Finding Out What To Do

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READ THE IMPORTANT NOTE AT THE END OF THIS LONG AWAITED CHAPTER.

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Chapter seven:
Finding Out What To Do
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After giving Hwasa the nessicary pep talk that we both needed to hear, I am told to bring both of us back into the train where we will be brought to the 'preparation' before the parade that will take place tomorrow. I don't know about any of the other participants, but that placement of words just made my skin crawl. Preparation for what? all we're supposed to do is sit in a chariot of sorts and smile and wave to gain sponsors. Other than us being prepared for the slaughter house, I can't imagine what we would need a whole entire two days to prepare for. Then again, all this competition has done is surprise me so far.

While sitting next to Hwasa on the velvet-like cushions, I'm once again brought into my mind. Thankfully I'm not brought too deep this time before Hwasa rests her head against my shoulder to sleep. I gently bring her head to rest on my lap, carding my fingers through her soft, bright red hair.

It seems that the only things so far that is keeping me sane are Hwasa, and the thought that my sister is safe for another year. I honestly don't know what I would've done had she been picked. Cry maybe? Pray for some form of miracle? I don't know, nor do I really want to think of the possibilities at this moment.

I've got Hwasa to worry about now.

I also know that caring for more than just yourself in this competition can easily get you killed. Whether it be from the grief of that person dying, or you getting yourself killed to keep them safe. The second option is still stupid to me, seeing as they will just die anyway.

But I don't care.

I'm going to do my best to save anyone I can, even if the price of that is my own life. I still have to try my best to keep alive, I've got to go back for Meiwoo. My father is sick and still can't take care of her as well as I would be able to. I know that she is a smart and witty girl that can take care of herself, despite her age. I know that by now she probably got that internship, or job to provide, but I can't help but worry that she won't be able to.

Hwasa starts speaking just after I stop stroking her hair, "Hobi, why'd you stop?" Her lisp shows in full force because she just woke up. I can't help but smile at her new choice of nickname for me, "Sorry, Wasa. I was thinking for a bit."

She forces herself to rise from my lap, deciding to just rest her head on my shoulder again. "What were you thinkin' about?"

I gently rest my head on hers, sighing softly. "You don't need to worry too much about me, we've just got to figure out how to get more sponsors." She waits a bit before turning her face towards me, bringing my eyes up to match hers.

"You worry too much about me, I'm no more special than you." My eyes widen from her words, realizing just how much I don't see this mature version of Hwasa. I smile towards her, gently grasping her smaller hand from around my arm.

"Wasa, you should know more than me that you're so much more valued. You've got so much more in this world to discover and explore than me." I sigh, seeing her smile slowly turn into a deeper and deeper frown. As I open my mouth to start again, Wasa brings her hand up to shut my mouth quickly,

"Hoseokie, stop."

I'm a bit surprised by the action but quickly, I let her continue. "Don't you remember? Which one of us already has sponsors lined up to help them?" I'm quickly put in place from that sentence.

"You've already become the face of 12 without even trying." She smiles softly at me with genuine worry in her doe brown eyes. I turn away from the words that have been said, seemingly trying to hide from them.

Bringing Hwasa back into my arms for a warm hug, I start, "no matter what position you or I am put in, it will always be my upmost priority to keep you safe." I sigh and grab her jaw to turn her eyes to mine,

"From now on, you are my family. And family matters most."

And with that, we fall asleep peacefully.

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The next morning, I wake up with my left arm VERY asleep. What do you expect when you have a ten year old laying on it for a prolonged period of time? Especially in the hard tension for today.

Slowly shaking Wasa to wake her up, she stirs enough to sit up. I look at her softly while she rolls around, trying to find the endurance to actually get up and start the day.

"Hwasa, do you remember what today is?"

She's still confused, then shakes her head towards me with hidden worry for the day ahead of us, "what is it, Hoseokie?"

I look into the window, that has been turned to the setting of the rising sunrise, "it's the day of the parade." I turn to her, "the one where we have to impress everyone and get you sponsors." I stop myself from spilling anything too early,

"But you know what? I have an idea as to how we can get you to get some!" My bright smile lights up at my brilliant idea, she leans in with the matching blinding smile plastered on her face.

I slowly wave her in closer, slowly rattling off my idea to her.

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Woah! Cliffhanger! I know I hate them too, but I had to get something out! I've left this story for a bit because I've found myself back into the hospital, so I had to get that situated. Anyway, enjoy!

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⏰ Last updated: Aug 16, 2017 ⏰

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