The Pheasant, that fell from the Sky || Hwarang

- 31 -

The late noon sun stood above the roofs of the capital and dipped it into a warm light that flattered Yeowool's facial features as Yeseul looked at him. The Hwarang stood next to her in the yard of the Hwan's house right in front of the door to the living part of their property. Yeseul had told her parents that she would bring a guest for dinner. She wanted to introduce Yeowool to them and her parents to him.

A strange feeling spread inside of her as they entered the house through the door. She wasn't sure what would happen in a moment. How would her parents react? Was it a good idea to introduce them to each other? How would she answer all the questions they will probably have? How did Yeowool feel about this situation?

»I'm back«, she said loudly. Yeowool looked at her a little unsure himself. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do or say or how he should act.

»Alright«, she heard her mother answer from the next room. Yeseul smiled at Yeowool encouraging before leading the way to her family that sat around the soban. The eyes of her parents widened surprised as they realised who their guest was. This made Yejong, who had sat with his back to the door, turn around curiously.

»Hwarang Yeowool!«, Yeseul's little brother shouted out exited with a bright smile. Meanwhile her parents bowed to the young man as he was of higher rank than them. Quickly Yeowool put his hands in front of him and shook his head in panic.

»No, no«, he said, «You don't have to.« Then he bowed himself.

»No, no«, her parents quickly countered as they weren't comfortable with this situation.

»How about we sit down?«, Yeseul suggested quickly.

»Yeah, that's a good idea«, her mother agreed, »Yejong come and sit here.« She made her younger child sit at the head of the table so Yeseul and Yeowool could sit opposite of her and her husband.

»Thank you for having me«, Yeowool greeted after they sat down.

»Oh no, it's an honour«, her mother countered, »I would've taken the better tableware had I known.«

»No, it's fine«, Yeowool smiled amused about the mother's concern. It was silent for a moment. Even Yejong didn't dare to say anything.

»Let's eat«, Yeseul's father eventually suggested making everyone suddenly start eating and reaching for the food. It ended in silence again as they ate the dishes the mother had cooked. Her parents only glanced at the Hwarang and even Yejong, who already knew him, just shot a few looks over to the young man. Yeseul had never seen her family this quiet around guests. Especially her mother would always try to make sure everyone was fine and enjoyed the time.

»So how did you meet?«, her father asked breaking the silence again. Yeseul and Yeowool looked at each other shortly.

»When I was hunting about one and a half years ago«, their daughter then answered. Her father nodded slightly before turning to Yeowool directly.

»What makes you like Yeseul?«, he then asked. The whole table froze for a moment.

»Honey, they never said... don't assume things!«, the mother scolded her husband.

»She is kind, caring, gorgeous, thoughtful, tough, brave... and makes me smile a lot«, Yeowool answered and smiled himself. Yeseul's mother looked at him surprised as if she didn't believe the Hwarang would like her daughter.

»You like my sister?«, Yejong asked curious.

»Yes«, Yeowool said smiling at Yeseul's adorable little brother. Then he held out his left hand to Yeseul. With a shy smile on her face, she put her right hand into his.