Chapter Text
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Parting Paths
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Hak led Heun-Lynn through the winding paths of the village, their steps slow, hesitant—at least on his part. She walked with quiet certainty, as if she already knew this moment was inevitable.
As they reached the entrance to the main house, a figure rushed forward.
"Heun-Lynn!"
A tall man, his dark hair tousled from stress, pulled her into a fierce embrace. Hak stiffened, watching as Heun-Lynn sighed against the man’s shoulder, patting his back in reassurance.
"Daiki, I’m fine," she said, but the concern in his gaze didn’t waver as he pulled back, scanning her for injuries.
"You vanished without a word," Daiki chided, his hands lingering on her arms as though she might disappear again. "Do you have any idea how worried I was?"
Hak narrowed his eyes. He had never seen this man before. And he had never seen anyone touch Heun-Lynn like that.
She smiled at Daiki, her expression softer than Hak remembered it ever being for him.
"You always worry too much," she teased. "But I appreciate it."
Daiki sighed, shaking his head before finally acknowledging Hak’s presence. His sharp eyes assessed him quickly, as if sizing him up.
Heun-Lynn, seemingly unaware of the tension in the air, turned back to Hak.
"Thank you for escorting me back," she said, her voice quieter now.
Hak hesitated. Something in his chest tightened as he realized that after all this time, he was already losing her again.
"So… goodnight?" he asked.
Her lips curved upward, melancholic. This was almost exactly how it was when they were little. "For now."
He searched her face for something—anything—that would change her mind. He thought that after that, maybe just maybe, they could take a step closer. The closeness he's always yearned to have with her, but now she seems farther away.
"We should do this more often," he said, voice light but laced with something deeper.
Her eyes softened. "Maybe," she whispered.
And just like that, she was gone.
...
The next morning the dining hall buzzed with conversation as the group gathered around the long wooden table, bowls of warm rice and steaming tea before them.
"The village is incredible," Yoon mused, tapping his chopsticks against the rim of his bowl. "I’ve never seen anything like it, well hidden within a valley."
"It’s not just a village," Kija said. "It’s a fortress."
Before anyone could respond, the doors swung open.
Heun-Lynn strode inside, her presence commanding as ever. Her long coat billowed behind her, and in her arms, she carried a stack of scrolls. Behind her, Daiki and Rin followed, Rin similarly burdened with documents, while Daiki calmly poured tea into a small porcelain cup before placing it in front of Heun-Lynn.
She took a seat, fingers curling around the cup as she finally looked up.
"We need to move fast," she declared. "Where are the ships?"
Rin immediately answered. "They’re moving from Kai and making their way to Port Awa. They should arrive in a month."
The casual mention of something so significant sent a ripple through the group. Hak, who had remained silent until now, frowned.
"Ships?" he echoed.
Heun-Lynn didn’t look at him. "It’s nothing you need to worry about."
Something about the way she dismissed it so easily made his temper flare. "Nothing I need to worry about?" he repeated, irritated. "Seems like a pretty big deal if you're preparing to leave."
She didn’t answer, flipping open one of the scrolls instead.
Hak clenched his jaw. Ignored. Again.
Just like when we were kids. He thought.
Heun-Lynn frowned as she scanned the document. "One month isn’t enough time," she muttered. Then, decisively, "I need to ride out now if I want to make my move."
Without hesitation, Daiki raised his hand in signal. A servant stepped forward, presenting two Kitsune masks and two capes, the fabric rich and dark.
"I’ll ride with you this time," Daiki stated. "Rin will take care of our guests."
Hak pushed himself up from his seat. "Who are you to decide that?" His voice was sharp. "We’re coming with you."
Heun-Lynn sighed, finally looking at him, there was something in her gaze. A softness, almost pleading—pleading him not to get involved. "We only have two horses, just enough for me and Daiki. Two of you are injured and need rest. Yona needs rest, Hak." She emphasized, knowing he will understand her deeper meaning. Yona needs to breathe after what she's been through.
"Rest here before continuing your journey."
He was about to argue, but she was already moving. She whispered something to Rin, then turned back to Hak, reaching up to cup his cheek with surprising gentleness.
The touch sent a shock through him, and for a brief moment, all his anger evaporated.
Yona frowned but didn’t argue, though Yoon shot Hak a concerned glance.
Hak clenched his fists, frustration growing. "You think I’m just going to sit here while you run off?"
She sighed, stepping closer. “Hak,” she murmured, voice low enough that only he could hear. She reached up, using both her hand to bring his head up to look at her. He stiffened, but her touch was warm. "We will have many more chances to meet again."
Daiki’s gaze flickered with something unreadable, but he remained silent.
"Rin will give you a hawk that can reach me. Anytime you need me, I will come."
Hak wasn’t sure if that was enough.
"You’re leaving again?" Yona murmured, her voice small.
Heun-Lynn turned to Yona next, who still looked unsettled. With a small smile, she pulled the princess into a hug. "Shh, little one," she whispered. "I will be there when you need me."
Yona swallowed, squeezing her arms around Heun-Lynn before reluctantly pulling away.
With that, Heun-Lynn donned her Kitsune mask, her expression vanishing behind it. She strode toward the exit, Daiki following suit.
The group followed them to the door, watching as Heun-Lynn mounted her horse.
She cast one last glance back, her gaze lingering on Hak. Then, with a flick of the reins, she and Daiki rode off, vanishing into the wilderness.
The villagers waved their goodbyes, but Hak barely heard them over the dull ache settling in his chest.
We had only just seen each other again… and now she’s gone.
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