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"Fine. Yo-You ca-can go to the forest alone."

Upon hearing this Kongane gave a bright smile that could turn the heavens and make empires go to war.

How can someone say no to that smile? Even the most strong willed person has the bend in front of that smile. Its a miracle that Hoshino could even say no to his request in the first place.

' How can someone be so beautiful even before they hit puberty!? Such beauty should not exist in the mortal realm. He should be in the ethereal realm but even than the gods will fight over him. Really this boy can have any man or woman warped around his fingers when he grows big enough. ' Hoshino thought with a sigh and smiled at Kongane.

" I will give you 4 hours at best. No more than that. You have to be back by noon or you parents will be worried. So be back by noon ok?" Said Hoshino.

" Okay!" As soon as Kongane answers he starts running towards the window and looks towards the forest with a deep longing in his eyes. And then jumps out the window and towards the forest.

Hoshino seeing his actions heaved a heavy sigh and shook his head. He then slowly got up from the bed and walked towards the door. Once he reached the door he slowly peeked from left to right to make sure that no one was there and got out. He closed the door behind him and stood guard like always as he pretended to be on high vigilance as always while anxiously waited for Kongane to come back even though he just left. All this time no one saw a small tint of rosiness on Hoshino's cheeks that was almost

invisible to the naked eyes.

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Kongane jumped from one tree to another. Laughs and giggles could be heard from time to time. The forest was peaceful. The breeze was gentle and the sun rays penetrates through the leaves of the humangues trees. Chirps of the birds could be heard and the occasional growls and roars of the beasts from the deeper area of the forest. It was Kongane's heaven. The forest has been his companion for the last two years. Hoshino one day brought him here for fun then it became there routine to come here almost everyday. No one minded. After all this was the only thing that he wanted from his parents so how could his parents say no? Even though the forest was dangerous as it was the territory of the magical beasts but there were none that could hurt him after all Hoshino was always here with him.

But not this time. This time Kongane wanted to come alone without Hoshino guarding him. He knew very well that his parents would not let him go on his own every though his strength could rival Hoshino's saying that two is better than one. So Kongane had no choice but to threaten Hoshino with his tears. Works everytime. Now, back to the story.

Kongane gave one last jump as he landed in front of a beautiful waterfall. A crystal clear lake was under the waterfall. The fishes was swimming in the lake as one or two fishes would would occasionally jump out of the water, flying in to the air and dropping back down. There were water lilies of every kind floating in the lake. Blue, red, pink, white, you name it. The would lake had many different colours and types of water lilies scattered all around the lake. The sun light that had penetrated through the thick cover of leaves would bounce off the water and scatter. Brightening the surroundings. Harmless birds could be seen flying through the air and into the water as they catch fishes. Butterflies and dragonflies flew from one flower to another. The wind blew by strongly as it caused ripples throughout the lake. It was a beautiful sight. One that would make the hairs on your body stand from its beauty.

Kongane sighed seeing this scenario. It calmed his down. This place was his little paradise. He loved coming here. He could finally relax when he came here. When he was here he wasn't Kongane, he was the village chief's son nor was he the strongest warrior among his age, he was no one's idol nor enemy and he wasn't the beauty who could rival the gods. He was him. He could finally be him when he was here. He didn't have to pretend to be a five year old when he was there. Nor did he have to behave like an adult. All he had to do was be him for him. Kongane relaxed under the trees as he enjoyed the few hours of freedom that he got.