Unique

Adjusting to Married Life

The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the woven walls of Daoyi and Kenyai's shared hut. It had been several days since the wedding ceremony, and although Daoyi had grown accustomed to the new rhythm of their life together, there was still a sense of unfamiliarity in the air, as though each moment carried the weight of expectations they had yet to fully understand.

Daoyi and Kenyai lay entwined, basking in the warm morning light that filled their shared hut. Their bodies were intertwined in a gentle embrace, feeling both natural and exhilarating. Kenyai traced soft circles on Daoyi's back, sending shivers down her spine. "I love you, Daoyi," he whispered, his voice low and husky.

Daoyi turned to face him, his heart pounding in his chest. "I love you too, Kenyai," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. Their lips met in a tender kiss, their bodies moving in unison. As they embraced, Daoyi felt a deep sense of peace and contentment he had never known before.

This moment was more than just physical intimacy; it was a profound connection on a deeper level, a union of souls. When they finally pulled away, breathless and smiling, they gazed into each other's eyes. "I'm so grateful we're together," Daoyi said, his voice filled with emotion.

Kenyai smiled, his eyes shining with love. "Me too, more than anything." He leaned in and gently kissed his forehead. "Let's make this day special, just us."

As they lingered in each other's embrace, the warm light and peaceful atmosphere enveloped them, cherishing their love and connection. Daoyi lay still on the bed, watching Kenyai’s steady breathing beside him. The intimacy of sharing a space, a life, was new to both of them. Although they had known each other for years, this closeness—the vulnerability—was something neither had anticipated.

Kenyai sighed, propping himself up on one elbow. It’s strange, isn’t it? We've known each other for so long, but now everything feels... different."

"Yes," Daoyi whispered, his gaze drifting away. "It’s not just us anymore. It’s everything around us. Everyone is watching. And I’m not sure I know how to be what they want me to be."

Kenyai shifted closer, placing a hand on Daoyi’s. "You don’t have to be what they want, Daoyi. We’ll figure it out together. The tribe will have to learn that our marriage isn’t just about fulfilling their expectations. It’s about us."

Daoyi nodded, but his chest still felt tight. "I wish I could believe that as easily as you do. But I hear the whispers, Kenyai. The women compare me to other brides, the men wonder if I’m strong enough to lead. I feel like no matter what I do, I’ll never be ‘good enough.’"

Kenyai’s expression darkened slightly. "You’re my wife, Daoyi. And you’re more than capable of being the leader they need."

"I don’t feel capable," Daoyi whispered. "Every day, I wake up wondering if I’m making a mistake. What if I can’t be a good wife? What if I can’t give you what the tribe expects from us? Children, heirs... everything they want."

Kenyai’s gaze softened, and he gently kissed Daoyi’s lips. "Listen to me," he said quietly but firmly. "You are enough. Whether we have children or not, whether the tribe approves or not, it doesn’t matter to me. What matters is that we stand together, that we build our life in a way that works for us. You don’t have to be perfect, Daoyi. You just have to be yourself."

Daoyi closed his eyes, leaning into Kenyai’s touch. "I wish it were that simple."

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Later that day, as Daoyi walked through the village heading to the river to wash some clothes, the familiar sound of laughter reached his ears. A group of women had gathered near the river, washing clothes and chatting animatedly. He approached cautiously, hoping to avoid attention, but as soon as they noticed him, the conversation shifted.

"Ah, Daoyi!" one of the women, Loma, called out, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "How is married life treating you?" She was one of Abeta’s friends and though Abeta has relented, she seemed to want to carry on.

Daoyi forced a smile, nodding politely. "It’s... an adjustment, but we’re doing well."

Loma smirked, exchanging a glance with the woman next to her. "I’m sure it’s quite the adjustment, especially for someone in your... unique position. I imagine it must be difficult balancing your duties as a wife and... whatever else it is you’re supposed to be."

Daoyi’s chest tightened, but he maintained his composure. "I’m learning, just like anyone else."

"Learning?" Loma’s voice cut through the chatter as one of the women approached the group. Her eyes gleamed with malice, the smirk on her lips unmistakable. "It seems to me, Daoyi, that you’ve been learning your whole life. Shouldn't you have figured it out by now?"

The women around her giggled, and Daoyi’s heart sank. He met the woman's gaze, refusing to look away. "Being a wife isn’t something you learn overnight. It’s a journey, and I’m taking it one step at a time."

Loma raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Of course. But the tribe has high expectations, you know. Especially for someone like you. After all, you’re not just any bride—you’re the future of the tribe. You wouldn’t want to disappoint anyone, would you?"

The unspoken challenge in her words was clear. Daoyi felt the weight of the women’s stares, their judgment hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break. He knew what they were thinking, what they whispered behind his back: Is he strong enough? Is he woman enough?

Daoyi clenched his fists, his voice steady despite the unease creeping up his spine. "I won’t let the tribe down. And I won’t let myself down either."

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That evening, as the sky turned a deep orange and the village quieted down, Daoyi sat alone by the river, staring at the water’s gentle flow. His reflection stared back at him, his features soft and feminine, yet there was strength in his gaze. Strength that he didn’t always feel, but that was there nonetheless.

The rustle of footsteps behind him made him turn. Kenyai stood there, watching him with concern.

"I heard about what happened today," Kenyai said softly, sitting beside him. 

Daoyi sighed, his shoulders slumping. “They are never going to stop, are they? No matter what I do, they’ll always see me as incapable."

Kenyai placed a hand on his waist, his touch reassuring. "You’re not meant to fit into their mold, Daoyi. You’re meant to break it. And in time, they’ll see that. 

Daoyi turned to him, searching his eyes for the reassurance he so desperately needed. "Do you really believe that?"

Kenyai’s smile was warm, his eyes full of conviction. "I do. And I’ll be by your side, no matter what."

Daoyi leaned into him, resting his head on Kenyai’s shoulder. The sound of the river flowing gently in the background was a small comfort, a reminder that, like the water, his path would continue to flow, even if the journey wasn’t easy.