When Can I See You Again?

Chapter 4 (Jinheung's POV)

As I regained consciousness, the first thing I noticed was that I was in the Hwarang House infirmary. The second thing I noticed was that my friends were gathered around me. Haewon noticed that I was awake and said, "Jinheung! You're awake! I'm so sorry!". I sat up with Hansung's help and said, "No, it's not your fault. Whoever it was didn't aim for me. They were aiming for you, but missed and hit me instead. Do you know who it was?". 

Xufeng said, using his 'General voice', "Your Majesty, on inspection of the weapon, we found that it was an arrow belonging to Princess Sookmyung, your sister." Haewon gasped in shock. I nodded and said, "I don't understand why she aimed for Haewon, though." 

I saw Haewon's expression darken as she said, "So, she's the reason for this?! I don't care that she aimed for me. She may be a princess, but she must answer." I grabbed her hand gently and said, "No. She may have caused this, but she is still my sister." 

Just then, a Hwarang came in and said, "General Choi, Princess Sookmyung wishes to meet you in the Head Office immediately." I thanked the Hwarang and he left. Haewon said, "Fine. I won't hurt her. But I get a good reason. Or else." I nodded and said, "Fine. I'll rest now. The Hwarang must've been greatly alarmed. I'd like everyone to go calm them. Except Xufeng. I'd like to talk to him." Everyone left except Xufeng.

He sat next to me and asked, "Jinheung?". I said, "Cai Xufeng, what I'm about to ask you is very important. And I expect an honest answer. That's an order. Tell me, do you like Haewon?". Xufeng said, hesitating, "Jinheung, this is so sudden. Fine. I'll admit, I've liked her for a long time. It just felt right. It always did, ever since the moment I first saw her, as if it was my fate to save her. For the first time in my life, I had a clear answer about who I am, what kind of life I should live, and the purpose of my existence. I was born to protect her. I live to save her."

Suppressing the sudden jealousy I felt, I forced a smile and nodded. I said, "That's all I wanted to ask. It'll bring us closer, I believe. Thank you. Also, how do you think the meeting will go?". Xufeng smiled slightly and said, "It's like keeping two rival lionesses in the same room. Very dangerous, but rarely they'll come to an understanding." I nodded and Xufeng left. I grumbled to myself, "How can he like Haewon? No, I'm not losing. Haewon is mine." With that thought, I went  to sleep.

That evening, Haewon came to see me in the infirmary again. She said, "Ahro told me that I need to treat your wound." Before she asked, I took off my upper hanbok, making Haewon very flustered. As she treated my wound, I asked, "So, how'd the meeting go?". She replied, "Fine. She warned me to stay away from you. And she tried to hit me, but I easily disarmed her. Technically, I can't stay away, cause it's my job."

I laughed and that's when I noticed her struggling to avoid losing at my chest. I smirked and said, "Enjoying the view, General?". She blushed and said, closing her eyes, "Your Highness, I'd appreciate it if you asked before taking off your upper hanbok." 

Without thinking, I turned and pinned her against the bedstead. Haewon said, flustered, "Yah, what are you doing?!". I said, voice low and rough, "Who are you to make me feel this way? To make everything else seem insignificant? Listen to me, Choi Haewon. I don't have the strength to stay away from you anymore. And I don't care what anyone says." I leaned in closer.

Just then, a knock sounded and I let Haewon go answer the door as I pulled on my upper hanbok. It was Pa-oh. Haewon left, still flustered. I scolded, "I'm sorry but did you have to come? You ruined a perfect moment." Pa-oh said sarcastically, "My lord, the fact that you were in here alone and shirtless with General Choi makes me regret that I barged in." I said, still annoyed, "What is it?". Pa-oh replied, "It's Baekje. Crown Prince Chang wants a meeting. To discuss peace. We both know that won't happen. But we have no other choice." I nodded and said, "Alright. I'll tell the others tomorrow."

The next morning, I met with my friends on the balcony that overlooked the archery range. They had agreed instantly, much to my relief. I said, "And the Queen Dowager wanted me to take Sookmyung along. So please behave, Haewon." Haewon grumbled agreement and we head to the stables. Ahro and Soyeon were staying here because they were needed in the infirmary. 

As we mounted our horses and rode to the palace first to pick up Sookmyung, I realized that today might not end well. Nevertheless, we went on.