Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Red.

 

Everything was red.

 

Everything before his eyes was stained scarlet with blood.The lush green mountain peak was stained blood-red, its very nature was swept away in a single day.
Death. All that was left was death.

 

He gaze locked onto the culprit of this scene.The Demon from the skies, the leader of the Demon Sect, Cheon ma. The sight of this despicable man sat cross-legged in the sea of blood and gore evoked strange emotions in him.

 

The Heavenly Demon’s pale, empty eyes opened to gaze into the blue sky.
“….■■■■■■■■■■” Apparently, those words were unclear. His gaze still locked into those emotionless red orbs, the strange emotions started to rise again.

 

“How unfortunate, ■■■■■■■■■■■■■. If only you could get out of here, you could boast of your achievements.”

 

“…Shut your disgusting mouth.”

 

“You can still be proud of your actions. With the help of countless people, your sword finally reached my body.”

 

“Shut up!” He screamed,just from hearing his voice makes him wants to throw up.

 

Just then, when he was about to launch forward something slapped his cheeks so hard making him almost fell.

 

"OWW!!"

 

...

 

----------------

 

"Oww, Cheon ma?!..."

 

"Cheon ma?! Stop daydreaming! Chung Myung, how many times do I have to remind you about not to sleep during classes? Do I need to call Chung Mun again?"

 

Looking up, Chung Myung's vision begin to clear. Another normal day where his teacher would scolded him for sleeping in their class. His ears ache, it might even bleed at this rate. Seconds later he heard laughs begin to abrupt

 

"Chung Myung, are having a nightmare? You literally just screamed so loud 'Shut up' are you okay? Lol" One of his classmates said.

 

"Huh?"

 

His teacher only sighs and came back to his desk and started to announce, "We will be having a school field trip in a week. We will give you the form about the details around tomorrow." Then, one of the student raises their hand "Where will we be going Mr. Baek oh?"

 

Baek oh then smiles and began to explain "we will be going to the ancient Great Mount Hua Sect"

 

"Mount hua was an ancient sect located in shaanxi China, it was a sect that was known for its beautiful Plum blossom technique. The destination for our school trip will be there, although now the only thing that's left is an empty buildings amidst the Plum blossom trees and an empty mountain. Once we reached the peak of the mountain, don't forget to pay respect to the ancestors of the Great Mount Hua disciples."

 

Great. Another boring history lessons. When are we going home anyway? Chung Myung thought as he began drifting into a slumber. Just then, he heard a sound of a smack.

 

"Chung Myung, are you even hearing me? No sleeping in class and tell me what did I tell everyone just now?"

 

The said student groans in displeasure, his fingers getting rid of the messy hair that was covering his visions.

 

"Ughh, What's so special about that mountain anyway? Just some old buildings and trees and stuffs, that sect didn't exist anymore anyway what's there to pay respect for?"

 

No really. That sect is already long gone anyway, it might have a history but it's all are already in the past it doesn't have anything to do with the present? He really never understands why history exists in the world, isn't there a poem that says 'let the past be the past'? Chung Myung just looked at Baek oh innocently as he didn't said anything wrong.

 

"Chung Myung..."

 

"Yes??"

 

"Go to the detention please"

 

"W—wait!! but I didn't do anything wrong???"

 

"Yaahhh!!! For the love of heavens, JUST GO YOU BRAT!!"

 

-----‐---‐---------------

 

Walking to detention, Chung Myung only crossed his arms and huffed in annoyance. "I really didn't do anything wrong tho?" He mumbled.

 

Finally reached the room, he then sigh heavily and enter the detention room with a heavy steps. Once he entered, there was someone who is already sitting on one of the chairs in the corner. At least he's not going to spend his detention entirely alone.

 

The other person sense someone's presence then turned his head towards the door. Eh?? Both of the person just stared blankly at each other...Silence filled the entire room for a few seconds, it was then Chung Myung take the initiative to speak. "Tang Bo???"

 

"Hyung-nim??"

 

Tang Bo, a close friend of Chung Myung.

 

The fact that they become close friend is because Tang Bo insisted to stick close to him like a leech. Tang Bo just entered high school about a year ago when he stubbornly asked Chung Myung for a fight. That is...until he got beaten to death.

 

Chung Myung just stood there bewildered "What did you do this time? And wtf happened to your face?"

 

That question immediately offended Tang Bo. Apparently, there's a visible bruise across his left cheek as if he just got punched. "I didn't do anything wrong!! Those jongnam bastards apparently talks bad about you and I just gave them a lesson!" Tang Bo complained in a defensive tone.

 

"And how did you get that bruise? There's no way those bastards land a hit on you."

 

"The principal called my parents..."

 

"Oh..."

 

Tang Bo then looked at him and repeated the same question. "And what did you do??"

 

Chung Myung's just scowled as he sits down. "I was just sleeping in that old bearded man's class"

 

"You know he hates when someone isn't serious in his class."

 

"How the hell am i supposed to be serious if his lessons are nothing but about dead people? They're dead! And what? Mount Hua protected the world from demons? What nonsense is that? Demons don't exist, what kind of lousy fictional story is that?"

 

Hearing that, Tang Bo's expression suddenly changed, a slight tension building up in his expression. And Chung Myung immediately noticed, but he decided to let it off. Since Tang Bo is a person who likes learning about histories, maybe he's offended by his words?

 

Silence then settled them both. It was then a couple minutes pass Chung Myung finally broke the silence. He remembered having a strange dream during Mr. Baek Oh's class.

 

"But Bo-yah, i actually had this strange dream during that bearded man's class..."

 

This immediately took Tang Bo's attention then turned his face to him, a hint that he's listening.

 

"Everything was red in there...i smelled cold metals of blood and corpses tattered everywhere, building a mountain. And, i just stood there on top all of them...all alone."

 

Silence just envelopes them once more

 

The expression Tang Bo wore is...unreadable It seems like Tang Bo is in deep thoughts, seeing this Chung Myung just shrugged and decided to change the topic.

 

"Bo-yah"

 

"What is it, Hyung-nim?"

 

Chung Myung started to look around as if checking that nobody else is there,then began to whisper into Tang Bo's ear. "Wanna go to the Playstation?"

 

"Why are you whispering?" Tang Bo immediately felt pain on one of his foot, seems like his Hyung-nim just stepped on him. "Idiot, we're in detention. What if someone hears?"

 

"Hyung-nim, you never even care about those things"

 

"Yahh, I'm graduating next year. I can't afford to redo another year because i cause some trouble"

 

"Aren't you in detention right now because you've done something?"

 

"I'm just sleeping, there's nothing wrong with that."

 

"That's literally the same thing."

 

He groans and started kicking the other person's shin. Fortunately, the latter is already so used to it so the pain feels like nothing but an insect bite. "So, are you going or not?"

 

"Alright..."

 

--------------------

 

Everything is dark...and cramped, the air is stuffy. She shouldn't have agreed to play that stupid game, now she is stuck here all alone with an uncomfortable position. Now what time is it now? She should've been in class already, her older brother would scold her till her ears starts bleeding if he finds out that she ended up stuck inside the storage room because of a stupid dare.

 

There was literally no one in this area, how is she supposed to ask for help? Those bastards must purposely locking her inside when she was finding the 'keys' that they hide as her dare,tch.

 

Apparently, the storage room is also right behind of the high school building. Well, the buildings for middle school and high school are only a few meters away, even less then 10 meters since the school is a combine of both middle school and high school, just different buildings. She just hopes that one of her seniors is skipping class right now.

 

Just when she was in a dilema, she heard a sound of footsteps. She then quickly bang at the door and shout "Is anybody out there?? Please, help me get out of here!!"

 

--------------------

 

Tang Bo and Chung Myung were just about to escape when suddenly they heard a voice coming from the storage room. They immediately went to it and the voice is getting louder.

 

"Anybody out there???"

 

Tang Bo realized who the voice belongs to then called "Soso?? Is that you?? Why are you in there??"

 

"Ah...Tang Bo it's you...Well- no time for chit chat get me out of here it's suffocating!!"

 

The door is finally open. Soso then went out feeling relieved after breathing some fresh air. She then turned to her cousin, seeing the look in his face it seems like he wanted answers immediately...

 

"I was playing dare, and those guys told me to fins a key inside the storage room then locked me in."

 

"Why are you even accepting that from the start?"

 

"Well i don't know i'm just bored? And aren't you skipping class again? You're just the same as me then"

 

"That's just dumb." Chung Myung suddenly commented Tang Soso's behavior

 

He saw how this 'cousin' of Tang Bo suddenly turned face him and stared. Her expression comes from annoyed turned into some realization and then into something he can't quite comprehend? But before he could speak up, she suddenly started speaking. "Actually, I think I changed my mind. Can I come with you?"

 

Tang Bo looked at her as he thought she was crazy. Soso? Skipping class? That's such a foreign thing coming from her. Soso, didn't you have said before that you will work hard and not to skip classes so that you can get into your favorite university? Well, he can't said that outloud or else he will be kick by the knee.

 

"Soso, you shouldn't skip class. What if Pae finds out and reports it to your father?"

 

"Well, YOU are also skipping class. There's no need to worry about oppa."

 

"I'm not skipping class, i'm in a detention anyway."

 

Tang Soso just tilted her head and stared blankly at him. No, this sight is definitely very familiar to him. Isn't this the reaction Hyung-nim would give him when he was annoyed? How did she developed such thing? Soso?? You've never even met Chung Myung before this right? How come you know that expression?

 

And it seems like she would keep staring until Tang Bo accepted her request (more like a demand) He couldn't do anything and ended up agreeing. He then glance at his friend, the said person only gave him a judgemental look. There's no hope huh? He just wants to spend some time alone with his Hyung-nim!!

 

Tang Bo was about to head back to his friend when suddenly Tang Soso bolted passed him in a flash and approached Chung Myung.

 

"Chung Myung sunbaenim* have you heard that we're all going to Mount hua in next week?" Tang Soso ask with stars in her eyes

 

Chung Myung stared at her dumbfounded, yahh why are you staring at me like that? He then realized something. "Wait, so the middle schoolers are also coming?"

 

"Yes everyone is coming, they say that as our symbol of respect for the ancestors that have sacrificed themselves for the sake of the world"

 

"Is that so..."

 

"Should we get going then? How about the amusement park, it's actually near by."

 

"Who the hell goes to the amusement park while skipping class?! And not just that with this uniform?"

 

"The girls in my class often skipped the classes by going to a mall with a school uniform also, and nothing happened."

 

Chung Myung only watched them argue. No,no,no wait- think about it, the Tang family is known for their knowledge about medicines, they also even have multiple hospitals built around the country, doesn't that means their rich? It wouldn't hurt right if he emptied their wallets? He can't miss this opportunity!

 

But then, as the two argue Chung Myung then hear footsteps nearby. Without hesitation, he grabbed both of Tang Bo and Tang Soso's arm hard and went to hide inside the storage room that Soso has been trapped before. "Sstt, seems like someone is coming."

 

True to his words, someone DID actually come. Chung Myung tried to peek through a small gap between the door and the wall, not a security or a teacher but a student. Something caught Chung Myung's eye, a badge...beside the sleeves...it's the student president! Shoot, if they got caught by this person he is very certain they will immediately be send into the principals office! Wait- that's Chung Jin!! Chung Myung then remembered that his brother Chung Jin is a student president. No, he can't get caught! Or else his hyung would definitely scolded him again for a lifetime!

 

Chung Myung turned his head towards the other two person with him internally asking 'what should we do??!!' Tang Soso just blink and quietly muttered "stay silence?". Tang Bo facepalms at her response and choose to stay quiet for the sake of his life.

 

Oh, Chung Myung never wanted to yelled at someone so badly before. But hey, he would be in a huge problem if he hit a girl especially a girl of the Tang family. Trying to put aside his anger, the footsteps suddenly seems to be directing towards their place.

 

Unfortunately for them, it seems like they were going to be sent back to the detention room and get punished soon anyway.

 

--------------------

 

Chung Mun paced back and forth in front of the living room window, glancing at his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. He knew his younger brother, Chung Myung, should have been home from school hours ago. But Chung Mun wasn't surprised when his brother failed to appear on time.

 

He had already received a call from Mr. Baek Oh earlier that day, informing him that his brother would be staying late for detention. Chung Mun sighed and rubbed his temples. He had warned Chung Myung countless times to behave himself in class, but it seemed his brother never listened.

 

Finally, the door swung open, and Chung Myung walked in.

 

"I'm home."

 

"You're late."

 

Chung Mun continued, "Mr. Baek Oh said that you caused trouble again during his class. Mind telling me what happened?"

 

"I didn't do anything wrong!! I was simply just sleeping throughout his boring lectures?"

 

"Then how do you explain yourself when he saif to me that you were screaming during your sleep? And how about how you responded to the location you're going to for your field trip? How about telling me about the screaming problem first?"

 

Chung Myung took a deep breath, trying to organize his thoughts. "I just had this dream during class...i guess, it was so vivid." Chung Mun stopped any activity he was doing and stared at Chung Myung. Listening carefully, urging him to continue.

 

"Well, it was nothing important. It's about something called Cheon Ma? I guess that's the name."

 

Chung Mun's face turned from curiosity into horror.

 

"Everything just looks red? Then suddenly i saw something up and just immediately screamed. After that, Mr. Baek Oh asked me about the lesson he explained earlier about Mount Hua."

 

"And what did you say about Mount Hua?"

 

Chung Myung’s eyes narrowed, well his hyung did asked in more specific why he got into detention.

 

"Well, i just said that there's nothing special about that place. Besides why are we going there anyway? It's literally located in China while we lived in Korea! Why go so far just for a field trip? There's nothing there anyway."

 

Seeing this, Chung Mun just smile at his brother. The smile itself felt off–it was not just a smile, it's like a smile that held so many emotions. Guilt and sorrow. Chung Myung was about to ask him if he was okay but what his hyung said next wasn't something he was expecting.

 

"You know, there's no need to whine about. In fact you should be happy because that you're going 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦."

 

...

 

Huh???

 

Chung Myung just stared blankly at Chung Mun, has he have gone crazy or something? Hyung, are you sure you didn't want to go to the doctor?? Why were you even staring at me like you've lost me before? Did he miss something?

 

And...home? What was that supposed to mean? Chung Myung never even been to that place, he even just started to know that place because of his teacher just explained it to the whole class this afternoon.

 

"𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙃𝙊𝙈𝙀? Hyung, you're acting weird today that it started to creep me out...Do you wanna go to the doctor?"

 

But Chung Mun just sigh and went to the kitchen to prepare for dinner, he didn't even bother to explain it! Rude. Chung Myung was about to complain but seeing how Chung Mun looks sad(? He then could only grumble in annoyance and went back to his room.

 

He then glanced at his hyung one last time and saw him staring at an empty corner of the room. Maybe his hyung is just tired?

 

"I'm sorry, Sajae..."

 

Unfortunately, that voice didn't reach the said person.

Chapter Text

The day of the field trip had arrived. Everyone excitedly waited at the airport, chattings and listing everything to do during their stay.

 

Chung Myung? He just sat alone while playing with his phone. Unlike everyone who dressed so modesty, he just wore a plain red hoodie with jeans. He was never excited about the trip anyway. If it weren't for his hyung's constant nagging about going, he would still be on his bed by now.

 

A sudden call from a certain someone then came to interrupt his peace, "Hyung-nim!!"

 

Tang Bo had just arrived, that's actually pretty new of him arriving during last minutes. Knowing Tang Bo, he would have already arrived hours before the flight.

 

"Why are you late?"

 

Tang Bo arrived just right in front of Chung Myung. Still catching his breath from all the running.

 

"The traffic was crazy."

 

As Tang Bo caught his breath, Chung Myung raised an eyebrow, skeptical of his excuse.

 

"The traffic was crazy, huh?" he repeated, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

 

Tang Bo sheepishly grinned, "Hey, it's the truth! You know how it is during rush hour, hyung-nim." Chung Myung snorted, "Save it, Bo-yah. You're just late because you overslept again, aren't you?"

 

"Again?? I never overslept in my whole entire life!! Well—that is...until now."

 

Chung Myung just scoffed at him and says, "I knew it."

 

Feeling wronged at his reaction, Tang Bo just quietly mumbled. "At least i didn't overslept as much as you did, bastard."

 

"What was that you brat??!!"

 

Sensing danger, Tang Bo quickly raised both of his hands, "Nothing hyung!! I swear it's nothing!!"

 

Fortunately, before he gets hit by a certain asura, the flight attendants were calling out their flight, and they all made their way to the gate.

 

Inside the plane, Chung Myung finally found his seat. His seat was beside a window with the airplane's wing as its view, not bad actually. Now Chung Myung is curious who he will be sitting next to. His curiosity immediately get answered as a handsome guy began to put his things in the cabin next to the empty sit.

 

It's Baek Cheon, a middle school student just like Tang Soso. But Chung Myung guessed he was about to graduate this year and enter high school.

 

Baek Cheon looked at Chung Myung and greeted him before taking a seat. "Chung Myung sunbaenim."

 

Chung Myung just nodded at him. Chung Myung had seen him around during luch breaks, but they had never really talked before. He was a bit surprised to see him on the same flight, but he guessed it made sense since they were all going on the same field trip.

 

As the flight attendants started their safety demonstrations, Baek Cheon turned to Chung Myung again.

 

"Chung Myung sunbaenim, can I ask you something?"

 

"What is it, Baek Cheon?" Chung Myung replied lazily. Baek Cheon flinched slightly at the mention of his name.

 

"I was just wondering... why do you seem so unenthusiastic about this trip? Everyone else is so excited, but you seem really bored."

 

Chung Myung snorted, "I'm just not interested in some random mountain that's all. What about you? What are you so excited about?"

 

Baek Cheon widened in surprise, not expecting the question. "Well— i've read so many books about Mount Hua before. I found them very interesting, its history, its plum blossom sword techniques. I'm just looking forward to see the place by my own eyes."

 

"Plum blossom sword technique huh?"

 

"Sunbaenim, Mount Hua sect is known for its Plum Blossoms."

 

"I know that, even the symbol of the sect itself is a Plum flower."

 

Baek Cheon stared at him for a while, looking like wanting to asked something but he wasn't sure if he should said it or not.

 

"What do sunbaenim thinks about Mount Hua?"

 

"Me?" Baek Cheon nodded in response.

 

Chung Myung tilted his head, thinking. "Well, there's nothing special about it. It's good that the sect has a good history, but all of that doesn't really matter in this era. Besides, there are no successors left to continued is glory."

 

Baek Cheon stared at Chung Myung, the kind of look that made Chung Myung feel the sense of deja vu. Hey? Why are you looking at me like that you brat?

 

"Brat, stop staring." Chung Myung snapped.

 

Realizing this, Baek Cheon immediately apologized and pretend to find his headphones. Baek Cheon then mumbled something he couldn't quite hear.

 

"He.........disappointed."

 

"What was that?"

 

"N-nothing sunbaenim."

 

Chung Myung rolled his eyes and decided to take a nap.

 

The atmosphere during the whole flight was quiet, the flight itself is only a two hour flight. Everyone eventually starts take a quick nap before arriving.

 

Two hours have passed and everyone woke up by the voice of the flight attendant announce they have arrived. Everyone started to pick up their belongings and wait for the door to be opened.

 

Chung Myung? He just woke up,still sitting soundly on his seat. He rather wait and come out last rather than waiting in line while standing.

 

"Sumbaenim, you're not going to pick your belongings?" Baek Cheon asked as he saw Chung Myung just sit there unmoving.

 

"Later, once half of the students have gone out."

 

"Okay, then i'll take my leave first sunbaenim."

 

"Yea,yea just do whatever you want." He watches as Baek Cheon leaves.

 

"Hyung-nim." Someone called.

 

Of course, it was none other than Tang Bo. Chung Myung raised an eyebrow, not bothering to hide his disinterest.

 

"What is it, Bo-yah?" he asked, his tone flat.

 

"I was just wondering if you're planning on taking a nap again. You know, since you're so good at it."

 

Chung Myung's eyes narrowed. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

 

"I mean, you slept for almost the entire flight. I'm impressed, hyung-nim. You must be a professional sleeper or something."

 

"This brat really wants to get hit so bad now huh?"

 

"W-wait! It was a joke, okay? A joke!! Don't you get it?!" Tang Bo panicked.

 

"Joke? I'll show you joke, bastard!"

 

Before his fist could reach Tang Bo's head, luckily he was saved by a teacher scolding them for being too long to get out of the plane. Chung Myung just side eyed Tang Bo the wholetime, and Tang Bo...he tried his best to not look in his direction for his own safety.

 

They continued to take a bus to reach their destination. It didn't take long for them to arrived. As they got off the bus, the students were greeted by the warm sunshine and the breathtaking view of Hua-Um, a small town nestled at the foot of Mount Hua. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The group of excited students eagerly gathered their belongings and followed their teacher.

 

"Attention, students!" All students gathered as their teacher make an announcement.

 

"Before we climb up to Mount Hua, We will be exploring the Hwa-Um first. Everyone will scattered into different groups and make sure no one is left behind while exploring. Everyone must arrived back to this place until noon. Now, enjoy your trip."

 

As they strolled through the charming town, the students couldn't help but marvel at the ancient architecture, the vibrant markets, and the friendly locals. They snapped photos, tried local snacks, and chatted excitedly about the adventures ahead.

 

Chung Myung, however, was still looking unimpressed, lagging behind the group with Tang Bo by his side.

 

"Hey, hyung-nim, isn't this place amazing?" Tang Bo asked, trying to rouse some enthusiasm from his friend. "It's okay, I guess," Chung Myung replied nonchalantly, eyes fixed on his phone.

 

"Oh come on!! Get your eyes off that phone and look around! How about we tried the foods first? Maybe we should buy some alcohol if there are some?"

 

"Bo-yah, I'm not going to get myself scolded again."

 

Hearing this, Tang Bo's shoulders slump down, he literally failed to make this bastard to be excited just a little bit.

 

"You're no fun Hyung-nim..."

 

After that, they both just silently followed their group to visit each stalls and places. Chung Myung really got bored at this point, he looked into the direction of Tang Bo about to complain about it. But once he looked at his face, it's weird? He don't know...he never see that kind of face in Tang Bo before?

 

His eyes keep soften as they continued to strolled around, eyes full of nostalgia. Does he have visit this place before??Chung Myung just turned his head away.

 

"Hyung-nim."

 

"What is it, leech?"

 

"Let's go there."

 

He looked at the direction Tang Bo is pointing at. It was an accessory stall. Before he could even refused, Tang Bo already dragged him to go there.

 

"Hello young masters! You must be the students that came to visit Mount Hua. Do you want to take a look of out accessories?"

 

Tang Bo enthusiastically looking each of the accessories. Chung Myung meanwhile, just stood behind him waiting impatient.

 

"I never thought you are the type that likes accessory?"

 

Tang Bo just hummed in response, still finding something to his liking.

 

"Hyung-nim!! I found it!"

 

"Found what?"

 

Tang Bo then showed him a long silky green ribbon. He grinned mischievously at Chung Myung.

 

"Bo-yah, what are you gonna do with that thing?"

 

"Hm? It's for you silly."

 

Confused, Chung Myung pointed at himself. "Me?" He asked.

 

"Yess, ma'am i'd like to buy this one please."

 

The vendor smiled and wrapped the ribbon carefully, handing it to Tang Bo. Chung Myung was still looking confused, unsure why his friend would buy him a ribbon.

 

"Yah, what's the significance in this? And why green?"

 

"Because that's my favorite color? Come on, let me tie your hair!"

 

???

 

Seeing his confused face, Tang Bo added "Since your hair is long, you can't just tie it with a rubber ban!! Besides, the ribbon will make you more...what is it again? Intimidating?"

 

"Yahh enough with this nonsense!!" Chung Myung raised his fist.

 

"Ackkk, Hyung-nim!! just this once listen to this poor junior alright??"

 

Just as Tang Bo was about to tie the ribbon around Chung Myung's hair, a loud shout echoed through the air.

 

"Tang Bo! Chung Myung! Where are you guys?!" They both turned to see their group members waving at them from a distance, looking concerned.

 

"Ah, we got left behind," Chung Myung muttered, realizing they had gotten carried away with the accessory shopping. Tang Bo grinned mischievously.

 

Tang Bo took this as an opportunity to tie Chung Myung’s hair while he was distracted. His hands moved fast as lightning.

 

"Yah!! What are you doing?!"

 

"Making you look more stylish." Tang Bo grinned.

 

"Ughh..." Chung Myung rolled his eyes and followed Tang Bo as they rushed to catch up with the group.

 

"Sorry about that, guys," Tang Bo apologized, as they rejoined the group. They once again began to explore each places.

 

While all of them were enthusiastically chatting and taking pictures and stuffs, Chung Myung just stands at the corner looking at his phone. Nothing actually caught his attention here. That is, until they walked over a pretty fancy building.

 

An old traditional building with lanterns, just the same as most of the buildings around here, he thought. But something about it felt different. As if he had been to this place several times before. But that's ridiculous, he never left Korea until now, there's no way he had been to this place before. But he just couldn't shake off the uncomfortable yet familiar feelings.

 

"Are you finally interested?" Someone suddenly interrupted, it was one of Chung Myung’s classmate.

 

"That's the Eunha Merchant Guild, do you know? This have been build long time ago during Mount Hua in its peek, even until now it's still standing. That should be around hundreds of years right?" She explained.

 

"Why are you telling me this?"

 

The girl just shrugged "The way you look at the building, it's like you're curious about it. So i just tell you what i have read before, that's all."

 

As the girl left, Chung Myung continued to stared at the building. 'Eunha Merchant Guild, huh? 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙖𝙬𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙧?'

 

...

Chapter Text

They have just arrived at the peak of Mount Hua.

 

Surprisingly, despite every corner of the place are just crowded with tourists everything seems quite peaceful here, with only the sound of gentle chatter and the occasional rustling of leaves breaking the silence .The air was crisp and clean, with a hint of the sweet scent of plum blossoms that Mount Hua was famous for.

 

Chung Myung was never a fan of crowded places, he would usually hid himself at the back corner of the group while playing with his phone. But this time, he decided not to and just tagging along with the leech of a friend that he has.

 

"Hyung-nim"

 

"What is it this time?" Chung Myung replied lazily then turned his head to face him. His voice dripping with disinterest.

 

"It seems like some juniors wants to meet you." Tang Bo pointed a group of juniors walking towards them.

 

"Huh?"

 

From that group, a girl came first to greet them.

 

"Sunbaenim."

 

"Yes, you are?? Yu...something?"

 

"Iseol." She corrected before continuing, Yu Iseol paused and simply stared at Chung Myung. Her gaze is just so sharp as if she was inspecting him for murder, that gaze creeps him. Hey, didn't something like this had happened not long ago? Seriously, What's with people coming up to him recently?

 

"Sunbaenim, please check the techniques that are written in this book." Yu Iseol said, holding out a book.

 

"Where do you get that book?"

 

"From the guide." She answered almost immediately.

 

"Techniques,what? Yah i'm not a swordman, go ask someone else." Chung Myung was taken aback by her sudden request.

 

But Yu Iseol was insistent. "No, sunbaenim must," she said, her voice firm.

 

"What the hell is wrong with this kid ah? I already said no, i can't do it."

 

"Yes, you can." Yu iseol bluntly added.

 

"And how are you so sure?" He asked again.

 

Yu Iseol hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I know you can, and you should do it. There's a possibility that the techniques in this book are inaccurate."

 

"No." Unfortunately for her, Chung Myung us still standing his ground.

 

But Yu Iseol was relentless."Sunbaenim–"

 

"Hyung-nim just let her do it." Tang Bo who was just listening the whole conversation earlier finally came to interrupt. But unfortunately, this leech is not on Chung Myung’s side.

 

"Yahh, why are you on her side you leech?" Chung Myung Complained.

 

"Since she's so stubborn then just do what she wants."

 

"She's not a kindergarten Bo-yah, why do i have to play along with her?"

 

"Sunbaenim..." Yu iseul looked at him with sparkly eyes full of hope

 

"See? She might cry if you didn't want to." Chung Myung looked at his friend with a betrayed look, not long after he sighs.

 

"Ugh, whatever just do what you want brat. It's not like i know anything about swords anyway." Chung Myung says while scratching his neck.

 

Yu Iseol's face lit up with excitement, and she handed Chung Myung the book. "Sunbaenim will know."

 

??

 

Chung Myung hesitantly took the book from Yu Iseol, feeling a bit annoyed that he was being dragged into this. He flipped through the pages, scanning the illustrations of various sword techniques. As he turned the pages, he couldn't help but think that something was off. The techniques looked familiar, yet somehow, they didn't feel right.

 

"What's wrong with this?" Chung Myung muttered to himself, his brow furrowed in concentration.

 

He pointed to a specific illustration, "This stance is all wrong. And that's not how you hold a sword, everything here looks like as if they're playing with a wooden stick instead of a real weapon. It's like they're asking to get their hands cut off."

 

Tang Bo, who was watching the exchange with interest, raised an eyebrow. "Hyung-nim, how do you know that?" he asked, surprise etched on his face. "I didn't know you were familiar with Mount Hua's plum blossom techniques."

 

Chung Myung waved his hand dismissively, "I'm not. I just...I don't know, it just looks wrong, okay?" But as he continued to flip through the book, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was fundamentally flawed with the techniques.

 

Yu Iseol, on the other hand, was watching Chung Myung with an intensity that made him shift uncomfortably. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and she leaned in closer, as if she was trying to read his mind.

 

"So sunbaenim does know..."

 

Chung Myung's eyes narrowed, "I don't know what you're talking about." But as he looked at the illustration, he couldn't help but feel a sense of recognition. It was as if he had seen the technique before, but couldn't quite remember where.

 

Tang Bo chuckled, "Hyung-nim, you're really something else. I didn't know you had a hidden talent for sword techniques."

 

He patted Chung Myung on the back, "Maybe you should be a swordman instead of a gamer with the game you're stressing out with" He teased.

 

Chung Myung shot Tang Bo a look, "Shut up, Bo-yah. I'm just...I'm just saying that the techniques look wrong, okay?"

 

But as he continued to study the book, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was somehow connected to these techniques. It was as if his body remembered them, even if his mind didn't.

 

"Sunbaenim will only keeps denying it."

 

He shot a confused look to her. This kid, what nonsense is she spouting right now? The way she was watching him with an intensity that made his skin crawl.

 

As they stood there, the air was filled with an awkward silence. Chung Myung felt like he was being pulled into something he didn't understand, something that he couldn't quite grasp. But as he looked at Yu Iseol, he saw a determination in her eyes that made him feel uneasy.

 

Chung Myung sighs before speaking, "So, now i have done what you want me to do. Our business is over is it not?"

 

"E-eh?? Hyung-nim?!"

 

As Chung Myung turned to leave, Yu Iseol's voice stopped him in his tracks. "No, sunbaenim, it's not over yet." She said, her eyes still fixed on him with an unnerving intensity.

 

Chung Myung let out a frustrated sigh and turned back to face her. "What else do you want me to do? I've already looked at the book and told you what I think. Can't you just leave me alone now?"

 

But Yu Iseol was relentless.

 

Feeling that the atmosphere was growing heavy, he quickly stepped in between them.

 

“Eh—hey, I think we should stop right here before things get too heated,” Tang Bo said, raising his hands in a placating gesture.

 

“Yu Iseol, it’s a bit rude to act like that toward your senior. And besides—Hyung-nim just woke up from his coma not long before this trip. It wouldn’t be good if you kept overwhelming him.”

 

The word slipped out before he could stop himself—coma.

 

Chung Myung’s eyes sharpened, his glare cutting straight through Tang Bo. The moment the accident was mentioned, an uncomfortable tension seemed to crackle in the air.

 

“You’d better not say that so bluntly in front of others,” he sneered, his tone low and edged with irritation.

 

Right… it really triggered him.

 

Yu Iseol’s brows furrowed ever so slightly. She hadn’t expected that subject to come up, and the weight of it pressed down on her chest. For a moment, she looked at Chung Myung, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something—but then closing again. Finally, with a soft exhale, she lowered her gaze.

 

“…Fine,” she muttered, her voice almost inaudible. Her shoulders relaxed, not in peace but in reluctant surrender.

 

The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the distant rustling of the wind against the trees. Tang Bo cleared his throat awkwardly, forcing a smile.

 

“Good. See? No need to make this trip any harder than it already is. We’ve all got enough to worry about.”

 

But Chung Myung didn’t answer. His eyes lingered elsewhere, unreadable—an odd mixture of frustration and something else. He turned away first, as if dismissing the matter entirely, though the tension in his jaw betrayed otherwise.

 

------------------------

 

Chung Myung walked further down the stone path, away from the crowd. The sound of tourists grew faint, replaced by the steady whisper of the mountain wind.

 

His steps slowed.

 

For some reason, his hand itched—fingers curling slightly, as though grasping something that wasn’t there. He frowned and shook it off, but the sensation only grew stronger, crawling up his arm like phantom weight.

 

The book’s illustrations flashed in his mind. Wrong angles. Wrong stances. Wrong flow.

 

And then—

 

A sudden image struck him, unbidden.

 

The grip of a hilt, cool against his palm.
The sharp ring of a blade cutting through air. A sea of white petals swirling in the wind—plum blossoms falling like snow.

 

The clash of swords echoed, faint yet piercing. Shouts of disciples filled the air, their voices distant but familiar.

 

--------------

 

“Sahyung, the formation is collapsing!”
“Hold your ground—!”

 

--------------

 

"Jangmun sahyung!"
"What are you saying now Chung Myung-ah? I'm not a sect leader?"
"But you were!"
"Hyung, it's probably just his imagination. He's still 4 after all, you should just go along with him."
"I guess you're right."
"W–wait! No i'm not!"
"So Chung Myung-ah thinks i'm befitting as a sect leader? Isn't that nice of you?"

 

--------------

 

His body tensed. His chest constricted as though someone had just called his name.

 

The image shattered as quickly as it came, leaving only the sound of his own ragged breathing.

 

Chung Myung pressed a hand to his chest. His heart was racing, thundering in a rhythm that didn’t belong to this quiet mountain peak, but to another place, another time.

 

“…What the hell was that…” he muttered under his breath.

 

He shook his head violently, forcing a scoff out of his throat. “Tch. Just stress. Probably the altitude messing with me.”

 

Yet his hand lingered at his side, fingers twitching unconsciously—still gripping that phantom sword.

 

The memory, if it could even be called that, dissolved into mist. But the sensation remained. Not clear enough to recall. Not gone enough to ignore.

 

Somewhere in his mind, a voice whispered faintly.

 

'𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬...𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧.'

 

Chung Myung froze, whipping his head around. No one was there. Only the rustling of trees, only the tourists chattering in the distance.

 

His lips pressed into a thin line. He turned back toward the path, walking faster this time, as though he could outpace whatever had just clawed its way to the surface.

 

He would never admit it aloud.

 

But something inside him knew.

 

And it terrified him.

 

------------------

 

Tang Bo watched as Chung Myung walked away from both of them.

 

“Elder…” she began softly, her voice brittle.

 

“Next time,” Tang Bo interrupted, his tone unusually stern, “don’t make things harder than they already are.”

 

Yu Iseol lowered her gaze, shame flooding her features. “…I’m sorry.”

 

“Forget it. Just go back to your group. Tell the others—don’t cause trouble. He’s… still recovering.”

 

The pause before those last words spoke volumes.

 

With that, Tang Bo left her standing there, swallowed by the sea of tourists.