Chapter Text
Cale thought about it for a while before lightly responding to Choi Han.
“I don’t think about what ifs or the past.”
It was probably just the evening breeze but as Cale walked away from the spot where they freed the dragon, he couldn’t help but get the chills and gave in to the urge of looking behind.
Seeing no dragon was visible, he sighed in relief but sucked it back due to the blinding light that appeared in front of him. He subconsciously closed his eyes.
o///o
By the moment the striking brightness diminished, he activated his vision once more and took in the new surroundings. Cinnamon eyes widened at the abrupt change.
The moon was no longer hanging above his head. The thick dark forest that enveloped him was now replaced by well-planted pear trees; its arrangement was pleasing to the eyes. The new location was seen vividly thanks to the sun’s rays.
Crack.
A twig snapped in two when Cale strode around the orchard aimlessly. Did the novel do a time skip or something? No, not possible. Albeit he’s just a support character, living in the story would mean experiencing every second of it, no matter how unnecessary the current scene is.
Bright red locks followed him as he walked far enough to leave the garden’s boundaries. Outside the orchard stood a 2-storey house made of bricks. Someone seems to be residing it, a faint scent of cinnamon was coming from the said home.
Cale considered inquiring the residents here for some questions anyone who got transported mysteriously would ask. He lifted his knuckles as he was about to knock but the door opened before he could.
A young man unlocked it for him, his surprised jet-black eyes mirrored Cale’s. The red head relaxed as he found Choi Han, he assumed the kittens would be inside with the swordsman so Cale attempted to go in but Choi Han hugged him before he could do so.
“Cale, you’re back! Where did you disappear to this time?”
“Huh? Since when did Choi Han drop the ‘nim’ part?”
Baffled, the red head shifted from his hold until he was free, “What do you mean? I never left.”
The other man seemed even more stunned the moment Cale separated from his embrace. Oblivious to the ache he caused the other, Cale merely raised a brow at his actions and strange question.
Silence stretched like rubber between them. Thankfully, another figure went their way and broke it. Her voice increased in volume as she came closer.
“Choi Han, I’ve been calling you several times for breakfast. I get why you’re worried but-”
A brunette wiping her hands with a clean towel appeared before them. She resumed and directed the rest of the message to Cale’s way Sahara Desert dry, “You’re back, good. The haircut looks nice by the way.”
“Rosalyn…?” was the only reply Cale could say. According to the original timeline, she wasn’t supposed to meet the protagonist just yet. But then again, it was already odd enough the way they assumed Cale was gone and the new scenery that came with it.
“Let’s talk later, you must be hungry considering last night.” With a blunt reply, Rosalyn proceeded to the kitchen and signaled the two to follow to which they obliged.
Entering the household, Cale felt relaxed at the homey atmosphere it gave. The miscellaneous decors blended well with the furniture. In the middle of another room, stood a circular wooden table. Three chairs of the same material surrounded it.
“I don’t see the kittens or any animals for that matter.”
They sat and shared the buttered chicken and cinnamon rolls that Rosalyn made. Speaking of the mage, she already replaced her flaming red curls with brown mane tied by a single knot. Though the shade is muddy, the results were far from dirty; it suited her well.
“So, I’m sure all of us has mountains of questions. Choi Han, you go first.” Rosalyn took the wheels of their conversation.
The swordsman nodded and turned to Cale with a frown, “Where did you go last night? You left your bow before you vanished from the ambush mission and you usually never leave without it. I was really worried.”
“Choi Han, what are you talking about?”
The two paused their meals to send Cale a puzzled look so he resumed with an exhausted sigh, “I’ve so many things to clarify I don’t know where to start.”
“First of all, last night we were on a rescue and I didn’t ‘vanish’ from that mission. Kind of. Second, what bow? I don’t wield weapons of any kind. Third, why is Rosalyn here?”
At this, Choi Han faced Rosalyn, “Do you suppose…”
Crossing her arms, she leaned to her chair as she replied at the swordsman’s unfinished question, “It’s either he’s an impostor, has amnesia or is feigning ignorance.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, I was assuming the same possibilities to you two but I don’t think that’s the case.” They are definitely Choi Han and Rosalyn but different in some ways. Just like how this Choi Han stares at him as if Cale will leave if he ever removes his sight from the red-head.
Cale needed to confirm if his deductions are true, “Rosalyn, how did the three of us meet and what do we do for a living?”
“Why are you asking and why should I tell you?”
“I have a speculation. I too, know people like you two and I am erm…friends with them.” It didn’t roll off his tongue smoothly. Cale’s relationship with the Choi Han and Rosalyn he knew was not strong enough to be labeled as “friends”. It was something akin to comradeship but it would be a hassle to explain why they were only allies so he chose the option that would be most simple.
“So, you are saying there are another Choi Han and Rosalyn and our Cale is your counterpart?”
“Kind of.” The red-head affirmed.
“Well that explains your haircut. You kept saying you preferred it longer.” Rosalyn dryly stated.
The swordsman who has been silent the whole time finally spoke up, “So, my Cale could still be out there. I have a bad feeling, he never leaves without informing me first.”
Choi Han lowered his head; his raven hair could rival his darkening expressions. The red-head felt a sweat down his chin, he cannot afford to be within the reach of any unstable Choi Han. Cale had to somehow calm him down.
“I’ll help you.”
“What?”
“I’ll aid you in search of your Cale.”
That did the trick somehow. The morning light could be seen reflecting in Choi Han’s eyes once again. By the time they compromised, the dishes on their plates were wiped out. Choi Han helped Rosalyn in cleaning the aftermath of the breakfast.
Cale groaned, why did he offer his help? He didn’t want all this unnecessary work. But then again, he really wanted to wipe that dejected look Choi Han was carrying.
Sigh…
Mini play for chapter 1:
OG Choi Han: I- I think I have a crush on Cale-nim.
Author: Just a crush?! *edited the next chapters of this fic intensely* Not anymore.
OG Choi Han: Wdym? My feelings just grew stronger that I’m actually considering I love him now.
OG: *panting from editing* Exactly.