Horizon | Choi San

20

[Day 134 in the other dimension/134 hours and 32 minutes in Mirinae]:

Gaeul didn't know what she was expecting when she poked Yeosang's arm. She was on watch while the others scattered- some to get food just because they were bored and missed eating, some to roam around. She herself had been staring holes into the shell she had brought with her from the beach when she was with San- the shell that resembled the colour of his magic. But when she felt overwhelmed because she missed him and because the days were feeling too repetitive and everyone felt tired, she resorted to poking Yeosang's arm, sighing. If he was awake, he would probably engage her in some activity and keep her distracted.

She poked his arm again, pouting to herself. She wondered if he would feel sore when he woke up- after all, he had been in the same position for days now. He didn't look like he was sleeping peacefully either- there was a slight frown on his face, eyebrows furrowed a little. Gaeul pushed the blonde strands of his hair back from where it was poking his eyes, noticing his birthmark. She was about to poke it next but he opened his eyes-

Making Gaeul scream and making Yeosang wince in return and shut his eyes in disappointment. When Gaeul finished screaming, she frowned and poked his arm again, making him open his eyes and he let out a short laugh when she nearly jumped.

"Yes, I'm awake," his voice sounded hoarse and he cleared his throat, though he remained unmoving. "What were you doing? You scared me so bad that I almost went back to the realm."

Gaeul put a hand on her heart to calm it down. "I- nothing. Just... poking you because I was bored."

"I thought I told you not to mess with my body."

"Gentle pokes," Gaeul stifled a smile and he laughed. "I was... bored."

"Just admit that you missed me," Yeosang finally got up with a groan, stretching his muscles and looking around. "Where's everyone?"

"Taking a break, they'll be back soon," she crossed her legs and scanned Yeosang- he didn't look any different. "So? Did it work?"

"Somewhat," Yeosang got up and brushed his clothes. "I managed to contact Neve indirectly, but... I think the closer we get to Rukbat, the better it is."

"That shouldn't be a problem," Gaeul said and Yeosang nodded. "How did you manage to contact him anyway?"

"That's a story I'll tell only once," he shuddered involuntarily. "Let's go find them. We shouldn't waste any more time."

It looked like Yeosang was thinking as they walked in silence towards the town and Gaeul nervously scratched at her fingers, wondering if she was one step closer to going home. As soon as Yeosang spotted Yena scribbling in her diary, he whistled loudly at his twin and Yena perked up when she saw him.

"Finally," Yena groaned, sharing a smile with Gaeul. "So? Got kicked out of your realm or?"

"Kind of both," Yeosang chuckled, waving at Yunho and Mingi who spotted him and they ran towards him, Mingi attempting to put Yeosang in a chokehold but folding in on himself when Yeosang poked his stomach.

"We're going to Rukbat- as close as we can. Chances are Neve will find us before we do."

"How did you contact him?" Yena asked.

"I had to open a portal to the home dimension as a bait which caught a darkling spirit's attention..." Yeosang's voice got smaller as Yena glared at him. "Come on. It worked."

"I can't believe I'm the one lecturing you about the rules, but that could have gone way worse, Yeosang. I'm surprised you came out unharmed."

"Not entirely, I'm sore," Yeosang rubbed his left forearm where he had landed when he received the blow from the darkling. "But we're good. So are we portalling to Rukbat?"