Reputation

DON'S POV

I continued chatting with Kito, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was different. It took me a moment to realize that the change wasn't in the village or the people around us but it was in me. Around Accalia, I found myself being sweeter, more attentive, and dare I say it, more loving.

But of course, being the stubborn man that I am, I refused to accept it. It had to be the effect of the village, right? The fresh air, the slower pace of life, the constant presence of chickens—it was all getting to me.

"So, Don, have you been enjoying your time here?" Kito's voice broke through my thoughts, bringing me back to the conversation at hand.

I nodded, forcing a nonchalant smile. "Yeah, it's been... interesting."

But deep down, I knew it was more than just interesting. It was downright bizarre how much I was enjoying myself, despite being stranded in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of strangers.

As Kito and I continued to talk, I couldn't help but steal glances at Accali