I Am Dead, Am I? (HWARANG X Male Reader)

XI : Boundaries

The warm afternoon sun bathed the bustling marketplace of Silla in golden light. Vibrant fabrics hung from stalls, swaying in the breeze as merchants called out their wares-silks from the far reaches of the kingdom, fragrant spices, fresh produce, and finely crafted jewelry. It was a world that felt both foreign and familiar to Y/N, who had suddenly found himself in the midst of this drama. Every face, every voice, and every scent took him back to the dramas he once binged in his previous life, but now, it was all too real.

Walking alongside him was Han Sung, the youngest and most cheerful of the Hwarang. His boyish grin never seemed to fade, and his infectious energy made the day feel like a dream. Y/N had gotten used to the oddities of this new world in a surprisingly short time, mostly thanks to Han Sung's warm welcome. The two had spent hours wandering through the market, with Han Sung enthusiastically pointing out different stalls, introducing Y/N to various foods, and even buying him a small trinket as a keepsake. The atmosphere was light and carefree, as if the weight of the kingdom's politics was a distant memory.

"I'm telling you, Y/N, you won't find this anywhere else!" Han Sung exclaimed as he handed over a sticky rice cake wrapped in leaves. His eyes twinkled with excitement, as though this simple treat was the most precious gift he could offer.

Y/N smiled, accepting the rice cake. He had quickly grown fond of Han Sung. The younger man's curiosity and innocence made Y/N feel at ease, like he wasn't the only one slightly out of place in this grand, historical world. It wasn't every day you got personally guided through an ancient marketplace by one of the most beloved characters in a drama.

"I can't believe how lively everything is," Y/N said, taking a bite of the rice cake. The sweet and chewy texture was a pleasant surprise. "Back where I'm from, markets aren't quite like this."

Han Sung tilted his head, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Where *are* you from, anyway? I've never met anyone like you in Silla."

Y/N hesitated. He had learned quickly that telling the truth about being from another world-a world where these people were all fictional characters-would get him nowhere. "It's... far away," he said vaguely. "A place with different customs. But I think I am getting accustomed to it here."

Han Sung chuckled, clearly not bothered by the vague response. "I'm glad you like it! Silla can be a tough place sometimes, but the markets make it feel... alive." He looked around, breathing in deeply as though he could draw in the very essence of the market. "There's something freeing about this."

Y/N nodded, but he could feel the weight of something more serious on the horizon. He had heard whispers in the marketplace, and even from Han Sung himself, about the Queen's latest decree-the search for the next generation of Hwarang warriors. It wasn't something Y/N had ever imagined being involved in, but as the day wore on, the topic seemed unavoidable.

As they turned a corner, the lively sounds of the marketplace began to fade, and the towering palace walls came into view. The majestic structure loomed over the city, a constant reminder of the power that ruled over them all. Han Sung's cheerful demeanor faltered for just a moment, his gaze drifting towards the palace gates.

"So was your decision on Hwarang is the finality?" he asked, his tone quieter now.

Y/N glanced at him, sensing the shift. "About the Hwarang? Maybe, I am not in line to participate"

"The Queen ordered the selection of new warriors," Han Sung said, his voice laced with a mix of pride and anxiety. "The Hwarang are supposed to lead Silla into a new era. My brother's already training hard to make sure he's chosen. He's going to be an amazing warrior."

Y/N nodded, though he felt a pang of sympathy. He knew Han Sung admired his older brother, but there was always a shadow of expectation looming over the young man. The burden of lineage and responsibility in this world was not something Y/N envied.

Suddenly, Han Sung's face lit up again, as if struck by a brilliant idea. "You really should join!"

Y/N blinked, taken aback. "Join the Hwarang? Me?"

Han Sung grinned. "Why not? From a first glance, You're strong, you're clever, and you're... well, you're different. You'd stand out! Plus, it'd be great to have you with me. I'm thinking of applying, too."

A lump formed in Y/N's throat. He had grown attached to this world, yes, but becoming a Hwarang warrior was a completely different matter. "Han Sung, as I said... I'm not of noble lineage. You know the rules, don't you? Only sons of noble families can join."

Han Sung waved his hand dismissively. "Who cares about that? I'm sure we could find a way around it. Besides, you're already a part of Silla in your own way. You've been here, made friends with Suho, and you've got spirit. Isn't that what really matters?"

Y/N felt a warmth spread through his chest at Han Sung's words. The idea of joining the Hwarang was thrilling in its own way, but the reality of it seemed impossible. He wasn't from this world, let alone from a noble family. His presence here was already precarious.

"I appreciate it, Han Sung," Y/N said softly. "But I don't think it's possible. Besides, you're destined to become a great Hwarang warrior, not me. I'd just get in the way."

Han Sung's face fell, but only for a moment before he forced a smile. "If you say so. But promise me something?"

"Anything."

"Don't disappear, okay? Even if you can't be a Hwarang, I want you to stay. Silla need more people like you."

Y/N's heart tightened at the sincerity in Han Sung's voice. He had made many friends since arriving in this world, but none had been as genuine and kind as Han Sung. The thought of leaving him behind, of one day being pulled back to his own world, filled Y/N with a strange sadness.

"I won't disappear," Y/N promised, though he wasn't entirely sure he could keep that promise.

The sun was beginning to set now, casting long shadows over the marketplace. Han Sung looked back towards the palace and then to Y/N. "I have to head back soon, but this was fun. Thank you for spending the day with me."

Y/N smiled. "The pleasure was all mine."

As they walked back towards the city gates, Han Sung suddenly turned, his bright eyes locking onto Y/N's. "We'll meet again soon, right?"

"Of course," Y/N replied, forcing a lightness into his voice. "You won't get rid of me that easily."

With a final smile and a wave, Han Sung disappeared into the evening crowd, leaving Y/N standing at the edge of the marketplace, the soft hum of the city fading into the twilight.

For now, he had found a place in this world , but how long that would last and boundaries was the questions Y/N couldn't ready to answer.