She watched him fondly as he gazed at the relics. If he was bored, he was good at hiding it. He was busy staring at a replica of the royal flag, which was gathering dust underneath the wall of glass. She knew he wasn’t a big fan of history, but since his dreams reflected Goryeo, he was bound to have some interest.

Right?

“Wow, they’re very detailed with their flags,” said Jae-Yeong, “It’s the same with their pottery.”

“You should see their clothes too,” she said, “And their cosmetics.”

He smirked, “Those are all girly things,” he commented.

“Thanks for being judgmental,”

He laughed and held her shoulders, “For such a small person, you hold too much sensitivity,” he remarked, “I like that.”

Jae-Yeong cast one last look at the flags and proceeded to the next room to look around. As he walked away, Ha-Jin couldn’t help but feel hopeful. She wasn’t sure if this was going to work (or if any of her plans would) but it was better than doing nothing and just hoping for the best.

When he asked her where she wanted to go on a Saturday morning, she immediately answered with the museum. He didn’t find it surprising; in fact, it looked like he was expecting it.

She followed him and saw that he was about to go into the room that held the most artifacts about King Gwangjong. He noticed that she was lagging behind.

“Aren’t you coming?” he asked.

“I…I was just fascinated with the…ceiling,” she lied.

He shook his head and smiled, “Well, you better hurry up,” he said, “You’re my guide. I need you to be there for all of this to make sense.”

Jae-Yeong entered the room, leaving Ha-Jin with her thoughts. Park Ji-Hyun warned her not to tamper with things out of her control, but she knew she had to at least give it a try. After all, she wouldn’t lose anything if she did…

Right?

---

(Five days ago)

There was a dead silence in Park Ji-Hyun’s study room as they both mulled over Ha-Jin’s sudden revelation. The latter didn’t know what to expect from her senior; was it possible for him to throw her out of the study for being crazy?

She didn’t have a back-up plan in case he refused to believe her. He was her last resort.

“So…you’re saying that you are from the Goryeo period?” he asked.

“Hae Soo was from the Goryeo era,” she answered.

The presenter took his time to digest the details, “How did…you know? Did you undergo some sort of past life regression?”

“When I had my accident nearly two years ago, I fell in the lake. The next thing I knew, I woke up as Hae Soo,” she began, “I spent probably eight to ten years as her before dying and waking up to this century again. Apparently, I was comatosed for a year after my accident, but it felt like years as her for me.”

“What was the last thing you remember in her life?”

Ha-Jin quickly browsed through her stock of memories; some of them were still hazy but she knew the important parts.

“I had just left the Palace because the Emperor killed my confidante, Chae-Ryung. Apparently, she was a traitor and worked for the Ninth Prince in sabotaging the King and his reign,” she said, “14^th Prince Wang Jung offered to marry me to get me out of the Palace. He had the decree signed by the late Emperor Hyejong. That’s all I remember.”

“How did you die?”

Ha-Jin racked her brains. “I…I was dying. My heart was weak and the palpitations got worse as years progressed,” she said, “I just remember dying beside Jung. That’s it.”

There was another silence. Park Ji-Hyun seemed to be considering her words. She hoped that he didn’t think she was out of her mind. That was the last thing she wanted, especially in her desperate situation.

“Why am I not surprised?”

She couldn’t believe it.

“You…you believe me?”

The presenter took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. “You know too much from that period; so much that sometimes, I’m convinced you actually lived it,” he said, “And when I first met you officially, you were so fascinated with the Goryeo paintings. I saw that look in your eyes. You wanted to know more.”

“I…I just saw flashes of my life, that’s why,”

He looked intently at her. “What is going on, Ha-Jinah?” he asked, “Why the sudden confession?”

She took another deep breath. “I…I thought I could brush it off. Maybe I could just forget the past and move on. But then I learned more about reincarnation and why the soul regenerates itself. You said so yourself—it’s life trying to correct itself,” she said, “Hard as I try to shove everything away, I can’t. Ever since I regained memories of who I was, strange events happened. I run into people who were in that life as well.”

Ha-Jin stared meaningfully at the presenter, hoping he would catch her drift.

The surprised senior realized.

“I’m one of them?”

“It’s a long story,”

“Ah…that explains a lot,” he said, “No wonder…no wonder. I once thought I was crazy for being easily comfortable with you. Apparently, there’s a reason.”

His warm smile flooded a sense of relief within Ha-Jin’s worried system. She was tempted to hug the presenter but kept her cool.

“So, when you said that ‘so is he,’ you mean someone else is also alive and well?” he asked.

“I’m sorry?”

“I mean…who were you referring to?” he asked again, “Who is alive and well?”

Ha-Jin gulped. She didn’t know if the presenter was open to her next confession.

---

“You know, these look familiar,”

Ha-Jin’s ears rang. Immediately, she followed where Jae-Yeong was standing. He was staring at one of the portraits of the gisaengs performing in the royal court.

“What are they supposed to be?” he asked her, pointing at the women.

“Gisaengs; they were the royal entertainers during that time,” answered Ha-Jin, “Have you seen them before?”

Jae-Yeong was thinking very hard. She saw him pursing his lips, probably scavenging his thoughts on where he must’ve seen them.

“I think I’ve painted them before,” he said, “Yes, that’s it. I do remember staring at one of Min-Suk’s history books and thinking, ‘Wow, those are pretty.’ Before I knew it, I started painting them with vibrant and pretty colors.”

Ha-Jin couldn’t help but feel disappointed; she kept that smile, however, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

Jae-Yeong moved to the next portrait—the big one with Emperor Gwangjong. She found it surreal; Jae-Yeong was staring at himself and he didn’t even know about it. She didn’t know if he saw similarities between himself and the Late Emperor. She could—down to the last detail.

“You know, I’ve read about him,” he said, “I wanted to know why you were so interested in him.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “Judging from the books in your room, I figured that I might as well know more about those things that interest you,” he said, “I read more about Gwangjong so we could have more things to talk about.”

She blushed furiously. Jae-Yeong actually took the time to learn about her interests. But apart from that, she wanted to know if it sparked anything. She looked at the portrait.

“How was it?”

“He was fascinating, I have to admit that,” he said, “Emancipated slaves and promoted equality amongst his people, I heard. He was all for equal statuses and making sure the country didn’t run on prejudices. I like that about him. He wasn’t that guy who focused on the rich people.”

“But I’m guessing he was kind of…crazy too,” he added.

“What?”

Jae-Yeong frowned. “I did my research, Go Ha-Jin. You’ll be surprised with what I found out,” he teased, “Or maybe you already know.”

“Okay, try me,”

He crossed his arms and stared beadily at his unknown incarnate. “For starters, I learned that he killed some of his brothers and nephews to secure the throne. I know it’s normal, but really? I mean, Il-Sung’s a pain in the neck but I’d never kill him. And he banished his 14^th brother. I mean, what the heck was that about?” he began, “And there were talks that he wasn’t much of a good father to his son, treated him like competition or something. Oh, and let’s not forget the beating of a court lady. That was just harsh.”

“He didn’t want things to end up that way,” defended Ha-Jin, “It just happened.”

“Yeah but he could’ve been wiser, couldn’t he?” he countered, “I know no one’s perfect but sometimes, his methods were just too…harsh. As if marrying his half sister wasn’t crazy enough. The guy’s a complete psycho. Wise—but problematic.”

Ha-Jin felt annoyed with his claims. How could he say those things about So?

Jae-Yeong looked at her and saw her face.

“Oh my god, are you offended?” he asked.

“I’m not,” she said, but her face was saying otherwise. Ha-Jin bowed her head, hoping he would just stare at the portrait. But she couldn’t accept that he’d be that judgmental. What did he know about it anyway?

Suddenly, he was just inches away from her face again.

Jae-Yeong had that habit; so did the Fourth Prince.

“You’re easily offended for a dead king?” he asked, “I’m sorry then.”

Ha-Jin looked up at him. She wasn’t sure if he was teasing her or if he took her seriously. If it was the former, she wouldn’t want him to be near her for at least an hour.

“I guess you’re right,” he admitted, straightening up, “He might’ve had his case of problems but he seems like a good guy. Crazy, but good. To be honest, I think I can relate.”

She looked at him.

“He must’ve had it hard. You said his mother wasn’t a big fan of him too, right?” he asked, “And he had to compete with eight more brothers? God, that must’ve been difficult for him. It’s no wonder he turned out that way.”

“Life in the palace seemed like a breeze to outsiders but it was tougher for the people inside,” supplied Ha-Jin, “The princes were just trying to survive; he wasn’t different. He just wanted to make it through. All his efforts brought him to the throne.”

Jae-Yeong gazed meaningfully at the portrait again. “Still, I’d rather not be king if I’m going to die alone or have to kill my brothers,” he said, “I’m not exactly in a good place right now, but man, wouldn’t want to be that guy.”

---

(Five days ago)

“So, you’re saying that…Jae-Yeong is—?”

Ha-Jin could see the presenter trying to wrap his head around what she just said. It was hard to understand, she knew that, but she hoped he wouldn’t judge her.

“You think Jae-Yeong is the Fourth Prince?” he asked.

“Yes,”

“You’re absolutely sure?”

“No,” she said, “But I have this gut feeling that he is.”

“So you’re basing all of these with a gut feeling?”

For a moment, Ha-Jin couldn’t find a stronger defense for her case. It was hard to make people believe when they didn’t experience it themselves. To a stranger, of course her claims sounded ridiculous. Park Ji-Hyun might’ve accepted her claims as Hae Soo but could he also believe her when she says Jae-Yeong is Emperor Gwangjong?

“I’m not so sure yet,” she confessed, “But when I first laid eyes on him, my instincts shot up. I knew I had to follow him. Believe me when I say I’ve tried reasoning with myself. But the more time I got to know him, the more I’m convinced that he could be.”

Ji-Hyun poured himself another glass and took a sip. He was shaking his glass, considering her words.

“Ah Ha-Jinah, this is a lot to take in,”

She could sense that doubt in his voice. But she had to fight for what she believed in.

“When I first woke up after being nearly dead for a year, I couldn’t remember his face. I couldn’t remember any of it. But it started with one dream of a man with a mask who rode a horse,” she said, “One dream led to another; I was always haunted by the masked rider. I’d always wake up crying every time I dreamt of him. He wouldn’t allow a good night’s rest.”

“I’ve been taking this in for a year, Ji-Hyun-nim; fully taking everything for more than six months,” she continued, “If I had it my way, I wouldn’t want to pursue this anymore. I’d just move on with my life and be happy. But since I remembered, I don’t think I can do that. I don’t think I’ll be complete unless I solve this puzzle—unless life ends its course with me and corrects itself.”

Ha-Jin was surprised with her level of confidence. She wasn’t always like this.

Maybe, she really was fighting for something.

“Did you say dreams?” asked the presenter.

Oh my god, that’s the one little detail he got hung up on?

“Yes, why?”

He stood up from his table.

“I don’t know if Jae-Yeong has told you about this but he also got involved in an accident more than a year ago,” he explained, “He was visiting a construction site with his father when a metal bar fell and hit him on the head. Unlike you, however, he wasn’t comatosed for a year. He did suffer from concussions every now and then. He also had a hard time falling asleep, but it’s always been a problem since he was young.”

“Whenever he couldn’t sleep he would follow Baek Min-Suk’s advice and paint,” he continued, “That’s how he came up with some of the paintings for the exhibit. When I asked him where the inspiration came from, he said he—“

“Painted images in his head?” suggested Ha-Jin. Ji-Hyun’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Did he tell you that?”

“Yes, I asked him the same question,” she said, “He told me he painted the pictures his brain tells him to do.”

Ji-Hyun fell silent again. He looked at his empty glass, probably calculating the number of drinks he already had. Was he breaking his promise to his daughter already?

“Come to think of it, he does have nightmares but I don’t know if they are associated with the Goryeo period,” he said, “He only tells me whenever I notice that he looks tired. Jae-Yeong has never been the one to look into dreams or images in his head. He brushes them off as part of everyday living. You, however,” he gazed at Ha-Jin, “Do not.”

Only the sound of tinkling chimes echoed between Ha-Jin and the good presenter. There was too much information and revelation in the room. She wasn’t even sure if he believed in her; if he did, what would he suggest? If he didn’t, what’s her next move?

“My memories of the past are becoming clearer as the days go by,” she admitted, “Sometimes, they hurt me. I don’t know if that’s supposed to happen, but I still have the dreams. The flashbacks are worse whenever he’s with me. It’s as if my body is trying to tell me something and it’s always leading me back to him.”

The senior’s phone rang, startling them both. He cleared as he looked at his phone, debating on whether he should answer or not. Ha-Jin wanted him to take the call; it would be a nice break from their serious conversation.

But he shut it off.

He meant business.

“Ha-Jinah,” he said, “What I want to know right now is…what do you feel for Jae-Yeong?”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s been a whirlwind of almost a year for both of you,” began the presenter, “From the moment you met until now, a lot has changed. I don’t know if you’re interest in him solely relies on your hope that he is Emperor Gwangjong’s incarnate. I just want to know if you’re going along with him for the sake that he remembers his supposed past life.”

She was stumped. “I…I don’t know what you mean,” she said.

“My dear, I understand your want for clarity and I’m willing to help you out. I want to prove this for myself too,” he said, “But when it comes to Jae-Yeong, I know very well how enamored he is with you. In a short span of time, he’s very interested and invested in knowing you more. I don’t know if that’s the incarnate thing kicking in, but one thing’s for sure—he likes you.”

“I want to know…are you enduring his presence? Are you with him just because you think he’s the Fourth Prince?”

It was a good question—and it made her feel bad as well.

“I don’t know,”

--

She looked at the back of Jae-Yeong’s head, spotting that scar from the construction incident. He never told her about that; probably because they need more time to talk or he never thought it was a big deal.

Even if it possibly was.

“It’s interesting…seeing all these Goryeo-related things” he said, “Makes my paintings worth something, apparently.”

“You draw really well,” she told him, “You captured everything…even the tiniest details. As if you were in that moment.”

He laughed. “That might just be it,” he teased, “Or I’m that good with the images in my head.” He ran a hand through his mop of hair. “I’m starving though, is it all right if we grab something to eat?”

“Sure,” said Ha-Jin, “So uhm…what did you think of the museum?”

“Like I said, it was interesting. I’m not much of a history guy but the things I read and seeing these is a good call,” he said, “I can finally tell people I’m also invested in the country’s past. Makes for good press.”

“Didn’t it help you make sense of anything?”

“Like what, exactly?” he asked, “Like make sense of how you’re so fascinated with all of these? Why you’re so attached to Emperor Gwangjong?”

Was he mocking her again?

“No I mean…like…I dunno…personally?”

Jae-Yeong was confused with what she wanted. She could see him trying to figure her out all over again.

“Don’t force him to remember what he can’t.”

Ji-Hyun’s voice rang clearly in her head. She knew he was right, but she couldn’t help but try.

“Hmm…personally, this makes me want to know you even more,” he said, “I sort of get why you like this stuff. The thrill, the story, the battle for the throne—everything. I understand. But I want to know more.”

She wanted to feel disappointed but the mere fact that he said he wanted to know her more—what was she supposed to do with that?

“I should take you out a lot,” he concluded.

“What?” she exclaimed, “Wouldn’t the people in the office talk?”

“Ever since the development of the products, you rarely go to the office anyway,” he said, “And what’s their problem about it? It’s not like I’m compromising work or anything. I think I have every right to date anyone I like.”

Date? So…we’re dating?

They never really talked about this “thing” between them. All Ha-Jin knew was he liked her, she hasn’t said anything…but they liked going out. Despite all her worries about her past life and his connection to it, she suddenly realized she hasn’t said anything about her feelings to him.

“I just want to know if you’re going along with him for the sake that he remembers his supposed past life.”

“You know, you make me worry when you’re quiet,”

He was looking at her with that worried look she knew so well. Seeing Hwang Jae-Yeong show an ounce of concern was still new to her, despite the countless times they’ve saved each other or what not.

“I…I just thought about something,”

“You like thinking about some things…”

“You’re observant,”

He laughed.

“What were you thinking about?” he asked.

“I…well…”

Just ask, you idiot.

“Uh…this thing….between us,” she began, “I know you…like me. So…what are we?”

It sounded so stupid coming out from . She suddenly regretted asking him. Why did she even bother? Judging from the look on his face, it seemed as if he was trying to process what she just said.

As they descended the steps, he looked at her with that one-sided smile he wore so well.

“I don’t know why you’re asking me that,” he answered, “In fact, I should be asking you, don’t you think?”

“What?”

He sighed. “I know everything’s been so sudden,” he began, “But you know I like you.”

“So, what are we?” he asked her.

--

A/N: Some of you might’ve been stumped with the Interlude prior to this chapter. Whenever I write fan fics, I love having a middle part. In this case, the middle part foretells of what is to come. It’s connected with the foreword I wrote. I don’t know if you’ve noticed how I wrote this fic—time lapses and all. I’m a big fan of them and I hope you’ll understand why I do so J

As for the “WTF” was that about sentiments of the Interlude, you’ll have to read on to find out. But, you’ll also have to trust me. 

I told myself I’d end the story with just 20 chapters. It doesn’t seem like that, however. Please don’t get tired! I’ll end as soon as I can…but if you want it longer, I can do it too. Let me know what you think!