I Am Dead, Am I? (HWARANG X Male Reader)

IX : Reminisce

Y/N POV

My mood was wretched, having scarcely slept since the harrowing incident. Witnessing such events in real life, rather than on screen, was truly traumatizing. My cousin had been casting glances my way all morning, clearly agitated by my reticence regarding the previous night's events. She prattled on about Ah-Ro's absence this morning, suspecting she had spent the night at the club.

"I hear Woo-reuk still watches over his two adopted sons. They'll be fortunate to survive under Silla's law," a gambler gossiped as I served drinks. Yes, Moo-myung's adoptive father. Their meeting was imminent, but the timing was less than favorable. At least he had survived. Perhaps my presence could alter the course of events.

Two days had passed, and I resisted the urge to visit Ah-Ro's residence, knowing Moo-myung was recuperating there, overcome with grief for his lost brother. Tears welled in my eyes recalling his pain from the drama. Lost in thought, my reverie was abruptly interrupted by my cousin's sharp pinch on my ear.

"What on earth! Why pinch me?" I protested, massaging my ear. She held a sachet of leaves.

"You've been daydreaming incessantly. I don't know whether to be concerned or bewildered. Nonetheless, Uncle-boss instructed you to deliver this loose tea to Ah-ro's father, Ji-gong."

"Why must I be the messenger?" I questioned, only to receive another pinch on the opposite ear.

"Because you've been holed up indoors ever since that night. Uncle-boss worries it's related," she retorted, mimicking a snake's hiss. "If you refuse, I'll tell him you've been slacking, and you know I can be very persuasive."

Before I could protest, she bundled me into a waiting carriage. For someone petite, she possessed surprising strength, unlike myself. She barked orders at the coachman, and off we went. Why must fate conspire against me? I was supposed to be deceased, yet here I was, entangled in this affair.

Arriving at Ji-gong's house, I found Ah-Ro awaiting her father. Neither Ji-gong nor Moo-myung were present. I handed her the tea in exchange for two silver coins.

"It's rather quiet here. Is your father absent?" I inquired.

"My father is tending to someone. This tea may prove helpful," I remarked knowingly, aware of the patient she spoke of.

"I hope it brings solace to the recipient," slipped from my lips, causing Ah-Ro to regard me strangely, as though I knew the individual in question.

"I mean, tea has soothing properties. I hope the patient can benefit," I quickly added, hoping to retract my earlier remark.

"Thank you for the tea, M/N. Let's hope your words hold true," Ah-Ro replied with a bow before departing. I mirrored her gesture, lingering to wish for Moo-myung's swift recovery.

On my return journey, memories flooded my mind, particularly of Mak-mun's burial site. Instructing the coachman to wait, I ventured toward the stacked rocks marking his grave. Overwhelmed with sorrow, tears streamed down my face as I contemplated the tragedy that had befallen him, despite my inconsequential role in the unfolding events. My heart ached, imagining the grief endured by his family and Moo-myung.

"I'm sorry I couldn't help you. I had the chance but lacked courage," I murmured. A rustle behind me caught my attention, and to my astonishment, Moo-myung stood before me.

"You," I exclaimed, wiping my tears. Moo-myung, however, was fixated on his friend's grave, kneeling with tears in his eyes.

"I will avenge you. I'll exact justice upon those who wronged you. Just wait, brother," Moo-myung vowed, oblivious to my presence. My heart swelled with pity for him. I longed to comfort him, extending my hand toward his shoulder, but hesitated.

"Wait," I heard myself say, my nerves replacing sorrow.

"Do you know whose grave this is?" his grip on my hand tightened. I fabricated a response to allay suspicion.

"I... I don't know. Whenever I see this tomb, it reminds me of my unjustly departed family," I replied, hoping to pacify him.

"I see... Never mind," Moo-myung's voice was grave, his sadness palpable. My guilt intensified at witnessing his anguish.

"We cannot bring them back, but we can cherish their memories within us," I offered, still holding his hand.

"I suppose," unexpectedly, Moo-myung embraced me, startling me. I patted his back as he sobbed.

"May you find strength to face your challenges," I murmured.

Meanwhile, in the palace...

"My queen, the palace spies have been eradicated, but there's a complication," Scarface reported.

"A civilian witnessed the executions and may be affiliated," the queen's face contorted in anger.

"Fool! If my rival learns of this, it will incite rebellion. Find and eliminate that loose end immediately," the queen commanded.

"Yes, my queen," Scarface bowed before departing.