August Ballet (12 Months Series - Part 1)

Chapter 13

Hak Yeon wonders through gardens and gets to the pavilion. Leo is sitting there with his laptop and headphones on. Hak Yeon comes to him and Leo puts headphones off. He looks at Hak Yeon but doesn't speak.
"I just had a row with Victoria." Says Hak Yeon and starts to walk around the pavilion. "She is going to meet that jerk Lane tomorrow. I'm sure he wants to convince her to marry him. He had proposed her just few days ago! How comes she can't see it? I did a little bit of research. That guy is a gambler and playboy. He needs funds so badly. And he's virtually useless so he's looking for a rich bride. How can Victoria put herself in such a risk? And why am I suddenly the bad guy when I try to warn her for her own good? Since when are a genuine concern and care tagged a 'possessive' behaviour? Do I seem possessive to you? And even if I was a little bit too clingy, what's so wrong about it? I like Victoria, I do everything to please her, I'm patient and I don't pressure her into anything. All I ask of her is to avoid a clearly reckless guy who intends and needs to marry her to save his lousy ass! And what is she doing? She is accusing me of being a savage! She clearly thinks I'm about to lock her up and prevent her from any contact with the outside world or something. Can't she see how I adore her independence and strength? I would never want her to change so rapidly.
On the other hand... I guess I chose a wrong tone to speak with her... It might have sounded like I'm scolding her for her hobbies. I admit I'm scared of horses... They are so big. On the other hand it seems to be really important for her, she enjoys riding a lot. I could try to learn... Maybe step by step with some calm and old horse... Also I saw the riding outfit Lane was wearing and I dare to claim that I would look like thousand times better in it. Wouldn't I look like a true king on a horse, what do you think, Leo? And it would give me a great excuse to widen up the range of my wardrobe. I guess I could give it a try and show Victoria I want to learn about her interests and to support her. I've managed to get really good in everything I've tried so far, horse riding should be no exception, am I right, Leo? Yes, I can do it. I can overcome my fear and learn to ride a horse. Thanks a lot Leo, you've been a great help as always." Says Hak Yeon, gives a quick hug to his friend and hurries to talk to Grace. She might be the right person to show him the basics of horse riding. Leo watches him for few seconds, then puts his headphones back on and gets back to his composing on the laptop, without saying a single word.

Hak Yeon spent the whole day with Grace. She was very kind and willing to share all her knowledge about horses and riding with him. Even though she was never as excellent rider as Victoria, she knew a lot and was a patient and caring teacher. Hak Yeon learned about the basics of care, about the tools and accessories and eventually he even got acquainted to a horse - calm and hazelnut brown mare called Betty. Hak Yeon was struggling with his fear and Ravi and Hyuk didn't miss the chance to watch him and mock him. It was a tough battle but Hak Yeon was determined to master this skill and nothing could discourage him. He slowly, step by step, overcame his fear and learned to touch Betty without screaming and running away.
"I'm convinced you will make a great rider," says Grace and gives Betty a half of the apple to calm her down after Hak Yeon's sudden escape with a terrified moan. "Riding and dancing have a lot in common. You need strong legs and the right posture for both."
"My legs are quite weak right now." Admits Hak Yeon and slowly sneaks to Betty again. The horse is chewing the apple, not paying attention to him.
"I could be a great rider, too." Smiles Ravi.
"Yes, I think so." Agrees Grace.
"You can learn later, though." Says Hak Yeon. "It's my turn now... waaaahhh...!" Hak Yeon freezes as Betty sniffs his hair. "Oh no, no, no, no..."
"Stay calm, Hak Yeon," advices him Grace. "She won't bite you."
"I use an apple scent shampoo so I'm not that sure." Whispers Hak Yeon all terrified.
Ravi and Hyuk burst into laughter. "And what about your sugar lip peeling?" Chuckles Hyuk.
"Oh my God! That's true! She might bite mi lips off!"
Grace rolls her eyes. "Calm down. She's not stupid. She is just getting to know you."
Betty continues sniffing and goes down his chest to the crotch. Hak Yeon jumps away. "This is a little bit too much for a first date!"
"It's apparent that the horse is a female. She goes after the most interesting parts." Smirks Hyuk.
"Are you sure? In Hak Yeon's case?" Adds Ravi sarcastically.
Hyuk chuckles and agrees.
Hak Yeon steps to them and chops their necks with the edge of his hand. "You impudent youngsters!" He scolds them and then goes back to Betty.

At the end of the day Hak Yeon is capable of getting into the saddle. He's scared out of his wits up there but at least he is able to climb there. He considers it to be a success and goes for a long and thorough shower to wash the stable smell off himself before dinner. When he comes to the dining room, Victoria is sitting there with her sister at one side and Leo at the other. She doesn't even look at him and sits there quiet and indifferent like a statue. Hak Yeon sighs and sits by the table. He eats the dinner with no interest in food. So she is still cross at him. Hak Yeon doesn't try to reason her now in front of everyone. He plans to visit her at night and talk to her and ideally persuade her not to go for a horse ride with Lane.
When the diner is over they all go to the library. Hak Yeon asks Leo to play chess with him, Ravi, Hyuk and Hongbin goes through photographs Ravi took over the time on his laptop and Ken is trying to fool Grace's dog by putting a treat under one plastic cup out of three and mixing them. Grace herself is cross stitching as always and Victoria sits next to her and reads a book.
After a while, Ravi, Hyuk and Hongbin start to mock the photos of Hak Yeon for his tanned skin. They have a great fun and Hak Yeon tries to focus on chess for Leo is surprisingly challenging rival.
"I don't get it," sounds Victoria's voice out of the blue. "Why do you keep mocking Hak Yeon's skin tone? It reminds me of sweet fudge caramel and I keep feeling the urge to lick his whole body all day long."
All the guys get silent with gaping faces. Victoria checks her watch. "Ooh! It's late! I have to go sleep. I need a proper rest before the morning ride. Good night everybody." She gets up and takes the book with her.
"Just out of pure curiosity," starts Ken after she is gone. "Did she ever try to do it?"
Hak Yeon squints his eyes and gives Ken a fierce look.
"How did she know what you are mocking Hak Yeon for?" Asks Leo with his typically soft and quiet voice.
"Huh?" Turns Hak Yeon to him.
"They were talking Korean." Points Leo out and makes a move with a chess figure. "Check mate."
Hak Yeon gets up so quickly he overthrows the chair and runs out of the library. Leo looks at him. "If I knew he will take the game so seriously I would let him win." Says Leo.
"I don't think he left because you beat him in chess, mate." Says Ken and pats Leo's back.
"I thought you don't speak Korean." Says Hongbin to Grace.
"I most certainly don't speak Korean. However Victoria have been learning it the whole year long. I thought you knew." Says Grace all focused on her cross stitching.