Disdain of Carnations | SanSang

Chapter 3: Deep

Yeosang made his way through the forest, and with every step he took, his boots sunk down even further in the steep, cold snow. His hands squeezed the sides of his arms as he held himself tight, his breath becoming shallow the further he walked. He didn't think how cold it would be, how cold it would get - didn't even think of the snow really.

He hoisted his legs out of the snow, taking big, elongated steps to get himself out slowly. It was agonizing. The prince slowly entered the core of the woods, which lessened in snow and made it much easier to traverse through. It was more secluded here, he noted; there were danger signs, markings on the trees, gravel paths. Almost as if someone lived within this part of the outside. Yeosang stumbled out of the tight snow, almost tripping, but he regained his balance, shivering. Small puffs of smoke floated up into the air with every breath he took as he continued to walk ahead.

The prince didn't know why he decided to have his walk in the forest; he could've had it in town, but he already knows every inch of town, which can get boring seeing the same thing all the time. The forest felt new despite being on the outskirts of the area he knew so well. The forest just called for him to come, and he complied with its wishes. He continued to walk further in the obscurity, wondering if he'll find any light if someone did live here.

As if on cue, he caught a glimpse of light within the distance. It was faint, so it must be somewhat far. He wondered what type of person would live out here, among the trees, the bugs, the wildlife. Yeosang shuddered, and he continued walking.

His breath got caught on his throat at the sound of a twig snapping in half behind him. The boy hesitantly began to turn around, but something held him back.

"Why are you out here all alone?" A voice he had never heard before, so he was right - someone did live out here. Were they all alone? He pondered. Maybe he could pitch in with them; royalty can be exhausting. Either way, no one outside the village - besides the other towns - knew how he looked, so he could freely lie.

Yeosang slowly turned, and he narrowed his eyes towards the boy, analyzing him. It was a boy, probably around his age—reddish brown hair and had cold eyes as he held an arrow directly towards him. He smiled, "I wanted to walk; I live nearby, so am I not allowed to walk?"

The boy's finger trembled slightly as he was not used to having an arrow directed towards a person. He only hunted. He was never put to kill someone in comparison to the others he lived with. He only looked at the blonde boy in front of him. That condescending stare—it irked him. He gulped down most of his fear, a shaky exhale escaping, "S-So, you live nearby, do you?"

Yeosang hummed, nodding slightly. His gaze was glued onto the boy, observing him. "You okay?"

The maroon-haired scoffed, "Why do you ask that? Of course I am-."

Yeosang points at his hands, "They don't seem okay. Look at them shake. Just lower the arrow; I'm not here to cause harm."

The other felt a shiver crawl up his spine. Regret began to spiral him; he should've gone back to the cabin, but he didn't. "I'm just tired." He spat out, soon pointing the arrow downward to shoot at the ground. He left it there, not bothered by it, and he turned away, hauling up his belongings. He licked his lips, "W-Well, I bid you farewell now-."

"What's your name?" Yeosang tilted his head.

The boy faced him, knitting his eyebrows together, "What?"

Yeosang sighed, "What is your name?" A small and faint smile painted over his lips.

"Uhm-."

"I'm Yeonghan."

Why i-is he telling me this-. The smaller blinked. "I-I'm Jongho..."

Jongho, huh? Yeosang noted in his mind. "Nice to meet you, Jongho!"

"You... too?" Jongho blinked again as Yeosang took a step forward beside him. "Uhm.."

"I hope you don't mind if I tag along; it just looks like it's going to rain, y'know?" Yeosang swatted the hair away from Jongho's eyes, and he took the heavy bag of meat from Jongho. "I'll help you out, looks like you need a hand to be honest."

"O-Oh." Jongho blanked out, and he led the other boy to the cabin. In his mind, Yeosang was just a lost, innocent rabbit. What harm could he do? He was defenseless and didn't seem to possess any harm in his eyes. Jongho could only hope he wouldn't get scolded—although he most likely will.

"Is this it?"

"Huh?" Jongho looked to the left, and he heaved a heavy breath. "Yes, yes—sorry, I zoned out." He chuckled weakly.

"It's okay." Yeosang smiled.

"So, Yeonghan, I guess I'll see you around- h-huh." A droplet splattered over his nose.

Yeosang looks up, and more droplets begin to fall down. They gently collapsed against his skin, and he slowly looked back at Jongho, "Told you it would rain."

"But how did you-."

"It smelled like rain and smelly fish." Yeosang laughed wholeheartedly, his ears pink in embarrassment. "It's something I've always detected when I was a child."

Jongho nodded slowly, his eyes wide, and he let the boy inside as the rain began to pick up more. He grabbed the bag, closing the door once Yeosang was inside.

"Jongho? Is that you?"

Jongho panted as he pulled the bag onto the table, "Yes-! It's me!" He strained his voice, shaking his head as he felt leaves and raindrops on it. He turned towards the sounds of footsteps, and Seonghwa came first.

Seonghwa hummed, "You brought the food- who is that??" He whipped out his pocket knife, becoming hostile at the sight of the blonde boy.

Jongho entered into a frenzy, and he waved his hands, breathing frantically, "He's Yeonghan! He-He lives nearby apparently! He-He helped me!"

Seonghwa eyed down Yeosang, "Yeonghan?"

Yeosang gulped, his hands began to sweat in worry. "Y-Yes."

"Well, Yeonghan," Seonghwa slowly put his knife away, "since it is raining, you can stay, unless you wish to join us—but mind you, that requires a test."

"I-I'll think about it." His smile wavered.

"Seonghwa! It's raining." Another voice stumbled to the area they were in, and the footsteps came to a pause. "Who's he-."

Seonghwa pointed to Yeosang, "Yeonghan. He and Jongho, uh, became acquaintances outside. And well, it's raining and he's in here now." He sighed.

"And yes, Mingi, I know it's raining. The snow is bound to pile up more - possible ice formation, too." He added.

Seonghwa, Yeosang eyed him, and his eyes soon landed on Mingi,  and Mingi. He noted. Three people lived out here in a cabin.