Sae, a young boy with a gentle demeanor and a heart full of love for his family, clutched a beautifully wrapped cake in his hands. His mother had entrusted him with the task of delivering it to his ailing grandmother, who lived on the outskirts of the village.
"Hey, let's have a fight!" Shidou called out, his voice echoing through the trees.
Sae halted, taken aback by the unexpected challenge. "I really can't today," he replied, hoping to avoid confrontation. He began to walk away, but Shidou was persistent, following closely and hurling playful taunts.
"Please, just leave me alone!" Sae shouted before dashing away, his heart pounding in his chest.
Shidou watched him disappear, picking up the shoe with a curious smile. "Will we meet again?" he called after him, receiving a firm, "No, please don't ever see me again," from the retreating figure.
The cottage stood amidst a lush garden, its windows glowing with the warmth of a fire inside. Shidou approached cautiously, leaving his own shoes at the doorstep, a gesture of respect.
"Dear grandmother," he began with a flourish, "I humbly ask for Sae’s hand in marriage." He presented a small dowry, his eyes full of sincerity.
Sae's grandmother, a wise and kind-hearted woman, chuckled softly. "You certainly have a flair for the dramatic," she mused, seeing the unexpected potential in this union.
"I never thought our paths would cross like this," Sae admitted, a shy smile playing on his lips.
"Life is full of surprises," Shidou replied, his voice gentle.
And so, amidst laughter and shared stories, they began their journey together, embracing the beauty of their unexpected connection.
