The Infernal : The Rise Of A King (K.TH)

Ch 36: Forgotten Lover

Taehyung

The sun was aggressively bright today. At first, I enjoyed the cozy warmth it gave me and how it was accompanied by the clear blue sky. However, hours of chopping wood made me change my mind. Even so, nothing could break the favorable mood I was in. The night with Y/N lingered on my mind, causing secret smiles to display. I don't even recognize myself for being so bold, but knowing I did made me feel accomplished. I was resolved about one thing. I no longer need to hide or be flustered over my feelings for Y/N. Not when the two of us are alone.

Acting out a fake persona of being a traveler with a farming background seemed like a good idea. However, it turned to bite me back once I had to actually help out on a farm. Luckily I was given simple tasks to start with. Picking berries and loading them onto a truck. Today Mr. Arod and his wife would be heading to different marketplaces to sell their harvest. They would be returning in two days. Their son and I would watch over the house and the tasks listed for today. I rubbed my forehead in agony lightly groaning with a heavy breath. The wood kept piling up but there didn't seem to come to an end to logs waiting to be chopped in half.

''I'm finished,'' Kian announced as he joined me, seating himself on one of the benches. He is a quiet kid but observant. He keeps staring at me a lot and scanning my actions. I tried to create small talk multiple times but his answers always remained short. It doesn't seem like he has any boys his age around here. So I figured that perhaps he is just not used to socializing besides with his parents.

''Good job.'' I tried to soften his icy gaze with a compliment but his slanted eyes didn't change. I continued my task and gathered my strength with a sharp inhale before swinging my axe. Once the log was split in half I had to bend my back to grab another one. The exhaustion from this series of actions was draining. Before I could pick another up Kian came in sight. With heavy puffs he carried a log of the pile, placing it on the stump before me.

''Thank you, bud.'' He then proceeds with returning to his spot. 

''Would you like to give it a try?'' I asked swinging my axe playfully, but he shook declining the offer. Once again I split it in half and once more he carried another log to meet its end. 

''I'm not strong enough.'' He spoke. The fact that he was willing to continue our conversation warmed me from within. But how do I reply to this?

''I like your muscles, I wish I were built like that.'' Suddenly being shirtless in front of 12 year old made me feel flustered. I looked down at my own body, to me I'm not strong at all. It's not like I ever had a proper look at my body, to begin with. Looking down I noticed the sweaty abs and flexed muscles. My eyes lingered a little too long on the scar caused by Y/N. It's the first and only scar I have. I noticed Kian too staring at it. I remember myself as that slender prince with little muscle to his bones. But because of the training, I went through these months that had changed. 

''You know I was actually a skinny farmer months ago.'' I pointed out. 

''But with proper training and working hard, I attained this body. I'm sure you can do it too, besides you're still young. You should focus on growing first.'' I teased not knowing if the joke would sit well with him but he smiled. He actually smiled at me for the first time. 

''I'm already taller than my best friend, just wait I'll become even taller than you sir.'' I liked the playfulness in his voice causing me to lay down my axe.

''Who is your friend?'' I was curious about this little man in front of me.

''Leon, he lives not too far from here. We grew up together, but right now he is in a different capital with his parents. They will be coming back soon.'' So he does have a friend.