EnhyLand | Lee Heeseung

Thirteen

(Edited)

At six in the morning, Minjae awoke. Heeseung was soundlessly dozing when she turned to her left and noticed him. She noticed that they had slept on the floor the previous night.

Minjae got to her feet and showered. She entered into her room with her towel covering her body after spending for 15 minutes in the shower. She froze after forgetting that Heeseung was still there and sound asleep.

She was compelled to awaken him. Before she woke him up, she hid her body behind the wall. "Heeseung! Heeseung!" she called him but there was no reply. She called him once more after sighing. He wasn't yet awake.

She went into the living room to grab the pillow she gave him the previous night. She flung it his way before scurrying behind a wall. Heeseung jerked, startled to consciousness.

Minjae was peering out from the door when he turned to glance around. "What are you doing?" he questioned, his eyes still partially closed. "You should close your eyes," Minjae commanded.

He cocked his head, frowning. "Why?" he stood up and rubbed his eyes. "Just close your eyes and head to the living room," she instructed. "Why exactly? I cannot see the way if I close my eyes. And why are you peeking?" He made his way over to her.

"NO, HEESEUNG! CLOSE YOUR EYES!" He was startled by what she said as she raised her voice. He flinched and immediately shut his eyes. "Okay! Okay! I'm going to close my eyes," he stated and raised his hands to shoulder height.

"Okay, just walk straight from here on out," Minjae said. He gave a quick nod before making his way up front. He leaves the room after taking a few steps.

He was slightly pushed to his left by Minjae, who then hurriedly entered her room and locked the door. Heeseung opened his eyes as the door closed and turned to face it. "What's up with her?" He scratched his head and yawned.

Heeseung continued his nap on the sofa, embracing the folded blanket while he awaited Minjae's arrival. She made breakfast for the two of them instead of waking him awake.

The delicious aroma of her kitchen awoke Heeseung. He stood up gradually and rubbed his eyes. He entered the kitchen innocently.

"What are you cooking?" He asked and scratched his head. He was standing motionless when Minjae turned around to look at him. His hair was a tangle, and his eyes were only partially open.

The view made Minjae laugh, and she switched off the stove. "I'm preparing kimchi fried rice. Sit," she stated as she grabbed a plate for the fried rice. "What is kimchi?" he enquired.

"Cabbages," she said as she set the plate on the table. "Oh, do humans refer to cabbage as kimchi? Because a cabbage is just a cabbage in EnhyLand," he remarked. In response to the boy, Minjae sighed.

She gave him a plate with a spoon and grinned, "Stop asking, just eat." Heeseung nodded while somewhat pouting. He took a bite and said, "When are we going?"

"After this. We have no time to waste. Additionally, I'm pondering how we can quickly return to the woods," she added. Heeseung ate his meal and nodded in agreement.

He offered, "Why don't we use the giant moving thing." Minjae put down her spoon and gave the boy in front of her a bewildered expression. "Big moving thing?" she asked, bending her head to the left.

"Yes, the large thing we rode with the good uncle yesterday." he said. He was referring to the car, but he didn't know its exact name, and Minjae nearly spit out her meal when she realised it.

"Hey, what's wrong? Drink water, you almost spit out your food," he gave her a glass of milk. Minjae took a sip after taking it. "Are you okay?" he worriedly asked. Minjae wiped her mouth and nodded.

"It's just so hilarious. The big moving thing? It's a car," she let out a little laugh. Heeseung stared at her for making fun of him. "Yeah, it's funny. You told me to be quiet after I inquired about its name," his eyes rolled.

He continued to eat aggressively while Minjae continued to mock him. "Are you mad?" she asked and stopped laughing. Heeseung ignored her and continued to eat.

"Seriously, are you mad? I apologise. It's a car. It is known as a car here. Please don't be upset. I'm truly sorry," she replied with concern.

Heeseung ate quietly, not saying a word. "Hey, really mad at me? I apologise. I'm only joking," she said while gazing at him. Heeseung avoided looking at her in the eyes.

"Yah, look at me," she said, and they both stared at each other. "I'm really sorry, okay? Will you forgive me?" Minjae begged while pouting slightly. She was cute, and Heeseung struggled to keep his smile from showing.

He quickly looked at his food and finished his last bite. "Finish your breakfast," he gestured to her plate and then got up to wash his. "That's a yes, then," Minjae grinned.

Minjae asked Heeseung to take a quick shower after they finished cleaning everything so he would feel clean and fresh. Additionally, Minjae brought some clothing for her. After about an hour and a half, they left the apartment.

They both made a pit stop at a convenience store to purchase some food and snacks. "My brothers would enjoy this," Heeseung added, glancing at the food-filled plastic bag.

"Of course. Let's go grab a taxi," she said, and started to walk, leaving him behind. "Grab a what?" Heeseung frowned and went after her. "Taxi," she merely responded.

They were both standing in the street as Minjae was attempting to call a taxi. They quickly obtained one because it was still early. "Hop in," she said. Heeseung nodded before following her inside the vehicle.

"Where are you going?" The driver kindly inquired. "I don't recall the name of the town or area, but I remember the way," Minjae said with an uneasy smile.

The driver regarded her reflection in the rearview mirror with confusion. "You said it was a car. What is a taxi, then? Its synonym?" he whispered at her. "Later," she responded with a sigh.

He took the route that Minjae had indicated. He stated as he continued along a lengthy road, "The place is quite far."

"It is," said Minjae in response. Meanwhile, Heeseung was sitting peacefully next to her, enjoying the ride. "Okay, stop here," Minjae said as they arrived at the woods.

"Here? But, this area is completely wooded," He reduced speed. "Yes. We're headed to the woods," She responded nervously. The driver had a strange feeling about them.

"What are you two planning to do in the woods?" He pulled over to the side of the road and asked. "Just exploring. Thank you for the ride," Minjae said, getting out of the car after she paid him, followed by Heeseung.

"Be cautious in there, kids!" the driver yelled, before driving off. "Okay, you too, sir!" Minjae bowed to him. As soon as the vehicle sped off, they started walking far into the woods.

"How incredible that your mother managed to find out about the Crysylltydd Tree. It's been concealed from mankind for years," Heeseung broke the silence.

"I know, right? My mom likes to explore—no, she loves to explore," Minjae grinned at him. They soon came to a stop in front of the tree. Heeseung strokes the log, and in an instant, they are in EnhyLand.

"It's night here. I suppose my brothers are already asleep," He remarked. "Or maybe not, it's still early," she added. They carried on their brief trip home.

Minjae stopped and tightened her grip on Heeseung's hand while they were walking. The unexpected action made him flinch. "Why?" he looked down at her.

She was looking on their right, so he took a look in the same direction that Minjae was. In between the trees, a pair of red eyes could be seen glancing at them.

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