~ a lily among thorns~

"i do understand"

"Are you ready to thank me yet?"

Ah-Ro smirked at Nari as the two sorted medicines into different pots, doing so out in the setting sunlight. A day had passed since Nari's return, and she'd hardly talked to Ji-Dwi since their encounter in the hall. However, the Hwarang had not reacted in a way that scared the girl therefore her stress had settled – resulting in Ah-Ro's prideful claim to being right all along.

"I suppose..." Nari mumbled reluctantly, unable to contain a smile. "Ji-Dwi was really nice about it."

"And cute, may I add?" Ah-Ro remarked, holding her hands to her cheeks. "I nearly squealed when you told me what happened."

Nari giggled quietly, recalling the moment in her mind. Her insides felt warm just thinking about his words:

"I promise I'll protect you, no matter what happens."

She could hardly believe he had uttered the sentence. It was exactly the thing she had needed to hear in the moment.

"Do you think...he likes me?" Nari asked, her cheeks flushing pink.

"Of course, he does," Ah-Ro said, without a moment's hesitation. "You've just about got all the Hwarangs here wrapped around your finger."

Ah-Ro popped the lid off a jar, smelling the natural aroma of the herbs inside.

"But," she continued. "Ji-Dwi especially. He's always had a soft spot for you, even before he knew your true identity."

Nari pursed out her lips in thought.

"You think so?" she asked, grabbing a handful of greens and placing them in a basket.

"I know so," Ah-Ro replied, giving her friend a cheeky wink.

Nari laughed shyly, waving off the playful gesture.

"I'm just glad you're here to help me through everything," she said, truly thankful.

Ah-Ro flashed a toothy grin, touched by Nari's words.

"Come here!" she called, stretching out her arms.

Nari smiled, falling into the loving hug. As she clung to Ah-Ro tightly, she spotted movement in the distance. Almost from nowhere, an angry Seonu appeared. Nari choked on laughter as the sight amused her greatly. Seonu's face was almost bewildered at their embrace. Unfazed by his red-hot jealousy, Nari poked her tongue out at him, teasing him playfully. The man grunted, walking away. He was beginning to give up on tearing the two apart.

"I think Seonu's the only roommate I have who doesn't know I'm a girl," Nari said, pulling away from Ah-Ro.

"You're right," Ah-Ro agreed. "Should we tell him?"

Nari shook her head with an evil smile.

"I like things as they are right now," she stated, looking over to where Seonu had stood seconds prior. "It's more fun this way."

"Fun?" Ah-Ro questioned, focusing back on sorting the medicines. "How so?"

Nari shrugged, thinking it best not to tell Ah-Ro why.

"Anyway, I've just thought of something," Nari piped up, looking around with wonder.

Ah-Ro raised her head, watching Nari curiously. "What are you looking for?"

"More like, 'who am I looking for'," Nari corrected, eyeing the shadows of the sunset. "I heard Jeong-seo say that he'd send Yoon-sung to come look after me."

Ah-Ro raised her eyebrows.

"Oh? That guard?" she asked. "Haven't you seen him yet?"

"No..." Nari murmured. "Perhaps he didn't come after all."