Discover with Saee

Where it all began

The gravel crunched softly beneath her feet as she made her way down the rural road. It was past midnight, and the stars shone their brightest. She had left the sleeping village behind; now, the farmlands stretched around her, watched over by distant mountains. The crescent moon hung low on the eastern horizon, preening in its own pale beauty. The air was rich with the heady scent of wet earth from the rice fields, mingled with night jasmine and gardenia.

The night was cool—a welcome respite from the day’s heavy summer heat. She wore a long cotton kimono jacket over a simple slip dress, the belt loosened at her waist to cool her body. Her thick, wavy hair flowed gently in the breeze, though a few strands still clung damply to her forehead. She was tall, with a medium frame, and moved with quiet purpose.

At the foothills, she paused, scanning the landscape as if searching for something. Her gaze settled on a small clearing through the bushes. A smile flickered, dimples deepening on her oval face, and she quickened her pace. The path led through tall trees bathed in silver twilight. The moon and stars played hide-and-seek through the canopy, while the forest whispered and hummed—a symphony of insects and the occasional owl.

She felt no fear, only the comfort of belonging—as if the night itself embraced her in a warm, protective hug. The uphill path was leisurely; dew-wet grasses brushed her feet through her slippers, and the hem of her dress grew heavy from moisture. One shoulder was bare, the jacket fallen to her elbow, and she shivered when droplets from the leaves above kissed her skin. She stopped, face turned skyward, her brown eyes twinkling at the moon. A giggle escaped her, pure and unguarded. She closed her eyes, listening.

Beyond the soft rustle of trees and the hum of cicadas, the sound she’d been seeking reached her ears—the faint rush of water. Smiling, she adjusted her jacket and quickened her steps.

The climb grew steeper. She leaned forward, gripping rocks and crannies for support. “Just a few more steps,” she whispered, rounding a bend.

There it was—a small pool, its surface disturbed by a slender waterfall that spilled into it and continued as a gurgling stream. The starlight and moonlight wove magic across the water, the rocks, and the grass that framed the scene. After a moment’s quiet awe, she stepped carefully across the wet rocks toward the pool.

A prickle ran down her spine—she was no longer alone. The feeling of unseen eyes unsettled her. “Ouch!” she cried, slipping on an algae-slick stone. Startled, she looked up as a hundred fireflies rose from the grass, their glow mingling with the stars. She crouched, hugging her knees, enchanted by their dance.

“Long time no see.” The voice from behind froze her. Her heart thundered. A shiver ran down her back as he steadied her by the elbow.

“You still have that skewed balance,” he teased gently. “Step here, before you bust your knee like last time.”

She couldn’t bring herself to face him yet. That voice—deep, familiar—wrapped around her like the hug she didn’t know she’d been longing for. Letting him guide her back along the path, she felt her heart drum in her ears, eyes blurring with tears. When she slipped again, he caught her, turning her toward him. She kept her gaze low, afraid he’d vanish like a dream.

Together, they moved to a flat rock jutting over the pool. Fireflies rose around them, lighting their path. His arm, firm around her shoulders, trembled with long-buried emotion, alternately tight and tentative.

On the rock was a blanket, a few books, a flask, and an unlit lantern. She finally dared to look up. His deep brown eyes met hers, wide with wonder, as if he’d witnessed a miracle. His features—high cheekbones, thick black hair, olive skin—reflected his mixed heritage. He wasn’t otherworldly handsome, just a man with a smile that felt like home.

Neither looked away until he raised his shoulders, almost disbelieving. His face flickered between joy, relief, and longing.

“I never thought I’d see you again,” he said softly, crouching to her level.

“I… I live here. In the village,” she managed, struggling to steady herself.

He sighed, turning to face the water. “I was stupid.”

They sat side by side, close enough that a breath could bridge the gap.

“When… why… have you come back?” she asked, eyes fixed on the pool.

He drank her in, memorizing every change. “I resigned. Handed the company to my brother. I’ve done my duty. I came back to where I once found peace.” His voice faded as her tears fell, silent at first, then unchecked.

Her sobs shook her. “Damn you! How could you vanish with just a note telling me not to find you?”

“I thought I was protecting you… I had to focus. Papa needed me… I see now how wrong I was.”

His mind raced back to the summer five years ago—the Wildflower Guesthouse, her warm welcome, the quiet companionship that bloomed between them, the magical nights by this very pool. He recalled the kiss that changed everything, the connection that felt like destiny.

But duty had called, and he had left, with only that note and all his unspoken words.

“I was a distraction?” she accused, voice tight, cheeks flushed.

“I was selfish, immature. I wanted to fix everything and come back. I didn’t expect it to take so long.”

“And now? You think you can return and pick up where we left off?”

“I don’t expect anything. I just had to see you again.”

She moved away, hurt blazing in her eyes. “What if I’ve moved on?”

He faltered, but before he could reply, she pushed him into the water. As he surfaced, sputtering, she stood above him, fireflies framing her silhouette.

“God, you’re beautiful. I could kiss you now,” he blurted, cursing himself as the words escaped.

She turned and walked away, fireflies settling back into the grass. His voice, heavy with regret and hope, followed her.

She paused, then called over her shoulder, “You know where the guesthouse is. The rent’s the same. The key’s in the usual place. Breakfast at seven.”

And she was gone, leaving him drenched, breathless, and humbled beneath the stars