When Can I See You Again?

Chapter 7 (Haewon's POV)

I avoided Jinheung after that day. If we ever met, I spoke to him formally and never made eye contact. This seemed to have upset Jinheung greatly. But the truth was, I was still coming to terms with how I felt. And if this was how it was going to be, then so be it. 

As I pondered my situation at one of the Hwarang House's lakes, I heard someone walk up to me. A voice said, "Langlang, we need to talk." Xufeng sat next to me and said, "It's about Jinheung." I scoffed and replied, "What about him?". Xufeng said, "He misses you. And I want to know, what's up with you two? ". 

I sighed and admitted, mostly to myself, "He likes me. And he told me. And.... I'm afraid that I like him too. Much more than I should." And I knew that I had hurt Xufeng when I heard his strangled cry. He said, heartbroken, "I see. I wish you both all the best then." I grabbed his hand softly and said, "It took me along time to realize how you also felt, Fengfeng. I'm sorry."

Xufeng said sadly, almost laughing, "I've been friend with you forever and you didn't even notice me falling in love with you? You must be stupid, Chen Huilang! Alright, I understand. Chen Huilang, in the future.... if by some miracle you ever find yourself in the position to fall in love again.... fall in love with me. You're still my favorite person, always will be. Now go. Go to him."

With that, I left to find Jinheung. But I realized that I loved Xufeng much more than I should and yet still nowhere near enough. And I heard my heart break into a million pieces when I heard Xufeng's soft sobs as I walked away.

When I found Jinheung alone in the library, I mustered up my courage and quickly pecked his lips. Jinheung said, shocked but happy, "Is that a yes?". I hugged him and nodded. He said softly, "You're mine. No one can take you away from me." We laughed together and Jinheung spun me around, and I was able to forget about Xufeng for a moment. 

In the coming weeks, Jinheung and I displayed our newfound relationship more and more boldly each day. Now, the Hwarang knew we were together and they had become very obedient to my word. One day, Jinheung and I were taking a walk in one of the gardens. 

Suddenly, a Hwarang ran up to us and said, "General, Her Majesty the Queen Dowager wishes to see you at the palace." I nodded and said, "Okay, I'll come. Jinheung, I'll be back soon." Jinheung pecked my forehead and said, "Sure, my love. Take care." With that, I left to the palace.

When I arrived and entered the palace's throne room, I could instantly tell there was going to be trouble. The Queen sat on the throne, looking angry, and there were too many guards with their swords drawn. When she saw me, the Queen said, enraged, "Guards! Capture her!". Despite my struggle, the guards chained me up and threw me to my knees. 

I growled, "What is the meaning of this?!". The Queen cried, "I cannot believe that such a trusted general betrayed me! You, answer me! Do you love my son?!". The guards started to beat me up and I said, wincing but still feisty, "He is everything to me. It's neither because I want him nor need him. The only reason I'm alive and breathing is him." The Queen screamed, "No! You cannot! You are merely a commoner! I will not allow you to be with my son, I will not have you soil the royal bloodline! Guards, kill her!". 

As the guards came forward, I closed my eyes and thought only of Jinheung so that when I died, it would happen in the company of his memories. But it didn't happen. Suddenly, a great crashing and yelling could be heard as Jinheung barged into the throne room, sword in his hand. 

He shouted, "Get away from her! This is my order!". The guards moved away quickly. Jinheung unchained me, helped me up and said, "Guards! How dare you! From now on, you will protect her. She is the future queen of Silla. And I don't care what anyone says against that fact." 

The Queen screamed angrily, "Kim Jinheung! You foolish boy! How dare you try to protect this slave! If she lives, you will be in danger!". Jinheung held me protectively as he said, "She is my subject, hence I must protect her. If she dies, you will witness how dangerous I can become." With that, we left.

When we reached a safer place, Jinheung asked, "What were you thinking? You could've died!". I said, "Do you know what I thought? I thought that I have someone who would risk their life for me. I was happy enough with the knowledge that I have someone who cherishes me. I thought, 'Even if I die here, I have no regrets'." Jinheung said nothing but stepped forward and kissed me passionately.