🌸 WON HAEJIN'S POV 🌸

“You, who are you?” Wang So’s piercing gaze locked onto me, demanding an answer.

“I– I am Hae Jina.” I replied, trying to keep my act cool.

“No, you aren't her,” he retorted, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

H– How did he know?! Whatever, I can't blow my cover!

Come on Haejin, you can pull this off! Just use the amnesia card as planned and you'll be fine. Right…?

“I…”

Don't stutter, Haejin!

“I have lost some of my memories. Therefo—”

“You've lost your memories and therefore your temperament has changed,” he finished.

“Exact—”

“Do you think I'll believe that lie?” He raised an eyebrow.

“I'm not lyi—” Before I could finish, he placed his sword on my neck.

Eomma!

“Now, tell me where Jina is, and I might let you live,” he threatened in a dangerously low voice.

“I— I don't—” My words stopped as I felt a stinging sensation in my neck.

I noticed So’s sword, the once clear blade was stained with dense red, and realized he had slashed me.

As my vision began to blur, only one thing occupied my mind.

Wang So, one of my favorite characters, has killed me! Talk about fangirl slaughter! I want to cry, huhu!

‘An incoming call from Jina.’

RealmLink’s notification in my right ear brought me back to my senses, and I realized I was imagining it all.

I noticed Wang So, he had just gotten off his horse.

What… was that exactly!? Could it be… the visions Hae Soo gets? But isn't this too early?

I crossed my index and middle fingers of my left hand, pausing the moment, and tapped my right ear with my other index finger, connecting the call.

“Haejin-ssi, are you ready for the memory loss act?” Jina's confident voice rang through the other side.

💮 Flashback 💮

“I'll inform Doo Na, Yong, and the others to stick with our story about the bandit attack,” Jina assured me.

“It's settled then,” I replied.

Turning to Yara, I asked, “You said I can be myself in the narrative. But... how will we cover up for the personality switch?”

“You aren't going to tell me to pretend to be her, right?" I pointed at Jina. “She probably keeps a resting-bitch face most of the time and only talks when absolutely necessary.”

“Did you just... curse me?” Jina replied, her expression stern.

“Look, that RBF again,” I pointed out, laughing.

Yara smiled, looking at Jina. “Resting-bitch face is a facial expression that unintentionally appears angry, annoyed, or irritated when a person's face is at rest. In short, appearing stoic most of the time,” Yara explained.

“I don't do it intentionally!” Jina defended herself. “As a military strategist and warrior, I cannot let others read me like an open book,” she added.

“Yet, your life is an open book!” I replied almost immediately.

“Wait... You're a military strategist and warrior? That's... cool!” I repeated, impressed. “Tell me about your story.”

“Later. Should we finish our planning first?” Jina responded.

“Sure,” I nodded.

“Doo Na told me that Spirit-Split Malady is a rare affliction where one's essence is divided into two distinct and contrasting entities,” Jina informed.

“Your memories. The physician said you might forget your memories due to the injury.” I recalled.

“Kim Hye— I mean, Doo Na mentioned that ‘my’ memories might be affected by the injury,” I explained. “She said the physician believed ‘I’ could forget things due to the trauma.”

Jina considered this for a moment. “That works as a plausible excuse. We'll use it to explain any inconsistencies in ‘my’ personalities.”

“Aish… It's always the amnesia card!” I made a face but decided to comply.

💮 Flashback Ends 💮

If only I had your confidence.

“I–” I paused for a moment, inhaling deeply. “I– I can't do it! I'm scared!” I voiced my thoughts.

“What? You said Wang So is one of your favourite characters. You were even excited for this meet. Why are you scared now?” Jina asked.

The image of Wang So slashing my neck flashed in my mind.

“I— I saw a vision of So slashing me.”

“Visions? Don't they start after the rain ritual?” Confusion was evident in her voice.

“Maybe the sequence of events got changed. The stories are merged after all.” 

After a brief pause, Jina requested, “Haejin-ssi, let me do it.”

“No, what if he slashed you? Did you forget that you can't die in the narrative?” I reminded her.

💮 Flashback 💮

“Aish… It's always the amnesia card!” I made a face but decided to comply.

“I think this much planning will be sufficient for now,” Jina said, satisfied with our session.

“Let's visit the palace tomorrow and see how far the Moon Lovers plot has progressed,” I replied. “I really hope that horse-killing part hasn't occurred yet. I want to save that poor animal.”

“I thought your priority was your SooSo ship, but you're considerate about other aspects too,” Jina commented.

“I personally think that scene was unfair. I wouldn't have batted an eye if So killed that Kang minister or whoever that person was. But, no! He had to pick on an innocent horse!” I voiced my frustration.

Yara, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. “I'm happy to see how invested you are in changing the Moon Lovers plot, Haejin, but remember, your primary role is to act as Jina's Fate Changing Agent.”

“I know, I know,” I said, nodding. “It's just hard not to get caught up in all the details.”

“Just make sure you don't lose sight of the bigger picture,” Yara advised. “Jina's fate is your main focus.”

“Understood,” I replied, feeling a renewed sense of determination. “Let's do this right.”

Yara then added, “As an awakened character, Jina cannot die in the narrative. If she dies, she'll lose her awareness of being a fictional character and will be bound by her story's plot for eternity.”

My eyes widened. “So, if anything happens to Jina, she loses everything?”

“Yes,” Yara confirmed. “That's why it's crucial to protect her and ensure she survives.”

💮 Flashback Ends 💮

I won’t let anything happen to Jina. I affirmed, my gaze firm and unwavering.

“It was my decision to save the horse, so I'll face the consequences myself,” I informed her, determined to stand by my choices.

“But what if he killed you? Wang So was extremely dangerous in the beginning episodes, remember?” Jina argued back.

“If that happens…” I inhaled sharply. “Then we will travel back in time by one day and brainstorm another plan to avoid it,” I replied.

💮 Flashback 💮

My eyes widened. “So, if anything happens to Jina, she loses everything?”

“Yes,” Yara confirmed. “That's why it's crucial to protect her and ensure she survives.”

Jina turned to Yara, concern evident in her eyes. “Does that mean Haejin-ssi has to die in my place instead?”

Yara nodded. “Yes, if Haejin dies in the narrative, she will activate the restart button and travel back in time 24 hours before the incident that killed her happened. Agents can die many times in this context.”

“Excuse me!?” I questioned, feeling a mix of disbelief and frustration.

“It won’t be a literal death,” Yara clarified. “It’s more like when a virtual character dies in a game and the level restarts.”

I sulked, clearly displeased. “Yeah... Just make me the sacrificial lamb.”

Yara continued, “Also, if Jina dies in the narrative, as her Fate Changing Agent, you’ll fail in your mission and won’t be able to return back to your world.”

“What...!?” I was shocked. “That’s not fair! You... You didn’t even tell me any of these when I signed the contract!”

“It was clearly mentioned in the terms and conditions,” Yara informed, a hint of reproach in her tone. “You didn’t read it, right?”

“I thought I was… dreaming so decided not to… bother with it.”

I swear I'll carefully read the terms and conditions from now onwards!

Yara nodded her head in disapproval. “They all do the same thing,” she muttered under her breath.

“Wh...what if I... failed?” Tears welled in my eyes as the thought of never being able to see my family and friends crossed my mind.

Sensing my fear and worry, Yara's expression softened. “Haejin, the agency doesn't make mistakes. It has seen the capability in you and hence decided to choose you for this mission.”

She took my hand in hers. “Trust yourself. You have it in you to succeed in this mission.”

I sighed, still uneasy with the concept.

“So, I'd have to relive events, knowing what’s coming, to protect Jina?”

“Yes,” Yara confirmed gently. “Your role as Jina’s Fate Changer comes with risks, but your abilities also give you the power to reset and change outcomes.”

“I… understand…,” I said slowly, though the weight of my new responsibility settled heavily on my shoulders.

Jina spoke up again, her voice tinged with both gratitude and worry. “Haejin-ssi, I hope we never have to face that scenario. We'll protect each other.”

“I hope so too,” I replied, determination firming my resolve. “Let’s make sure we navigate this narrative together, whatever it takes.”

💮 Flashback Ends 💮

“Hae…Haejin-ssi,” Jina responded through the link, her voice grateful, “thank you. I understand.”

“Hmm,” I nodded and tapped my ear, disconnecting the call.

As I prepared to face Wang So once more, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenges ahead.

Bring it on, narrative. I'm ready.

I uncrossed my fingers, activating the play feature and the story began to move forward.

“Prince So!” I called out, catching his attention before he could harm the horse.

Wang So's eyes narrowed as he reached for the saddlebag.

He pulled out a sword encased in its ornate scabbard, the intricate designs on the scabbard glinting faintly, reflecting the tension in the air.

As he held it firmly in his grip, the weight of the weapon seemed to amplify the gravity of the moment, a silent promise of the violence it could unleash.

He began to approach me, his movements deliberate. Each step he took seemed to resonate with the pounding of my heart.

The air felt thick with tension, making it hard to breathe.

Panic surged through me, vivid memories of my vision flashing before my eyes. The image of him slashing me replayed over and over, like a nightmare on a loop.

My breaths became shallow and rapid, my vision beginning to blur.

“Greetings… to you, Your… Highness,” I stammered, my vision darkening at the edges.

My legs felt like they were giving way, the strength draining from my body.

The last thing I saw was Wang So’s looming figure, his eyes filled with…concern?

Suddenly, everything went black.

A second later, I opened my eyes only to find myself back in the Transition Lounge.

The familiar surroundings were a stark contrast to the intense moment I had just experienced.

“Why am I here? I swear I didn't snap my fingers,” I said, tilting my head in confusion, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

“You... you fainted,” Jina responded, her voice trembling with suppressed laughter.

“Hey, that scared the crap out of me. Don't laugh!” I retorted, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

“Sorry, it's just... amusing,” Jina said, unable to hold back her laughter any longer. “You went from 'oh, I can't wait to meet Wang So' to 'oh, no, it's Wang So!' real quick!”

I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her teasing. “Yeah, yeah, very funny. But seriously, it was terrifying. He looked like he was ready to kill me.”

Jina's laughter softened into a sympathetic smile. “I know, Haejin-ssi. It's a lot to take in, but you'll get through it. Just... maybe next time, don't faint?”

I sighed, trying to shake off the lingering fear. “I'll try. But no promises.”

Yara, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward with a reassuring nod. “It's a natural reaction, Haejin. You're doing well. Remember, you're stronger than you think.”

“Thanks, Yara-ssi,” I said, feeling a bit more grounded. The familiar surroundings of the Transition Lounge were starting to ease my nerves, though the recent encounter still lingered at the back of my mind.

“By the way, how did I end up here? I didn't use the snap feature,” I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Yara replied, her demeanor calm and reassuring. “If Jina's body goes unconscious due to fainting or sleeping, the soul within will automatically return to the Transition Lounge,” she explained.

“Oh! So that's why I returned after drinking the medicine back then,” Jina recalled, a look of realization dawning on her face.

I nodded, piecing things together. “That makes sense. I guess it's a safety mechanism of sorts.”

Yara smiled, a hint of approval in her eyes. “Exactly. It’s designed to protect you and ensure that you’re not left vulnerable in the narrative world.”

Feeling more at ease, I glanced at Jina. “Well, at least we know I have a way out if things get too intense.”

Jina chuckled, the sound light and comforting. “Just try not to make it a habit, Haejin-ssi. We still have a mission to complete.”

I sighed, the weight of our task settling back onto my shoulders. “Right. No more fainting. Time to face Wang So again.”

Yara’s expression turned serious. “Remember, Haejin, you’re capable of much more than you realize. Trust in your abilities and in the bond you share with Jina. Together, you can navigate this narrative.”

Taking a deep breath, I nodded firmly. “Alright. Let’s do this. I won’t let anything happen to Jina.”

Jina smiled warmly, her confidence bolstering my own. “We’ve got this, Haejin-ssi. We’ll face whatever comes our way, together.”

“But... How do I return back to the narrative? I can't switch as Jina is here too,” I asked, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern.

“A portal will appear, signifying that the soul needs to return to the body. You both can decide who'll return,” Yara explained calmly, her voice steady and reassuring.

I nodded, processing the information. “So, it's like a doorway back into the narrative world.”

“Yes, exactly,” Yara confirmed.

Jina glanced at me, her expression thoughtful. “We'll figure it out when the time comes, Haejin-ssi. For now, let's focus on what's ahead.”

“Alright. How about re-watching the ongoing episode until the portal appears?” I suggested, eager to glean any insights from the unfolding narrative.

“Sure, let's see how much more the narrative will change,” Jina replied, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and determination.

“Start from the first episode after So's arrival,” I instructed, and the giant holographic screen obediently began playing the episode.

Both Jina and I settled onto the magical couch, which adjusted itself to our comfort as we sat down. The scene before us unfolded with intensity, drawing us into its world once more.

Jina leaned forward attentively, scribbling notes in her notebook. Her eyes were sharp, carefully studying the plot for clues and hints about the future events that could unfold in this merged storyline.

As we watched, the tension in the narrative built, each scene offering new insights and possibilities.

Yara offered a supportive smile. “Trust in yourselves. You both have the strength to navigate this.”

With renewed determination, I prepared to face the challenges awaiting us in the narrative world, knowing that we had the support and strategies needed to succeed.

After about ninety minutes of intense viewing, a shimmering portal materialized before us.

“I'll go,” Jina declared with determination, rising from the couch.

“But what if he…” I started anxiously, my concern for Jina's safety lingering.

“Don't worry, Wang So probably won't try to harm me just after I've regained consciousness,” Jina assured me with a warm smile, attempting to ease my worry.

“But don't hesitate to switch if things become risky,” I advised earnestly, standing beside her. “I'm here for you, Jina-ya.”

Jina nodded gratefully, her gaze steady and resolute. She stepped toward the portal, her figure illuminated by its ethereal glow. With a final reassuring glance back at me, she disappeared into the swirling vortex, leaving me in the quiet of the Transition Lounge.

As I waited for my turn to re-enter the narrative, I found solace in the knowledge that Jina and I were united in our mission, ready to face whatever the intertwined stories had in store for us.

I took a deep breath, reflecting on the events of the day and the challenges that lay ahead. The holographic screen before me flickered and dimmed, leaving me in a serene silence.

“What if... What I saw back then wasn't a vision but... something else?” I muttered to myself.