Through Time

XI

Author's Note

Hi, if you're confused with some parts of the story or if something is wrong, please tell me. I will try to clarify the plots in the following chapters and fix mistakes. Thank you

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"Ji Ahn!"

I suddenly turned my head around to see who was calling my name. There was a silhouette outside the gate. I can't see it though, since the sun hasn't even risen up the sky.  But the voice seemed really familiar, as if I heard it before.

I went out of our house's gate. To my surprise, Tae-suk was there, waiting for me.

"Were you-"

"Yes."

"So, why are you here? It's too early to get out of the Hwarang House. And why are you alone?" I feel he was trying to escort me to the park where the medical check-ups will be held.

"Well, the headmaster allowed me to. You're a volunteer anyway, so I guess that's why he allowed." He replied, as he scratched the back of his head. He was smiling though. As if he has me as a date.

"Where are your friends? Why are you alone?" I pouted, as I expected them to be here. They were fun to be with.

"They were asleep when I asked permission to go out." His smile faded. Not sure why, but I guess it's because I was finding for his friends instead of him?

"Ah. Then let's go together to the park." His smile immediately went back to his face.

I felt something warm in my hands. When I looked, he was already holding my hand.

My cheeks were starting to blush. I don't know what to say, my head was already becoming blank.

"Uhh, tae-"

"I know. But they do this when you're friends, right?" He replied, with a smile on his face that never fails to kill me.

"Right..."

We weren't talking to each other, but our hands were still intertwined with one another. It was kind of awkward. I guess he really is treating me like a good friend.

Luckily, we happened to pass by a tea shop. To break the silence...

"Hey Tae. Would you like a cup of tea?" I asked.

"Sure! I haven't eaten yet. I'll go pay for the drinks."

As we entered, there were no people yet. It was still early in the morning, that's why. I went to search for seats, while Tae went to order.

"Hello! Welcome to Royal Tea! What would you like?" The bartender asked Tae, as he was about to order. 

I found a seat and it was near the bartender. That's why I can hear what they're saying.

"I'd like 2 of your bestsellers." Tae ordered.

"Sure. By the way, you look good together." The bartender chuckled.

Tae responded with a laugh. "Nope, we still aren't a couple...yet."

When I heard that, I felt my heart was beating so fast.

"What in the world did that even mean, Tae-suk?" I asked him and gave him a stare, but deep inside, I love how he said that to the bartender.

"Haha. But it was a joke." He said as he gave me the tea he ordered for us.

"But, by the way, did you know that we're going to guard the event?" He added as he was sitting down the chair on the opposite of mine.

"Oh, really? But why? I don't think there's someone to protect in the event." I raised an eyebrow.

"You.." He mumbled to himself, but I was able to hear it.

"What?" I suddenly asked. Again, my heart raced.

"None. We're going to protect the queen. She's going to be there too." He replied.

We continued to talk on what would happen in the event. The event would start in the afternoon anyway,  so there was still time.