unfortunate. | 연준 √

twelve

"I can't recognize you even when you are right up close."
-Mino, "Runaway"

"It is true, yes," Ho Seok tells me, making my mouth gape wide open. "They've been trying to assassinate Yeonjun for years, almost a decade. However, it's only after you came around that they've finally made a move... Maybe it's because you're precious to Yeonjun or it's because he seems to always love hanging around you."

"Precious to Yeonjun!?" I scoff, looking away from Ho Seok- who didn't seem to be any less convinced that Yeonjun "cared" about me. "Listen, the only reason he'll ever care is that I'm an assumed deity. I made it rain- and all of a sudden, I'm a hero! Wouldn't you be suddenly precious to someone if you did that, too?"

"Not in the way you're describing it to be," Ho Seok chuckles, closing his fan as we sit in the small cottage-library, racks, and racks of old books of romance and stories piled on one another. "I wouldn't be precious in a protective sense, but they'd be protecting me because they know my power. They'd use me and ask me everyday to bestow more of the clouds' tears on their land and townspeople. They don't use you like that, do they?"

"O-Of course not, but-"

"Youra, you're not living in a time period where emotional manipulation is a thing. You live in a time where people will be overly brutal with you- and if you were like these townspeople who believed in their King's words, you'd be gaslighted because you are too innocent." He explains, shaking his head. "They wouldn't keep quiet to manipulate you- they have power, and that will be what will blind you from the truth.

"I just don't understand," I squint my eyes at Ho Seok, who looks at me questionably. "The boy told us that they sent people to kill Yeonjun because Eunwoo was supposed to be Crown Prince. What does that mean?"

"Didn't you ever read about it in your history book?" Ho Seok asks, making me shrug.

"Which part? About the royal family?"

"Yes. Especially about the Crown Prince- Choi Yeonjun?"

"Well, if I never knew who and what they were when I first fell from the sky, there's your answer," I retort, rolling my eyes. "I never properly paid attention to history, especially when it came to Korean history. I never found it that interesting, I guess."

"Well, once you've figured out the reason for Yeonjun's potential assassinators, you will find out that it was more dramatic than anything you've ever seen- and way more interesting than you believe it to be."

"So that means you know it?"

"Of course I know why people are trying to assassinate Yeonjun. I paid attention to history."

"Well, you're a scholar! Isn't that so obvious?!"

"Now you're all mad? Oh, give it a break. Nothing serious will happen," He responds, shrugging. I wonder if he still remembers talking through my head when I got injured a few days ago. "Your work still hasn't started, which is quite weird... I thought you'd be aware of who you right about now."

"I would if you just tell me."

"I'm sorry, but aside from being a scholar, being a quest-giver is something I find very fascinating and I enjoy it lots." He rolls his eyes. "When you figure it out, don't hesitate to come to find me immediately. Then I can start helping you properly."

"That's what you told me when I went into mild shock," I speak, making him look at me weirdly. "You were talking to me through brain waves, my mind or whatever- but you told me Yeonjun has something that unlocks what I need."

"I don't think you'll remember it but-"

"Interesting," I hear him mumble before he smirks, shaking his head slightly. "Interesting indeed."

"What is?"

"Nothing," He responds, looking back at me. "Anyway, how has been Joseon treating you? Besides having an injured arm and getting thrown at everywhere you go, isn't it a peaceful place?"

"I wouldn't say peaceful, but much better than the present at times," I sigh, grabbing a book. "Ho Seok, don't you ever want to go back to South Korea? Like... present time?"

"In twenty-twenty?" He gawks, shaking his head. "Not at all. I've met horrible, horrible people."

"What year did you come here?"

"Hm... twenty-twelve?"

"It's been eight years?!" I gasp, covering my mouth. "And you're telling me you think those people— from eight years ago— would still remember your face?"

"It's better safe than sorry," He sighs, gazing out towards to seeping sunlight. I feel so devastated- not only has fortune kept him here but even if he was allowed to leave Joseon to go back to the present, he'd choose to stay in a history book. Pain has kept him here. "As much as I'd love to see how much technology has advanced since I was still a citizen there, I'd rather appreciate Joseon before it burns to flames because of its own corruption."

"But... you know you'd burn with it, right?"

"...I know," He utters, finally gazing away from the sunlight and to me. "Someone's coming. I should get going."

"And how do you know that?" I ask.

"Well..." He winks at me- and as if it was on his cue, Seungwan enters. However, Ho Seok and I never saw it coming, neither did Seungwan who thought I was hanging with Yeonjun. Ah, a tri-confusion moment. That's great. "S-Seungwan?"

"Ah, H-Ho Seok. It's nice to see you again," She stammers, bowing to him. The boy's movements stammer, his bow looking a bit like how he talks- very hesitant. It's nice to see two old friends reuniting again- but when it comes to old lovers, it's a bit more interesting. Seungwan turns to me, her eyes widening. "I need your assistance. Dare to come with me?"

"It's a civic duty, is it not?" I whisper back, leaning off of the book rack and leaving the cottage- but I turn around not too quickly, gathering Ho Seok's attention. "I'll see you again... when I get the thing we're both searching for."

Ho Seok nods, smiling at me before greeting us both goodbye to set on our journey.

"Yeonjun told me he was going to find you after you left with Seungcheol. Did you see him?"

And, I panic- knowing well I never saw him today.

"No... I never did."

And with worry arising in Seungwan and I's eyes, I start to sprint.

- sorry about the short chapter, but what happens next?? ehehhe