Lee Do-hyun and Mi-ryeong had to leave Heukwoon-gwan temporarily to handle commercial and political matters in another region's market. Although the trip was for business discussions involving various interests in the martial world, it also provided a rare opportunity for the two to spend some time alone together.
On the morning of their departure, Han So-yeon watched them with a somewhat bitter expression. She had thought that she had grown closer to Lee Do-hyun after overcoming several crises together, but seeing him leave with Mi-ryeong stirred complex emotions within her. Mi-ryeong's noble demeanor and her closeness with Lee Do-hyun made Han So-yeon feel slightly uncomfortable.
Unintentionally, Han So-yeon felt a surge of jealousy and anxiety, trying to avert her gaze. At that moment, another woman was observing Han So-yeon intently from behind. It was Baek Wol-hee.
Baek Wol-hee approached Han So-yeon with a smile. "So-yeon, it seems you're a bit uncomfortable with Do-hyun and Mi-ryeong leaving together?" Her tone was playful, but her eyes carried a sharpness that seemed to see through Han So-yeon's feelings.
Han So-yeon flinched and turned to Baek Wol-hee, forcing a slightly awkward smile and shaking her head. "It's not discomfort... I just hope they have a safe trip."
Baek Wol-hee smiled slowly at Han So-yeon's response. "Well, it can't be helped. Mi-ryeong isn't just an ordinary woman. She might be quite special to Do-hyun as well." She stood beside Han So-yeon, watching Mi-ryeong and Lee Do-hyun depart. "But that's not everything, so don't worry too much. We're all supporting Do-hyun in our own ways."
Baek Wol-hee gently placed her hand on Han So-yeon's shoulder and added softly, "And no matter what anyone says, our positions alongside Do-hyun hold significant meaning."
Han So-yeon nodded at her words, but the unease in her heart didn't completely dissipate. She decided to focus on fulfilling her role and wait for Lee Do-hyun's return.
The external market was bustling with people, filled with the mixed aromas of various foods and the lively sounds of chatter. Mi-ryeong looked around with sparkling eyes, as if seeing such a market for the first time. "It's truly diverse. Seeing so many different people buying and selling goods is a scene I don't often witness." Her words were filled with excitement and curiosity.
Lee Do-hyun smiled at her. "I haven't explored markets like this in Korea either. It's quite different from just eating Chinese food at a restaurant. Let's enjoy this new experience together." He gently took Mi-ryeong's hand and led her deeper into the market.
They spent a delightful time sampling various foods—sweet fruit juices, spicy rice cakes, and crispy fried snacks. Each time
****
Heukwoon-gwan's Dinner
After completing their errands at the market, Lee Do-hyun and Mi-ryeong returned to Heukwoon-gwan. The two continued to share laughter and conversation, the joy of their outing still lingering. Their cheerful demeanor did not go unnoticed by the others at Heukwoon-gwan.
"Did you really try such foods and witness those market scenes for the first time?" Lee Do-hyun asked with a smile.
Mi-ryeong nodded gently, her smile warm. "Yes, experiencing it with you made it all the more special."
As they spoke, their hands lightly touched, a comfortable and unique atmosphere surrounding them.
Observing from a distance, Han So-yeon felt a twinge of anxiety. She had always quietly supported Do-hyun, but since Mi-ryeong's arrival, she sensed a growing distance between them. Seeing Mi-ryeong and Do-hyun together was like a thorn in her side, stirring a mix of jealousy and unease she couldn't shake.
In contrast, Baek Wol-hee watched the scene with intrigue, noting Han So-yeon's emotional shift. With a subtle smile, she approached So-yeon and whispered, "So-yeon, don't they make a lovely pair? It's rare to see Do-hyun so joyful."Her tone was teasing, laced with playful mischief.
Han So-yeon forced a smile. "Yes, they do seem to get along well. I... I hope for their happiness." Yet, a hint of bitterness lingered in her voice.Wikipedia+1The New Yorker+1
Nearby, Cheong Un-jin sighed inwardly. 'What are these women thinking?' He prided himself on understanding people, a skill honed through years of gambling and reading opponents. However, the complexities of women's emotions seemed beyond his grasp, a different realm of intricacy.
As evening fell, Heukwoon-gwan's dining area was filled with an array of dishes. Mi-ryeong, Han So-yeon, Baek Wol-hee, and Cheong Un-jin gathered to prepare for dinner. Despite the abundance of food and assigned seating, an unspoken tension simmered among the women.
'I need to sit next to Do-hyun...' Han So-yeon thought, maneuvering to place herself beside him. She carried dishes, subtly edging closer, but Mi-ryeong had the same intention. Despite the spacious table, Mi-ryeong aimed to sit right next to Do-hyun, leading to a silent contest between the two.
Baek Wol-hee observed with amusement, deciding to step back. 'Rather than competing, I'll enjoy the show.' She took a seat next to Cheong Un-jin, finding the unfolding dynamics entertaining.
Turning to Un-jin, she said softly, "Mind if I sit here? I'm content being a spectator tonight."
Cheong Un-jin glanced at her, exasperated. "What are they up to now?" He shook his head, puzzled by the scene.
Baek Wol-hee chuckled. "Isn't it fascinating? They're expressing their feelings without words, each in their own way." She relished the unfolding drama.
Feeling playful, Baek Wol-hee subtly moved her leg under the table, brushing against Lee Do-hyun's. Startled, he looked her way, but she met his gaze with an innocent smile.
"Oh, my mistake. Sorry, Do-hyun," she said, her tone light, lacking genuine remorse.
Do-hyun, realizing her intent, chose not to react, offering an awkward smile instead.
However, Mi-ryeong and Han So-yeon noticed the exchange. Mi-ryeong maintained her composed smile, though her eyes cooled slightly, while Han So-yeon's expression betrayed subtle displeasure as she looked at Baek Wol-hee.
"Baek Wol-hee, was that truly an accident?" Han So-yeon asked, her brow furrowed, tension in her voice.
Baek Wol-hee smiled serenely. "Of course, So-yeon. We're all enjoying a pleasant meal; a small mishap shouldn't matter, should it?" Her playful gaze shifted to Do-hyun, who responded with an uneasy chuckle, scratching his head.
The moment drew everyone's attention, casting a brief silence over the table. Yet, Baek Wol-hee's lighthearted demeanor and Do-hyun's awkward response soon eased the atmosphere back to one of camaraderie.
On the surface, the dinner appeared harmonious. Do-hyun sat between Mi-ryeong and Han So-yeon, both engaging him in conversation and offering food. Despite feeling slightly uncomfortable with their attentiveness, he also found warmth in the shared moment. 'Being together like this isn't so bad,' he mused, smiling.
Mi-ryeong and Han So-yeon, aware of each other's presence, each sought to connect with Do-hyun. Mi-ryeong used her graceful charm to engage him, while Han So-yeon took a more proactive approach, ensuring he had everything he needed.
Baek Wol-hee watched with a constant smile, while Cheong Un-jin, slightly exasperated, muttered to himself, 'What's so amusing... Women are truly enigmatic.' He took a sip of his drink, trying to make sense of it all.
Thus, the dinner continued, outwardly cheerful but underpinned by subtle tensions. Each person harbored their own intricate emotions, all contributing to the complex tapestry of relationships within Heukwoon-gwan.