Chapter Four

She began to recollect her thoughts. Her mission was to prevent a war between two Sectors on a planet she never heard of before. How she should go about doing this wasn’t exactly included in the roundabout explanation given in the leather book. So, the only thing that she could do at that moment was to think linearly. What is the first step she should take? Chanyeol thinks the first step is for her to be right where the action is and be where the two Sectors are located. Or in other words, she needs to get to the City. She wants to believe otherwise. But in the end, she knew he was right.

“So, how do we get there?” The expression that appeared on his face worried her. “What? What is it? Are you okay?” She questioned. He shook his head.

“No, it’s not that. I just…I can’t take you to the City. Don’t get me wrong, I honestly want to. But I don’t think it’s the safest idea.”  She wanted an explanation, no doubt. But she didn’t want to push him either. Luckily for her, he could see all of his own that she wanted one.

“It’s not what you might think. You see, the government keeps taps on anyone, including family members and close friends of those, who were or are involved with any sort of group, rally and/or protest against them.  My grandfather was one of those people who actively showed his support for peace between the two Sectors. So, both sides are keeping an eye on me as a precaution. Just to make sure I stay in line and don’t become a radical version of my grandfather.” He smirked sourly, “It’s not like they’re obvious or anything. They don’t interfere much. But it’s still nerve wrecking, knowing that you’re always being observed.”

She heard of similar things back at home, but never to the extent of what Chanyeol described. Those precautions were for people who were still a potential threat. The family members and close friends shouldn’t have to be observed throughout their lives due to the beliefs of someone they loved.

“I guess what I mean to say is, if you were with me in the City, you’d get noticed. And your freedom to roam between the Sectors might get restricted. They’ll wonder who you are, where you came from and why you’re there.  And they absolutely cannot find out why you’re there.” She nodded, showing her understanding.

“So, how do I get to the City then?” She asked lightly. He stood up and shoved his hands into his pockets.

“Although I might not be able to take you to the City, I can direct you to the highway that can take you there. All you have to do is follow it and you’ll sooner or later find yourself right in the middle of the City. A warning to you though, it is a long walk.”  She sighed and cracked a small smile.

“Well, there’s nothing else I can do, is there?” She followed his suit and stood up as well. She felt the need to stretch, and stretch she did, perhaps letting out a small purr of pleasure as her muscles loosened. When she flopped back into her regular position, she caught something in Chanyeol’s gaze she never saw before. He snapped out of his trance, and flushed.

“What, can’t a boy admire a girl?” And then he hastily stormed out of the barn, leaving her with cheeks growing brighter by the second. She thought there wasn’t much to admire about her at the moment, especially in the state she was in. But she wasn’t exactly going to demand an explanation from Chanyeol either. So, she patted her hair down, dusted off her clothes and headed out of the barn.

She was surprised to see that Chanyeol was patiently waiting outside of the barn entryway. When he noticed her exiting, he set off immediately, without sparing her a glance. She pouted at that, he was the one making it awkward. She managed to match his pace and follow close enough behind him. She didn’t understand why he would quicken his pace whenever she tried to walk beside him, but would walk slower if she was too far behind. He liked a certain distance between the two. She, on the other hand, did not.

A sharp pain shot up her leg, snapping her out of her thoughts. She had stepped on something, and upon closer inspection, she realized it was a rather pointed rock. Biting her bottom lip, she glanced up at the still moving Chanyeol. She didn’t want to worry him, so she started to limp after him and attempted to catch up.

Unfortunately, he did notice the change in her pace. She leaped back in shock when he whipped around suddenly. She greeted him with a small smile and wave. The smile didn’t last when she saw his eyes land on her injured foot. At that moment, she knew she was toast.

“How long?” He asked.

“But-“

“How long were you hurt? Why didn’t you tell me?” His tone slightly frightened her. She never saw him so serious before.  “I didn’t want to worry you…” She mumbled looking down.

“Look at me.” She refused. She didn’t like his eyes right now. “Come on, look at me. I’m not going to hurt you.” She shyly met his gaze and saw sadness in them instead of the anger she suspected. “What if it got worse? Not only would I be worried, but I’d feel guilty for not noticing. Please don’t do that to me.” She was riding a huge guilt trip now, due to something she thought was a good intention. He ruffled his hair a little and crouched down onto the ground, his back facing her.

“Get on.”

“But the dirt-“

“I don’t care if my coat gets a little dirty. Your wellbeing is more important. Get. On.” She obediently followed his command. She limped towards him and flushed her torso against his back. He grabbed onto her legs and lifted both of them easily. After some adjusting, they continued on their way.

“Chanyeol…”

“What?”

“I’m sorry.” She whispered, tightening her grip around his neck. “I didn’t mean to make you upset.”

“I know.“ He sighed, “Just don’t do it again, okay? Remember, messengers have to look out for their saviour.”

“I don’t remember that.” She giggled. 

“Well, remember it now.” He said in a light joking tone. She smiled and laid her head against his shoulder.

They walked for maybe an hour. They exchanged bits and pieces of small talk. Though it mostly consisted of Chanyeol asking her about her ‘Sector’. She felt really terrible when he asked if he could visit her. She awkwardly laughed off the question and told him the sector wasn’t worth visiting.

She looked towards the horizon and was surprised when she noticed something else behinds grassy fields. “Is that the highway?” She asked.

 “It sure is, follow it to the right and you’ll end up in the City.” Chanyeol replied.

It didn’t take them long to get to the side of the road. He gently let her down and looked her over. He let out a nod of satisfaction. She watched him, unable to think of what to do or say next. So, her impulse took over and she opened arms wide, letting them wrapped themselves around Chanyeol lightly.

“Thanks for everything.” She whispered. He stiffened but soon returned the gesture and added a light squeeze. They pulled back a little, with their arms still loosely around each other. He gazed deeply into her eyes and pushed some stray hair behind her ear.

“Now, I really don’t want to leave you.” He whispered. She didn’t want him to leave either. She was growing attached to everyone she met so far. They had been so supportive and caring to her.

 “As much as I would like that, you were right when you said it’s best to separate before. I can’t risk it.” She successfully removed his arms from around her and took a step back.

“Will you be okay?” He said after a moment of silence. “It’ll be dark soon, do you want my coat?” She shook her head. “No, it’s okay. These clothes are warmer than they look. “ She smiled cheekily.  He returned it with a small smile of his own.

“Goodbye Chanyeol. It was nice meeting you.” She said. He stared at her before looking away and nodding to himself. He turned around and began to walk away. She did the same and walked alongside the highway.  She didn’t know where he was going, but she figured it was an alternate route to the City.

“Ileana!” She stopped and looked over her shoulder. Her eyes saw Chanyeol from a far. “Scream and I swear I will come to you faster than lightening! Do you hear me!” She couldn’t hold back a smile. She quickly waved one arm over her head. “And be careful on that foot!” She overexaggerated a nod and laughed before slowly turning back around.

“Ileana!” She sighed, this boy was making it hard for her. “I’ll see you in the City, I’ll find a way! I promise!”  She raised two arms over her head and waved, signaling she got the message. She gradually put her arms back down and turned around once more. She was definitely going to miss him.

And she definitely hoped he would keep his promise. 

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Shorter than usual, I know. But this is where I wanted to cut the chapter. Can anyone guess who she's going to meet next? (Hint: LOOK AT TEASERS :P)
Work was busier than I expected. I didn't get as much writing as I wanted :( But I have half of the next chapter done and it might be up by the end of Tuesday. We'll see my pretties, we'll see.

I added pictures, courtesy of flickr. I hope you know it is very hard to find a picture that matches your imagination...or the scenery within the teasers. So diffffiiiccult. If anyone owns the photos I post and would like them down, a simple "HEY YOU, PUT DOWN MAH PHOTOS" will do. Kaythx.

Thanks to all my lovely subscribers and commenters. "Y-y-you rock mah world", as GD would say. 

Much love ExOhExOh....or maybe even EX-O guys! Screw the regualr "xoxox", ex-o is in! Expect that to be my new sign off. And finally, the usual giveaway: *throws locks of Chanyeol's hair* (Cause I know you fangirls are crazy)