𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐒

〶

"I'll see you later..." he said, glancing at Ayani

Toku made his way back to his Marui where his siblings were. Instantly, Aonung glared at him.

"How was it?" Tsireya asked sweetly, with a soft smile.

"It was... okay."

"Just okay?" Aonung asked, sounding annoyed.

"Yes, just okay," he responded.

"You're just mad that you can't play around with that forest girl," Aonung said.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me, Toku," Aonung said, standing up and walking closer to him.

"Man, what's your problem!"

"You! You're supposed to be the new leader of this tribe! But you're throwing it away all for some... freak?"

"Aonung, stop!"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Toku said.

"Don't lie, I saw you two, that five-fingered freak—"

"Man... shut up."

"Or what?"

Toku suddenly tackled Aonung onto the ground, restraining his arms.

"Kiri is none of your business!" Toku yelled.

"Get off!" Aonung yelled.

"Stop it!" Tsireya yelled, trying to pull Toku off.

"Toku, Aonung!" His father's sudden yell startled Toku, causing him to release his brother and stumble back.

"What's going on?" His mother's voice carried a mix of concern and annoyance.

The two brothers started blaming each other simultaneously, their words blending into chaos. Their mother swiftly raised her hand, demanding silence.

"Aonung, leave," she commanded, her voice firm and resolute.

"But Mum–"

"Go!" Her anger was palpable, leaving no room for argument. Aonung reluctantly left the room.

His mother turned to Toku, her grip firm as she grabbed his arm and pulled him outside. In the quiet open space, she confronted him.

"Tell me, why do you still act like a child?" Her tone was stern, but tinged with disappointment.

"I wasn't–"

"Toku..." She placed her hands on his shoulders, her eyes searching for answers. "Is this about that girl?"

"No, no..." Toku quickly denied, but the sharp look from his mother revealed the truth. "Yeah..."

"I don't understand... You barely know her," she sighed, her voice filled with confusion.

"And what about Ayani...did you even speak to her?"

"Yes!, she was..okay."

"Just okay?" his mother said with a sigh "Toku this is a very important time for our people, and running around with that girl doesn't make you look good."

"It's not like that!"

"Just go apologize." Her voice was devoid of anger, but carried a sense of resolution.

Toku nodded, a mix of emotions swirling within him, as he returned to the Marui. His father looked at his mother, silently questioning, to which she simply shook her head. Aonung sat in the corner, sulking.

"I'm sorry..." Toku uttered, but Aonung didn't even bother to turn and face him.

The room fell into a heavy silence as Toku waited for his brother's response. After a moment, Aonung finally spoke, his voice laced with defiance.

"Why should I apologize? What I said about Kiri is true," Aonung retorted, his tone firm and resolute.

Toku's brows furrowed, a mixture of frustration and concern washing over him. He took a step closer, his voice pleading. "Aonung, you don't understand. It's not fair to judge her without even knowing her."

Aonung scoffed, still refusing to face his older brother. "I don't need to know her. She's not one of us, Toku. She doesn't belong here, none of them do."

With those words, Toku turned and walked away, leaving Aonung to contemplate his own stubbornness.

Deep down, Toku hoped that his brother would eventually open his heart to acceptance and embrace the beauty of diversity.

The next day, Toku's relationship with Aonung remained strained as they continued to exchange cold glances during breakfast.

Eager to escape the tension, Toku decided to head to the beach alone, seeking solace in the soothing sound of the waves. As he approached the shoreline, he spotted Kiri standing there, her presence bringing an instant smile to his face.

But the words of his mother once again played in his mind was it really bad for people to see them together. Dismissing her words he headed over.

"Kiri!" Toku called out with excitement, making his way towards her.

"Oh, Toku! you scared me," Kiri replied, her smile mirroring his own.

"I was wondering... if you'd maybe like to go exploring together?" Toku asked, his eyes filled with hope.

"Just you and me?" Kiri responded, her smile growing wider.

"Why not?" Toku shrugged, a playful glimmer in his eyes.

"Yes!" Kiri agreed, taking his hand in hers as they ventured away from the shoreline, venturing deeper into the forest.

"This way," Toku said, guiding her through the trees, their hands still entwined.

"The forest here is almost as beautiful as home," Kiri remarked, taking in the sights around them.

"I'm sure it's nothing in comparison," Toku replied, shaking his head modestly.

"There's something special about this place, though," Kiri said, her eyes filled with wonder.

Toku smiled, feeling a sense of pride in sharing this hidden spot with her. He pulled apart some bushes, revealing a secluded area with a small, cascading waterfall.

"Check it out," Toku said, gesturing towards the picturesque scene.

"Awesome," Kiri whispered in awe, her gaze fixed on the glistening water.

The pair played around in the waterfall, their laughter filling the air as they splashed water at each other. It felt like time stood still as they enjoyed each other's company, sharing playful banter and genuine conversations.

As they stood under the cascading water, Toku couldn't help but be captivated by Kiri's beauty. The droplets traced a path down her face, reaching her meticulously braided hair. He felt a rush of gratitude for being able to spend these precious moments with her.

"You know, Toku, you have a tendency to stare," Kiri teased, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

Caught off guard, Toku blushed slightly, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "I can't help it. You're just too beautiful," he admitted, his voice filled with sincerity.

Kiri chuckled, her laughter echoing against the backdrop of the rushing waterfall. "Well, I guess that's okay then.."

"Jump with me?" Toku asked, extending his hand towards Kiri with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Without hesitation, she grabbed his hand, and together they leaped into the refreshing water, their laughter echoing through the air.

As they emerged from the water, drenched but exhilarated, their laughter continued to fill the air.

They flopped down onto the sandy beach, side by side, their bodies tingling with the shared joy of the moment.

Lying on the sand, their gazes turned towards the clear blue sky above. The sound of gentle waves crashing against the shore created a soothing backdrop to their carefree laughter.

Toku couldn't help but steal glances at Kiri, captivated by her radiant smile and the sparkle in her eyes.

"You know, Kiri... I think I like you," Toku confessed, his voice filled with sincerity.

Kiri's eyes widened with surprise, a hint of blush gracing her cheeks. "You do?" she responded, her voice barely above a whisper, as if afraid to believe her ears.

Toku nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Yeah... like a lot, actually."

A mixture of joy and nervousness danced in Kiri's eyes as she turned to face him fully. "I like you too," she admitted, her words accompanied by a shy smile.

Unable to resist the urge, Toku gently reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair behind Kiri's ear, his fingertips lingering against her skin.

Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them. In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in their own little universe.

"Can I... uh, kiss you?" Toku asked, a nervous but genuine smile on his face.

Kiri couldn't help but laugh, the sound carrying a hint of playfulness. She nodded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. The pair sat up, a mixture of excitement and shyness filling the air. Kiri's gaze shifted to the ground, her heart racing with silent anticipation.

Toku gently lifted Kiri's chin with the tip of his finger, his touch tender and filled with affection. Leaning in, he closed the distance between them, his lips softly grazing against hers. It was a gentle and tender kiss, filled with the promise of something beautiful.

"Ok, now I like you even more," Toku whispered, a warm smile spreading across his face. Kiri couldn't help but laugh at his playful remark, and she playfully nudged his chest in response. Their eyes met once again, and without hesitation, they leaned in for a second kiss.

This time, the kiss held a hint of familiarity and a deeper connection. It was a sweet and tender exchange, filled with growing affection and an understanding that their feelings for each other were blossoming. Their lips met in perfect harmony, the world around them fading into the background as they savored the magic of the moment.

As they pulled away, their foreheads gently touching, a gentle breeze swept through, as if celebrating their newfound bond. Toku and Kiri exchanged smiles, their eyes dancing with joy and excitement.

But moments like these don't always last "Toku is that you?" Ri'on yelled standing at the entrance of their hideaway his other friends in tow

Tokus eyes widened "Oh crap..." he whispered to himself pulling away from Kiri

"Are those your friends?" Kiri asked looking at the group of boys who now walked closer to the pair

"Uh...yeah." He said look slightly embarrassed

"Well, isn't this cute!" Hui spoke with a laugh

"Damn...Toku you didn't tell me you were hiding all of that" Kelutrel said making Kiri shift uncomfortably

"Man seriously?" Toku said with an annoyed look

"Kel, first of all just shut up and second you said we couldn't bring girls to this spot!" Hui said

"Like you were gonna bring a girl..." Dane whispered to himself making Hui look at him swiftly

"Guys, I'm sure they just want to be left alone!" Ri'on said with a sorry look on his face as he glanced at an annoyed looking Toku

"We were just about to go..." Kiri spoke grabbing Tokus hand and standing up

"Right, right..." Toku said hurrying off with Kiri

"Bye lovebirds!" Hui said with one final laugh as the teens left the group the sound of splashing and laughing fading in the distance as they made their way back to the beach

"Sorry about them.." Toku said

"No, it's fine–"

"Kiri! Kiri, come play!" the sound of Tuks voice echoed from a little further down the beach as she excitedly flagged down the pair

Toku couldn't help but smile at Tuk's infectious enthusiasm. He watched as Tuk played in the sand, building crooked castles with boundless energy.

Looking at Tuk, Toku asked, "You're Tuk, right?"

Tuk beamed, her excitement evident. "Yeah! Are you gonna play with me too?"

Toku chuckled, his heart warmed by her enthusiasm. "Of course! I'd love to play with you. And guess what? I'm really good at making sandcastles."

Kiri shook her head "Oh, you don't have to..."

"No, no, I want to," Toku reassured her with a smile. "Besides, it'll be fun."

The three of them spent the afternoon playing in the sand, letting Tuk's imagination guide their activities. They built sandcastles, collected seashells, and even crafted bracelets out of random plants Tuk had found.

Tuk proudly tied a bracelet around Toku's wrist, declaring, "And there! Now we're friends!"

Toku grinned, touched by her gesture. "Well, aren't I lucky to have such a talented friend?"

He playfully ruffled Tuk's hair before Kiri's mother had yelled from their Marui that it was time for dinner. She hurriedly ran off, not waiting for Kiri. "Bye, Toku!" she called out as she headed back to her Marui.

Kiri leaned her head on Toku's shoulder as they watched the sun setting in the distance. Toku couldn't help but notice Kiri's smile and whispered, "She's cute."

Kiri chuckled softly. "Yeah, when she gets what she wants, she definitely is."

They sat together in comfortable silence, enjoying the peaceful moment and each other's company as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beach.

Kiri smiled, her eyes sparkling with a mix of playfulness and affection. "So... I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Definitely," Toku replied, a warmth in his voice. They sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the tranquil moment. Toku couldn't resist the urge to brush a strand of hair behind Kiri's ear, causing her to chuckle.

"That's your move, isn't it?" Kiri teased, laughter dancing in her eyes.

"And it works every time," Toku replied, his voice filled with a touch of pride and a hint of mischief. The connection between them felt natural and effortless.

In the fading light of the day, Toku and Kiri shared another soft and tender kiss, their lips meeting in a gentle and affectionate embrace. It was a quiet, heartfelt moment that spoke volumes without the need for words.

"Kiri!" a voice called out once again, interrupting their tender moment.

"You better get going," Toku said, a hint of reluctance in his voice as they pulled apart.

Kiri nodded, a slight tinge of sadness in her expression. "Yeah... even if I don't want to."

"Don't even worry," Toku reassured her, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'll be waiting for you."

He gently brushed his hand against hers, eliciting a bright smile from Kiri. She leaned in and placed a sweet kiss on his cheek before getting up and making her way towards her Marui, her heart filled with happiness.

Toku watched her go, a contented smile gracing his face. He knew that they had something special, something worth waiting for. With their connection growing stronger each day, he eagerly anticipated the moments they would share in the days to come.

〶