The afternoon sun streamed through the leaves, scattering gold patterns on the forest floor. Ayan and Tang San had just finished a round of mock sparring near the back mountain. Tang San was catching his breath, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Come on," Ayan said suddenly, eyes glinting with mischief. "I know a place by the lake. You'll like it."
Tang San frowned. "What's there?"
"You'll see," Ayan replied with a grin, already walking ahead.
They slipped through a narrow deer path, the forest growing quieter the closer they got to the lake. Soon, the sound of gentle splashing and faint laughter reached their ears. Ayan slowed, crouching low, and motioned for Tang San to follow.
"What is it?" Tang San whispered.
"Shh. Look."
Through a gap in the bushes, the lake came into view. Several village women stood in the shallows, their skirts and blouses set aside on the shore. They bathed leisurely, chatting and laughing, water sparkling over their skin in the sunlight.
Tang San's eyes widened. "Ayan—! We shouldn't—"
"Relax," Ayan whispered, smirking. "They can't see us. Just… appreciate the scenery."
Tang San's face flushed, but his eyes stayed on the lake despite himself. The two boys crouched there, silent except for the occasional stifled snicker from Ayan when one of the women splashed another, sending droplets flying in the golden light.
For Ayan, it was pure entertainment — a stolen moment that broke the monotony of training and chores. For Tang San, it was… confusing, a strange mix of embarrassment and curiosity he didn't quite understand yet.
After a few minutes, Ayan nudged him. "Alright, let's go before we get caught."
They slipped back into the trees, the sound of the lake fading behind them. Tang San didn't say a word all the way back to the village, though his ears stayed red.
Ayan, on the other hand, walked with a satisfied smirk. Not just a good day for training, he thought. But for education, too.