When the Crown Falls

Chapter 10 - Impossible Possibility

SUJIN SEIMU

The white and purple petals rained like blossoms around me as I sat on a stone bench that rested beneath a majestic jacaranda. Lost in thoughts, a brush in my hand scratched the paper that laid on my lap, the words flowed out like graceful brush strokes on the smooth surface.

"Wow, your calligraphy is exquisite." The sudden voice from behind startled the soul out of me, I nearly jumped from my seat that the ink stained a line on the paper. I looked up and was greeted by her carefree smile.

"Ah, my lady." I quickly set the brush down and hid the paper in my sleeve. "You caught me off guard. I didn't realize you were there."

She fell silent for a moment, but before I knew it, I found myself captivated by her laughter. The sound was like music to my ears, the sight of her eyes glistening with tears made my foolish heart skip a beat.

I couldn't help but smile at the angel before me. "Laughing at my expense now, my lady?" I teased with a light tone, scared that this holy being would flinch at the slightest hint of darkness.

She wiped her tears and sat beside me, "I apologize."

I let out a small laugh. "I just didn't expect for you to sneak up on me like that. How long were you standing there, anyway?"

"Only enough to see your brush strokes." She assured. "What were you writing?"

I paused at her question, contemplating whether to tell her or not. But God would never forgive me if I sullied His angel. "Ah, just some...personal thoughts. Nothing much, my lady."

Before regret was able to consume me, I quickly changed the subject. "You always seem to have a talent for sneaking up on me. Sometimes I wonder how you do it, my lady."

She looked at me with confusion and a subtle denial. "Pardon? No, I do not!" she quickly repudiated.

"Oh, you don't, hm? Then do enlighten me how you seem to keep appearing out of nowhere. You are like a ninja." I teased and she gasped, completely appalled. "A ninja?!"

She wore such an adorable expression that I burst into laughter. "Or perhaps a phantom, silently appearing and disappearing as you please without a sound."

Her mouth fell open and she gasped even more exaggeratedly.
"Shall I just leave then?"

Seeing her stood up and turned to walk away, I absentmindedly reached out and grabbed her wrist, firmly stopping her from moving any further. "Ah, wait-!" I gently pulled on her arm. I didn't want her to leave.

The playful demeanor from before was quickly replaced with concern blazing in my eyes as I looked up to her, nearly begging.

She burst into laughter and sat back down. "I am only teasing, Sujin."

'Sujin'...no words could describe how much I loved hearing her voice utter my name.

She continued to laugh, and I couldn't help but take in the sight of how she radiated underneath the sun, until my gaze fell upon the purple marks on her nape, partially hidden under her hair.

My smile faltered and I felt like my breath was pulled from me, until once again, her soft voice saved me from my own thoughts, "Uhm...Sujin? You ought to let go now." She pointed at her hand and I realized that I was still holding her wrist.

"Oh." I sheepishly released her. "Apologies, my lady. I got lost in thought for a moment."

She snorted. "Has something been occupying your mind lately? Oh! Or maybe...someone?" she gently elbowed me and teased.

I chuckled and shook my head, scratching the back of my neck. "As absurd as it sounds, I am far too busy for anything outside of work." I denied, failing to notice the small smile hidden on my lips.

"Hmm. Well, I suppose you are."

I shifted my position and turned to face her even more. "But enough about me. What about you, my lady? I haven't seen you in a while. You've been quite the recluse lately."

A beautiful shade of pink immediately tinted her cheeks. "Well, I have been quite busy as well."

"Ah, so both of us have been busy lately. What a convenient coincidence." I smiled, ignoring the twisting feeling inside me.

"Yes..." she quietly murmured.

I couldn't help but move closer. I tilted my head to lean close to her ear and whispered, "You look like a tomato, my lady."

She quickly jumped back and covered her ear. "P-pardon?!"

I laughed at her surprised reaction. "I said you look like a tomato. Your whole face is as red as a ripe one, you look adorable, my lady."

Suddenly, she fell silent and only stared at me intently.
I raised an eyebrow and wondered if I said something wrong for her eyes to be filled with confusion and disbelief. "Is something wrong, my lady?"

"I-I must go." She quickly ran away, the rocks rattled beneath her shoes.

"W-wait!" I called after her but it was too late, she was already far from my reach.

I remained sitting on the bench, full of confusion and concern.