The atmosphere became charged with tension as Porsche's hand made contact with Taylor's cheek, a sharp sound resonating through the air.
The unexpected slap left everyone, including Anna, in a state of shock. Taylor, wide-eyed, absorbed the impact, his face mirroring the astonishment of the others.
Porsche, seething with anger, immediately addressed Taylor, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "Do you think it's a joke? Are you even in your senses?" His frustration and concern for Anna were palpable.
Anna, attempting to diffuse the escalating situation, hurriedly reached for Porsche's hand, her touch a gentle plea for restraint. "Porsche," she called his name softly, her eyes imploring him to calm down.
Porsche, however, was not easily pacified. "You pushed her. What if I wasn't here?" he exclaimed, his anger still boiling beneath the surface.
Anna, sensing the need to intervene, held both of Porsche's hands, her eyes filled with nervousness. "P-Porsche, it's okay," she stammered, trying to ease his rising anger.
Porsche, undeterred, turned his fury towards Taylor, delivering a stern warning. "No, it's not okay," he declared, moving closer to Taylor with an intensity that left no room for misinterpretation.
Pointing a finger, he spat out his directive, "Stay away from her," his voice resonating with a protective fervor that echoed through the fraught atmosphere.
Amidst the escalating tension, Taylor, stung by the unexpected slap and Porsche's fervent warning, responded with a surge of anger.
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He closed the distance between him and Porsche, a visible fury in his eyes. Pushing Porsche back, he retorted savagely, "Who are you to tell me that? Huh? You—"
Anna, her patience worn thin by the intensifying conflict, angrily cut in, shouting, "Stop it, Taylor! Can you stay quiet for a while?"
Ken, sensing the need to diffuse the situation, intervened. He moved between Porsche and Taylor, attempting to create a physical separation.
Meanwhile, Wennes took Taylor by the hand, leading him to the side in an effort to calm him down and prevent further escalation.
The air was thick with tension as the group grappled with the aftermath of the heated confrontation.
In the aftermath of the intense confrontation, a heavy silence settled over the group, casting a somber atmosphere.
The travel guide, sensing the need to diffuse the tension, stepped forward and urged, "Guys, kindly try to act sensibly. Don't make jokes that can be harmful. We are here to enjoy, so everybody, please calm down, and let's sit here for a while before we continue."
The group dispersed, finding spots on the ground or large stones that lined the path.
Ken and Anna sat with Porsche, attempting to soothe his agitated state.
On the other side, Wennes stayed with Taylor, delicately attempting to explain, "Taylor, I know you didn't intend to harm Anna. I know you're a gentleman and genuinely care about her."
Taylor, looking away with a childlike demeanor, responded defiantly, "What do I need to understand? That person is the one who is always hurting Anna, but he was coming to me as if he really cares for her."
Wennes continued to comfort Taylor, lightly rubbing his shoulder in an attempt to calm his agitated state.
She spoke gently, "Taylor, you very well know how complicated their relationship is, but your actions are causing more havoc for them."
Taylor remained silent for a while, his gaze shifting around the serene surroundings.
Finally, he spoke with a sense of determination, "I have liked Anna since the very first day. I brought her here to confess my feelings for her. I did refrain from getting involved in their relationship, but seeing Anna get hurt every time made me extremely angry and worried. So now, I can't step back. I want to make her the happiest girl in the world."
Wennes, concerned about Anna's feelings, asked, "But what about Anna's feelings?"
Taylor responded confidently, "She'll eventually forget him. Nobody loves a person who always hurts them. She'll eventually lose her feelings for him, and I'll help her do that."
The conviction in his words echoed through the mountain air.
Wennes smiled as she admired Taylor, who was angrily looking down.
She then politely spoke, "Taylor, I really care about you, and I'm warning you that you might be the one getting hurt in the end, so please think carefully before you do anything."
Taylor looked at Wennes as she stood up and left. He remained seated, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the mountains, with Wennes' words echoing in his mind.
The hike continued through the mountains, and Wennes made an effort to stay with Taylor, ensuring he didn't feel isolated. Meanwhile, Anna accompanied Porsche, and Ken followed closely behind.
As they reached the mountain top, a stunning panorama awaited them.
Clouds enveloped the surroundings, and the snow-covered peaks stood tall against the cold wind. Anna, captivated by the breathtaking view, whispered, "It is beautiful."
Porsche, standing beside her, observed Anna as she marveled at the natural splendor surrounding them.
Instead of being captivated by the majestic mountain scenery, Porsche found himself spellbound by Anna's presence.
He couldn't help but focus entirely on her, forgetting the breathtaking landscape around them.
Her dark hair danced in the wind, and her rosy nose showcased the chill in the air.
Delicate hands gracefully adjusting her hair, and charismatic eyes filled with joy as she enjoyed the view — for Porsche, this was the most enchanting sight.
Lost in Anna's beauty, Porsche took steps closer, drawn to her. His desire to embrace her, to hold her close, overpowered everything else. However, just as he was about to reach her, Taylor's voice shattered the moment.
"Anna!" Taylor's excitement echoed. Anna, torn between her connection with Porsche and Taylor's call, felt a pang of conflict.
In her mind, she pleaded with Porsche not to let her go, to hold her hand and prevent her from moving towards Taylor.
As Taylor approached, Porsche, torn and conflicted, halted mid-step. His heart urged him to reach out to Anna, to grasp her hand and keep her close.
Yet, as Taylor took Anna away for some pictures, Porsche stepped back, looking down.
Anna, disappointed and torn, continued to gaze back at Porsche, who stood alone, silently watching her departure.
Porsche turned away, seeking solace in a quiet corner, away from the captivating scenery that now seemed devoid of allure.
The absence of the one person who held the utmost attraction for him made everything lose its charm. Ken, perceptive to Porsche's shifting mood, approached him, offering companionship.
"Come with me for lunch," Ken suggested, and Porsche silently agreed.
Seated together, they shared a quiet moment, observing the surroundings.
Ken eventually excused himself to assist with lunch preparations, leaving Porsche to his contemplation.
As Porsche sat there, his gaze fixated on Anna, who was immersed in laughter and joy with Ken and Wennes.
As Porsche's gaze remained fixed on Anna, he retrieved two delicately crafted bracelets from his pocket.
Each bracelet boasted intricate designs, crafted from distinct stones, and bore the engravings "Den" and "Anna." Entranced by these tokens, Porsche was lost in a world of memories.
The moment was interrupted by Wennes calling him for lunch.
Swiftly pocketing the bracelets, Porsche, unaware that one had slipped from his grasp, joined the group without a second glance. The bracelet marked "Den" lay unnoticed on the ground.