Chapter 12

 

The whole day was exhausting and a lot of things are running through her mind

Joohyun laid her back down on her thick silk blanket. Minjeong have just left her room after the kid just asked her a lot of questions about Seulgi

 

'Are you two together?'

'You like him too?'

'What did he say?'

'Why did you seem flushed earlier?'

 

After Seulgi bluntly said those words, she wasn't able to answer back anymore until the latter left

It was fortunate enough that her other companions didn't see her with Seulgi

 

She raised her right wrist and stare at the bracelet that Seulgi gave her

"I will make you love me for the rest of your life"

 

Joohyun shut her eyes in frustration as she groaned, "Why does it seem like it's not Donghee who said that?"

 

Then, she remembered again the deja vu she felt earlier when she cured Seulgi's wounds on her face

The warmth she felt was the same as what she felt when she met the present Kang Seulgi before she was transported back

 

Again, it was so sudden that she finally think of that there might be a reason why she is transported back

There might be a reason that she was transported back. And there might be a reason why she sees Seulgi on the person she calls Silver spoon

 

"Do I have to figure it out?"

 

 

 

 

Seulgi was walking casually towards the dark alley at the marketplace, and she discreetly eyed her surrounding if someone is tailing her

She rushed to stepped in at the dark alley when she saw Heechul there waiting for her

 

"Your Highness. Where's your horse?" Heechul asked and checked if Seulgi is alright

Seulgi gave him a half shrug, "I don't know. Someone maybe just took it. Some palace guards are looking for me earlier"

"I know. We should head back now. I'm sure His Majesty is mad"

Both of them managed to have their way into any dark alley where no one could notice their presence until they reached the secret gate behind the palace

 

Heechul checked if there is roaming palace guards or servants nearby, and fortunately, no one

He motioned Seulgi and they rushed to go at the Crown Prince's quarter

 

As she walks to her quarter's hallway, she took off her hat and just dropped it on the floor as there is a mere court lady following her behind and picking it up

"Where are Eunuch Shin and Court Lady Choi?" She asked Heechul

"They are waiting for you-"

 

As they turned right, Eunuch Shin greeted them. He just came out from Seulgi's chamber

He gasped in surprise and even covered his mouth with his palm, "Your Highness" he mouthed

"What? What's with your face?" Seulgi frowned, she also lowered her voice

 

"Prince Imhae is inside"

 

 

 

 

"It is almost time for supper, what makes you come here tonight?" Seulgi asked Haneul as she wore her outer new robe. She have just changed her clothes and her older brother waited

"I would love to have supper with you" Haneul answered as he glance up at Seugli. He looks so calm

Seulgi her head to the side, "That's weird but okay?" She takes a seat in front of him

"Tell the royal cook I want seaweed soup tonight for a side dish" Seulgi told Court Lady Choi and Eunuch Shin

 

They followed her and left the chamber. Now, it's only the siblings

"You still ditch out when you know you will be grounded, Crown Prince" Haneul said nonchalant, "His Majesty asked for your presence earlier and you didn't come"

 

Seulgi sighed, "You don't know what happened, Orabeoni"

Hanuel frowned and wait for Seulgi to speak

 

"What was the reason again why I should not let Bogum knows my real identity?"

Haneul's forehead creases more when Seulgi asked that. It was so sudden that his sister ask him about it

 

There must be something happening

 

They have to hide Seulgi's identity for her safety. Bogum's mother is the Queen and she became a Queen with Councilor Jung's help

Because she is Councilor Jung's late wife's sister

The councilor has been always suspicious for Lady Kwon(Seulgi's legitimate mother) and Princess Ah-jong. 

Princess ah-jong and Lady Kwon were once close

 

It was Junmyeon's mother who ordered them not to tell the Queen and everyone around her, that Seulgi is a woman. Why? Maybe she knew something that they doesn't know. Her death was too fast

And maybe, that could be the reason of her sudden death

 

Haneul also knew that Councilor Jung is one of the suspects who tried to kill his mother but they cannot just put the blame on him without any evidence

But no one knows yet who is the mastermind of the assassination to Princess Ah-Jong and her daughter

 

"Why did you ask?"

As Seulgi told him what she witnessed earlier at their father's conversation with the Queen and Bogum, his face went blank

 

"He wants to marry Lady Joohyun?"

Seulgi nodded her head, "Maybe he was doing that for my safety-"

"No, he is not, Seulgi" Haneul clenched his jaw, "He must be up for something. He is starting"

Seulgi frowned at his statement, "What do you mean?"

 

"He knows that you are in love with her, right?"

"Yes-" Seulgi paused as she realized her brother's question. Her eyes went wide, how did he know?

But before she could ask, Haneul spoke, "Junmyeon told me and it's obvious"

 

Seulgi's lips were parted as she try to speak but there were no words coming out

 

"Don't worry, I am not disgusted with you. I'll never be" Haneul reassured her, "The only thing that matters now is that if he knew, he is really up to something"

"Then, what it is?"

"He might use her as bait for you to give up the throne to him. I don't know but what if he is already confused about who really you are?"

Seulgi sighed through her nose, "Why, then? Father is still healthy and alive. Why are we talking about the throne-"

 

"I've heard that Emperor Zhu wants you to have the throne after his envoys' visit. He wants you to earn the Ming's trust.  And Father.." Haneul paused as he took a deep breath, "He will have you sit on the throne right after the Ming's visit. He wants you to be the one to stop Japan's invasion with the help of the Ming Dynasty"

"And I am sure that Bogum knows about it already"

 

Seulgi's expression closed up with Haneul's statement. She wasn't ready for that

It's been tough for her since she became the Crown Prince. She doesn't know if she can handle ruling a country that needs a ruler that could give them the world they wanted

 

 

 

 

"I want Prince Yeongchang (Bogum) to get married" The King suddenly announced that surprised everyone inside the hall for their morning

 

Both Councilor Bae and Jung are not surprised by it for their own reason

 

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's royal marriage has just been done. It'll give us a misfortune!" The ministry of rites complaint, "The sky gave us a rain already!"

He has a point and some of the people inside agreed, especially on the right side where Councilor Bae is

Jeongsu, ministry of justice, stepped in, "Minister Park is right, Your Majesty. It'll give us a misfortune, hence, the ming's envoys are on their way. They are arriving 2 days from now"

 

Ministry of Taxation scoffs and stepped in, "We can hold Prince Yeongchang's wedding beforehand"

 

Councilor Bae eyed Councilor Jung in tranquil. And the latter noticed it, giving him a small lopsided smile

 

"Letting Prince Yeongchang marry one of the highest rank's daughter after the Envoys' visit would be one of the wisest decision" Councilor Jung stated as he glance at the King, "Don't you agree, Your Majesty?"

The King didn't answer. It's just, that he doesn't know what to do to Seulgi. His daughter is being reckless and he wanted to ask her about Joohyun

 

"What's your response, Your Majesty?" Councilor Jung snapped him out

 

King Dongwon's eyes flicker and look at his people, his gaze halted on Councilor Bae who has his eyes on the ground

"I agree. Let's marry him off after the Ming's envoys visit" The King declared without waiting for Councilor's Bae words

 

He wanted to have a private talk with him

 

 

 

 

"Tell me what's with you, ladies" Joohyun suddenly spoke. They are having their first meal of the day in the front yard together and it's been suspicious to her that her friends; Byul-yi, Sooyoung, and Yerim are stealing glances at each other

"What?" Byul-yi blink her eyes cluelessly

"Is there something I don't know that three of you do?" Joohyun put down her chopsticks

 

They shook their heads in unison. While Baekhyun and Minjeong are quietly eating in their seats

 

Joohyun noticed that Yerim has been pursing her lips, it was like she was trying not to say something. And Joohyun knows it

Joohyun sighed, "Just say something you want to say, Kim Yerim"

"W-what?" Yerim glanced at Byul-yi and Sooyoung, eyeing her to control

 

"I know you. Three of you" Joohyun stated as she glare at them one by one

 

It took them a second before Yerim finally gave up, "Fine! We thought that Young Master Donghee is the Crown Prince!"

 

Their mind went sputters when Yerm exclaimed that. They are all surprised by what came from

But Joohyun kept her tranquility, she thought of that as well but all she always think is that it was Seulgi

 

"Don't say that! He is a friend of His Royal Highness!" Baekhyun retorts

"Then, let me say something!" Sooyoung dropped her chopsticks down and stood up from her seat

 

But before she could speak, someone at the gate came, waving enthusiastically

 

"Orabeoni!" Minjeong face brightened up and fix her clothes before standing up to run toward the door

 

"Don't say something about it now that he's here" Byul-yi warned Sooyoung and Yerim

"Baekhyun, go prepare some tea for him" Joohyun said and rose from her seat

 

She went towards Seulgi and Minjeong, as the kid is clinging to the older one's

"Good morning, Lady Bae Joohyun" Seulgi grinned wide and bow his head at Joohyun

Joohyun gave her a small smile and a bow, "What makes you here?"

"Nothing. I just want to take a visit and ask you something later when we're alone"

Minjeong face brightened, "Are you going to ask her out? You're taking her on the date?!" Her eyes twinkled as she clench her hand on Seulgi's fancy cloth

 

Joohyun's other three friends came with a questioning face

"Two of you are dating?!" Sooyoung exclaimed

"Why does it seem so fast?!" Yerim reacted and put a grip on Joohyun

"You like men now, eonni?!" Byul-yi asked the older with her bulged eyes

 

Joohyun glance at smiling Seulgi, eyeing her to answer them

But Seulgi sticks her tongue out and wink at her, making Joohyun scoff in disbelief and annoyance at the same time

 

"Answer us, eonni!"

 

"They are dating!" Minjeong cheered up and her hands are up on the air, making everyone surprised. Well, not Seulgi who's smiling from ear to ear

"No! We're not!" Joohyun denied it, shooting a glare at Seulgi

 

Minjeong eyes narrowed, "You almost kiss yesterday" she smirks

And once again, the three reacted in exaggerating way

 

"No, Ladies. We're not. Minjeong is mistaken" Joohyun tried to calm them down but they don't believe her

Not until Seulgi spoke, "We are not, ladies. We are getting to know each other" She flashed her charming smile at them

 

Byul-yi eyed Seulgi from head to toe and Yerim elbowed her, "Be careful, we're dead if he is the crown prince" she whispered

"What am I even doing?" Byul-yi frowned

"You're glaring at him"

"I'm not"

"Yes you do"

 

"Eonni, can we let him join our table?" Minjeong grabbed Joohyun's hand

Joohyun was quiet for a second as the bracelet on her wrist is shown when Minjeong took her hand

 

She flashed a small smile and nodded her head, "Sure"

"Yes!" Minjeong throw a fist in the air and pulled Seulgi with her inside, leaving Joohyun with her friends

 

"Are you starting to like him back?" Sooyoung asked Joohyun in a low voice

Yerim eyed the older one's wrist and saw the bracelet, "Did he give you that?"

"What's really going on?" Byul-yi frowned

 

Joohyun let out a sigh in frustration, her friends are bombarding her with questions. "I said nothing. Let's go and continue our meal"

 

 

 

 

The King watched as all of his servants inside his chamber left. Until it's only him and Councilor Bae who are in front of him

 

He emptied his quarter for their privacy

"Do you know that Seulgi and your daughter are close?" The King finally spoken

Councilor Bae looked up at him, "His Royal Highness is close with everyone, Your Majesty"

 

"I've heard a lot of rumors that she has romantic feelings for your daughter"

 

The King's statement made Councilor Bae frown. Of course, he thinks it is impossible

 

Seulgi is a woman and so his daughter

 

"Your Majesty, we all know that the Crown Prince is sweet to everyone. She visited me yesterday and told me about the marriage, she is worried for my daughter as she just became her candidate"

"We all know it can give a lot of bad luck"

 

It's now King Dongwon's turn to frown, "How did she know? I only talked with Bogum and Queen that time and she's didn't attend the assembly earlier"

"I don't know, Your Majesty"

 

King sighed and leaned his back on his bedchamber, "There is something wrong with my Seulgi, Councilor Bae. And I don't want that to happen" he whimpers

"I don't want it to be written on the history"

 

"Is there anything I can do to ease your worries for His Royal Highness?"

"But I beg you to talk with His Royal Highness first before believing those fatuous rumors"

 

The King met his gaze, it took him a second to utter some words

"I want you to tell your daughter to stay away from Seulgi. And I will do the same"

 

 

 

 

The meal was quite awkward because of the way Joohyun's friends stare at her and Seulgi. It only gives joy because of Baekhyun's jokes and Minjeong's laughter

 

After the meal, Baekhyun and Minjeong cleaned the table and left to wash some dishes

Can't bear the glares from her friends, Joohyun asked Seulgi, "How're your wounds? Did you put the medicines I gave you?"

 

Seulgi pursed her lips and slowly shook her head in guilt. She forgot it and she did that on purpose

Joohyun once again sighed, "Follow me. Let me check that" she fixed her cloth and stood up

 

Seulgi watched her walked inside the room before she stand up

She composes herself and started her pace, but she turned around and stick her tongue out to Byul-yi, Sooyoung and Yerim before she follows Joohyun inside

 

And that left the three with their jaw dropped

 

"W-what?" Yerim blink her eyes

"If we confirmed that he is not the Crown Prince, I'll kill him" Byul-yi muttered

"He's a nobleman, Eonni and we are just in a middle class" Sooyoung said and had her way towards the other room

 

 

 

 

"Roll up your sleeves" Joohyun said as soon as Seulgi take a seat in front of her

"O-okay"

 

Seulgi obeyed what Joohyun told her quietly. Then, Joohyun eyed the scrape on her arm and on her face

"Why you didn't use what I gave you?" Joohyun looked at Seulgi

 

And latter was just giving her a goofy smile.

 

Last night, Lady Choi told Seulgi that she'll clean up her wounds and put some medicinal herbs on them but she declined. Instead, she asked Lady Choi just to clean it. And same goes for what happened earlier in the morning before she left the palace again to ditch the assembly and her father

And she did that all to make Joohyun do it instead of others

 

Joohyun just blew air and leaned forward on Seulgi

 

"If you do this again on purpose, I won't let you come back here to my house" Joohyun said and start cleaning all of Seulgi's wounds

 

Seulgi didn't utter any words. She can sense that the older one is serious and she has to obey her or else.

She keeps shut and watches Joohyun do her thing. And she noticed that she didn't take off the wristband she gave her

 

Seulgi's face slowly brightened up when she saw that. For her, it means that Joohyun accepted her and that the latter would wait for her

Does she feel the same thing?

 

"Hey" Seulgi muttered softly and only received a hum from the latter as a response

"About last night" She started and studied Joohyun's eyes if is there anything changed in her expression. But it's still the same

"What's with that?"

Seulgi clears , "Well.. It is that uhm" she stammered

Joohyun halted doing her business on Seulgi's arm and glance up at her, "What are you trying to say?"

 

Seulgi chuckled nervously and looks away. She suddenly felt nervous about asking about it again to Joohyun. Why now when she already asked her boldly last night?

 

"Just say what you want to say, Silver spoon" Joohyun said and continue on her business

"Uhm"

 

'For heavenly sake, Kang Seulgi, pull yourself up and ask it! She might like you back!'

 

Joohyun let out a short chuckle, "Don't say it if you can't-"

 

"Are you going to wait for me? D-do you accept my love for you?"

And Seulgi's words, even though she spoke fast, made Joohyun's mind sputter to stop

 

Joohyun blink her eyes twice to help herself recover from another blunt and sudden question from Seulgi

"You still wearing it. It does mean that you accepted it" Seulgi muttered softly as she glance down at the wristband on the older one's wrist

 

No one didn't speak after that and Joohyun stayed still

 

Seulgi finally realized that she was being too blunt, "Oh, you don't have to answer it. My apologies, my lady"

 

'Wrong move, I guess?'

 

 

 

 

It was peaceful midday in the secret garden of someone's in the bound of the palace, it is windy and the birds chirping around sends a relaxation after an exhausting day being a princess for Seung-wan

 

She was staring at the different flowers that  she touches, sending a small smile on her face

 

She was interrupted when someone spoke up behind her, "Your Highness. What's made you visit here?"

 

Seung-wan turned around and greeted a middle-aged woman with her not so elegant and fancy everyday clothes that the King's concubines must wear

 

"Is visiting you is now prohibited, Lady Kwon?" Seung-wan her brows at the middle-aged Lady

 

Lady Kwon chuckled after her statement, "I assume that you're with my daughter, Your Highness"

 

Seung-wan was quiet for a second, her eyes directly on the latter, "That's why I am here, Auntie. I want to ask a few things to you"

 

"Is something happened to my Seulgi? She hasn't visited me for a while now"

 

"Would that be okay to you if she's visiting another woman now, Auntie?"

 

 

 

 

Yerim crossed her arms and huffed a breath as she sat beside Minjeong who was smiling from ear to ear

 

"Are you that happy that they went out together?" Yerim asked the younger one with a frown

Minjeong nodded her head eagerly, "I want them to be together because they look so good to be" she said

"Really?"

"Yes" Minjeong looked at her, "Less your concern, Eonnie. Let them have fun, I know Joohyun Eonnie is safe as long as she's with him"

"Also, Sooyoung Eonnie is with them"

 

Yerim didn't have a chance to retort when she heard a knock from the wooden gate of their place

 

"Are we expecting visitors today?" She mumbled

 

She walks towards the gate and opens it, only greeted by the two familiar faces, the other one is not but she's sure she has seen its face before

It was Yongsun with Haneul and Junmyeon

 

Yerim's eyes widened and immediately bowed deep to show her courtesy to them

 

Making Yongsun chuckled softly, "You're so adorable. How are you? I am sorry for coming without any notice"

"Oh, that's not a problem, Princess. Come inside" Yerim motioned her hand to them to go inside. She even discreetly studied Haneul's face as she was confused that she met this man before

 

Junmyeon noticed it and halted his pace, "He's the oldest son of the King. You met him once at the dinner party with us" He told Yerim with a smile on his face

 

Yerim suddenly wanted to bury herself on the ground, right on her spot, but she immediately bow for an apology at Haneul, making the latter chuckle at her behavior

"I'm very sorry for not recognizing you" Yerim said apologetically

"That's okay. I've encountered a lot of people today who don't know me, however, yours is fine" Haneul smiled

 

Then, Minjeong stood up from her seat and greet them with a bow

Junmyeon patted her head, "How are you, kid?"

Minjeong smiled at him, "I'm fine, Your Highness"

 

Junmyeon then leaned close to Haneul and whispered, "She's Soojung's niece. Daughter of Missus Jung Sooyeon"

Haneul's mouth agape as he nodded his head

 

Byul-yi then came out and was surprised when she saw the royalties, she bowed in prompt to greet them

 

Yongsun smiles and went toward her, holding her shoulder, "Surprise?"

"What makes you come here, Princess?"

"Visiting you, I guess?" Yongsun her head to the side, giving a playful glare at her

Byul-yi just laughed

"Where's Lady Joohyun, by the way?" Yongsun asked everyone

 

Minjeong answered and glance at Junmyeon with purpose, "She went out with my Donghee Orabeoni at Mungyeong Sajae"

And that's when Junmyeon and Haneul looked at each other. Of course, they knew it was Seulgi

 

The Crown Prince was nowhere to be found in her quarter that's why they decided to look for her by passing by Joohyun's place

 

"Are they already a thing?" Yongsun joked

Byul-yi reacted immediately, "She hates men. They are just friends"

"Too bad, they will look good together if so" Yongsun muttered with a small lopsided smile on her lips

 

'My Lady hates men? Too bad, our Seulgi is not a man. You have a chance, Crown Prince'

 

Haneul cleared his throat that caught everyone's attention, "Anyway, would it be okay if we leave her here for a while?" He asked them and glance at Yongsun

 

Yerim nodded her head without hesitating, "Of course, I don't mind! You can even sleep here tonight, Princess!" She grinned, making them chuckled out at her

 

 

 

 

"Wait here" Seulgi halted when they reached the rocky ground of the mountain

 

Joohyun let out a sighed in frustration, she doesn't want to agree with this but Sooyoung insisted as she wanted to come as well

She just gave up as Seulgi keeps forcing her along with Sooyoung and Minjeong. But she decided not to bring Minjeong with them

 

Sooyoung elbowed her, "Relax, Eonni. Look at the river, it seems refreshing to swim in there"

Joohyun looked at her in disbelief, "Swim? Are you serious? We're with a man, for heavens sake" she said and glanced at Seulgi who's stepping down at the rocks slowly, checking it "Also, it is not summer yet"

"And? That's why I'm here to protect you. Now let's go" Sooyoung grabbed her things

 

"It's kind of slippery, let me help you" Seulgi said and offer her hands as Sooyoung insisted to go dowm first

"Slowly" Seulgi muttered as she held on to Sooyoung's hand tight

"We're going there, right?" Sooyoung asked and pointed to the mountain river that is a few steps ahead of them

 

Seulgi nodded her head and composed her position to help Joohyun, "Give me your hand" she looked at the latter

 

Joohyun once again sighed and just followed Seulgi

She held the latter's hand before she jumped in, "Thank you"

Seulgi smiled, "My pleasure"

 

"Alright! Let's go!" Sooyoung cheered up and had her way towards the river, leaving the two behind

 

Seulgi then faces Joohyun, "Don't worry, I'll make you happy this day again"

She once again lends her hand to the latter, "Shall we?"

 

"I can walk-"

"It's slippery"

"Sooyoung ran away without getting slipped. You're just taking advantage of holding my hand, silver spoon" Joohyun clicks her tongue and flicked Seulgi's forehead before she walks away

 

Leaving Seulgi whine with the slight pain she felt with what Joohyun did but smiles later on

"At least she's slowly getting comfortable to me" Seulgi chuckled on herself and walk after her

 

Joohyun went in frowning as she found Sooyoung taking off her outer garments, "Park Sooyoung! What are you doing?"

"Taking off my clothes to swim?" Sooyoung raised her brows and continue taking off her clothes

Joohyun rushed towards her to stop her, "Stop that! We're with him!" She pointed to Seulgi who had just come in

 

The latter was looking at them cluelessly until she realized that Sooyoung is taking her outer garments

"Oh, yeah! I'm sorry! I won't look!" Seulgi covered her eyes immediately and turn around

"I'm not a man though" She mumbled to herself

 

"See?" Sooyoung hissed and continue taking her clothes off, leaving only her undergarments

Her shoulders and bellybutton are only exposed as she's wearing long underpants on her bottom part

Sooyoung then slowly takes a step on the stream, "It's not that cold!" She exclaims in happiness and starts splashing water on herself

 

Joohyun just palms her face in disbelief and glances back to Seulgi who is back facing her

"You can turn around, just don't stare at her" She said

 

Seulgi turn around with a wide grin on her face, as she put down her backpack

"Why are you smiling?" Joohyun frowned

"Nothing? It's just you're too strict with your friend-"

"You're a man, silver spoon. And she's taking off her clothes" Joohyun raised her brows and pick Sooyoung's clothes up as she put it right on the big stone beside her

 

"I'm not even going to-"

Seulgi shut immediately when Joohyun's brows went narrowed more

"Okay, I'll shut my mouth now" Seulgi purses her lips and looks away

She was tapping her foot on the ground and kept on whistling

 

Joohyun then take off her sandals and have a seat on the big rock beside her, watching Sooyoung enjoying the water

 

Out of bore, Seulgi decided to join Sooyoung in a stream but not to swim.

She takes her hat off before her sandals, along with her socks

 

"What are you doing?" Joohyun asked when she saw Seulgi untying the band on the side of her chest, a sign that she'll take her outer garments off

"Taking off my clothes?" Seulgi asked back as she ark her brows and fully untied her band

"Don't worry, I'll go somewhere far from her for you to less your concern" Seulgi said and take her outer robe out

 

She's only left with a man's underjacket and undertrouser

"Don't tell me you're going to take your top off when you are with two ladies here?" Joohyun frowned more as she eyed Seulgi from head to toe

 

Seulgi noticed that Joohyun seems disgusted when she said that. Making her laugh

Why would she do that? They don't know her real identity. She's dead if they did

And if she's a man, she'll probably take her top off to impress them. But she's not

 

"Of course, I won't do that because you ladies are here. Don't mind me and do your thing, okay?" She unconsciously winks at Joohyun before she dives in on the other side of the stream

Joohyun scoffs in disbelief with the wink

 

Seulgi started to walk in the bend at the stream, staring under the water as her pair of arms are already under the water

"What are you doing?" Sooyoung asked her

"Looking for some trouts. We have it here" Seulgi answered her without even glancing back at her

"Is that why you asked me to bring a basket?"

 

Now, Seulgi looks up at her and nodded her head, "It's better to catch fish by yourself than to buy it on the market that will cost you too much" she smiled and continue her thing

 

"Aren't you grown up in a silver spoon? How do you-"

Before Sooyoung could finish her question,  a loud and big splash from the water surprised them as Seulgi plops in

"Did you catch one?!" Sooyoung exclaims in eager

 

Seulgi wipes her face with her other hand and looks at both of them. She also noticed that Joohyun is interested to know if she caught one

 

"He is fighting back" she said and lifted her other hand

And they saw that Seulgi is holding a medium size of a trout, still fighting for its life

"Wow" Sooyoung mouth went agape and even clapped her hands in eager

 

Seulgi chuckled and walks out from the stream, towards Joohyun to get the basket

 

"Isn't it slimy?" Joohyun asked, her lips are slightly twitching as she feels sick to see how Seulgi holding the fish, and she can smell it

Seulgi looks at the fish on her hand and back to Joohyun, "Sort of but it feels good in the hand. Want to try-"

 

As she was about to lean it on Joohyun, the latter already scream throughout her lungs and run away like she was fighting for her life

It made Sooyoung and Seulgi laughed at her

 

"Calm down, this is not even going to bite you" Seulgi said and put the trout on the basket

Joohyun hissed, "Don't you ever come close to me. You smell like a fish now!" She pouts and pinches her nostrils

 

And of course, Seulgi find that adorable, making her heart beats rapidly again

'Bae Joohyun, why are you so cute?' she pursed her lips to prevent herself from smiling

 

She then smells her hand and it's is kind of stinks.

 

"Hey! How did you learn to catch fish in that way effortlessly?" Sooyoung asked

"There's a certain someone who taught me how" Seulgi answered

 

And that's Soojung's father.  Seulgi was so glad that she has him, Heechul, and his father when she grew up.  Also, she was glad to have Joohyun's parents on her side

She wouldn't feel the world outside without them.

 

"I'm going to catch more, anyone wants to help?" She asked them

And Sooyoung shook her head immediately without hesitation. She couldn't imagine that fish on her hand and it was making her sick

 

Especially Joohyun who's already shooting a glare at Seulgi that is smiling at her

"I haven't asked you yet"

"It's a no. Now, stay away from me"

"Come on-"

"I'm warning you, Silver spoon"

 

Seulgi sighed and crossed her arms, "My Lady, you should give it a try. I assure you that it's fun. I will teach you how"

"Is that the purpose why you forced me to be here?" Joohyun's eyes narrowed at her

 

Seulgi pursed her lips as she held her chin as if she were remembering something

"Yes. And as far as I remember, when you were here with Yerim, and drunk. You said you want to be a fish?"

 

"Do you see that little fish having fun swimming with her friends?"

"I want to be just a fish"

"It's better to be a fish than to get married with-"

"With the Crown Prince"

 

Seulgi laughed as she remembered that, though it made her think of what Joohyun did after that

"I did?" Joohyun frowned more

"Yeah" Seulgi nodded her head, "You even said that you'd rather be a fish than marry our Crown Prince"

 

'And you know