I could say that study lessons went smoothly but the moment those reading and mini Q&A quizzes given by Naeun ended, I can’t help but ask “What was that all about?”

“What do you mean?! Chorong unnie, I know you’re strong and all that but if you can’t grasp these lessons-” Naeun said in panic thinking that I’m talking about the tutoring but then get a hold of what I truly mean, “It’s about the whole pressure of your preparation isn’t it?”

“Yea. I mean how come everything that has happened felt like it is meant to happen? Is it just me? Because I can feel that eyes are all on me.” 

“Well, I’m not the person to ask. All I know is the same vision that Bomi showed you. The president did tell me about that story when we met with him due to the ghouls and all that.”

“So you’re just as clueless as I was?”

“Not totally. I knew that there’s going to be a war coming before you did, we were asked to prepare since then. But other than that.. the only command given to me was to teach you all this.”

Why? Why is Naeun the one teaching me right now? Why isn’t no one telling me exactly what am I preparing for? A war, yes. That I know but only because the President told me so.

I need to talk to my dad.

Traveling back to our territory, there’s no denying with the fact that I do miss Yoon Bomi already and greatly. Walking on a crowded street with no one clinging on to you with the sole purpose of showing a public display of affection sure felt lonely. And me, habitually reaching out to hold Bomi’s hands only to feel it catch winds without her presence, doesn’t make this alone time easier. In a span of days, weeks, I can’t believe how easy it was for me to get used to having her by my side, and now it that we’re both this busy as successors. How worse can this be when we both sit in our positions? “Why do I have to fall in love with someone born for greatness.” I said to myself as I reach the doors of our humble place. 

“Yo sis! You’re that in love with the chosen one?” That would be Subin. If he’s home, Seungwoo must be here too. Right! Seungwoo! 

“I’m really sorry, Chorong unnie. She asked me to bring her here and I just had to do it.”

“And you think that’s a good idea?!”

“I believe it’s the only way to save you. I can’t say much but-”

My conversation with Seungwoo after that council meeting hits me like that boulder thrown by Namjoo. He knows something and I need to ask him about it. If only I listened to him back then, maybe I wouldn’t be this lost right now.

“Is Seungwoo here?” I asked.

“Whoa. The last time I checked, you disowned him as your brother.” Subin said with this surprised look on his face. “His presence is too strong.” He said using his gift. He’s the best tracker we have, If you’re on a hunt for someone, Subin would be the best accompany. “Seungwoo’s probably at the pond. You know where it is.” Of course the pond. It’s where I first talked to him when father brought him home. And ever since that day, he claimed that place to be his personal sanctuary.

“Thanks.”

I knew holding onto that grudge I have of him will do nothing good to me nor to this family. The moment Bomi made me realize that’s there’s no better option back then but for her to surrender herself to save everyone’s lives, I’ve made my peace. I owe him that. I owe him to find the same forgiveness in one’s self.

I walk over to where the pond is. And just like what Subin said, Seungwoo is there resting his feet dipped underwater. “Seungwoo.” I called.

“Chorong unnie?”

“Thank you for taking over the commission.” I started hoping that he wouldn’t turn his back on me as I did to him, hoping that I’ll get the chance to patch things up.

“It’s the least I can do.” 

“How was it?” I asked and at the same time joined him beside the pond, he probably thinks that I’ve lost my mind or my memory of what he did with the way that I’m acting right now.

“Subin and I managed to clear out the forest near that small village, but from what I’ve heard there’s a whole lot of places where these ghouls are resting.”

“Hmm.” There was a long pause after that, I can feel that he’s being cautious with me. Tried reading him but he’s not thinking, he knew I would listen. “Seungwoo, we need to talk.”

“You’re not mad at me? I’m really sorry for what I did.” he said and suddenly words of the President earlier repeats itself in my head, ‘the only mistake in that story is him forgetting that the people close to him are his people as well.’ And that mistake is something I should avoid at all costs. 

“No. Not anymore. In fact, I should be the one apologizing. I shouldn’t have pushed you. Sorry for that.” I apologized and I can see him relaxed by the way his shoulders drop and rest.

“I just had to do it.”

“About that, I actually need to ask you something.”

“Anything.” He said laying down and I joined him as we watch the clouds move naturally.

“Back then, you said that you can’t say much.. I wanna know about it, Seungwoo. I’m so lost with everything that’s happening and- I feel like eve