Kael spent the day chopping wood, the rhythmic sound of the axe hitting the logs echoing through the clearing. With each swing, he tried to clear his mind, but it was difficult. All he could think about was Lily and how different she was from anyone he had ever known. Her laughter, her curiosity-it lingered in his thoughts like a melody he couldn't shake.

He paused, wiping the sweat from his brow, when he heard footsteps approaching. Turning, he saw Lily stepping into the clearing, a bright smile on her face. She looked vibrant against the backdrop of the woods, her hair catching the dappled sunlight.

"Hey, Kael," she called out, her eyes sparkling.

"Hey," he replied, a smile creeping onto his face despite himself. He felt a rush of warmth, still caught off guard by how easily she brightened his day.

"You got nice abs," Lily said, looking him up and down as he stood there shirtless, the muscles in his arms and chest defined from years of physical labor.

Kael chuckled, feeling a blush creep up his neck. "Yeah, well, I do a lot of stuff. I'm active."

Lily leaned against a tree, her playful gaze never leaving him. "Why were you out here so early?"

"Because I have things to do," he replied, shrugging nonchalantly. "Why are you here, anyway?"

"Because you're interesting compared to other people," she said, her tone sincere.

Kael raised an eyebrow, a mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "How old are you?"

Lily crossed her arms, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "How old are you?"

"Twenty-three," he said, his tone steady.

She tilted her head slightly. "I'm nineteen."

"Shouldn't you be out going on dates or going to parties?" Kael asked, genuinely perplexed.

Lily shrugged, her expression earnest. "I could do that, but I'd rather be with you."

Kael blinked, caught off guard by her straightforwardness. "I don't get what's so interesting about me, but okay."

Lily stepped closer, her gaze steady. "You're real, Kael. You're not pretending to be someone you're not. Everyone else is just... noise. You have depth."

Kael felt a flutter in his chest at her words. No one had ever described him that way, let alone someone like Lily. The connection he felt with her was unlike anything he had ever experienced.

"Okay, but what about your friends?" he asked, trying to understand her perspective. "Don't they want you to hang out with them?"

Lily shook her head. "They don't really get me. They think I should just go along with whatever everyone else is doing. But I don't want that."

Kael searched her eyes, trying to gauge her sincerity. "You really want to be here, with me?"

"Yes," she said simply, the confidence in her voice undeniable.

Kael couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Well, if you're interested, I could teach you how to chop wood. It's good exercise."

Lily laughed, her eyes lighting up. "Sure! I can't wait to show you my skills."

He handed her a smaller axe and demonstrated how to hold it properly. "You need to use your legs, not just your arms," he instructed. "It's all about technique."

Lily nodded, focused on his movements. She mimicked him, swinging the axe with determination. The first few attempts were shaky, the axe barely making a dent in the wood, but Kael encouraged her with each swing.

"That's it! Just like that!" he cheered, feeling an unexpected sense of pride as she improved.

After a while, Lily finally managed to split a log. She jumped up in excitement, her laughter ringing out through the clearing. "Did you see that? I did it!"

Kael grinned, his heart warming at her joy. "Nice job! You're a natural."

As they continued, they talked about everything and nothing-how she had grown up in the small town, her dreams of adventure, and even her fears. Kael found himself sharing bits of his own past, the lonely days in the woods, and how he learned to survive. It felt good to open up, especially to someone who listened without judgment.

"Do you ever miss it? Being around people?" Lily asked, her voice softer now as they took a break, leaning against the tree.

"Sometimes," Kael admitted. "But mostly, I've grown used to it. It's quiet here, and I can think."

"But you're not lonely?" she pressed.

He paused, contemplating. "Not anymore. I have you to talk to."

Lily's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away, hiding her smile. "I'm glad."

As the sun began to set, casting golden hues across the forest, Lily looked up at him. "Kael, can I ask you something personal?"

"Sure," he replied, curious.

"Why do you stay here? In the woods?" she asked. "Don't you want to explore? See the world?"

Kael took a deep breath. "I used to want that. But... after everything that happened, it felt safer here. Less judgment, less... noise."

Lily nodded, her expression understanding. "You don't have to feel trapped, you know. You're allowed to explore if you want."

Kael smiled softly. "I appreciate that. Maybe one day."

As the evening turned cool, Lily reluctantly stood, brushing dirt from her hands. "I should probably get back."

Kael felt a pang of disappointment at her words. "Will you come back tomorrow?"

"Of course," she said, her smile brightening his heart. "I'm not done learning how to chop wood."

Kael chuckled, a warmth blooming inside him. "Alright, then. I'll see you tomorrow."

Before she turned to leave, she paused and stepped back, her expression serious. "Kael, I really enjoy being here with you. Thank you for sharing this with me."

He nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and something deeper. "Thank you for being here."

As she walked away, Kael leaned against the tree, watching her disappear into the shadows of the woods. For the first time in years, he felt a flicker of hope, a sense of connection that made the loneliness of his past seem a little more bearable.