With You !

At the lake's edge, Zion and Audrey sat quietly, their fingers intertwined. Audrey rested her head on Zion's shoulder, her eyes tracing the ripples that danced across the water's surface. The lake stretched before them, a silent witness to the tenderness that filled the space between them, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause, allowing them to savor the beauty unfolding before their eyes.

After a while, as they soaked in the lake's quiet beauty, Audrey found her eyes drawn to Zion face, studying the contours of his calm expression. Her voice came softly, almost as if lost in a dream. 'Zion,' she asked, her curiosity shimmering beneath her words, "where is your home"?

Since they were officially together, Zion answered without hesitation. 'I live in an apartment not far from our school—about three kilometers away,' he replied with a gentle smile.

Zion continued, his voice softening. 'I live alone. I don't know where my birth parents are

As the weight of his words settled in the air, a wave of regret washed over Audrey. She wished she could take back her question, her heart aching at the thought of the pain it had unwittingly stirred.

With her heart heavy with remorse, Audrey looked at Zion, her voice trembling as she spoke. "Forgive me, Zion. I didn't mean to—" Her expression was a canvas of regret, each word laced with the sincerity of her feelings.

Seeing the remorse etched on Audrey's face, Zion gently pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her in a reassuring embrace. "It's okay, Audrey" he murmured softly. "I have an aunt and uncle who love me dearly; they've cared for me since I was little. They live in the capital, but when I entered high school, I decided to live on my own and be independent"

"I moved to Zanica" he continued, a hint of pride in his voice, 'because I heard there was a prestigious high school here. Looking back, I believe I made the right choice, especially since it led me to you.

Hearing this, a wave of happiness washed over Audrey, her curiosity piqued. "But isn't there a better school in the capital?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with wonder at the possibilities.

"You're not wrong, but my aunt studied here, so I wanted to attend Zanica High School as well"

"My aunt is a successful person now, and I want to follow in her footsteps," Zion said with a light laugh. "And my uncle—well, they met right here in Zanica

"Alright,' Audrey said with a warm smile, her eyes shining. 'I'm so grateful you moved to this city. Did you know my father is the mayor of Zanica?" she added, her voice filled with pride.

Zion's eyes widened in surprise. 'Wow, that's amazing!' he exclaimed. "With your father as the mayor, I don't think I'll have any problems in this city".

"Of course" Audrey replied proudly, a spark of excitement in her eyes. "Shall we head home, Zion? It's getting late, and I'd love to see your apartment first"

"Alright" Zion replied, and together they made their way to the bicycle. Audrey settled onto the back seat, wrapping her arms around Zion's waist, feeling a rush of warmth as they prepared to ride into the evening.

On the edge of the road, the young couple cycled together in the fading light of the evening, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature. The sky was painted in hues of orange and purple, casting a warm glow over the landscape as they embraced the serenity of the moment.