5. Gift

ᴺᴬᴱᴵᴸ

I went back to the Lady's place after when the sun had completely left the skies and the moon had come up to light the dark abyss above.

Standing alone in the garden while looking up the night sky, I patiently waited for Aejung to come. Madam Na told me that the lady would meet me here tonight so I came here instead of going straight to the young miss.

I kept on pacing back and forth while waiting for her, feeling a little tense as I try to think of a way on how to give her my present. This is what I have been excited about to see her, to give her my gift. Aejung and I have been friends for so long but I have never given her anything. This will be the first time and I'm anxious if she would like it or not.

I was in the middle of my thoughts when suddenly someone pounced on me from behind and covered my eyes with a piece of cloth. I was taken aback but knew exactly who the person was. And just the thought of her made me smile.

Her hands were holding the cloth from both my ears. Her soft palms over my skin felt very warm and gentle. I could hear her light giggles and could imagine just how she is smiling from ear to ear while she does this to me.

"Do I need to guess who you are?" I asked.

She giggled. This time, she did not try to stiffle it. I chuckled as she slowly takes the cover off from my eyes. I turned around and saw her beaming beautifully under the bright moon.

She sighed dramatically. "It's no fun anymore," she muttered in the air and pouted.

"How were your lessons? You didn't leave your room the whole day. I was surprised that you didn't get bored with your teacher."

"It's fine. I learned a lot today. And..." She said before she looked away and smiled.

I could see that she was somehow happy because of something but what could it be?

When she returned her gaze on me, I noticed the excitement and slight shyness in her. My eyebrows shot up as I watched her, a little amused of what I am seeing. Her gaze wandered everywhere but not my eyes. This made me laugh so I tried to search for her gaze but before I could catch it, she looked down.

"Why-"

I stopped from saying another word when she suddenly held out her hand. She was holding something and my eyes widen when I completely had the full sight of it.

"I made this just for you. Happy birthday," she beamed. She was looking sweetly at me and just like that, I could feel the rapid beats of my heart. I don't know but I'm starting to think that my heart has a problem. It always acts up this way when all she does was smile.

Feeling the rush of heat all over my system, I tried to avoid her gaze by looking at the handkerchief she was holding. With trembling hands and a flustered smile, I accepted it.

My gaze were stuck at the embroidered flower on it. "Daisy?"

Aejung hummed in response. Still, I couldn't look at her.

"But why daisy?" I asked, curious that of all the flowers, why she chose the small white flower.

"Uh... I-it's the easiest one to do..." she cleared her throat. "Why? Don't you like it?" She asked, disappointment etched in her voice.

"I like it!"

The words slipped out of my mouth before I could think of it. It was like a quick response in order to stop making her think bad about it. And it wasn't a lie. I really do like it.

But after realizing that I might have said it too loud and very sudden at that, my cheeks heated up in embarrassment as I saw how her eyes widened in surprise.

"I mean, I like it. You did a good job."

What am I saying?

One of her eyebrows shot up while she looked at me as if she doesn't believe me. Aside from that, I could see the slight amusement in her gaze and the little tease in her smile.

I could not help but be confused with her reaction. However, I cannot bring myself to ask her about it.

"By the way, I heard that you went out with father this morning. Did you finally get something for yourself? It's your birthday, anyway," Aejung spoke.

It was then when I recalled about the accessory I bought for her. Well, technically, her father bought it for me but I meant to give it to her as a gift. My hand suddenly flew over my dress's pocket where the jade butterfly is, now suddenly embarrassed at the thought of giving it to her.

I looked up to her, cheeks really heated up and saw that she was staring at my hand over my chest part.

"Uhm..." I heaved a deep breath before slowly letting it out. "Actually, I have something for you too."

Her eyes twinkled as she looked back at me. "For me?"

I nodded shyly before taking out the accessory from my pocket. My hand was shaking in nervousness and embarrassment combined. I couldn't look at her in the eyes so I just fixed my gaze on my gift while I slowly hand it to her.

"I found this in the market earlier," I said.

I don't know what her reaction is but I hope it was something good. Though I want so bad to see it, I don't have enough courage to do so, afraid that she might turn it down or something like that.

"Why are you giving me a gift?" she asked softly.

"I..." don't know either.

I'm trying to find words that could explain but I'm afraid there isn't anything that could best describe the reason.

"I just thought you might like it..." my voice slowly fades with each word. My heart was beating faster than it ever does when I accidentally looked up and met her mesmerizing gaze and smile.

Without saying a word, she took it from me, her fingers delicately gracing on my palm sending unwonted feelings I have never felt before. There was an urge to hold her hand right at that moment but I stopped myself.

"It's beautiful. Thank you, Naeil," she beamed. And I knew, I have completely fallen for her.

"Naeil!" Mino yelled from afar. I could see him from the very far distant as my horse continued to gallop towards the end of the forest where Mino is.

This morning, I suddenly felt the need to go horse-riding. It's not something I can do everyday, only when I feel like to and when my horse is good to do some adventures. It's been months since I last went out alone. I did want to ask Mino but I know he's busy guarding the lady.

I felt excited after hearing Mino's call and seeing him there makes me want to go for another round. However, as I am nearing him, I noticed that there was another person waiting with him. My eyes squinted to see whoever it was and quickly widened when I realized it was Lady Aejung!

My horse slowed down when we were meters away from the entrance of the forest and I can see my 'supporters' really clearly. I went down from Russ, the horse, and walked the distance while smiling but it turned sour when I met Aejung's piercing gaze.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, exchanging glances with Mino before looking at the lady in front of me who doesn't seem so happy.

What did I do now?

But instead of her, Mino answered on her behalf. "Lady Aejung wanted to take a walk. We were looking for you the whole morning to go with us but the guards said you took your horse out."

My eyes never left Aejung and I didn't fail to notice the accessory that was dangling on her dress. It was the gift I gave her reason why I smiled more even though I know she is upset at the moment.

I looked at Mino who then mouthed me something. "You're dead." I read his lips.

It got me thinking and confused. "I just went out to... uhm... to see if Russ can run—"

"You know you're horse is sick yet you took him out for a run? Are you insane? What if he suddenly tripped and fall? You would be in danger too! Don't you really know how to take care of yourself? For once, Naeil, stop making stupid decisions like this!" Aejung ranted which got me off.

Her eyes watered causing me to panic and stepped towards her but before I could wipe her tears with my handkerchief, she turned and walked away, rode her carriage without looking back, leaving me and Mino behind.

"Did something happen while I was away? Why is she suddenly so emotional?" I asked, knowing that Aejung is not someone who would cry that easily despite having the image of a soft and delicate lady.

Mino sighed. "We're going to the palace, tomorrow."

The palace?

"Why?" my brows furrowed.

"To prepare for the royal wedding."