The God of War noticed the change in attitude with his bride, ever since she had asked him about Xiu ai. He had to admit he was in the wrong for ignoring her question and her for several days but when he finally had the courage to talk to her she ignored his presence. They were on their way to the New Year festival and were at the lake that they had taken to come to Mijoo and Hoseok’s mansion. All the gods and goddess had gone to their respective partners except Yein and Jungkook.

“I will not ride with you.” Yein bluntly stated as she held tightly onto Sujeong’s sleeve. Everyone was surprised by her actions and internally they all snickered as they had never seen Jungkook so flustered in his life.

“Why not?” Jungkook wasn’t completely mad yet but he was getting there. “I am your husband and the God of War, how dare you-“

“You are my fiancé.” Yein deadpanned, “Yes, I gave you my body and soul to save the people in my village however I am merely your bride and we are not wedded yet. We have not received any blessing from Jiyeon or Jimin therefore you do not own my body or soul until we are wedded.”

“What nonsense are you talkin-“

“If you cannot trust me like your wife and other half then how can I be wedded to a god- no a man like you?”

Everyone felt the tension in the air and were impressed by Yein, after all not many gods or goddess could stand up to Jungkook yet dare to cut him off and leave him speechless. Taehyung couldn’t help but chuckle at this small argument, he was surprised that Yein understood how marriage worked between the gods and goddess.

“Jungkook, come with me.” Taehyung wrapped his arm around Jungkook neck who was silent, “Sujeong ah, can you please take Yein instead?”

Sujeong didn’t have to think twice and nodded, taking the human child with her onto the boat. In a matter of seconds, there were gone in the heavy fog. Similarly all the other couples have left as well leaving Jungkook and Taehyung.

“My oh my, what a bride you have.” Taehyung couldn’t help but chuckle, “What did I tell you, their emotions and pains, hurt us as well. I advise that you tell her about everything, including the incident.

Jungkook didn’t respond but instead walked onto the boat, making Taehyung sigh heavily. It was never easy to convince Jungkook to do something.

***

When Yein had arrived at the New Year shrine, she was amazed. The temple was floating on an island and surrounding the island was not a sea of clouds but instead a sea of golden lanterns. Each lantern had wishes written on them, some hoping for a better year, while others praying for luck, beauty, happiness, health and what not. Yein couldn’t help but gush of the beauty of the golden sky, Sujeong couldn’t help but smile at her fascination. When they had reached the summit point, all the gods and goddess were waiting for them, including Jungkook and Taehyung.

“How was your trip here?” Taehyung went to his wife who gave him a weak smile. Sujeong had been married to Taehyung for many centuries and knew what he was really asking.

“She didn’t say anything about Jungkook.”

“Is that so? Well-“

“My oh my! You are the beautiful human I have heard that has charmed the God of War’s frozen heart.” A small goddess had captured Yein, handing her hands and admiring her. Although the goddess was very thin, Yein could feel so much life running through her hands. It was as if she was transferring some of her warm light energy to Yein.

“You must be the Goddess of Health and long life.” Yein giggled as she couldn’t help but feel happy. The skinny goddess was stunned and couldn’t help but nod.

“Wow, the rumours are true.” A tall god walked towards the two females. Yein smiled more as she observed how his cheeks were stuffed with delicious pork buns.

“Indeed I am the Goddess of Health and long life. I am Myungeun, the one that many seek for refuge against illnesses and disease. As I hold the ability to extend one’s life. My husband,” She gestured to the tall man, “He hold the power to inflict disease and worsen an individual’s health.”

“I am the God of Disease and Pain. I am Seokjin,” The man bowed to Yein who slightly bowed as well, “It is truly a pleasure to meet you.”

Yein relayed similar greetings and soon she had met every god and goddess in the realm. For some reason, it felt nostalgic for her; it was as if she had not seen her family in many years and here they were and the day was filled with laughter and smiles. Jungkook silently watched her from afar, he felt pained to see her smiling and laughing without him.

“Wow, I never thought I would see this day.”

A man sleeping commented, catching Jungkook’s attention. The bored voice was lying on the rooftop, with half his body basking in the warmth of the sun and the other, under the shade, keeping him cool. His leg hanged off the roof, swinging back and forth in a steady tempo without care; like a cat waving its tail on its after noon nap.

“I’m not in love with her as much as you were with Jiae.” Jungkook chuckled and the foot that was swinging back and forth stopped abruptly.

“Yah, we all love our wives very much. No one can deny that fact.” A low voice made his presence known.

“Namjoon is right.” Said Seokjin while walking towards the three men. “After all I have to admit that I am impressed by your bride, Jungkookie”

“Don’t call me that?” The God of War asked in a polite way. “I just hope she doesn’t meet her yet.” Jungkook muttered.

“Too late.” Yoongi jumped down the roof and as if time had slowed down and completely came to a halt. All the gods and goddess in the garden of the temple held their breath as the Almighty one had finally made their entrance.

“Hello, Yein.”

A woman stood in front of Yein and bowed respectively, in which the young human did the same. Yein felt her heart freeze and she didn’t know why but she was breathless. The person before her had a smile that made her want to run into her arms yet she couldn’t move her feet. Her face was so familiar that Yein swore on her life that she had met her somewhere.

“I am the Almighty one, the supreme God of all. The one that controls all and sees all, I see your past, present and your future in a blink of an eye and can bend your fate with ease.” The woman introduced herself and Yein nodded.

“My name is Xiu ai.”

Before Yein could say anything a tear had escaped and fallen softly on her cheek.

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