My deep soul

Chapter 16

The hall of the Hwarang ceremony shimmered with tension. The queen lifted the ceremonial sword, her expression unreadable, ready to conclude the rite. Just then, the massive doors swung open with a groan that silenced the room.

Sunwoo and Jidiwi stepped forward, their footsteps echoing. Behind them, Jinyoen rushed straight to Ahro.

"What happened?" Ahro whispered urgently, clutching her arm.

"I'll tell you later," Jinyoen murmured, eyes still fixed on the men.

Jidiwi strode to the front, bowing before Wi Hwa. His voice rang clear and steady.
"Hwarang Jidiwi! I shall accept the royal decree."

The room filled with murmurs. Then Sunwoo followed, his presence firm despite the bandaged hand hidden beneath his sleeve. He lowered his head respectfully. Jinyoen's heart swelled-pride, relief, and a quiet ache all at once.

Later that evening, safe within Ahro's home, Jinyoen finally recounted what had happened-the abduction, the fight, and their escape. Ahro's face paled, then softened in relief. "At least you're both safe... thank the heavens."

Since Sunwoo was to move into the Hwarang house the next morning, Jinyoen decided to remain at Ahro's place for the night. Yet sleep did not come easily.

Drawn by a quiet pull, she found herself outside Sunwoo's room. The door was slightly ajar, and she peeked in. He was asleep, his face softened by the glow of the lamp, but his bandaged hand rested outside the blanket.

Jinyoen hesitated-then stepped inside. Gently, she sat by his side, took his hand, and began reapplying the medicine with careful fingers.

Her voice broke the silence, a whisper meant only for him.
"Orabeoni... thank you. Thank you for saving me earlier. When my brother died, I told myself I still had another brother-and that was you. If my brother were here, he would say that he owes you."

Her hands trembled slightly as she tied the cloth. Tears blurred her vision, falling quietly onto his skin.
"I've lost so many people I loved... When you told that man to kill you instead of me, I-I couldn't bear it. I thought I lost you too. So please, orabeoni... don't get hurt again. I can't see you in pain."

She reached for the medical box, intending to leave before her tears betrayed her further. But suddenly, Sunwoo's hand tightened around hers.

His eyes opened, soft but burning with something unspoken.
"I was afraid," he admitted, his voice low. "Afraid I would fail you. Afraid I'd hurt you instead of protecting you. But you must know this-I have two sisters who are like my eyes. And you, Jinyoen... you are not alone. Don't ever think that."

Warm drops splashed against his hand again, and he realized she was crying. Without hesitation, he drew her closer and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

For the first time in ten years, Jinyoen felt it-that lost, aching bond she had once thought gone forever. Her brother was back.

---
"Is he still asleep?" Jinyoen asked the next morning, pacing the small room as though her feet couldn't keep still. Her fingers fidgeted with the pearl necklace at her throat, tugging it one way, then another.

Ahro, watching her with amusement, tilted her head. "You look like a child waiting for sweets," she teased, her lips curling in a smile.

Jinyoen stopped in her tracks, puffing her cheeks. "Why is he taking so long? Honestly! You know what, Ahro-I'm going to say hello to Dara." Without waiting for a reply, she dashed off.

Later, she and Ahro stood among the gathered crowd, their eyes fixed proudly on the Hwarang parade. Flags fluttered, drums pounded, and the young men marched with sharp dignity. Jinyoen jumped excitedly, waving both hands. Her eyes sought Sunwoo immediately, shining with pride as she spotted him.

Sooho, ever playful, caught her gaze and winked. Jinyoen laughed, waving back before quickly hiding her grin behind her hand.

"Jin," Ahro leaned close, "I need to buy some medicine. Can you wait for me near the bridge?"

"Alright," Jinyoen nodded eagerly, though her eyes never left the parade.
When the ceremony ended, Jinyoen started toward home, still replaying the proud image of Sunwoo in her head. Then she suddenly remembered her promise to Ahro. "Ah! The bridge!" she exclaimed, turning and running back.
Her steps were too hurried. On the uneven path, her foot caught, and she stumbled forward with a startled gasp. Before she could fall, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, steadying her against a broad chest.

Her heart leapt into her throat. She tilted her head upward-and froze. Jidiwi's calm, steady eyes were already on her, so close she could see the flecks of gold in his irises.

For a breath, neither of them moved. Then Jinyoen quickly slipped from his grasp, brushing down her skirts as though nothing had happened. "Th-thank you... for catching me."

His lips curved faintly, a trace of amusement softening his usually reserved features. "Well," he said quietly, "you should thank me for yesterday too."

Her head jerked up, surprised. "Ah... right. Yesterday..." She hesitated, biting her lip. The memory of ropes cutting into her skin, her fear, and then his voice telling her to go while he stayed behind-it all came rushing back. Her chest tightened. "I was so afraid then, I... kind of forgot. So... thank you."

Jidiwi's expression gentled, and for the first time, she caught a glimpse of something unguarded in his eyes. "It made me happy," he admitted softly.

"Happy?" she echoed, blinking.

"To know you care for me."

Jinyoen's cheeks warmed instantly. She crossed her arms and turned away. "Wh-who told you that? I don't."

"You did," he answered without hesitation. "You hugged me yesterday. Told me how worried you were."

Her breath caught. She remembered. Her arms around him, clinging as though he'd vanish if she let go. She swallowed hard, her face turning crimson. "I-I meant about Sunwoo. Not you."

"Really?" His voice was calm, but there was a glimmer in his eyes-playful, almost teasing. "Because when I told you and Sunwoo to leave without me... you didn't look like you could bear it."

Her heart pounded. 'Why does he notice everything?'

"Wh-what? N-no, I wasn't! I- I need to go!" she stammered, spinning around so he couldn't see her flushed cheeks. Gathering her skirts, she ran off, the sound of her hurried footsteps fading down the path.

Jidiwi stood rooted, watching her until the last glimpse of her dress disappeared from sight. A rare, boyish smile tugged at his lips. She could deny it all she wanted, but her trembling hands and red cheeks betrayed her.

Something glinted where she had been standing. Kneeling, he picked it up gently. A delicate hairpin, inlaid with tiny pearls, lay in his palm. He turned it carefully between his fingers, imagining it nestled in her dark hair.

His thumb brushed over the pearls, and his smile deepened. 'She may try to run from me, but little by little... she's already mine.'

Slipping the hairpin into his sleeve like a secret treasure, Jidiwi straightened, his steps unhurried as he walked away. The thought of returning it to her filled him with an unfamiliar warmth, a quiet anticipation that stirred deep in his chest.