A Faeries Witch - Jooyeon FF

Chapter 2: A Witch's Appetite & A Fae's Invitation

Jooyeon's voice broke through the silence that had fallen between them after their banter. "Come on," he said, gesturing deeper into the forest. "I know a place we can go for a proper meal."

Y/N hesitated, her pride and caution warring within her. "I don't know..." she said, her eyes flickering between Jooyeon and the path he indicated. "And how do I know I can trust you? For all I know, you could be leading me into a trap."

Jooyeon feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. "Me? Trap a beautiful woman in the woods? Preposterous," he said with a smirk. "I assure you, my intentions are entirely honorable. Well, as honorable as a mischievous fae's intentions can be, anyway."

Y/N still looked unconvinced, her arms folded across her chest. "And why would a fae be interested in helping a witch?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion. "Fae and witches don't typically mix, as far as I know."

Jooyeon shrugged, not fazed by her skepticism. "Perhaps I find your company intriguing," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Or perhaps I just find it amusing to get a rise out of a guarded witch like you. Either way, I can assure you that I have no ill intentions."

Y/N's expression softened slightly, a hint of curiosity seeping into her wary gaze. "And what about the whole 'mischievous fae' thing? I'm not exactly inclined to trust someone who admits to being mischievous."

"Ah, but being mischievous doesn't make me untrustworthy," Jooyeon countered, a sly smile playing at his lips. "Besides, I do enjoy seeing a bit of fire in your eyes. It's so much more exciting than the usual 'I don't trust strangers in the woods' routine."

Y/N let out a sigh, her resolve weakening in the face of his continued banter. "I suppose I don't have much of a choice, do I? Besides, I have my magic."

There was a hint of warning in her tone, a reminder that she was not entirely helpless.

Jooyeon chuckled, clearly undeterred. "Oh, I have no doubt about your magical abilities," he said, his gaze drifting over her form. "But I'm not worried. I've got a few tricks of my own, you know."

A flicker of irritation flashed in Y/N's eyes. "You're terribly cocky, aren't you?" she said, her tone a mix of annoyance and grudging amusement.

"What can I say?" Jooyeon said with a shrug. "Cockiness is in a fae's nature. Besides, with someone as guarded as you, it's the only way to get a genuine reaction."

Y/N let out a huff, rolling her eyes. "You're insufferable, you know that? I can't believe I'm even entertaining this."

"And yet, here you are, indulging my insufferable nature," Jooyeon said with a grin, enjoying the banter. "It's cute, how much you try to resist me."

Y/N's cheeks flushed at his words, but she refused to let him see that he was getting to her. "Don't flatter yourself," she said, her voice a touch too defensive. "I'm only doing this because I'm hungry. Nothing more."

"Oh, of course," Jooyeon agreed, feigning innocence. "Your tummy is the only thing you're thinking about. It definitely has nothing to do with wanting to spend more time with me."

Y/N's eyes narrowed at his insinuation. "You're impossible," she said, trying, and failing, to maintain her demeanor. "You really think I want to spend more time with you, of all creatures?"

"Why not?" Jooyeon asked, a cheeky grin on his face. "I'm fascinating, after all. Not to mention charming. And let's be honest, you're enjoying this as much as I am."

Y/N opened her mouth to counter his claim, but then hesitated. She had to admit, as irritating as he was, there was something about his brash confidence and playful banter that was... intriguing. She wasn't about to let him know that, though.