A Tiger Called Rapunzel ✓ || TaeGyu || HYBEPride 2021

Departure for the Festival

The day of Cholongkkoch's departure finally came.

Taehyun had told her that, with the speed they would be going, considering they were on foot, they would have to take an extra day to get to the castle. Because of that, he had set up lodging at an 'inn' on the way there. What Cholongkkoch didn't know was that the inn wasn't an in at all, but one of the outposts on the Magic Island Network. Taehyun didn't want to disturb Sam at her Just An Outpost, so he had already contacted Hoseok, and he would have space for them both at his Ego Station.

"Just be warned, there's only one bed," he said, and Taehyun rolled his eyes.

"What is that supposed to mean, Hobi? I'm not attracted to women. You know this."

Hobi just laughed. "Then why are you taking a woman as your date to the Tiger Festival?"

Taehyun groaned.

From there it would be an easy walk to the castle gates in the morning. Taehyun already had everything set up; he even knew the schedule so he could expedite his time with Cholongkkoch and make sure she enjoyed herself. There were performances, tastings, art galleries, and so many sights and wonders that Taehyun knew Cholongkkoch had to experience them all. Then, of course, he would have to "give her a personal tour of the castle" after they set their yudeung lantern afloat for Prince Beomgyu. While they would watch the fireworks from a hidden room in the castle, Soobin would steal the crown, and they would all peace out afterwards. Taehyun and Cholongkkoch would return to the Ego Station, spend the night, and then Cholongkkoch would return to the tower the next morning and nobody would know the difference.

It was a perfect plan. Flawless. You know, except for the myriads of things that could go wrong.

Taehyun left Brenna with Soobin, walking on foot in the morning to where he knew Cholongkkoch's tower was. He easily spied it, then crossed the glen and used his knives to hoist himself up the tower. When he reached the window, he was surprised to find Cholongkkoch already there.

"Mama's gone already," she said as she pulled Taehyun into the tower. "Kai put a spell on her, so we think she won't return for a few days."

"That's amazing —" Taehyun had to pause, because there was something different about Cholongkkoch today. Instead of having her hair long, always skirting the floor, she had pinned and braided it back at the base of her neck. With her hair out of the way, in one long, swooping braid, she seemed to look even more humble...handsome, even.

Taehyun shook his head. This was getting out of hand.

But what also surprised him was how simply Cholongkkoch had dressed. Whereas she typically wore a long, one piece dress, cinched at the waist, today her skirt was just high enough to show off her ankled boots. It was a plain blue color, and she wore a blouse with a collar and rolled up sleeves.

If Cholongkkoch had been a man, Taehyun was certain in that moment that he would be the most handsome man in the world.

But she wasn't, and he shook his head again. "Are you all right?" Cholongkkoch asked.

"Ehh. Just a long trip here." He smiled at her. "Are you ready to travel? Or are you too nervous?"

"After everything I've been hearing about the Tiger Festival?" Cholongkkoch smiled. "I can't wait to see it. I'm nervous about being away so many days, and I'm nervous about leaving Kai behind. But I have you, and I trust you, and that's all that matters. If something bad happens, you'll help me, right?"

Gulp. Taehyun tried his best not to focus on the somehow-masculine presenting Cholongkkoch. Was she not aware of how good-looking she was being right now? Probably not, after all, her mama called her fat on a regular basis. "Of course I will. The world is not as dangerous as you think it is. Even if we get separated, all you have to do is talk to one of the palace guards. They will keep you safe until I come for you." In reality, the plan was more 'the guards will keep you safe until Taehyun sent one of his Magic Island friends to find her,' because there was no way in heck he was going to randomly walk up to a guard and present himself. He was still wanted in every province of the Naeil Kingdom, even if they couldn't get his nose right on the posters!