Ch-22

The day was hot, the sun beating down relentlessly on the lush forest floor. In the midst of the woods, by a babbling brook, a figure clad in flowing, dark robes leaned against a tree, watching with rapt attention as a lone figure danced with a sword by the waterfall's edge. The figure in deep blue, Annalise, in her disguise, her hood pulled low to hide herself from people.

As she watched, the figure at the side of waterfall in the woods, Hoseok, glistened with sweat, his muscles rippling with each powerful thrust and parry of his sword. His movements were graceful, fluid, and so intensely focused that it was as if he were a part of the very waterfall itself. Annalise felt her heart race as she took in every detail of him: his strong, sculpted jaw, the way his dark hair clung to his forehead, the determined set of his shoulders. She couldn't help but feel a stirring within her, a longing so intense it threatened to consume her.

She uncovered her face a little, stealing a daring glance at him before quickly ducking back behind the tree. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest as she fought to control her breathing. Was it love she felt for him? She wasn't sure, but she knew that whatever it was, it was real. And deep. And consuming.

As if sensing her presence, Hoseok glanced over his shoulder, their eyes meeting for the briefest of moments before he quickly returned his attention to his practice. Annalise's heart skipped a beat, her cheeks flushing as she realized that he must have felt it too. He knew she was there. He knew she was watching. And yet, he didn't acknowledge her. It was as if he was trying to deny what they both felt.

Her heart raced, her breath coming in quick little gasps as she struggled to regain her composure. She couldn't tear her eyes away from him, even as she knew she should. Something about the way he moved, the determination in his expression, it was all so captivating. She felt a familiar ache in her chest, a longing so intense it made it hard to breathe. She knew that she was in love with Hoseok, and she suspected that he felt something too. The question was, what did he feel?

Her heart raced as she watched him move, every muscle in his body taut with effort and concentration. He was so focused on his practice that he didn't seem to notice her. It was as if he were in his own world, and she was nothing but a fly on the wall. But still, she couldn't tear her eyes away from him. She had to try to get his attention somehow.

Annalise steeled herself, taking a deep breath before she let it out slowly. She couldn't just stand here, hiding behind a tree. She had to do something. She needed to find a way to make him see her, to feel her. And then, with a burst of courage she didn't know she had, she stepped out from behind the tree and onto the rocky outcropping that overlooked the waterfall.

Hoseok looked up, startled, his sword pausing mid-swing. Their eyes met, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The waterfall, the birdsong, everything around them faded into the background as they were left with only each other. His eyes were wide with surprise and something else, something deeper that Annalise couldn't quite identify. "Anna?" Hoseok asked in surprise. He knew for a fact that someone was watching him, but he didn't expect it to be Annalise. Annalise came out of the tree, looking away as she was so damn nervous.

Hoseok lowered his sword, the breeze from his motion causing the leaves around them to rustle. He glanced at Annalise, noticing the way she fidgeted with the hem of her dress as she stared at the ground. He couldn't help but feel a bit surprised and flattered that she had been watching him. He had always known she was skilled with a sword herself, but he hadn't expected her to be so interested in his training.

"You've been watching me?" he asked, trying to keep his voice casual. Annalise's head snapped up, and she shot him a nervous smile. "I'm sorry," she stammered. "I didn't mean to interrupt. I just...well, I was just wandering around and saw you here.. I just liked your swordsmanship."

He chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "It's all right, Annalise. I'm flattered that you'd take an interest." He gestured for her to join him by the tree. "Why don't you try it?" he offered, handing her his sword hilt-first. "I'd be honored if you'd let me see how you fight." Annalise hesitated for a moment, glancing down at the sword in Hoseok's hand before finally taking it. She swung it experimentally, feeling its weight and balance in her grip. The sunlight danced off the polished blade as she moved, and for a brief moment, they were both lost in the rhythm of the motion. It felt natural, almost effortless. Like they were meant to be doing this together.

"You're quite good," Hoseok said, his voice low and appreciative. "I knew you'd be skilled, but I didn't expect you to be this good." Annalise blushed, looking away. "Well, thank you," she said, her voice small. "I've had a lot of practice."

They continued to spar, moving through a series of forms and techniques. The air was filled with the sounds of their swords clashing and the rustle of leaves as they moved. Hoseok was amazed by Annalise's agility and precision.

After a while, they paused, panting slightly from their exertions. "I never knew you could move like that," Hoseok said, wiping sweat from his brow. "You're incredible." Annalise smiled shyly and took a sip of water from her flask. "You're not so bad yourself," she replied, her voice still breathless from the fight. "It's been a long time since I've sparred with someone who wasn't just a training dummy."

Hoseok laughed, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "Well," he said, handing her back her sword, "maybe we should do this more often." Annalise nodded in agreement, her eyes never leaving his face. There was a new understanding between them, a connection that hadn't been there before. As they walked back toward the waterfall together, they couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and excitement for what the future might hold.