.

"Yes, your highness. She joined the recruitment to be one with the warriors against the army of outsiders.", your mother explained.

"Wait, you didn't know, princess? Didn't she told you?"

Mina hurriedly bids goodbye and ran ahead back into the castle, ignoring the following words by your father.

Later that night, you are on your way home from the campsite when you saw something that was quite unexpected for you.

It was Mina sitting on a bench beside the post from the entrance of the bridge crossing the port, holding her dog named Ray in her lap and caressing its fur.

You stopped in your steps and approached her.

"Mina! Why are here out at night alone?", you greeted her.

She drawn her gaze at you, stopping her strokes at her resting dog in her arms.

Only to receive a different greeting from her in return. Hers looked... unnerving and serious.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Tell you what?"

"Why did you join the enlistment of warrior who will get released to face against the army of akgaes?", she specified. "Without even my knowledge too?!"

You gasped, face stretched and eyes wide open in utter shock as you were caught.

"H-how did you know?"

"I came to your house earlier but your parents answered my call, they said you weren't there because you are there at the training camp.", Mina explained. "Why do you have to do this? You know how dangerous it is!"

Her voice raised at you for the very first time and it didn't fail to terrify you at the sight of this angered Mina.

"I just want to help the others from protecting you and everything in this kingdom, Mina. I'm doing this for all of us."

"Do you really need to? YN, I don't want you to go out there and be it your cause of death!", Mina said. "You could've just leave it to the others, they are skilled and they know what they're doing. They can handle it theirselves!"

"They are and so am I!", you defended yourself, not allowing to let your intentions absorbed with blames and complaints anymore especially if what you believe in is for good.

You went closer to her and grasped her shoulders as you stared at her emotionally. "Mina, you have to let me be on this one. Please. Just... for once, I have to know that I have done one thing right with you as my only friend."

Mina stared back and explored your own shiny pair of eyes filled with sorrow.

"Is you staying by my side aren't enough for you, YN?", she muttered. Your hands loosened as she attempts to make you realize something missing from your own point.

"Is... everything that we did together aren't enough? Hmm?"

"Have you perhaps... thought that your existence was all we need for us to acknowledge it as one of the good things that came into our life?"

Your heart shattered as not only you made Mina angry for the first time..

... you even made her cry for you.

"YN... all I needed is for you to stay. And I have to say, I'm so disappointed at you that you're taking this as if you never mind how much it'll affect us if there's something happen to you at the battle."

Mina swayed some hair on your forehead and looked at you with her bitter smile.

"Do you know why?"

You looked at her intriguingly.

"I can't lose you, so as your parents."

She carried her dog Ray with her as she started to return back at the castle, leaving you alone as you contemplate with your thoughts about what Mina told you which were almost identical as what your parent's concerns for your rate of survival.

-2 DAYS LATER-

You are resting at the nursing room after the beating you got from you altercation with one of the male trainees who keeps on continuing to mock you for being a woman serving as a warrior knowing how more vulnerable and less useful you are compared to him as a man.

You can't contain the amount of belittling he gives to you, something snaps out of you that pushed you to attack him aggressively until the officers broke up the fight and led you both to the nursing room to have your wounds healed.

He's on the other room to avoid again a possible fight from you and him.

As you are staring at the ceiling, still replaying what you heard from Mina and your parents who are both afraid for what you're about to risk in the battle; you heard the door squeaked open.

You saw the person peeked to see you.

"Minho?"

"What happened?", he asked, referring to your treated wounds and bruises around your face and arm.

"Started a brawl.", you simply answered.

"You did? This isn't you, YN."

"Shut up.", you rolled your eyes at his teasing.

"I'm just kidding. Hurry and follow me."

You leaned your back away from the bed.

"Where are we going?"

"You're going to do me a favor on this. Now quick, you'll see but first...hide.", Minho opened the door a little bit wider; giving you a glimpse of a large wooden crate on top of his trolley.

"Go on! The nurse might be here anytime soon!"

You hurriedly opened the lid and carefully sat there as you lowered yourself by crouching down.

Minho helped you close the lid before he starts pushing the trolley in his control

Following the direction, the view you are seeing through the hole of the crate gave you an idea on where Minho is leading you at.

He opened the lid and there, the bright lights of chandelier, an expensive room filled with gigantic paintings and picture frames and a long stairway covered in red carpet welcomed your sight.

"Upstairs, go.", you stepped away at the crate then ran upstairs with Minho.

Reaching the second floor, Minho went in front of a door and faced you who figured out that the place you and him just entered was inside the castle.

"YN."

"M-Minho? Why d-did you bring me here? You know I can't trespass?!", you whisperedly shouted at him to avoid causing too much noise that might attract other people inside to hear and caught you.

"I know but you're now here so just get over it.", Minho scoffed and waved it off. "And about the favor I'm telling you, talk and fix it out together."

"Huh?"

"She wants to talk to you but... she can't, so I did the move instead. Now settle your problems together before the time runs out.",

Minho knocked at the door twice and it made you instantly nervous at how sudden it is to see her again after what happened to the both of you.

"Come in.", you heard her voice inside.

"She's not angry, don't be afraid. I won't bring you here on behalf of her if she doesn't want to talk to you.", Minho gestured at you to take the answer.

He stepped aside, letting you hold the doorknob and sighed at first before you opened the door wide; revealing yourself to Mina who looked at you shockingly.

"Y-YN?! H-how did you-"

You felt your back pushed by Minho, leading you inside the room which startled you.

"Talk it out. Now.", Minho immediately closed the door after, leaving both of you alone in her room.

It was very awkward. This is the first time you entered her room and shared the space together with her alone, knowing how you're definitely in trouble once somebody caught you trespass here and have you punished.

"Minho! Aish... he'll get a lot of scolding from me later.", Mina huffed in the air and shook her head.

You and her went silent for a moment until Mina who's actually the one who requested for a conversation with one another, took the move to start talking.

"D-did he sneakily let you in?"

"H-he did.", you nodded.

Mina sighed.

"He's right, I do want to talk with you but I didn't mean it to be here exactly.", Mina whined.

"But I think I understand his rush. It's already 10 in the evening, Mina. You aren't allowed to get out in this hour.", you said as you checked the time outside where the clocktower is visible.

"Is your training j-just finished?"

"Mmhmm."

Her forehead crumpled, nose crunched when she saw something distracting on you that she couldn't help but to ask.

Standing from her bed, she went closer and slightly ducked herself to match your height; cupping the side of your head gently as she traced the bandages with her slender fingertips.

"What happened to these?"

"You won't like it when I tell you."

"I don't care. I'm concerned and if it's caused by you then it's your fault."

"There. I had this because of me."

Mina then stared at you seriously and irritatingly, not liking the slow buildup you're doing.

You gulped, not wanting to trigger the princess more. "S-sorry. I- I got into a fight.", you lowered your head.

"Because?"

"One of the guys there... was an egoistic maniac. He keeps belittling and underestimating me, telling me that a warrior's job isn't suited for women like me and they said maybe I'm just trying to escape my responsibilities of serving the kingdom especially when I belong to a poor family.", you fakely smiled at her.

Mina got hurt at your story as a woman. Sure, she may not experienced it at all because she came from a royal family and all she gets was nothing but respect and power enough for anyone to treat her well; but there's what ifs sometimes that crosses her mind how judgmental and discriminating a society can be if women like her don't possess a valuable reputation like hers.

"You're lucky they didn't kicked you out of the camp."

"My side won.", you reasoned. "I don't know what are they going to do on him though."

"Don't mind him, he didn't even cared at your feelings when he said those harsh words at you.", Mina said. "You just lashed out because you can't let yourself take it all when you know that's a lie, YN. We all both know being a woman can do anything just like men, there's even a possibility we can't deny that we can be better than them.

We are also a human too and we have the rights to contribute in the society and in this kingdom in our own way. We are all just one, YN."

"I know, that's why I want to prove him wrong and anyone who heard what he's blabbering about that a woman like me can be a warrior, Mina."

Mina got quiet for a while before she looked and you with a timid smile.

"About last night... I'm sorry. My emotions took control over me that I started to think negatively only thinking that being in that battle would be only a death sentence to you YN.

I didn't looked at the bright side that maybe your inclusion to the army could be a huge assist enough to strengthen the force and defeat the invaders.

I understand that you are doing this for me and... since you said that you want to be the one to help me; all I have to do is to support and appreciate your consideration, YN."

After her apology, she lunged her body at yours to wrap you in a hug which you welcomely took in return while you blushed at the close contact.

"I forgive you, Mina. I knew you are just disappointed and infuriated that I kept this as a secret from you not even thinking whether you'll like it or not. I guess I do became selfish and arrogant but it's not that I completely disregarded you out of my mind, Mina.

If I do, then I won't be standing here with my training attire and face you knowing that I joined the enlistment to defend you.", you said to her which Mina completely understood it well.

"You only have 2 days before the battle, right?"

"I-I am.", you frowned at the realization. "Our day is free to spend it together with our loved ones before we engage."

Mina releases from your embrace and gripped your wrists. "Then let's go tomorrow. Let's do everything we want together. Pretend as if we aren't aware of the following day. Can I join you?", she said with oozing determination.

"Ofcourse you are, Mina.", you allowed her although she didn't even need to ask becase the answer would be still obvious anyway.

Both of you grinned at each other before you said goodbye to her and left the room, where Minho who is waiting outside; escorted you to leave the castle with a relief that you and Mina are both okay with each other now.

-2 DAYS LATER-

Every hour was spent properly, but at the end it'll still makes you feel it wasn't enough; especially if you knew that being with that special person would halt once the daylight comes as you're about to do something important and... risky.

As you had fun with Mina, visiting some food stalls, antique shops and clothing boutique around the village; you also gave time to finally introduce yourselves to your respective parents.

To yours, it was easily fine to you about the reception Mina would get from your parents. They are kindhearted and shows full respect for a Myoui and the princess of the kingdom that rules the land well, so they welcomed Mina with open arms.

Unlike on Mina's though, it gave you anxiety and panic that they won't accept you from being close to their daughter knowing that you are just nothing without a class and just an average villager only earning money from selling fruits on the streets.

But your wrong thoughts had you feel surreal when King Akira and Queen Mashina greeted and was impressed at how your friendship with their daughter was built and remained bound to each other as it gets stronger.

They didn't mind someone like you who might be not contrast to Mina's status, all that's important for them to know is that their daughter have finally someone to call as a friend since they reminded you of the fact that Mina isn't good at interacting and socializing that's why she has barely nothing close to her, not until she met you.

The royal couple learnt also that you are one of the warriors who'll be going to battle against the army of akgaes tomorrow. They wished you luck and send their prayers that you'll make it out there alive, which Mina didn't quite liked how it sounds because it worries her more.

Later that night, Mina who is making her homework noticed you sitting at the bed silently. She presumed that you are spacing out at how deep your stare at the unknown was.

She paused from her task and sat beside you.

"A penny for your thoughts, YN?", your senses reawakened when you heard Mina's soft voice near at you

"A-ahh... I'm just... confused.", you nervously chuckled.

"Why's that?"

"I- I actually don't know too. I don't know why I'm scared yet I'm prepared for what's about to go down tomorrow.", you said.

"My guess was that I literally don't have any idea what could be my fate there at the battleground once I charge along with my fellow warriors. No matter how I stay positive, the question still appears in my head. Maybe to keep me aware of it."

"But I must not get brought on with these fears distracting me, especially if what I'm about to do is for you Mina.", you looked at her who is still listening patiently.

"Mina, I entered the army to train myself to get unbothered by my fears too. I've been weak through all my life, not able to stand up on my own and have myself only rely with the help of others.

But now, I assure that things would go different this time. Nothing's going to hold me back if it means your safety Mina."

You reached for her hand and laid it on your thigh as you stacked it with your own hand, sending shivers to Mina at your sudden touch.

"Trust me when I say this, I'm the one who'll protect and save you now Mina.

I can't bear to lose you too.

I can't let it happen.

For once in my lifetime, I chose to be brave for my friend..."

You raised your hands clenched together.

"For my love..."

Mina's eyes widened in surprise at your confession and your new acknowledgment to her.

"For you, my Princess Mina."

You kneeled in front of her and kissed her hand sweetly. Mina blushed intensely at your heartwarming gesture.

She wants to speak at first but now that she found out about your secret feelings of admiration to her, she can't even tend to say anything about it now.

It was... surprising indeed.

She didn't know that you fell in love with you in the midst of your friendship with her.

And now, you took the opportunity to reveal to her the last reason out of everything on why you decided to think of her immediately after the announcement of incoming invasion to the kingdom that led you to join the army.

It was all for your undying and courageous love that grown onto you for her.

Observing that she has no comment at what you spilled to her, you nodded understandably and stood up in front of her.

"I know it's too sudden, but I have to do it. I might be running out of time now so I said it now to you just in case.", you smiled at Mina who is still looking away from you and instead staring at her hand that you kissed.

"You can tell me what you have to say about it before I go or not, it doesn't matter if you return the feelings I have for you or not, Mina. I am not expecting anything. What's important to me as of now is your safety along with the people of Twiceland. Goodnight, princess.", you said to her before you left her room and her castle, leaving her still lost in a trance as she processed and consumes everything that she heard from you.

She went into a deep slumber where her dreams were all filled and occupied with her memories she created with you and everything that you've done for her.

She was once lonely like you, but you found yourselves when your paths crossed; and all she felt was happiness and satisfication at your company.

And thus her heart was pouring with desire at how many more of these she would love to share with you in the future.

At the realization of that words, her eyes sprung open; hug tightened on the pillow with a gasp escaped in her mouth as she finally knows the answer she has in store for you.

-THE NEXT DAY-

The d-day has arrived. Prepared and all set to go, you bid goodbye to your family where you enveloped them in a group hug; not that you're taking this as if this is the last time you'll ever get to do this with them but to keep their hopes and spirits up that you'll still manage to return in one piece.

Just as when you released yourself to them, you heard your name got yelled by a voice that belongs to the another person you wanted to see for the last time to encourage and motivate yourself more.

"YN!!!"

You rotated your body, seeing Mina and Minho standing in front of the entrance way.

"Mina."

She ran hurriedly to you and gave you a hug as she began sobbing in your shoulder.

"B-be safe, please. I can't... live without you, YN. Come back.", she pleaded at you. You caressed her back to ease her emotions as you felt her body shaking from her chokes and tenseness in her cries.

"I love you too, YN. I'll be waiting for you, okay?! Promise me that we will see each other again."

You nodded and smiled at her. "You're the only one who cures me, Mina and one of the reasons why I should keep on breathing because... I can't live without you too. I'll do everything I can for us to win and return safe and sound in your arms again."

"You let me be who I am today. A friend, a warrior, and a lover.

I have to overcome this and be brave for you Mina."

Mina pulled your head into hers for an uplifting and encouraging kiss that inspired you more to win this battle alongside with your fellow warriors of Twiceland.

For the kingdom.

For the people.

For your family.

For Mina.

Your parents and Minho smiled at the wonderful sight.

"Goodluck to all of you, okay? You owe me a date.", Mina said as she looked at you while you wiped off her tears across her face.

"I'll remember that, Mina.", you kissed her again and hugged her one more time before you leave with her and Minho as you send your goodbyes again to your parents.

---------------

"ATTACK!!!!!!!!"

The commander blew the horn to signal everyone to charge at the enemy.

You ran along with your fellow warriors as you carry your signature bow and arrow weapon.

All of you paused and posed as you readied your arrow and placed it at your bow for it be pulled and released.

Shots were fired, creating a rain of arrows to decrease the number of warriors from the opposing army.

Some were successfully killed the others while the rest only suffered a wound as they nearly dodge it with the help of their fellow warrior blocking them with a shield.

They took the turn next, firing thousands of arrows straight to your side.

Thankfully, one of the warriors in the defense team protected you with his own shield too.

After the exchange of attacks from the archery teams of each sides, the rest who yields bladed weapons such as swords, machete and spears engaged at one another where they began slashing and killing the hell out at everyone who stands in their way.

It lasted for many hours. Series of chasing, submitting, punches, chops and shots using anything you can use to prevent the enemy from standing up were all performed.

The commander and the prince of Thricehold, Prince Reo confronted as the space around them is enough for the two to began a duel via sword fight.

Unfortunately, you witnessed General Shinsuke get slained by the prince with a massive stab of his sword straight to his heart.

"GENERALLL!!!!", you belong to the ones who screamed in agony at the sight of the death of your respected higher ranking personnel of the imperial forces of Twiceland.

"ELIMINATE ALL OF THEM SO THAT WE CAN TAKEOVER TWICELAND! LET THEM TASTE THE DEFEAT!", you heard Prince Reo shouted to his men before he proceeded killing other warriors.

You became agitated and enraged at the fact that your army is now gojng near at the brink of losing after the death of your commander.

Not letting the enemies to catch up, you began using your bow and picked up a spare spear on the ground that belongs to one of the dead warriors as you used these to kill the foes about to attack you one by one.

You butted someones head with the tip of your bow then smashed it aside with the length of your spear.

You spun around the spear in your hand and pointed it towards at the rest as they got hit with the speed of your weapon's movement in your possession before you threw it at an enemy, stabbing the long spear right on his stomach that made him cough blood and collapse on the ground.

You fired another couple of shots using your arrow, aiming it directly to their heads before your sight is clear enough to target the prince next.

Gripping the arrow, you released it from your hold... only to result as a fail when the prince catched the arrow with quick reaction time and pure instinct which completely surprised you.

He broke the arrow in his knees, snapping it in half.

"YOU!!!", he pointed at you with his menacing stare. "DIE!!!"

"NOT GONNA HAPPEN.", you and him charged at one another. To match his sword, you also grabbed one for you just in time to save yourself from being slashed; defending yourself with your own blade.

You gritted your teeth and used your pure strength to push back the force at him, spreading him apart from you.

"THE PROPHECY OF MYOUI DYNASTY'S DOOM IS UNSTOPPABLE! SURRENDER OR I WILL KILL ALL OF YOU BEFORE I TURN THIS LAND INTO A NEW EMPIRE WHERE I RULE, AND THEN... I WILL BE THE LAST KING AND HAVE PRINCESS MINA TO BE MY QUEEN!", he said as he yield his sword before pointing it at you warningly.

"IT'S NOT OVER UNTIL IT'S OVER! YOU ARE THE ONES WHO WILL GO DOWN... AND MUCH BETTER, I CAN'T LET YOU HAVE THE PRINCESS!"

You shouted, posing at your own fighting stance.

He tilted his head annoyingly. Jaw clenched, teeth grinding, eyes flaring.

"DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE SPEAKING TO? DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY WARRIORS I'VE KILLED WHO TRIED TO TAKE ME DOWN? HOW LONG IT TOOK ME TO CONQUER THIS LAND?"

He removed his helmet and his gloves to help him widen the scape of his vision and to prevent his grip on his sword from becoming slippery and loosened.

"I AM A ROYAL PRINCE AND YOU!!! YOU ARE JUST A NOBODY!!!", he said before positioning his body with his own fighting stance.

"You know, I would rather be a nobody than to be slave under your reign.", you sighed and looked around your surrounding, imagining how nightmarish it would be if this sight of unruly and merciless killings occur in Twiceland if he ruled.

"But you're mistaken.

I WAS a nobody.

At this day, I am a fighter."

"RAAAAAGGGHHHHH!!!"

You and Prince Reo charged at one another, blades colliding, punches that either hit or miss and some dodges that sent one of you shamely landed on the ground.

Few a few minutes you and her would continue fighting one another to the death until Prince Reo got the opportunity to give you a critical damage by slashing your arm with his sword.

You hissed at the immense stinging pain of your open wound, blood flowing out from it.

Prince Reo grinned devilishly at the view before he tries to attack you again but you avoided and gave offense using only your right arm.

It didn't long as he overpowered you again by kicking you in the face and sliced your thigh that made you kneel on the ground in both exhaustion and dread.

Your eyes are starting to get blurry as Prince Reo takes his time to help his men kill some of your fellow warriors before he turns his attention back at you.

Suddenly, as his unclear figure gets closer at you; Mina's voice rang through your head again as you remembered the lines she told you weeks ago including some of your conversation with her regarding the decision of you voluntarily joining the enlistment for the battle of Twiceland.

"You shouldn't scared of anything, YN. Whether you have me there on your side or it's you doing it for me. All you have to do is to keep moving forward as you think about me, that's how you can get through everything."

"I can't live without you, YN."

"B-be safe, please. I can't... live with the thought of me without you, YN. Come back. I'll be waiting for you."

"I have to overcome and be brave for you, Mina."

That's it. Don't give up. Fight to the fullest.

Recharging your energy, her couraging voice that felt like calling you inside your head is effectively making you more motivated and determined to finish this once and for all to secure her safety and your people.

You coughed blood and groaned as you tried your best to lift your body back up, but you winced and shrieked at Prince Reo tugging your hair as he raised your head harshly.

"Kneel... and acknowledge your new king."

You didn't. You just made him fuming in anger more as you spitted your blood stained saliva right in his face.

"Fine. I'll just kill you and burn you along with your comrades, and no one will e-"

He never got to complete his words when you surprised him with a stab up to his neck with your dagger hidden in your pocket.

Losing his grip in your head, he crashed in the ground and slowly gets suffocated as he began losing his breathe.

You picked up your bow and your last remaining arrow, aiming at his heart before he passed away from the stab wound in his chest.

Your comrades as well as the remaining enemies saw the defeat of the prince, laying down lifelessly below you.

They had no other but to surrender not only theirselves but their weapons too.

The survived warriors of Twiceland erupted in victory as all of you successfully defended the throne of the Myouis in the kingdom of Twiceland.

You remained standing there as you watched your comrades with a small smile, feeling relieved that it's now over.

The people are safe.

Your family is safe.

The kingdom is safe.

She is safe.

----------

Mina was being comforted by her mother in her bedroom as she lays her head on the queen's lap while having her silky curly black hair stroked when suddenly they heard a loud cheering noises outside the castle.

"They're here.", Queen Mashina said.

Mina gets up and looked at her mother and the window before she hurriedly exited her room together with her mother.

They went downstairs and stood at the center of the castle.

The doors are open, bright sunny morning made everyone outside  almost absolutely invisible.

But there was one figure who appeared that had Mina put a wide smile and vanish the heavy worries weighing her down deep inside.

It was you wearing your warrior suit stained with blood, your bow and arrows hanging behind your back, looking messy and abused but perfectly fine.

A smile crept up in your face as you saw Mina cried her tears of joy beside her mother.

"Go on, dear.", Queen Mashina permitted her daughter.

Mina didn't hesitated to ran towards you and trap you in a tight, longing hug.

"Y-you're back... thank God you're back."

"I can't leave my best girl, not when she owns  me a date.", you whispered in her ear before you buried your face on the crook of her neck.

-3 DAYS LATER-

You took those precious time to rest your body after a cruel and gruesome battle you had against the deceased Prince Reo and his army who are currently locked up in jail to pay for their sins.

The parents also expressed their approval of their relationship, allowing you and Mina to be officially a couple.

Your bravery and success of slaying the evil prince was recognized, acknowledging her as the last woman standing which became an inspiration and reminder for everyone to finally respect women even more in your society, as well as for being  the savior of the land that earned a celebratory occassion dedicated to you who is now referred by many as YN the Braveheart Archer.

Right now, the night is young and the people are having fun as well as your parents and the king and Queen theirselves talking and polishing their growing closeness with one another due to your relationship with Mina.

And ofcourse, not forgetting about the deal...

You took Mina to a date, seperating yourselves away from the crowd after entertaining them as you and her ate, talked and romantically danced together along with the song Mina chose at the place where you and her first met.

At last, my love has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like a song

Ooh yeah, yeah
At last, the skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you

I found a dream, that I could speak to
A dream that I can call my own
I found a thrill to rest my cheek to
A thrill that I have never known

Ohh yeah yeah
You smile
You smile
Oh and then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last

(AN: The song is titled "At Last" by Etta James)

"The song is beautiful.", you said as you indulged the rhythm and the melody of the song while dancing along very slowly with Mina.

"Indeed it is. I'm glad that you are, because I do think the lyrics is pretty fitting for us.", Mina said as she pressed her cheek at your shoulder blade.

"Ever since I found you and I took you to that forest with my wish, I never thought that you are destined to be the one I'll fell in love with all along. It was truly like a spell that was casted in ourselves by that magical tree and now being with you as someone I can call as mine... it sure does feels like heaven."

"I love you, YN.", she softly said to you as she leaned away and stared at your shimmering eyes.

"I love you too, Mina. Without you, I'm not who I am today. Maybe if it wasn't for you, I will forever be weak, vulnerable and coward. Words can't describe how grateful I am."

The two of you then kissed on the lips as the song that is now both your favorite couple song remained playing on the background while the moon illuminates and the stars sparkled in glee at the gorgeous scenario.

-1000 YEARS LATER-

In the midst of people roaming and admiring the historic displays around the museum, a woman is busily writing will her maximum speed in her notebook as she focusedly copied some detailed and key information imprinted on the poster.

After she finished, she looked again on the museum brochure that shows her the map of the entire place, hopefully to assist her locating the next station she has to transfer next where the other history topic that is part of her friend's research project is placed.

She tried to follow its direction but the stress is slowly being visible in her expression, this time she's unable to understand the content and the luck gave up on her at this point.

She looked around for somebody to ask but something in her is holding her back.

"Are you okay, miss?"

She looked at the owner of the voice who approached her. It was a woman with hair tied on a ponytail, camera hanging from her neck, blue long sleeved polo as the upper garment, fitted jeans for the lower, white sneakers and those pair of glass that makes her look attractingly handsome and cool type of a woman.

"U-uhh, yes.", her shyness took control of her that activated those stutters. She gulped when the latter raised her eyebrows, probably doubting her answer.

"I-I mean... yeah, no actually."

"I don't mean to stalk you but you've rotating your body around as if you're lost so I came up with the idea to atleast... know your problem?", she said.

"I-I don't understand the direction the map is telling me to g-go through this station.", the research girl said.

"Want me to help you?"

"S-sure, I appreciate the help. I kind of getting lost now anyway."

Both of them smiled at each other. "Can I have the map, please?"

The research girl gave it to the stranger.

"Ah. Follow me."

They began to walk together.

"I noticed, you aren't good with interacting to people aren't you?"

"E-eh?"

"I'll take it as a lucky guess.", the stranger smirked. "But no means of making you uncomfortable okay? I understand if you are. Perhaps you're an introvert."

"Y-yeah."

"Sadly, we're not alike. I'm more of an extro but hey, I make sure people gets invested also on conversing with me.", she said proudly. The research girl can't believe how charismatic and free this woman beside her.

"So... what's your purpose of visiting this museum?", she asked, trying to prove herself.

"I-I'm helping my friend on her research. H-he  can't do it by herself. He's currently in hospital."

"Oh, what happened?"

"Extreme illness. But he's recovering."

"Well that's good to hear. What's his name?"

"Minho.", the student answered.

"Get well soon to your friend.", the stranger sent her thoughtful wishes.

"Thanks.", she smiled and bowed gratefully. "How about y-you?"

"As you can see, I have my baby here with me.", the stranger said; patting her camera. "I'm a photographer who also creates blogs. My subject this week is about history so... I choose something here that interests me.", she shrugged.

"Oh, we're here!", she said as she saw the sign that points at the room inside where the next station is located.

Both of them entered and wandered their eyes around at the wax figurines, artifacts, antique clothings and many more that are displayed on every corner.

"Woah, historical periods of Japan? Dynasty Myoui and the legend of YN the Braveheart Archer?", the photographer said in awe as she reads what's written in the poster.

"Hey, you kinda look like her.", the photographer said as she pointed at the image of a woman. "Are you perhaps related to Queen Mina Myoui of Twiceland?"

"N-no, but I d-do get a lot of recognition with my face sometimes.", she said, shaking her head. Her eyes squinted as she back and forths her sight at the photographer and the image of the one and only legendary archer beside the princess on the poster.

"You even look identical to YN too.", she shared which received with a laughter from the photographer that astounded her.

"Really?", she looked again at the image and grinned. "Who knows, maybe we are connected to them? Ancestors, probably?", she pursed her lower lip and shrugged.

After that, she began reading aloud the information mentioned which Mina followed and listened at her.

"... they fell in love, married and adopted their only son as they ruled the kingdom of Twiceland. YN the Braveheart Archer became the first ever woman who sat in the throne as the King of Twiceland  alongside her wife and soon proclaimed 7th Queen of Twiceland, Mina of Myoui Dynasty..."

As she finished reading the description, the two weren't aware that right as they turned their head aside, their eyes got each other hooked in a stare, silently traced each other's facial features.

It was then interrupted by a song from Coldplay titled "Life in Technicolor ii" that played in the speaker that echoed around the museum to set an appopriate mood to make the environment cozy and entertaining.

"U-uhh... hey, I... haven't got to introduce myself, right?", the photographer said, breaking the silence and the eye contact that made the research girl glanced away with a tint of blush also in her cheek.

"I'm Y/EN. Nice to meet you.", the photographer lend her free hand.

The shy girl looked at it before she accepted the handshake gesture for a kind welcome.

"I'm Sharon. Nice to meet you too.", she flashed her gummy smile.

They released each other's hand as they felt strange feeling in their hearts at the firm touch they shared.

"Hey, do you want to get featured on my blog? Don't worry, I'll mention once I posted it. As a return, I can help you with your friend's project.", Y/EN suggested.

"Sure, I don't mind.", Sharon nodded which made Y/EN smile.

Afterwards, they focused back on learning history through assisting one another as both constructed closeness between them while Sharon gets to slowly improve her confidence and build her bravery in Y/EN's company.