When Can I See You Again?

Chapter 3 (Haewon's POV)

As I struggled to pull the fighting Hwarang apart, I heard the others arrive. Just then, a Hwarang jumped up to hit Hansung, but I leapt in front and took the blow. As I winced, I heard Jinheung speak in the most angriest and terrifying voice ever as he shouted, "All of you, stop! Kneel before your king!". As one, we all dropped to our knees, finally silent.

Jinheung gently pulled me into a hug and said grimly, "Head to the infirmary, all of you. And don't let me catch you fighting again. Or else." Jinheung and I headed to the balcony that overloked the courtyard. Jinheung made me sit and said, "Wait here, I'll return." With that, he left.

For the first time, I let myself acknowledge the strange pull I felt towards Jinheung from the moment we had met. But that was overshadowed now by the recent fight and its cause. As I sat alone, I felt anger and disappointment that the Hwarang were struggling to listen to me. And by the time Jinheung had returned, my expression had grown dark.

Jinheung knelt in front of me and said, "You seem angry. Let me treat your wound." I hadn't realized until then that I had a small cut on my cheek. I replied, "I prefer to distance myself whenever I'm in a bad mood because I can be the most heartless person you've ever met." 

Jinheung said, "That's only partly true. Our pasts have made us seem cold and heartless to others." I said, "Thanks to our pasts, we turned out to be strong and independent people." Jinheung asked thoughtfully, "But do you think our pasts make us good now?". I answered, "There's no such thing as a good person. It's all about making the best choice for each moment."

Jinheung said, "There. I've treated it. It'll heal in a day or two. It's a shame though, how they had the heart to hurt such a pretty face." He smiled and leaned in closer. I said, flustered, "Uh, it's late. I should probably get to bed. Good night!". With that, I ran off to my quarters, jinheung chuckling behind me.

I was roommates with Ahro and Suho's sister, Soyeon. As I changed into my sleep robes, Soyeon said, "Yah, Wonwon, how is it possible for you to keep getting into fights? You've only been here a day." I laughed and said, "Soyeon-ah, only I'd be able to do that." Ahro said, "So, Sunwoo said that you slept in Jinheung's chambers yesterday?". I laughed again and said, "It's not what you think. Assassination attempt. Obviously, I stopped them." With that, we went to bed.

The next morning, after I had got ready for the day, I headed straight to the courtyard. Xufeng was already there, giving instructions to the Hwarang. He was also supposed to work as a teacher. I said, "Fengfeng, you're early." Xufeng smiled and said, "Yeah. Jinheung and the others will be coming soon. They want to go visit the town."

Just then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Jinheung and the others. I said, "Before we go to town, there's something I have to do." I saw the two Hwarangs who had started the fight yesterday and called, "You two! Come here! You know what, all of you, gather here!". 

As all the Hwarang gathered, Jinheung was the only one who didn't look confused. I said in my 'General voice', "Listen up. Lately, you've been on your worst behavior. And in front of your king! Don't you feel ashamed?! From now on, if you disrespect or disobey my word, the punishment will be severe. So, please, don't destroy my last bit of affection for you all." 

The Hwarang muttered sincere apologies. I said, pointing at those two Hwarangs, "Now, you two. Since you started the fight yesterday, run 30 laps around the courtyard while carrying 2 rice sacks and then go muck out the stables. Before sunset." As they ran off grumbling, Sunwoo said, "Part of Park Yongshil's men. You'll have to watch out for them, Haewon." 

Yeowol said, "Now, are we going or not?". Jinheung nodded and we went to get the horses. When we rode into town, disguised as commoners, Suho said, "We should split up. It'll be suspicious if we're all together like this." Jinheung nodded and said, "Then, Haewon and I will go to the lake." With that, Jinheung and I left.

The lake was beautiful. It had honeysuckle growing on the banks and the water was clear enough to see the pebbles below. Jinheung sat under a tree near the bank while I stood on the rocks in the water.

Suddenly, an arrow pierced through the calmness in the air. I caught the first one, but the second one hit Jinheung, much to my despair. As he blacked out, I ran to cover him, using myself as a shield.