ALMOST SMACK

Kaito, Naru, and Leyla sat at a low table in a spacious room, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. Kaito carefully unrolled an old map across the table's surface while Naru and Leyla leaned in to get a better look.

"I have a lead," Kaito said, running his finger over a specific spot on the map. "This village… If we leave immediately, we might find it before the trail goes cold."

Naru casually draped an arm over the back of his chair and said, "Great idea, but I think it would be better if we didn't all go."

Kaito raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Leyla also looked at Naru in confusion. "Excuse me? Shouldn't we all go? If this lead is that important, I want to be there."

Naru frowned, trying to come up with the best possible excuse. He didn't want to openly tell Kaito that Leyla wasn't in the best condition for adventures, as he wasn't sure how much his friend understood human biology.

"Well…" he began, scratching the back of his head. "That area is known for its harsh conditions. It rains almost constantly, the roads are muddy and full of poisonous plants. Also, there are a lot of aggressive spirits that aren't very friendly toward humans."

Leyla crossed her arms. "Oh, so today they're just extra aggressive toward humans?"

"Of course not," Naru quickly said. "But today, they're… particularly aggressive. Must be some kind of astrological phenomenon. Retrograde spirits, or something like that."

Leyla just stared at him in disbelief. "Retrograde spirits? Seriously?"

Kaito barely held back his laughter. "The prince is really struggling, huh?"

"You, be quiet," Naru muttered.

Kaito shrugged. "If Leyla isn't going, what will she do?"

Naru had an answer ready. "She'll go through books and documents here at the palace. Maybe she'll find some information we missed."

Leyla sighed, knowing she wouldn't win this argument. "Fine, but if you really find something important, let me know immediately."

"Of course, princess," Naru said with a grin, earning a sharp glare from her.

Kaito chuckled. "Alright, then it's settled. Naru and I will go, and Leyla stays here to investigate."

Naru leaned back in satisfaction. His plan had worked—at least for now.

Naru stood in front of the large mirror in their room, fastening the belts of his armor. It was a dark, intricate set made of a special material, with mystical patterns that shimmered in the light. His broad shoulders and relaxed yet powerful posture made him look like a true warrior from legend—enough to make any enemy think twice before approaching.

Leyla sat at the edge of the bed, pretending to flip through an old book while sneaking glances at him. Of course, she couldn't ignore the sight in front of her—his tall figure, strong hands, and the way his hair fell over his shoulders as he got ready.

Naru, naturally, noticed.

"Stare all you want, princess. I know you like the view," he said confidently, slipping his ring onto his finger.

Leyla immediately looked up and narrowed her eyes. "Oh, excuse me. I didn't realize watching peacocks was on my daily schedule."

Naru chuckled and walked over to her, placing his hands on her waist. He pulled her close—so close that she could feel his warmth through the fabric.

"You don't have to pretend," he murmured, pressing her even closer. His hands were firm, steady. One stayed on her waist while the other slowly moved downward, all the way to…

SMACK!

Leyla abruptly grabbed his hand and yanked it back up. "Oh, no, no, no. Now is not the time for your… exploration missions."

Naru leaned in closer, murmuring against her neck, "What a shame. I'll make up for it tonight."

She immediately rolled her eyes and gently pushed him away. "Survive your trip with Kaito first, and then we'll talk."

Naru laughed and gave her a quick kiss—just enough to make her heart skip a beat. "I'll be back soon, princess."

And before she could respond, he was already out the door, leaving her with a small smile on her lips and the feeling that she would miss him sooner than she expected.