It was one ordinary day during autumn. I was under the oak tree that has been my sanctuary ever since that fateful day when I met Joong KI. The oak tree was where we agreed to meet every afternoon after doing our chores. He tilled in his father’s farm, while I assisted my parents in our small textile shop.
Growing up in a merchant family enabled me to acquire different items from neighboring villages, which I gladly share with Joong Ki. He was my best friend, and my first love.
I wrapped my arms around my folded knees as I gazed into the horizon, it has been a long day and I just want to end it with him. I was lost in my thought when I heard soft footsteps nearing me.
“Chae Won-sshi, is there something wrong?” he asked worriedly as he took a seat beside me.
“You are late” I frowned at him
“My apologies, I had to ask other merchants to buy our harvest since our usual buyer did not want to pay for it.” He calmly explained. I suddenly felt guilty for thinking that he forgot our deal. I studied every feature of his beautiful face, obviously exhausted from the day’s work.
“No, I should be the one to apologize. Of course you had to help your family, and I just thought that you forgot our deal.” Joong Ki’s lips curved into a smile, one that made my heart flutter.
“How could I forget that we have to meet at this time every day? We have been doing this for ten years now.” His eyes now glued into mine.
“I know. I just could not imagine myself being far from you” I felt my face heating after saying those. I was never good with words, but here I was opening myself to him.
“I feel the same way Chae Won-sshi” and then he enveloped me in a warm embrace.
“Never leave me oppa” I whispered through his ear.
“Never, Chae Won-sshi. I promise” and I felt him kiss my hair.
His assurance was the only thing I could hold on to.
---
But now all I could do was reminisce the times that we were together. I stared back at a wooden wall with no idea of what might happen next. After the abduction, I was brought to an old cabin with a number of women and children from my village.
I feel my stomach lurch out of hunger. Despite this, my thoughts were on my family and Joong Ki oppa’s whereabouts. Where are they now? Did they survive the attack?
“Unnie, I am hungry” Young Hee, a young girl from our village, told me with her pleading eyes. My heart sank seeing her at this state; she used to be a joyful kid who frequented our shop. I caressed her hair and held her near me.
“Patience my dear, everything will be fine soon. Why don’t you just go to sleep?” she nodded, and I placed her head on my lap then hummed a song for her to sleep.
Moments later I heard a commotion from outside, followed by a loud thud on the door. The armoured men, who I supposed were soldiers, entered the cabin and called everyone’s attention. They arranged us in such a way that the adults and children were separated. We were then forced to kneel as they enlaced our wrists with a rope. Afterwards, a man wearing a Po and Heukrip, who seem to come from a noble family, entered the cabin. He swayed his fan as he looked at each woman with his wary eyes.
I saw his feet stop before me, he leaned and titled my chin. He studied my face and smirked.
“This one will pass. She will just need a little grooming. Alright, I will take her” I heard him say.
