Lian stood outside his manager's cabin, holding a file in his hand, silently gathering his thoughts. Asking for leave wasn't something he usually did, especially not for an entire week. But this time, he felt like he needed it. Taking a small breath, he knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Lian stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him. His manager was still focused on the documents in front of him, flipping through pages without looking up.
"Yes, Lian?"
"Sir… I wanted to request leave."
His manager paused and finally looked up.
"For how many days?"
"A week."
A brief silence followed as his manager studied him, as if trying to read something beyond his words.
"You've never taken leave this long before."
Lian gave a faint, polite smile. "I just want to visit my parents."
After a moment, his manager nodded.
"Alright. You've been consistent with your work. Make sure everything is handed over properly before you leave."
For a second, Lian wasn't sure if he had heard it right.
"So… it's approved?"
"It is."
A quiet sense of relief settled in his chest.
"Thank you, sir."
He nodded slightly and walked out.
Back at his desk, he sat for a moment, letting it sink in. A whole week away from this routine felt unfamiliar… almost strange. By evening, he had wrapped up all his work, leaving everything in perfect order as always. With nothing left to do, he picked up his bag and walked out of the building. That was when his steps slowed. He saw a familiar figure standing near the wall.
It was his ex.
The same girl who had ended things with him three days ago. For a moment, he simply stood there. But she wasn't alone. She was laughing, holding onto the arm of a man beside her. He was taller, broader, with a strong build that naturally drew attention. There was an effortless confidence in the way he carried himself. The man leaned closer as she spoke, his hand resting casually on her waist. She didn't move away. Instead, she smiled… a bright, effortless smile.
It was different. Not the kind Lian had ever seen from her.
Strangely, he didn't feel jealousy or sadness. His gaze shifted to himself, his simple clothes, his plain appearance, everything about him that had always gone unnoticed. A quiet thought crossed his mind.
"So… this is the kind of man women want."
He nodded slightly, as if accepting a simple truth, and turned away.
When he reached his apartment, the familiar silence greeted him. He stood there for a moment, looking around the empty space.
"I'll be gone for a week," he murmured softly.
He walked into his room, pulled out a suitcase, and paused for a second before starting to pack.
As he folded his clothes neatly, a small sense of comfort filled him. The thought of going back to his hometown, meeting his parents, seeing familiar places it brought a quiet happiness he hadn't felt in a long time. After finishing, he picked up his suitcase, turned off the lights, and walked out.
Unknowingly… walking toward something that would change his life completely.
Mistwood Village
As Lian arrived in Mistwood, a sense of calm washed over him the moment he stepped out. The fresh air felt different, clean, soothing. Children rode bicycles along the narrow roads, laughing as they headed to school. Farmers worked in the green fields, and a group of elderly men sat together nearby, talking and laughing.
For the first time in a long while…Lian felt like he was home. A soft smile appeared on his face as he walked toward his house.
"Lian!"
His mother rushed toward him, her face lighting up with joy.
"Oh my god, you're finally here! I missed you so much, son!"
She hugged him tightly, tears forming in her eyes. Lian smiled warmly and hugged her back.
"I missed you too, Mom… "
A deep voice came from behind.
"Oho, you came! Come here, my boy. I was in the middle of baking your favourite strawberry cake."
Lian turned to see his father standing there, flour all over his hands. His father, with flour all over his hands, walked toward them and pulled them into a tight group hug.
"Ahh… Dad, I can't breathe!"
"Alright, alright," his father laughed. "Come inside. You must be tired. And look at you… You've become so thin. You look like a skeleton that I hung for the last Halloween."
"That's exactly what I told him," His mother added. "This guy doesn't eat or sleep properly. Just works all day, Ugh… like father, like son."
"Yov Lady! Don't compare me to this grandpa," his father protested. "Just look at me, look at these tempting muscles. And I look younger than him!"
Lian nearly choked on his drink.
"Damn, Dad… what was that?"
"This is what happens when he hangs out with those useless friends," his mother muttered, throwing a spoon at him.
"Ouch! That's harsh honey…" he said, rubbing his back.
Lian burst out laughing, watching his parents bicker like always. He had missed this. After freshening up, Lian came downstairs, following the delicious aroma from the kitchen.
"Wow… it smells amazing. Mom, what did you make?"
"She made all your favourite dishes," his father replied before she could answer. "Eat properly. By the time you go back, you should at least gain some muscles like me."
His mother shot him a glare, and he immediately went quiet. Lian smiled, watching them. He always admired his parents their bond, their playful fights, and how they stood by each other no matter what. They had faced many challenges and difficult choices in life, but they always chose each other and overcame everything together. He paused, looking at them with a soft expression.
"I wish I could have something like that someday…"
Suddenly, a tiny, fluffy white ball hopped toward his feet. Lian's entire aura shifted instantly, his eyes sparkling with a soft, maternal warmth.
"Marshmallow! My precious baby is here!" he squealed softly, his voice jumping an octave into a high-pitched, melodic coo. He knelt down gracefully, scooping up the rabbit and cradling it against his neck like a delicate treasure. "Did my little prince miss his Papa? Yes, he did! Look at those tiny paws!"
He nuzzled his nose against Marshmallow's fur, closing his eyes and giggling in a way that was almost ladylike, his shoulders wiggling with pure delight. "Who's the prettiest boy in the whole world? It's you, Marshy! You're Papa's heart, aren't you?"
He pampered the rabbit with gentle, fluttering caresses, looking completely smitten as he showered his "son" with soft, airy kisses. The dinner ended with laughter, jokes, and endless conversations. It was truly a warm and joyful time.
The next morning, Lian woke up a little late due to travel fatigue. He stretched and walked downstairs.
"Good morning, Mom."
"Morning, son. Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah… after so many days," he said, hugging her and resting his chin on her shoulder.
"Here, have some milk. Your dad got it fresh this morning."
"I'll drink it after a walk. I need some fresh air."
"Alright, go."
Lian stepped outside, putting on his earphones, and started jogging along the fields. The cool air brushed against his face as he ran, taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Suddenly...
Someone grabbed him from behind and threw him to the ground.
"Ahhh….what the-"
He stopped mid-sentence as he saw familiar faces.
"Hey there, you punk!" one of them shouted, jumping on him.
"AHHHH!!! RON, YOU IDIOT! GET OFF ME!"
Lian groaned, pushing him away and trying to stand up.
"Shit… my back hurts! What was that for?"
"You came back after a year," Ron grinned. "We had to give you a special welcome."
"Yeah, how was it?" Milo added proudly.
"That was the worst welcome ever. I thought I was getting attacked by goons!"
"Exactly. You'll never forget it," Milo laughed.
Lian stood there for a second… then burst out laughing. He pulled both of them into a tight hug.
They were his best friends his people.
The three of them had grown up together since childhood. They were mischievous, often got into trouble, and were even bullied at times. But no matter what, they always stood up for each other. That's why their friendship lasted this long.
Lian knew one thing for sure…
These were the only people who truly supported and cared for him, without judging his personality, status, or appearance. Maybe that's what friendship really means.
"So," Ron said, casually chewing something, "how's life in the city? Got any girls?"
"Oh yeah," Milo added, smirking. "Last time you got dumped by a girl who was just using you to make her boyfriend jealous."
"And you even gave her money to fix things with him," Ron laughed.
"Seriously, man? Why the heck did you even go to the city? To date your computer? I swear, if your computer could talk, it would've friend zoned you by now." Milo said, taking a puff from the cigar.
"If you stayed here, we would've already set you up with half the village. You seriously need help."
Lian rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah… thanks for the concern, love guru."
"Don't joke," Ron jumped in. "This guy is right. We would've made you a legend here by now."
"A legend?" Lian raised an eyebrow. "For what? Getting dumped faster?"
"Oi! That's your talent, not ours," Milo shot back instantly.
Lian shook his head, laughing. "Enough about me. What about you guys? How's life going?"
"Same boring crap every day," Ron sighed dramatically. "Wake up, eat, work, sleep. I need some excitement in my life."
Milo snorted. "Excitement? Bro, you're already living like a king compared to us. Stop crying."
"Nah, man," Ron said seriously, placing a hand on his chest. "I'm a man with needs. A man with dreams."
"Yeah, dreams of getting slapped by girls," Milo replied.
Lian burst out laughing. "You guys are still the same idiots."
"Always," they both said proudly.
Lian stretched a bit and grinned. "Alright then, how about this, you both come to my place this evening. We'll go out, chill, eat, and do whatever. Tonight's ours."
Ron's eyes lit up. "Now THAT sounds like a plan."
Milo smirked. "Perfect. Step one, we fix your sad love life."
"Oh no…" Lian groaned.
"Oh yes," Ron grinned. "Tonight, we begin your training."
"Training?" Lian looked at them suspiciously.
"Yeah," Milo nodded seriously. "How to talk to girls without sounding like a job interview."
Lian laughed. "I'm already regretting this."
"Too late," Ron said, throwing an arm over his shoulder. "We're your teachers now."
"God save me," Lian muttered.
All three of them burst out laughing, their voices echoing through the quiet fields as they continued joking around for a while before finally heading their separate ways.
Later that day, Lian spent time with his father in the fields. They worked together, joked around, and handled the usual farm chores, checking the corn crops, feeding the cows, and carrying fresh milk. It had been a long time since Lian had done something so simple… and it felt good. The rest of the day passed with laughter and small, peaceful moments.
By evening, Lian met Ron and Milo, and the three of them headed toward their usual spot a small hill just outside the village. It was their place. The same place they used to come after school, to escape everything. They carried snacks, homemade food, and a couple of drinks with them. The sky slowly turned orange, then deep blue as they sat down.
Ron opened a bottle and took a long sip. "Bro… I still can't believe you don't drink."
"I told you," Lian said, casually munching on snacks his mom packed. "I tried once at an office party… threw up immediately. That was enough life experience for me."
Milo burst out laughing. "Just for one drink?"
"Yeah", Lian nodded seriously.
"Damn," Ron said. "Even alcohol said 'not worth it.'"
All three burst out laughing. Ron took another sip. "Alright, listen carefully. You want girls? Stop acting like a job applicant."
Milo nodded. "Yeah bro, every time you talk, it sounds like—'Hi, I'm Lian, here are my qualifications.' Who the hell talks like that?"
"At least I don't talk like an idiot," Lian shot back.
"Confidence, my friend," Ron said, tapping his chest. "Girls like confidence. Not this 'excuse me, sorry, thank you' personality."
"Yeah," Milo added. "You're too… decent. It's suspicious."
"Suspicious?" Lian frowned.
"Yeah," Milo said. "Girls will think you're hiding something. Like…'why is he so nice? What's wrong with him?'"
Ron nodded. "Exactly. No one trusts a guy with zero red flags."
Lian blinked. "That makes no sense."
"Welcome to reality," both said together.
Milo suddenly smirked. "Alright, enough. Let's talk about you. What kind of girl do you even want?"
Lian hesitated. "Why?"
"Because I'm curious how unrealistic your expectations are," Milo said.
Ron nodded. "Yeah, go on. Let's hear this fantasy."
Lian paused for a moment, then shrugged. "I don't know… someone simple, I guess."
Milo narrowed his eyes. "No, no. Don't give us that 'simple' answer. Explain properly."
Lian sighed, giving in. "Okay… someone who understands me. Someone who stays… no matter what. Not just for fun, not just for timepass,"
Ron and Milo exchanged looks.
"Ohhh," Ron smirked. "Deep guy."
"I'm serious," Lian continued, a small smile forming. "Someone I can come home to and just… feel at peace. Someone I can grow with."
Milo leaned in. "Go on, Romeo. We're listening."
Lian chuckled. "I don't want drama. Just… a calm life. Maybe a small house, good food, random talks at night… laughing over stupid things."
Ron wiped fake tears. "Bro is already living his married life in imagination."
"Go on… baby boy," Milo said, holding back laughter.
"I know I'm not that kind of guy women find interesting or charming," Lian said quietly. "Maybe that's why most of them leave."
He let out a small breath, his eyes fixed somewhere far ahead.
"But… does love always have to start with looks?" he continued. "Don't a person's feelings, their personality… their efforts… matter at all?"
He shook his head slightly.
"I don't think so."
The wind brushed past them, but neither Ron nor Milo spoke.
Lian went on, his voice softer now, but steady.
"To be honest… I don't even know what kind of girl I want. Sometimes I imagine things…like she should be this way or that way… just so I can fit into her world."
He gave a faint, almost self-aware smile.
"But in reality… I don't care about all that."
He paused for a second.
"All I really want is… for her to feel comfortable with me. To want to be with me. To be happy… whether she's beside me or not."
His fingers curled slightly, as if holding onto something invisible.
"That's what matters to me."
He swallowed lightly before continuing.
"I'd respect her feelings more than mine. Because if someone chooses me…with expectations, with trust… I don't want to be the reason she regrets it."
His voice dropped just a little.
"Maybe I won't always meet every expectation… but I'd still try. I'd do my best to keep her happy… to make her feel safe… all the time."
Silence settled between them again. Ron slowly exhaled, leaning back on his hands.
"…You're seriously not normal, you know that?"
Lian blinked. "What?"
Milo shook his head, a small smile forming. "Yeah… in a world full of idiots like us, you somehow turned out like this."
Ron nodded. "Honestly? Any girl who gets you… she's either insanely lucky…"
Milo smirked slightly, finishing it…
"…or she better not screw it up, because guys like you don't come twice."
Lian looked at them, a little surprised.
"Don't get used to this," Ron added quickly. "This is a one-time emotional support offer."
"Yeah," Milo said, grabbing his bottle again. "Next time, we're back to roasting you."
Lian chuckled, shaking his head.
"Idiots."
But this time…
There was something warm behind that smile. The trio stayed there for a long time that night, laughing, talking, and reliving old memories. For a few hours, everything felt simple again.
The next morning, Lian returned home, only to be greeted by the rich, comforting aroma of his mother's cooking.
"Good morning," he called out.
"Morning, son," his mother replied from the kitchen.
"I'll just freshen up and come."
A few minutes later, Lian walked back to the dining area, drying his hair with a towel.
But the moment he stepped in...He paused. Something felt… off. His parents were already seated at the table. Too quiet...
No teasing. No small arguments. No laughter.
Just silence.
The kind that didn't belong in this house. Lian slowly lowered the towel from his shoulder, his eyes moving between them. His father sat straight, his expression unusually serious. His mother looked… hesitant. He frowned slightly.
"Is there something I need to know?" Lian asked, trying to keep his tone light. "You both look like you're about to sacrifice me or something."
Neither of them smiled. Okay…not a good sign. His mother glanced at his father before finally speaking.
"Lian… do you remember we told you there was something important we wanted to discuss with you?"
"Oh…yeah," Lian said, pulling a chair and sitting down. "I completely forgot about that. What is it?"
But before she could continue…His father spoke.
"First, answer me one thing."
Lian looked at him, slightly confused.
"Do you have any woman in your life?"
The question hit him out of nowhere. Lian just blinked...
His father's tone wasn't casual. It was firm and serious.
And that… made Lian uneasy.
"Uh… no," Lian said slowly. "I don't." There was a brief pause.
"Good."
That single word didn't bring relief. It made things worse.
Lian's brows furrowed slightly as he looked between them.
His mother took a breath, clearly gathering courage.
"Well, son… actually… we wanted to tell you something. It's… it's a big thing. A happy thing."
Lian was starting to feel that strange tension in his chest.
"Mom…" he said, his voice lower now. "You're scaring me. What is it?"
His mother looked at his father one last time. Then back to Lian.
Her voice softened.
"Lian… son…"
She paused.
"Lian, son…We have arranged your marriage with our friend's daughter"
*DEAD SILENCE*