Reincarnation In Another Timeline

Chapter Fourteen: Hidden Feelings

Ho-Yeon woke up early, as she always did. The morning light seeped through the windows of her modest quarters, casting a soft glow over her belongings. Yet, the usual vigor in her step was replaced with a somber resignation. She had made up her mind to avoid Wonwoo, to give him space, though the reason why was more complex than she cared to admit.

She arrived in the kitchen, but her heart wasn't in her work. Her movements were mechanical, her eyes distant. The kitchen staff noticed the change but said nothing. Instead, they busied themselves with their tasks, aware that their usually vibrant colleague had taken on a more subdued demeanor.

As the day went on, Ho-Yeon's presence became almost a shadow in the kitchen. She avoided eye contact with anyone, including the guards and servants who passed through. She found solace in spending time with Xu Minghao, who seemed more than happy to engage her in light banter and occasional teasing.

"Why so glum today?" Minghao would ask, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.

"It's nothing," Ho-Yeon would respond, her voice lacking its usual warmth. She tried to smile, but it never quite reached her eyes.

Minghao's demeanor was a stark contrast to her own. He was animated, charming, and his presence seemed to fill the space that Ho-Yeon had vacated. They would spend hours together, walking in the palace gardens or sharing meals in the dining hall, often surrounded by an entourage of curious eyes. Ho-Yeon's proximity to Minghao, though innocent enough, seemed to only deepen the distance she was creating from Wonwoo.

AS THE DAY PASSED>>>

Wonwoo had begun to notice. He would catch glimpses of Ho-Yeon and Minghao together, their interactions filled with laughter and ease. It was clear that Ho-Yeon was no longer focused on her duties in the kitchen. Instead, she seemed absorbed in Minghao's company, almost as if she had forgotten the responsibilities that had once occupied her days.

Wonwoo's gaze would often linger on them, his usually stoic face betraying an emotion he couldn't quite name. He would see Ho-Yeon's smile, her laughter, and each time, a pang of unease would settle in his chest. He remained silent, though, the internal struggle evident in the furrow of his brow and the clenched jaw that betrayed his composure.

Minghao, for his part, seemed to relish in this new dynamic. He would often lean in close to Ho-Yeon, his hand resting casually on her chair. His playful remarks and flirty demeanor did not go unnoticed, and he seemed to enjoy the effect it had on the people around them, particularly Wonwoo.

There was a sudden announcement of a meeting. Everyone was invited including Minghao and his Father. 

At the day of the meeting.

The grand meeting hall was alive with murmurs and the shuffling of papers as nobles, officials, and palace staff gathered to discuss the ongoing investigation into the empress's death. The high ceilings and ornate decor cast long shadows over the assembled group, and the air was thick with tension and the weight of unanswered questions.

Ho-Yeon found herself seated beside Xu Minghao at one end of the table. Minghao, ever the opportunist, had taken full advantage of the opportunity to sit close to her, his demeanor relaxed and confident. Ho-Yeon, trying her best to focus on the discussions, couldn't help but notice how Minghao's casual posture seemed to invade her personal space.

At the opposite end of the table, Wonwoo sat with a detached yet observant air. His gaze, though seemingly focused on the papers before him, frequently strayed toward Ho-Yeon. It wasn't overt, but there was a subtle intensity in his glances that did not go unnoticed by Ho-Yeon.

Every time she looked up, her eyes would inadvertently meet his, and she could feel the weight of his stare. It was as if his gaze was following her, silently demanding her attention, and it unsettled her despite her efforts to maintain her composure.