On the main road of Maple Leaf Village, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Alice walked briskly, a bamboo basket filled with herbs in her hand, her mind still lingering on the discussion she had just had with the villagers about the uses of the herbs.
Suddenly, not far ahead, Oliver was walking towards her with Leon.
Alice paused, a wave of complex emotions surging within her.
She tried to sidestep and pretend she hadn’t seen them, but it was too late.
Oliver’s sharp eyes spotted her immediately, and a bright smile broke across his face as he waved enthusiastically and called out, “Alice!”
Leon’s gaze followed suit, and upon seeing Alice, a fleeting softness flickered in his eyes before he quickly returned to his seemingly indifferent demeanor.
With no choice left, Alice steeled herself and walked over, forcing a smile as she greeted them, “Hi, Oliver, Leon.”
Oliver approached her and naturally took the bamboo basket from her hands. He asked with concern, “Did you just come back from the forest? It looks like you had a good haul.”
Alice nodded slightly and replied softly, “Yes, I found some rare herbs that will be very helpful for treating the villagers’ ailments.”
At that moment, Leon stepped forward, his gaze landing on the basket. “Alice, you’re always so kind and considerate of the villagers. I really admire you,” he said, his voice deep and sincere, revealing a profound appreciation in his eyes.
Oliver frowned slightly, sensing a hint of “threat” in Leon’s words. He immediately retorted, “Alice has always been kind; that’s something everyone in our village knows. But you, Leon, seem to be quite active around here lately.” His tone carried a note of provocation.
Leon smiled gently and replied at a leisurely pace, "After all, I've received so much care here; naturally, I want to learn more about this place and integrate into it."
His gaze remained fixed on Alice, as if he were waiting for her reaction.
Listening to their conversation, Alice felt increasingly frustrated. She felt like a sandwich caught in the middle, torn between two sides.
She attempted to change the subject, saying, "By the way, how is the preparation for the Traditional Activity in the village going?"
Oliver and Leon exchanged glances before turning their attention to Alice. Oliver spoke up first, "Everything is going smoothly; everyone is actively preparing. It’s going to be lively, Alice, you must come."
Leon quickly added, "Yes, Alice, I'm looking forward to you guiding me during the event so I can truly experience the unique atmosphere here." His eyes sparkled with anticipation, as if he could already envision himself weaving through the festivities with Alice.
Alice awkwardly smiled, unsure of how to respond. She felt like the focal point of a silent battle between the two.
At that moment, villagers passing by seemed to sense the unusual tension among the three and cast curious glances their way.
To break the awkwardness, Alice made an excuse about needing to return some herbs to those in need in the village and hurriedly left.
Oliver and Leon watched her retreating figure, each lost in their own thoughts.
Oliver turned to Leon and coldly said, "Leon, I hope you understand that Alice and I are in love with each other. You’d best not interfere in our relationship."
However, Leon showed no signs of backing down. He met Oliver's gaze firmly and declared, "Love isn't something anyone can dictate. I love Alice too, and I won't give up easily." His eyes revealed a resolute determination.
The two of them stared at each other, the air thick with tension.
Meanwhile, Alice returned home and sat by the window, gazing out at the scenery, her heart a tumult of emotions.
She recalled the sweet moments spent with Oliver, those warm instances they shared together; she also remembered how she had cared for Leon when he was injured, and the special feelings that had gradually developed between them during their time together.
She didn’t know how to choose, nor did she understand where this love triangle would ultimately lead.
But one thing was clear to her: no matter what choice she made, it could hurt one of them.
In this complex emotional whirlwind, she could only strive to find a sliver of possible balance.
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