The Spark of Attraction

The days that followed were much like any other in the village, with the sun rising and setting over the thatched roofs, and the villagers going about their daily lives. Yet, for Arlott, the encounter with Arthur on the hill had left an indelible mark. He couldn't shake the memory of those piercing blue eyes, and the rough, confident voice that had sent shivers down his spine. At first, Arlott tried to avoid Arthur, taking a different route to the market, and avoiding the hill where they had first met. But fate seemed to have other plans. Arthur was everywhere, and Arlott found himself running into him at every turn. They would exchange awkward glances, but Arlott couldn't help feeling drawn to the older boy. Arthur, it seemed, was equally fascinated by Arlott. He would often find excuses to approach him, asking about his day, or commenting on the weather. Arlott's parents grew suspicious, warning him to stay away from the troublemaker. But Arlott couldn't help feeling a spark of attraction whenever Arthur was near. As they continued to cross paths, their initial dislike turned into curiosity, and eventually, fascination. They would talk for hours, sharing stories and laughter, and Arlott found himself seeing the world through Arthur's eyes. The older boy was reckless and adventurous, with a passion for life that was infectious. One day, as they were walking through the hills, Arthur turned to Arlott and said, "You know, I never thought I'd find someone like you around here." Arlott looked at him, unsure of what to say. "Someone like me?" he repeated. Arthur smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Someone who's not afraid to listen, I mean." Arlott felt a flutter in his chest, but pushed it aside. He was just being friendly, he told himself. But as they continued to talk, he couldn't help feeling a sense of connection that he had never experienced before. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the hills, Arthur took Arlott's hand, his touch sending shivers down his spine. Arlott didn't pull away, and for a moment, they just stood there, hands entwined, looking into each other's eyes. It was Arthur who finally broke the spell, pulling his hand away and saying, "I'm sorry, Arlott. I didn't mean to...I just..." He trailed off, looking embarrassed. Arlott smiled, feeling a sense of understanding. "It's okay," he said. "I think I like it." Arthur's eyes lit up, and he grinned. "Really?" he asked, his voice full of hope. Arlott nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. He didn't know what was happening, or where this would lead, but he couldn't deny the spark of attraction that had grown between them. As they parted ways, Arlott couldn't help feeling a sense of excitement. He had never felt this way before, and he wasn't sure what to do with these new emotions. But he knew one thing - he wanted to see Arthur again, to explore this connection that had grown between them. Little did he know, their love was doomed from the start, and the consequences of their attraction would be devastating. But for now, they were content to bask in the glow of their forbidden love, savoring every moment they had together.