A Love Across Time

Chapter 6: A Moment of Reflection

As Hera retreated to her room after the confrontation with Jungkook, tears streaming down her face, she found herself overwhelmed with longing for her family and friends back in her own time. She imagined how Rose, Lia, and Hana would have fiercely protected her if they were here, and the thought offered her a fleeting sense of comfort amidst her despair. Yet, the fear of Jungkook's wrath lingered in her mind, dissuading her from any thoughts of resistance.

Desperate to find a way back home, Hera meticulously searched her room, combing through every corner for any clue that might unravel the mystery of her unexpected journey. Despite her efforts, she came up empty-handed, leaving her with a deep sigh of resignation as she collapsed onto her bed, exhaustion weighing heavily on her.

Meanwhile, in Jungkook's room, he sat on the cot with his hands on his head, his frustration palpable. He replayed the encounter with Hera in his mind, regret gnawing at him for his uncharacteristic outburst. Jungkook prided himself on his discipline and politeness, never raising a hand against a woman. Yet, Hera's presence seemed to unsettle his usual composure, leading him to act carelessly.

Lost in his thoughts, Jungkook was interrupted by a knock on the door, and Taehyung entered the room. Taehyung, ever perceptive, sensed Jungkook's inner turmoil and expressed concern, addressing him as "Jeonha."

"This is unlike you, Jeonha," Taehyung remarked gently. "Raising your hand against a woman—I sense something troubling you. Is everything alright?"

Jungkook hesitated, grappling with his emotions. "It's nothing, Taehyung," he replied tersely. "I'm just frustrated with everything that's happening. Her sudden appearance, her claim of memory loss—it's all too suspicious for my liking. I can't trust her."

Taehyung listened attentively, his expression softening with understanding. "Jeonha, today something happened that made me see Hera in a different light," he began, recounting the incident under the ginkgo tree. "A hungry child approached us during lunch, and while others laughed at him, Hera showed immense kindness. She fed him her lunch, played with him, and brought joy to his face. I don't believe a person capable of such compassion poses a threat to us. Perhaps we should ease our suspicions."

Jungkook considered Taehyung's words, the weight of his paranoia slowly lifting. "You may be right, Taehyung," he admitted reluctantly. "I've let my fears cloud my judgment. It's late now—let's rest."

With a nod of agreement, Taehyung bid Jungkook goodnight, leaving him to his thoughts. Jungkook settled into bed, the events of the day swirling in his mind. Despite his lingering doubts, Taehyung's reassurance provided a sliver of solace, and Jungkook allowed himself to drift into a troubled sleep, hoping for clarity in the days to come.

The next morning dawned with a sense of tension lingering in the air. Hera, still nursing the wounds of yesterday's confrontation with Jungkook, resolved to address the issue head-on. As she made her way through the village, her mind raced with thoughts of how to confront him.

Hera spotted Jungkook near the village square, his expression guarded as he conversed with a group of villagers. Summoning her courage, Hera approached him with determined steps.

"Yah Jeon," she called out, her voice steady despite the tumultuous emotions swirling within her.

Jungkook turned to face her, his demeanor stoic yet wary. "What is it?" he replied tersely, his gaze unwavering.

Hera took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I want to talk about yesterday," she began, her tone firm. Hearing her, Jungkook sensed the villagers leave and give them privacy to talk.
"What happened was unacceptable. You had no right to threaten me."

Jungkook's expression remained impassive, but Hera sensed a flicker of acknowledgment in his eyes.

"I apologize for my behavior," Jungkook responded evenly. "I let my emotions get the better of me."

Hera's resolve hardened. "Apology accepted," she replied, her voice tinged with defiance. "But let me make one thing clear—I won't tolerate being treated like that again."

Jungkook regarded her with a measured gaze, his silence speaking volumes. Hera stood her ground, her eyes challenging him.

After a moment of tense silence, Jungkook nodded curtly. "Understood," he conceded, his voice carrying a hint of resignation.

Hera exhaled slowly, a sense of vindication washing over her. She had confronted Jungkook and asserted her boundaries, reclaiming a sense of control in this unfamiliar world.

Hera and Jungkook remained in the square, a tentative truce settling between them. Hera knew that their interaction was far from over, but for now, she felt a semblance of peace—a small victory amidst the uncertainties of her predicament.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Hera turned to leave, her footsteps lighter than before. As she walked away, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope that she was one step closer to unraveling the mysteries of this enigmatic journey through time.

As Hera ventured back to her temporary dwelling, the weight of yesterday's confrontation began to lift. She resolved to navigate this unfamiliar world with courage and resilience, determined to forge her path forward, one confrontation at a time.

In the midst of the evening, Hera found herself startled by a loud thud that reverberated through the air. Instinctively, she moved towards her door, but the voices beyond made her pause. Jungkook's enraged shouts pierced the air, echoing through the corridor. Hera hesitated, her curiosity piqued by their conversation.

Through the door, she strained to hear the heated exchange. Jungkook's voice, laced with fury, demanded answers. "HOW DID THEY FIND OUT!? I TOLD U BURN THE BODIES!! NO ONE WAS SUPPOSED TO KNOW THIS! HAYOUNG'S BODY WAS SUPPOSED TO BE BURNT!!"

Taehyung's response was desperate, pleading innocence. "Jeonha, I swear to Aerith, I had burnt the body. I have no idea how they found out. Trust me."

The urgency in Jungkook's voice escalated. "THEY KNOW, NOW THEY KNOW THEY'LL COME HERE, WE HAVE TO LEAVE, NOW. GET UR BELONGINGS, I GIVE YOU 5 MIN, TAEHYUNG. AND TELL SEOK-JIN TO STAY WITH HERA, SHE ISN'T SAFE HERE ANYMORE."

Hera's mind raced as she pieced together the fragments of their conversation. Hayoung—the missing villager whose name she had heard before. Were Taehyung and Jungkook behind the disappearances and murders plaguing the village? The hooded figures from that night—had they been their accomplices?

Her heart pounded with realization and fear. Without a second thought, Hera made a decision fueled by instinct and panic. She bolted from her room, her feet carrying her towards Seok-Jin's hut, seeking refuge and answers.

Unbeknownst to Taehyung and Jungkook, Hera reached Seok-Jin's dwelling, her mind reeling with unanswered questions. Before she could even knock, a sudden darkness enveloped her as a cloth covered her mouth. She struggled against the unseen assailant, but darkness overtook her, and consciousness slipped away.

Meanwhile, Taehyung and Jungkook waited anxiously for Hera's return, assuming she was with the village children. As night descended and Hera remained missing, worry etched lines of concern on their faces. They scoured the village, calling out her name, but their efforts yielded no trace of her.

It was during this frantic search that they stumbled upon a troubling discovery—a hair ribbon and a small identification badge lying in front of Seok-Jin's door. Jungkook's eyes blazed with fury as he recognized Hera's belongings. The badge revealed an association with the neighboring kingdom of Eldoria.

Realization dawned on Jungkook. Hera had been abducted by individuals from Eldoria, likely in response to the discovery of Hayoung's body. Taehyung's expression mirrored Jungkook's grim determination, knowing that their actions had placed Hera in grave danger.

With a sense of urgency, Taehyung and Jungkook wasted no time. They hurried towards the king's palace, an hour's journey from the village, their hearts heavy with the weight of their unintended consequences and the pressing need to rescue Hera from the clutches of an unknown enemy.

As they journeyed towards the palace, the moonlight cast shadows across the path, underscoring the gravity of their mission. Taehyung and Jungkook's resolve was unwavering—they would confront this new threat head-on, determined to bring Hera back safely.