What Lies Beneath ✅

Peal 30

I eyed a coat in a window then envisioned Geonhak wearing it. I melted at the thought of the scene.

"Hey." a voice said from behind me.

I jumped in fright then frowned.

"I told you not to bother me when I'm spaced out." I pouted as we walked away.

"I couldn't help myself. So, what's on today's agenda?" he asked as he held me close.

"First..." I said while moving his arm. "We go to Pehsawi to help Mr. Lee with rebuilding. Then some sparring..." I said as I rattled off what I had written down.

"You missed something." he said as he took the list.

"What?" I asked.

"Quality time with balance." he said as he pointed to the bottom.

I rolled my eyes, but smiled on the inside. I didn't think he cared much for something like that.

"Oh, has Hwanwoong contacted you yet?" asked Geonhak as we stood in the bubble that was taking us to Pehsawi.

"No. He should sometime this week." I said as I counted back to when he last did.

"I can't believe Youngjo went with him. I'm lonely without him." he said with a pout.

"Well fuck you too." I spat.

"Oh come on, you know I didn't mean that. I'd usually pick you over him." Geonhak said as he hugged me from behind.

"I regret kissing you back then. Let's go back to being friends." I pouted.

"You wound me." he said as he held tighter. "Would a kiss fix it?"

I shook my head. I was more content with being hugged like this, but I didn't want him to know I wasn't mad from the start.

"Then what should I do?" asked Geonhak a bit worried.

"Stay quiet until we get to Pehsawi." I said.

ㅂㅂㅂㅂ

"We're almost done. To think I couldn't see the end in sight." said Seoho as we looked at the newly constructed school. "Phoenix was a massive help. Could you thank him for me, Geonhak?"

Geonhak nodded as Seoho led us around. It looked the same, but it was also different. I was reminded of the time I spent here trying to perfect myself the best I could.

"Well, that's about it. Hopefully people would still want to send there kids here. But I'm lacking in a certain area." said Seoho before looking at us. "The five of you, become teachers here. What do you say?"

I looked at Geonhak who shook his head. I could understand why just by the look on his face.

"He might endanger the students." I said.

"Nonsense. I'm sure word has spread about how you took down a des single handed." Seoho said with a laugh.

I had forgotten about that. And probably with good reason. I looked at Geonhak once more before looking back at Seoho.

"I'll do it." I said with a smile. It would keep me away from home and teach me valuable things.

"Geonhak?" Seoho said.

"Fine, but don't blame me if a succel comes flying through a window." said Geonhak flatly.

"Great! Tell the others about it and get them on board." said Seoho as he waved us off.

I was completely unsure of what kind of future was in store, but I'd at least be facing it with friends who I knew I could depend on.