Hello everyone, it's me; Just shipping. Thanks to your positive reviews I wrote out more concepts of this couple, that made us cry so much. Unfortunately, with every concept there was a point I would get stuck. This one I finally figured out how to complete it. I hope you like this oneshot, please leave a review. And please bear with my English, as it's not my native language.
This oneshot is AU. It's historical, but Taejo only has six sons in it and Soo did not travel time. And there are also other adjustments in it.
Author's note: I don't own Moon Lovers, if I did; there would have been a season two already.
Enjoy!
He was panicking. It had been two days since Baek Ah got hurt and wherever he would search for help, no one dared to help the brothers of the king who were now pronounced as traitors. Wang So was desperate, he needed to get some help for Baek Ah for his wounds, he had stopped the bleeding, but Wang So did not know everything medical. Right now he had set up a camp in the woods and was busy thinking of what would be the best to do. He regretted to fall in his brother's trap and he more regretted that he let Baek Ah come with him. But if Beak Ah did not go with him, Yo would have made another trap for him. Just then he heard some rustling. He quickly checked on Baek Ah and saw that he was still moaning from the pain with his eyes closed.
''Who is there?'' he asked with his hand on his sword. Standing up, he looked around and was surprised to see a little girl waving at him.
''Ahjussi, you don't need to hurt me. I am not scary, I am just a little girl.'' So was surprised to hear her talk so casually with him. Kids were not that comfortable with him to talk to him, adults even were uncomfortable with him. His own nephew and niece always ran away when they saw him. So why was this little one talking to him?
Kneeling, he waved her over. She ran to him and he shook his head; did this child not learn to never talk with strangers? Seriously, what did her parents teach her?
''What is your name?'' he asked her.
She took a deep breath and told him proudly. ''My name is Hwangbo Bok Soon.'' He could not help but smile.
''That's a very nice name.'' she nodded. ''My obboji and eommoni chose this name for me. What is your name?''
''Kim So.'' Right now it was not safe for him to tell his real name, so he used a fake clan name.
''It's a pleasure to meet you, Kim So-ssi. And what is his name?. Aigo, he looks like he is in pain.''
So nodded. ''Do you know someone who can help him?''
She nodded ''Yes, my imo can help everyone.''
He was wondering if her imo would help them, if she knew who they were. But analyzing the situation, he knew that he had no other choice.
''Do you think I can take him to your imo?''
''Yes, imo helps everyone, even bad people.'' This made him chuckle. ''Come, I will take you with me.''
After putting Baek Ah on the horse, he lead the horse by holding the reigns and followed the little girl. He was still surprised by how talkative she was. She was telling him about her age, her favorite food and what she did not like. Just then she stood still in front of a little house, where he could hear someone calling for her.
''Bok Soon? Bok Soon-ah, where are you?''
Just then he saw a beautiful woman walking out of the house, searching and calling for Bok Soon. She had black hair and pale skin, her eyes were too big not to notice them.
''I am here, imo.'' The girl said loudly as she ran towards the woman to hug her legs. He looked surprised. When the child told him about her imo, he imagined that it would be an elder woman. But this, she looked so young. In fact, she looked a few years younger than him.
''Aigo, where have you been? If you did not come soon, you would have made me worried.'' The woman said pouting at the child.
The child grinned. ''Imo, I made two new friends, but one of them needs help.''
''Help? What are you talking abou…'' Just then she looked up and saw So standing there with his horse and supporting Baek Ah on it. She gasped and So was used to these kind of reactions. A lot of people reacted like that whenever they saw him with his mask and black clothes. He could not imagine how they would react if they would see him without his mask.
''Quick, bring him inside.'' He looked up in surprise and saw her gesturing to him to bring Baek Ah inside the house as she ran inside. Wang So picked up Baek Ah and brought him inside. She was searching for some things, but Bok Soon was showing him where to put him. Entering a small room, he put Baek Ah on the bed and saw as the women quickly entered the room with supplies.
Opening the bandage, she looked at him. ''What happened to him and when did it happen?''
''He was struck by an arrow, two days ago. I quickly pulled it out, but the wound was already deep. How bad is it? He is going to survive, right?'' he did not realize that his questions came out in panic.
She nodded. ''Luckily the wound has been tended nicely to, but he still needs more help. I take it that you were the one to tend to his wounds?''
He nodded.
''You should put your horse in our stalls and then eat something with Bok Soon. Bok Soon-ah, take him with you and show him where our stalls are.''
After he was done eating, he walked up towards them as she was just closing the door to Baek Ah's room.
''How is he?''
''He is better now, tomorrow he should be able to keep his eyes open for a little while longer. What he needs mostly is some rest and looking at you, I can say the same thing goes for you.''
He sank down on his knees and bowed to her. She gasped and stepped backwards.
''What are you doing?''
''Thank you so much for helping my brother. I was getting desperate as no one would help us and here you are, helping us without any questions. I will never forget this and do whatever you want me too. But I have to ask you for another favour.''
She smiled. ''How could I refuse someone when it's very clear that my help is needed. What I would like you to do is go freshen up and then rest. And what is that other favour?''
''Please don't tell others that we are here. I doubt that people will come and search for us, but until Baek Ah is better, please keep this a secret.''
She sighed. ''You don't have to be so formal. No one saw you entering the house and your horse is in the stalls. I have another spare room where you can stay and I will give you some spare clothes of my late cousin-in-law. And I already knew not to tell anyone about you two.''
''You trust me very much.'' He said, looking up at her.
''My niece knows who are trustable and who not. My name is Hae Soo, by the way.''
''Kim So.'' He decided to keep this fake name for the time being as he did not know how this village would take it to two princes from another kingdom. For now they were safe and he felt like he could breathe more easily.
The next day Wang So felt better as he could rest more than the past few weeks. Hae Soo had given him a small room where he could rest after she gave him some clothes to change in. Hearing some noises, he walked out of the room and followed the source of those voices.
''Kim So-ssi, you are awake!'' Bok Soon exclaimed with a big smile. He did not realise that he was smiling back at her. Hae Soo turned around from the stove and nodded at him.
''Take a seat. Breakfast is almost done.'' He did as she said and Bok Soon started to tell him about her dreams. She really was fearless. As Hae Soo was putting the bowls of rice on the table, she accidently touched his hand and both felt a shiver running through them.
''How is my brother?'' So asked her.
''He's a lot better. He has eaten some porridge and is sleeping now. I have to go to my store now, I will come back during lunch to see how he is doing. Bok Soon-ah, remember what I told you and behave at school!''
As he saw her leaving the house, he could feel Bok Soon's eyes on him.
''I told you that my imo would help you, didn't I?''
'' You sure did. I am surprised how smart you are for your own age.''
The child shrugged. ''Other children don't have my sweet imo to teach them.''
He grinned at her. ''You sure praise your imo a lot.''
'Well, I am not lying about her.''
''That's right. Until now, everything you said about your imo is true.''
''She's also very pretty, isn't she?''
''She sure is.'' Realizing what he said, his eyes grew wide and he saw the child grinning at him. Before she could say something, he acted like he heard Beak Ah and rushed towards his room.
Baek Ah was awake when So entered the room. ''Man, I close my eyes for a few days and so much has happened.'' He said smiling at his brother.
So rushed towards his brother. ''Baek Ah, how are you now? Does it hurt? Do you need something?''
Baek Ah chuckled. ''I am much better thanks to you and our hostess. And no, I don't feel much pain anymore.'' Just then Bok Soon entered the room and Baek Ah smiled at her.
''Oh, there is our talkative girl. Hyung-nim, the stories that this girl tells. I should learn something from her.''
So smiled at Bok Soon. ''Ah, so it seems that you are also familiar with Bok Soon-ah. I agree with you, she tells wonderful stories.''
''Where did you learn those stories, Bok Soon?'' Baek Ah asked.
The child smiled. ''My imo tells me a story every night.''
''Would you tell us one?'' So asked and so Bok Soon started to tell the two brothers different stories, until she had to leave for school.
So hoped that Bok Soon would have forgotten about what he had said in the morning, when Hae Soo came back during the night to check again on a sleeping Beak Ah, but with his luck, he should have known better.
''Imo?''
''Yes?'' Hea Soo said as they sat on the table eating their dinner.
''Kim So-ssi said that you are very pretty.'' So choked on his rice and Soo immediately handed him some water. When he looked at her, he could see that she was blushing.
''Bok Soon-ah, finish your dinner and do not think that I have not seen you avoiding the vegetables. You know better than that.'' Soo scolded. So sighed happy that she changed the topic.
''But Kim So-ssi also has not eaten the vegetables.'' So looked up in surprise. Why was Bok Soon turning the attention to him? And he is an adult, it does not matter if he eats vegetables or not, right?
Before he could reply, he saw that some vegetables were being placed in his bowl. Looking up, he saw that it was Hae Soo who had put it there.
''And now he will also eat it, so no excuses, young lady.'' In his 25 years he had never experienced that someone put food in his bowl, except for the servants. His own mother despised him, just like his older brother. Jung, his younger brother, was always being kept far away from him. And Eun was too scared of him. So did not know if he should reject the vegetables, but for a small woman, Hae Soo gave him such a stern look that he decided it was for the best to eat them.
Before he knew it, a week passed while he and Baek Ah were staying with their saviors. He was going crazy as he could not go outside, before someone would recognize him. Sure, he could use his fake name, but his mask had made a reputation for him and he would not go outside without it. Baek Ah was still required to take some rest, but he could shift to another room. One day when he came back from feeding his horse, he overheard them talking.
''Aigo, your drawings are really great, Baek Ah-nim.'' She exclaimed and he could hear his brother smile.
''Thank you, drawing is something I always liked along with playing my music.'' Hae Soo gasped.
''You also play music?'' just at that moment, So stepped into the room.
''Yes, Baek Ah is the creative one of our family.'' he told her.
Hae Soo looked at him with her big eyes. ''And you?''
So blinked at her and she continued. ''Can you also draw as good as Baek Ah?''
So laughed while shaking his head. Baek Ah answered for his brother. ''Hyung-nim is the best at martial arts of us all, but he also has a creative side.''
''Really?'' Hae Soo asked and So looked confused.
''Yeah, really?'' what was his little brother talking about, he was not creative.
Baek Ah looked with a frown at his brother. ''Yes, really. You see, Hae Soo, calligraphy is something he is also good at.''
So scoffed. ''That's nothing.''
''May I see it one time?'' he blinked at Hae Soo and he just could not find it in himself to refuse. ''Sure, I will show you one time.''
She gave him a big smile and he could not help himself but smile back at her.
As happy as she was when he showed her his calligraphy, the smile disappeared when she glared at him after Bok Soon told her that as she had seen So's calligraphy she just had to conclude that Hae Soo's calligraphy was the worst that she had ever seen.
No one realized how attached Bok Soon got to him. One time when Soo came from the store at home, she saw So learning Bok Soon how to shape animals with her hands in the shadows. And with the way Bok Soon awed at him when he whistled, she knew that her niece had become his fan. That was also clear whenever she came back from school to tell him all about her day. And he would just listen with all of his attention and ask her questions about it. Soo couldn't help but smile, whenever she saw their interactions.
One time during dinner So was surprised when he saw that Bok Soon put some vegetables on his rice. Soo had to laugh, while Bok Soon told him that he also had to eat vegetables, to grow old and strong.
''Isn't that right, imo?''
Soo nodded while clapping. ''Aigo, my niece is growing into such a smart big girl. That is right, Bok Soon-ah.''
''I can see that Bok Soon really gets her wisdom from you.'' He told her when he was helping her with cleaning up the table, Bok Soon already went to her room.
''I try.'' She said while shrugging jokingly.
''May I ask you something?''
''Go ahead.''
''When Bok Soon told me that her imo could help Beak Ah, I imagined an older woman. But you are very young and I can see how much you care about the child. Where are her parents? You mentioned something about your late cousin-in-law, whose clothes I am wearing.''
She looked up into the air. ''My eonni and I had a age difference, but it made her care about me like I was her own child. I became an orphan at an young age and after her wedding, my eonni took me in. Her husband agreed to it when he saw how much she cared about me and in time he began to care about me also like I was their child. They were happy when they heard that eonni was pregnant. When Bok Soo-ah was an three years old, I took her with me to get a gift for them. Unfortunately while we were outside, a fire started while they were inside the house.'' She sighed and So could already guess what happened.
''You don't have to tell me more.'' He said and she shook her head while wiping away the tears that were starting to come. Seeing her tears made him feel bad.
''When we finally could get to them, they asked me with their last breath to take care of Bok Soon-ah as my own. Even if they hadn't asked me, I would do it. During the mourning period she was my reason to get up in the morning and with all the little things she did, she could make me smile.''
''She really is a great kid.'' So said and she nodded in agreement.
''But does she have any relatives from her father's side?'' she nodded while rolling her eyes.
''The Hwangbo clan is a noble clan who are and don't mind me saying it very shallow. I don't know how my cousin-in-law was before he met eonni, but he was not like his relatives when I met him. His sister and mother on the other hand, they are two calculating woman who make moves to get a better status or more power.''
He knew what she meant, it reminded him of the people in the palace. Very sweet and silent, but once you turned your back around, the bashing would begin; all for more power.
''Did they give Bok Soon-ah easily to you?'' he did not dare to ask it, but the question already left his mouth.
She scoffed. ''I know that I should not say it, but I know that they would not have let me take care of her if she was a boy. But because she is a girl and they only care about themselves, they let me. Unfortunately they come sometimes to this town, because Yeon Hwa's husband does business here. But most of the time they are not around, something we are both happy about.'' Seeing his confused look she continued. ''They already want her to act like a lady and all that, but while I learn it to her gently I also want her to enjoy her childhood. Eonni did the same thing with me and I like to think that I turned out just fine.''
He nodded in agreement, wishing he also could have been enjoying his own childhood, instead of being used like an hostage.
One night Soo came back from closing the store and she looked at him with a concerned face. So who was teaching Bok Soon to whistle, send her to get some water as he could see that she wanted to talk to him alone.
''What's the matter?''
''There are some guards looking around. They are looking for two man.'' His eyes grew wide in shock and she continued. ''There is no accurate description, but one of them is wearing a mask.''
''Do you want us to go away?'' he asked her. But before she could answer, there was a knock on the door. She signaled to So to hide and went to open the door.
''Yes, can I help you?''
'Hae Soo, it's been a while!'' So did not like where this was going.
''How can I help you?''
The man made an annoyed noise and continued. ''Don't act like strangers, Hae Soo. We were once engaged.'' So's eyes grew wide as he heard the man's claim.
''Like you said, we were engaged. Now please do tell me how I can help you?'' So smirked at how she dodged that claim. Judging by the sound of the sigh of the man, he was not happy with that.
''Fine. We are looking for two man who may have come here, one of them was wearing an mask. Did you see them?''
She thought for a bit and So closed his eyes. They opened when he heard her answer.
''No, not that I could think of. Why, what did they do?''
'Rumors are going around that two strangers came into the city and we are afraid that they might be robbers.''
''So you don't even know who they are?''
''No, that's why we are searching in the nearby towns.''
''You do know that as the festival is approaching, so a lot of strangers are coming to visit the town to see it, right? But I have not seen someone suspicious.''
''I remember that!'' the man said impatiently. ''But I still have to ask you to let us in to see.''
it's just me and my niece. So we cannot be of any help to you.''
''I am sorry, miss. But we have to check the house.'' Another voice said.
He did not know what happened, but he could hear that something happened.
''I am sorry.'' Soo said. ''But as an unmarried woman I cannot have two strange man in my house. I would not be able to bear that humiliation.''
''You cannot be serious.'' One of the guards muttered.
''I am.'' And it did not take long until he heard the guards gasp, saying that they would not come inside and there was no need to be so rash.
When she closed the door, her heart was beating wildly. Walking towards his room, she felt that someone grabbed her arm to pull her close. When she looked up, she saw that it was Wang So. He was looking her over and immediately saw what she had done to make the guards leave.
''Why did you do that?!'' he ask angrily while looking at the bleeding cut on her neck.
''You could have died! If the cut were a little deeper, you would have died.''
''I didn't die.'' She said looking in his eyes. He looked closely to the cut.
''It could scar! Did you think about what it's like to live with a scar on your body?
Are you happy? Why did you have to go so far? Why didn't you let them in?''
''I don't know. I just don't! I just couldn't let them in. No matter what happens, they must not come in. That's what I thought and that's why I did it.''
''You stupid girl. Don't do this again. I won't ever forgive you.''
''Did you want me to be honest with them? To let them in and take you two away?'' she asked him impatiently.
He did not know what to say and she continued in a calm tone. ''I don't know what your story is, Kim So. But I trust you. You should try to trust me.'' This made him loose his grip on her and she turned around to walk out of the room, but before she did, she could hear his reply.
''I already do.''
The next day he had no idea when he had fallen asleep, but apparently he had fallen asleep in the garden. Feeling someone touching his left cheek, he froze. That part was always covered by his mask, how was someone able to touch it and by the feeling of it, it looked like that person was touching his scar. He immediately shot his hand and wrapped it around the person's throat. When he opened his eyes, he immediately loosened his grip on Hae Soo's neck and covered his scar with his hand.
''I am sorry, I did not mean too. It's just that when I came here, I saw that your mask had fallen off and I did not want it to break on the ground. So when I came here, I couldn't stop myself from tracing it.'' With it he knew that she meant his scar.
''Don't tell anyone about it.'' He muttered. ''And I am sorry for grabbing your neck. I hope that I did not worsen your scar.''
''You did not and you sure have a weird way of apologizing.'' She muttered first and then sighed.
''No problem. I can imagine you must have been through a lot to act like that.''
He was surprised to hear her reply. ''How can you be so casual with me? Does my scar not bother you?''
She scoffed. ''Do you think I am that shallow? Albeit, we don't know each other well, but I would think you knew me better than that, Kim So-ssi. As far as I can see, you are a good person and that is what matters the most.'' She said before she walked away, leaving him alone with his thoughts.
The next morning was very awkward. She was eating breakfast with Bok Soon and So, but for the first time since ever her niece was the first one to finish her breakfast and as she was finished, she went to Baek Ah to entertain him. So here she was, sitting alone with So, both avoiding each other's eyes.
She was just about to take another bite, when she heard his voice. ''That scar that you saw that day… It is the first scar I ever received, but it decided my life.'' She looked up at him and he was staring at his bowl, while giving a bitter smile. '' I have to tell you something, I am not who you think I am.''
''What do you mean?'' she asked confused.
''My name is Wang So, fourth prince of Goryeo.''
Her eyes grew wide in shock. ''G-Goryeo? Then what are you doing here?''
''I don't know if you heard, but last year my eldest brother became the king.''
She nodded and he continued. ''He made me his lapdog, everything he made me do; he was testing me and getting to me when he would tell me that perhaps now our mother would love me. I was sent on a suicide mission. I had to go to Khitan and try to ''negotiate'' with them. Baek Ah wanted to come with me and as much as I would prefer him to stay in the palace, I knew that with me it would be better for him. We are six brothers, three of us, including me, are full brothers. The new King hates Baek Ah because not only is he his half-brother, but also because Baek Ah never let him influence him. So for his own safety I agreed.''
''But the mission went wrong, which is why he got hurt?'' Soo guessed and he nodded.
''We were ambushed and as much as I tried to protect him, he got hurt. But I am sorry that I lied to you about our identities, but I did not know how the people from Later Baekje would treat us when they would find out who we are. But you… I trust you. I am sorry.''
Soo blinked, taking it all in what she just got to hear. To hear that he was a prince from another kingdom, she thought that they were soldiers. But not this, not at all did she expect this.
''I- I need to go.'' She stood up and he stood up with her to go after her. She turned around, but did not look at him.
''I need some time to progress this all. But do not worry, I will not tell anyone about this.'' And she did not give him the time to reply, as she quickly went away.
When she came back from the store, she saw So sitting with Bok Soon, who was proudly showing him her drawing.
''And who is this?'' he asked pointing with his finger to the drawing.
''That is my best friend, Lee Gyeonghwa.''
''Oh, I see. But I thought that I was your best friend.'' He said with a pout, which made Soo bit her tongue not to laugh.
''Yes, you are also my best friend. But I know her longer, so she is my best friend first.''
He chuckled and nodded.
''Is Baek Ah-ssi your best friend?''
So smiled. ''Yes, he is. Along with you.''
''And imo?''
Soo looked up, wondering what his answer would be. But he did not answer her as he stood up when he noticed her looking at them. Bok Soon turned her face and greeted her imo cheerily.
''Imo, you are back!'' she exclaimed while running towards her to give her a hug. Soo smiled and told the little girl that she heard So's horse calling for her.
''He is missing you. Go and play with him.'' The little girl complied and ran while calling to the horse that she was coming. Soo turned towards So who was still looking at her, unsure of what she was going to say.
''I have thought about what you told me this morning. And while I do not approve of lying, I cannot be mad at you for it. Because I started to think what I would have done had I been in your position. And I think that I would have done the same thing. So I am not mad at you for it.''
So released a breath he did not realize he was holding in. ''Thank you, you have no idea how much that means to me.''
''But...''
''But?''
''There are also some things that I could not get out of my head. How could the king get to you with telling you that perhaps your mother will love you now? And how did she let him get away with it?''
He gave her a bitter smile.
''Even if I am born as a prince, everyone thinks that I am bad luck, because of that scar.'' He said while pointing towards his mask. ''While that scar has been given to me by no one else than my mother.'' Hearing this she gasped and he looked at her with raw emotions in his eyes. ''After she gave it to me, I was being sent to Shinju, to one of my father's concubines who just lost her son. They said that she would adopt me, but everyone knew what the reality was. I was there as a hostage.'' His hands became fists and his knuckles became pale because of the tight clenching. ''There were good days when she was sane and thought that I was her son. But as soon as she saw my scar, she would realize that I was not and she would start scream at me.''
''Those were the good days?'' She could not help but ask with a shocked expression.
He looked at her and nodded. ''Those were the good days. The bad days, I would be locked up without any food. The older I got, the more they tried to get rid of me. They even once threw me in a wolf's den, hoping that I would not survive. But it made me determined not to lose.''
''Didn't someone know about this? Or do something about it?'' she could feel her anger rising.
''Like I said, everyone knew the reality. But no one cared. My father would made me visit the palace every year to perform the exorcism ritual or for a royal wedding, but soon after I would have to go back to Shinju. Every time I came to the palace, I would try to meet my mother, to get some affection from her.'' Soo had a guess where the story was going and she did not like it.
''But if it was up to her she would not see me. If she saw me, she would tell me how I was her flaw, how I am an animal, how unhuman I am. My brothers hate me, except for Baek Ah. Even though he is my half-brother, Baek Ah cares a lot about me like I am his full blood brother.'' He remembered how Yo and Won would make indirect insults to him or how Jung always showed with his actions how he wanted nothing to do with him. Eun did not dare to look at him.
Soo could not imagine how it was like. To get a scar from your own mother and being abused by a lot of people while he was still a little boy. Or how his full-blood brothers did not want anything to do with him, but thankfully he had an half- brother that did care about him. She did not realize when she stood next to him to hold his hand.
''I also care about you.'' She said softly. ''Bok Soon-ah also does.'' He looked at her and intertwined his fingers with her while giving him a soft smile.
''I finally got to live in the palace in the last two years of my father's life. Sometimes I wonder if it was good or not.''
Looking in front of himself, he continued. ''As soon as my brother became the king, he would order me as his tool to get rid of his enemies. At that moment I started to regret not going back to Shinju.''
''And now here you are, with Baek Ah-nim.''
He nodded and squeezed her hand. Like I said, he is the only one who ever cared about me.''
''And your other brothers?''
''My youngest brothers believe the rumors about me. That I am a crazy wolf-dog, don't care about anyone but myself and all that.''
''That's rubbish!'' Soo yelped and he grinned.
''But I am a crazy wolf-dog.''
''Not to us, neither to Baek Ah-nim.''
''Because I had not to fight you or kill you. You and Bok Soon were willing to give me a chance, something I am very grateful too.''
She nodded. ''We are also grateful to you, your majesty.''
He groaned. ''Please don't call us that. We are no longer princes.''
''What are you going to do now?''
He shrugged. ''I have no idea yet. That is something I still have to talk with Baek Ah about.''
She wanted to tell him to stay, but she could not. It had to be his decision.
When they suddenly heard the entrance door open, both looked up in surprise.
''Soo-ya, where are you? I got some beautiful clothes for you?'' a beautiful woman entered the house with long black hair, wearing an expensive hangbok. She was looking around and stood still when she saw that her best friend was not alone. Rather there stood a man wearing dark clothes and a black mask. Wait a minute, a black mask! Park Woo Hee had heard about a prince, wearing a black mask. She gasped. Why was he here and why was he holding her friend's hand?!
The two did not realize that they were still holding hands until Soo let go of his hand to grab her friend and pull her with her to her room to explain the whole situation.
Wang So was waiting outside of the room, anxiously not knowing what that woman would do. She looked like an noble and in his experience nobles were the ones who absolutely were not trustworthy.
''Kim So-ssi, what are you doing here?'' looking down he saw Bok Soon staring at him. He bend down to be at eye-level with her.
''Nothing. Are you done playing?''
She nodded. ''Your horse is so sweet! I think he likes me more than you.'' Seriously, the way this child made him smile. This was not normal.
''I would not be surprised by that.''
''Really?'' she asked while gasping.
He nodded. ''I also like you more than my horse.'' She giggled when she heard him say that and he smiled at her reaction. Not knowing that the two woman were watching their interaction.
Woo Hee gave her friend a reassuring look that she would not tell anyone about the two princes that were staying with her friend. Soo smiled at her, she knew that Woo Hee would never betray her.
Flashback…
''So, just to be clear. Two princes from Goryeo are staying here, because one of them got hurt and he needed your care. You found them trustworthy which is why they are staying here with you and your niece?'' Woo Hee gave her best friend a disbelieving look.
Soo sighed and nodded. ''I could not leave them like that. It was clear that they needed my help and I did. I know that you disapprove of it, but my intuition told me that they are trustworthy.''
Woo Hee sighed. ''You are right about me disapproving it. But I also learned that your gut is always right. But tell me one thing.''
''What?''
''Why were you and the prince holding hands?''
Soo's eyes opened wide in surprise and looked away.
''Be-because you surprised us with your entrance and I almost fell. Luckily, he prevented that and he wanted to be sure that I would not trip. Hahaha, you know how clumsy I can be.''
Woo Hee raised an eyebrow. ''So you are telling me that because you are so clumsy, you two did not only held hands but also intertwined your fingers with each other.''
Soo looked to the left and right to avoid her friend's gaze. Woo Hee smirked. ''You know I have never seen you like this.''
''I don't know what you are talking about.'' She muttered.
Woo Hee chuckled. ''Come, let's go. I have bought some beautiful hangboks for you two.''
Soo whined. ''Again?! I told you there is no need for you to do that. You are spoiling us!''
''I know that there is no need to do so, but seeing those hangboks I could not help myself to buy them. Come on, don't be so rude to your best friend to reject those beautiful clothes.'' Woo Hee pouted and Soo chuckled. ''Come on, show me what you got for us.'' And both the friends walked outside.
End flashback
Now Woo Hee was not that naïve as her best friend. She already told Soo that she has never seen her act like this with a man, but she could also see how the masked prince kept looking at Soo. It made her mischievous, but she really wanted to see his reaction on Soo when she would be wearing those new clothes.
''Bok Soon-ah, don't you think that your imo should show us her beautiful clothes while she wears it.''
''You will see it when I wear it.'' Soo replied but Bok Soon took the bait.
''No imo, I want to see you now in it. Please, please.'' Bok Soon said with a pout and Soo looked away not to give in. This did not mean that her niece would give it up.
''Please imo, please. Let me see them.''
''Bok Soon-ah, why don't you show your imo all your new clothes while wearing them now?'' Soo asked and Woo Hee groaned knowing that Soo had won this round.
''And let Woo Hee help you putting it on.'' Soo knew that Woo Hee did not expect that and smiled while she saw her niece dragging Woo Hee with her to wear the new clothes.
The next day she was putting away all the hangboks away, while muttering how much Woo Hee was spoiling them. Just as she was holding a soft pink one with red and white embroidery on it, she heard him.
''Your friend really thought it through.''
She turned around. ''What do you mean?''
He cleared his throat and looked away. ''She really choose the colors of the hangboks that suit you well.'' she blushed and he quickly walked away, embarrassed for what he just said.
One day So was getting bored from sitting at home. Beak Ah still needed to rest to heal properly and So could not go outside without his mask. His brother was asleep and as no one was at home, he decided to rest his eyes too, listening to whatever was happening outside as he was sitting next to the window. One day he heard something break and his eyes immediately opened.
''Watch where you are going!'' he heard a unfamiliar voice.
''You made me crash into you, you saw me approaching.'' He recognized Bok Soon's voice and grew more alert.
''Are you calling me a liar?''
''If you are going to lie, then yes I am!'' It made him proud that the child was not backing off. Just then he heard a third voice.
''What's going on?''
''Eomonnie, she bumped into me and is blaming me now for breaking the glass.'' So frowned, he did not know what exactly happened, but he knew for sure that Bok Soon was not lying.
''No, I did not.''
The woman made a disapproving noise. ''Let it go, Chaewon. This girl is nothing more but trouble.''
''No, I am not.''
''Yes, you are! Not only did your parents die on the same day, but you also broke off your imo's engagement with Kwak Youngchul. Heavens know how easy her life would be if she married him.'' Wang So's anger grew hearing the ridiculousness of the woman. He did not know Hae Soo and her niece very well, but Hae Soo cared about her and he knew for sure that she would not tolerate this nonsense. Hearing Bok Soon sniffles, he quickly grabbed some pebbles and stood up to hide himself behind the window. When he got an good aim, he threw them at the woman and her daughter.
''Ouch.''
''Eomoni, what happened?''
''I don't know child. It felt like someone, ouch. There it is again.''
''What is… Ouch.''
''Where is this coming from?'' the woman yelped and So would have continued if he did not see Hae Soo approaching from far. Just at that moment, Baek Ah also was starting to wake up.
''What is going on in here? Bok Soon-ah! Why are you crying, Bok Soon-ah?'' she asked as she fell on her knees to hug her niece.
''There is someone throwing stones at us and it is coming from your house.'' The woman exclaimed while pointing towards the house. So hid himself extra carefully behind the curtains.
Hae Soo gave the woman a disbelieving look. ''How can that be, if our house is empty?''
''Are you calling me a liar?''
''I am just stating the facts, while you still did not answer my question. Why is my niece crying?'' the last part was very stern and So reminded himself to never piss Hae Soo off.
''They, they told me that I bring bad luck. Be-because I…'' Bok Soon sniffed.
''How dare you to talk to my niece like that?! Especially when you know nothing at all!'' Hae Soo asked in anger while standing up.
''What?! It is the truth! It's not a coincidence that…''
''Yah! You want to die?'' Soo said while walking up to the woman with her fists balled up. The woman gasped and quickly ran away. Soo scowled and yelled to her to never come near her niece again, otherwise she would not hold it in. The two Wang brothers looked at each other. Hae Soo sure was full of surprises.
Hearing them enter the house, So quickly walked to welcome them and he heard Soo comforting her niece.
''Those dumb people don't know what they are talking about.''
''Do I really bring bad luck?'' the voice of Bok Soon was so weak that it hurt So to hear her like that, those comments reminded him of the insults he got to hear for the past years. Judging by the look on Soo's face, it was also hurting her. Hugging her niece, she said.
''Bok Soon-ah, don't you ever think that you bring bad luck. You have brought me so much happiness, I cannot help but smile whenever I see you and you make me so happy!''
''Really?'' the little girl asked breaking the hug off with her imo to look at her.
''Really!'' Soo said with a smile. ''In fact, you are my lucky charm.''
This made Bok Soon grin and So walked up to her to ruffle her hair.
''I agree with your imo. You are a lucky charm.'' She gasped. ''Really?''
He smiled. ''How many times are you going to ask it? Yes, really. If it were not for you, we would not have been here happy to be here with you.''
He did not expect Bok Soon to hug him, but when she did, he hugged her back. Looking over her shoulder, he saw Hae Soo looking at them with a fond smile. Clearing her throat, she gained the attention of her niece who had turned to look at her.
''Bok Soon-ah, why don't you go and tell Baek Ah about your day at school? I am sure he wants to hear all about it.'' The little girl cheered at her imo's suggestion and ran towards Baek Ah in his room.
''Thank you.'' Soo said looking at him.
'What for?'' So said while looking away.
''Hmm, I wonder how stones can mysteriously land on someone that has been rude to my niece.'' Soo said sarcastically.
''That woman and child had no reason to talk to Bok Soon-ah like that!'' So said angrily. She walked up to him and gave him an big smile.
''I know and I thank you for standing up for her.''
He sighed. ''If I could go outside, I would have talked to them. But since I cannot do that without putting you two in danger, those stones were my only way to do so.''
Soo looked to the ground. ''You know… I can take that mask off for you''
He raised an eyebrow and she looked up to him with a small smile. ''Meet me here in the morning and I will show you.''
Not having an idea of what to expect, he still waited for her near the entrance. When she saw him, she took his hand and took him with her to another room. Looking around, he saw that there were a lot of mirrors there, with make-up tools and soaps. She sat him down on a chair and looked at him. Taking of his mask, she pinned his hair back. Tracing the scar, he could not help but grab her hand as this was something he would do automatically.
''You… It doesn't bother you to see this ugly face?'' he asked looking at her. ''Or do you feel sorry for me?''
''How can I feel sorry for someone who is always rude? Whether you have a scar or not, no matter how people see you, the fact that you're a good person, is more important to me, Wang So. Besides, I don't think your face is ugly.'' She said the last part in a soft tone with a blush on her face. He was surprised by her answer and looked away, while she was once again tracing his scar.
''It's not that big. To have a long, dark life because of this is a little unfair.'' She said again.
''Is it really alright for me to trust you with this?'' he asked unsure.
She gave him a small smile. ''I was always curious and doubtful. In the past, I was too trusting of people and so I was always betrayed by others. That's when I learned that trusting other people is difficult. So, I plan not to change myself. If you trust me first, your Highness, I will not change first. I can promise you that.''
He smiled back at her. ''If it is you, I can put myself in your hands. Do whatever you want. Now I am yours.'' Closing his eyes, he could not see that once again she started to blush at his words. Shaking her head, she took the make-up and slowly started to cover his scar with the make-up that she had made the night before. His eyes were closed, but he felt how close she was to him. He hoped that she could not hear how hard his heartbeat was beating for her. One time he opened his eye and she was so close that they looked into each other's eyes. When she looked away, he closed his eyes and she continued with her work.
''I take it that you heard her talking about my broken engagement?'' she asked, referring to what happened outside of the house.
'Not only yesterday, but I doubt that I should trust whatever that woman said.'' He referred to the first time he heard of it.
She smiled. ''Everyone blames Bok Soon-ah for it, while they do not know how happy I was when the engagement broke off.''
''Were you not happy with it?'' the thought of Hae Soo with another man did not settle well with him.
''I was sixteen when the proposal came and everyone told me that I was crazy for rejecting it as I only had childish dreams.''
''Childish dreams?''
''I wanted to marry for love, not for a calculating move which would make me settle well. The thought of marrying someone without knowing that person, without loving that person, that did not settle well with me. But seeing how the rejection effected eonni, people were saying that she took me in to have her personal servant and how she did not want me to have my own happiness, I could not let people hurt her with those lies. So I finally agreed to it, but then the fire happened. He then told me that he would marry me after the mourning period, but he would have one condition.''
''What was it?''
She gave a bitter smile. ''I would have to leave Bok Soon-ah at an orphanage. The thought of raising up someone else's child who was not even his own blood, he could not even think about it.''
''So that's the reason why the engagement broke?''
She nodded, even if he could not see it with his eyes closed. ''I was already forcing myself to marry him, but that he even tried to convince me to leave Bok Soon-ah alone, poor Bok Soon-ah who is such an innocent child and made me happy again, it angered me. That's why the engagement broke, but no one wanted to listen to my side of the story. After all, who would listen to the poor orphan who is raising her niece? So it might be better to listen to a rich clan, who is too arrogant for their own good.''
The words sank in. ''I would listen.''
''You already do.''
''No, I mean that if we had met in another way, I would have listened to you. The love you have for your niece is very admirable and I have to admit that it even made me envious.''
''Envious?''
''My own mother does not care for me, does not want to see or hear me. And here you are, taking care of your niece like she is your own child. It is very beautiful to see.''
Her heart ached again when she heard how his mother acted with him. She remembered when he told her about his moments with his mother and she was also reminded of that in the drawings of Baek Ah, So would always stand in the background. When she asked Baek Ah why that was, he told her his brother was always made to stand in the background.
''And I don't think that your dream was childish.''
''Huh?'' she came back to reality.
''Marrying for love? I don't think that it's childish to want that.'' It reminded him of how he always thought that if he ever would marry, it would be with someone who would accept everything of him; including his scars. She stepped back and looked at him, thinking of his words.
''You can open your eyes now.'' She said after a while, stepping back. When he opened his eyes, she handed him a small mirror to look at himself. Seeing his reaction on his scar less face, she smiled. Turning around to clean up the make-up, he grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him. She looked up at him in surprise and she hoped that he could not hear her loud heartbeats.
''I have decided.'' She blinked at him.
''Decided what?''
''That you are my person.''
''Your person?'' she asked confused.
''Yes, you are mine.'' Her eyes grew wide and before she could say something, he walked away.
She put her hand on her chest, trying to calm down her heart. What was he talking about?!
He woke up and sat up while panting, searching for his breath. Once again he had a nightmare about the tortures that he went through. He could still feel that cage shaking on the roof as his mother ordered her soldiers to fire the arrows. The tears that came to him, once again appeared in his eyes. Sitting up, he decided to get some fresh air. As he put his robes on, he walked outside in the night air to see that he was not the only one.
She was standing outside in the garden, looking at the stars. She could not sleep as she was feeling anxious. During her work at the store she kept thinking about what happened in the morning. And it did not help when Bok Soon took him with her to the store as now he could go outside without his mask and without being recognized. She kept on stammering and he was grinning at that. Baek Ah had not asked her about it, but he thanked her for helping out his brother. When she asked how he knew that she was the one who had helped, he gave her a smug look. He told her that he knew that his brother trusted her with it, he would not trust anyone else. Thinking about the day she was so lost until she suddenly felt someone wrapping arms around her shoulders and she immediately knew that it could not be Bok Soon as she only came up to Soo's waist.
''Please let me go.'' She whispered trying to figure out who was hugging her and why.
''I can't.'' Her eyes grew wider as she recognized Wang So's voice and she could feel his grip tighten on her.
''W-why are you doing this?''
''Doing what?''
She turned around, while stepping back and that made his hold go. Before she could say anything, he walked up to her and held her face before he kissed her. Now this she definitely was not expecting. At first she was in shock, but before she knew it she was kissing him back.
After he stopped kissing her, he took a step back and she opened her eyes to look at him, not realizing when she closed them.
''Do you remember? I said this to you once. That you were mine. Even then, and now… even in the moment you touched my face I've decided. I'll make you one of my people. So prepare yourself from this moment forward. I won't ever let you go.'' Those words were making her shiver and judging by his grin, he was aware of the effect of his words.
''Wah hyung-nim, I had no idea that you could be so romantic.'' Both eyes grew wide as they turned around to see Baek Ah smirking at them.
''W-when did you arrive?'' So asked.
''Just when you stopped kissing and I wanted to make my presence heard, but then you told her that and I could not help but listen. Wah Soo-ya, I have no idea what you did to my brother, but I have never seen him like this with anyone.''
She kept on blinking with her eyes, not knowing what to say or what to do. Deciding not to reply to that, she looked at Baek Ah with a smile. ''Did you need something, Baek Ah-nim?''
He shook his head with a grin. ''No, I was just coming outside to take some fresh air. If I had known you two were here, I would not. Sorry.''
She shook her head while feeling So's eyes on her. ''You don't have to apologize. I already told you to make yourself at home. If you excuse me…'' she said while walking fast inside the house.
So could feel Baek Ah's eyes on him and he looked at his brother who gave him an idiotic grin. ''What?''
''Nothing.'' Then he said in a deeper voice, trying to imitate him. ''I will make you one of my people.'' So scoffed, he did not meant for Baek Ah to hear that, but he did not regret saying that to her.
''And here I thought that I was the romantic one, but hyung-nim, you just proved that you are.''
''Shut up.'' So said as he was also walking inside the house while Baek Ah told him that he approved of Hae Soo as his sister-in-law. This made him smile.
Soo was trying to calm down her heart beat as she entered the room that she was sharing with her niece. She was still trying to understand what had just happened, So had kissed her and she gave in, she thought while tracing her lips.
''Imo?'' a sleepy Bok Soon said.
Soo cleared her throat ''Yes dear.''
''I cannot sleep.''
Soo changed into her sleeping robes and laid down next to her niece. Hugging her, her niece looked up with her sleepy eyes.
''Imo, you are shaking.''
Soo smiled. ''I am a bit cold. Come, let's go to sleep.'' Bok Soon closed her eyes again and it took a long time before Soo could finally fall asleep.
When she woke up, she saw that Bok Soon already was out of bed. After she got ready, she saw Baek Ah and Woo Hee sitting at the table, drinking tea. When Baek Ah met her eyes, he smirked at her and she looked away. Woo Hee turned to see her friend.
''Soo-ya, come join us for tea.''
''Where is Bok Soon-ah?'' she asked looking around.
''Hyung-nim went with her to town.'' And just then the two were entering the room. Soo could feel Baek Ah's eyes on her, waiting for her reaction and she was just staring at her tea. Bok Soon hugged her imo while telling her that So had found a job. This made her look up at him.
''We cannot stay here any longer and do nothing. Besides it's not good for your reputation if someone finds out that we are staying here. So we also will move somewhere else.''
Woo Hee nodded. ''I am glad that you made this decision. Right, Soo-ya?''
Soo did not know what she could say so she excused herself and walked out of the room. When she was looking at her herbs, she tried to collect her thoughts. She was happy for them that So found a job and a place to stay, she knew they could not stay here forever. But was it wrong of her for wanting them to stay? As she tried to think about it, she felt two arms wrapping around her from behind and this time she recognized it.
''What's wrong?'' he asked her softly. She shook her head and he broke off the hug to turn her around by placing his hands on her shoulders.
''Look at it this way. Now it will be easier for me to court you.''
''C-court me?'' she asked blinking.
He leaned into her and she leaned backwards. ''Sure, we could stay here. But Woo Hee-ssi is right, if someone finds out, it will be bad for your reputation. And this way Baek Ah and I can go outside and make our own living.''
''Are you sure that you want this? Don't you want to go back, live the royal life?''
He gave her a bitter smile. ''You mean go back and become the king's underdog while only hearing insults.''
''I- I did not mean it like that.''
He stroked her cheek. ''I know that you didn't. But this is something Baek Ah and I talked about. Neither one of us want to go back. It is not safe for Baek Ah yet to go and visit his mother in Silla. And if Eun was still staying in the palace, I would have gone back to save him. But he was smart enough to leave the palace after his marriage, so the king does not see him as a threat. Jung will not be hurt by him. This is better for us.''
She held his hand to lean into his touch. ''If you are sure about this, then I will support you. But tell me, where are you going to work?''
''It's for Lee Mu. He needs some help with his work and when I helped him today to catch a robber, he asked me to work for him.''
Soo nodded. ''He is a good man. He is very honest.''
So smiled. ''That was also my first impression of him. We will be leaving this house now, we are going to an house that is empty. Lee Mu has gotten that for us, after I told him that my brother and I want to start a new life here.''
''Please lead a peaceful life in that house. Don't glare at people when they are not listening to you.'' He was surprised to hear her say that and she continued.
''Eat your meals properly. Sleep well too. Try not to have bad dreams, if you can.''
He stared at her and she blinked. ''What? Why are you looking at me like that?''
He smiled and shook his head, while caressing her cheek. ''You and your lectures. I still cannot believe that I found someone like you.''
She pouted at him. ''You better believe it!''
He chuckled. ''Alright, alright. I will. Now tell me, are you going to miss me?''
She stepped back and turned around. ''Maybe, we will see. But I think you will have to talk to Bok Soon-ah. She is really going to miss you.''
''You think so?''
She turned her head to him and smiled. ''I know so. She has really gotten used to you two and enjoyed your company.''
And she was right' the whole afternoon was spend by Baek Ah and So convincing Bok Soon that she would still meet up with them and that they would not forget about her.
One week later…
Soo was enjoying the night at the festival. Normally it would be only her, Bok Soon and Woo Hee, but tonight they were joined by the two brothers. The festival made everyone wear masks, so they did. As she was enjoying the scenery, So could not resist but tease her with his mask on, by stealing kisses from her or grabbing her hand. She knew that he was getting encouraged as Bok Soon kept giggling at their actions. Soo kept playfully pushing him away, but they continued for a while. Getting distracted by Woo Hee who pulled her apart to complain about Baek Ah's flirting with her, she turned around to see that her niece was getting carried by So. Walking up to them, he smiled.
''She was getting tired.''
''She should have told me so. Put her down and I will take her home.''
''No imo, I want to stay here at the festival with you all.''
''But Bok Soon-ah, you are making So-ya getting tired.''
''It's okay. She is not heavy, so I will not get tired.''
''But…''
''See imo, imobu is not getting tired. Can we please stay at the festival?''
Soo was surprised to hear her niece refer to So like that. ''imobu?''
Bok Soon gave her a big smile.
''Yes, you are my imo, so he is my imobu.'' She told her aunt who was looking at her lover with a confused look. So sighed and mouthed to her to talk about it later.
When he dropped them off at home, Soo stopped him as he was walking away.
''I did not know that Bok Soon calls you that?'' So stopped walking and turned around.
''Does it bother you?'' he asked her while not meeting her eyes. She had to smile as it was clear how nervous he was for her answer.
''No.'' she said softly and he looked at her. ''I don't mind it at all. But do you mind?''
He smirked and walked up to her. ''If you really must know, it is something I love to hear her say.''
''Did you ask her to call you that?''
He chuckled. ''No, it was something she came up with when I asked her for her permission.''
She raised an eyebrow. ''Permission?''
He looked away. ''I had to ask for her permission to court you. It would not have been right not to ask her.''
She felt touched at his gesture and before she knew it she kissed him. His eyes grew wide in surprise. It was the first time she took the initiative to kiss first.
''Thank you.'' She said softly.
He smirked and grabbed her by the waist to pull her closer to him. Caressing her cheek, he kissed her and it did not take long for her to kiss him back.
Three months later…
So was walking around the market with Bok Soon. Bok Soon often visited him and Baek Ah. Today So requested her to come with him to the market. He wanted to buy a gift for Soo and he wanted to ask Bok Soon something important.
Looking at the little girl, he could not help but smile when he saw her watching the sweets.
''Bok Soon-ah?''
''Hmm?'' she asked looking up at him.
''Do you want to eat some sweets?''
At first she nodded, but then she pouted. ''But imo does not want me to eat too much sweets.''
He smiled. ''How about we don't tell your imo about this and we will just eat some sweets. It will be our little secret?''
She gasped. ''Really?''
He smiled and nodded. ''Really.''
Walking further with the little girl, he talked with her.
''Bok Soon-ah, you love your imo, right?''
The girl nodded and he continued. ''And do you know that I love her too?''
She nodded again. ''Yes.''
He bend down to look into her eyes. 'Remember when I asked you if you would mind if I courted her?''
She thought for a while and smiled. ''Yes, that day you gave me a lot of nurungji.'' She said with a big smile.
''Yes and you also got your imo mad at me for making you eat a lot of it.'' He said with a pout. ''Now whenever we go to the market she lectures me about it.''
''Sorry.'' She said with a pout. ''But if I promise not to say anything, will you buy me nurungji again?'' he chuckled, nodding his head. Soo would definitely find out, because Bok Soon could not eat without getting stains.
When they got the nurungji, they sat down and ate it. So cleared his throat.
''Anyways Bok Soon-ah, I wanted to ask you something today?''
The girl looked up and So chuckled, seeing the first stains of the nurungji already.
''May I have your permission to marry your imo?'' the girl's eyes grew wide in shock.
''Yes, I want you to marry imo. Then you will come and live with us. And we will all have a lot of fun! But…'' she made a sad face and So grew alert.
''But what?''
''Will Baek Ah not miss you?'' So chuckled.
''I think he can live without me. Besides he has Woo Hee to court, right?''
Bok Soon nodded and smiled at him.
''So, may I marry your imo?''
''Yes.''
''Thank you, Bok Soon-ah. But let's make this our little secret, alright? I want to surprise her.''
And surprise her he did. He had made Woo Hee go there and watch Bok Soon as he tried to call Soo outside as he intimidated a wolf. When she finally went outside, she told him how he sounded like he was choking on rice cakes. He chuckled.
''Now that you are here, come I have a surprise for you.'' He said while holding out his hand. She looked at him and called out from outside to Woo Hee to watch Bok Soon for her. Placing her hand in his, she let him lead her.
''Where are we going?''
''You will see, just wait for it.''
''But…''
''Soo-ya.'' He said as he turned around. ''Do you trust me?''
She nodded and told him that she does.
''Then come and let me surprise you.''
When they got there, she saw that he had taken her to some prayer stones in front of the water.
''Let's pray.'' He told her and she agreed. Closing her eyes, she started to pray. She had no idea how long she was praying, but she opened her eyes when she felt him hug her from behind. He kissed her cheek and she looked from the corner of her eyes, blushing at his actions. When he leaned his chin on her shoulder, he started to talk.
''Soo-ya, it has been a year since I have started to court you. But before I started to court you, I already knew that you are my person. I already knew that you would be the one I would fall in love with and you have no idea how blessed I feel to have met you. Soo-ya…'' he said as he grabbed her shoulders to turn her around to face him. 'Marry me.''
She could not believe it, was he really proposing to her? She nodded and felt tears coming out of her eyes. He smiled and hugged her. When he pulled away, he grabbed a ring from his robes. She smiled, noticing how it matched with the hairpin that he had given her when he got his first salary.
''Of course I had to give you a gift, you are my person. When I started to court you, I just started my job. But I already knew what I wanted to give you and told the seller to keep it for me.'' He had told her while he put the hairpin in her hair.
The ring had a white peony on it. ''I love it.'' She said while she he put it on her finger.
''And I love you.'' He told her while leaning his forehead on hers.
''I love you too.'' She told him while smiling at him.
The next morning she was wondering how she would have the conversation with Bok Soon.
''Bok Soon-ah'' she said while the girl kept eating her breakfast.
''Hmm?''
''I need to talk with you about something.'' The girl looked at her imo and Soo took a deep breath.
''You know that So has been courting me, right?'' the child nodded and she continued.
''But now we want to take a step forward and that will change some things.''
''A step forward?'' the girl asked confused.
''Yes, a step forward. That means that we want to marry each other.''
''Oh, marriage!'' the girl nodded. ''Yes, I know, imo. And I cannot wait for when you two will get married.''
''You cannot?'' she asked confused and Bok Soon clapped her hands together.
''Yes, imobu will come and live with us and we will have lots of fun.''
''You already thought this trough?'' Soo asked blinking her eyes. Bok Soon nodded and Soo was amazed how quickly her niece thought of all those things.
''Yes, when imobu asked me if how I felt about him marrying you, I thought about this.''
''Wait, wait, wait. When he asked you how you felt about marrying you? When was that?''
''Not long ago. But he told me not to tell you because it was our little secret, just like the nan'' the child put her hand for her mouth as she realized she was going to tell her imo about the sweets that she secretly ate, but Soo shook her head.
''I already knew about that. You two should learn not to make a mess if you don't want me to know about that. So he asked you how you feel about us marrying each other?''
Bok Soon nodded and Soo smiled; once again he had proven that he was the right person for her.
''Are you happy, Bok Soon-ah?''
''Yes imo, are you happy?''
''Yes, I am very happy.'' She said while tracing her new ring.
Unfortunately So had the pleasure of meeting the relatives from Bok Soon's late father's side. One day as he and Bok Soon were going to Baek Ah's working place, they heard a voice.
''Bok Soon, are you not going to greet your gomo?'' the way she introduced herself, made it clear for So who this was. Soo had told him about her late cousin's in-laws and So understood immediately why Soo did not like her as she was giving a mighty look.
Bok Soon bowed down and greeted her gomo, but So had noticed how her cheerfulness had disappeared.
''And who is this you are with?'' Yeon Hwa analyzed him and So controlled himself not to roll his eyes at her.
''I am…'' but Bok Soon interrupted him.
''He is my imobu.''
She raised an eyebrow. ''When did your imo get married? The least she could do was invite us for the wedding.''
''We are not married yet. Don't worry, we will call all the important people to us.'' So said. ''My name is Kim So, I am the one who is courting Hae Soo.''
Yeon Hwa gave him a a fake smile. ''I am surprised to hear that Hae Soo is letting someone court her. After all she broke off her engagement with a noble candidate. What do you do?''
She really reminded him of the nobles in the palace, too stuck up for nothing and playing dirty to cause problems, just like she was doing now.
''I know about that. And the difference between him and me is that I do not want to separate her from Bok Soon-ah. After all she is a part of her and I am fond of Bok Soon-ah. The magistrate never gave her the chance to get to know her.'' he had to control his laughter when he saw her irritated expression.
''Bok Soon, tell your imo I will visit her soon.'' Yeon Hwa said before she turned around to leave.
When she was gone, Bok Soon shuffled her feet while looking at the ground. So bend down on his knees
''What's wrong?''
''I don't like my gomo, she is always mean to us.''
He made a face and nodded. ''You are right. I don't like her either.''
''Really?''
He nodded. ''But cheer up, she will not stay here for too long.''
She smiled. ''That's right.''
''Come, shall we go and see if Baek Ah is really working or not?''
The girl cheered and he stood up to lead her where to go.
That night Soo told him that she already knew who was in town, as Bok Soon's halmeoni had come to visit her in the store.
''She started to complain immediately about how dusty the store was and that she could not understand how I still was running the store, stating that because of that I cannot divide all of my attention to Bok Soon.''
''That's rubbish!'' So said and Woo Hee nodded as she had come to visit her friend after hearing about the visitors.
''I know that.'' Soo said and sat down with a faraway look.
''Soo-ya, you know as well as everyone in this town knows that they are not the ones to talk. Let's not forget how soon they left the town after Yeon Hwa got married, who did not even wanted to wait until Bok Soon's dol and her mother immediately went with her. Don't forget how confused everyone was when they did not come back for her dol. They even left the town quickly after the cremation of your cousin-in-law. Not even asking if you needed something in regards of Bok Soon-ah. Besides if she really cared about her, then wouldn't she come here more often instead of when her son-in-law has some business to do here.''
Soo nodded. ''You are right.''
''Of course I am. Don't let her get to you. Ugh, I never liked those two.'' Woo Hee shuddered thinking about them.
The next day Soo saw Hwangbo Yeon Hwa in her store and felt all her annoyance coming up.
'It looks like you still have no manners to greet me.''
''It looks like you still are looking for excuses to belittle me.'' She answered her. It made the smile on her face disappear and Soo continued on with her work.
''Are you going to ignore me?'' she huffed and Soo still did not look at her while she was continuing her work.
''What are you doing here, Yeon Hwa? You surely have not come here to see how we are doing.''
''As always you don't beat around the bush. I was wondering how my niece is doing?''
Now Soo could not help it, but raise her eyebrow. ''Like you care. Besides did you not see her yesterday?''
''Of course I care. After all, I heard that you are going to get married. I saw the guy yesterday, but you of course already knew that. As her gomo I have to know how my niece is doing. I cannot forget you lecturing me that your first priority is Bok Soon. It looks like it changed when you got someone of your wishes.''
Soo gave Yeon Hwa a fake smile. ''I don't know who you have heard from, but you heard correctly. I am being courted by someone, who knows that she is my first priority and he has no problem with it.'' She had to smile, remembering that So even asked permission from Bok Soon to court and marry her imo.
Yeon Hwa scoffed and shook her head. ''Every time I see you, you do something which makes me dislike you more.''
Soo gave her a fake smile. ''I can totally understand what you mean. I feel the same'' She knew that she should not have said that, but seeing the scowl on Yeon Hwa's face was worth it. It reminded her of when So told her ex-fiancé that they were engaged. So was still enjoying that memory.
''I am happy that I am the one who will fulfill your wish to marry someone out of love, Soo-ya. You have no idea how happy it makes me.'' But she had an idea of it, as he would show her through all of his actions.
''And you have no idea how happy I am that my wish will come true, even when everyone was telling me that I was being childish,'' she would tell him and he would smile and tell her that he could not wait to start their happy lives together.
Before they got married, Baek Ah wanted to go and meet his mother. So took him with him, because he knew that it would not be safe for Baek Ah to go there all by himself. Soo agreed with him, but could not help but be worried about them. What if they got caught, what would happen to them? She still remembered when she finally got to see So again after two months.
She was hanging up the laundry, when she felt someone looking at her. Turning around, she saw no one standing behind her and she rubbed her eyes. But still there was no one behind her. Turning back to continue her work, she heard his voice first before he hugged her from behind.
''I missed you.''
She gasped and turned around to look at him, to see if he was well. Did he got hurt? Did he eat well? So looked at her with a smile and she hugged him, crying.
''Soo-ya? Are you crying? No, don't cry. Why are you crying?''
''How can't I? Do you have any idea how worried I have been? I kept on thinking what would happen if you got caught.''
He hugged her tightly. ''We did not get caught. Don't worry, I was not going to let us get caught, when I have you and our future together waiting for me.''
She looked up at him and he caressed her cheek. ''Did Baek Ah get to meet with his mother?''
He nodded. ''Yes, it had taken some drastic actions to get her to meet him, but she finally did. She even told him that she knew that he was not dead. I guess it is true what they say about mother's instinct.''
She could see the hurt in his eyes and caressed his cheek. ''Did you see your family?''
He shook his head. ''No, they were here; waiting for me.'' She blushed when he said that with that look in his eyes.
He started to lean closer to her and she closed her eyes. ''I have missed you, Soo-ya.'' He said before he kissed her.
And she told him that she missed him too by kissing him back, pouring all her feelings into it.
Two years later…
Soo was sitting outside in the sun, looking at the scene in front of her. Baek Ah was playing music for Bok Soon and nine months-old Seol. It had been one year since she got married to So and not soon after that, she became pregnant. So was so happy when he heard about the baby and he was pampering her so much during the pregnancy. When he had to go to work, he would make Bok Soon watch her like a hawk. The thing that she was mostly happy about, was that So still cared about Bok Soon like she was his own. He would tell her that the baby was her little sibling and that she was going to be a big sister. Looking at how Bok Soon had Seol on her lap, she once again thought that he was right about that. Bok Soon really was Seol's big sister.
''Look at that.'' She heard her husband say. ''You are all having fun without me.''
''Imobu!'' Bok Soon called him loudly, before she placed Seol in Soo's arms. Running towards him with her arms wide open, So smiled and waited for her. When So looked down and started to talk to her, Soo knew that he was asking Bok Soon about her day. While those two were talking, Seol started to become restless as she also wanted to be noticed by her father. She started to jump on her mother's lap, making loud baby noises to make So notice her.
''Aigo aigo, your appa will come to you too. No need to be so restless, Seol-ah.'' Soo told her daughter while making funny faces at her.
''Your eomma is right, Seol-ah. Appa makes time for all of you.'' So told his daughter before he picked her up. Seol cheered and tried to hold her father's face to kiss him.
''Hyung-nim, how about your little brother?'' Baek Ah asked him with a smirk and So narrowed his eyes at him.
''Don't you have to go to work?''
Baek Ah grinned. ''Not today.''
''That's why you are bothering me?''
''I am not! I just came to visit my beautiful nieces.''
So rolled his eyes. ''Where is Woo Hee-ssi? Don't you have to bother her?''
''Woo Hee-ya went to her sister's place.'' Soo informed her husband.
''Besides I asked Baek Ah-nim to make a portrait of the two girls.'' She continued and So looked around.
''Where is it?''
''It's not done yet.''
''Why not?''
As the two brothers started to bicker, Soo smiled shaking her head, continuing to listen to their bickering. They were really acting like little children.
Soo was lying in bed, reading her husband's poem to her.
''Soo-ya, are you reading again what I think that you are reading?'' So asked her while he entered the room, closing the door behind him. Giving one look to their sleeping daughter in the crib, he walked to their bed to lay down next to his wife.
She smiled and traced his calligraphy, while reading the poem again.
When the weather has run dry,
Sit and watch for the rising clouds.
''You know, I can write you other poems too.''
She nodded. ''Yes, but I love this poem the most.''
He chuckled and leaned closer to her. ''And why is that?'' he always asked her that, even when he knew the answer.
''Because it is your first poem that you have written to me and also because it is your favorite.''
He smiled and pulled her to him. Taking the calligraphy from her, he placed it on his side table and held his wife in his arms.
''I really thought you were going to say that this poem improved your calligraphy, that Bok Soon-ah even now asks you to help her with her homework.'' he joked and she pouted at him. He was right about that, she lost count the many times she had rewritten his poem over and over again.
''Oh please, she still prefers to ask you for your help.''
''I know.'' He teased and she hit his chest before she turned on her back.
''Soo-ya?''
''Yes?''
He sat up to look into her eyes.
''Thank you for coming into my life and for becoming my person.''
She smiled at him. ''I should thank you for coming into my life. And thank you for becoming my person!'' she said before she pulled him towards her to kiss him.
That was my second oneshot of this couple, I hope that you enjoyed it. Please leave a review.