23: MORNING OF REVELATIONS

                                    

                                          
As dawn broke, the ship nestled near the picturesque docks of Joon City. Yn, sensing the need for caution, requested Chaeyoung to remain with Mina while she assessed the surroundings. Obliging, Chaeyoung approached Mina.
Unlocking the door, Mina and Chaeyoung exchanged glances within the confined space. The morning held a sense of anticipation, and their journey into the heart of Joon City was about to unfold.
"What are you doing?" inquired Mina as she observed Chaeyoung.
"Well, we're told to stay in here," replied Chaeyoung.
Silence lingered as Mina focused on her porridge. Chaeyoung, sensing the discomfort, regretted the choice of meal.
Deciding to break the monotony, Chaeyoung suggested, "You know what, let's have some actual breakfast." Setting the porridge aside, she gestured for Mina to join her outside.
But before disembarking, Chaeyoung secured Mina's hand to hers with a rope.
"Like I'm going to run away!" Mina murmured, a sentiment Chaeyoung overheard. Responding with a reassuring smile, Chaeyoung swiftly untied her, stating, "I trust you."
Mina, liberated from the temporary restraint, breathed a sigh of relief as the vibrant market unfolded before them, promising a reprieve from the confines of the ship.
Yn, on a quest for information, ventured into a nearby bar and spotted a Myouiri Kingdom guard seated inconspicuously in the corner. Unfazed, she maintained her composure and ordered a drink, poised to glean any valuable rumors that might unfold in the dimly lit establishment.
Mina, finding her footing after the confinement, walked with newfound freedom. Chaeyoung trailed behind, noticing Mina's bare feet.
"Minari...," Chaeyoung called, and Mina, frozen by the unfamiliar nickname, stood in quiet contemplation.
Offering a pair of boots, Chaeyoung reassured, "Wear these... And I'll get you some breakfast, so stay here." With that, she left to procure their morning meal.
Standing alone, Mina grappled with conflicting emotions, unsure of Chaeyoung's true nature. In a quiet moment, she mused, "Chaeyoung, if we met in different circumstances, I would definitely have made you my friend," a sentiment shared softly beneath her breath.
After a while, Chaeyoung returned with Mina's breakfast, only to find her absent. Worry crept into Chaeyoung's thoughts, guilt gnawing at her for not following Yn's instructions. Searching earnestly, she discovered Mina at a waterfront foundation, captivated by the view.
"Mina, I told you to stay there!" Chaeyoung scolded gently.
"We have a lot of koi fishes back in our garden," Mina remarked, her eyes fixed on the mesmerizing aquatic scene.
"Oh," Chaeyoung responded, somewhat taken aback. "Um, well, I bought you breakfast." She handed Mina a small package, and a smile graced Mina's face as she settled on the foundation slab. Chaeyoung, delighted, unwrapped the package, revealing a simple yet thoughtful sandwich for Mina.
Mina savored a bite of the sandwich, melting at the flavors after days of porridge. "Never thought sandwiches could be this tasty," she confessed.
"Hmm, want anything else?" Chaeyoung inquired, a hint of warmth in her gaze.
"I don't know?" Mina replied, still munching on the sandwich, a subtle uncertainty coloring her response. The simplicity of the moment lingered, wrapped in the shared silence of a newfound connection.
Yn took a measured sip of her whiskey, settling into her seat, determined to decipher the guard's motives. Caution set in as the guard rose and approached the counter.
"Hey kid! If you see her, let me know!" he called out, placing copies of the wanted poster on the counter before making a swift exit. Yn, seizing the opportunity, sneakily peeked at the paper, revealing Chaeyoung's image among the wanted individuals. The gravity of the situation heightened as Yn processed the newfound information.