Chapter Eleven: The Performance at the Central Plaza
Whilst walking along the lively street, Haneul didn't miss to spare a glance at every stall along with its owner shouting out, calling for customers. You can hear the faint chattering and laughs of different kinds of people, whether it's the merchant who sells jades and talismans or the commoner who argues with the unreasonable price. Haneul's simple dress goes well with the crowd and does not stir up much attention. It is also an advantage using Wangchul's Diety's blessing to change their facial features, without any problem they get to stroll around not worrying someone might recognize them.
When Haneul spotted something familiar, she immediately pulled along Wangchul who was just silently following her behind. Haneul's lips curved when she confirmed what it was as she took a closer look.
'What the heck is this takoyaki doing here in this world?!'
When the old owner noticed her staring at his product, he immediately called for her attention. "Young lady, are you going to buy?"
Her arched lips froze. The whole night market thing was a mere excuse, she didn't bring any money with her. Putting all her trust in the man beside her, she replied with joy, "Yes, my husband here will be paying."
Upon hearing those words, Wangchul lightly flinched and felt his heart throbbing. It was a delightful feeling if it's to explain in words.
The old owner chuckled and replied, "Aye, I personally thought that it's young lady, seems like Madame's face is younger than her age."
To use such flattery as a business tactic, Haneul laughed along with him, "I say, despite the age, old owner seems to have sharp eyes. Please for two sets."
The old owner immediately wrapped two sets handling it to both of them, Wangchul in exchange, handed him a gold coin.
The old man's expression was shocked but he immediately bowed and thanked Wangchul when he noticed that they started walking away.
When they got a spot to sit down, Haneul offered Wangchul the other set and smiled, "Here, you can have this."
Wangchul stared at it for a while before finally receiving it. Haneul noticed that he didn't even bother to pick a takoyaki and continued staring at it as if it would talk to him any time by now.
With a mouth stuffed with takoyaki, Haneul picked one of Wangchul's and shove it on his face. "Shay ah, ish deshischos." (Say ah, it's delicious)
Wangchul pfft-ed before opening his mouth and letting the food enter. He chewed slowly as if savoring every flavor that is used to make such a dish. His eyes glistened in approval and opened his mouth again, this time, it's all clean and clear.
Haneul did not get it at first and stared at him whose mouth was opening as if waiting for her to feed him. She picked another one and put it inside his mouth, Wangchul then began slowly chewing again.
Haneul started to eat her share with the same stick she used feeding Wangchul. The two of them silently settled down, watching the crowd until they finished devouring every single takoyaki. The takoyaki was but a small snack yet Haneul had her fill and considered it as her dinner.
"Let's go find something to drink." Wangchul broke the silence and once again walked towards the stalls holding hands.
When they're at the mouth refreshers stall, a young boy tugged on Haneul's hem. "Madame, madame, there's a dance performance at the central plaza. Come with me and I'll lead the way." Its body was tiny yet his voice was loud and clear.
Haneul's face beamed, "Really?"
Seeing how the young boy clung unto Haneul's dress, he clicked his tongue in annoyance. "You. Get me a drink immediately. You. Get your filthy hands off my wife and lead the way."
Wangchul coldly ordered both the stall owner and the young boy in one go that made both of them freeze. Out of embarrassment, Haneul cleared up Wangchul's wrong way of talking. "Stall owner, could we get three drinks? This flavor will do. Thank you. And young boy, would you please kindly lead us the way? I love watching dance performances!"
Hearing the warm and gentle voice of Haneul, the owner gave them drinks for free. She handed one for Wangchul whose brows were knitted and one for the amazed young boy who gladly accepted the refreshment and leads the way.
The central plaza was full of the crowd cheering and enjoying the sight of the street performers.
"Madame, I'm afraid I can't get you to see them at close at this rate." The young boy said in a sorrowful voice.
Haneul silently sighed and patted the young boy's head. "It's quite alright, we can squeeze in. Thank you for your hard work."
Before she could react, Wangchul already handed the young boy a bag of coins. "It's all for yourself, don't let the adults get that to you. Now scram.", he said with authority.
Haneul scolded him, "What do you mean scram? Young boy, do be careful."
The young boy just nodded and ran away until their eyes couldn't follow. Haneul looked at Wangchul and squeezed his hands, "Let's go."
"Go where—" Before he could finish his sentence, Haneul dragged him in the wave of the crowds.
They squeezed through the crowd with the difficulty of shouting, "Excuse me, coming through!" Haneul shouted. If she would use her normal, calm voice then no one would pay attention to her and move away slightly.
All the 'Excuse me' 'Pardon me' and 'I'm sorry' was worth it when they reached the very front of the stage. The young maidens were dancing graciously, each step was made to represent something significant. The nearby trees swayed and the leaves danced together with the young maidens swinging their arms and legs with coordination. As they follow the flow and the rhythm of the song played, everyone's heart at that moment was caught with a tingling sensation and excitement.
Everyone's eyes may be focused on the performer but Wangchul was more entertained staring at Haneul's amused face, her emerald eyes sparkling and her lips slightly parted in 'awe'. She would sometimes gasp softly or chuckle softly. In the end, she applauded to express how satisfied she was at the performance.
That scenery was way more dazzling than the event at the central plaza.