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

XII : Pulled Strings

Y/N sat on the edge of his cot, staring out at the flickering light from the oil lamp in the small, wooden room he had called home since arriving in Silla. The air was thick with the scent of burning herbs, and the distant hum of the market had faded into the stillness of the night. Despite the calm surroundings, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts-thoughts of Han Sung, the Hwarang, and his place in this world.

Ever since their conversation at the posting board, the idea of joining the Hwarang had stuck with him like a persistent shadow. He hadn't been able to shake it, even though he had firmly told Han Sung or Suho that he couldn't be part of it. But now, with every passing day, the weight of the Queen's decree seemed to press harder on his shoulders and how story will play out since his presence.

"I don't belong here," Y/N muttered to himself. "This world... it's not mine."

But the sense of attachment he had started to feel towards them-towards Moo Myung, his relatives here and Han Sung recently-made everything more complicated. The idea of disappearing, of leaving them behind when he didn't know how or when he might return to his world, gnawed at him.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Startled from his thoughts, Y/N turned to see Gayoung, his cousin in this world, stepping into the room. Her dark hair was tied back, and she wore a simple but elegant hanbok, her face glowing with warmth and curiosity.

"Y/N, are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft but concerned. "You've seemed... different lately. Quiet, even."

Y/N sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm fine. Just thinking."

"Thinking about the Queen's Decree, right?" Gayoung asked, stepping closer, her eyes gleaming with an excitement that made Y/N immediately suspicious.

Y/N's heart skipped a beat. "What? No, not really. Why would you-?"

"Don't bother lying to me," she interrupted, flashing him a knowing smile. "I overheard you talking to that Han Sung boy last night. Something about how you didn't think you could join the Hwarang because you're not of noble blood. But..." She paused, her smile widening. "I might've told Uncle Jongki about it."

Y/N's stomach dropped. "You what?"

Gayoung crossed her arms, looking proud of herself. "I mean, if you want to join the Hwarang, why not? You're smart, and if anyone can find a way to make it happen, it's Uncle Jongki. He didn't even seem that surprised when I told him."

Y/N felt a wave of panic rising in his chest. Gayoung had completely misunderstood his conversation with Han Sung. He hadn't wanted to join the Hwarang-he'd just been trying to explain to Han Sung why he couldn't. Now, it seemed his adopted uncle, Jongki, had been pulled into the mix.

"Gayoung, I think there's been a misunderstanding," Y/N started, trying to keep his voice calm.

Before he could explain further, Gayoung raised an eyebrow. "A misunderstanding? You're always so modest, Y/N. Don't worry-Uncle's got this under control. Just wait and see."

With that, she turned and left the room, leaving Y/N sitting there, stunned. He couldn't believe what was happening. The last thing he needed was for Jongki to get involved in this-especially if he was going to try to pull strings to get Y/N into the Hwarang.

---

Two days passed in uneasy silence. Y/N spent his time avoiding any conversation about the Hwarang, hoping that maybe Jongki had forgotten about Gayoung's offhand remark. But he should have known better.

Jongki was a resourceful man, well-connected, and known for his ability to make things happen. Though not of noble birth himself, he had risen in Silla's merchant class and had managed to carve out a help his nephew and niece. Y/N admired him greatly, but in this situation, admiration was quickly turning to dread.

One evening, after dinner, Jongki finally called Y/N to his study. The room was small but packed with shelves of scrolls and documents. A low table sat in the middle, covered with papers and maps of trade routes, some of which Y/N recognized from helping his uncle with his business dealings.

Jongki was standing behind the table when Y/N entered, his broad shoulders casting a long shadow in the dim light. He turned as Y/N stepped in, a broad smile on his face.

"Y/N, come in, come in!" Jongki's voice was filled with unusual enthusiasm. "I've been meaning to speak with you about something important."

Y/N's heart began to race. He had a sinking feeling he knew exactly what this was about.

"I, uh, sure, Uncle. What's going on?" Y/N asked, trying to sound casual.

Jongki motioned for him to sit. "It's about you participating Hwarang."

Y/N froze, his worst fears coming to life. He opened his mouth to protest, but Jongki cut him off before he could speak.

"Gayoung told me you've been interested in joining, but that you were worried about not being of noble blood. Well, I've been thinking about it, and I think I've found a way to make it happen."

Y/N's throat tightened. "Uncle, I... I think there's been a misunderstanding. I never really intended to-"

"Nonsense!" Jongki waved a hand dismissively, his grin never fading. "You have the heart of a warrior, Y/N. I've seen it. And more importantly, I've managed to pull a few strings." He leaned forward, eyes gleaming with pride. "It wasn't easy, but I've convinced a noble family to sponsor you. They owed me a favor, and I explained that you're a perfect fit for the Hwarang. You'll be representing their house."

Y/N's world tilted. He stared at his uncle, dumbfounded. "You... you what?"

Jongki nodded, clearly pleased with himself. "You're going to be officially listed as their ward, which qualifies you to join the Hwarang. The paperwork is already being finalized."

Y/N felt a wave of cold sweat break out across his skin. His calm exterior began to crack as the enormity of what his uncle was saying hit him. This wasn't just a kind gesture-it was a direct shove into the heart of the Hwarang world, the very plot point where all the major characters and events of the story revolved.

"I... I can't..." Y/N stammered, his voice faltering. "Uncle, I'm not ready for this. This is bigger than I ever imagined."

Jongki chuckled. "Nonsense, Y/N. You're more than ready. Besides, this is a huge opportunity for you-one that most men would kill for. You'll meet the most influential people in Silla, and if you prove yourself, the doors to power and prestige will open wide."

Y/N tried to keep breathing, but his thoughts were spinning out of control. He wasn't just joining the Hwarang; he was stepping directly into the main plot of the Hwarang drama-where all the key characters would soon gather. Characters like Seon-u, Ji-dwi, and the others. Everything he knew from the drama, all the tension, conflict, and life-or-death situations, were about to unfold.

And now, he was part of it.

"I don't... I don't think I can do this," Y/N whispered, his voice barely audible.

Jongki's face softened, mistaking Y/N's anxiety for nerves. "I know this seems overwhelming, but trust me. You've always been strong, Y/N. You'll find your way. Besides, you'll have some familiarity and others by your side."

But Y/N wasn't worried about finding his way in the Hwarang; he was worried about the consequences of getting involved in a story he wasn't supposed to be a part of.

Still, as Jongki patted him on the shoulder, Y/N realized that it was too late to back out now. The wheels had been set in motion, and he was about to be thrust into the heart of the drama-whether he was ready or not.

"Uncle," Y/N said weakly, a mixture of dread and resignation filling his chest.

"This could change everything."