Hi again, an update for you. Thank you kimmy, I'm glad you like it, btw what's daebak? :p

I don't own POTW. All mistakes are mine.


Ch. 3 Can you listen to my song?

It was peaceful morning. He snuggled against mattress continuing sleeping. Since he had no class so he thought to sleep a bit longer. Besides, his head was still heavy after his drink last night. He would never try alcohol again. He drew blanket up crouching. However, for his dismay, it was suddenly taken away from him.

"Wake up, it's morning."

"Hyung," He groaned, rolled to his side and put pillow over his head.

"It's morning already." Young Bok said. When his brother still snuggled under blanket he pushed Yun Bok's leg with his foot. "Come on, wake up now."

"We're off today, I want to sleep."

"That's why I told you not to drink too much. You have hangover now." He sat down behind his brother. "By the way how's last night party?" When his brother didn't reply he pocked his side. Finally Yun Bok revealed his sleepy face but kept eyes closed.

"It's nice," He couldn't help small grin as her face flashed in. "Really nice."

Young Bok knitted his brows to see Yun Bok grinning. "What's nice?" His eyes then went wider as a thought came to him. "You...don't tell me you like to play with gisaeng now? I shouldn't let you go, they've filled your head with bad stuffs." He looked back at his still sleeping brother. "Yun Boka,"

He drew eyelids up to look at his brother, getting annoyed. "My head is just fine. Besides, what's wrong with gisaeng, they're nice."

"They're nice?" He caught Yun Bok's shoulder before he could turn back to sleep. "What do you mean they're nice?"

Getting annoyed his brother seemed won't let him sleep, Yun Bok pushed body up and faced his brother. "I mean they're not like we always think about them. Well, some are…you know," He tilted head and Young Bok got the meaning. "But there's also good one. You remember the woman I bumped at market the other day?"

Young Bok nodded and saw his brother suddenly has dreamy face and once again grinning. "The one you'd painted, right?"

He nodded and inhaled. "I met her last night." He decided to keep their meeting at river for himself. He drew knees up grinning wider. "She's a geumgi, her play was beautiful. You should come last night. It was like her music could pull me to another world, you understand?"

"No," Young Bok asnwered and got small snarl from his brother.

"Anyway, it's really beautiful, and amazing. I thought that's the reason I have hangover." Suddenly a hand pushed his head. "Hyung,"

"Too much drink." He laughed when Yun Bok pushed him out from mattress. "By the way, father will come today."

"I know." Yun Bok said before crawling back. "Now let me have my sleep, you're disturbing."

He just laughed at his brother. "I'm going to market, you want something?"

"No, 'm fine, see you later, bye." He mumbled and heard Young Bok's chuckle before he left. Finally he could continue his sleep.

...

Jeong Hyang held string for a while waiting until its vibration stop. She then released it and looked up. "That's how you play the song." She smiled as the young apprentices applauded. "Now, let's try one more time."

She left her seat, approached her students. As a senior she had duty to teach young apprentice, future geumgi. Usually she had the lesson almost every day during morning since she has another task from noon. This was her daily routine. Actually she had no confidence to be a teacher but playing gayageum was the only thing she could really enjoy.

She nodded head slightly following melody of the song. She rounded to another side. She kneeled down beside a girl, the youngest member. "You okay?"

"Yes, miss."

The girl grinned at her and she stood up. She continued to the other side and halted near window as her ear caught unfamiliar sound.

"Pst."

She tilted her head. 'Just my imagination' She shrugged and turned attention back to the class.

"Hey,"

This time she caught the voice. She turned around approaching window. She almost let out a scream in surprise when suddenly a head popped up.

"Hi,"

"Painter," She took quick glance afraid her students noticed his presence. Luckily no one noticed it. His chuckle brought her gaze back to him. She stepped closer to window. "What are you doing here?"

Yun Bok tilted head a little. "I have free time, and thought to see you." He chuckled but then quickly covered it with palm when she narrowed her eyes. "Anyway, what are you doing?" He glanced toward the room filled by young girls.

"I'm teaching gayageum." She replied.

"Sounds fun. Can I join?" He looked up at her and chuckled at her raised-eyebrow. "So, you're busy."

"Yes." She said and he pursed lips. "Why?"

"Actually, I thought to ask you out." He scratched his temple. "I don't have class today."

She can't help a smile. "Well, I have class until noon." He pushed lips out, disappointed. He didn't even bother to hide the disappointment and it made her grin.

"You really can't leave?" He asked, put gloomy face on. She shook her head. "Really?"

When he pushed bottom lip out she couldn't help and giggled. "Maybe I can manage some time." His lips curled up instantly. "Just wait for moment." He nodded swiftly grinning wider. She shook head mentally and walked back to the class. "Eun Ae," She called her assistant. Eun Ae was six years younger than her and she had thought her like a younger sister.

"Yes, miss?"

"I have something urgent and I need you to replace me."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, it's just…I need to buy…buy something at market." She cleared her throat hoping Eun Ae will buy her excuse. "And, uh, I need you to cover me. Don't let mother know I'm leaving."

"But why?"

"Well, it's, uh," 'Think Jeong Hyang' She moved gaze to window and saw the painter peeping. Eun Ae suddenly let out gasp and she quickly covered her mouth with palm. "Don't scream."

"B-but…there's…" Eun Ae lowered her tone. "What is he doing here?"

"I can't explain now but I need to go. Just cover me until I'm back, okay?" She said to get Eun Ae's attention. The girl looks hesitated. "I promise will be here before noon."

"Alright."

"Thank you." She gave light pat and grin before leaving outside. She put shoes on and after made sure no one see her she rounded the building. He was waiting for her, wide smile on. "You'll get me punished, you know." He just gave his charming grin.

"Ready to go?"

She giggled nodding. "Where are you going to take me to?"

"Some nice place."

"Nice place?" She said and he wriggled his brows. "Lead the way then, sir." He chuckled and they left gibang.

Moment later they were walking through market, and left the town. This was the first time she left gibang without her mother's permission. To tell the truth she was surprised herself that she could get along with him. She took glance at him and couldn't help a giggle.

"Something funny?" He glanced at her.

"I never left gibang before," She breathed in the fresh air. "I mean on my own."

"Really? Never?"

She shook head. "Without my mother's permission, she's the leader in gibang, we're not allowed to leave. But sometimes I sneaked out, just like now."

"You're bad girl." He teased.

"You insisted, remember?" She teased back and they laughed. "Anyway, where are we going?" She glanced over at trees surrounding them.

"My secret place, you'll like it." He wriggled and watched as she held her chima up while walking. Not like him wearing pants, she had long skirt. He then let a hand out.

She looked at the stretched hand before bringing gaze up at him.

"There're many tree roots and rocks here, you could stumble." He said, rather as excuse.

"I'm fine," She said but he kept hand out waiting. Finally she took the hand.

"We're almost there." He cleared throat lightly moving gaze ahead walking on, missing her small smile.

"This is a nice place." She looked over town below. They had arrived at top of hill. She turned around to look up at a big tree with vigorous branches spreading out. "How do you know this place?"

He took tree root as a seat, rested himself. "I found this place when I was child and often to come. You like it?"

She nodded and sat down over another root beside him. "So, this is your secret place. You sure it's okay to share this place with me?"

He let out gentle laugh. "I used to have practice here. I like the view." He pressed lips together wondering for a moment. "Actually, I have a favor." He faced her and saw her slightly furrowed brows. "I'm thinking if…you can show me inside gibang." He rubbed palms waiting.

"You mean, you want to make a painting about gibang?" She asked and he nodded. "I don't know. You should ask my mother, for permission."

"Actually, it's gisaeng." He scratched temple admitting. "I don't know, it's just," He paused for a breath. "I want to paint something beautiful." 'Like you' he thought but didn't say out. "I mean, most of people thought gisaengs are just courtesan,"

"We are." She said.

"You're right, but I mean, it's not just that," He turned to look at her. She didn't reply. "I mean," He lifted hands up as he couldn't find the right word. His hands eventually slumped down and he sighed. "When I saw you, I just know that finally I find something I always want to paint."

She smiled at his honesty. "I think it won't be a problem to make painting of gisaeng."

"Really?" He lightened up. She gave a nod, relieved him. "Amazing." He can't help a grin. "So, can I come tonight?"

"Tonight?"

His excitement decreased some degree as she cast gaze down. "I can't come?"

"Of course you can," She looked up offering assured smile. "I'm sure my sisters would be glad to help you." He crunched face up a little at the tease. To tell the truth she wanted to accompany him but unfortunately she has guest tonight.

"Oh, okay then." He gave a smile. Honestly he wanted her but she must be busy, he thought. He then realized something. "Do I have to pay?" She cocked head a little giving an obvious look. "Well, I'll just ask my brother."

She giggled and looked ahead at the view before them. She didn't know where it coming from, at moment she wished he is the person who will listen to her performance tonight. She stole a glance at him and moved gaze back ahead shaking head mentally. 'What am I thinking?'

...

He rubbed palms taking a glance at the woman walking next to him. They had left hill and now heading back toward gibang. He was happy they have spent time together but there is still a thing that bothering him. He had something to tell but his mind started wandering.

She noticed his glance. Actually since they arrived at market she had noticed it. "You will tell me or leave me wondering?" She turned gaze to him.

He threw gaze aside blushing a little for being caught. "I, uh," He cleared throat while looking for the right word. Or to be precise question. After a pregnant pause he pushed the word out. "You don't, I mean…after that day, I mean…" Her giggle stopped him. He looked at her, confused.

"You can tell me anything, we're friend, right?" Somehow she felt down a little at the title but she pushed the feeling aside. "Just like you don't mind befriend a gisaeng, I have the same thought."

"You're right. I'm sorry." He smiled sheepishly. "Thank you, I really meant it."

She gave a nod and smiled. He flashed smile of relief and they continued walking. However after some steps he halted.

"What are you staring at?" He said to a man who unabashedly staring at Jeong Hyang. "You too." He said to another man. He had noticed glances toward the woman and thought to ignore, but now it annoyed him.

She took his sleeve pulling him to walk. "What are you doing?"

"They are staring at you." He stated while sending glare toward another man. "Are they always like this? Staring at you?" She just giggled. "It's not funny, it's rude."

"That's who I am. People value me for my appearance." She said bitterly. He suddenly grabbed her wrist stopping her. She couldn't read his eyes, but she was sure there is glint of anger. Although it soon disappeared in the next moment.

"There's also priceless thing."

She took inhale involuntary as his eyes sent something to her. Those eyes and the protective hand that holding her brought back the feeling she had felt at the hill. And it started to confuse her.

"I'm sorry." He shook head slightly walking on. He didn't know what had come to him. He didn't like it when those men stared at her, he just didn't like those eyes. And he also didn't like the way she value herself for she is more than just a display. She was more than that.

"It's okay." She offered. When he still looked down she decided to tease him. "Though it seems like you're jealous."

"What?" His eyes went wider and quickly cleared his throat. "It's silly. I just don't like it, I mean, they're staring, and it's rude thing to staring."

She smiled at his muttering. Now he was looking at anything but her. "I know." It finally made him look at her. "Just kidding."

"Ha ha ha." He mocked playfully and she started to laugh. This was the first time he saw her laughing. It caused him hold gaze still.

"I thought you said staring at people is rude." She said when caught his stare.

"I'm not staring, just taking look." He shrugged and she giggled at his lame excuse. They had arrived at gibang without realizing it, too enjoyed the teasing. "So, here you go."

"Thank you, I've great time today."

"Me too." He rubbed the nape of his neck. "You should go before someone notice."

She nodded and turned around. After some steps she bit her lips and turned around. "Have a nice day." Honestly she wanted to say 'see you tonight' but it sounds silly, somehow.

He laced hands behind back nodding. "You too."

She pressed lips together watching as he walked down. A smile started to bloom as she recalled their time at hill and his annoyance at men who stared at her. 'He's so funny'

"Jeong Hyang, what are you doing there?"

The smile vanished as she heard her mother's voice and swirled. "Mother, I just…"

"You should be ready. We have many visitors today."

"Yes, mother." She cast gaze down and followed her into yard. A sigh silently escaped from her mouth as she walked back into reality. Her inevitable reality.

...

"I can't believe we're here. Why do we have to come here?"

Yun Bok rolled eyes at his brother grumbling. "I told you this is for study."

"I never heard someone has study in gibang." Young Bok said pointedly. His brother stopped and turned around to face him. "Seriously, what are we doing here?"

"You want to know the real reason?"

"Yes."

"All right," Yun Bok crossed arms, put smirk on. His smirk turned wider when a perky voice approached them.

"Hello handsome, it's been a while since you're here."

"We just met yesterday." He said to the same gisaeng who had welcomed him the night before. He thought to flirt a little and the gisaeng quickly jumped in.

"It feels like a year for me."

He let out a laugh but inward rolling eyes. He cleared his throat and turned to his brother who now has slightly dropped jaw. "Let's get inside brother."

He quickly grabbed his brother's arm. He gave a look which says leave us alone toward the gisaeng and looked back to his brother. "Are you insane? We're going home."

Yun Bok pulled his brother back. "No, we're not." Young Bok looked about to argue and he decided to reveal his reason. "I want to meet her."

"The geumgi?"

He nodded. "Please help me, I can't go by myself, you know that."

"But, why? Why do you want to meet her?"

"She's my friend." He stated and the crinkle between his brother's brows just went deeper. "I don't know, I just find she's a nice person, and beautiful."

"You'd mentioned it many times, makes me wonder how beautiful she is." Young Bok said, rather in annoyance.

He decided to ignore the tone. "I want to get to know her, more. It's just that," He shrugged. "I want to know her."

Young Bok looked into his brother's eyes. To tell the truth he had wonder for what makes Yun Bok so captivated about the geumgi. But he was Yun Bok after all, always comes with something beyond his comprehension. "Fine, but just this time. You know father will kill us if he knows we visit gibang. And let's hope we won't meet any teacher inside." Yun Bok gave him grin with vigorous nod, they then headed inside gibang.

Moment later, Young Bok tried his best to keep feet still at his spot. "So, you're new here?" He pulled corner of lips up smiling at the woman standing before him, too close for his like. The gisaeng nodded and trailed fingers up to his upper arm. "We're too," When his brother nudged his back, with rolled eyes he believed, he quickly corrected. "No, we're not new." He inhaled as the woman didn't seem to pay any attention and just stared at him, increasing his nervousness.

"Ask her." Yun Bok whispered and turned back to his task which was keeping watch. He was keeping watch while his brother dag some information from the gisaeng.

"So, uh, you work here,"

Yun Bok rolled his eyes and turned around. "Really?" He said with low voice.

Young Bok leaned head back a little toward his brother. "I'm trying here," He flashed smile to the gisaeng. "Why don't you try yourself?" He hissed and quickly replaced it with clearing throat as a slap landed on his upper back.

"She likes you, hyung," Yun Bok whispered back. "Now make it fast please." Young Bok turned head to give a glare and he just offered a grin and shrug.

Sighing in defeat Young Bok looked back at the gisaeng, now stood right before him. "Can you tell us where's Jeong Hyang?" He was aware he just asked right to the point and apparently it made the gisaeng upset a little. It seemed like the geumgi is the star. "So?"

"Well, I will tell you but there's price for that."

"I'll pay…" He took out money pocket from his dopo but the gisaeng took his hand stopping him.

"I'm afraid you can't meet her because she has guest at moment, but,"

He leaned head back as the woman's face came closer. Yun Bok was standing behind him so he can't step back. "But?"

"If you agree for a drink tonight, then I will let you know her room."

Young Bok opened his mouth but then closed it. "Oh, uh," Before he could say something his brother interrupted.

"He's more than glad to have a drink." Yun Bok answered in his brother's behalf ignoring his surprised look.

"Just follow this corridor, back room, on left. Remember, on the left." She gave wink at the younger man.

"Wait, where are you going?" Young Bok asked as his brother walked past him. Yun Bok curled lips up and patted his shoulder mouthing a thank you. "Yun Boka, come back here!" He hollered out but only got a thumb up from his brother. "That little…" A hand on his arm and upper chest stopped him and his eyes went wide at the realization.

"Shall we go now?"

...

Jeong Hyang stepped into her room. Finally her work was done for today. She rounded her small table and sat down. Eun Ae put her gayageum down and turned to face her. "What?" The young girl narrowed eyes at her. "You can leave now."

"He's one of the apprentices, isn't he?"

"Who is he?" She asked with nonchalant tone taking off her hair pin. She sighed when the girl still waited for her reply. "Yes, he is."

"Hmm," Eun Ae drew eyelids lower.

"What's that humming? We're just having walk, he's a friend."

"A friend?"

"Yes, a friend. Now leave me alone, I'm tired." She chuckled at Eun Ae's pouting face. "Tell mother I'm done for today."

"All right."

After Eun Ae left she pushed body up to undress. She untied jeogori belt and heard knock on door. "Come in, you forgot something Eun…" Her hands stopped abruptly when she found the painter standing at door. However his smile faded as he realized what she was about to do.

He quickly moved gaze aside slapping head mentally. "I'm sorry,"

After made sure her jeogori belt was tied she sat back. "Come on in."

He took a glance before stepping in, closed the door behind. "I don't know you're…" He trailed off licking lips nervously. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright, but I must say you surprised me. How do you know my room?" She asked.

"I met a girl and she told me." He decided to keep detail of his bargain with another gisaeng aside.

"Eun Ae," She sighed.

At her sigh he felt guilty. "If it'll be a trouble I better leave."

"Don't worry, you can trust her." She assured him. He looked relieved and smiled. "Why are you here?" She then remembered their conversation today at hill. "So, done with your observation?"

"Actually it's just about to start now." He replied. She gave confused look and he continued. "I come here because someone promised me for a song."

"I didn't promise anything." She teased. It was just like that he teased her and she would tease him back, she wondered why. He straightened up dropping jaw slightly.

"But you said will play for me."

"Did I?" She giggled at his annoyed face. She then pushed the table aside and took her gayageum. "You have any request?"

He pursed lips before answering. "Whatever you play, I'll listen."

She pulled corner of lips up at the answer. She brought hands over string starting to play. She didn't know why she chose the song. She just wanted him to hear it. Her song.

He had always thought to see everything with painter eyes. Someone might ask what makes it different from others, and he would say that a painter look not only with eye but also with his ear, his nose, his skin, and sometimes his heart. Because eye could be deceived. And at moment he used not only eye but also his ear to see the beauty of the woman sitting before him. He didn't need a brush to draw the sight down in a paper. He closed his eyes and let the image of her form up in his mind.

She released the string and looked up at him. He slowly opened his eyes and there was smile at his lips. It felt like something has connected her to him, something that she wasn't sure what. "What do you think?"

"It's sad." He answered honestly.

She cast gaze down smiling a little. "How can you say that? It's a fast tone."

"But your eyes tell different." He said. He saw the smile on her lips grew wider a little. "I saw it, the anguish."

She drew a breath bringing gaze up to look at him. "How could you see it?" He didn't answer immediately instead staring at her. "How?"

"Because you showed that to me."

It was a simple answer but had a deep impact to her. He had seen and felt it, what she screamed in her heart for years. Something no one ever saw before. 'Who are you?' He scratched his brow grinning sheepishly at her. 'And what is this feeling you bring into me?'


That's for now. I don't know the young girl's name so I used Eun Ae.

Thank you for coming and reading :)