Normally, the neighbor’s rooster would be responsible for waking Youngjae. But in 1930, Youngjae’s alarm was a loud Jangjun. The younger pulled the sheet off of him and shouted, “Get up! You gotta go to town with me!”

Youngjae groaned as he fought Jangjun, blindly, for his blanket, “One more hour,”

“Wake up! It’s almost noon!” Jangjun shouted as he rolled the sheet up into a sloppy, big ball and chuck it across the room. “C’mon! Shinhye already let you skip breakfast! You can’t get yourself out of this one,”

The older tried to open his heavy eyelids. When he realized he was still stuck in 1930, he heaved a depressed groan and hid his face in his pillow. Seeing how he wouldn’t budge, Jangjun hopped onto the bed and pressed his hands against Youngjae’s back. “Get-up-right-now-Young-jae,” he said with every force.

“I don’t want to,” Youngjae mumbled in protest. This had Jangjun squinting his eyes.

“Fine, if you won’t get up, Imma go get my sister,”

Youngjae waved him off, “Do whatever you want,”

“Alright, you said it,” then with ease, Jangjun got off the bed and with heavy footsteps, he left the room. As the sound of the younger descended, Youngjae pulled himself up. He rubbed his temple before opening his eyes. To his surprise, Himcha was standing by his bedside and handing him a wet towel. Himcha made no sound so Youngjae knew he was still mad from last night. Rather than reaching for the rag, Youngjae nudged the offer away.

“I’m good. That looks unsanitary,”

Himcha showed no emotions as he held it out to Youngjae once more, “Wash up. Also, I’ve come to relay a message from Lady Shinhye,”

The seated glanced up with one eye shut, “Message? What message?”

“As everyone has done before, unfailingly, anyone present will share a three-course meal. All except you. Lady Shinhye made it clear that you’re welcome to join whenever, however, you cannot feast alone and accordingly to your own agenda,”

It was too early for this, he thought. As he processed Himcha’s statement, he thought he understood but in the end seek out a clarification, “So, unless I eat when everyone else eats. I’m not allowed to eat?”

“Correct. When Yonggon isn’t cooking, the kitchen will be restricted to any entry. Thus, for future reference breakfast is at nine, lunch at one, and dinner at six. Lady Shinhye also advised you develop a habit of eating with the rest or starve,”

Youngjae scoffed. Ever since last night he thought moving forward they would get along but instead, they were back to square one. With a heavy sigh, he brushed back his silky hair, “Where is she right now?”

“Out. Also, her whereabouts is none of your concern. She has ordered you make a quick run into town with young master Jangjun,” Himcha said as he set the towel down and over Youngjae’s shoulder. “When you return, come find me. I will have your next task prepared,”

A disbelief grin was drawn across Youngjae’s face as he stated, “Sure if I return before ten tonight,”  

Youngjae ruffled his own hair out of frustration as he catches up to Jangjun, who was wearing a quizzingly expression. Gazing upon Jangjun’s judging orbs, Youngjae pocketed his hands and halted, “What?”

Instantly, the youth enlightened him, “Can I ask you something?”

“What?” This time Youngjae’s tone was slighter defensive as he waited for the other to speak. However, he was less than interested in what Jangjun had to say. So uncontrollably, his mind drifted off as he suddenly craved meat. More often than not, Yongguk would treat the team out to pork ribs if they did well on their missions. But the thoughts of a traitor leader treating him and his companions sickened him to his stomach. And in a heartbeat, Youngjae was no longer hungry.

“So?” Jangjun inquired.

“Huh?” Youngjae voiced with a clueless face. With lips pressed together, Jangjun frowned before exhaling heavily.

“Forget it and follow me. And pick up the pace, we’re already late to the bakery,” Jangjun swirled around, turning his back to Youngjae.

But before Youngjae could get his legs to work, his voice came out first, “Bakery?”

Jangjun hummed, “It’s Tuesday so Tuesday is pick-up wheat day,”

Youngjae scratched the top of his head as he questioned, “Are we going to Mr. Gu’s bakery?”

His heart drop