For a week straight I went to Bon’s place to train until it was dark but it was just repetitive training to build stamina and control. But today I won’t be going since Bon said taking a day of rest after training repetitively would benefit me more.

Even if I have this free time, I'm not sure what I should do. It’s a small town so I don’t have much interest in exploring the place. Maybe I should see if Hana is free.

Fran goes down to the lobby.

“Hey Hana, are you busy today? I have a free day so I was wondering if you wanted to hangout.”

Hana, overjoyed, drops the broom she was using and grabs Fran’s hand.

“Ya I’d love to go do something once I get off work in about two hours if you can wait!”

“That’s fine I don’t mind, good luck with your work, I’ll see you later.”

I let go of her hand and started to walk away.

“I’ll look forward to being with you later today!”

I turned back to face her.

“So do I. I’m sure we’ll have a great day.”

I waved her goodbye and headed back to my room.

Ah, this isn’t good, I struggle to even hold a conversation with her. Why is it so hard for me to talk with her? I’m usually decent when talking to anybody but something about her makes the conversations awkward.

I wonder if I’ll be able to find out why she is hard for me to interact with. I’ll have to find out quickly because she might end up tired of me if the conversations are always so dry. I’ll have a chance to find out today. Until it’s time I’ll wait patiently.

Some time passed and Hana finally came so I came out.

“Did I keep you waiting for long?”

“Not really, I was just resting anyways.”

“So did you have any plans on what you wanted to do today? I don't mind what we do.”

“Not really, I haven't explored the town since I got here so we can see as we walk around.”

“Sure I’ll show you around the village then and you tell me if you like doing anything. Let’s get going so we don’t waste time.”

“Ok.”

Hana took me around but the town didn’t have anything that interested me. It was just stores for clothes or food. So I just chose to go to a random clothing store to look around since I wasn’t sure what to do.

“I’ve been here a few times. The quality of the clothes is pretty good for the price. So you might be able to find something you like here.”

I didn’t have any interest in buying anything but I kept wandering around the store as if I did. As I looked around I saw Hana looking at a red dress.

“Are you going to try it on?”

“I’m not sure, I don’t really need anymore clothes so I might pass.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to try it on. I’ll buy you it if it fits you.”

“Really?! I guess I’ll try it on then.”

Hana went to change and came out once she finished.

“Do I look good in it?”

“Ya it really suits you. I’ll buy it as thanks for the lunch boxes you made for me.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind buying it myself.”

“Ya it’s fine. I don’t spend much anyways.”

“Ok then.”

I went to pay for her dress. It was forty dollars. I won’t lie, paying for it wasn’t the wisest choice since I don’t have much money left but it will be worth it. I can’t let her lose interest in me until I find out what I want from her.

“Hey Hana, I was wondering how do people like me in the war earn money?”

“From what I’ve heard there’s usually a place in bigger towns and cities that have job offers for people that have magic. Since there are some things better suited for people with magic to do. Some rookies make the mistake of stealing once they get here but I’d recommend you don’t do that.”

“If you cause too many problems you will get a wanted poster which would lead bounty hunters and guards to go after you. So if you don’t want them after you just earn your money properly.”

“Oh ya, one more thing, if your wish is something like controlling the world of becoming ruler I recommend you keep that hidden. There are some with that type of wish which puts them on the king's top priorities to get rid of.”

“That’s fine I wasn’t planning anything like that anyways.”

As Hana and I walked around the town I noticed Hana would look at the village folk as they talked with each other and as the children played. She gazed at them as if she wanted to go and speak with them as well but the village folk didn’t seem to share the same sentiment.

Whenever they noticed her looking at them they would give her a distant stare making her gloomy and afraid. Hana was being treated unwanted even though all she wants is to be friendly with everyone. 

As a way to calm herself she clinged to my arm as we walked. I noticed that this wasn’t just at her but towards me as well. But I didn’t care so it didn’t bother me. 

“Hey Hana, why don’t we stop to get something to eat? I’ve gotten quite hungry already.”

“Sure there’s a place nearby we’ll stop there to eat.”

Hana took me to a nearby diner. When we entered the level of noise dropped considerably which made Hana uneasy. We went to sit at an empty table.

“Do you need any suggestions on what’s good here? I’ve come here a few times before so I know what’s good.”

“I’m ok, I already know what I want to get.”

“Ok.”

The waiter came and we gave him our orders.

“Hana I’ve been wondering why you moved here by yourself. I’ve noticed this town isn’t that accepting of outsiders yet you still live here, why is that?”

Her fake smile that she’s been trying desperately to hold quickly went away.

“Was it perhaps a sensitive topic for you? If you don’t want to tell me that’s fine I don’t want you to force yourself. It was my fault for being inconsiderate.”

“Don’t blame yourself, it’s not your fault. I—

She was silent for a while as if deciding what to do.

“I’ll tell y it I don’t want to hide anything from you I’m sure getting it off my chest and telling someone would give me some closure so I can move on.”

In the end she gave in, not wanting to ruin their relationship even if it wasn’t likely. She was afraid of even the smallest possibility of it happening. She didn’t want to be alone again.