Chapter 7: Tiger's bed

Chapter 7: Tiger's bed

Ethan swiftly made up a plausible explanation.

"I've heard of the Park family," Ethan said. "Respected in the whole country, aren't they?"

Sooyeon's curiosity lingered, but Sejeong intervened.

"Let's get you home, Miss Park," Sejeong offered, smile returning.

Sooyeon nodded.

"Thank you, Lady Sejeong."

Sejeong assisted Sooyeon onto her horse.

As they settled, Sejeong glanced at Ethan.

"Follow us, Eunho."

Ethan mounted his horse, watching Sejeong and Sooyeon ride ahead.

Their laughter and conversation carried through the night air.

Ethan's thoughts churned.

What was Sooyeon's role in his arrival?

And why did she seem so different from the Sooyeon he knew?

As they approached the Park manor, Sooyeon turned to Sejeong.

"Thank you, Lady Sejeong. Your kindness is unforgettable."

Sejeong smiled.

"Visit us soon, Miss Park."

Ethan dismounted, his eyes meeting Sooyeon's.

For an instant, he thought he saw a flicker of recognition.

But it vanished.

"Goodnight, Eunho," Sooyeon said.

"Goodnight," Ethan replied.

As Sooyeon disappeared into the manor, Sejeong turned to Ethan.

"Well, Eunho?" Sejeong asked.

Ethan hesitated.

"What do you mean?" Ethan asked.

Sejeong's eyes sparkled.

"Don't play dumb, little brother."

As they rode away from the Park manor, Sejeong's curiosity resurfaced.

"Eunho, what's the truth about you and Sooyeon?" Sejeong asked.

Ethan sighed.

"Let's get to Tiger's Bed first," Ethan suggested.

Sejeong nodded.

Tiger's Bed, a secluded oasis, came into view.

A waterfall cascaded into a crystal-clear pool.

Sejeong dismounted.

"Alright, Eunho. Spill the truth."

Ethan took a deep breath.

"I'm not who you think I am, Noona," Ethan began.

"I'm from a different time, a different world."

Sejeong's eyes sparkled.

"Go on."

"I'm Korean-American, from the future," Ethan continued.

"Minsoo, my friend, was with me when...when Sooyeon's ghost appeared."

Sejeong's grin faltered.

"Sooyeon's ghost brought me here," Ethan concluded.

Sejeong's expression transformed.

Incredulity.

Disbelief.

Laughter.

"Eunho, you're delirious!" Sejeong exclaimed.

"Eunho, stop joking!"

Ethan's frustration grew.

"It's true, Noona!" Ethan insisted.

Sejeong smacked him on the head.

"Enough!"

Ethan rubbed his sore head.

"Never mind."

Sejeong's eyes softened.

"Rest, Eunho. We'll continue in the morning."

Ethan nodded.

As they settled in for the night, Ethan's thoughts swirled.

How could he convince Sejeong? And what lay ahead in this unpredictable journey? His thoughts went on until his eyes couldn't take it anymore. He drifted off to sleep.

Ethan's slumber turned into a nightmare. Sooyeon's face contorted, her hands wrapping around his throat. He struggled, choking, desperate for air.

"Sejeong! Help!" Ethan screamed, but his voice was muffled, lost in the void.

The world blurred, distorted. Ethan's vision faded, and he felt himself being pulled into a dark abyss.

In his desperation, Ethan saw Minsoo's face.

A hallucination.

A desperate plea for salvation.

Ethan reached out, grasping for Minsoo's hand.

But it was just a mirage.

Ethan's world went dark.

When Ethan opened his eyes, he was met with a shock.

Minsoo's lips pressed against his. Ethan's heart skipped a beat. A gentle, soothing kiss.

Ethan's smile spread.

He felt alive.

The kiss deepened, and Ethan melted into it.

His hands wandered, seeking to draw Minsoo closer.

But Minsoo pulled away, his eyes sparkling with concern.

"Ethan, are you okay?" Minsoo asked.

Ethan nodded, still dazed.

"What...what happened?" Ethan stuttered.

Minsoo's gaze softened.

"You... Kinda blacked out after our argument ," Minsoo explained. "And I brought you back to my place."

Ethan's eyes widened.

He was lying on Minsoo's bed.

The familiarity of the room comforted him.

Minsoo's eyes locked onto Ethan's.

"I don't know how to explain this. Alright listen... The protection spell slash bond I had with you to keep the changgwi away, was broken," Minsoo whispered.

"Huh?" Ethan furrowed his brows as if racking his brain for answers.

"During the fight we were having, idiot." Minsoo replied, tired of Ethans questions.

Ethan's memories flooded back.

The pain.

The weakness.

Minsoo's kiss had rekindled their bond restoring Ethan's immunity.

Ethan's gaze locked onto Minsoo's.

"Thanks for saving me," Ethan whispered.

Minsoo's smile hinted at secrets.

"Anytime, Ethan."

Ethan's thoughts lingered on the kiss and the longing that still simmered within. He decided to ask about the kiss. "You seem to enjoy kissing me, don't you?"

Minsoo's expression turned icy. "I do not. Ethan, that kiss meant nothing," Minsoo said, his voice dripping with disdain.

"You're so not my type."

Ethan burst into laughter.

"Harsh, Minsoo," Ethan chuckled.

Minsoo's face remained stern.

"It was just to rekindle our bon... protection spell from Sooyeon killing you and mind you if Jaehoon were here you and I aren't gonna cross paths."

Ethan grinned. "Got it, got it."

Minsoo turned to leave.

"I'll prepare dinner. Rest for now."

Ethan waited, enjoying the brief respite. Later, he wandered into the kitchen.

"Making dinner?" Ethan asked.

Minsoo's eyes flashed.

"I'm crafting a mythical sword, of course," Minsoo hissed.

Ethan matched his sarcasm.

"Oh, sure, with those cooking utensils?"

Their bickering continued.

As Minsoo chopped meat, Ethan assisted.

Chopping vegetables, their hands touched.

Ethan's crazy idea struck.

He swooped in, wrapping his arms around Minsoo.

A back hug.

Minsoo startled, rolling his eyes.

"Let go, Ethan."

Ethan refused.

"Not until you answer me," Ethan whispered. "...about the kiss."

Minsoo's knife paused mid-air.

"What about it? Why are you so delusional that I've got the hots for you?" Minsoo growled.

Ethan's breath caressed Minsoo's ear.

"Did you feel anything?" Ethan whispered in a low husky voice.

Minsoo's self control was slipping away. The voice was going to be the death of him.

Now that I think of it, Ethan is literally a classic fictional character.

He had a perfect face, his lips plump, he had dark long hair on which he was wearing a semi leaf cut, and he also had the body of Adonis. Control yourself you dummy!

Minsoo's eyes flashed, his body rigid. Ethan could feel the tension emanating from him, but he refused to let go.

"Ethan, stop this," Minsoo warned.

But Ethan held tight, his arms wrapped around Minsoo's waist. He leaned in closer, his breath caressing Minsoo's ear.

"Answer me," Ethan whispered in the same voice as earlier.

Minsoo's control snapped. He spun around, trapping Ethan against the counter. Their faces were inches apart, the air between them charged with electricity.

Ethan's heart pounded in anticipation. Minsoo's eyes blazed with a mix of anger and desire.

"You want to know?" Minsoo hissed, his voice barely audible.

"Yes," Ethan breathed, his lips barely moving.

Minsoo's lips crashed onto Ethan's. It was a fierce, passionate kiss that left Ethan breathless. Ethan melted into it, their tongues clashing in a dance of desire.

The kitchen around them dissolved, leaving only the two of them, lost in this fiery, all-consuming moment. The chopping board, the vegetables, the cooking utensils – all forgotten.

Ethan's hands wandered, seeking to draw Minsoo closer. Minsoo's body responded, pressing against Ethan's.

Their kiss deepened, the world around them fading into nothingness.

Few minutes later, the kitchen was filled with the acrid smell of burning food. Minsoo and Ethan broke apart, gasping. Their eyes met, and then they burst into laughter. For no reason. The tension, the passion – all dissolved.

They couldn't stop laughing. Finally, they composed themselves, wiping tears from their eyes.

"Dinner's ruined," Minsoo chuckled.

Ethan grinned. "Guess we were distracted."

They sat down to eat the charred remains. Uncharacteristically quiet. No bickering. Just the sound of utensils on plates.

Ethan finished first. He hastily gathered the dishes, his movements awkward.

"I'll do the cleaning up," Ethan offered.

Minsoo nodded, his eyes watching Ethan's every move.

"Goodnight," Ethan muttered, his voice barely audible.

Minsoo looked up. "Goodnight," he replied.

Their eyes locked for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words.

Then Ethan fled the kitchen, leaving Minsoo to ponder the evening's events.

Minsoo's thoughts swirled. The kiss. The laughter. The awkward goodbye.

What did it all mean?

Minsoo couldn't shake Ethan from his thoughts. He paced outside his room, restless. Ethan was inside, taking a shower. The sound of running water echoed through the door.

Minsoo's imagination ran wild. Ethan, shirtless, water cascading down his torso. Minsoo's face flushed. He hit himself, snapping back to reality.

"Get a grip, Minsoo," he muttered.

He entered the room, determined to act nonchalant. But his plan backfired.

Ethan emerged from the bathroom, wearing only pyjama shorts. Minsoo's dirty thoughts resurfaced. He bit his lower lip, gazing at Ethan.

Ethan's hair was tousled, droplets clinging to his skin. Minsoo's eyes roamed, drinking in the sight. Ethan's eyes met Minsoo's. A knowing glint sparked.

"Enjoying the view? A pic would really last longer." Ethan teased.

Minsoo's face ignited. He looked away, attempting to compose himself. His heart pounded in his chest.

"What are you doing, acting sus?" Ethan asked.

Minsoo struggled to find his voice.

"I...I needed something! Plus it...it's my room" Minsoo stammered.

Ethan chuckled. "Find what you need? Or you're getting distracted."

Minsoo's eyes snapped back to Ethan.

Their gazes locked.

Ethan's teasing continued, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're so flustered, Kitty What's gotten into you?" he asked, his voice low and seductive.

Minsoo's face burned, his eyes darting away. But Ethan wouldn't let up. He took a step closer, his presence suffocating.

"Hey, look at me," Ethan whispered, his breath caressing Minsoo's ear.

Minsoo's gaze returned, locked onto Ethan's. The air was electric.

Ethan's smile grew, his eyes crinkling. "You act really adorable when you're teased," he whispered.

Minsoo's control snapped. He strode forward, grabbing Ethan's wrist.

"Shut up," Minsoo growled, his voice barely audible.

But Ethan just laughed, pulling Minsoo closer. Their lips clashed, the tension exploding into passion.

As they kissed, Ethan's hands roamed, tracing the contours of Minsoo's body. Minsoo's resistance melted, his body surrendering.

They stumbled backward, collapsing onto the bed. Ethan's eyes blazed, his fingers tracing Minsoo's jaw.

"I've wanted this for so long," Ethan whispered, his voice trembling.

Minsoo's heart pounded, his body arching upward. Ethan's touch ignited fires within him.

Their bodies entwined, moving in perfect sync. Ethan's gentle caress turned fierce, sending shivers down Minsoo's spine.

As they reached the peak, Ethan's name escaped Minsoo's lips. In that moment, nothing else existed.

Only the two of them, lost in ecstasy.

Afterward, they lay entwined, gasping. Minsoo's eyes met Ethan's.

A soft smile spread across Ethan's face. "Wow, you look beautiful," he breathed.

Minsoo's heart skipped a beat. His eyes searched Ethan's.

_

Minsoo's eyes snapped open.

He lay in his own bed, alone.

The memory of Ethan's touch lingered.

A dream.

Minsoo cursed himself, fluently switching between Korean, English, and even some ancient dialects.

"Saekki, saekki, saekki!" (Idiot, idiot, idiot!)

"What is wrong with me? Have I gotten to the point of having a wet dream about that idiot?" Minsoo muttered.

He tossed off the covers and got out of bed.

The room seemed suffocating.

Minsoo paced, trying to shake off the vivid dream. Instead he ends up cursing himself more.

He remembers something.