The Legend of Kajo

Chapter 11

_Saji's Room_

Saji paced around his home, lost in thought. After eating and cleaning up, his mind wandered back to the events of the past two days.

"Dungeon raiding with the team... Kajo..." His thoughts lingered on the Cleric's bright smile.

"Why does it make me feel so good?" Saji wondered, his heart skipping a beat.

He recalled their eight years of acquaintance, yet they'd never truly connected.

"Never more than 10 minutes of conversation... Why can't I tell him how I feel?" Saji's frustration grew.

As he entered his room, determination set in.

"I need to start somewhere... Being friends, really good friends." Saji resolved.

"Maybe Dad can help." His father's wisdom often provided solutions.

"Can't wait to see him tomorrow." Two days apart felt like an eternity.

Saji climbed into bed, his thoughts still swirling.

"What if Kajo doesn't feel the same way? What if our friendship changes?" Doubts crept in.

But Saji pushed them aside.

"I have to try. I can't lose him without even trying." Resolution solidified.

As he drifted off to sleep, Saji's mind whispered:

"Tomorrow, I'll take the first step... Friendship, and maybe... something more."

The darkness enveloped him, with visions of Kajo's smile lingering.

---

The next morning, Saji woke up with renewed determination.

"Today's the day. I'll talk to Dad, and then... Kajo."

The door swung open, and Gorm, Saji's father, strode in with a warm smile. His bulky frame and handsome features commanded attention.

"Hey, son! Missed you!" Gorm boomed, enveloping Saji in a bear hug.

Saji grinned, feeling at ease. "Missed you too, Dad."

They sat down, and Gorm inquired about Saji's adventures. Saji shared stories of dungeon raiding, leveling up to level two, and Kajo's impressive skills.

Gorm listened attentively, his expression proud. "You're growing up to be a fine adventurer, Saji."

As they chatted, Saji's nervousness grew. He fidgeted, and Gorm noticed.

"Something's bothering you, son. What is it?" Gorm's voice turned serious.

Saji took a deep breath and blurted out:

"Dad, I think I like Kajo, but I don't know how to tell him, and we've never really been friends, and what if he doesn't feel the same way, and—"

Gorm's confusion interrupted Saji's frantic confession.

"Whoa, slow down! Say that again, slower."

Saji inhaled deeply and began again:

"Dad, I think I have feelings for Kajo. But we've never really had a lot of nice conversations or been friends. I don't know how to approach him or if he'll even consider me."

Gorm's expression softened.

"Son, if you like him, you have to start somewhere. You've known each other for years, but never really connected. Start with friendship."