*Sarvin's POV*
The next day, I prepare Ruvina's favorite snack that she likes to have while she watches the slapping contests on the TV; spice cakes. She doesn't trust the street vendors, because she thinks they might try to poison us. I hope no one accidentally mistakes one of the cakes for an average cake.
Ruv helps me, because it is the kind thing to do.
"So, are you excited? I can never tell.", I say with a laugh.
"Very.", Ruvina says with an attempted smile.
"I got us front row seats. Just make sure not to yell too loud.", I say jokingly but also seriously.
"Of course.", she responds.
We make sure to wear clothes that will make us blend in, considering the bounty on Ruv and that we'll be in the front row.
On the way there, I feel like someone is watching us. I don't tell Ruvina, because she will get very cautious, and instead I make sure to keep an eye out.
(If you don't understand, the paragraph above references how Selene and Razul watch them through a portal window while they are in the Nothing World.)
Once we get there, the contest is about to start.
"Who do you think will win?", I ask Ruv.
"Volkov looks pretty strong, but I can tell that it's just for show; what an idiot. I bet she's weaker than a mouse.", she says. "Balakin seems hopeful and strong on the inside and outside, and she looks very prepared; I think she'll win."
We decide to bet with some others. Ruvina and I both bet on Balakin. Normally it is hard to tell, but I can see that Ruv is having a great time.
"AND BALAKIN WINS!!!", screams the announcers at the end of the contest. Ruvina and I hug and cheer in celebration. In the heat of the moment, I kiss her on the cheek without even thinking. She blushes, and so do I, realizing what happened.
During the walk home, we talk.
"Thank you for a great day.", Ruv says, attempting a smile. I give her a hug.
"That's what friends do for each other.", I respond. Friends. The word tastes bitter in my mouth. Hopefully, in the future, we will be able to use a different word.