Serendipity (Kaistal)

Chapter 27 - Surprise

Chapter 27

Surprise

Soojung went downstairs to find an already dressed up Jongin. Her eyes widen and she crossed her hands in front of her, ready to shield herself in case other people will jump at her.

Jongin saw her scared facial expression and burst out laughing.

"If I knew you will react that way I should have hide under the stairs first."

"It's not funny Jongin. I swear I'll kill you if you do such things." she reached the end of the stairs and looked around just to make sure nobody's hiding there.

"Hold on to that thought, okay? Anyway get dress we'll go out."

"Where are we going?" she said, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Let's eat outside. I saw a good restaurant near the riverside. Don't worry it's just a simple breakfast and I didn't plan this ahead I just thought about it now so technically it's not a surprise."

Soojung's still suspicious but nonetheless agreed. "Alright, I'll just grab money."

"It's my treat but go upstairs and change your clothes first." he said, slightly pushing her back to the stairs.

"Jongin ..."

"Don't argue you will not win. Hurry up or I'll dress you myself."

That made her run up to her room and get dress as fast as she can. Since it's her birthday today she decided to wear one of her best hanbok but instead of completing the look by braiding her hair up she still let it loose like always.

"I told you it's nice here." he said as they eat at the restaurant.

"I'm actually surprised you brought me here." Soojung said.

"Why?" he asked while stuffing his mouth with food.

"I thought you will bring me to some seafood restaurant and force a squid at me."

"Don't worry the day is still long."

She flicked his nose. He complained while Soojung just laughed.

After breakfast Jongin lead her to the town temple. They stand side by side as the two of them pray in silence.

When she was younger and when her dad was still the king, almost the whole kingdom will celebrate her birthday. But during the Jung downfall no one is allowed to even greet her a happy birthday anymore because of that tyrant Yansoo.

But today every single citizen they came across greets her, some kids even gave her freshly picked flowers.

It feels nice. She had almost forgotten how it feels like to be a birthday celebrant where everybody's happy celebrating the day of her birth.

"Thank you Jongin." she said on their way back to the Jung Manor.

"For what?"

"For today."

"I brought you outside and I'm still alive. I should be the one thanking you." he said jokingly.

Soojung punch him lightly in the arm.

"But you know what, I'm happy for today." he said after awhile.

"Why?"

"Even though you refused to have a proper birthday party we still managed to celebrate it in a simple way." he said while looking at his feet. "I like it."

Soojung turn her eyes at her feet as well. She's feeling giddy inside from hearing those words from him. She knows there's really nothing special on what he said but it still makes her heart flutter.