Save Me (Kim Namjoon X Readers)

Chapter 20

As the Empress commanded, you and Namjoon were given horses to ride on. At first, Lady Park had wanted you to stay with her in the palanquin, but you respectfully told her that you wanted to try horse riding for the first time in your life. But you did promise to join her if you ever felt tired. Getting up on the horse was the hardest part, Commander Jeon had to assist you. Not because he wanted to but because he knew Namjoon would never had the guts to do it.

Namjoon was worried, you felt his anxiety as he watched the horse lurch forward, but you held on tightly. And he let out a smile when he saw how your face lit up, the red bow bouncing around in gravity. He had fantasies of riding on a horse with you, with his arms around your waist and his nose filled with the scent of you. You would laugh and maybe scream. But ultimately, you would lean back, and press your back against him. And he would get to hold you for as long as he wants. But since he couldn't and he was determined to stay away from you as much as he could, he looked the other way.

You wish he wouldn't. You wish his eyes would remain on your and for his lips to speak compliments of how well you're doing. For some reason, there was a desire for him to acknowledge you as something other than a high class lady. Someone capable, and not completely useless. It's a shame that he'll only ever see you as some foolish girl.

Commander Jeon slowed down his horse and joined your side. "How are you doing?"

"Are you really asking?"

"Well, since we'll be traveling together for some distance, I thought it would be best that we're pleasant with each other." he said slowly. It seemed as if it wasn't the very first thing he wanted to say.

"That is a very nice offer. And to answer your question, I am fine." you said.

"Maybe it's not my place, but has something happened between you and your friend?"

You sighed. "Is it that obvious?"

"I might just be more attentive than others." the commander shrugged. "And I can feel the back of my neck burning from his stare."

You dared not to look back, but you'll take his words for it. "I did something bad to him, I said the wrong thing out of anger and he'll never forgive me."

"And you are going on this dangerous trip with him because of your guilt?"

"Perhaps, but I really do want to help him. He is my friend."

"Friend, ha?" he chuckled. "Whatever you say then."

"What is that supposed to mean, sir?" you challenged.

"The daughter of the Royal Court Doctor is heading towards Silver Stone without his permission, simply to help a friend. That doesn't seem plausible to me."

"It does not matter what you believe, because it is the truth." you stated. "Well, maybe the truth doesn't matter, since once he gets there and breaks the curse, he'll stay there. And far away from me."

"I do not see that being a possibility." Commander Jeon said after thinking for awhile. He studied your expression, traces of sadness can be found on it. "First of all, Silver Stone is crawling with drugs and addicts. It's an inhabitable place, he'll come back after a week." he reassured.

You let your shoulders soften. "Thank you for trying to make me feel better. And if you need anyone to talk to about your.....life issues, I am always here."

He frowned a bit, in a bewilderment kind of way. "I'm not sure what kind of problem I have to consult a lady of a prestigious house would be, but I will keep that in mind."

"I'm sure you can think of something." you shrugged, "Remember, sometimes love is more than just titles and wealth."

He nodded slowly. The party continued in the warmth of the midday sun. Namjoon steered his horse closely behind you, leaving enough distance to deny any feelings he has for you but close enough so that he could hear you breathing still. A part of you just wanted to disappear, because he wouldn't care anyways. After some more hours, Commander Jeon held up his hand to signal the troops to stop.

"We should rest here for a bit, have some food before venturing on." he told everyone. Soldiers lined up diligently to unload what they needed to. Namjoon easily got off his horse, and instantly went to help you down. But something startled your horse and it bolted forward. You screamed out and grabbed the saddle, holding it for dear life.

"Y/N!" Namjoon yelled. Soldiers stood up, trying to calm the animal down but it was far from sight. Namjoon felt his heartbeat quickened, out of the pain in his chest, and out of fear that something would happen to you. Without hesitation, he hopped onto the horse and chased after you. Commander Jeon noticed how Namjoon's body growing paler and... transparent?

You were trying to regain control of your horse to no prevail, and your vision was already filled with stars from a midday dream. Your body swayed, leaning dangerously close to one side and when the horse fumbled over a rock, you fell. But you didn't hit the dirt ground, instead, you landed on a cushion. When you opened your eyes, you were met with his. They were frightened and worried. "Oh my god, are you okay?" he asked. Looking around, you could no longer see your horse, and his was a little meters behind. He must have ran to catch your fall.

"I'm fine. But are you okay?" you asked as he helped you up. While still holding onto him, you scanned his body for any more injuries. He blushed and looked away. It would be impossible to suppress his feelings for you but he will have to in order to protect you.

"I-I'm okay." he replied, "But let's have you stay with Lady Park from now on. We can't risk our bodies disappearing."

When he said that, you realized that your body did feel obscenely lighter while you were separated, and now you were perfectly fine. "Right, I apologize for causing you any trouble."

Namjoon bit his lips, "I just don't want anything to happen to you." he whispered. It tugged on your heart. You wanted to say more, to grab his hand, but you stopped yourself. He was already walking away, far from you.