ゆっくり私残す

2.

Yeon blinked, before her eyes returned back to the stove. Really? What did she expect? For him to agree?

Somewhere, in the back of her mind, she realized that she should add in the chopped vegetable.

An uncomfortable silence dawned on the two, and Yeon spooned the content of the pot into a bowl, before repeating the process with another.

Carrying it over to Jaeha, Yeon offered a smile. "It's not the best, but it's better than the weed you eat on the road."

The male accepted it, and Yeon settled down with her own bowl. Both stared blankly at their food, and Yeon, laughed forcefully. "Hey, just eat. It's fine if you don't wanna settle down. Some people just like to go with the wind. Except this is the Earth Tribe, and.."

At this point, she was just rambling to fill in the silence. Finally, she huffed, and grabbed the spoon she offered to Jaeha earlier. Swiftly scooping up some, she forcefully stuffed it into Jaeha's mouth.

"Don't be so awkward." Yeon was a tad apologetic for hitting Jaeha's teeth as she did so, but she dropped her hold, on the utensil and started eating her own. "It fine if you don't want to. It was just a suggestion, a dumb one at that."

She pointed a spoon at him, aware of her poor manners. "So don't get all lumpsy over it."

His lips pulled into a smile. "Lumpsy? Is that a word?"

"No! But that doesn't mean it don't come without a meaning!" Yeon didn't know what it meant herself, but she wasn't about to share that piece of information with him.

"Right." Jaeha paused, and Yeon returned to her meal, as she assumed that the male in front of her was finished talking.

"Have you ever heard of the legend of the four dragons and King Hiryuu?"

Yeon was at first surprised that he began a conversation, but shook her head. "No. But I know stuff about King Hiryuu." She furrowed her brow. "Wasn't he like, a dragon himself? He tried to live among humans, but they ended up betraying him due to his originality as a dragon?"

"Yeah." Jaeha sat back, and Yeon took his bowl, and filled the rest of the contents of the pot into the bowl. "Then other four dragons came to assist him. However, King Hiryuu rejected their help."

"That's stupid." Yeon used the remaining water that Jaeha had fetched to watch her bowl. "Why would he do that?"

"Because he loved the humans." His answer had her momentarily surprised, and she glanced over. Jaeha continued to tell the story. "So to satisfy the humans, the four dragons that loved Hiryuu, gave a drop of their blood to four human beings to protect Hiryuu.

As generations passed, the blood does so also. Those with the blood are generally waiting for their King to come along again."

Yeon glanced over, the bowls clean. "That's pretty romantic."

"What?"

The girl sat back down in front of Jaeha. "The Dragons must love King Hiryuu a lot. I mean, if they're willing to serve him even though this much time have passed. It's like one of those long, lost lover thing!"

"Maybe the dragons want to serve King Hiryuu again." Yeon was unaware of the sudden lack of lightness in Jaeha's voice. "What about the people that have the dragon blood running through their veins? What if they don't want to?"

Yeon turned to look at him, her eyes curious. "Then I guess they don't have too. I mean, they're two different wills residing in one body." She paused. "Though wouldn't be best to coexist? I mean, it'll be rude to acknowledge the other."

Then she laughed, leaning back on her chair. "But it's just a legend, so whatever."

The green-haired male was quiet, his eyes turned to stare at the burning stove. Yeon blinked at him, wondering if she had said something wrong.

However, his lips curled into a small smile despite his thoughtful expression.

Yeon watched him carefully, before she tilted her head. "So.. What are you planning to do now?"

Her words seemed to have brought him out whatever thought he was in. Yean originally felt a tad guilty because Jaeha looked pretty serious. However, his next answer brought her out of the initial guilt.

"I'll probably stay here for a little while. Until, as you said, find what I want to do." Jaeha turned to her, his original smile replaced with a smirk. "I may just take you up on your offer."

Flabbergasted, Yeon struggled with her words before she pointed her finger at him accusingly. "B-but you just said-" Yeon paused, before she scowled heavily in his direction. "How'd you know I haven't changed my mind?"

"Because during my little time with you, I've found out that you're a kinder person then you let on." Jaeha leaned forward, and Yeon found herself captivated by the playful smirk and the serious glint in his eyes.

Yeon flushed bright red at his words, and immediately used the advantage of her long hair to cover her face. "Y-you.."

She sighed and glanced up at him. "Flattery won't get you anywhere." Yeon glanced away, focusing her gaze elsewhere; anywhere but him. "But fine. You can stay if.. You answer a question of mine."

"Ask." Jaeha looked satisfied so far, and pushed his dirtied sleeves up his arm.

"What changed your mind?" Yeon stared at him, biting her lips as she asked. "I mean, if you're just playing with me in the end, you can't stay."

Jaeha stared at her, before shrugging. "It's more simple than you think. I simply realized that.. You may not be like everyone out there."

"Everyone out there...?" Yeon repeated, her brow furrowing.

Jaeha, however, didn't seem as if he'll be providing an explanation to her confusion any time soon.

Nonetheless, Yeon felt satisfied and allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "Living with me will be rough, especially since my source of income are from providing medical herbs for the people on Awa."

"I'll.. Help out, I guess."

Yeon didn't know why did his gaze turned to his floor, and more specially, his right leg.

Perhaps he was physically handicapped?

Yeon decided not to be too curious about her new roommate.

"Anyhow, let's visit the market again. Now that you're here, we need some more supplies." Yeon raised from where she sat, and went to retrieve her money-sack, otherwise dubbed as her wallet.

Jaeha followed silently, and as he followed her out, scanned the area.

"Why do you live so far from everyone else?" He questioned.

"Hm?" Yeon glanced over her shoulder, before she shortly fell into step with him. "It's easier to get my goods this way."

Jaeha made no noise to indicate that he understood, but Yeon doubted that he didn't.

They walked slowly, hindered by Yeon's slow gait. Yeon was grateful that Jaeha didn't seem to mind the silence that plagued their walk.

While Yeon was one who adapt swiftly to get surroundings, she wasn't one to adapt fast to a new person.

When they reached the market place, Yeon made a beeline towards the usual shop.

However, Yeon quickly stepped to the sides, and Jaeha who was unaware of her pause, stopped when he felt her fingers gripping tightly on the back of his cloth.

Yeon saw that Jaeha was about to ask her sudden action, but a loud crash caught his attention.

Just a couple yards in front of them, a broken jar laid on the dirt floor. Above it, a gaping hole in the papered-window showed that it had sailed out of the shop.

Loud screams and cries were heard, and almost everyone emptied out the streets as soon as the door to the shop was kicked open.

Two soldiers exited the shop, one leading, and the other spitting on the ground in front of the shop.

Yeon felt Jaeha build grow tense, and she strengthened her hold on his cloth to keep him in place. Jaeha glanced back at her, confusion coloring his visage.

Yeon shook her head, mouthing, 'I'll explain it to you later,' to the male.

While Jaeha seemed to accept his answer, his gaze turned back to the two soldiers, bristling.

While Yeon wished that the two offending soldiers would simply leave, one soldier with shaven-hair approached Jaeha, who still stood in the open.

"What are you looking at?" He sneered in their direction.

Sensing danger, Yeon pushed Jaeha aside, positioning herself in front of him. "Please continue your way, sir."

However, her attempt to sound threatening seemed to fail miserably, and the one that spoke to them merely approached closer.

Yeon flinched back as he harshly gripped her chin, jerking her head forcibly so she now faced him. She winced when he opened his mouth to speak, displaying yellowed teeth and breathed a disgusting odor into her face.

"I haven't seen you around before, little miss." His sneer turned to a leer. "Maybe we should take this chance to become acquainted."

Before Yeon could formulate an answer that would get her out of the situation without being seriously injured, she was tugged back gently. Yeon blinked to see Jaeha gripping the soldier's wrist. The soldier's face contorted into one filled with pain.

"Free her," Jaeha's tone was low, threatening.

Being so close, Yeon shivered as his breath ran down her back and despite not being at the receiving end of the threat, she was slight afraid, but not for herself, but the soldier.

The soldier that began the conversation flinched back, shaking Jaeha's hand off. "What? Is she your girlfriend, or something?"

Jaeha was silent, but provided an answer. "I simply can't stand such shameful behavior directed at a woman."

Yeon's eyes widened when she saw the wrath in the soldier's eyes, and was about to intervene before the situation could worsen. Last thing she wanted was attention..

However, it turned out she didn't have to as the other soldier turned to his friend. "Come on. We don't have time to be messing with him. We have to be on the ship before dusk, remember? Or do you want the pirates to interfere again?"

When his words didn't seem to strike a cord in his fellow soldier, the second one's voice lowered. "Or would you rather face him?"

It didn't take long for Yeon to figure out who was this 'him' the soldier was speaking about. Either way, the first soldier seemed to have grown pale at his words, and cast Jaeha one last glance, before departing with his partner.

Yeon sighed of relief, but knew she had to act soon. "Jaeha, shopping for your things would have to come a bit later."

Before she could move, however, Jaeha seized her shoulders. "What was that about? Why didn't you allow me to help them?!"

Yeon glanced up at him, a thoughtful expression crossed her face.

Jaeha, undeterred by her silence, continued to talk. "Those scum would've deserved anything that was coming their way! Did you not see what they were doing?"

And as if to prove his point, he jutted his finger towards the open door. Weeping could be heard, and a woman shortly ran out, screaming for a doctor.

"Jaeha," Yeon tugged his sleeve for his attention. "I want to show you something." When he hesitated, she added: "it'll explain everything that happens in this town."

Jaeha didn't answer, but followed her as she quickly walked down the alley. She turned and twisted around corners here and there. It wasn't long before her feet were slapping untamed earth, and for their surroundings to morph into one of much more greenery.

Soon, the dirt softened into sand, and instead of heading towards the open, she ducked towards the side where it's hidden by the curves of the cliff.

Yeon tugged Jaeha along, and after glancing around, climbed over the rocks.

This step was one that took an annoyingly lot of time, as with Yeon's childish features, she lacked a lot of physical strength to be able to complete the task quickly.

As her breath grew ragged, Jaeha crouched beside her. "Over the these rocks, right?"

"Yeah," Yeon breathe four, before standing straighter to her full height. "There's a rowboat there, and we're supposed to take it out."

"To where?"

Yeon flashed a mischievous smile, but it didn't seem as if the green-haired male appreciated her humor. "You'll see."

Her mien became serious, and as she was about to overcome the next rows of jagged rocks, she felt her feet leaving the floor.

She yelped as she was thrown over Jaeha's shoulder. Before she could properly scold him, the male leaped into the air, soaring past the large cluster of multi-sized rocks.

He landed, and Yeon winced as his shoulder dug into her stomach. Blowing the sand out of her eyes, she stared at Jaeha in wonder. "How did you do that?"

The male glanced at her, looking more unsure as ever before he shrugged. "I'm one of the ones with the dragon blood; the green dragon."

Yeon rolled her eyes. "No, seriously."

But her mind went further, and intentions of questioning him flew from his mind. "That was so cool though! You went phew, and then doom!, as you landed!"

Her eyes were practically sparkling, and she leaned into Jaeha's face closely, "how did you do that? Huh? I mean, that was beyond cool! I mean, beyond a regular human's strength! You're actually extremely cool! Oh my King Hiryuu, how did you jump so high?"

Jaeha seemed puzzled, but a smirk replaced it quickly. "You'll see."

At first, Yeon was confused with his response. It took her a moment to realize that he was mocking her earlier reply when he questioned what was beyond the rowboat. Puffing out her cheeks in irritation, Yeon shook her head. "Whatever, that was cool." She paused. "Wait, we shouldn't get too side tracked."

She sighed, disappointed, before glancing back at Jaeha. It took her a moment to realize that she was still practically on him, and quickly backed away, apologizing profusely.

Clearing her throat, Yeon lead Jaeha further down the coast. Sitting in the water, tied to a wooden post tacked deeply into the sand, was a small wooden rowboat.

Yeon scurried on, and watched as Jaeha went on reluctantly, obviously his first time on such a vehicle.

When he's finally on, Yeon started rowing out, grunting with every effort.

"You do know," Yeon breathed out, "that this is a perfect moment to take over and move my heart."

Jaeha smiled at her, amused. He took control of the oars, turning it in a similar fashion Yeon did. "For the records, I'm not doing this to move your heart."

"You hurt me, Jaeha." Yeon turned around, and pointed out. "Go out there, and turn into the cape."

Jaeha didn't exactly know how to follow her direction, but Yeon was satisfied with his unsure movements,

"Oh, by the way," Yeon turned to him after a couple of minutes glancing out into sea. "Thanks for earlier. With the rocks." She leaned back, brushing brown hair behind her ear. "I didn't even have to ask you, too."

Jaeha glanced at her in surprise, before glancing away.

Yeon frowned lightly at the strange reaction, and poked his arm. "What?"

He shook his head, and continued rowing. Yeon rolled her eyes. "No, seriously, no offense, but practically most of your reactions aren't, like, normal."

Thankfully, he didn't seemed offended. After another moment of silence, he talked after a long while. "I.. Was never thanked before."

Yeon turned to him, her eyes widening in surprise. "What kind of life did you have?" She blurted out by accident, and as soon as the words were out, she regretted them.

Jaeha was silent before, but now his silence had simply turned sullen.

Yeon bit her lips, guilt biting its way into her system. "S-sorry.." She muttered, and after a moment of contemplating, turned to the water. "I'll jump off and commit suicide if you want!"

"What?" Jaeha eyebrows shot up, and Yeon gripped the edge, as if she was about to jump off any moment.

"Wait, no. How did you think I would want that?" Jaeha released the oars, and pried Yeon's finger off. "I was just shocked that you can be so insensitive. But that's not necessarily a bad thing."

Yeon casted him an unsure glance but sighed. "I..do say bad things here and there. So please..don't get too mad when I do.."

"Sure." Jaeha absentmindedly brushed a stray brown hair behind Yeon's ear. "We are not perfect. That's something I understand."

Huh..?

Yeon's eyes stayed on him, but Jaeha merely continued rowing.

"Are we heading towards that big ship?" Jaeha's voice broke through her daydream, and Yeon turned around.

In all its glory, stood a pirate ship. A man sitting on the nest seemed to have spotted them, and loud cries could be heard from the ship.

Before long, they reached it, and were helped on. While Yeon greeted the pirates on board with familiarity, Jaeha stuck back.

Remembering her friend, Yeon grinned reassuringly at Jaeha, and tilted her head, gesturing the large band of people. "Welcome on board."