왜...?(Why...?) Hyunjin x SKZ

.10._New Faces, New Challenges_

..New Faces, New Challenges

Disclaimer:
English is not my native language, so please excuse any mistakes.
There may be some swearing, though not much.
The phrases or texts between '_____' are their thoughts.
=> If you're uncomfortable with these elements, please consider not reading.

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The forest seemed to hold its breath as the group emerged from the shadows of the trees. The village at the edge of Whisperwood was bathed in the deep orange hues of the setting sun, the light casting long, distorted shadows over the wooden huts and cobblestone paths. The air was filled with a heavy stillness, broken only by the distant sounds of rustling leaves and the murmurs of the villagers.

Hyunjin could feel an uneasiness settle over him like a second skin as they neared the village square. He had grown accustomed to the quiet, the isolation that the dense forest offered, but this was different—a strange mix of curiosity and tension, as if the very earth beneath them was waiting for something to unfold.

A crowd had gathered, forming a loose circle around three strangers who stood at the center. Their clothes, worn and covered in dust, bore signs of a long journey, and their presence seemed to disturb the usual rhythm of the village. Hyunjin's senses heightened, the hairs on his neck prickling as he took in the scene. The tension was palpable, thick like the air before a thunderstorm.

"Who are they?" Jisung whispered, his voice barely audible as he gripped the hilt of his dagger. His eyes were fixed on the trio, unblinking.

Chan remained silent for a moment; his gaze unwavering as he studied the strangers. "I don't know," he finally replied, his voice low. "But they've caught the village's attention... and ours."

The first of the strangers, a woman with a commanding presence, stepped forward, breaking the stillness. Her movements were deliberate, almost graceful, and her posture exuded a quiet authority that drew the eyes of everyone around her. Her dark hair was tightly braided, and her sharp, observant eyes flicked over the crowd, assessing, calculating. Her expression was neutral, but there was something in the way she held herself—a confidence that bordered on defiance.

Behind her stood a second woman, a soft smile playing on her lips. Her demeanor was lighter, more approachable, but there was a sharpness in her gaze that belied the playfulness of her expression. Her eyes moved quickly, taking in every detail, every movement around her. She seemed to be constantly evaluating, a hint of cunning hidden beneath her smile.

The third figure was a young man, leaning casually on a wooden staff. His clothes were worn, the fabric frayed at the edges, suggesting he had been on the road for some time. But despite his appearance, he seemed remarkably unburdened by fatigue. His expression was a blend of curiosity and amusement, and his eyes moved slowly over the gathered crowd, pausing briefly on Felix, a flicker of recognition passing through his gaze.

Hyunjin felt an instinctive wariness rise within him. He knew he should step forward, assert control, but something about these strangers made him hesitate. He sensed a depth in them, something more than what was visible on the surface. Just as he prepared to speak, Chan's hand reached out, gently resting on his arm, silently urging caution.

The woman in front, the one who seemed to lead them, finally spoke. Her voice was clear, resonating through the square, cutting through the murmurs of the crowd. "We mean no harm to any of you," she began, her tone soothing but carrying an undertone of authority. "We are travelers seeking refuge, like many others who find themselves in these lands."