August 24th - Day 4 Continued
"I mean, seriously, she expects us to really just leave her!?" You grumble, plucking at the vine in front of you.
"I think that's exactly what she wants us to do." Seonghwa says. He frowns, seeing the vine you've been pulling from. It tangles around itself, turning brown from the constriction. "Give her some grace. She probably feels like it's her fault that we're even here in the first place."
"It is her fault."
"Shortie, she got shot!"
"I know, but–"
"Hey, no! You're not gonna blame this on her... I'm serious. She's not at fault here."
"Are you sure you didn't date her?"
"Wow." Seonghwa sighs, successfully freeing the plant from itself. He takes a deep breath before looking at you, sun beating down on his face. "I know that you have a complicated relationship with the Jeongs. I'm really not trying to get in the middle of that... But just, like, step away for at least a second and consider the fact that we came here because we wanted to...not because it would actually help Haeji."
"Hmm..." You consider, looking down at the bounty you've collected in your basket. The grapes tumble and roll in the silence. He's right. It is our fault... You look back up at him and give a slight smile. "Nah. It's Yeonjun's fault." You joke, walking further into the vineyard.
"See, now that's a reasonable answer." He adds, falling into stride with you. "I'm sure this has all been a lot for you... And well...if you wanna unpack any of it, I was thinking we could go off during dinner. I, uh, can find a spare blanket or something. We'll make it a picnic." He says, though he doesn't turn to look at you. He won't actually ask. You laugh at him softly. "Ah, I knew it was a stupid idea..."
"We can have a picnic." You reply, and he looks at you, elated.
"Actually?"
"Yeah. I think so..." The moment is broken by the distant wail of your forgotten friend. Wooyoung sprints down the vine row. He grabs your arm firmly, your heart picking up in pace.
"He's..." He catches his breath, wearily. "Kagero... He keeps staring at me!" You push him off you, annoyed.
"Woo, what the heck!? I thought something actually happened!"
"What do you mean!? Something did happen!" He protests, taking a grape from the basket. He winces as he crunches down on a seed.
"Kagero looks at everyone like that. He's just like mad all the time or something." You dismiss him, reaching an unpicked vine.
"See!" Wooyoung says, ducking behind you, Kagero off in the distance.
"You wouldn't have this problem if you just did your job." You note, moving so he can't hide anymore.
"But I hate gardening! Oh sh–" He ducks down again, all fours on the ground. Kagero's eyes widen, thinking he might have caught a glimpse of his prey. You wave innocently at him. He ignores you, continuing on. The bell tolls, cueing you to head back toward the agora. "Dang, my stuff is still by the radishes."
"Here, put these with whatever you collected. He'll be less mad." You offer your basket, and he takes it begrudgingly.
"Fine... But when we get off this dump..." Wooyoung mutters to himself, walking off, ensuring he stays out of Kagero's path. Seonghwa shakes his head before starting to head back.
"So, where are you going for crafts?" Seonghwa asks you.
"Jeez, that makes me feel like I'm five."
"You would think they would have a better name for that."
YOU ARE READING
Paradigm | ATEEZ x Reader
Fanfiction"I was wondering if you could air something for me?" The boy asks, handing a piece of paper to Yunho. "Hey, I know you," Wooyoung starts looking at the boy closer, definitely invading his personal bubble, "You're Changbin's best friend, aren't you...
