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Jimin breathed a sigh of relief when he entered his room and heard Nani’s soft breathing. 

She was still here.

Of course, she was still here.  Her explanation for her unexpected presence in the forest was perfectly absurd.  So why had he believed her story?

He wished he didn’t.  For now, he was living with the unwelcome fear that she might suddenly disappear at any moment.  And then he would be a married man without a wife.  Of course, that wouldn’t necessarily exempt him from marrying again.  But he…found that he liked Nani.

Only now he must think of her as Nari. 

He inhaled sharply as he approached the narrow bed.  And smiled as he realized that she’d scooted all the way towards the wall, assuring him a place alongside her.  So he eased himself down onto that soft pad.  And rolled towards the girl who had just agreed to become his wife.  Who now was his wife.

He admitted to himself that he’d been disappointed when he’d discovered his need to flee the court.  Not simply because he was leaving behind a noble occupation and his beloved family but also because he’d been denying himself the opportunity to claim a wife.  He’d been looking forward to the notion of returning to his home each night to find a woman to welcome him with kisses and cuddles and so much more.  Jimin hated sleeping alone. 

But as he reached out to wrap his arm around Nani, he realized that he wouldn’t be sleeping alone tonight.  Nor would he sleep alone for many nights to come.  His heart felt lighter just contemplating his blessed new state.  And he drifted off to sleep happy.  And warm, snuggled as he was against Nani’s back, her hip underneath his elbow.

—

Nani awoke slowly.  Reluctantly.  To a persistent whisper in her ear.  And a warm arm embracing her middle. 

“Nari,” that soft voice whispered, “we must arise.  I’m sorry, darling, for I know you’ve barely slept.  But we must be on our way before the sun rises.  We must be far from this town before daybreak.  As it happens, you and I will be traveling alone.  Together, of course.  But without any of the other guys.”

Her heart dropped into her stomach then as the events of last night suddenly spiraled up out of her memory, flooding her mind with the images of a few hours past, and that insistent voice confirmed her suspicions.  She was still stuck in the 1700’s.  But she was also surrounded by Jimin’s beloved arms.  Far from her home and her family.  Just as he was. 

They now had only each other.  She had a new family, and that family was…Jimin.  It surely felt like a new beginning.  A terrifying, fascinating adventure.  One she would take with Jimin alone.  And she had to wonder…what would each new day bring?