Lovely Runner 2: Finding Grandma

Chapter 22: The Gift

"What...what do we do?" Sol glances up at Sun Jae, searching his face for guidance.

Sun Jae, staring at the table, places his hands on Sol's shoulders in a comforting gesture. "Sol—"

"Aish!" In Hyuk interrupts with a whine. "I did it again!"

Concerned, Sun Jae turns to him. "What happened?"

In Hyuk sighs and face-palms. "I left my haegeum." He mimics playing the stringed instrument.

"Your haegeum?" Sol repeats, intrigued by his skill with such an ancient instrument. After all, this is In Hyuk from the past, not the one she knows.

"Keep everyone calm," In Hyuk pleads, gesturing towards the restless group of women dancers. Before either Sol or Sun Jae can respond, he rushes off.

Sol sighs. "At least he's gone..."

Sun Jae blinks, puzzled by her reaction. "What do you mean?"

She nods toward the familiar faces at the dinner party. "He might have seen our past selves. That would be bad."

Sun Jae processes this, then glances at the thick bushes lining the hanok veranda. Without warning, he grabs Sol's hand and pulls her behind him.

"Sun Jae-ah!" she exclaims, stumbling as she tries to keep up.

They find refuge behind the bushes, hidden from view. Peering out, they observe the dinner party.

Past Im Sol beams, clutching Past Tae Sung's hand and resting her head on his shoulder. Past Sun Jae, placing another plate of chicken on the table, watches with a somber expression. Despite his deep feelings for her, he is only a servant in her eyes.

Tae Sung takes another gulp of soju and slams the cup down on the table. "Another!" he demands, pointing at Past Sun Jae.

Past Sun Jae rolls his eyes and retrieves a jug of soju. "Yes, my lord," he says mockingly, pouring the soju so it overflows, staining Tae Sung's fine silk clothes.

"Aish!" Tae Sung complains, wiping off his clothes. "So clumsy!" He glares sharply at Past Sun Jae.

"Sorry, my lord." Past Sun Jae bows his head in apology, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Past Sol, concerned for Tae Sung and his clothes, helps clean him off. "Omo! Tae Sung-ah! Are you okay?"

"Nae," Tae Sung replies curtly, glaring at Past Sun Jae. He straightens in his seat, keeping his eyes on Past Sun Jae with disdain as he drinks from the overfilled cup.

Present Sol and Sun Jae exchange glances from behind the bushes, astonished by their past selves.

"Ha!" Present Sun Jae scoffs quietly. "You were the same back then."

Eyes fluttering, Present Sol looks at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"You had an eye for that Tae Sung jerk." He shakes his head. "I looked pretty handsome, didn't I?"

"I'm not blind!" Present Sol retorts. "His hair was tied up. I bet he looks gorgeous with long flowing hair." She smiles, imagining a more regal Joseon Sun Jae with long black hair and a delicate hanbok.

Irritated, Present Sun Jae waves a hand in front of her face, envious of his past self. "Are you done daydreaming?"

"Hyah!" Present Sol fires back. "What's wrong? I'm just imagining you!" She nudges his shoulder.

"Let's focus." Present Sun Jae turns his attention back to the dinner party. "We need to keep watch so we can leave."

"Araseo, araseo." Present Sol pouts but refocuses.