Cupid
Park Seonghwa X Reader
summary: it seems that fate itself is playing a game with you when it turned fiction into reality. what will you do to go back? what if you don't want to go back?
genre & warnings: fluff, angst, historical au with a touch of magic lol, this was inspired by Howl's Moving Castle (pls do watch ghibli movies, they are amazing), mild cursing, war and fighting, mentions of blood and injuries, slowburn
word count: 7.4k
a/n: here ya go againn @marievllr-abg sorry it took a bit for me to post this bc i obviously got carried away but i hope you'll like it 💚
You sighed dreamily, staring at the sentences of the book that you're reading, "I want a love story like this."
Your roommate, Yunjin, rolled her eyes at you before throwing a pillow in your direction, "Stop fantasizing about fictional stories and characters."
"I can't help it!" you pout, throwing the pillow back to her which she easily caught with a giggle. "Let me have my moment, please."
"Alright, alright." she raised her hands up in defeat, laying down in her bed and looking at you, "What if you get your own boyfriend?"
You scoffed, putting the book down on your table and making yourself comfortable in your own mattress, "That's ridiculous. Besides, boys in our university sucks."
She shrugged, understanding your point of view, "If you say so."
There was a moment of silence before your friend spoke again, "There's this guy in my class, Lee Chan h-"
"Yunjin." you deadpanned, "Drop it, let's sleep, we have early classes tomorrow."
"Geez, yes ma'am. Goodnight ma'am."
You laughed at her reply, "Goodnight Yunjin."
You were in a deep slumber when suddenly you couldn't breathe and cold shivers ran down your spine. It's like you were held down by some unseen force.
You opened your eyes in a haze, you were in your room but everything was distorted. You tilted your neck to check if Yunjin is still there but her side was empty.
What the hell is happening?
A loud rumble made your heart leap out of your chest.
You tried to get up, to yell, anything but to no avail.
Is this some kind of witchcraft? Who would even do this to you? All your life you did your best to be cooperative and nice to people, even strangers. So, what did you do wrong?
Your tears were threatening to spill, your voice coming back for you to shrill when a blackhole appeared and sucked you in.
Then everything went black, your consciousness faded into nothingness.
"Y/N? Wake up."
You felt light taps on your cheek, a melodic voice pleading for you to get up.
You feel tired, like you worked your ass off since birth and nothing more would please you if you're able to sleep in.
"Y/N! Come on, Miss Hatter needs your assistance. We have a lot of customers for today."
Miss Hatter? Who the fuck?
You jolted out of the comforters, your eyes bleary as it tried to adjust to the sudden brightness.
The room you're in is completely different from your apartment. Wooden floor, wooden walls, and the woman standing in front of you is definitely not Yunjin.
You squinted your eyes, "Who are you?"
She looked taken aback at your question, "It's me, Jieun."
She stared at you, worried at your well being because for her, you're acting really weird.
"Jieun?" you asked once more, the name sounds familiar to you.
"Yes." she answered immediately with a soft smile on her lips, she walked over to your closet, bringing out a vintage dress that you're sure you have never worn in your entire lifetime.
"I guess you're still distraught." she held a hand for you to take, "It's okay, getting attacked by the guards must be really scary."
Huh? You were attacked by what?
You accepted her help, taking advantage of the situation to ask for more information which she gladly filled.
Damn, it's either you're a great actress or Jieun's just too kind to point out how peculiar you are acting.
You were sorting all the newfound knowledge in your brain as you followed Jieun downstairs.
You work as a hatter and got trapped by some shitty guards yesterday. There's a war going on between two nations so you should be more careful when going home at night. And there's something about sorcerers and witches that c-
"Isn't that Jongsuk's castle!?"
The booming voices, which you assumed are the other female hatters, caught your attention.
Then it dawned on you.
The names of the people, the place you're in, the work that you have, and now you hear the words 'Jongsuk's castle.'
It's easy to put two or two together, especially if you are absolutely familiar with it.
The situation at hand, or the plot, is the one that you were reading before you went to sleep.
"Fuck." you cursed under your breath which made Jieun turn around, a questioning look on her face.
"What did you say?"
"Oh um." you racked your mind for any reply, and you ended up asking about the castle.
"Ah," she smiled at you, opening the door to the room where you design the hats for the customers, "Jongsuk's castle."
She sat down and you followed suit, mimicking her actions on how she works with the hats as she explains the tale of the castle to you.
"That moving castle is owned by a wicked wizard who eats the hearts of the girls that he finds pretty." she puts the hat down for a second, "That's why you need to be careful."
You couldn't help but be awed. She's truly kind, a warm person where you can find comfort in. No wonder the 'wicked wizard' fell in love with her.
You cleared your throat, focusing your attention back to the hat you're struggling with, "You should too."
You heard her chuckle, "I don't need to worry about that."
You froze on your spot and a wave of sadness washed over your being.
Right, Jieun never saw her self as a beautiful woman. All that she ever thought is that she's unworthy of love, destined to be alone.
"That's not true," you stood up from your seat, putting your hands on her shoulders, "you're pretty!"
She looks shocked from your outburst, there were a few seconds of pause before she started laughing, "Thank you, Y/N."
Her genuine smile made you happy as well. You sit back down and continue to work in comfortable silence, side by side with Jieun.
Time ticked by without you even noticing it, getting startled when Miss Hatter barged into the room, telling the both of you to go home.
"You can go first," Jieun said after walking out of the shop, "I have to visit my sister."
You nodded your head and bade goodbye to her, walking in a different direction and suddenly you wanted to hit yourself.
Where the heck do you live here?
You woke up this morning in a room, inside the damned shop. Why were you there in the first place? Did you sleep over? If so, then you'll just go back and spend the rest of your night there again. Maybe you can think things through in there and find a way to return to your world.
You turn on your heels, ready to walk towards the shop when a begging voice echoed in the area.
"Is someone there?! I can hear your footsteps, please help me!"
You stood there for a while, contemplating whether to help the guy or just leave. There's nothing wrong about going in there to see what's up, but hey, even in this fictional world, scam is still everywhere.
In the end, your curiosity got the best of you. Deciding to help the poor man (which hasn't stopped talking at all).
You were flabbergasted when you saw the state he's in. Body upside down and.. in a trashcan?
"What the hell?" you said, voice quiet but loud enough for the stranger to hear.
"Oh thank god someone's here." he sighed of relief, then you saw him point his foot to the left, "Can you please pick that sword and give it to me?"
What? That sword is more important than fixing his position?
"Are you sure you don't want me to help you with.. that?" you pointed at him, not that he can see you, but he did get what you were saying.
"No, please, don't come near me. This trashcan might eat you."
Your eyes widened, but then again, what would you expect? You are in a magical world, anything can happen.
You cautiously walked towards the sword, picking it up and throwing it to the guy. The metal miraculously floats, attacking the trashcan and you might be going crazy but you did hear the dumpster whine out of pain. Soon enough, the can started wheezing and spat out a dashing young man.
The can started running away, the clinking sounds fading away in the darkness as the lying figure started laughing, "That's it! Run away you coward!" he yelled, standing up and turning towards you.
"You're a life saver!" he beamed at you, his puppy-like face a contrast to his deep voice.
"No, no. You're welcome I- what are you doing?" you exclaimed, watching him kneel down and bow down to you.
"I'm expressing my gratitude." he replied, nudging at the sword beside him, "Alfredo, c'mon, stop acting like a kid."
You feel like fainting when the sword stood up by itself, bending over like a piece of rubber.
"Stop, okay, please stand." you went closer to them, not exactly knowing what to do but you already deemed them harmless. "Raise your heads, I'm glad I can be of help."
The stranger rose to his feet, offering you a handshake, "The name is Seonghwa, and this sword right here is my partner, Alfredo. Pleasure to meet a gorgeous lady like you."
You blushed a bit, accepting the shake and introducing yourself as well. You were about to excuse yourself but you were glued to the ground. Not one muscle you can move.
The once friendly looking man scowled, "You're not from here."
Shit.
He clasped his sword, pointing the blade at the base of your neck, "Did the Witch of the Waste send you here?"
"The fuck are you on about?" you glared at him, "I don't even know why I'm in this world!"
He raised an eyebrow, lowering his sword, "This world? You're not from another nation?"
"No." you growled, and maybe you were too out of it. Thinking of many things at the same time that you blurted everything out to some dude that you barely know. Telling him about your country, your mundane life, and that you're supposed to be sleeping right now with your bestfriend on the other side of the apartment.
Seonghwa was baffled, your word vomit almost didn't make sense but as a wizard himself, he knew that making up lies that coherent would be difficult.
You must be telling the truth, but this is one uncanny situation you're in.
"You're here for a reason." he blurted out, making you stop and think for a second.
What reason?
You're an average person born in an average family. A college student with only one trusted friend. You get good grades and don't struggle financially. You live a fine life. Yes, it's given that you are an avid reader of romance books that you sometimes wish you were a part of it.
Aye. That hits the spot perfectly. That must be it, doesn't it? Fucking fate or whatever this is, granting you the most impractical wish to ever exist.
You face palmed. Were you here to be a divine intervention or what? Maybe help Jieun in her adventure.
Jieun!
You did not notice that you are now able to move, immediately running to Jieun's house to avoid the incoming problem.
If you are here to help the protagonists of the story then so be it. If that's the only way for you to go back to your own world, then you'll gladly accept this challenge.
"Man, for a girl, you run fast."
A voice beside you grunts, your eyes falling to a gasping figure.
"Why are you following me?" you yelled, bitter at the guy who was ready to slit your throat just a few moments ago.
"I wanna help!" he replied, smiling at you innocently.
You rolled your eyes, letting him do whatever he wanted because frankly, you could care less about him for now.
It was like second nature to you, bewildered that you knew Jieun's house but you couldn't remember your own home in this world.
"Jieun!" you barged into the building, and you were shocked to see her in the corner of the room.
Her once brown hair turned into gray, her skin got wrinkly and her joints crack at every move that she made.
"Y/N?" she called out to you, walking towards you and you met her halfway, giving her a hug.
"Oh Jieun. I'm sorry I was late."
"No, this isn't your fault."
"The Witch of the Waste cursed you." Seonghwa's voice rang and you suddenly remembered that he's still following you.
"Who's he?" Jieun asked, pulling away from you and eyeing the man
"Seonghwa." you answered, facing the boy and started shooing him away.
"Hey! I said I wanna help!" he fought back, crossing his arms like a child. You were so ready to flip him off but Jieun's soft giggle stopped you in your tracks.
"It's okay, having a male with us would be beneficial." Jieun assured you, placing her hand on your arm to calm you down.
The smug expression on Seonghwa's face, paired with the sudden shining of his sword made you want to punch him but you held yourself back for Jieun's sake.
"We're going somewhere, right?" you inquired, Jieun giving you a wink before answering.
"We're going on an impromptu trip."
You thought you could handle everything well, especially since you knew what would happen but it is still surprising to find yourself inside the infamous 'Jongsuk's Moving Castle.' (courtesy by a magical scarecrow that Jieun helped on your way to the Folding Valley)
The castle is dusty and dirty, like it was uninhabited for years yet you don't have a choice but to spend the night there, sleeping in a creaky chair and tuning out Calcifer's (he's the demon fire by the furnace that controls the castle) badgering.
The next morning, you woke up when you heard a conversation between Jieun and a child.
"You're awake!" Jieun chirped, "I was about to make breakfast. The kid over there is Huening Kai."
You were confused for a while, your eyes landing on a small figure, "Oh, good morning."
"Good morning." the little kid answers, you were about to open your mouth to talk but wasn't able to when the roulette attached to the door turned and pointed at the black part.
So this is the part where you meet the infamous Jongsuk.
The door opened, revealing a handsome blonde man. His eyes roamed the room, "Seonghwa? Nice to see you here."
You glanced at the floor, seeing Seonghwa laying there leisurely.
"Yup." Seonghwa made sure that the 'p' popped at his lips, "Been a while, Jongsuk."
The two smiled at each other before the former walked towards a gaping Jieun, taking over the stove. "Didn't know you were so obedient, Calcifer."
"She forced me!" the demon argued back.
"Give me six more eggs and four pieces of bacon." Jongsuk ordered, snapping Jieun out of her reverie and immediately moving around.
When everything was set and everyone was sitting around the table, a small talk ensued. You were eating slowly, wary of the tense atmosphere.
"Huening Kai," Jongsuk started, his eyes landing on Jieun, "care to explain the situation?"
The younger boy gulped the food on his mouth, "This is Jieun and Y/N. I don't know what happened last night but Calcifer let them in."
The demon complained in the background, not liking the fact that the blame was shifted on him.
Jongsuk nodded, "I don't mind Seonghwa's presence, since he's a dear friend of mine, but what about you two?"
Jieun blinked, "We'll be your cleaning lady." she exclaimed, looking at you for support.
"Yeah," you stood up, linking your arms with her, "we'll make this place sparkly."
Jongsuk laughed, nodding his head before he went serious, "On the other note, what is it in your pocket?" he pointed at Jieun, confusing her when she discovered a piece of paper in her dress.
"I didn't know this was in here." she said, handing the paper to Jongsuk but the paper suddenly burned, the ashes making a mark on the table.
"That must be her." Seonghwa commented, sipping on his glass of water nonchalantly.
"Yes, the symbol speaks for itself." Jongsuk covered the mark with his hand, wiping it in slow motion.
"It's gone." Kai cried out, amazed at his master's magic.
"The visual is gone," he said, peeking at his palm that bears a slight burn, "but the sorcery is already engraved here."
Jongsuk rose and held his untouched plate, feeding the contents to Calcifer who hummed in delight. "I'll go for now, Kai, please tell our caretakers to not get carried away."
Then he was out of the door, leaving all of you by yourselves.
"Master is usually gone for a while, " Kai speaks, taking out the empty plates and putting them in the sink, "you two can p-"
"We'll start today!" Jieun enthusiastically said, grabbing you and dragging you away.
"Wha-?!" you choked on your own saliva, startled at her unexpected movement. Annoyance bubbling up when you saw Seonghwa waving a hand at you, mouthing a "Goodluck."
It was safe to say that it was pure torture.
Sweeping and dusting and removing the cobwebs (chasing the insects out made you want to cry). You and Jieun were cleaning all day and you were hell bent on not cleaning the bathroom, thus, you let her do it herself.
"We can do the laundry here!" Kai called out fron the veranda, and the two of you went out.
You were astonished, the scenery was nothing like you had ever seen before.
The castle was flying up in the sky, the sun is so bright that it gives you a clear view of the field of flowers. The ocean is shining under the light and the birds are gliding near the fortress.
When the castle landed near the body of water, you all went and washed the clothes and other pieces of fabric that Jieun deemed unusable until clean.
It was tiring at first, but it was actually fun. Hanging the clothes out in the field with the help of your friends (and Mr. Scarecrow who was actually following you all along)
You sit down on the grass after all the chores are done, resting for a little bit and enjoying the fresh air.
"You look like you're about to pass out." you whipped your head to see Seonghwa sitting beside you.
"Since when did you get here?" you asked, not hearing any of his footsteps.
"Magic." he whispered, making you scoff and him laughing at your annoyed face.
"Here, hydrate yourself." he brought out a bottle of water, holding it in front of you which you happily accepted and drank.
"That's some good stuff." you muttered, glancing at his direction, "Thank you Seonghwa."
He felt his breath hitch, the afternoon light making you glow and he thinks that you're pretty. Like, really pretty.
He had his fair share of girls. He's handsome, of course ladies will line up for him and he's not the type to say no. It's just that he never saw any reason to settle down with them.
He doesn't feel a connection with them, but with you it's somehow different.
What could this be?
"Ah, feelings." a high pitched voice interrupted his thoughts and he immediately knew who it belongs to.
"Shut up, Alfredo."
"Oh my god." your jaw might drop on the floor, seeing the sword with a face, talking and walking like a living thing. "The sword spoke, and it's moving on its own."
The sword deadpanned at you, "Of course, I'm the same as Calcifer, duh."
Seonghwa groaned, trying to pick up his sword to no avail, "Alfredo. Don't do this with me right now."
The sword stuck his tongue out, further irritating his owner, "I ain't going anywhere."
"Wait." you frowned, pointing an accusing finger at Seonghwa, "If this thing can move-"
"Please call me by my name."
"Fine." you let out an exasperated sigh, "If Alfredo," you eyed the sword, which in turn made him nod in satisfaction, "can move, then why did you ask me for help that time."
"This," Seonghwa had finally lifted his partner, "brat right here threw a tantrum because I thrusted him right in the mouth of the trash can. He didn't want to move, so someone had to manhandle."
Alfredo muttered under his breath, something along the lines of 'It smells so bad in there, you heartless monster.'
You raised an eyebrow, "Then why were you in the trashcan?"
"I was caught off guard," Seonghwa shrugged, "that rotten dumpster kept on pestering me about food."
Somehow, you imagined Seonghwa and Alfredo's struggle, making you laugh loudly.
"Go on," he clutched his heart dramatically, "laugh at our misery." He prods at his partner, and the only thing that the sword could think of was to play dead.
"It was hilarious, but no." you shifted closer to him, close enough that you're able to whiff his musky scent. "I am kind of glad that I was able to meet you two because of that."
Seonghwa's chest tightened, an overwhelming feeling of endearment filling his veins at your confession.
Who gave you the right to be this adorable?
"Keep breathing." Alfredo mumbled, breaking Seonghwa's trance and he couldn't help but lightly kick his friend.
"Shut up."
"I don't see the point of doing this." Kai complained for the fourth time, not wanting to go out of his home.
"We need something to eat." Jieun clapped back, holding a basket and adjusting the roulette.
It still amazes you how magic works in this world. You knew of it based on the book, but experiencing it at hand is a whole another level. That circle thingy is an example of it.
You arranged the colors and its destination in your head:
Black = Wales
Blue = Seaside City of Porthaven
Green = Market Chipping
Red = The Royal City of Kingsbury
Right now, all of you are in the Market Chipping, and with one turn, the arrow pointing at the blue part, everyone is now transported in the Seaside City.
Jieun excitedly opened the door, inhaling the fresh scent of the ocean. "Let's go!"
You and Kai have no choice but to follow her around, watching her pick vegetables and fishes.
After a while, there was a ruckus near the harbor. Curious about it, the three of you went to see what it was.
Alas! There is a tattered boat sailing close, it contains several injured men and the others on land kept on cheering for them. Some people even went and drove their respective boats to help their countrymen.
"An aircraft!"
You looked up and saw a large plane, anxiety raising your heartbeat when it began bombing the boats.
"Let's go back!" Kai yelled to which you and Jieun immediately complied.
You all ran until you're under the safe covers of the castle, "That was close." Kai mumbled.
"The war is getting worse day by day." Jieun remarked, lowering her head in sadness.
You gathered all the courage you have in your body to speak, but as soon as you opened it, Jongsuk entered the door, clearly in a sour mood.
"Jongsuk." Jieun muttered his name to which he clearly ignored.
"Calcifer, prepare my bath."
A few moments later, a screaming Jongsuk runs in the living room clad only in a flimsy white towel, enough to cover his private parts.
"Did you mess around the shampoos?! The spell is all wrong! I told you not to get carried away!" he cried out, gripping his hair to prove a point. His former blonde locks are now in a shade of orange.
"Are we getting attacked or something?!" Seonghwa emerged from the stairs, woken up by the chaos downstairs.
"No." Jieun answered, concerned at Jongsuk's behavior, she cautiously walked closer and tried to console him.
"Look, it's now black. It suits you well."
"Pft," Seonghwa's snicker above caught your attention, and you're tempted to smack him after his next sentence, "Your hair sucks, Jongsuk."
"Ahh!" Jongsuk let out a frustrated yell, "What's the point of living if you're not beautiful?!" he slumped to a nearby chair, dejected at his new appearance.
That struck a nerve to Jieun. Her once worried expression morphed into anger, "That's all you could think about?!"
You did not expect this outburst from her.
"You're being unfair, especially because I never felt like I'm beautiful!" Jieun then walked out of the door, crying in the rain which started to pour.
You looked at the mess and cringed when a gooey liquid oozed out of Jongsuk's body, like he's melting.
"Uh-oh, let me get Jieun." Kai said, running outside to report what is happening.
You sighed and pinched the bridge of your nose, glaring at the man who's now sitting on the counter and happily eating an apple.
He raised an eyebrow and you shook your head, opting to help Jieun who just came in to put Jongsuk back in his room.
You ignored Seonghwa the whole time. Normally, you would go to him at night to talk about life, but today you didn't. You were pissed at the stunt he pulled earlier.
"Why are you here alone?"
"Oh God, you scared me." you jumped from where you're standing, frowning when you saw Seonghwa behind you.
"I didn't like what you did. You could've hurt Jongsuk's feelings." you mumbled, diverting your attention back to the stars.
"No, I didn't," he whined, trudging to you, shoulders touching and you know you should be mad at him but you don't really mind the close proximity he created, "besides, his hair was back in its original state."
You giggled and agreed, "It looks good on him too." you absentmindedly commented, but no, Seonghwa did not like that one bit.
"Alfredo! Keep Y/N company for a while."
"Huh? Hey. Seonghwa! Where are you going?" you glanced at him and yelled, confused at his sudden behavior but he probably can't hear you anymore as he entered the castle in a hurry.
"Let him be." his partner flew and perched on your shoulder, and for a piece of metal, he's unbelievably light. "Just make sure to compliment him when he's back."
It has been thirty minutes and you were getting tired of waiting, Alfredo had already fallen asleep and you were seriously contemplating going inside.
"Y/N!"
Seonghwa came sprinting, shaking his head and you raised an eyebrow. Did he dye his hair?
"Look!" he shrieked excitedly, "Does it look good?" he asked with puppy eyes, his noise waking the sword on your shoulder.
"Man, can you keep it down?"
Seonghwa glared at his partner, flicking him off and paying no mind to its protests.
So this is what Alfredo meant.
You lifted your arm and gently touched his darkened locks, "It's gorgeous," you mumbled, "like the night sky." you gestured above.
Seonghwa is now content at your remark, clutching your hand in his and pulling you closer to him, "You like stargazing?"
Your noses are almost touching and you're positive that you can feel his breath on your lips, "Uh, I-I uh, yes?" you winced at your reply, not liking that you sounded so affected by him.
"I have an idea." right after he said that, he circled his arms around your waist and the two of you began to levitate.
"Take care!" Alfredo yawned and waved at you from below, going inside the castle to sleep.
As a normal human being, your instinct tells you to screech and hold on tight to any surface that you could put your hands on. Panic ensuing in your chest and you were so ready to cry when Seonghwa cupped your face, allowing you to gaze in his sincere orbs.
"Calm down and let the wind guide you."
Despite your wobbling knees, you did your best and straightened yourself, "Take slow steps, dance with me, princess." Seonghwa instructed, his hands sliding to intertwine with yours.
Soon you got used to walking in the air, giggling whenever Seonghwa twirls you around.
"See, you're a natural at this." he says, laughing along with you and he thinks that he's on top of the world.
Watching you with a large grin on your face, eyes closed, having the time of your life and letting your worries fly along the breeze.
"We're here." he uttered and you opened your eyes, gasping at the sight.
Are you in outer space? Maybe, but you still could breathe.
Balls of gas littered everywhere, designed to look like fairy lights and the moon itself where you both stand feels like a cloud. m
"This is much better right?" he says, not letting go of you even after you landed.
"Where are we?" you inquired, curious about the place he brought you.
"This is my childhood where I trained magic," Seonghwa explains, "and you missy," he bent down to whisper in your ear, "is my first visitor."
Your eyes widened at his confession and tried to pull away from him, wanting to turn around but he hugged you tightly, rooting you in your spot, "Seonghwa?"
"Let's stay like this." he mumbled, pulling you impossibly close to him to the point that you could feel the heat radiating off him.
This wasn't so bad.
"What a bummer." you say, watching Jieun tuck the Witch of the Waste, now turned into an old lady who can't use magic anymore, into bed.
"Don't be like that." Jieun nudged you after she was done, "Let's sleep too."
You almost sighed, to be honest you have been doing that for the past few days but you couldn't pinpoint the reason.
The setting has now changed, Jongsuk casting a spell which made the Hatter shop a part of the castle. He did it for their growing 'family' (with the addition of the witch and a dog named Joy, the errand dog Jongsuk's magic teacher) as he likes to call it.
It feels melancholic, knowing that the story is about to come to an end. The worst is about to come, and Jongsuk still hasn't returned.
"You look sad." Seonghwa mumbles when he sees you in the kitchen.
Ah, Seonghwa. You don't know where you stand with him, what your relationship with him is but something shifted between the two of you after that intimate night.
"It's nothing." you forced a smile, attempting to walk past him but failing to do so when he gripped your wrist.
"Tell me." he says with more conviction this time, tugging you to stay close with him.
"I told you it's nothing." you whined, wanting nothing more but to sleep but the man in front of you kept on bugging you.
"I'm just worried for you," his eyes soften, tucking a strand of hair behind your ears, "you don't know how much I want to keep you happy and safe."
Is this really happening right now?
You couldn't move, no magic involved, and you're seriously waiting for your lips to connect when he starts leaning closer to you.
"Oh no!" the witch wailed from the other room, making the both of you jump away from each other.
Soon, sounds of gunshots and bombs are heard. Screams of the civilians, rattling wheels of the carriages and soldiers yelling at the top of their lungs for everyone to evacuate filled the once peaceful area - the war is starting.
Jongsuk was scouted by Wales to assist in the fight, knowing that he is one of the strongest wizards out there. He was brave enough to decline, going as far as to involve Jieun, but Madame Suliman wasn't having any of it.
Now, outside of the house, those black spawns (courtesy of Madame Suliman) are doing whatever they can do to lay waste in order for Jongsuk to agree to the deal.
"You're here!"
All of you went into the living room, seeing Jongsuk, who is in his avian form, explaining things to Jieun.
"Stay inside, Calcifer will take care of you."
"You won't stay here?" Jieun cried, clutching onto him, "We can run away from all of this!"
"I can't," Jongsuk knelt and held Jieun's shoulders, "I already found someone to protect. So please, stay here."
Your heart broke at the sight but you can't do anything about it. You can't stop the fighting, knowing that they can resolve it by themselves. Though, it did nothing to soothe the raging emotions within you.
"I'll come with you." Seonghwa came out, a smile on Jongsuk's face as he accepted his friend's help.
"What?" you muttered, "Seonghwa?"
"I told you," the man's stature turned into one that is similar to Jongsuk's, "I want to keep you happy and safe."
Then they flew, closing the door shut and not letting any of the dark antagonists enter.
Your heart is beating rather erratically. Are you worried? About Seonghwa?
You were so deep into your own thoughts, not noticing Jieun stand up and walk towards you.
"They're both fighting to protect us, let's put an end to this."
She then sauntered to the door, using the roulette and in one click, you were all transported into the Folding Valley.
Upon exiting the castle, the rain is pouring hard in the mountains making it difficult to see but at this point in time, everything is clear.
The orange hue and gray smoke produced by the fire created an illusion of hell, havoc swallowed the city, everything destroyed with the blink of an eye.
"There! Jongsuk!" Jieun pointed at the figures who were gliding around the aircraft and planes, dodging attacks and striking at the same time.
Jieun went inside and scooped Calcifer up regardless of what he was saying as you and Kai helped the witch get outside.
You were all waiting for Jieun to come out with Calcifer, and when she did, the gigantic castle fell apart. Scraps of metal and every single item down to the ground.
"Fast, I might die out here in the rain!" Calcifer exclaimed, shielding himself from the water.
Jieun hurried inside of what's left of the castle, which is the kitchen part, "Can you move it?"
"I need a sacrifice." the demon said, "Jongsuk gave me his heart, so you need to give me something too."
Your eyes moved around and it landed on a pair of scissors, "Alright." you mumbled, picking it up and cutting your hair short on a whim.
"Y/N!" Kai bellowed in surprise, "Your hair!"
"Here. Take it." you held it outwards and glanced at Jieun, prompting her to do the same. Throwing your strands into the fire's mouth as an offering.
Calcifer grew big, easily fixing the ruined kitchen and moving it in the direction of Jongsuk and Seonghwa.
You were still basking in relief that you completely forgot about the witch. It wasn't your fault that you're finally in peace for a bit, thinking that Seonghwa won't be harmed anymore if you and Jieun actually succeeded.
The ride stopped moving when the old lady grabbed Calcifer, "Jongsuk's heart!"
You cursed under your breath, that witch is so obsessed with Jongsuk's heart that she'd literally tear everyone apart for it.
It was well known around town that the damned witch badly needed that heart to cure her rotting magic. Thus, she did everything to get it, going as far as to curse the people who were once involved with Jongsuk.
Too bad, Calcifer is still burning.
The witch yelped yet she held on to flame despite the blaze she's feeling on her skin.
"You'll get burned!" Jieun cried out, coaxing the old woman to drop Calcifer.
"No!" she stubbornly defied, "I got it first, it's mine!"
Jieun had no choice but to hurl a pail of water to the witch, and comes with it is the disintegration of the remains of the once large fortress.
The small space broke apart, the other side of it which contains Jieun and Joy The Dog fell into a cliff.
"Jieun!" you stretched your hand in an attempt to save her but Kai held you back, saying that it's dangerous if you extended too much. You barely heard Jieun say that she'll be fine and that you should take care of yourself up there.
You were lost for a few minutes, staring ahead and thinking what to do before you groaned out of frustration, "Oh no." you turned to the witch, ready to blame her for the catastrophe that had occurred.
"This is your f-!"
"Seonghwa!" Kai called out, his eyes staring from behind you. Heck, you didn't know that you can whip around so fast in your life. Not until today that it actually made you dizzy.
Worry graced over your features when you saw the state he's in. Tattered and tired with gashes all over his body. You opened your arms for him to land on, smoothly embracing him in the process when he returned to his human form.
"Seonghwa," you craddled his face, wiping down the dried blood on his busted lower lip, "you're badly injured, you need to be patched up."
"You cut your hair." he uttered, pressing his palm lightly on the top of your head.
Leave it to Seonghwa to notice the smallest things about you during a crucial time.
"Yeah, it was to o-"
Your explanation ended abruptly when he sat up and pecked your nose out of the blue, "You look gorgeous."
"Ehem." Kai's fake cough snapped the two of you out of your bubble, "I'm sorry to interrupt but.." he trailed off, waiting for any kind of update about Jongsuk's whereabouts.
"He's gone too far," he responds, "his wounds are far worse than mine. I don't know if he'll.." he can't continue his words, not having enough courage in his self to admit reality.
"He will survive." you spoke in a matter of fact tone, tilting your head to the side to give them a clue of what you're talking about, "Look."
Everyone's head craned and was gladly surprised to see Jieun and Jongsuk, with Joy, flying towards the piece of wood that miraculously pulled through after the incident a while ago.
They landed safely and Jieun began to beg the witch to give Calcifer back so that Jongsuk's heart could be returned, allowing him to stay alive.
In the end, the old lady gave in, allowing Jieun to press Calcifer in Jongsuk's chest. And like a show, they began to coalesce and the male's injuries started to heal by itself.
It could have been a happy ending for the couple, the only problem?
Some kind of firework started blowing up as the result of Calcifer's freedom from his pact with Jongsuk, and the impact made the plank slide down the cliff. No worries though! Mr. Scarecrow was there to save the day. He succesfully used all of his strength to halt the movement.
You knew what would happen afterwards, the plot engraved in your brain like it's your favorite song.
Jieun would kiss everyone on the cheek to show her gratitude, (that also turned Mr. Scarecrow into a human, and shocking because he's a really handsome prince.)
Her kiss woke Jongsuk up, energized than ever.
"I'll tell my nation to not engage in this war anymore." Mr. Scarecrow Prince says, giving you all the assurance that no more of this vile event will occur again.
All is well, until Kai spoke up, "Y/N? Your body!"
You were confused but one look at your transparent hands made you realize that you are about to go back to your own world. The story has come to an end, that means that your role here is done.
"I will miss you guys." you mumbled, accepting your end and putting on a smile for a show, "I really appreciate what I learned here."
"Y/N?" Jieun stepped closer to you, "What is happening?"
"Don't worry!" you persuaded them, "I'll be fine."
Tears pricked in the corner of your lids and you willed yourself not to cry, desperately blinking the tears away as you bowed your head.
You don't want to go, but you know that you can't stay here. You don't belong here.
"You," you pointed at Seonghwa, looking at him for the last time before you go, "this may be a little late but.. I love you."
Your body begins to glow, the light swallowing you like it's about to transport you into another dimension.
It's now or never.
Seonghwa grit his teeth, raced to you, pulled you in a passionate kiss and held you in his arms. His last promise to you made your efforts of not crying in vain as you let the tears fall freely on your cheeks.
"I love you too, Y/N. Let's meet again someday."
"Oh my god, sis!" Yunjin's voice, paired with her vigorous shaking, woke you up from your slumber. You grumbled about her antics in the morning, but her next words made you shoot up from your bed. "Did you sleepwalk last night? Cut your hair short?"
You blinked away the grogginess that you're feeling, making a beeline to the mirror in the bathroom.
Seeing your reflection in the mirror, you slowly gained the memories from the other world, then it dawned on you that what happened wasn't a mere dream.
Then what about Seonghwa?
You shook your head, no way he's real.
Your friend followed you to the bathroom, a concerned expression donning her face when she discerned how perplexed you were , "Will you go to class today?"
"No," you answered truthfully, not really having the energy to attend school, "I have something to do."
Yunjin gave you a hug before she went to university and you spent the rest of your day at the coffee shop that you frequent too.
You must really look wild today, even the barista made your order on house.
You brought the book 'Jongsuk's castle', basically re-read everything but the name 'Seonghwa' did not appear. It's weird, considering that the male lead dubbed him as a 'good friend.'
So why is he not mentioned even once throughout the story?
You rubbed your temples, a headache brewing and you decided that maybe.. it's time to let go.
You closed the book and tucked in your bag, leaving the shop with a heavy heart.
You must have a habit of swimming and drowning in your own thoughts that you failed to notice the figure in front of you, ultimately making you bump into it.
"Oh gosh, sorry I wasn't a-" you began to apologize but a cat seemed to bite your tongue, rendering you speechless when the familiar dark hair and deer eyes that you oh, so loved obscured your vision.
The man smiled at you, telling you that it was okay and offered you a hand. You can only stare at him, gaping like a fish.
"Seonghwa." you mumbled under your breath and the guy reacted to it, a bewildered look flashing his handsome face.
"Yeah, that's me." he smiles, "Do i know you or.." he awkwardly moved his hand, making you realize that you're still sitting on the concrete.
"Yeah, I.. actually, okay. Yeah, thanks." you stuttered and made a fool of yourself, accepting his help and avoiding eye contact.
It's safe to say that you're embarrassed, but this was also a bolt out of the blue.
How come he's here? In the real world?
You closed your eyes, what should you do now?
"Are you going somewhere? Miss?" he spoke up again, looking at you expectantly.
"Y/N, and no, I was about to go home."
"Perfect then, Y/N." he glanced at his watch, making a decision that will probably change both of your destinies, "Would you like to join me for an early dinner?"
Your heart almost leaped out of your chest, happiness blooming in your soul.
"I would love that."
Maybe fate did not want you to help Jieun and Jongsuk, maybe it has other plans for you.
The love that you had been dreaming. The relationship that you had always wished for. Hoping for a man that would make you feel secure and warm.
If you think about it enough, think about it deeper.. maybe all the ruckus was for you to find the arrow that cupid has once shot. It may have missed the first time, but you are sure as hell that you're willing to give it a second chance.
Well, as long as it's with Seonghwa.
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