All sorts of creatures roamed about as we walked along a flowery path. They all stopped to look at us as if deciding whether we were likable or their next meal.

"Compared to where the archway was, the inside looks...naturally glamorous." Hwanwoong said.

Keonhee and Youngjo both hit him for being corny. I would've hit him too, but they had already done enough damage. I looked at Dongju who looked a bit tired.

"Is everything okay?" I asked full of concern.

"Just a bit sleepy. I'll be fine with some rest." said Dongju a bit sleepily.

"At least let me carry you. So you won't fall asleep while walking." I suggested.

"I'd rather be eaten by a huew." he deadpanned.

I rolled my eyes then slung him over my shoulder.

"At least put me on your back you barbarian." Dongju said while hitting my back.

"Glad you came around." I said while lifting him onto my back.

It felt a bit weird giving him a piggyback ride compared to Youngjo. Maybe it was the weight difference. It also could be that Dongju was actually conscious. Whatever the reason was, it made me feel weird inside. I noticed Youngjo was looking at us then quietly laughed before turning around. Keonhee then turned around and glared at me. I was going to talk back, but he had turned back around.

"Dongju, you still awake?" I asked, hoping he'd give my back a break.

He may be lighter than Youngjo, but he was still heavy overall. No response. I looked back and saw he had fallen asleep. His sleeping face looked peaceful. If only it always looked like this. "I guess he looks cute like this..." It then sank in that I had thought he was cute. I shook my head then hoisted Dongju up.

ㅂㅂㅂㅂ

The path soon ended and revealed a small town of some sort. A few people noticed us then dropped the things they were carrying. Soon the place became deserted like a ghost town.

"I guess they never have visitors...?" Keonhee said as we walked closer to where we last saw them.

"Maybe they're surprised to see people had made it through the gate. I'm guessing 99% don't." Hwanwoong said as he inspected a house.

I gently shook Dongju in hopes he wouldn't miss the sight. His eyes opened partially and took in its surroundings.

"You're warm..." Dongju muttered quietly into my neck.

Heat rose to my face due to embarrassment.

"Shut up and get off my back." I said a bit flustered.

Was he teasing me or was he half awake? He rubbed his eyes then slid off my back. He looked better than earlier which gave me some relief. The others pulled him over to another house to inspect the outside design. I felt a chill go down my spine. I looked up at the spot where I felt it come from. Something was watching me. None of the others seemed to feel it. I wanted to hide, so I did. The feeling disappeared, but I had also left everyone's line of sight.

ㅂㅂㅂㅂ

"Here he is." I heard Dongju say then hover over me.

"Why are you hiding?" Youngjo asked.

"Something was watching me. It gave me chills. There's something weird in Eskepaid." I said without making eye contact.

Whether they believed me or not didn't really matter, I just wanted to leave.

"Well, we discussed things and now that we know it's real, we can leave. We've disturbed the people enough." Youngjo said in a hopeful voice.

"That's music to my ears." I said with relief washing over me.

ㅂㅂㅂㅂ

We walked away from Eskepaid then stopped.

"Any other destinations?" Dongju asked while looking at a map.

"Why don't we go back to your hometown, Geonhak?" Keonhee said with a grin.

I didn't like that grin.

"How about no? I'd rather eat a fnass or a vesisin*." I replied uninterested in the game he was trying to play.

"I'm sure there's someone you want to see." said Youngjo innocently.

It was obvious they weren't going to let up unless I agreed. I debated over it twice before agreeing. They cheered at their victory and my defeat. I didn't really have an attachment to anything in Hualen. I never gave myself a chance to grow an attachment either.

ㅂㅂㅂㅂ

The bubble shattered and sank into the ground. I frowned at the familiar sight. I felt someone push me from behind.

"I don't want to." I protested by digging my heels into the ground.

"Just go! We'll be behind you." said Youngjo who took my hand in his.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose as we walked into town. As expected, the whispering and side glances had started up.

"I'm leaving." I said while letting go of Youngjo's hand.

"Geonhak..." said Youngjo as I walked away.

I regretted not standing my ground and refusing to go. What did I expect? I walk in and suddenly everyone loves me? My pace started to slow as I thought on it. Maybe that was what I expected, what I wanted. To them I was still the same Kim Geonhak who was abandoned here by his parents at 11 years old. The magicless kid who could barely get by on his own. My body started to trembled as I kept walking.

I found myself standing in front of my old home. The door was still busted, so I just walked in. The familiar musty scent filled my nose. I looked around as memories flooded my mind. The ones I could remember anyway. I sat down at the table then closed my eyes. I started to think of if I was given the chance to talk to my parents, what would I ask? There were plenty that I could ask, but there was one main thing I wanted to know. "Why didn't you choose..."

a/n: vesisin - a white and red spotted lizard that can give a person massive gas if eaten raw. if cooked, provides health benefits like easing back pain and cramps.