Whispers of the Mystery Book

Chapter 16: A Promise Under the Stars

Meanwhile, Hana found herself daydreaming more often than usual, her thoughts drifting back to Tae and their time together. She found solace in the memories of his laughter, his warmth, and the way he had made her feel special.

The next day afternoon, Tae found her sitting on a bench, lost in thought as she gazed at the flowers swaying in the breeze.

Tae: "Mind if I join you?"

Hana looked up, a smile spreading across her face as she saw Tae approaching.

Hana: "Of course not. It's a beautiful day."

They sat together in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying each other's presence and the tranquility of the garden.

Tae: "Hana, about yesterday..."

Hana's heart skipped a beat, wondering what Tae was about to say.

Tae: "I just wanted to say... I had a wonderful time with you."

Hana: "Me too, Tae. It was... magical."

Tae reached out and gently took her hand in his, his touch sending a wave of warmth through her.

Tae: "I'm glad."

Days passed by, and in the shadows, Hye-won continued to secretly observe Tae and Hana, reporting updates to the old woman and the young man. Meanwhile, Hana and Tae's bond grew stronger with each passing day.

Tae: "Would you... like to go on another adventure with me?"

Hana: Her eyes lit up with excitement. "What do you have in mind?"

Tae: Smiling mischievously, he replied, "It's a surprise, but I promise you'll love it."

That evening, they met at their usual spot, slipping out of the palace undetected. Tae led Hana through winding paths until they reached a small, hidden glade surrounded by tall trees. They arrived at a cozy picnic set up under the stars.

Tae: Lying on the grass, he looked up at the sky. "Hana, you know I'm not from here. I'm from very far away, and I miss my home a lot.

Hana: Listening carefully, she saw the sadness in his eyes and felt a pang of sympathy. "Can't you go back there?" she asked gently.

Tae: His voice was tinged with sorrow. "I don't know how to go back. It's a long story. You know what I have parents and grandparents who care for me a lot. I love them the most." A few tears slipped down his cheeks. 

Hana: Quickly wiping his tears, she felt her heart ache for him. Tae turned his head, trying to hide his emotions.

Hana: Gently, she held his chin and made him look at her. "It's okay to cry, Tae."

Tae: Overwhelmed, he hugged her tightly and cried in her embrace.

"Hana's heart raced with a mix of surprise and tenderness at their first embrace. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver of both nervousness and comfort through her. She gently stroked his back offering silent comfort."

Tae: After a few moments, he pulled back slightly, his eyes red but filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Hana. For everything. You've made this strange place feel like home."

Hana: Smiling softly, she replied, "You're not alone anymore, Tae. We'll find a way to get you home. I promise."

Tae: His heart swelled with a mixture of hope and gratitude. "Hana, I... there's something I need to show you."

Hana: "What is it?"

Tae reached into his pocket and took out a delicate hairpin, holding it out to her.

Tae: "Do you recognize this?"

Hana: her eyes widened in surprise. "It's mine! How did you get it?"

Tae: "I found it the day when I saw you before the festival."

Hana: She took the hairpin from him, turning it over in her hands. "This was given to me by my dad. It's very special."

Tae: "There's something else, Hana. Look closely."

Hana inspected the hairpin more closely and noticed a small, almost invisible engraving on the underside.

Hana: "What is this? It looks like... letters!!"

Tae: "Exactly. I did some research and found out that this engraving is directions to a secret place. Do you know anything about it?"

Hana: Shaking her head, she replied, "No, I've never noticed it before. My dad never mentioned anything about it."

Tae: "Maybe it's something he wanted to keep hidden until the right time. Do you trust me to help you find this place?"

Hana: Without hesitation, she nodded. "Yes, Tae. I trust you completely." 

Tae: "Good. We'll need to be careful, though. We can't let anyone else find out about this."

Hana: "Agreed. But where do we start?"

Tae: "I think we should start by asking your appa about this hairpin. He might know something about the engraving."

Hana: "Appa? I don't know if he'll tell me anything, but it's worth a try."

To be continued!!!!!

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