Lost ↹ Yang Jungwon

.Thirty-Four.

"Haeyul!"
THE GIRL HUMMED in response, too occupied in her own activity as she raked her hand through the knots in her hair. A certain vampire marched towards her and crossed her arms, raising her brow in suspicion. Haeyul tilted her head, asking a question without uttering any words. "Why did you go in the tent so late last night?"

Haeyul froze as she heard Eve's question. "I..was busy enjoying the scenery." She blatantly lied, "That's all."

Eve huffed, not believing the brunette at all. "You were smiling the whole night!" She told as she pointed at the girl in front of her. Haeyul's face contorted in offence.
"So? I deserve to be happy."
"Yes, you're absolutely correct but be truthful and tell me what really happened."

"I was bargaining with Jungwon." Haeyul answered. That was partially the truth. She was busy bargaining about their schedule for today. Haeyul wanted to stay for a little longer—maybe for another day since she found Kanyss interesting but to her dismay, Jungwon had other plans. He had to hurry back to the castle and prepare for the full moon. Of course, Haeyul understood his reason, so she reluctantly agreed.

"About what?" The fair vampire questioned.
"When to leave Kanyss."

"Oh?" Eve muttered, her head quirking in surprise, "You wanted to leave earlier?"

"No, I w-" Haeyul's sentence was brutally cut off when a red-head stole their attention. Elena looked at the two girls, her hair messy which concerned both Eve and Haeyul. "What happened?"

"Long story short, I almost got hit by a centaur." Elena told, surprising her friends. Eve opened her mouth to say something, but Elena beat her to it. "His Highness is asking for the both of you. We will be leaving very soon."

Eve nodded her head and took the heavy bags beside Haeyul and left the tent with Elena trailing right behind her. Haeyul brushed her hair back for the last time before going to where the carriage was.

On her walk there, she bid her goodbyes to a few centaurs which she had befriended in a span of one night, including Oalene. To her surprise, centaurs were really friendly creatures unlike the description of them in the books she has read. She even got an apology from the green-eyed centaur who choked her called Kona.

"Haeyul!" Elena called out as she motioned her to be quicker. The human quickened her pace and climbed up the horse until a hand held her arm.

Her eyes met with Heeseung's concerned ones. "You're riding the horse?" He asked, earning a quick nod from the girl.
"Don't worry." Haeyul assured. "I should be okay."
"And if you're not?"

"Then we'll get in trouble." Sunoo suddenly joined the conversation as he leaned on the carriage, his arms crossed, feigning leisure. Haeyul's forehead creased and jumped off the brown horse, "Why?"

"Because-"
"Because we will be portrayed as royalties who don't care for their civilians." Jungwon answered while Sunoo rolled his eyes, standing with his back straightened. "Am I wrong, Kim Sunoo?" The corner of his lips quirked into a lopsided smirk.

Sunoo meekly smiled, "Of course, Your Highness.." He responded, his eyes staring at his brother's with an unidentified expression.

Haeyul glanced at the prince who stood next to Heeseung. She found out Heeseung was Jungwon's right hand man which explains why his opinion matters more to Jungwon. The two were whispering to each other, whispering incoherent words. Haeyul guessed it was about a serious matter.

She heard the birds chirped behind her. The conversation around her faded as her focus diverted to the tall forest ahead of her. She wished she could venture inside and spend some time there.

A pout formed on her lips causing Jungwon to stare at her. He stifled a smile, finding the girl cute with her mouth prodded protruded. He waved his hand towards the knights as he dismissed them, approaching Haeyul and leaned down to her height. "What are you staring at?"

The brunette flinched at his voice, facing him, "Why are you so close?!" She exclaimed, feeling her cheeks warmed by their proximity.
"You still haven't answered my question."
Haeyul rolled her eyes and turned away. "The trees."

Jungwon blinked his eyes in amusement when he heard her answer. "That is...insightful." He said stiffly.

Haeyul crossed her arms, "You haven't answered my question." She mocked him, making her voice deeper than usual. Jungwon scoffed.
"I do not sound like that."
"I do not sound like that." The girl imitated.

The prince shook his head, entertained by her childish behavior, "You should ride the carriage, I'll ride the horse instead." He told.

"But what if I want to ride the horse?" Haeyul retorted.

"Then you will get sick," Jungwon said, "again."
His words managed to silenced her as he took the chance to continue. "Now, stop arguing with me and go to the carriage. Unless you want everyone to wait for you."

Slightly annoyed, Haeyul headed to the carriage and she was greeted with Jake, Sunoo and Heeseung. Sunghoon decided to accompany Eve by riding the same horse as her. If only Jungwon did that with her.

Her arm was nudged by the prince beside her as he whispered, "Tell me everything about last night's incident to me." His mischievous smile covered his face, his eyes forming into thin lines.

"How did you-" Haeyul pointed at him, clearly alarmed and confused.
"You underestimate me." The prince sassed.

Look who decided to updatee 🫣