Mark's POV

5:00 pm

Break time.

When I woke up the first thing I did was work although it was different this morning because I actually felt like doing it. There was something that was exciting me and also wanting to be extra cautious and precise on everything I did. Maybe it was because of a certain person but I wouldn't admit it.

I took a huge gulp of water not realizing I hadn't eaten all this while. My father could tell and let out a sigh.

"Son go out and buy us meat. You've been working so hard all day so go and have a little fun" my father said looking at me with pitiful eyes.

"But we don't have much for meat papa" I replied confused. He threw me a little pouch that had coins in them as I could tell from the sound and how heavy they weighed. I opened the pouch and gasped at the sight.

Gold coins.

Real gold coins.

I bit one just in case if my father was pulling a prank on me. They could of been the chocolate gold coin candies they sell in the market.

"Yesterday, Captain Park gave us these in request to do his battle gear. I told him it was too much but he insisted."

I smiled and admired the coins for a bit. I'll have to personally thank him later.

I kissed my father goodbye on the cheek before I ran out the door, excitement running through my veins. This is the most we've had our entire life and I just know where to spend it first.

Chocolate cake. It's papa's and I favorite. There's some in the next village and it's a little far but my father doesn't have to know about this. It won't hurt since I'm not going for too long right?

I called for a wagon to set off immediately so I wouldn't get home late. The ride was maybe 15 to 20 minutes so I would say I have a lot of time to spend. I enjoyed seeing the crispy green fresh trees as most of the time I'm surrounded by black cloudy smoke. It almost made me cry.

I roamed around the busy village in search for my destination when I spotted the cake shop. Immediately my mouth started to water and my stomach grumbled for a taste of those pieces of heaven. Entering the shop the sweet aroma filled my nostrils.

"Hello how may I help you?" a boy just around my age asked behind the counter of different variety of cakes and sweets. Even though everything seemed delicious I knew that I shouldn't be selfish and buy everything only thinking about myself. Papa right now is working when I should be too.

"One chocolate cake please" I said with a small little smile knowing it'll make my father happy. I quickly paid and headed outside once again to buy things for papa and I to cook at home. It was then when I wished I brought a basket as I was overloaded with bags filled with vegetables, fruits, and meat inside. When I was thinking of going back home, the unthinkable happened and my pouch got taken away from my grasp. Great.

Luckily I saw who it was so after leaving behind all my things I immediately ran after the thief not caring about their existence at the moment. All that was running through my mind was that we really needed that money.

I was slowly losing sight of him as I chased him out of the village when suddenly a horse flew over my head speeding straight towards him. As I got closer I saw that it was Jinyoung riding the horse and he had stopped the thief in his tracks. My heart skipped a beat and I couldn't help but form a small smile on my lips.

"Return back what you have stolen or you will have to pay for your consequences" Jinyoung spoke in a deep tone taking out his sword and pointing it towards the mans face. The man shook in fear quickly leaving my pouch on the ground and running away.

"Well that was easy" he laughed to himself as Jinyoung got off his horse. He picked up my pouch and personally handed it over to me. I smiled and showed my gratitude by giving him a small bow. He's nice and cute. He also has a nice rounded area so that's a plus.

"He didn't hurt you right?" He asked looking all over my face for bruises or scratches. I chuckled and shook my head unable to form words as he was staring straight into my eyes. He then smiled and hugged me giving me a shock. I hugged back loving how warm his embrace was. We broke free but he still kept me in his arms.

"Uh thanks by the way for giving my father and I this money. I really am thankful" I blushed trying to ignore his hard stare and bright smile. "Also for right now. I would of lost what you had given us and well that wouldn't be too good. Uh anyways thank you."

"There's no need to thank me. I'm just doing what's right. If you ever need anything I'll be right by your side" he replied hugging me once more.

"Also you should talk more. I like the sound of your voice" Jinyoung whispered into my ear. My breath hitched as his voice sent chills down my spine. He stepped back and then lead me to his horse by the hand.

"Have you ever ridden a horse before?" He asked as he picked me up and pulled me over his horse.

"N-no" I stuttered shaking a bit. This was a new experience and a scary one might I add. I had my eyes shut completely on so I didn't see that he had already gotten on the horse.

"Hey hey it's okay. Just hold onto me tight and you'll be alright" he said in a soothing voice as he grabbed my arms and wrapped them around his waist. I hugged him tight and placed my head on his back still afraid I would fall. 

 He first moved the horse gently but as we rode away I could feel the wind hitting us and let me tell you it was an amazing feeling. I laughed out loud and enjoyed myself still clinging onto Jinyoung. The feeling I had was also probably because of the fact I was with him and this time I do admit it.