The Demi-Goddess of the Alpha

21

“For your information, a mighty and handsome prince like me doesn’t like a mysterious and weak-willed girl like you. If I were you I will now remove that scarf covering your face so I would clearly see your face.” He stated playfully and he earned a sharp look from her in return. What a feisty woman.

“For your information, I am way older that you, my dear prince.”

He got affected knowing that someone knows he’s a prince. Father would surely punish me big time! He tried to recall if he met the mysterious girl before, because his fashion style is surely different from the normal girls in Hanyang. They would usually look decent and being rich is evident the way they dress.

“Where city do you live? I have wandered around this country for several times but I haven’t met someone like you. And why are covering your face? Is it because of your wrinkled face or is it because you only have three teeth left?” he teased.

“The beauty of an immortal person with a royal blood doesn’t wither. The only thing that I could advice you now are to follow the King’s orders. Do not try to change your fate and the things that are bound to happen because you will surely regret it.” And she started walking away.

“And who are you to tell me what to do and what not to? You’re a disrespectful blasphemy!” he shouted and tried to attack her, but she disappeared just like that.

He tried to take her words off his mind but it kept on lingering through his thoughts. What does she mean by her words? I didn’t even know there’s a present world, or was she just bluffing?

“Just make sure that no one would know I’m the prince, or else…” He stated looking at place where she suddenly disappeared.

He smiled wryly and got out of that place. He then brought the time back when he got far from the place where he left the soldiers.

He went to the city of Joseon where he had a lot of flings. A handsome face like mine should be put to use. And they do not even know that I am a prince, and I won’t let them know that because death would probably be my punishment. He thought.

He’s the next king in line and no one knows that except the King, the Queen, Jun, the Prime Minister Jang and the loyal people in the palace. He went to a place in the City of Joseon where parties are held every Friday and people were also having fun when he got there.

His smiled was gone in an instant when people started to stare at him and started whispering with each other. He heaved a sigh. Do I really look that handsome to be stared this way? He asked himself and didn’t mind the attention he was getting.

He went to the usual place where he hangs out with Wikyung, Huyan and Kwanghee but he couldn’t find them. Where are my play dolls? He thought because this is the first time they didn’t attended the event.

“Maybe this isn’t my lucky day…” He whispered to himself and slightly shook his head.

He right away left the place, but was caught off guard when he saw the guards that were chasing him so he hid himself and tried to camouflage himself with the normal people. He was fine at first, but he realized he hasn’t changed his clothes causing him to almost curse himself. That’s probably the reason why people were whispering about him a while ago. Of course, my shining armor and decent clothes would gain so much attention, especially because this was made by some important people in Hanyang.

He shook his head; I still do not want to go home. I’m sure a lot of soldiers would guard me and at this time, a lot of them are looking for me. He thought and decided to just rent a room in the nearby, even if I do not have money here with me.

“Do you have money to pay?” asked the old owner and he just nod, not wanting to make the conversation go on.

“Of course, I also plan to eat my dinner here, so if you please, just bring it in my room.” He tried to façade a serious face to hide the mischievousness in his thoughts.

“I think so… and you also look like someone who could afford the services. Come and follow me.” As to which he nodded.

“What do you want to eat and how long do you plan to stay here?” asked the old lady as we walk by. Strictness is visible in her voice and he shook his head. Is she still going to treat me this way once she knew that I am a prince?

“Anything the you could offer right now would be good enough.” He answered.

She stopped into a room and handed me a key, “This is going to be your room. When the time reaches at nine p.m. everyone should be staying in their room already. I don’t want nosy people staying here.”

He nodded in respect and entered the room. It looks plain… not so cozy but is decent enough, “This would be good. Thanks!”

“Then I’ll go ahead.” She started walking away but stopped and uttered something, “You’re a handsome kid but I still wouldn’t tolerate your noise. I’ll just ask someone to bring your food up here.” And she left.

He closed the door and rely on it, while caressing his face, “You’re so attractive, Minseo! You’re too good-looking.”

Happiness and conceitedness is evident is his face. He went to open the window and stared at the night sky, the sky full of stars and a moon. But the wind blew hard as if telling him to close the window, and so he did.

A lot of questions are still lingering around his mind, and his chest is contracting as if he’s in pain. People who are below them are living their lives happily, but why can’t he? When would I be truly happy? One of the reasons why he declined to be a King is because he yearns for freedom, of becoming free and showing that he really is. Unlike now that he needs to escape or run away to be in the places he wanted to go. But nonetheless, deep inside, he still knows that he needs to face and accept his fate, and the responsibility bestowed upon him in this dynasty… in no time.

A lot may be wants to be in his position but here he is, trying to avoid it. Why do they want it? Is it because of the power? Is this because they wanted to control people?

But would they really be happy doing that? You have to say goodbye to your freedom and every actions you do must be calculated… there’s no room for mistakes.

On the next cry of the rooster, the sacred door would open towards the present and you can’t do anything to escape that. He remembered her words again. Is there really a present place? If so… am I a part of the future or in the past? The world I’m living right now has a king, queen, princes, princesses, soldiers… A lot dies and a lot are misjudged for the things they didn’t do. I wonder what place does the present have. Do they have their freedom? If so… they must be lucky.

He is known as someone mischievous and playful in their palace, but he knows that deep within lies a kid so broke, trying to escape the horror of the things his Father wants, that he won’t ever do.

“Have you seen the Prince?”

“Not yet…”

“Wander around the city of Joseon, as well as the city of Gwangha… no one will go back to the palace without the prince.” He heard the guards talking.

“We need to catch the prince without getting the attention of a lot of people…”

He peeped at the hole where only his eye would fit and was surprised when he saw the guard talking with the old lady. He tried to run away… but it was too late. He’s now being surrounded by a lot of soldiers and guards. Holy Cow!

People has been eyeing him and whispering.

“He’s too handsome to be a criminal.”

“Why did he disrespect the King? Poor kid…”

He nearly laughed on his place. So they choose to make me a criminal than tell them I’m a prince, huh? Tsk.

He’s now being surrounded and even though he wanted to use his peculiarity, he know he couldn’t especially because common normies are watching.

“Did he really have the guts to go against the King? Is he even thinking properly?”

“What do you think is his sin?”

“For sure he disrespected the King… you know what happens to whoever disrespects the King.”

He couldn’t take the gossips anymore so he eyed them both, which made them stop, “I ‘am the pri---“

He wasn’t able to continue when a soldier covered my mouth and got me out of the place.

The soldiers started to fire their katana to the nearby trees with a yellow in it which is a sign that everyone must not go out of their house. In an instant, the people were gone.

He laughed out loud and bit the hand of the soldier covering his mouth. He spitted, “Do you have any idea on how salty your hands are? The next time you do it, I will kill you.” He bowed down as I eyed him sharply.

“He, you two, holding arms. It hurts. Do you want me to kill you?” they both shook their heads and loosen their grip on my arms. He smirked.

“Where would you take me?” I asked.

“We’ll take you in the sacred city, dear Prince.”

His forehead creased right away. “What am I going to do in Geongju?” Geongju is a holy and sacred place and he hasn’t go there yet.

“We also do not know, dear prince. That was the King’s command.”

He heaved a deep sigh and walked with them. He opened my eyes when he heard familiar voices. A lot of guards and soldiers are surrounding them and inside the house in the center of that place. He saw Mother, the Queen along with Jun and the King.

“What’s your plan now?” He asked the King, smirking.

“My dear son,” Mother butted in. I repeated my question but in a more subtle tone, “What’s the plan now, my dear King?”

“I want you to live in the present world for the meantime, as Jun would take your place as a Prince. I will ask you to come back when it’s time to sit on your throne.”

He looked at his brother who’s now looking down, “You can rely on me, Brother.”

“What present world are you talking about? He asked, irritated. He remembered the mysterious girl a while ago.

“Explain it, Baek.” The King stated and the man behind him took a step forward after he bowed down, showing respect.

“The present world can be found in another realm, dear Prince. You will be staying there for a while as compensation to all the troubles you have done, and you can only come back once you’re already dedicated in being the King of Hanyang.”

He smirked, knowing that he will never accept the throne. He couldn’t possibly.

“Is that so? How could I go to the present world?” He asked. Baek asked him to sit in a chair in the middle. The guards tied his hands using a black cloth and Baek went near him. He could see the King staring hard at him so he stared back.

“I beg you, dear prince. Be sensible and responsible enough so you’d be back in this realm.” The King stated. Baek was muttering unfamiliar words he’s reading from a book.

He smirked once more before closing his eyes as he felt something taking his body.

“See you soon, Dear Prince…”

Chapter 2

“Ate Sid,” I annoyingly took down the book that I was reading; I placed it on the chair beside me, pushed the flush button and prepared myself to go out.

“What is it again, Daya?” I shouted back, still inside the comfort room. When I saw my poop still floating and haven’t flushed yet, I pushed the flush button once more and did some hand hygiene before going out.

“Hurry up, Ate! Kuya Grant’s show is about to start.” She shouted from the outside of my room. My eyes widened. I hurriedly opened my door and went down to the living room. Why did I forget that today is Sunday?

I sat beside Daya in the couch, “Mama, can you please get us two cans of coca cola and the leche flan in the ref?” I stated eyes still on the screen.

“Wow! What a great daughter? I am washing the dishes right now, come here wash the dishes and I’ll get you the leche flan that you want.” I rolled my eyes at Mama’s remarks. She never goes after my orders, what if I cast her away from this house? Just kidding!

I elbowed my sister and annoyed her to get my request. “Please, Daya… Get it for Ate. The two of us are going to eat it in the first place. If I get it by myself, I swear I won’t give you an ounce.” She smiled wryly at me.

“Tsk, all right, ate! Of course I’m accustomed to your orders, but just admit that you’re just lazy. You’re older than me yet you’re lazy as fu---“ I showed her my sharp eyes which made her stop from sprouting nonsense things.

“I am not lazy, you kid! I gave you an order because I am older than you. An older person knows best so just do what I ask you, all right? Before I kick you out of this couch,” I stated, she stared at me pouting before standing up and going to the kitchen.

I laughed by myself.

I screamed in excitement as the show started. Grant is the main cast in this show, and guess what? He’s my best friend! Yes, you read it right, but we seldom see each other because of his busy schedules. We’re still studying and we’re classmates but he seldom attends classes because of his fans.

°°°°°°

That’s not the only thing I’m sad of, besides the fact that we only chat online to communicate, I can also feel that he doesn’t want the world to know that he has a friend like me. I understand him though, he’s reach quite some far and his future is already secured, but me? My grades are always on the line and I always catch myself into cat fights.

“Mama, sister is about to throw the remote at me.” I rolled my eyes at her and placed the remote control at the center table.

“Could you stop it Sid? Why would you throw the remote? It’s not that I’m taking sides but I am more concerned with the remote. What if you got it destroyed. Do you have money to replace it?” I got more irritated as Daya stocked her tongue out at me. I swear I’d cut that tongue.

Mama sat beside me and got a bit from the leche flan, “Your leche flan tastes so sweet.”

“Ma, don’t eat it if you’re just going to complain every time. If you don’t want it, then I’ll eat it.” I answered back which earned me a pinch in the inner thigh. Ouch!

“Anyway, Mama, I need to go out later at 6 pm, we have a dance practice.” Her eyes stayed on the TV not minding what I said.

“All right, but promise we you won’t be absent for the rest of the week, because if not, I’ll be the one to personally talk to your leader to kick you out of the group.” Mama stated and I just nodded. Maybe I needed to find a way to ditch my classes without Mama finding out.

“You’d really believe ate, Ma? She’s just taking your words out of her other ear.” I shook my head in disbelief, such an antagonist. Tsk.

“And you know what, Daya? It’s bad to interfere with the conversation of the elders.” I answered her.

“Could you guys stop arguing already?” I just rolled my eyes unto it.

It was still 5 o’clock when I decided to prep myself. I wore a black short shorts and an oversized black shirt paired with a sneakers. I tied my hair in a bun and that’s it. Maybe you’re wondering but I do not wear make ups. It’s not that I’m against them, but I just do not feel it.

I ate dinner earlier the usual and wet out of the house. When I reached the plaza, I went to the space shuttle where we’d always meet and practice. I saw that only Saeron and Jeff are there.

“Hello, Sid!” They both waved at me and I nodded in response. I seated beside them.

“What are you guys doing?” I asked and they just waved their phones off my face.

“That was too new you dimwitted guys!” I rolled my eyes that made them laugh. I got Jeff’s phone and watched our last competition at Balungao where we won.

“What’s up guys!” we looked at John who just arrived… and soon each one of us arrived already.

“Who arrived lastly?” Asked Kuya Zhed. He’s our leader. All of us were pointing towards Qin and he raised his arm slowly.

“Qin, you’re late again. What have you done this time?” Kuya Zhed asked, scratching his cheek while talking.

“Work, Kuya.”

Kuya nodded and didn’t punish him anymore.

“Who among you here have the time to practice? Here in the same venue and same time because this would be our last competition. After this, we’d split ways for a while and I’ll just message you guys if there’s another competition ahead.”

“Jasmine, please list the names of the people who’d join. You should make sure to be on time of the practice. I don’t want someone who’d be there in the start and eventually won’t end it.” He stated. “Raise the hands of people who are sure to join.”

I raised my hand in an instant. If I was able to do it before, then I would this time. I’m sure Mama won’t catch me.

The meeting ended right away and we stood up forming two lines by partner and started to run the entire plaza for ten times.

We’ve been doing it since then so we’ve been accustomed to it. I was easily exhausted before but not anymore. I also became more flexible because of our trainings. After that, we jog around the basketball court and ran towards the stairs for ten times.

When the training ended, we were also exasperating and all were down in the grass resting. “That would be all for tonight. Let’s just see each other next time. I’ll be messaging you guys on our group chat. I’ll head out now.” Kuya Zhed stated and dismissed us.

“Take care, Kuys!”

“All right, Kuya!”

“Kuya, let me join you in your motorbike!”

I stood up and bid my farewell. I walked away from there and bought a juice on my way out before walking myself to home. I forgot that I didn’t have extra money with me.

It was already late when I reached home. I stared at my phone and tried to contact Grant but to no avail.

I hang up immediately and place my phone inside my pocket.

While walking, I heard a guy’s voice near the garbage. I went near to where the voice is and I was surprised to see a guy, as if shocked as to why he’s in the trash.

Or was he mentally ill?

When his eyes caught me, he smiled at me.

I was wondering why he’s dress that way.

He’s wearing old clothes probably centuries ago. He has a long hair and is very good-looking. “Such a pity if he’s mentally ill…” I whispered to myself.

“M-me? W-what? Mentally ill? Are you crazy?” he shouted at my face. Maybe he’s not mentally ill, just… out of fashion.

He looked as awkward as he stated, “Can I go with you?” My eyes widened at his statement. I knew it, he’s a r****t!

“No! You can’t possible come with me.” I screamed and run as fast as I could. His eyes also widened at that and he tried to chase me.

“Wait up, miss! I need your help. I’m begging you.”

“Are you out of your mind?” I shouted and ran faster, “Stop chasing me!” I went left and used the shortcut way to our home.

I looked back to see if he was still chasing me but I stopped my track to see that he was gone. I felt my surrounding and went inside the house. A pinch in the cheek is what I got.

“You’re late again! Look at yourself, Sid. You look like… Tsk. Hurry up and take a bath. Eat before you sleep.”

“Yes, Mama. Thank you.” I entered my round and did what I had to do. I also ate and brush my teeth before resting on my bed.

I got my phone and tried to text Grant, aren’t he even worried about me?

Does he even remember me?

Me: Hi Grant, are you asleep now?

I asked. After quite some time, I’ve received a reply so my smile was so big and bright.

Grant: Yes, I’m already sleeping by now.

I smiled even more and slightly laugh at his playful remark.

Me: Will you go to school tomorrow?

Grant: Yes, Good night.

Me: Goodnight, Grant. Sweet dreams…

I shook my head as I turn off my phone.

I also turned off the lights and covered myself with the comforter.

I remember the guy a while ago.

Am I going to tell Mama about it? What if he’s a bad person and killed me? At least Mama would have a clue as to who’s my murderer.

I slapped my forehead at how ridiculous my thoughts are. I may be overthinking…

I heaved a sigh and started to close my eyes until I was lost in my sleep.

Chapter 3

“Sid, fix your necktie. Make yourself look presentable, not that you look one…” Mama stated and she went near me; she fixed my necktie for me. Do I really look like a war freak just because of my necktie?

“Now, you look more decent.” Mama continued after he fixed my necktie.

“Is Daya ready, Ma?” I asked and we went out of my room.

“I’m not really sure because when I tried to wake her up a while ago, she just wouldn’t wake up. You can go ahead first.” I nodded at that and headed out first.

When I reach at school, I hurriedly went at our room. There were just a few of us so I seated at the last row where I am assigned to sit.

It’s kind of annoying that I always get assigned to sit at the last row. I don’t really care about the seating arrangement but in every recitation, I am always called first because I have the surname next to letter Z.

I felt my phone vibrated and I fished it on my pocket. It was Sarah, my girl friend.

Sarah: I’m near the gate. Wait for me at the entrance, please.

I shook my head and didn’t bother to reply. I stood up and went straight at the entrance to wait for her. My eyes widened when I’m about to come across Grant. He’s walking towards the room still wearing his poker face, hands on the pocket and a lollipop in mouth.

I was panting hard when we were about to meet. My heart is beating excruciatingly as if it’s on a race. What am I supposed to do? Should I greet him? What if he’d ignore me? I pouted and continued walking, I’d greet him, and at least I tried.

"Hello, Grant. Good morning." I greeted with a smile but he just continued walking as if he didn’t heard me so I just stared at him as he entered the room and was out of my sight. I could still hear from here the scream of my girl classmates.

I turned my back and started walking towards the entrance to wait for Sarah. After quite some minutes, she’s finally here.

“Hello, Sid! Why do you look so sad at this early morning?” she’s laughing why she asked me that. She raised her hand and acted to give me a high five but I just rolled my eyes. She placed her arm over my shoulder and we walked towards the classroom.

"What's the matter?" She asked and I couldn’t answer but a deep breath. I shook my head.

Sarah has been my friend since the eighth grade when she transferred at this school. We became close in an instant. She’s way prettier compare to me; with her natural wavy hair that doesn’t need to be curled, his tiny pointed nose, small and thin lips and soft face. She’s also tall, almost as tall as me.

She pinched my at my waist when she didn’t get an answer with me, “Was it Grant again? Did he ignore you again?” She asked me. Aside from being beautiful, they are also rich. Her bags are all designer’s bags, her make ups, clothes…

“Yes, as usual. He didn’t even gave me a look and greeted me back” I stated with a wryly smile. She used her hands to make my lips form into a smile.

“You look like a duck when you pout, it doesn’t look good on you. Smiling suits you more.” she stated while laughing and pulled me towards the classroom.

As we entered the classroom, a lot were already there. Sarah seated at the first row and me, on the last row. I take a look at Grant’s seat before I seated on my chair. My eyes caught the tons of gift beside the empty chair of Grant, maybe they were given by his fans.

I suddenly wonder the feeling when a lot of people admire you… a lot of people would look up to you and they’ll give you a lot of attention.

Maybe it’s overwhelming… and hard.

“Where’s Sid?” I stared at the door when I heard my name. I creased my forehead and my classmates pointed me.

The guy went near me. He’s a grade twelve student. He placed a small box in my table, “Someone wants to give you this.” Then he’s gone.

He’s really weird, ever since. He goes at our room for twice a week to give something to me. If not food, then it would be a flower and he won’t tell me who’s giving it.

I only know two things about him- he’s Raphael Sabante and he’s weird. I shook my head and wondered what it is this time.

The teacher was late for a minute but started to teacher right away, before the discussion ended, she even asked me a question as to which I haven’t answered. I don’t mind anyway, what’s important is to pass. I don’t need high marks.

I couldn’t help but stare at Grant’s seat once again, and I was surprised to see that he’s also looking at me, with a lollipop still in his mouth. Grant… I really do not know how his brain works…

I swallowed hard because I couldn’t take the intensity of his stares. I always tell myself that I would greet him whenever we’d cross ways, I’d do my best to bring back how we used to be but whenever he’s right in front me, I am easily getting affected by shame.

“Sid, let’s go eat lunch together,” Sarah invited me. I got my bag and placed it over my shoulder and the box Raphael gave me.

“Sid, your secret admirer sure is very persistent,” she teased me as to which I answered with a laugh.

“Crazy… the one who’s giving this isn’t even courting me.”

“But don’t you think it’s weird? He’s been doing that for how many months already. Who do you think is he?” she asked curiously.

“I don’t have any idea and clue.”

She looked at me with wide eyes, “Don’t you think it’s also Raphael? Maybe he’s saying that someone wants to give it to you so he won’t be shy.”

I shook my head in s instant, “I think it’s not him, and why would he even offer me gifts?”

“I don’t know… maybe he likes you? What if he likes you?”

As we were about to enter the cafeteria, Grant talked out of nowhere. How did he even reach here without me feeling his presence? He got the gift that was given to me and gave me another one.

“That’s much better than this one. He stated looking so serious before leaving me still shocked. My mouth is slightly opened, what did just happen?

“What was that? That’s weird of him.” Sarah stated while she shook her head.

“I also do not know why… I wonder what he was thinking.” I whispered to myself.

“Sometimes, I wanted to think that he’s pa-fall. Like he wanted you to fall in love with him even more without the intention of catching you.” Disappointment is visible in her face.

I also think of the same thing at times… but I don’t entertain the idea that much. After all, he’s my best friend.