Chapter 9

Red 

Two weeks before the thawing of spring, Himchan had wandered off into the forest; it was dark and cold. Himchan was tired and needed time to rest his mind. He felt so suffocated under the constant watching and control. He couldn’t let his aura run free, or Daehyun will sense them. He couldn’t float higher than the treetops, or Daehyun will see them. He couldn’t explore the forest and have fun at all, or Daehyun will find them.

Daehyun this, Daehyun that; why couldn’t they all solve this peacefully?? Himchan wanted freedom as much as the rest… He wanted to survive this. He didn’t know their reasons for trying to survive, but he was conceited enough not to give a damn. Himchan was conceited—but around that kid, Jongup, he couldn’t help but be kind, forgiving and compassionate.

Two nights before, Himchan had found a beautifully secluded clearing with a single, massive Willow tree. The tree still had its long flowing leaves, and something about it seemed magical to Himchan. He was now going there, in the middle of the night, to clear his mind. He wanted to sit on its highest branch and enjoy the cool breeze biting at his warm skin.

Himchan slowed down a bit; he recognized the trees now and knew that he was nearing the clearing. Though he was quite strong, Himchan knew the dangers of open, unguarded clearings. Like a doe, Himchan watched for any signs of the main enemy: Daehyun.
 

This area wasn’t protected by Yongguk’s aura, and therefore, Himchan could be easily detected. He stepped forward into the opening, gingerly placing one foot after the other until he was at the center of the frozen clearing, his ears and eyes straining to sense anything out of the blue. Alas, he sensed an aura. Himchan froze for a moment. He backtracked back into the forest and tuned his aura down low.

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