A week and a half had gone by since you met Jungkook at the meadow. Although he didn’t talk often he no longer felt like a stranger. After the attack of the brunette snake, all sorts of stuff attacked you. The higher you ascended the mountain with Jungkook the more paranormal and illusional it became.  As soon as old wounds healed new ones occurred from being dragged and thrown around.

On one occasion, you had a dreamed that Grandmother Soyi had come to lead you back home only to wake up as you stood at the edge of a cliff. Before you slipped and died Jungkook saved you as well. On another occasion, a ghostly red fox with nine luminous tails had harassed you and dug its fangs into your right arm. Your sleeve, as a souvenir, still bore holes from where it sank its teeth. As much as you were suffering from your wounds, they were somehow only slightly painful.

Back in the village when you were caught in fights with drunk men at the teahouse, even your cuts didn’t heal this fast.

The sun began to rise as you looked up at the trees. Jungkook and you had been hiking for days and rested in the middle of nowhere. Along the way you ate random fruits and berries while praying to the heavens to watch over you hoping you weren’t poisoning yourself.

Sleeping sitting up wasn’t the most comfortable position but it had to be done according to your not-so-friendly companion. You looked over at Jungkook.

His eyes were closed and arms crossed hugging his sword to his chest. He never took that backpack sack off even when he slept. His head was tilted back as his body leaned against a tall tree covered with intertwining vines. His profile was charming, so charming you felt disgusted for even having the thought. You looked away and brushed your loose hair from your face.

“Look at you, pretending like you’re not tired. Since you’re still asleep I won’t bother you,” you spoke to Jungkook and quickly added, “Thank you for helping me…and protecting me. I’ll pay you back in my ne