Archive of Our Own

“When I grow up, I’ll be the queen that this Kingdom has never seen before,” A little girl who looks like a bunny, lying on the grass with hair disheveled from playing tag proudly declared with much conviction in her voice.

She then stretched her arms outwards, as if reaching for the blue skies as she continued, “I’ll make sure my name would go down in history and everyone will remember me for bringing this kingdom to its golden age!”

“I believe you, unnie! I personally think that you’ll be a great queen! I’ll surely support you all the way and I’ll be your most loyal subject.” Another girl, sitting demurely on her side, beamed at her.

“What do you mean you’ll be queen? You should first be like your little sister, someone prim and dignified. Look at you right now; sweaty and soiled.” The doe-eyed girl did not fail to flash a disgusted expression to tease the first girl. “You clearly don’t suit such a pristine position. You better just sign off to train to be a soldier at this point.” The girl further said as she proceeded to laugh out loud when she received a piercing glare from the older.

“Ya! I’ll make sure you’ll never get to see tomorrow!” And the two of them run on the green meadows, with the bunny looking like she’s about to kill a person and the doe overjoyed of the fact that she managed to annoy the brunette again like she usually does.

The second girl was just watching, cheering on the side, very much entertained by the two’s endless bickering (that well, always ends up getting physical because the younger was such a tease and the other one was quick to infuriate).

……….

“Ya! Did I just see you blush?” The girl, surprised, blinked, twice; thrice. “I knew it, you’re crushing on me too! Don’t worry, I won’t judge you. I understand that everybody can’t help but fall for my charms.” A fox-like girl said as she winked at the younger girl, grinning at the sight of her rosy cheeks which lasted for about a split-second because the girl was quick to void her face of any emotion.

Yeseo with her blank face, looked at the older and uttered, “With that annoying attitude?” She raised one of her eyebrows as she then proceeded to focus on her notebook again. “I doubt.”

“You’re just in denial ‘coz everyone loves me,” Youngeun, the other girl said, wriggling her brows at the other, grinning really wide.

“I’m not being in denial. You’re just—” Sparing the older a quick glance, she looked at her from head to toe which made Youngeun cross her arms, covering her chest (seriously, why the heck did she do this) and continued, “—simply not my type. I don’t like noisy people. Imagine when we get married and share the same house? That would mean I would have to deal with your never-ending chaos. Geez. No thanks.” The younger finished talking then she continued scribbling at her notes again.

“Ya, Yeseo-ya, you’re on the marrying stage already? It’s so touching that you’ve already thought about our relationship that far.” Youngeun was wiping her invisible tears, being dramatic over everything. “You’ve already imagined us being together in the future, didn’t you?”

Upon hearing this, the younger then instantly turned her head to look at the older who’s sitting on her bed right now with her jaw hanging; eyes implying that she couldn’t believe what she had just heard.      

 “Let me ask you this. Are you perhaps—” The younger’s eyes were laced with concern. “—sick in the head or something…?” Yeseo asked, one of her brows arching up, circling her index finger on her temples.

“Yup. I’m definitely sick. Lovesick kind of sick, though.” The older giggled, laughing at her own comment.

“Whatever floats your boat.” The younger, rolling her eyes, went back to finishing the task (which was supposed to be a paired work that’s why Youngeun was there but it ended up with Yeseo doing it all because even if the older insisted on helping her, the otherwise keeps on happening so she just decided to do it by herself.)

It was an essay assignment in their Creative Writing subject about popular beliefs that are yet to be proven true. They were tasked to choose one and explain why people find them fascinating and thus entertain the possibility of it being true despite the lack of evidence. 

Youngeun suggested that they do the topic about Greek and Roman gods and goddesses but the moment the words escaped her mouth, the younger immediately turned her idea down, saying that such will be a pretty boring topic to delve into. 

“What, and we’re gonna talk about how Zeus is such a dickhead? Or how Hera is such a bitch for punishing the ladies but never telling Zeus to learn how to keep his horny dick in his pants?”

“Do they even wear pants?”

“That’s not the point!”

So yeah. Yeseo was against the topic. 

Youngeun was surprised though because she had seen Yeseo wearing symbols relating to Aphrodite so she thought the younger would like the idea (the main reason why she suggested such, she thought she’ll gain approval from the younger). Weird, right?

“It’s not weird. It’s just that — ” Yeseo sighed, it seems like she was reminded of something she refuses to confront. “ — Aphrodite is way better than all those other mythical divinities combined.”

And so they pushed through with ‘reincarnation’ as the topic, as personally proposed by the younger. 

Yeseo tried hard to focus on the task at hand but she still couldn’t escape the older’s antics which bothers the shit out of her from time to time. The output is already due tomorrow (so they both were supposed to pull an all-nighter for this, but yeah, you already know what happened) but it seems like the older girl doesn’t want them to pass the said subject.  

Exhibit number one:

“Yeseo-ya, Yeseo-ya, Yeseo-ya! I’m bored, why won’t you let me heeelllppp…”

“Yeseo-ya, what would you choose, a curry that tastes like poop or a poop that tastes like curry?”

“Yeseo-ya, do you believe in UFOs? I had befriended one when I was little, and we still keep in touch.”

“Yeseo-ya…”

“YASeooo…”

“My cutie Yeseooo…”

“Yeseo-ya…”

“Yeseo-ya…”

“Yeseo-ya…”

“Yeseo-ya…”

“Youngeun-ssi can you just please—” Yeseo inhaled really deep, “—SHUT THE FUCK UP?” The younger had reached her boiling point which prompted her to totally lash out at the older.

“But I just want to—” The older was about to say something with her head down and index fingers together when Yeseo had interrupted her.

“Just what should I do to make you stop and behave for this night? Tell me. What is it? I would gladly do it if it’ll shut you up.” Yeseo said standing, one hand on her waist and the other pulling her hair out of frustration.

“You…you’ll do anything? You…you’ll grant any wish? Like, any ‘ANY’?” The older girl enthusiastically asked with eyes sparkling even brighter than Polaris.

“Uhm…Now I’m kinda having second thoughts but—” Yeseo sighed for the nth time (she couldn’t even count how many times she had heaved a sigh for that night already) “—if it’ll help me have peace in the four corners of this room, then yes. I’m willing to take a risk whatever request you have. Just…not the weird ones. I’m definitely not doing the weird ones.” Turning her gaze away from the older at the mention of the last two sentences, Yeseo further said.

“Ya, Yeseo, what weird thoughts are you thinking again?” The older giggled. “But if it’ll bring you tranquility, don’t worry, I wouldn’t ask for anything weird, like what you are thinking right now.” The older laughed out loud for a while but after looking at the younger giving her a ‘ghorl-are-you-serious-I-had-just-told-you-not-to’ look, she stopped and zipped her mouth.

………..

“Ya, Yujin! You totally sucked at your Princess classes but then you’re still hoping you’ll be chosen as queen? Your sister would definitely be preferred by the Royal Council over you.” Looking at the older who is seemingly exhausted in the library learning about the history of their kingdom, Xiaoting commented.

“But at least I passed them all! Not with flying colors, but yeah, what’s important is that I passed them.” Yujin replied, sticking out her tongue at the younger.

“Look at yourself in the mirror right now, a Princess wouldn’t do things like that!” Xiaoting tried to lecture her but failed when she burst out laughing afterwards because she finds Yujin’s red-as-tomato face and her pouty lips amusing (and rather…lovely, enough to make her heart throb fast.)

“But you’re a Princess too and just like me, you don’t act like it.” Yujin answered, still whining hard, her pen scribbles became more forceful, almost tearing the paper apart because she couldn’t argue with the fact that indeed, her sister’s really doing everything better than her—ceremonial rites, studying, being prim and proper, confidently talking in front of a crowd—name them all and her little sister’s acing them.

She’s even attending an advanced class right now and Yujin’s still stuck with…History shits.

“Why do you desperately want to be the queen? I know you, Yuj. This isn’t about power or wealth at all. So why?” Xiaoting asked the older as she tilted her head, peeking at Yujin’s expression.

“I just—” Yujin paused, thinking whether she’ll state her reason or not. Sighing, she added, “—you wouldn’t understand it even if I tell you. But it’s really, really important for me to claim the throne. I can’t just give that up even if I’m struggling right now.” The older looked at Xiaoting briefly in the eyes and then brought her focus back on the books specifically the paragraph that she’s been reading for the umpteenth time now, but she still couldn’t understand a word.

Xiaoting noticed the change on the face of the older as she also felt that the atmosphere turned heavy. During times like these, Xiaoting completely stops her agenda of teasing the older because she knows the burden of having royal blood for she is also one.

And a future queen too, for that matter. She has a younger brother but their kingdom’s Royal Council had already decided to declare her as the future ruler based on the trials that they both underwent.

She genuinely didn’t want for Yujin to be queen though because of some—personal reasons—but seeing the older’s gloomy and demotivated face, as opposed to her buoyant and inspired self, she has no other choice but to uplift her spirits and cheer her using any way she could think of. 

“It’s fine even if you don’t tell me why. It’s just that—” Xiaoting reached for the older’s pen, stopping her from writing incomprehensible scribbles on it. “—it’s so weird seeing you with your energy down like this. I mean, you’re Yujin, is it even in your vocabulary to feel pathetic over things that have happened already? And if this would help cheer you up, don’t worry I always believe in your skills, Yujin-a.” Setting the pen aside, Xiaoting smiled at her, reaching for her hands on the table, gently squeezing it.

And even if Yujin wouldn’t verbally admit it because it might boost up the younger’s ego; she had always found strength whenever she looks at Xiaoting’s face. It never fails to remind her that everything’s going to be fine even in situations where she felt hopeless and miserable.

A smile crept up the older’s lips, which she quickly hides with a frown.

“Ya! I saw that! I just made you smile!” With eyes wide open, Xiaoting placed her hands on her mouth, dramatically responding to the older’s reaction. Instead of receiving a glare from you, did you just smile back at me…?” 

Yujin rolled her eyes at her. 

‘Adorable.’

“How about you help me study instead of doing your ‘life-calling’ of annoying me?” Yujin said as she tried to change the topic of the conversation.

“I know you’re just trying to avoid the discussion, but yeah, sure.” The younger chuckled as she sat on the chair next to the older. “You’ll never fail on your evaluations once I helped you study. I always ace academic classes in our kingdom.” Winking at the older, Xiaoting added, grabbing the book that Yujin has been reading.

………..

Because she got nothing else to do and she wanted to claim her wish so bad, Youngeun just decided to sleep on the younger’s bed.

Yeseo then continued accomplishing their output. 

The concept of reincarnation and other lifetimes is pretty interesting. You’ll have questions such as, “Are you living a better life in comparison with your past self?” “Did you do evil deeds in the past?” “How different were you from your past self?”

Whether or not reincarnation is true, its mere idea gives us the comfort that we will have another chance in life, another opportunity to make it better. 

At around 1 AM, she had completely finished the task. After making sure that she had already emailed the output to their professor, she stretched out her arms. Feeling tired and burnout, she proceeded to check on the older who was sleeping soundly on her bed with her mouth slightly open, murmuring incoherent words. Yeseo chuckled at how cute the older looks (well, she is cute in Yeseo’s eyes, okay?)

Still caught up staring at the older with a smile on her lips, she was surprised to hear Youngeun say her name.

“Yeseo…”

“Yeseo-ya…”

“I know you…love me too. Why…won’t you just…admit it?”

With her eyes still closed and maybe her soul still traveling on the land of dreams, Youngeun uttered softly, but it was just enough for Yeseo to hear it and sense the pain in her voice.

Upon hearing this, Yeseo then proceeded to sit at the bed, leaving enough space between her and the older so that she wouldn’t wake her up.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t love you. Even if I want to…I just…can’t.” She softly thread her fingers on the older’s hair as she continued, “I brought this upon myself so I must suffer alone. I had long bid farewell to love and anything related to it. I already sacrificed so much and I couldn’t bear to sacrifice you too…”

………..

“Is it true?” Yujin’s just came from the chamber of the Royal Council and she immediately went to the garden where her sister is. Catching her breath because she had just run in the halls, she then continued, “You withdrew from the royal selection?” 

The younger sister sipped from her tea. Bringing the cup down, she offered her sister a smile. “Yes.” 

“But why?”

Before answering, the younger sister gestured for Yujin to sit beside her to which the older had obliged. Grabbing both of Yujin’s hands that are resting on the older’s lap, the younger then replied. “Because I want you to be our Kingdom’s Queen.”

Yujin was about to make a protest when suddenly, Xiaoting arrived, surprising the both of them.

“Yujin-a! My brother and I decided to pay your kingdom a visit. Our father sent us and my brother’s with my mother, talking to the king.” Xiaoting, coming out unannounced, run towards the direction of the two.

“Oh, hello there, my cute chingu!” Xiaoting patted the head of the youngest princess and then looked at Yujin with her questioning look.

“Ya, Yujin!n Your closest friend had just arrived and yet you’re giving me silence? What’s up with you? And oh, I wanna tell you something. It’s really important and kinda…private…” Xiaoting held the older’s hand as she tilted her head to catch her eyes which was fixated on the floor. 

“Sorry I was just… Uhm… Let’s talk somewhere else, please…” Yujin said, her voice laced with a tad bit of melancholy.

They proceeded to the palace’s garden with Yujin keeping quiet on their walk and maintaining a considerable distance from the younger. Xiaoting found the older’s behavior uncanny but she just dismissed such thoughts thinking it was just because the final test to determine who would inherit the throne is coming up within a few days.

“Ting,”

”Yuj,” 

They called each other’s names in unison as they both sat on the grass, looking at the blue sky. It was the season of autumn that time.

“Can I go first? This is really important…” Xiaoting said with pleading eyes.

Yujin just nodded because she was still weaving her thoughts into coherent sentences and she still do not know where to begin her little announcement.

“Yujin, I know that you really wanna be the queen of this land and I’ve been supporting you and helping you on your every task but… you are aware of the consequences of becoming a queen, right?” Xiaoting said, cupping the cheek of the older with her right hand.

“I don’t wanna surrender you to the throne, Yujin. Instead of being the queen of this land…will you be my queen instead?” Her voice was hopeful. Xiaoting knew how valuable the crown is to Yujin but she’s also certain, even if Yujin wouldn’t voice it out, that she holds a precious spot on the latter’s heart. 

So even if it was risky, Xiaoting still decided to act on her love for her. After all, there wasn’t much time left before the official announcement of the two kingdoms’ ruler and the wedding that will bind both of the lands. 

Yes, Yujin becoming Queen also means that she needs to submit to the responsibilities that come with it. One of which is marrying the prince of the neighboring kingdom–Xiaoting’s younger brother. 

Yujin knew this would soon happen; Xiaoting’s confession, that is. It wasn’t really a secret that they had grown closer ever since the younger offered her help on studying. Something really shifted after that. Instead of endless, senseless bickering like the usual, it was replaced with deep talks, discussions about themselves, about their dreams, their hobbies, dislikes and anything really, for they find any information about each other as something interesting and worth listening to.

Yujin had seen the other side of the younger—while she was used to her being a troublemaker, she had realized that Xiaoting was also someone reliable. That she was willing to do anything; even make fun of herself, just to make her smile whenever she’s feeling down.

And Yujin fell for that side of her.

Yes. She let herself fall for the younger even if there would be a price for doing so.

‘I’m sorry for being selfish, Ting.’

And today, she has to pay the price.

“Ting…the final test wouldn’t happen anymore…” Yujin avoided the younger’s gaze and withdrew the hand she was holding.

“W-What do you mean? Is it already done?”

“My sister…” Yujin tried to avoid Xiaoting’s gaze because she will never be able to say what she’s about to say if she’ll look her in the eyes. “She decided to give up so the Royal Council had already unofficially declared me as the rightful heir…” Yujin’s eyes were starting to water and she could feel that a tear would escape her eyes soon.

“And you… accepted it…” It wasn’t a question. It was a realization that hit her so hard. Yujin chose the crown. For Yujin, becoming Queen is far more important than protecting the love that they harbor for each other. Xiaoting realized that no matter how hard she tried, it wouldn’t be enough for Yujin. 

 “I guess you value power more than what we have?” Again, it wasn’t exactly a question. And even if it technically is, Xiaoting would never want to hear Yujin’s answer to it. Saying these words alone left a bitter taste in her mouth. Hearing it straight from Yujin herself… 

It will shatter her.  

Xiaoting doesn’t wanna humiliate herself further by showing her vulnerable side to the older she couldn’t help but shed tears. She was too broken to even think about anything else right now.     

“Ting… I’m sorry. I also lo—” Yujin too, was crying right now because seeing how pained the younger was and the fact that she couldn’t do anything about it brought her immense agony too.

“Don’t say it. Stop saying things you won’t take responsibility for.” Xiaoting’s words were sharp and cold, it was cutting through Yujin. “What would you say? That you love me, too? Is that the concept of love for you, Yujin?” 

Her eyes that used to be filled with love and adoration as she looks at Yujin, was replaced by anger, misery and fear.  

“That isn’t love. You’re just simply selfish.” Xiaoting tried to wipe her tears away but they just don’t stop falling.

“I’m saying goodbye to…whatever it is that we had.”

………..

“I’m s-sorry…” Yeseo shifted from her sleeping position, repeatedly. “I…”

“Yeseo, wake up! Yeseo!”

A voice who called her name had managed to wake her up from her dreams.

She’s been having those dreams on a daily basis without fail so it had become some kind of a normal routine for her.

However, when the scenarios that were replaying are ‘ those’ that she had just now, she couldn’t help but be… bothered.

“Are you okay now, Yeseo? You’ve been crying in your sleep. Was that some kind of a nightmare?” Youngeun with her worried eyes passed a glass of water to the younger.

“Uhm…Don’t worry too much about me…it was just a dream. It happens often, I’m used to it by now.” Yeseo replied, giving the older a weak smile.

“What do you mean ‘you’re used to it by now?’ Yeseo, I’ve seen your pained expression earlier. You’re almost crying!” Youngeun raised her voice a little bit, but then her expression instantly turned soft after seeing that the younger was kinda surprised by her sudden outburst.

“Okay, I’m sorry.” Youngeun sighed. Taking a sit on the bed, she then continued, “It’s just that…we’ve been friends for so long and yet you still remain to be a mystery to me.”

Youngeun is an open book. She’s a good talker even if sometimes, she overshares things. The “queen of TMI” is what Yeseo will mockingly call her. 

On the other hand, Yeseo is the secretive type. She always keeps things to herself. At first, Youngeun thought it was fine. There were just people who weren’t comfortable sharing and baring themselves. That maybe Yeseo has a very sensitive past that she doesn’t really want to reminisce. And that’s okay. It’s just valid to run away from the things that terrify you if that’s your own way of coping. 

But that day, it was different. Whatever that is, it clearly pains the younger to the point that it manifests even in her sleep. 

And so Youngeun is determined to make Yeseo speak. Because maybe all she needs is someone who’ll listen without judgments. Someone with whom Yeseo can share the weight of her burden.  

“It isn’t healthy to keep things to yourself, Yeseo. You don’t have to carry them all alone…” Youngeun said, scratching her nape, directing her gaze on the younger’s eyes, showing that she meant every word that she had said.

Standing up from the bed, Yeseo then replied with a sad chuckle. “You wouldn’t understand even if I tell you. Heck, maybe you wouldn’t even believe me and you might consider my words ridiculous.” Yeseo said, placing the empty glass on the sink and then returning the gaze of the older.

“Then can I now get my wish? You said I could wish for anything, right?” Youngeun said, her eyes were earnest. 

“Yeah, sure. What is it? I’m telling you again, I wouldn’t grant weird wishes.” Crossing her arms on her chest, Yeseo replied.

“Trust me.” Youngeun quickly answered.

Hearing the two words baffled Yeseo, creating a crease on her forehead. “Of course, I trust you, you’re my friend.” The younger was baffled by the older’s words.

“I mean, I want you to trust that I would try to understand your secret no matter how ludicrous or out-of-this-world that is.”

The younger looked away. Youngeun’s eyes and voice were just full of sincerity, she just couldn’t bear to turn her down. Taking a deep sigh, she surrendered, “Okay. But let’s just say what I’m about to tell you is a myth of a very long time ago…”

“Okay, I’ll take it. I’ll take whatever you say.” There was excitement in Youngeun’s demeanor as she got up from her seat. “So, do we start now? It’s a weekend and we don’t have any other assignment aside from the paired work. And I reckon you don’t have any sched today, right? You’re the type to never leave your house if it wasn’t needed and just–” Youngeun’s blabbers were interrupted by clothes flying towards her face.

“Why are you dumping your clothes on me?”

Yeseo grabbed her towel and then proceeded to look back, facing the older. “Because we’re going hiking today,”

………..

While walking at the palace’s hallways after using the comfort room, Yujin was about to approach the King’s chamber when she felt a hand pulling her into someplace.

Yujin and her younger sister, as the representatives of the Northern Kingdom were sent to the Southern kingdom to pay a courtesy visit to the royal family since the wedding to finally unite both of the lands is just right around the corner.

Yujin did not react violently because even if she can’t see the face of the person, just by looking at her back and just by feeling the familiar warmth of the hand that was holding hers, she can already tell who that person is.

They went inside an empty room with Xiaoting locking the door afterwards.  

“Yujin-a…I tried so hard to forget about you…” 

This is true. Xiaoting did try everything just to divert her attention to other things. She did, however, even if her mind tells her to move on and forward with her life, she still finds herself walking back to Yujin as if she was programmed to always come back to her. 

She finds it extremely difficult to erase Yujin’s very existence in her system. She would always find herself thinking about Yujin. Heck, every single thing, even the little ones makes her remember the older and the memories that they had shared…

“I don’t care about anything else anymore, Yujin. I’ll do everything just so I can stay by your side. Please let me stay by your side…” Cornering the older girl in the wall, Xiaoting cupped the cheeks of the older, her words full of sincerity as she looked at Yujin like she’s the only precious thing in the entire universe.

“But I’m not worthy of your love,” Yujin looked away, she wanted to remain firm but her voice trembled. “I’m selfish… Why do you still love someone as fucked up as me?” Yujin said, pushing the younger away, crying.  

“I don’t know, okay? I don’t fuckin’ know why my stupid heart still beats for you even if you had caused me so much pain…” Xiaoting said, continuously hitting her left chest, her breathing labored as she sobs. 

“I know. I’m aware that you reek of selfishness but then…” Xiaoting bit her lower lip, trying to suppress herself from crying loudly. “But then why is the only thing I have on my mind right now is to kiss that lips who had always inflicted torture on me?”

“Then do it.”

“Kiss me.”

“Kiss me, right now.”

“Kiss me and tell me tomorrow’s gonna be fine. Kiss me and make sure you’ll be able to kiss all those fuckin’ troubles away.” With burning eyes of misery, Yujin said.

And so, she did. With much hunger, passion and greed. They both know this moment was just a stolen one and Xiaoting was aware…

She was aware that after this, Yujin won’t still be hers. Yujin won’t still choose her. Yujin will still push through being someone else’s queen.

They both are aware of that fact. But that made their kiss even needier… it was filled with…

longing

pain

desperation  

but most of all…

it was filled with so much love…

Love that they wanted to convey… love that they’ve been keeping within themselves because saying it, shouting it to the world would be wrong.

Love that they both wanna keep…

But couldn’t.

Because they weren’t supposed to.

Though still, they did.

And they were supposed to be scared and ashamed and feel guilty…

But they weren’t.

Instead they felt free…

That kiss, their lips creating its own rhythm… hands intertwined with each other… that moment gave them so much liberation…

Though it only lasted for a while.     

………..

“Kang Yeseo! Kang Yeseo!” Youngeun was shaking the younger who was grumbling in her sleep, head resting on her shoulders, seemingly having a nightmare again.

“We’re already here?” The younger then woke up from her slumber, rubbing her eyes and yawning softly.

“Pretty much. I just noticed you’re uncomfortable in your sleep so I decided to wake you up.” Reaching for the younger’s hands, Youngeun added, “Are you fine now?” She squeezed her hand lightly.

“Sorry, that was dumb. Of course, you’re not.” The older continued without hearing the reply of the younger, scratching her nape.

“No, I’m fine.” Smiling to herself, the younger then intertwined their hands together. 

‘ Of course, I am. Because I’m with you. ’

“I think we’re already here.” The older announced, gazing over the window, the mountain cabin in front of their eyes.

Upon alighting the bus, the older then asked the question that’s been bothering her, “By the way, I didn’t get to ask you this earlier because you immediately fell asleep but… what’s with the dandelions inside a glass?” The older pointed at the huge bag that the younger had on her back.

“It’s for something that I’ll show you later. For now, let’s proceed to the valley of dandelions.”

While walking towards their destination; being dragged by the younger, Youngeun was looking at their hands that were still intertwined. She wanted to emphasize the word ‘ intertwined ’, because Yeseo could just simply hold it, but she didn’t.

Youngeun wanted to point that out because she might explode if she wouldn’t, but she fears that the younger might withdraw her hands once she does so. Youngeun then decided to just suppress the butterflies that have been invading her system now for as long as… she could.

Yeah. For as long as she could.

“Oh, Yeseo! Fancy seeing you here again! I almost forgot that it’s the time of the year again,” The person manning the cabin greeted the younger girl with much familiarity; it was as if they had known each other for years. 

Yeseo just nodded at the old man, acknowledging his greetings with a small smile. 

They then walked the trail. It wasn’t that hard to reach the top especially since the both of them are pretty athletic. There was another cabin at the top. The place serves as a resting place for hikers, Yeseo explained to her. 

Yeseo pulled her inside. What caught Youngeun’s attention were the huge paintings of two castles hanging on the wall. They were both majestic; just like those shown in fairytale-themed movies—made of blocks of stones, stacked together to form a structure that was made to protect the royal family; adorned with statues that were carefully carved into perfection representing their bloodline’s wealth as well as the power they hold over the people under their regime.

“We’re already here so make sure you’ll be all ears.” The younger uttered with her eyes fixated on the pieces of artwork, meticulously staring at it like she was some sort of an appraiser. 

“I’m was born ready to listen to you.” The older answered, smiling at herself. She had never imagined that she would be able to convince the younger to tell her the story that she’s been keeping to herself. But here they are right now and there’s no turning back.

……..

This year’s annual commemoration celebrating the friendship and camaraderie between the two kingdoms would happen in the Northern Kingdom where the reigning dynasty is the Chois. The Southern Kingdom ruled by the Shens including all its people were invited to rejoice with their neighboring kingdom over food, drinks and festive activities; with music and everybody dancing and singing along, dressed in beautiful attires and dignified clothes. This only happens once a year so every time it does, both the kingdoms are going all out on the celebration.

But this year wasn’t like all the other years.

Today’s important event had not happened for the past 50 years.

During that autumn night, the next set of rulers who would inherit the thrones would now be officially declared.    

Not only that but the wedding of the Northern Kingdom’s crowned queen as well as the prince of the Southern Kingdom will also be announced. 

All the people were rejoicing—these kinds of news are something that the whole kingdom was very joyful and excited about; enough to warrant them into doubling the grandeur of this year’s festivity.

Everybody was happy.

Everybody, indeed, except for two people.

Yujin should be happy, right? It’s been her dream all along. This is something that she wanted to achieve.

This is something that she had promised her mother—her biological mother on her deathbed.

….

‘Mother… why would you let that b*tch of a queen do this to you?”

Yujin’s mom was lying on her lap. She was poisoned by the reigning queen because the latter has always been threatened of the woman’s place on the king’s heart. 

“I’m going to tell Father! Guards! Maids! Please! Anyone! Please help my mother!” Yujin was trying to suppress her tears but to no avail.  

“We don’t have much time, dear. The queen specifically made it that every servant was at the other side of the castle… I heard her—” Yujin’s mother coughed, her breathing was uneven, maybe because of the pain she’s feeling in her chest. “—talking to them earlier but I didn’t think… too much about it.” 

Coughing again but this time, with blood included, which made Yujin bawl even more, she proceeded, “The remaining time I have, I’ll just use it to say my last words to you… I hope you’ll find it in your heart to fulfill your dying mother’s wishes…’ Yujin just nodded as a response, as another cough was released by her mother.

“Yujin dear, promise me you’ll never ever hate your little sister. This isn’t her fault.” With shaky hands, her mother still tried to hold out her pinky finger to her daughter.

“I promise, Mother. I promise.”

“And lastly, Yujin, my beloved daughter… promise me you’ll become this kingdom’s queen and you’ll rule them with a kind heart. Show them that even if there runs a peasant’s blood within you; you could become a respectable and dignified queen that everyone will love and admire. That’s gonna be… your revenge to the person who did this to me.”

Yujin is still crying but she tries her best to understand her mother’s dying wishes.  

“I love you, my dearest daughter.” Her mother, with weak hands, touched Yujin’s cheeks, wiping her tears.

“I promise, Mom. I love you too… And I’ll make you proud, I promise…” Yujin said as she saw her mother gradually losing strength until her heart’s not beating anymore.

…..

Such a scenario had scarred Yujin for life.

The funny thing was that… She didn’t even have to plot an act of revenge against the queen. That is because, a month after her mother’s death, the queen was diagnosed with a very severe and communicable disease that she was even sent to the outskirts of the kingdom to isolate her from the royal family and the rest of the citizens.

And because it was very fatal, after just a week, she died.

Must be the universe siding with them this time, Yujin thought.

Despite that, Yujin still had no energy to continue living. Yes, she was breathing like a normal human being, but she felt as if life had already left her during that day when her mother died. She had lost the will to live for quite some time. She even stopped talking to her little sister whom she adored the most because every time she looks at her, she would always see the face of the evil queen who murdered her mother.

But she would always remember her mother’s wishes so instead of interacting with her and ending up showing hostility, she would just totally avoid her sibling like she wasn’t existing in her world.

Yujin’s life indeed became depressing…

Not until one day, when a mischievous girl had entered her room by accident, trying to find her way to the palace’s comfort room.

That was the first time she had ever interacted with someone again. She found out that the girl was their neighboring kingdom’s princess and that she was there to celebrate the annual commemoration of the Northern-Southern friendship.

Yujin was surprised. She didn’t even realize it was that time of the year again. Before, she was with her mother celebrating merrily but right now, she was just… alone in the four corners of her room. Yujin thought that the princess would soon leave her room but Xiaoting, upon seeing the sad eyes of the other girl, had felt her heart throb fast.

Those pair of sad orbs had captivated her. It was painfully poignant and yet it was also, at the same time… hauntingly beautiful. The way the moonlight reflected on her eyes and the tears that had added glimmer to it… Xiaoting found it breathtakingly divine… Like there were so many stories hiding beneath those pair of eyes…

Her hair’s messy and her nose’s pinkish-red as she softly sobs while looking at the moon but good lord, Xiaoting thought that she is the most gorgeous girl she had ever laid her eyes on.

Yujin was quietly crying when she noticed a hand was offered in front of her.

“Wanna go on an adventure with me?” Xiaoting beamed at her—as wide as she can, making sure that she looks approachable and harmless.

For the first time too, during months of detaching herself from the world, Yujin had received such a sweet smile. And the fact that it came from someone who was still a stranger to her, was even more heartwarming for Yujin.

The girl’s smile, it resembled that of her mother’s. It was warm with just the right amount of sweetness; it was bright, serene and beautiful but most of all, it felt comforting. Like it was cradling you, singing you sweet songs until you fell asleep bearing in mind that tomorrow’s going to be better than today…

It was that kind of a magical smile.

And so even if she was a complete stranger, Yujin smiled back and accepted her hand.

Xiaoting—the girl who made Yujin appreciate life again, who made her smile when she couldn’t and stood by her side when she felt like the whole world was against her…

Is the same Xiaoting that she had hurt and was also the girl she abandoned because the world won’t allow it.

Yujin should be happy, but no. She wasn’t. Not when she knows that the love of her life was hurting too.

The rightful heir of the Northern Kingdom was literally breaking inside, but she has to hide it and smile at her people. She should show them that she’s confident enough to be the next ruler. She shouldn’t show any signs of weakness or else all her efforts would be wasted.

All her sacrifices wouldn’t be justified. 

And so, she did it—she smiled. Widely. To fool the world. And even herself, too, if that would be possible.

They were both on the stage. As soon as both of their names were announced and the crowns were placed in their heads, the crowds started cheering, wishing them success in ruling their designated kingdoms.

Everybody was looking forward to a more prosperous kingdom in the future, ecstatic; lost in their bubble of happiness.

Everybody was like that.

Until they weren’t.

The oracles of both of the kingdoms approached the platform; seemingly possessed by an evil spirit. They started chanting slurred words, much to the surprise of everyone present at the celebration.

‘ Betrayal wouldst sev’re the ties

Th’re shalt beest bloodsh’d

Cater-cousins shall turneth into enemies

The kingdoms shall p’rish.’

That had instigated an uproar between the two kingdoms.

The celebration was halted.

The Southern kingdom came back to their land with nothing else on their mind except to prepare for a brewing war.

Trust turned into doubt.

Relationships were severed and connections were cut.

Happiness was quickly replaced with terror.

The once noisy place with people cheering around became eerily quiet—the kind that would send shivers down one’s spine.

….

One evening after discussing the military tactics that they would use against their friend-turned-enemies, Yujin proceeded to her room so that she could finally rest after a tiring day.

Even though she was already crowned the queen, Yujin’s father was still there, guiding her along with the royal advisers. However, even with their assistance, Yujin still finds everything foreign so she couldn’t really keep up that much or contribute many ideas.

She did try though to convince her father to just disregard the divination even though she herself knew that every foretelling uttered by their most powerful oracle had come true without fail.

And so, her plea fell on deaf ears. For her father right now, the safety of the kingdom and its people shall be the top priority.

Yujin’s thoughts were filled with things such as,  

‘How about Xiaoting?’ 

‘Does that mean I would have to fight her too?’

‘But I wouldn’t be able to do that, would I? I’d rather die than see her get killed.’

‘But what should I do? I couldn’t just escape the castle and then—’ as she was about to exit her bathroom, she saw a tall figure sitting at the edge of her bed.

It’s really familiar; she could tell who that is even if the room was dimly-lit.

“Ting! What the hell are you doing here? How the hell did you manage to pass the guards without them noticing you? Why the hell—” The older was surprised by the sudden—well—touch of their lips, courtesy of the younger.

If she did that to shut her up, Yujin’s not gonna lie, that was an effective move.

It was so effective, it even managed to put her heart and mind into disarray.

…..

“That was a smooth move from Queen Xiaoting, I must say. I should take notes.” Youngeun chuckled as she eyed the younger, but quickly puckered her lips when she saw Yeseo glaring at her.

“So, going back before some kind of a noisy fox distract me again…” The younger continued, rolling her eyes.

…..

“Ya! Yujin-a! I did that to silence you, not to turn you into a mute!” Snapping her fingers in front of the dazed older, Xiaoting shouted in a hushed tone.

Yujin then felt her cheeks flush.

“I d-didn’t like it! I didn’t, at all! What are you saying?” Yujin said defensively, pushing the younger away and burying her face in her palms.

“But I didn’t say you liked it. Though it seems like such was the case…” Smirking, the younger replied.

“And since I had managed to shut you up, I’m taking this opportunity to answer your questions.” Sitting, grabbing the nearest pillow, Xiaoting hugged it close; she could inhale the older’s scent in it. She then smiled.

“You asked what I am doing here? I run away from the palace… and I’m here to take you with me. Let’s leave all this mess behind, Yujin. Runaway with me…” Xiaoting held out her arms, towards the older, smiling at her.

Yujin looked at the innocent face of the younger. Seeing Xiaoting’s smile had reminded her so much of that night when the younger had done the same—she offered Yujin her hand for an adventure and she gladly took it.

Now, being overwhelmed with so many emotions, losing her rational self at the moment, the idea of being someone ordinary, living her life normally with the Xiaoting by her side was such an enticing offer and during that very moment, Yujin was about to succumb to such a sweet temptation.

Yujin was about to place her hand on top of the younger’s when they were both startled by the opening of the door.

“Yujin-unnie, there are armed men infiltrating the palace as we speak… Are we really… going to a war…? I’m scared unnie…” Her younger sister was shivering in fear; tears welling in her eyes. Yujin run towards her and hugged her tightly. Now, Yujin had completely awakened from her fantasy.

This is her fate. And she would not be able to escape it.

No. Not in this lifetime, at least.

“Hush… hush… dear sister… You have your Yujin-unnie and I will protect you, okay? I promise, I’ll protect you.” Yujin said as she brushes the hair of her younger sister, her fingers threading delicately on its strands.

“Shit, I thought they’re gonna execute the planned attack tomorrow? I didn’t know anything about this. Father’s been making the plans behind my back,” Xiaoting frustratedly pulled her hair and gritted her teeth in madness.

Yujin then turned to Xiaoting. “It’s fine. I know none of us three wanted to go on a war with each other. But Ting… I’m gonna ask you to please stay with my sister.” Yujin said as she guided her sister who was still crying to take a sit on the bed. “I’m going to find father and take direct orders from him. Make sure she’s safe, okay? Hmmm…?”  

“But that’s dangerous! I’m coming with you! I can’t let you just go there alo—” Xiaoting was silenced by an index finger placed against her lips. She felt her face suddenly heat up from such skinship.  

“I’m going to be fine. Also, you coming with me would be riskier. When our men see you, I’m sure they wouldn’t hesitate to shoot you with arrows. Just do as I say, okay? I trust you.” Yujin said, giving the younger a small smile to ease her worries even just for a bit.

“I… trust you, too. Come back here safe and unscathed, okay? Come back to me, or else I will not forgive you.” Not matching the spice of her words, Xiaoting’s eyes ironically looked soft and agitated.

“I promise.”

Yujin hugged her little sister goodbye as she exited her room. She immediately went to the king’s chamber. While running towards her destination, she had observed the outside of the palace through the windows.

Skies were raining arrows; the intense clashing of the sword as well as the spilled blood of those who had fought ‘til death was lingering on her senses…

Everything was just a complete disaster.

Yujin looked away; she cannot seem to stomach such violence. With trembling legs but also the determination to survive this war, she focused on her mission.

When Yujin had pushed the door open to her father’s room, she was shocked to see him dead; lying on the cold floor, a dagger was planted on his chest, straight to his heart. Yujin had crumbled upon the sight; her knees weakened. With both of her hands covering her mouth, the crowned queen fell on the floor.

Yujin never did loathe his father. The man was kind and righteous too, just like her mom. He was quick to accept her at the palace when her mother presented herself in front of him, carrying a baby in her arms, claiming that the child was the king’s daughter.

When he found out about Yujin’s interest in claiming the throne, he was firm on defending her against the doubts of the Royal Council as to her eligibility for the crown.

So just like her little sister, she never did blame his father for her mother’s death. 

And seeing him lying cold on the floor just brought Yujin into tears, her chest was literally aching; clenching upon staring at such a sight.

“Father…” Yujin crawled up to where her father is, brushing her hands on his cheek and finally closing his eyes.

She was still weeping when she realized someone had entered the room.

“Oh, thank Heavens. I thought something bad had happened to you. Oh God… I was really scared…” Xiaoting said as she hugged the older, exhaling deeply.

“Ting… father… father is…” Yujin tried to speak as she buried her face on the younger’s neck.

“Hush, hush… I’m here, everything’s gonna be fine…”

“Queen Yujin? What is happening here?” The head of the palace guards had entered the room, and upon seeing the corpse of his master, he was beyond stunned. He then shifted his gaze on the not-so-unfamiliar person in the room, cradling Yujin in her arms.   

“And why is the crowned queen of our enemy kingdom here? You’re working with the foes now?” The head guard’s eyes were filled with confusion. He was about to draw his sword when Yujin had quickly thought of a way out of the adversary.

She grabbed the dagger that she’s been keeping, strapped in her thighs, and with a swift move, she positioned herself at Xiaoting’s back, placing the golden weapon embellished with glittering crystals near the younger’s neck.

“Of course not! I caught this person in the act of assassinating the king. How dare you doubt the crowned queen!” Yujin raised her voice as she uttered the last sentence making sure that authority was evident in it.

“No… Queen, I’m sorry… I was just… the king is…” The guard replied, not seemingly able to articulate his words well.

“The king is gone but we are in the middle of a war. Now I am commanding you as the crowned queen of this kingdom to do as the plan says and get the soldiers on their position!” She stood up, pulling Xiaoting with her, still threatening the latter with her dagger. “Quick! I’ll deal with this lady and then I’ll get back to you to deploy additional orders. Do you follow?” With eyes full of sheer power and the charisma of a true leader, Yujin stared at the royal guard, waiting for his reply.

“I-I do. Please be safe, Queen. We couldn’t afford to lose another leader in the middle of this war.” The guard bowed down paying respect to his queen before he left the room.

Finally, after being certain that the coast was clear, Yujin exhaled a breath of relief, placing the dagger on her thigh again.

“I’m sorry for acting that way. That was the only idea that popped off my mind. Are you fine? Did I scratch you somewhere?” The older said as she examined the younger’s neck, worry apparent in her eyes.

“I’m fine don’t worry.” Xiaoting held both of Yujin’s hands as she continued, “Let’s run away from this place, Yujin… If we’ll stay here we’ll be dubbed as traitors of both of our kingdoms and they’ll surely persecute us,” The younger then reached for her neck. Revealing a pendant hidden in her clothes, showing it to the older. “Come with me to another place. In another universe where we could both live normally… where royalty is never a thing…”  

“That’s… that’s your kingdom’s insignia! The one that could open the entrance towards other dimensions… you stole that?” Yujin asked, astonished for she wasn’t aware that such a magical relic really exists.

“Yes… That’s why I’m certain my people would not forgive me anymore. So please Yujin… this time, please choose me.” Xiaoting said, her voice was pleading as she cupped the right cheek of the older and held her left hand. “Choose your heart and escape this hellish place with me…” 

“Ting, I can’t… I promised mother to be a kind, courageous and dependable queen… I couldn’t just leave my people to die in this mess…” Yujin said breaking her eye contact with the younger because she knew looking at Xiaoting would only make it hard for her to decide rationally.

Xiaoting was already expecting to be rejected but that doesn’t mean it had hurt her less. Because it was extremely painful; she could even feel herself getting numb. “Loving you really meant I had to accept as many rejections as I can…” She chuckled bitterly.     

“Ting, I love you but the two of us in this lifetime are just not meant to be.” Yujin wanted to fool herself that everything’s gonna be fine but she can’t. Not when the welfare of the entire kingdom rests on her shoulders. 

“So, I can’t really change your mind now, huh.”

“Also, I wanted to ask you one last selfish wish. Please bring my little sister with you instead. I know you’ll do a good job protecting her in my stead.”

Xiaoting just nodded. Honestly, at this point, there’s nothing much she could do. She knows that when Yujin sets her mind to something, nothing can ever change her decision anymore. 

“Now let’s go… I would accompany you both towards that entrance in the forest.” Yujin said as she ushered both of them to the exit into her room to fetch her younger sister.

“Yeseo! Yeseo-ya! It’s us, you can now come out.” Yujin said as she opened her giant closet, revealing a shivering girl inside.

“Yujin-unnie! I’m really worried about you and Ting-unnie…” Yeseo wailed in Yujin’s arms, hands still trembling from fear.

“Hush now, my little sister. We’re gonna escape from here, okay? Unnie is here so worry no more…” Caressing the back of the younger gently, Yujin replied with her melodious voice.

The three walked discreetly around the palace wearing cloaks to hide their appearance. They had successfully escaped from the palace’s grounds and into the forest, they had walked until they stopped in front of a giant maple tree which was known, in most myths, to be the entrance towards the other dimension.  

“So, is this really it? What if we just send Yeseo there alone and then I’ll just fight alongside you?” Xiaoting suggested before doing the ritual to open the entrance.

“It would be hard for Yeseo to live there alone… she’s been sheltered all her life—well, we all are and she might find it difficult to adapt to their way of living… she needs you…”

“But you need me more than she needs me…”

“Unnie, what are you saying? Will you not come with us to the other dimension?” Yeseo said, surprised.

“Dearest Yeseo, the kingdom needs me… our men need me… I’m their queen and I shouldn’t desert them, especially on times like these…”

“Unnie… I couldn’t just leave you here with your life at stake!”

“You can. And you would… Now, quick!” Yujin said as she commanded Xiaoting using her eyes to do the ritual as she noticed that a soldier had seen them. The man was about to shoot arrows at them but Yujin had successfully deflected them using her dagger.

“Wait… Yeseo, you studied spells, right? I know you’re aware of this one, this is quite famous. I’ll let you do the incantations while I help Yujin fend off the enemy.” Xiaoting handed Yeseo the insignia as she proceeded to unsheathe the sword dangling on her side.

The man went closer and he seemed to recognize Xiaoting when he focused his gaze on her.

“So… this was the traitor who even dared to steal our kingdom’s most prized treasure… I’ll be sure to not hold back on my attacks!” The soldier, who seemed to be the head of the Southern palace’s royal guards said with gritted teeth.

“Never knew I’ll be able to fight together with you…” Xiaoting uttered, a smile had escaped her lips.

“Let’s give it our best shot. Don’t you dare slow me down,” Yujin replied as she draws her sword out, ready to fight the two soldiers.

The loud clashing of metals had resonated within the forest, huffs of breath could also be heard because while both Yujin and Xiaoting are not that skilled as a fighter, they had trained diligently so that when the time comes, they will be able to protect themselves; making it hard even for the best fighter of the Southern Kingdom to stop them both.

Though they were both successful at defense, they could never land a single hit on the armed royal guard which was understandable since that man wouldn’t be promoted to such a position if he weren’t worthy.

“Yujin-unnie… Ting-unnie… the entrance is now open!” Yeseo shouted as soon as the blinding light had appeared in front of her. 

Yujin turned to look at Yeseo. “Now go! Quickly enter and never look back!” Yeseo did so, thinking that she would just be a burden if she chose to stay on the battlefield.

But that was such a dumb move from Yujin, for that had made an opening in her defense, making it easy for the royal guard to slash her back with his sword.

A loud shriek of pain came out of the older’s mouth. She could feel a massive amount of pain on her left shoulder, down to her spine.

However, before falling, Yujin threw her sword like it was some sort of a spear. While such was a reckless move, since the guard had become complacent after landing a hit making him loosen his defense, she did manage to land a critical blow on the guard’s stomach which made the latter fall down on his knees.  

“Yujin!” Xiaoting yelled as she felt hot liquid fall from her eyes. She immediately went to catch the girl before the older completely fell.  

“Ting… I… love… you… I… would find you… I… promise…”

“Yujin… Choi Yujin… You’re the only person I’ll love… Let’s meet again on our next lifetime…” Xiaoting’s tears are falling down the older’s face. After planting a soft kiss on her lips, tasting her blood, she closed her eyes.

Now, focusing her attention on her opponent, she shouted with all her might, “You’ll pay for that, you bastard!” Xiaoting fought the guard with the aim of avenging the death of her lover who’s now lifeless, lying on the ground, her blood painting the green grass with a deep shade of red.

Bloodlust was apparent in Xiaoting’s eyes—she was ready to claim the life of the person who killed the love of her life.

With the royal guard’s weakened state, it would only take one massive hit on his chest to put him into eternal slumber. Xiaoting was about to do such a thing, she was about to swing her sword and end the life of the man in front of her, when an arrow had pierced her chest.

And it wasn’t just a simple arrow—the one that had taken her down was laced with poison.    

“Sir! We’re here to serve as your reinforcements!” With her now clouded senses due to the effects of the poison, she could faintly hear another man shout over a distance. Not minding them and realizing she’ll meet death any minute from now, she had tried her best to crawl towards Yujin’s corpse, lying beside her, holding her hand while looking at the blue sky.

“Yujin-a, I really…did wish…we weren’t born with such a fate bestowed upon us… if only we were ‘just Yujin’ and ‘just Xiaoting’… we wouldn’t have been… this… tragic…”

“For the last time, my love… I love you… always have, always will…”

……..

“Ya, Yeseo! That was a nice story, but why make it tragic?” Youngeun couldn’t stop herself from crying after hearing the story. “Why was life so hard for the both of them? They just wanna love freely…?” Youngeun said, wiping the tears that were continuously rolling down her cheeks.

“ How I wish I had the power to do that… ” Yeseo mumbled inaudibly, lost in her thoughts.

“Come again? Are you saying something?” Youngeun said as she finished drying her face clean with her handkerchief.

“Nothing. T’was nothing. So, as I was saying, do you still wish to continue the story?” Yeseo said as she looked at the puffy eyes of the older.

“Of course, I do!”

“Then shall we go outside, into the garden of dandelions?”  

“Why?” Youngeun asked, brows creased.

“You’ll see.”

………

“Please… please… please… I didn’t mean to be selfish. I shouldn’t have given up the claim on the throne knowing that unnie and Ting-unnie love each other…” Yeseo was howling, sitting on the grass in front of the huge tree; the entrance had just disappeared for the power of the insignia only works within a matter of seconds.

And yes, Yeseo was aware of the budding love between the two. Also, Yeseo knows full well that the Royal Council will be biased on their votes and that she’ll undoubtedly be the next queen of their kingdom, mainly because of the peasant blood running in her sister’s veins.

But Yeseo didn’t want that. She knows that if she’ll officially be declared as the Queen, her sister will leave the Kingdom and be with Xiaoting. Yeseo doesn’t want that. She wants to be together with her sister for as long as she can. 

They may not have the same mother but Yujin was the best sister in Yeseo’s eyes. She showed her love–something that her real mother can’t even show her when she’s still alive. She loves Yujin dearly to the point of selfishness. 

She needs something that will tie Yujin up to the Kingdom. The best way to do that? Make her the queen. If Yujin becomes the Queen, she will be forced to stay in the kingdom. To stay with Yeseo.  

And look where her decisions had led her– Yujin did stay with her people. 

“This isn’t what I want. I’m really sorry… If anyone can hear me… Please help them… Please…” Grabbing the grass frustratedly, Yeseo continued crying. 

However, after some time, the insignia (which Yeseo was currently wearing on her neck) suddenly lit up, engulfing her whole body. Yeseo was blinded by the sudden brightness prompting her to close her eyes for a while.

When she had opened them though, what welcomed her was a white room adorned with silver and gold decorations. Her vision was still blurry from the blinding light that she could only make up a figure in front of her wearing a white dress, sitting on a throne.

On her left were two girls standing, wearing clothes that seems very, overly, familiar.

Yeseo rubbed her eyes as she approached the position of the three. When her eyes had already adjusted to the surroundings, the moment her vision got clearer, she got shocked.

In front of her were Yujin and Xiaoting, in perfectly healthy bodies—no bruises or blood or scratches from the battle that they had, just earlier.

“But… how?” Yeseo asked as she approached her sister, hugging her to make sure it was really, indeed her Yujin-unnie.

“I don’t know, too. Aphrodite says she’ll explain everything once you’re here.”   

“That lady is Aphrodite? The Goddess of Love and Beauty? So, they were true? Am I not dreaming?” Yeseo bombarded them with questions.

The woman got up from her seat. “Yes~ the one and only, the fairest of them all (but Hera won’t admit it) and the answer to your dilemma right now~” Aphrodite answered, humming her replies with a melodious tone.

“And to answer your question, yes, the Gods and Goddesses in your classes were all true~ and lastly, just because you’re dreaming doesn’t mean it’s not true, right?” Aphrodite winked at her playfully.

“So why were we summoned here again? Shouldn’t Yujin and I be traveling River Styx right now on our way towards Tartarus to receive our final judgment?” Xiaoting said, grabbing the attention of everyone.

“Well, the answer to that question is your cute, little sister here,” Aphrodite answered as she looked at Yeseo who was now wearing a confused face.

“Me…?” Yeseo asked as she pointed at herself.

“Yes, it is you, dear. It was my annual activity to help someone in need during Valentine’s Day and it just so happens that your sincere calls had touched my maiden heart so yeah, y’all are here right now.” She now turned to look at Yujin and Xiaoting.

“And oh, also, you wouldn’t want to travel the underworld right now, trust me. You two are the most wanted in the eyes of my suitors at this very moment.”

“Suitors? Don’t you have a husband already? And why would those gods be mad at us?” Yujin asked puffing her cheeks, searching through her mind for the possible thing that could have angered the said Gods.

“You weren’t aware that your ancestors had made some pact with the gods?” There was visible confusion in the face of the three which answers Aphrodite’s question. 

“Well I guess, now you know. Ares vowed to protect the North and Hephaestus, the South. They had some sort of a bet; that whichever’s protected kingdom would be destroyed first shall give up on pursuing their love for me.”

“Yes, your books have been teaching you wrong. I actually am, very single and ready to mingle! I couldn’t just settle with a mediocre god; I have to be wedded to the best!” Aphrodite said, flipping her hair.

“But you basically both betrayed your kingdoms thus driving them into destruction. You think Ares and Hephaestus would not know such a fact? That their protected kingdoms are now in ruins?” 

Yujin and Xiaoting looked at each other as they were trying to process the information that they had just received. 

“As of this moment, they were both looking for the two of you. And once they know of your soul’s existence, they would tear that apart without showing any mercy.” 

There was evident horror in Yeseo’s eyes upon hearing this. Noticing this, Aphrodite continued, “Don’t worry though. For as long as you both are under my power and care, they wouldn’t be able to sense your presence.” Aphrodite explained as she went back sitting on her throne.  

“So… what do we do now? If we can’t be in the underworld and we cannot stay here as well because they might also visit your chamber… where should we hide?” Grabbing Xiaoting’s hands so that she could feel comfort, Yujin asked as she prepared herself for the possible, not-so-good answer coming from the Goddess of Love.

“That my dear, is up to my powers. I’ll hide you in the moon and sun! I’ll ask for the twin Gods’ help! Isn’t it exciting?” Aphrodite clapped her hand in enthusiasm. “I’ll make you Yujin, the guardian of the Sun and you, Xiaoting, the guardian of the Moon.

“However, there’s a catch. Just like the two celestial bodies… you wouldn’t be able to meet each other except during eclipses, when the moon embraces the sun or when the sun cuddles the moon. If you managed to find each other, you’ll be reborn again as humans. Think of this as some kind of a lighter punishment.”

“I might be able to convince Ares and Hephaestus not to come after you both if I told them I had personally castigated you two.”    

“That only lasts for a few minutes, right? How would we be able to find each other in that short amount of time?” Xiaoting asked, both scared and relieved.

“And that’s when Yeseo’s role would come into the picture.” Standing up from her throne, she plucked a dandelion on her garden. Aphrodite continued, “Come here, dear Yeseo…” She says as she gestured her hands, calling the girl.

“See this?” Aphrodite asked and Yeseo answered with a nod. “You would collect love energy from people using this. Any kind of love will do—romantic, filial, friendship; basically, anything under the sun. And then, when it was the time of the year for a solar or a lunar eclipse, you shall blow the dandelion towards the sky. That would help lengthen the average time of the eclipse.” Aphrodite discussed.

“But Yeseo dear… you’re very much aware that you’re the root cause of all of these, right?” Walking back to her throne and sitting there again with her legs crossed and her chin resting on her hands, Aphrodite asked.

“Yes, and I know I deserve a punishment too.” Yeseo looked away; guilt was written all over her face.

………….

“Eun, do you know what important phenomenon would happen today?” Yeseo asked the older as they went on the garden of dandelions, walking on the man-made trail. 

“Was it the lunar eclipse?” Yeseo nodded as an answer, looking at the sky.  

“Why? What about the lunar eclipse?” The older asked as she curiously eyed the younger who was now busy fishing out a glass that contains a stem of a dandelion from her huge bag.

“Nothing in particular… I just love eclipses.” Yeseo looked at her watch. “Any minute from now…”

“So, shall we always do this then? On every eclipse I mean…” Youngeun asked as she stared at the younger who had her eyes locked on the sky.

Yeseo had known that it was already time to accomplish her mission when there had been a gradual decrease in light as more and more of the moon slips into the Earth’s shadow. Yeseo then did what she had always been doing for the past three years for about a total of 20 times now—she blew on the dandelion towards the sky, hoping, praying and wishing that it was enough to help the two lovers.

“Would love to. Though I hope this would be the last that I’ll be doing this…” Yeseo replied vaguely which then puzzled the older.

Youngeun was about to shoot her another question when the younger had held her hand, pulling her back down the trail. The fox-like girl then realized that the younger must’ve not wanna talk about the topic further, so she just chose to dismiss it.

Riding a bus going home, this time, it was Youngeun who had her head on the younger’s shoulder.

‘ She must’ve been worn-out from our travel today’ , The younger thought.

Well, Yeseo shall feel the same exhaustion too, right? But reminiscing the past had made her restless.

Slightly tilting her head so that she could have a better view of the older, Yeseo then called her name softly but just enough for her to confirm whether Youngeun was sleeping or she just had her eyes closed. When she did not hear any reply, she smiled, trying to think of the words she wanna say to the older; words that she could not convey to the girl’s conscious state.

“Eun, thank you for listening to me and for not judging me even if what I’ve told you was something absurd and nonsensical.” Yeseo chuckled faintly.

“That made me love you even more…”

Yeseo placed a feather kiss on the top of the older’s head. 

“But sadly… this isn’t meant to be. We’re not meant to be…”

……….

“Pardon? So, you’re saying Yeseo could love and receive love but the moment she confesses to that person, on her next waking day, Yeseo would lose her memories of that person? As if that person never existed in her life? Like they were just mere strangers? Isn’t that too cruel?” Yujin said, worried for her sister.

“No, unnie…I… I deserve that much of punishment after what I’ve done to you both, and to our kingdoms…”

“That’s worse than dying! Being forgotten by the one you love; how can someone live with that? By death we still get to retain their memories and keep them for as long as we’re alive… we could have something we could cherish… something we could hold on to… But being forgotten and having your existence erased from their memories, that’s just too… ruthless…”

“But I just have to endure right? As long as I ain’t done with my mission yet, all I have to do is endure my feelings so that I wouldn’t be able to hurt that person. Right…?”

……….

“Eun, wake up, we’re already here,” Yeseo said as she gently pats the thighs of the older who was still sleeping soundly.

Stretching her arms and rubbing the drool on her face, Youngeun replied, “That was some good sleep I had there. Guess your shoulder’s gonna be my favorite place to sleep now.” Youngeun said winking at the younger.

Yeseo just rolled her eyes at the older’s attempt at flirting. They were about to part ways after alighting the bus when Youngeun called her.

“Yeseo-ya! Can we meet tomorrow? I have to tell you something important.”

“Why not tell me now?”

“It’s getting late and you still have to rest so I suggest we do it tomorrow.” Youngeun smiled, patting her head.

“Well, if you say so.” Yeseo just shrugged her shoulders.

……..

That night… Yeseo dreamt of something different.

It wasn’t like her other dreams (or nightmares) in the past.

Considering it as something that doesn’t hold much meaning, Yeseo prepared herself for the meeting that she’ll have with Youngeun.

Feeling satisfied with her appearance, and even though it was still 30 minutes before the planned time, she decided to leave her house and proceed to their meeting place. She then saw that the older was already sitting on one of the spots, sipping her strawberry milkshake, lost in her thoughts.

That was a first because more often than not, Youngeun’s always late or if she does arrive in time, that’s because Yeseo called to wake her up. 

In short, she’s never an early bird.

“Ya, Eun! How come you’re here already?” Yeseo said as she grabbed the chair in front of the older occupying it.

“I didn’t know you’ll also come early so I didn’t get to order you a drink,” Youngeun replied, not answering the younger’s question.

“It’s fine. No worries.” Yeseo said, looking at the menu, searching for a drink when Youngeun called her name and she sounds rather… serious.

Not the usual playful Youngeun. 

“Yeseo-ya… I will not beat around the bush… I had always been transparent about my feelings and you already know that… But you… you had always told me you don’t feel the same…”

“That’s because I really don’t. Where are you even getting at?” Yeseo tried to sound annoyed when in reality, she isn’t. She just wants to mask the nervousness she’s feeling with a fierce look to stop the older with her romantic advances like she usually does.

“You wouldn’t be able to fool me, Yeseo-ya. I wasn’t sleeping when you confessed last night…”

Yeseo’s jaw dropped upon hearing the older’s words.

‘Then why do I still…’

‘Was my last night’s dream real and not just a mere fragment of my imagination?’

Realization hit her hard.

And without any more hesitation, looking at the older’s eyes…

……..

“Ting, we finally meet again…”

“Yujin-a…at last…at long last, I can hold you in my arms again…I really thought…I really did think I wouldn’t…that I won’t be able to–”

“Hush, my love. If you thought those three long years of yearning and not being able to see you would stop me, then you’re wrong. Not when…”

“Not when I’ve promised myself that on the next chance I’ll have; I would now choose you. Over everything else. I would choose you over and over again, just like how you had chosen me all this time.”

“I would choose you every day. No matter what the circumstances would be… I would choose you even on days when you feel like you weren’t worthy to be chosen.”

……..

The words Yeseo’s been keeping wanted to reveal themselves…

“Youngeun, I’m in love with you.”

……..

Placing a soft kiss on the younger’s lips Yujin uttered,

“My heart will only beat for you. You made me love eclipses. Now, you’re my favorite eclipse.”

“I love you, Ting.”