The witch and the poisonous apple

Roze returns from the lake, about to add her wet chemise to the array.

She shakes her drenched body, like a dog after getting wet.

She unties her chemise's strap, and the fabric soon falls to her feet.

Since she doesn't have an extra set of clothes, she has no choice but to wait until it dries while naked.

The chemise, soaked with water, is quite heavy. She folds the chemise several times and squeezes it tightly.

While she's focused on squeezing, her hair—dripping with water—flows down and brushes against her hand. The light crimson hair reaches towards her chest and clings to her skin.

After she has taken care of everything and hangs the chemise, Roze returns to the lake. A splashing wet sounds can be heard in each of her step.

Soon, she finds it fun and keeps repeating it. Afterwards, she becomes completely distracted.

She hears the sound of the bell—Chirin—yet doesn't think much of it. She wonders if it's the deer again and turns to check.

Only to find a man standing there.

She's surprised to the point she can't breathe.

—the man is Harij.

Roze glances at her spread chemise, now swaying lightly at the breeze.

Harij, who's in the forest on the other side of the river, is as stunned as herself.

For a while, they keep staring at each other—only their breaths can be heard.

Chirp, chirp, chirp…

A small bird in the forest shows off its beautiful melody.

Harij is the one who casts his glance aside first.

"I'm sorry!"

In a vigorous movement, Harij turns his head. His voice, however, shows that he's also quite surprised by the moment.

"Hahahaha…" A dry laugh leaks from Roze. Surely, my face is as red as a tomato. She's exposed—towards that fact, her heart is pounding loudly.

Giving up on the idea of recovering her chemise, Roze strides inside her dwelling