When Can I See You Again?

Chapter 5 (Haewon's POV)

The journey to Baekje would take a day and a half. After traveling for a day, we set up camp in the woods. Suho, Xufeng, and Banryu were out fishing, Jinheung and Sunwoo were gathering firewood, and Hansung and Yeowol were taking care of the horses. This meant that Sookmyung and I had to set up camp. Much to my annoyance, Sookmyung kept complaining while she worked.

As I hammered down the tents, Sookmyung whined, "Yah, are you even listening?! I could get hurt if I have to touch rocks! I shouldn't even be expected to do this - I'm a princess!". I groaned and said, "Princess, we all have to do our own work." Sookmyung pushed me as she said angrily, "I shouldn't do it because I have servants like you to do it for me!". 

I heard Jinheung and Sunwoo arrive, but I ignored them as I replied, exasperated, "Again, I'm not your servant. Either you do your work otherwise you can sleep outside, for all I care." She tried to push me again but I dodged and said, "Refrain from pushing me around, Princess. While I'm still asking nicely."

As she came forward to hit me, Jinheung stepped in between both of us. Jinheung said, "What's going on here?". Sookmyung immediately started acting innocent as she said, "Orabeoni, it was her. She's been bullying me." I smirked calmly and cursed at her in a monotone voice. Jinheung looked at me, impressed. Meanwhile, Sunwoo had to hold Sookmyung back. 

Just then, the others arrived. We eventually set up a fire and started cooking dinner. Banryu said, "Since you two got into a fight, we'd be crazy to let you share a tent. And since we have 5 tents, we'll split up in pairs and one person will be alone." Jinheung said, "Yes. Suho and Banryu, Hansung and Yeowol, Sunwoo and Xufeng, and Haewon and I will be the pairs. Sookmyung is alone." We agreed and after dinner, we dispersed.

Inside the tent, the space was small yet comfy enough for 2 people. Even if I still felt slightly uncomfortable after last time, Jinheung made me feel at peace. However, we both couldn't sleep. Jinheung asked, "If you were given the choice, what would you choose? Sadness or love?". I replied quietly, "A sad love."

Jinheung asked, confused, "But why?". I answered, "Because everyone I love always leaves in the end. That's why I've stopped caring. It's strange, isn't it? How your heart burns and burns and suddenly turns to ice. People are so ungrateful. No one ever thanked me for having the patience not to kill them. So I learnt. The best way to not get your heart broken is to pretend you don't have one."

Jinheung gripped my hand softly and said, "I'm sorry. You will not have such frightening times anymore. Only beautiful times. I will always.... stay by your side." With that, we lay down. I was still restless, so Jinheung hummed a tune until I slept. 

The next morning, when I woke, I noticed that Jinheung was sleeping with his arms wrapped tightly around me. We were close enough that I could feel his warm breath on my face. As I shifted to move away, Jinheung said sleepily, holding me tighter, "Choi Haewon, what are you - Oh, my bad." With that, we moved apart. I said, "There's a village a few minutes from here. I'll head there to wash up. Excuse me." With that, I left.

By noon, we were on the move again. Sookmyung whined, "Hmph, I can't believe that I had to sleep in a tent! And wash up at some village! I'm a Sacred Bone, I should only be living luxuriously!". I said, "Yah, be quiet, will you? You're so noisy. Only God knows how the people haven't figured out what a brat you are. Even if you are a Sacred Bone, it doesn't hurt to live like this either." 

Sookmyung scoffed and said, "Orabeoni, loo how this servant is treating me! She's calling me informally, despite me being a princess." Jinheung was riding in front, alone. He called without looking back, "She isn't a servant, Sookmyung-ah. She's one of my most trusted friends, and I expect you to respect that. And she can call you however she wants." Sookmyung grumbled and moved away. And that's how the rest of the journey passed.

When we reached the Baekje palace, we were welcomed grandly by Crown Prince Chang. He said, "Welcome back, King Jinheung and the Hwarang. Wait, who's this?". I glanced at Jinheung who nodded before I stepped forward and said in my 'General voice', "I am Choi Haewon, general of Silla's Imperial Army, and guard of His Majesty King Jinheung." 

Chang said, "Interesting. Guards, escort the princess and Hwarang to their rooms. Why don't we have a chat, Your Majesty and General?".