"Girl, haven't I told you not to do anything to let my identity out like that?" Sky's voice was cold, a hint of worry in his tone. He didn't want Sillia to find out about his abilities from someone else, fearing she might feel betrayed.
"I am really sorry, but you were ignoring me like that, that's why I had to call you that," Isha apologized, explaining her actions. Sky sighed.
"Anyway, what's the reason for you stopping me, huh? Did that person come again, or do you want my shirt again? And I don't understand how the hell you are here; weren't you injured and not able to move?" Sky barraged her with questions. Isha, wanting to keep it brief since his sister was nearby, only managed to say a few things.
"I stopped you because I wanted to meet you; I myself hadn't expected to meet you here. And I'm alright now, my injuries have healed quite a bit. And that monster hasn't come," Isha explained. Sky nodded calmly.
"Hmm… that's good. Now you've met me, I can leave, otherwise my sister would be suspicious."
"Hey, wait, that's not why I stopped you!"
"Hmm, then why did you stop me?" Sky asked. Isha moved closer to him, her proximity making Sky's eyes narrow. She leaned forward, whispering into his ear.
"Because I want to get in contact with you. I'm really worried about that, so I want to get your number. Now I have confirmed and believe your words: you are human, not a God. And that was your sister, and I saw your phone in your hands as well. So, give me your number and details before leaving. Last time you left before even telling your name.
But this time, I'm not letting you go just like that. If you try to go, believe me, I will tell everything to your sister. And I have seen fear of exposure in your eyes just now, so you can't leave without giving me your details."
Sky smiled to himself. "You're quite an observer. Seems like I've saved a witch."
"Hmm…" Isha didn't reply, remaining close, her body almost touching his.
"Anyway, I don't have much time to talk with you here. I am going to your village tomorrow to check the surroundings. I will meet you tomorrow in your room; you can ask me anything there. I am leaving now," Sky said calmly, creating distance between them. As he did, Isha immediately spoke.
"No, but at least give me your name, and when will you meet me?" she asked. She didn't entirely trust his words, but even if he lied, she truly couldn't expose anything to his sister. If he got angry and acted like that monster, she would be in serious trouble. So, she pressed only as far as she felt she could, unwilling to anger him in the slightest.
In a calm, audible voice, Sky replied, "You will soon know...' Then left without looking back. As Isha stared at his back for few seconds before herself turning to the other direction before leaving.
"Oh, you guys returned." Sky's calm voice greeted his group as they chatted amongst themselves. Sillia, catching his eye, offered no words, simply following the group's decision to head home.
"Where did you suddenly run, Isha?" Isha's friends asked, but Isha merely shook her head, muttering, "Nowhere," before quickly walking away with them, leaving her friends slightly bewildered.
On the quiet street, just a few minutes' walk from their house, Sky and Sillia strolled alone their friends had gone to other way. Passersby were scarce, drifting by occasionally.
"Hah… I'm really tired, brother. I can't walk anymore," Sillia complained, her voice laced with fatigue.
"Come on, girl. Don't act like that; our house is just 20 steps away," Sky replied calmly, a light giggle escaping him. This drew Sillia's attention.
"What are you giggling at, huh? I'm genuinely tired," Sillia said.
"Nothing, just remembered something from the past," Sky said softly, a smile gracing his lips as he looked at her.
"Hmm… what is it?"
"It's about how I used to carry you on my back like a rice bag when you were a kid… it's fun to remember those old memories," Sky reminisced, a thoughtful expression on his face. Sillia looked at him, confused.
"Why did you carry me on your back?"
"Of course, because you always got easily tired walking short distances. Since you were so small, I always had to carry you on my back to bring you home, either from the fair or the playground. It's a pity that I can't carry you now, otherwise I would have carried you on my back all the way."
"Why pity? Can't you carry me home now?" Sillia challenged.
"You aren't a child anymore."
"What does that have to do with me being a child or not? Don't tell me you aren't strong enough now to hold me!" Sillia retorted, a teasing glint in her eyes.
"I am… strong enough…"
"Then carry me!" Sillia said, her eyes sparkling, looking up at him.
"Huh…? What…?"
"Carry me home! I'm tired!" Sillia said with a dramatic flair, making her look incredibly cute, enough to melt anyone's heart.
"Don't you feel embarrassed? You see, people are around…" Sky gestured subtly to the few people passing by.
"No… I don't."
"But…"
"No buts! Our house is only 13 steps from here, so carry me, just don't make me fall. Now, carry me, butler!" Sillia commanded, stretching out both her arms. Sky looked at her for a few milliseconds, then knelt to pick her up.
"Yeah… yeah… young lady…" Sky murmured as he lifted her.
"Are you really not feeling embarrassed while me carrying you like this?" Sky asked as he carried her towards their home. Her arms and legs were wrapped around him, and Sky interlaced his fingers behind her back for support. Sillia leaned completely against him, whispering softly into his ear.
"I don't care…" Sillia said, her gaze drifting to the side of the street where the river flowed gently, moonlight illuminating both the water and the path. Relaxing on Sky's shoulder, Sillia savored the moment, etching it into her heart.