Episode 34: Ryu's Bold Move
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Scene 1: The Unexpected Entrance
Tanji sits in his chamber, reviewing ancient scrolls and maps under dim candlelight. The air is heavy with silence, the only sound being the occasional crackle of the fire. Suddenly, the door bursts open, and Ryu strides in with a determined expression.
The barrier on the door, meant to prevent entry, flickers weakly as Ryu passes through it effortlessly.
Tanji: (stunned) "How did you—"
Ryu: (interrupting) "Tanji, I need to talk—"
Before she can finish, her foot catches on a loose rug. She stumbles forward, flailing wildly before crashing onto Tanji, knocking over the scrolls and ink bottles.
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Scene 2: The Awkward Moment
Tanji freezes as Ryu lies sprawled across him. For a moment, they both stare at each other, Ryu wide-eyed with embarrassment, and Tanji's expression a mix of shock and irritation.
Ryu: (stammering) "Oh no... I... I didn't mean to... This is—"
Tanji: (cutting her off, pushing her away) "Get off me."
Ryu scrambles to her feet, her face flushed.
Ryu: (awkwardly) "I... I just wanted to... thank you! But this—this was not how I planned it!"
Without another word, Tanji flicks his hand, using a spell to push Ryu out of the chamber and slam the door shut.
Ryu: (outside, mumbling to herself) "No respect... none at all. How embarrassing. Ugh, why does this keep happening to me?"
She slumps under a nearby tree, staring at the moonlit sky. Slowly, her chaotic thoughts give way to calmer ones as she remembers Tanji's help during her darkest moment.
Ryu: (softly, to herself) "Maybe he's not as cold as he seems. He saved me... even when he didn't have to."
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Scene 3: Zai's Overreaction
Inside the chamber, Tanji shakes his head, muttering to himself.
Tanji: (to himself) "What is wrong with these people? First Ryu barges in, and now..."
Before he can finish, Zai appears, practically bursting into the room.
Zai: (panicking) "Master! What's happening to you? Are you okay? Are you alive? Are you breathing?"
Tanji raises an eyebrow, utterly unimpressed.
Zai: (leaning in close, pressing her ear to his chest) "Let me check your heartbeat. Oh no, it's so fast! It's like your heart is trying to escape your body! What do I do?!"
Tanji glares at her, his face completely deadpan.
Tanji: (flatly) "Zai, stop this nonsense."
Zai pulls back, her panic replaced with a mischievous grin.
Zai: (teasingly) "Oh, Master, I think I understand now. You're feeling something. Something new. Something... unexpected."
Tanji: (sighing deeply) "Zai, leave before I make you regret this."
Zai bursts into laughter, skipping out of the room before Tanji can scold her further.
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Scene 4: Reflection Under the Tree
Later that night, Tanji steps out of his chamber and notices Ryu still sitting under the tree. Her figure looks small and fragile under the vast sky. He watches her for a moment, his expression unreadable.
Tanji: (to himself) "She's different... but that doesn't mean I can trust her."
As he turns to leave, Ryu glances back and catches his gaze. For a fleeting moment, their eyes meet, and something unspoken passes between them.
Ryu: (quietly) "Thank you"
Tanji doesn't respond. Instead, he walks away, the faintest trace of a smile
flickering on his lips before disappearing entirely.
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End of Episode 34