The Tale of the Princess and EXO Knights [ON HOLD]

Chapter 20

Lee Ji Hyun's POV

As I walked outside I can feel summer breeze on my face. In front of me, the forest behind the dorm is looking back at me in pitch darkness. I looked up and see the stars and the moon shine brightly to defeat the city lights. I wondered if there's still my so-called-home behind those stars. At least what left of it.

There were a few garden lamps that glows against the dark. Under one of it, I can see Kris sitting on the swing while looking down at his feet. I walked slowly toward him and sit beside him. He looked like he still consider his decision. He didn't even bother to look at me even though he knew I was there.

"I'm sorry". That's all I can think about. I let out a big sigh. "I'm sorry Kris", I repeated.

He didn't answered my questions for few seconds and I thought, this is it. This is the end of his kindness to me.

"It wasn't your fault. You were right. The grimoire is your birth right", he answered which makes me stop holding my breath. "It doesn't hurt me that you want that book but, it hurts me to see you don't appreciate your life. We're trying to protect you here. Maybe you have no memories about our past life. About our death. But we do. I do. I remember every little thing about it. I remember the day I saw you sacrifice yourself for us. That was the day that we failed you. I failed you. And I hate it that you didn't even think about us, about me, if something bad happen to you. I don't know what you think about me, Ji Hyun, but I care about you. Maybe more than the others. I don't know why but since the day I remembered my past life, I have sense this duty to protect you. To never fail you again. And I will do anything to do that. Even if you hate me, even if you think I'm selfish, even if...", he explained and finally move his gaze from his feet to my eyes.

"You're not selfish. And I absolutely and definitely don't hate you", I cut him off. "You were right. I'm selfish. I only think about myself. I don't think about you guys. I-- I'm selfish", I let out another sigh before I move down my gaze from his eyes.

"You're not selfish either", he said as he tried to find my eyes. "Hey... You're not selfish okay? You're just a little hard-headed. Just like the old you", Kris continued when his eyes finally met my brown eyes.

I chuckled. "A little huh?"

"Well, maybe little bit more annoying than the old you", Kris teased me.

I punched him lightly on his arms as I chuckled. "I'm not annoying".

"Yes you are," he chuckled. "But no matter what, I will always be there for you. It is my duty after all", he added which makes me happy and sad at the same time. Did all of his action just based on his loyalty as knight? Nothing more?

"Duty. Of course", I looked away again and I can feel my heart sinking as I said that.

I think he catched the sad tone on my voice when he finally dared himself to hold my hand in his hands.