Curiosity and Compassion

"You're not?" Sean asked, his innocent purple eyes still curious. Aria blinked hard, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions, desperate for an explanation from Noah.

"What does it mean by mate?" Aria asked again, her voice tinged with genuine puzzlement. She really didn't understand the significance of the word in this context.

Noah's face flushed red, and he let out a small cough to interrupt the conversation. He knew he had to address Sean's innocent question, even though it made him feel awkward. "No, Sean. She is just a friend who needs our help right now."

"But only mates are allowed to stay together," Sean innocently probed further, seeking understanding from his brother.

Noah scratched his head, trying to find the right words to explain the complex situation to Sean. He stole a glance at the girl in front of him, her ethereal beauty captivating him for a moment. She appeared curious, too, waiting for his response. "Well, it's true that it is a tradition for mates to live together, but there are exceptions for friends who need assistance. We're helping her because she's in need, not because we're mates."

Aria's mind was a whirlwind of confusion and embarrassment, caught in the middle of this innocent conversation. The situation was more complicated than she could have imagined, and she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions swirling inside her.

Amidst the wonders of this new world, Aria grappled with the perplexing concept of mates. 'Should I become Noah's mate to stay? Or should I leave, venturing into the unknown?' Her heart sank at the thought of being all alone in a place she knew nothing about.

"That's true, Sean," Noah continued, trying to steer the conversation away from the concept of mates. "But right now, mate or not, it's not important. Do you want to know why I didn't pick you up last night?"

Sean nodded curiously, and Noah calmly explained what had happened during the day. He talked about the girl he found unconscious near the cave, how he felt responsible for her well-being, and his decision to bring her home.

As Noah shared his reasons, Aria's heart softened. She could see the caring and compassionate side of him, and it made her feel grateful for his kindness, even if it had led to this awkward situation.

"I am sorry for taking you here without asking you first," Noah said, addressing the girl directly. "But I really didn't mean anything other than wanting to help you. I hope you understand."

Aria smiled warmly, touched by Noah's sincerity. "Thank you, Noah. I appreciate your kindness, and I do understand. I'm sorry if I caused any trouble."

Sean, sensing the change in the atmosphere, smiled brightly. "It's okay! Now we can be friends and help each other!"

Noah chuckled, ruffling Sean's hair affectionately. "That's right, little buddy. We're all friends now."

As the tension dissipated, Aria felt a sense of relief and gratitude. Despite the unexpected turn of events, she couldn't help but feel that destiny had led her to this special moment with Noah and Sean—a moment that she knew would forever hold a place in her heart.

Lost in thought again, Aria realized she hadn't properly introduced herself. "Er.. My name is Aria. You can call me that or just Ari." Her sudden introduction caught Noah off guard, and a gentle smile adorned his lips.

Sean, playfully observing his brother's enamoured reaction, tugged on Noah's cloth and whispered in his ear, "You like her, right, brother?" A smug expression on Sean's face made Noah blush.

Clearing his throat, Noah responded to Aria, "I see. Which clan do you belong to?" Noah asked Aria about her origin as he had never seen her before in his clan.

He assumed that Aria was likely from a nearby clan based on the area she was found at the time. He thought Aria might have gotten lost after being separated from her clan and straying into their area.

Aria's confusion deepened as she struggled to grasp his question. 'He mentioned mates earlier. What could he mean by clan now?' She furrowed her brow, racking her brain for answers, but Noah's words refused to align with her understanding.

With memories from watching various dramas on holidays and weekends, Aria recalled how clans in some countries represented a traditional social structure with unique identities and statuses. However, she couldn't fathom how it related to Noah's question, as she came from a place that did not follow such a system.

The realization weighed on her, unsure how to explain her predicament to him without resorting to deception.