A/N: Some helpful terms: 

 

Huwon - Huwon Secret Garden is the garden located inside Changdeokgung (Changdeok Palace)
Daegun -  Grand prince who is not entitled for the throne (usually the King’s brother)

Huijeongdang - Huijeongdang Hall when not in use for meeting officials and discussing royal affairs or discussing political issues, it’s used by the emperor for rest and work 

Hanok - Traditional Korean Houses

Gun - A term used to address young men

Yang - A term used to address young women

Jook - Rice porridge

 

Monkey hour = 3pm - 5pm
Rooster hour = 5pm - 7pm

 

***

 

‘Miss!’

 

The two girls paused and turned around looking for the person who had disturbed their trip to the markets. Seeing the familiar blue vest of the ‘dumb perpretrator’, the taller girl with the light pink dress rolled her eyes.

 

‘What do you want now?’

 

‘Here’ Yujin panted as she stretched her hand out. The taller girl in the beautiful white hanbok looked at the outstretched hand, eyes wide open at the object in the other’s hand. The girl in the hanbok made a move to swipe the pouch out of Yujin’s hand but Yujin was faster. Yujin had the bright idea of suddenly pulling her hand back just as the girl reached out to take the pouch. 

 

The facial expression of the girl in the hanbok immediately changes into that of a frown. 

 

To say the tall girl was unhappy was an understatement. Her friend who was watching the whole exchange on the side just looked on, curious as to how things would play out. 

 

Yujin looked down and quickly tried to dust off the pink pouch before she looked up to face the girl again with a grin stretched across her face. Though the grin did falter a little when came face to face with the beautiful girl who was now frowning and gritting her teeth.

 

‘H-here? I’ve dusted it off and just wanted to return this to you!’ stuttered Yujin as she had a grimace on her face while handing the pink pouch back to the girl. Don’t get Yujin wrong, there was nothing wrong with the dirt, the pouch or the girl. The grimace was from how awkward Yujin had felt and she was sure Chaewon was having the time of her life watching everything from behind. 

 

The tall girl (who was still frowning) had looked at Yujin straight in the eyes. There was an awkward moment of stillness - one where the market became a blur in the background. When the tall girl was sure that Yujin was not going to pull another trick on her or pull back her arm once again, she quickly swiped the pouch and examined it. 

 

‘Hey, relax...I just picked it up on the floor after my friend noticed it. You dropped it when I accidentally bumped into you...’

 

‘Do you have any idea how important this pouch is to me? I have been keeping it so carefully - not wanting to use it because it was so special and you of all people really had to make me fall and drop it the first time I brought it outside of my room?!’

 

‘I-’

 

Before Yujin could finish trying to defend herself, the same soft voice from before had spoken up. Yujin watched as the tall girl’s friend came up to her, a gentle smile on her face and a light hand placed on the tall girl’s shoulder.

 

‘Hey, it’s ok! You’ve got the pouch back now. Does that mean I don’t need to rush back and make a new pouch for you?’ said the girl as she smiled at the taller girl. 

 

Woah she’s pretty too? One pretty girl next to a pretty girl...

 

Yujin watched the two as the younger looked up from examining her pouch and to her friend next to her. She couldn’t take her eyes off the tall girl. Yujin noticed the taller girl giving her friend a pout, clearly showing some sort of displeasure, yet her eyes had a slight playful glint to it.  

 

She’s...so cute…?

 

‘Sorry about her, kind sir. She was just worried about the pouch disappearing, never to be found again. It is very important to her so I hope you can understand. May we know what your name is, kind sir?’

 

‘I’m Yujin. Kim Yujin.’ 

 

A moment of silence passed as Yujin waited for the tall girl’s friend to reply. But upon looking at her, Yujin realized she was waiting for something. What could she be waiting for if she already answered her? Deciding it was a good idea, Yujin tried to discreetly follow the girl’s gaze that was not focused on her anymore. Only to come face to face with her best friend. The moment of silence hung in the air as no one made any moves to break it. The kind girl must have noticed the awkwardness and decided to speak up about it.

 

‘How about you kind sir? I have noticed that you keep following Sir Yujin around?’

 

Yujin watched on, a little hint of amusement on her face. Chaewon looked uncomfortable with the sudden attention on her. 

 

‘I...’

 

Deciding it was time to help out the poor girl who seemed to have lost all her ability to talk, Yujin turned to Chaewon and motioned for her to come closer. Chaewon could only look back and forth between the pretty girl who asked her the question and Yujin, before ultimately making her way closer. When Chaewon was close enough, Yujin swung her arm around the latter, pulling her closer to her - albeit Chaewon was stiff and still gripping the sword on her side.  

 

‘Time to introduce yourself bud!’ said Yujin happily, an easy going grin on her face. 

 

‘I..I’m Kim Chaewon...Young Master Yujin’s bodyguard.’

 

‘No! You’re not just a bodyguard Chaewon! You’re my brother and my best friend!’ exclaimed Yujin dramatically, eyes wide while she faced Chaewon. Clearly, Yujin looked a little offended with Chaewon’s claim and no matter who it was, Yujin wanted to make sure that people knew that Chaewon was definitely more than just a mere bodyguard. 

  

On the other hand, no matter how many times Chaewon has heard the same line being exclaimed dramatically, Yujin’s sincerity never fails to touch her heart. Knowing she means so much to the younger girl made Chaewon feel that although there was so much missing in her life, it would be ok if she had Yujin as her sister. She had a reason to not give up just yet.  

 

The two girls who watched the whole exchange were quiet. Curious about their bond and was happy to witness something so genuine in front of them. The pretty girl who had asked them questions had a gentle smile on her face, noticing the way Chaewon’s gaze had softened and the way she relaxed in Yujin’s arms after hearing Yujin’s declaration. To say that her curiosity has peaked was an understatement. Feeling the heat of the day trying to settle on them and realizing that their empty stomachs were crying to be filled, the girl decided to break the moment apart. 

 

‘I’m sorry to break the moment...’ said the girl apologetically. She briefly took a glance at the tall girl next to her and received a nod from the latter. Turning back to the two in front of her, the pretty girl decided to take initiative.

 

‘My name is Minjoo and this here is Wonyoung. Kind sirs, would you both like to join us for lunch? I’m sure the both of you haven’t eaten yet and Wonyoung here, would like to invite you to lunch as a thank you.’ 

 

Minjoo could feel the younger girl’s hand gripping nervously onto the sleeve of her hanbok as they both waited for a reply from the other two. Taking a quick glance to Wonyoung, Minjoo could see her nervously biting her lower lip - a habit the younger has still yet to get rid of. Frowning a little, Minjoo gave Wonyoung a comforting pat, hoping it would help ease the younger and give the girl a reminder. Wonyoung seemed to get the message as she guiltily looked back at Minjoo before stopping. The two of them shared a close bond - one that they can understand each other with just a look. So it wasn’t hard for Minjoo to guess what Wonyoung was thinking and feeling. The younger one was an open book to her. It was also precisely because she knew that Wonyoung was in a bad mood and felt a little guilty for judging the blue vested noble in front of them so quickly that she decided to help her out. 

 

‘Sure! We can have some lunch - we haven’t actually had breakfast either so our stomachs have been complaining for a while now. Do you have a place in mind?’

 

‘Let’s have lunch at the noodle stand down the road. We came to this market wanting to try it out.’

 

‘Great! After you ladies!’

 

*** 

   

‘Ah...That was a really satisfying lunch, don’t you think Chaewon?’ 

 

Chaewon looked at the girl next to her, a slight frown on her face. 

 

‘You ordered more noodles than any of us thought. What happens if we don't have enough nyangs to pay? Heck, who eats three bowls of noodles anyway?’

 

‘Uh, me? To be fair, I was really hungry because of the lack of breakfast. I’m also still growing anyway.’

 

‘Excuses, Yujin. Excuses.’

 

‘Hey, you ate two bowls of noodles too!’

 

‘...’

 

‘Nothing to say now hey?’ 

 

‘Touché’

 

***

 

The two girls had bid the two farewell after a hearty lunch of soup noodles at the markets. Lunch was full of curious stares. Mainly from Minjoo to the quiet figure who stuck close to Yujin. Chaewon was silent and definitely did not speak unless it was necessary. A bit wary and cautious of his surroundings. Yet these little things were what piqued Minjoo’s curiosity. To say Minjoo spent the entirety of her lunch observing Chaewon would be an understatement. 

 

Wonyoung couldn’t help but to think back to the events that occured over lunch. Honestly, it wasn’t all that interesting. It was mostly silent (minus the slurping noises) with an occasional question thrown here and there. But if you asked Wonyoung, she would tell you how the whole of lunch really consisted of her being disgustedly amazed at how one (Yujin) can eat so much noodles and so messily. Thank the heavens her friend seemed to have more manners. Wonyoung couldn’t help but voice out the thought that had since plagued her mind. Tapping Minjoo’s arm to get her attention, Wonyoung decided to ask.  

 

‘You knew, didn’t you?’

 

‘...about?’

 

‘Feeling guilty for blaming ‘stupid blue vest’.’

 

‘Ah. Well first off, the poor boy has a name. And second, yes I did Wonyo. I knew you would feel guilty when you find out that Yujin isn’t as bad as you think he is. You never gave him the chance to explain himself. I was watching as a bystander and he clearly was just having his own moment and accidentally bumped into you.’

 

‘...I’m sorry...’

 

‘You shouldn’t be saying sorry to me Wonyo. If you wanted to, you could have apologized to him over lunch? It’s ok though! You can always apologize to him when you see him again. You were already in a bad mood when we came out so I can’t blame you.’

 

‘Minjoo...’

 

‘So what has gotten you in such a foul mood anyway? Was it too much time being spent in the library? Or perhaps spending too much time with your father and watching him do his paperworks?’

 

‘It was the paperworks...I was helping him sort out some scrolls - except it was really strange and I don’t think I was supposed to find out or know anything. I didn’t bring it up to him, but I accidentally placed one of the scrolls somewhere in the room and when he tried to find it he couldn’t. He didn’t realize I put it somewhere else.’

 

‘He didn’t ask you where you put it?’

 

‘He eventually did...but not before he had scolded me for touching his things. The scrolls must be important for him to lash out at me. But I felt like it wasn’t fair...He was the one who told me to help him clean the room in the first place.’

 

‘Maybe it’s a father thing? Don’t worry too much Wonyo. I’m sure he was just looking out for you.’

 

‘Minjoo, why do you always have something nice to say about everyone? You could very well be saying something nice to someone who probably burned your house down or something.’

 

‘Maybe it’s part of who I am?’

 

When the two had reached their destination, they were met with a familiar door. There were two men dressed in robes consisting of red and black - the collar having a single strip of white which honestly served no purpose other than making the outfit a little less boring.   

 

‘Welcome back Lady Kim and Lady Jang.’

 

‘Thank you Joonmin and Joonyoung. Please remember to both eat something after your shift.’

 

‘Yes Lady Kim!’

 

‘Was there anyone who was looking for us?’

 

The two guards looked at each other, faces mirroring each other’s expression. While the twin guards were trying to recall back, both Wonyoung and Minjoo stood there silently. The kind smile never left Minjoo’s face while Wonyoung stood there with a seemingly unreadable expression on her face.

 

‘Not that we can recall Lady Jang. Ah! I think your mother did wonder where you went, but when a maid had informed her that you were out with Lady Kim, she dismissed the maid and had left it at that.’

 

‘Ah…I see. Thank you Joonyoung.’

 

‘No problem Lady Jang. It’s an honor to be able to assist.’ replied the man on the right. 

 

Wonyoung and Minjoo made their way past the guards and through the doors. Finding themselves surrounded by an open forest like area. The grass was green and kept short, the trees swaying to and fro in the cool spring breeze. Wonyoung suddenly skipped forward, standing under a tree branch as she looked up above - before turning to look at Minjoo with a grin on her face. 

 

‘Min look! The cherry blossoms will be blooming soon!’ said Wonyoung excitedly as she spotted the tell tale signs of the beautiful pink buds that were going to bloom soon. 

 

Minjoo followed the younger girl and observed the trees. It was something that the two liked to do. Looking at the plants and flowers blooming in the Spring may be boring or stupid to some, but for the two girls, something as simple as flowers would bring them joy. 

 

‘What are you two doing here in Huwon?’

 

Startled by the voice, the two girls turned their heads quickly towards the voice. Noticing there was a man standing in beautiful blue robes with gold lining decorating it, the two girl’s eyes lit up in recognition. 

 

‘Hello your royal highness.’ said Minjoo as she bowed towards the man in front of her.  

 

‘My child, how many times did I say you don’t need to do this? I’m still your uncle and you’re still my daughter's cousin. You should not think so lowly of yourself.’

 

‘Yes sir-’ 

 

A rough nudge was felt from her side. 

 

‘Yes, Uncle Jang.’ Minjoo corrected as she stood back up with an easy smile on her face. 

 

‘Father!’ cried out Wonyoung as she hurriedly made her way to her father who had his arms wide open for his precious daughter. 

 

‘Wonnie, I’m sorry for getting angry at you before. The scrolls are important for my work but you wouldn’t have known that because I never told you. You were only being helpful and I realized it was my mistake. Forgive your father?’ said Jang Daegun as he held his daughter close to him and patted her head.

 

‘Yes father. It’s ok. I forgive you.’

 

‘Now, let us all go back into Huijeongdang and have some snacks. Your mother has prepared some when I was trying to find you. I was told you went out with Minjoo. My child, sometimes, you have to be a bit more responsible and not brashly run out. I’m glad you had Minjoo with you.’

 

‘Father...’ Wonyoung grumbles as she clearly didn’t like being told off. Typical of any parents comparing their own child with a relative’s child. Wonyoung hated it whenever it happened. It’s not like she doesn’t know that Minjoo was a better fit to be a princess than her. Minjoo is gorgeous, kind hearted, observant and smart. Only flaw she had was that she was a little clumsy and that her father was not the brother of the current king. Honestly, Wonyoung didn’t care about titles. She didn’t care about living in Changdeokgung. She just wanted to spend time like all the other children she had seen in the streets. Oh no, don’t misunderstand. Wonyoung was definitely not jealous of Minjoo. In fact, she admired her older cousin who was her best friend and the only person who really understands her. She just hated being compared. Jang Wonyoung was Jang Wonyoung and Kim Minjoo was Kim Minjoo. You can’t really compare two different people - yet her parents don’t seem to understand that simple concept.  

 

Sensing Wonyoung’s displeasure, Minjoo hooked her arm around Wonyoung and gave the girl a smile. She whispered something in Wonyoung’s ear and as she thought, Wonyoung’s previous excitement came back as the baby bunny nodded her head up and down quickly - feet working harder and quickly dragging Minjoo towards Huijeongdang, leaving her father behind with his bodyguard.  

 

‘Ah, that child of mine....’ said Jang Daegun as he walked on with a smile on his face, shaking his head at the predictable nature of his daughter. 

 

***

 

‘Hey, Chaewon?’

 

‘Hm?’

 

‘What do you think father meant in his letter?’ pondered Yujin as she played with a beautifully crafted stone knob. The two had a peaceful dinner in the confinements of their cozy hanok. And Yujin being her usual self, had laid down and pondered out loud about the many thoughts that her mind doesn’t seem to want to contain anymore. 

 

The hanok that the two had managed to salvage into a somewhat liveable space. They had first found the abandoned hanok on the edge of the nearby village on the rainy night they had to escape. The abandoned hanok had sheltered them from the rain and from the perpetrators even though it had multiple holes in the roof and that the only remaining door that was there was hanging by its last rusted hinge. 

 

The two managed to survive the night and when morning came, they took a better look at their surroundings. The two went on to ask the villagers around them and had found out that the abandoned hanok used to belong to an old man who went to fight in the imperial army but never came back. The villagers were kind enough to let the two stay and the two made it their mission to fix the place up. 

 

After a lot of trial and error, and spending a good amount of time from fixing the roof to replacing the floors, Chaewon and Yujin had succeeded. The stone wall that acted as a fence at the front had been fixed with a gate while they added a modification of having a straw roof to hang over it - acting as a shelter for anyone who passed by. They managed to organize themselves well enough to have two rooms for each of them and an eating area just outside the rooms. The kitchen was just behind the back with an underground storage area for any spare food they may need to keep.

 

As a thank you for being so generous and part of their routine, both Chaewon and Yujin had been waking up early and spending their mornings helping out those in need in the village. Be it fixing something, helping with carrying something, helping with cooking or even lending a hand in any medicinal related issues. You name it, and you can bet that you’ll see one of them (if not both) helping out. 

 

‘I’m not sure...but I feel like we have some sort of mission, based on what the shaman had said.’

 

‘Hm...what do you think about the line ‘when twilight rises, fear no rain as peace befalls those who are righteous’? You reckon it’s from some sort of poem?’

 

‘I don’t think I’ve read any books or scrolls that involve a line like this.’ said Chaewon, her voice getting a little softer as she made her way out of the living area and into the back to clean the dishes.

 

‘Twilight...rain...peace...righteous?’ mumbled Yujin as she closed her eyes, hoping that by repeating those words, something would happen or she’d magically understand everything. 

 

‘Hey, we have an early day tomorrow so go to your room while I finish putting these away. We’re going out to Uncle Jeong’s place to help him fix the chicken coop and help Aunty Im make breakfast.’

 

‘Oh? Was there anything else apart from Uncle Jeong and Aunty Im?’

 

‘Uh, I think Uncle Park needed help with fixing his roof while his wife needed to have her ankle checked out. Then we should be done for the day’s errands.’ said Chaewon as she quickly washed the bowls and chopsticks and put them away. After cleaning her hands, she made her way back into the living area only to see Yujin still laying there with her eyes closed. She gave Yujin a light kick to get the girl moving and sure enough, Yujin stirred

 

‘Oh...what happened to Aunty Park’s ankle anyway?’ said Yujin as she slowly got up and tried to make her way towards her room.

 

‘I think she managed to twist it when she slipped on the wet stones near the vegetable patch they have. Something about harvesting the vegetables I believe.’

 

‘Ah...’

 

‘Get changed Yujin, I’ll wake you up tomorrow when it’s time.’

 

‘Ok.’

 

Yujin stood there watching Chaewon. Chaewon could feel Yujin’s stare and turned around to look at the taller girl.

 

‘...what is it?’

 

‘You seem to be forgetting something before I go to sleep?’

 

‘...You’re such a big baby. I’m already smaller than you are.’ said Chaewon, a smile on her face as she walked over to Yujin. As the older girl reached her, Yujin spread her arms open, wrapping the shorter girl in a tight hug. The two stood there for a little while, Yujin just enjoying the warmth radiating off her best friend. Chaewon may seem cold to strangers, but to Yujin, she was one of the warmest people she's ever known. 

 

‘Thank you for being here for me even though we both had it hard...thank you for being my sister and not giving up on me...’ whispered Yujin as she buried her head into Chaewon’s neck, arms still securely wrapped around the latter. Chaewon was a little taken aback from the sudden heartfelt confession from the younger girl. But her heart melted as she felt just how important she was for Yujin. Bringing her hand up, Chaewon patted the taller girl’s head as she threw in a quick tease. 

 

‘There must be something in the chicken we bought today. You’re awfully sappy and cuddly.’

 

‘...You don’t mind it. I know you.’

 

‘I don’t.’ smiled Chaewon as she continued to pat the taller girl. ‘I’m glad I have you too Yujinnie.’ 

 

Chaewon broke the hug and looked at Yujin. She could see emotions whirling in the younger’s eyes.  

 

‘Let’s go to bed? Tomorrow’s an early day.’

 

‘Okay. Goodnight Chaewonnie’

‘Goodnight Yujinnie’

 

***

 

‘Thank you so much for helping me today!’

 

‘No, it’s ok Uncle Jeong! I hope the chicken’s won’t be giving you a hard time.’

 

‘Take these eggs as a thank you from me. Please share it with Chaewon-gun as well.’

 

‘Of course I will. Thank you so much for the eggs Uncle Jeong!’

 

‘Thank you for your help Yujin-gun. Please be careful on your way!’

Giving Uncle Jeong a quick wave, Yujin carefully carried the eggs that were given and made a pit stop at their hanok. Leaving the eggs in the living area, Yujin made sure to lock the gates before heading over to Aunty Im’s. When Yujin arrived, she could already see Chaewon helping Aunty Im with cooking breakfast, stirring the big pot of jook while keeping a conversation with her. 

 

‘Goodmorning, Aunty Im! I’m here to help out too!’

 

‘Ah, Yujin-gun. Welcome! You’re just in time to help me bring these ingredients over to Chaewon-gun. I managed to cut these but we don’t want the big pot of jook to be burnt because I’ll keep Chaewon-gun with me to talk.’ chuckled the kind middle aged woman.  

 

‘No it’s nothing! Please give it to me and I’ll help out. Is little Hyeonyi doing ok with her studies?’

 

‘Hyeonyi seems to be doing ok but I believe she was stuck on one of the questions and no one in this village has any education so...’

 

‘If you want, I can have a look at it for you?’

 

‘Really? Thank you Yujin-gun! Please just ask Hyeonyi to show you the question!’

 

‘Aunty Im, would like me to put the jook into the bowls and bring it over to you? I don’t want you to move too much seeing as you did hurt your leg. We don’t want the cut to reopen again.’

 

‘Sure! That would be very helpful of you, Chaewon-gun. Please be careful as it’s still hot. And please, help yourself and Yujin-gun to some. It’s the least I could do to repay the two of you.’

 

‘You don’t need to repay us for anything, Aunty Im. We-’

‘No. You already helped me with the cut on my leg without any charge. The least you could do is accept some breakfast that you helped me make.’ insisted the kind woman. 

 

Chaewon was unable to turn down the insistent woman’s offer and ended up helping both Yujin and herself to a bowl of jook. While eating, Chaewon sat across the little girl who was struggling with reading some of the words presented in her homework. Yujin was patient with the younger and corrected her when she noticed the mistakes. But seeing the uncharacteristic frown that appeared briefly on Yujin’s face, alerted Chaewon. Keeping it in the back of her mind as to not startle anyone, they went on with their day - eventually bidding farewell to Aunty Im and little Hyeonyi who gave both Chaewon and Yujin a hug and an enthusiastic ‘Goodbye oppa, thank you!’. 

 

The two made their way over to Uncle Park’s place with Yujin helping him with the hole in the roof while Chaewon attended to Aunty Park’s twisted ankle. Both Yujin and Uncle Park were sweating buckets by the time the roof was fixed as it was approaching the horse hour again. 

 

‘Yujin-gun, take these as a thank you for helping me with the roof and Chaewon-gun for helping with my wife’s injury free of charge! It’s not much but it is very healthy!’

 

‘Oh no, that’s alright Uncle Park. We can’t just take your hard work like that!’

 

‘No please Yujin-gun, I insist. Thank you so much. Please enjoy it!’

 

With no choice, Yujin accepted the vegetables gratefully and followed after the man to enter into the living quarters of the hanok.

 

‘Welcome back Uncle Park, Young Master Yujin.’

 

‘Hello there Chaewon-gun. Is my wife’s ankle ok now?’ 

 

‘Aunty Park is still not allowed to use her right ankle as of now - and please don’t put any pressure on it. I’ll be back tomorrow to give her another change of the herbal patch. But it is healing quite well. I would say she can start to slowly use her right foot again very soon.’

 

‘Oh thank heavens you’re ok.’ sighed Uncle Park in relief as he settled next to his wife.

 

Turning towards the older woman who was listening carefully, Chaewon gave the couple instructions as to how to use the medicinal patch that Chaewon left her. Noticing the basket of vegetables in Yujin’s hand, Chaewon quickly thanked the couple. 

 

‘It’s alright! I heard from the merchants in the markets that someone spotted the tiger in the mountains. I’m just glad we managed to fix the roof before it rains.’

 

‘It’s alright! I’m glad we managed to fix it Uncle Park. Thank you both for the kind gifts! We will be taking our leave now!’

 

‘Take care Chaewon-gun, Yujin-gun!’

 

***

 

Settling back at their hanok, both Yujin and Chaewon took the chance to put the eggs and vegetables away in their little storage. 

 

‘Chaewon, we should go buy some meat. We have enough rice, vegetables and eggs to last us for quite a while.’

 

‘Sure. Let’s head to the market and get ourselves more meat. I heard that it was going to rain soon and you know how hard it can get when it rains.’

 

Making their way to the market, Yujin and Chaewon as always were distracted by various goods that were placed on display. Merchants would be shouting, advertising their goods to the general public. Purchasing the meat was not hard for the two, but they did struggle a little with how heavy the meat was. Afterall, they did buy more than a week’s worth - intending for the meat to be stored away incase of the upcoming rain that many people in the markets were talking about. 

 

On their way back towards their hanok, Yujin couldn’t help but be distracted. Her mind kept whirling into a mass of questions from the lingering thoughts of yesterday. 

 

‘Hey,’ started Chaewon as she looked ahead while walking with the meat in her hands. 

 

‘Hm?’ hummed Yujin, clearly distracted but was still listening. 

 

‘You had a frown on your face when you were looking at Hyeonyi’s homework. What was that about?’

 

‘Ah...there was a question that triggered my thoughts from last night. The color of twilight...it’s a light purple isn’t it?’ 

 

‘As far as the books we’ve read, twilight has been recorded in a few different times. If you mean late monkey hour then yes, it would be purple. If it was early rooster hour, then I think it would be more of a blue color. Why?’

 

‘Do you remember what Uncle Park said?’

 

‘The merchants and the rain?’

 

‘Yes - he mentioned that some merchants saw a tiger which meant that it will rain soon...’

 

Pausing in her step, Chaewon’s eyes grew wide. Turning to look at Yujin, they two seem to be thinking of the same thing. 

 

‘No way...’

 

‘You reckon…?’

 

‘But what about the line that mentions ‘those who are righteous’?’

 

Yujin took her time to think, unknowingly staring awkwardly at Chaewon. Chaewon knows the girl was thinking, but she couldn’t help but shift awkwardly while waiting. The meat was heavy in her arms and honestly she just wanted to put it down soon. Changing her grip, Chaewon shifted the sword on her side and managed to find a more comfortable position.

 

‘WAIT CHAEWON! YOU’RE A GENIUS!’

 

‘H-huh?’

 

‘Twilight being a light purple, being righteous and protective is to use a sword. The tiger is a symbol of guardians and peace but when offered offerings, they are the messenger to the mountain spirits that could give us rain...’

 

To say Chaewon was stunned was an understatement. Sometimes the way the younger girl uses her brain catches Chaewon off guard. She knew Yujin was smart (despite being just a little lazy), whenever Yujin has her moments, she can’t help but be impressed. 

 

‘Looks like we got the first one down?’

 

‘Looks like it...but the real question is, where the heck does one find something so specific like this?’

 

‘You seem to forget that we are at the market right now. If it was previously owned by someone, wouldn’t these things be found in the pawn shop?’

 

‘See what I mean, Chaewonnie? You’re a genius!’

 

The two quickly found their way to a nearby pawn stall. They must have startled the merchant manning it as they both ran over, only to pant heavily when they stopped. The poor merchant must’ve been a little taken aback to see four giant pieces of meat hanging by thick ropes being swung around while two figures raced to his stall. 

 

‘W-what can I help you kind sirs with today?’

 

‘Do you happen to have a purple tiger headed carved sword?’

 

‘No sir. I unfortunately don’t have something of that value. Is there anything else I can help you with?’

 

‘It’s alright. Sorry for startling you, kind sir. We will take our leave now...’ trailed Yujin, the disappointment settling on her. She turned around to walk off and start the journey back to the hanok when she realized her companion was missing. Whipping her head back, she noticed Chaewon was now talking to the same merchant, a glint in her eyes sparkling under the settling sunlight. Yujin watched as the merchant handed Chaewon a small wrapped package before seeing Chaewon handing over two nyangs to the man. Chaewon gave the merchant a small nod before heading towards Yujin again. 

 

‘I told you, you were too hasty at times,’ reprimanded Chaewon, once she reached Yujin’s awaiting figure. 

 

‘What do you mean?’

 

‘The poor merchant did not have a sword, but it doesn’t mean he didn’t have a small dagger.’

 

Yujin could only let out a surprised ‘Oh’ as her eyes widened in realization. No wonder why she was turned down. The man didn’t have a sword. He only had daggers. 

 

‘I seriously contemplated whether we should go to the town across and ask their market’s pawn shop about it!’

 

‘No need for unnecessary contemplation now hey?’

 

‘You’re right!’ grinned Yujin, happy with how things worked out. 

 

***

 

Half-way out of the market, the two were being so distracted by the heaviness of the meat that they didn’t notice the two figures in front of them.

 

‘Oh hello there, kind sirs. Fancy seeing the two of you here again?’ came the soft voice. 

 

Chaewon’s ears couldn’t help but pick up the slight amusement in the tone. Looking up, Chaewon couldn’t help but to stare at the familiar pretty girl from before. 

 

‘Hello Minjoo and Wonyoung. What are the two of you doing here?’

 

‘We didn’t get to finish our shopping trip yesterday, so we decided to walk around.’

 

‘Ah we must have been the reason why. Would you like to come to our humble hanok for a quick meal? Chaewon here makes some really good food!’

 

Chaewon looked at Yujin incredulously, trying to get the younger girl to shut . As much as she loved Yujin, Yujin could really be a pain. Like forcing her to make food when clearly it was Yujin’s turn today. 

 

‘We would love to, if that’s alright with the two of you?’

 

‘It’s all good with me! Please follow us - the way there could be a little strange but it definitely is a lot less dangerous than it looks.’

 

Chaewon could only watch the whole thing unfold and follow behind as her unsettling mind mulls over what the merchant had told her. 

***