✾ hanhoe gardens.

@❁ cheon suryeon There was an inexplicable ache in the commander’s chest whenever he was in the presence of the woman who now walked beside him. It wasn't a painful sensation; rather, it was a subtle, strangely pleasant feeling. Sejin, already at a loss for words, struggled to pinpoint the exact description of what he was experiencing at that very moment, so he pushed the persistent thought aside. He had felt the same familiar ache during the gala as they danced together. At the time, the commander had chalked it up to the orchestra's loud music. However, there was no music now, only the gentle glow of the spring sun illuminating various blooms and the occasional hushed conversations of the other couples partaking in the festivities.

Sejin took the lead, following Suryeon's instructions with a soft smile playing on his lips. Despite having been there the day before to scout less-traveled pathways, he casually suggested different routes. If she inquired, he would simply attribute it to intuition, concealing the fact that he had meticulously surveyed the gardens as if preparing for battle.

A comfortable silence enveloped them as they walked, and Sejin marveled at how at ease he felt simply being in someone's presence. Despite his relaxation, he remained on guard, a habit born from the countless battles he had witnessed and fought in. Each time they turned a corner, his eyes automatically surveyed the surroundings, ready for any potential threat that might appear.

Yet, in their current serene setting, the only threat he worried about was whether the woman beside him might find his company lacking. Sejin, not a man of many words, feared that his silence might lead her to decline meeting him again in the future. He had yet to express what he truly wanted to say to her.

“Suryeon..” It was him who broke the comfortable silence, his voice firm yet the way her name slips out of his tiers was as gentle as a light caress.

"I'm glad you came. I've never been much for festivities, to be honest. It's mostly just an excuse to see you, I suppose," he said, the words slipping out as a matter-of-fact statement. They had been friends first, before gradually something deeper had begun to take root in his heart.

"Would you like to read with me sometime next week, like we used to do? It's been a while since we've shared that, and I think I might have acquired some rare hunting books earlier than you this time," the commander suggested with a certain confidence. He had sought the help of a bookstore to track down a release that wasn't due for another six months and had spent quite a sum to secure one of the very few first editions of the series. It wasn't to bait Suryeon, of course; he simply wanted to spend more time with his... friend.

Maybe it was the effect she had on him, making him feel slightly nervous and causing his gaze to always gravitate towards her. This was likely why they had stumbled upon a path that wasn't part of Sejin's planned route for their stroll. As he glanced around at their surroundings, a small frown momentarily creased his brow before he tilted his head, his silver and blue gattkeun beads swayed at the action before a smile slowly spread across his lips.

"Ah, Asters," Sejin remarked, and as they both looked around, they paused to marvel at the sight of delicate purple flowers lining the pathway that seemed almost exclusive to just the two of them. It was as if the Asters had bloomed specifically for their enjoyment.

"I'm not much of a flower enthusiast, but I do adore Asters. They can thrive in almost any environment and are remarkably resilient," he continued, briefly stepping away from her side to pluck a nearby flower from its stem before returning to offer it to her.

"Asters happen to be my favorite flower." The sincerity in his voice matched the softness of his gaze as he handed her the bloom.

Whatever he had intended to say in that moment was overshadowed by his desire to simply be present with her. This was another memory that the marquess would imprint into the deep recesses of his mind, alongside the vivid recollection of how softly she had gazed up at him during the gala.

@❀ jeon gyunwoo She had imagined many ways in which he would react to her confession. Anger, betrayal, and disgust were in the forefront of her imagination, and she wondered whether she could truly bear those emotions reflected in his eyes. But she had never imagined this. She had never entertained the possibility that he would be able to see past her long-broken chastity, and yet here he was, his full lips pulled up into a smile, a smile without a hint of deception. She was shocked into silence, the air stolen from her lungs in sheer surprise, and she could only gaze up at him in bewilderment as she listened to his response.

“The person I cherish is you, Mijoo. Your past, your present, and future – I love everything about you.”

Her heart which had been beating rapidly in her chest out of nervousness up until this moment suddenly filled with warmth, fluttering at his own confession and the gentle kiss he placed to her forehead. It nearly brought tears of joy to her eyes to know that the man that she loved for so long also cared so deeply for her. It was surreal, almost as if it was a dream, or a hallucination. But this was no hallucination. No, the touch of his arms that wrapped around her was real. She tilted her head back, lifting her chin so she could gaze up at him, and before she could say a word, his plush brims connected with hers.

His kiss was gentle and sweet, and yet it had butterflies fluttering in her chest. It was a feeling she knew that she could become addicted to, because no matter how many times she had imagined how their first kiss would go, it could never compare to reality. She allowed herself to reciprocate, her lips pressing into his as her palms reached up to rest on his cheeks. Despite wishing to linger in the moment even longer, she pulled back when he did.

In the past she would have hesitated to give him an answer, afraid to put her heart on display and let it be crushed. But seeing the look of adoration in his eyes as he looked at her, she felt no hesitation. She was ready to jump, with the hopes that he would catch her and never let go. Rubbing her thumb over his cheek, she finally spoke, her tone steady, yet dripping with affection, “Yes, my love. We cannot change what happened in the past, but we can look forward to the future and the happiness we will share. Please, stay by my side, Gyunwoo. I don’t want to imagine my life without you in it.”

With that, she pressed another short-lived kiss to his lips before burying her face into his chest and wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.

@✿ jang ilseong Sunmi followed Ilseong’s lead as they walked, her attention wanting to flee to the flowers of the garden or the stars in hopes of some relief from the nervousness she felt wriggling its way through her body. Yet she knew she had to keep her focus squarely on the duke, no matter how nervewrecking. One misstep and she would end up sending the wrong signals to him or any passer by. They were just two people trying to get to know each other, after all. Even if this was technically labeled a date.

“O-oh, don’t worry there, duke. We understand the pressure that comes with high status and lofty titles. They are not just words like many would say. They hold responsibilities and a lot of work.” She herself had never reached the age to feel the pressure before her own family had lost their status, but she had seen the way it had weighed on her father’s shoulders in the past. There was no doubt the work would keep anyone busy.

The lighting of the lanterns along their path brought a warmth to the otherwise chill night air. Though she had not meant to, Sunmi had found herself stepping a little closer to Ilseong than she had earlier, the grip on his arm a little tighter than it had been at the start of their walk. As her attention focused more on the conversation than her actions, she had gotten to the point of feeling the warmth of his body beneath her fingers, even if she had not consciously become aware of it.

“T-that sounds lovely,” Sunmi hurriedly stammered out at the suggestion of a snack. She had told herself before leaving that she would do what she could that night to be a good date. Hopefully a memorable one. And that meant not turning down the duke’s ideas. She would play along to his melody, dance the steps needed. For that was how one followed the traditions of courtship, if she was to believe the books she had read.

Her eyes were on his face from the moment he had presented the yakgwa to her, finding his story to be quite cute. It was not the type of topic she would have thought could come up, but it made the man before her feel a lot more human than what she often felt around those of the higher classes. It was to the point of even managing to sneak out a laugh from her herself along with his, wondering just how much he could have eaten to get scolded so. “I would say you look healthy,” she commented in turn to his statement, a bright smile still on her lips. “I have tried my best, though learning new skills seems to be all I do these days. Luckily most things can be learnt out in the sun, so I have not missed out on the fresh air.”

@❁ cheon sunmi Her careful hold along his bicep did not go unnoticed and he was a little confused as to why it felt so timid. Restrained. Perhaps she was merely being conscious of appearances and not wanting to come off as too eager. Curious. But the traditions of courtship were admittedly beyond him. It wasn't something that interested him, never seemed relevant when he was younger. Now, he was learning these customs as he went along, at his own pace.

Ilseong smiled fondly at her words, nodding his head as he recalled years ago, the Jang family visits to the Cheons. As the Cheon family bred and trained falcons, the Jang family would buy some fledglings from them for their recreational hunting practices. And he chuckled nervously, remembering how little time he had spent with the Cheons. "I'm honored to hear that the Cheons still hold us in high regard. I apologize for not being able to visit more often, or thank you for your continued work. My life has been quite hectic over the past few years. But your family does excellent work and we are very appreciative," he nodded.

As they continued on at a leisurely pace, he observed the lanterns being lit along the streets. Their hand painted floral patterns warmly glowing with candlelight. It was quite romantic. Then, the scent of fresh yakgwa wafted to his nose. Glancing at Sunmi, Ilseong gave her a boyish smile. "How about a small snack? And in no time, we will be at the beach," he offered. Not waiting too long for her response, he walked them to the stall where the scent was coming from. The Duke tucked a hand into his pocket to retrieve his coin purse, paying the mun for two servings of yakgwa and giving one serving to the young woman.

"I used to eat so many of these as a child, mother would scold me about getting fat. But, I don't know, I think I'm too skinny! Although, my face never quite got rid of the baby fat," he laughed. "Have you taken time to enjoy the festivities of the spring, Sunmi?" As they continued on towards the beach, he snacked on the yakgwa, the sounds of the city slowly falling away behind them.

@✿ oh bitna “My lord, you’re late. You’re late. You’re late!” one of the Seol’s many attendants, Youngshin, puffed, trying his best to subtly motion the rather slow Taejoon to pick up his pace. It did not matter how many times Youngshin repeated himself, close to the point of squealing, at the revered Duke Seol’s youngest son. Both men were well aware that they were breaching the ten minute mark.

And yet, here was Marquess Seol Taejoon in the middle of Hanseong’s streets, far from his meeting destination with The House of the Blue Lion’s daughter, Oh Bitna. Despite his long strides, he was still a few steps away from his attendant as he maintained his nonchalant pace. While he was one to scowl, those close to him knew that the straight face he had was a better expression of his, when considering the situation. Still an occasional creature of habit, Taejoon’s eyes were sharp as he had to note his surroundings. To his left, he smelled the sickly sweet yakshiks that guaranteed a set of sticky fingers. Not too far ahead of him to his right, he heard a group of children screaming and jumping as they chased one another, lost in the festivities. Even with their roaring laughter, Youngshin could not detect how near the group was.

It was not until the general huffed, pulling back his attendant by his shoulder with a hard tug. A couple of steps more and both groups would had clashed, which did not process in Youngshin’s mind until the children ran past without a care in the world that left a small lingering cloud of dirt. Taejoon shook his head before breaking a small, but cheeky, smile, “Stop freaking out and pay attention to what's ahead before we end up in something worse.”

“But my lord, you don’t know how tardy we are! You already came home late after-”

Taejoon clicked his tongue, his smile disappeared as quick as it appeared at the mention of his grandfather, “And like you said, we’re already late. What’s the worst the duke is going to do?”

His hands running over his clothes once to quickly smooth it out, the marquess turned his head back for a moment at his attendant for unneeded, but silent approval. Despite the wrinkle on his collar that was not caught until that moment, Youngshin could only nod in approval with a final send off. At least the Seol household knew to dress their young lord in his newest pastel green jeogori, printed on it were fine flower petals, matching with the pristine white sokgui that was a near damn miracle for the general to keep clean. Had it been his choice, he would had chosen the first set he could find in his closet. If it was truly his decision today, the Seol marquess would had spent the entirety of his evening reading another military strategy book or sparring with his brother. However, most of today’s decisions were not made by Taejoon, rather by Duke Seol.

While it was not nerves that flowed from him, he felt more at ease the further away he was from Youngshin, who promised not to follow him for tonight’s outing. Already he was able to spot Bitna from a measurable distance, recognizing her from their last meeting. She was a beautiful woman, one that would had him steal another glance at if they passed by each other in Hanseong. If they were strangers that is. Yet in that moment, he observed her a bit longer than he expected, noticing her pause from the kids that ran past her. Perhaps, this was a sign she liked children or at the very least not mind them. Then again, what did he truly know about her? All he knew was that she was the sister of his superior, Duke Oh Jiyong, a respected man in their field. She was also the sister of the one the many men that detested him, Marquess Oh Sejin.

Unlike the stories that his parents told of about their first meeting, the butterflies they spoke of were not there. How could it be when this was none of his doing? With the lack of control he had over this situation, he only sighed and it up as he made his way to the woman known as his betrothed, still taking his time.

“So are you going to tell my grandfather how long I’ve kept you waiting?” Taejoon announced his arrival, standing right beside her. His eyes flickered up and down once more, nodding his head once. Of course his grandfather made sure to choose only the best for his family, placing and prioritizing value over every potential item and person that entered his home. It was no different now. Looking off to the side to see who else accompanied her, he returned his gaze to her, “Don't worry. I know how this all works. you probably have an attendant or bodyguard that’s going to report everything. Hope one of us has a laugh or a smile, something nice for the old man to hear. With that being said, where’s my father’s lovely messenger for tonight?” At the mention of “father”, he could not hide the annoyance in his voice, trying to avoid any mention of the duke. It was impossible though with how deep the Seol patriarch’s claws sunk in his life.

@✿ oh sejin "Hunjang-nim, you're humming."

Bada, the little boy beside her tugged on her hand. Suryeon paused, catching herself when her student pointed out her subconscious act. "Did I?" she inquired as she looked down at the boy. The ten year old boy nodded. They had been walking from the academy together, towards the same direction with different intentions: Bada resuming to help with his parents' flower stall while Suryeon was on her way to meet a dear friend as promised.

"You sound happy," Bada commented, beaming up at the older. For a while, Suryeon fell silent. Did she, truly, sound happy? The said word has long disappeared from bank of words to describe herself. However, coming from a student of her own who upholds honesty (aside from his innocent and straightforward words), she must have genuinely sound happy—she would not deny.

The kindling of a flame, at the appearance of her long time friend, had seemingly reignited her former self—the small flame staying alight even after the Lunar Seollal gala. Perhaps it was why she had immediately agreed for an outing with Sejin. Without all the pretenses she would usually put forward.

In the midst of her thoughts, a hand wave from Bada's parents pulled her away and she ushered Bada towards them. The boy bid her farewell, releasing her hand only after he wishes her a fun day. Once assuring her student had arrived to his parent's stall, she began to search for the figure of her friend as she neared their promised spot.

Suryeon swept her gaze through the throngs of local patrons and foreigners, though it did not take long for her eyes to found Sejin's tall form. The moment she did, warmth spread throughout her chest as she regarded his smile—gentle and boyish, softening the rigid lines of the commander's features. It somehow beckoned the little girl within her, one unbroken by the fates, to come within the intangible bubble of comfort her friend seemingly offered.

Amusing, as given the elusive nature of his presence and her own status within the ton, they would be anything but each other's safe space. Yet, here they were.

The falconer made her way through the sea of people, her steps filled with purpose. And once she reached him, pale purple and light blue blooms welcomed her. "Thank you," she smiled as she gathered the bouquet into her arms. Its fragrance subtle and she can't help the urge to take a whiff of its scent for a couple of times before she continued, "you didn't have to."

She had been grateful for the bouquet Sejin had sent. It was like him, she had noted, to continuously give without seemingly needing anything in return. Over the years, Suryeon cannot stress enough how gracious Sejin had been towards her and even those around her would we on the receiving end. Suryeon only wishes she had more to give to relay her gratitude.

"Shall we begin our walk?"

At his proposal, Suryeon nodded. "Lead the way, commander." As she fell into step, she curiously glanced at the taller man, "I wouldn't have thought you have interests yourself into yet another festivity. What have you planned for this stroll, Marquess Oh?"

@❁ yoon haewon [ backdated: may 14th, 1869 ]

Three months passed the last time he journeyed the gardens with his Venus. As the winter frost thawed, thanks to the blazing heat of the sun, spring ventured in its full bloom, as blades of grass escaped from its encasing. Indulging in his reverie, he reminisced on the kiss he shared with his lover, the heat that spread across his face whilst snowflakes engaged in a balletic dance mid-air. Having her lithe body in his embrace, as they declared their love for one another. She made a great call foregoing the gala to see the cosmic showers, to exchange their wishes in the form of hushed whispers, hoping they carry over to a deity able to grant them.

Today will be marked as the day it will be official. Engraved on parchment, their names embossed to stake their claim in matrimony. Soon enough, it will be official enough under Her Majesty’s jurisdiction. Despite the order stating otherwise on the Uigwe, the merchant already laid the foundation for his seook, albeit he left it under construction til the day arrives.

Ambling over to the gazebo, Sangwook stood beneath a tree, as it gave him an awning for shade. He left a note on Haewon’s pellet, beckoning her to follow him to the gardens. In his pocket, was a wooden box, holding a ring.

He was a man to uphold his end of a bargain and to keep his promises. Saving the remainder of his funds for their ceremony as he vowed in his missives, he opted to reuse the engraving of his family seal: the arctic fox.

Whilst waiting in his spot, he fiddled with the item hidden securely in his durumagi.

Nervousness coursed through his veins as seconds turn into minutes, hoping the minutes don’t turn into hours. Her not showing up was a worse outcome than outright rejection; the latter in which he experienced.

Or was it a sign they’re not ready yet?

@❃ seo jin As Seo Jin spoke, Qingcang couldn't help but admire her grace and poise, even in the face of her own inner turmoil. Her willingness to be vulnerable with him, even if only for a moment, spoke volumes about her character. Despite the facade she wore as a gisaeng, there was a depth to her that intrigued him.

As they walked through the gardens, Qingcang found himself lost in the beauty of their surroundings, the vibrant colors of the flowers mirrored in Seo Jin's eyes. It was easy to forget the weight of his responsibilities, if only for a moment, as he allowed himself to be swept away by her presence.

Her laughter was like music to his ears, a sweet melody that echoed in the air around them. He couldn't help but smile at her playful response, her words tinged with a hint of disbelief. It was clear that she viewed his offer to accompany him to Qing as nothing more than a fanciful notion, but Qingcang couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her reaction than met the eye.

"I would be honored to be your guide should you ever decide to visit Qing," Qingcang replied, his tone sincere. "And rest assured, I will hold you to your word."

As they continued their conversation, Qingcang found himself drawn to Seo Jin's warmth and sincerity. Despite the pain she carried with her, there was a resilience in her spirit that he couldn't help but admire. It was clear that she had endured more than her fair share of hardships, yet she refused to let them define her.

When she mentioned that her birthplace was a sore subject for her, Qingcang felt a pang of familiarity, perhaps it was for a deeper conversation next time. "Of course, Seo Jin," Qingcang replied, his tone gentle. "I would never wish to pry into your past if it brings you pain. But I am curious to learn more about the lady standing before me. Tell me, what are your dreams and aspirations? What is it that drives you forward each day?"

@❁ hwang mijoo The tremble in Mijoo’s otherwise gentle voice clenches into the very depths of Gyunwoo’s heart, rendering him silent as he listens. Hand still enveloping hers, he offers her much smaller ones a light squeeze, urging her to continue, that he would be there to listen to every word she said. There was a part of his conscience that urged him to tell her, it was ok if she wasn't ready to tell him the secrets that pained her so. However, Gyunwoo knew that if he were to say such a thing, perhaps he would do much more harm than help. In such times, words of comfort meant nothing to someone who gathered the courage to face him head on.

He kept his eyes leveled onto hers, and waited. If she asked, he could wait a million (years) more. The words that spilled from Mijoo’s lips stung, as if someone had doused a witch hazel upon a fresh wound. His entire being hurt for her, knowing well how the pain of losing a parental figure could shape one’s life forever. Oh, how foolish he was for never being a pillar of comfort in those times.

And when she speaks of the paramours of her past, he's aware from the hesitation from her voice that she had deliberated an innumerable amount of times whether to voice this matter to him. Yet to Gyunwoo, the past held no weight for the future. He was no man to judge as he, held sins uncountable. Sins he knew society would turn a blind eye too quicker than they would the chastity of a woman. With a gentle exhale he uses his free hand to touch her slender jaw, brushing his thumb along her cheek.

“My heart belongs to you, Gyunwoo. It always has and I believe it always will.”

It is those words that return the smile back to his somber face, lighting his eyes against the shining sun. It was time that he finally spoke, though not without pressing a chaste kiss upon her forehead.

“The person I cherish is you, Mijoo. Your past, your present, and future – I love everything about you.” he expressed, enfolding her in a warm embrace. His contentment evident, he finally seeks her lips with his own in a tender kiss, lingering for a moment before pulling away.

“I regret not being there for you during those years, but going forward would you allow me to be by your side, beloved?”

@✾ sun qingcang “I assure you, there is nothing ‘mere’ about you, Seo Jin.” As the line fell from his lips, Jin allowed herself to be enthralled by his charm for that moment. Perhaps on this day, with someone that was not tethered to her society’s rules, she really could be someone that was not just a ‘mere’ gisaeng. She could pretend that she was still the woman that she had been before her family’s demise.

She strode through the gardens, perfectly in step with her companion as her gaze flickered between the vibrant arrays of flowers and the equally as magnificent man beside her. She would be blind to say that he wasn’t handsome, and his aura was attractive, capable of enticing any woman he wanted to, perhaps. Her heart was steeled, focused only on her long-term goals, but she could at least still acknowledge beauty when she witnessed it.

She listened to him as he painted a picture of Qing for her, the place truly sounding beautiful. Perhaps someday she would travel out of her country and visit places unknown to her, like Qing. She could sense his longing to return, and she couldn’t help but wonder why he had left in the first place. Would a /humble/ liquor merchant have a necessity to leave the country just to sell goods? But she quickly shook off the thought, finding it disrespectful to question the man who was simply telling her about his homeland.

“Accompany you to Qing?” her eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she quickly covered it up with a light laugh, not believing his suggestion to be serious. “Your offer gives me quite a shock, I must admit. But perhaps if I am ever allowed to leave Sook, I will travel to Qing. And if so, I will call on you then to show me all of the country you seem to hold dear.”

She offered him a small smile. She was not one to provide more than that to just anyone, especially not after everything she had endured. Yet, she still did not dislike his company, and this small, barely noticeable smile was her way of showing so. Perhaps befriending this man would be useful to her, for she might need to escape to Qing after completing her revenge.

“I would tell you about my birthplace, Qingcang, but unfortunately it is a very sore subject for me. So I’m afraid we must not breach that topic. But as long as it is not about my birthplace or my family, please feel free to ask me anything you’re curious about,” she said, trying to keep the conversation going as her gaze remained fixed on the Qing man.

@❃ seo jin As they walked, Seojin's words seemed to weave a spell around Qingcang, drawing him deeper into the enchanting world she described. Her coy smile and the defiant glint in her eyes only added to her allure, and he found himself hanging onto her every word. Despite his status as a /humble/ liquor merchant, Qingcang was no stranger to the secrets and complexities that lurked beneath the surface of society.

"A mere gisaeng, you say?" Qingcang echoed, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he observed her. "I assure you, there is nothing 'mere' about you, Seojin."

Her confidence and poise fascinated him, and he couldn't help but wonder about the stories she held within her. As they strolled through the gardens, he found himself falling into step beside her, their strides matching perfectly as they navigated the winding paths.

"As for Qing," Qingcang began, his voice soft yet tinged with a sense of longing, "it is a land of rich culture and tradition." His gaze swept over the picturesque surroundings, the vibrant colors of the flowers contrasting with the verdant greenery. "The landscapes are breathtaking, with towering mountains and lush valleys. And the people... they possess a resilience and strength unlike any other."

The thought of sharing the wonders of Qing with Seojin filled him with a sense of excitement and anticipation. "Perhaps one day, you will accompany me to Qing," he said, his tone tinged with a hint of longing. "I would be honored to show you everything it has to offer."

@❀ jeon yunhee Jaehoon listened attentively to Yunhee's flattering words, his expression maintaining a polite smile. While he appreciated her compliments, his thoughts were preoccupied with the myriad of responsibilities awaiting him once he returned to the office. As she spoke, Jaehoon's gaze drifted to the colorful blooms surrounding them, the vibrant hues of the flowers serving as a stark contrast to his own somber thoughts.

Jaehoon maintained his courteous demeanor as he responded to Yunhee's inquiry, "My lady, I currently serve as the Right Vice Minister of the Office of Inspection," he explained, his tone measured. "While the responsibilities of my position keep me occupied, I must confess that my life is rather mundane in comparison to the excitement of events such as this."

"As for interests outside of my work, I must admit they are few and far between," Jaehoon continued, his tone thoughtful. "It's only fair that I ask the same of you," Jaehoon remarked, his tone courteous as he reciprocated the question. It was only right that he reciprocated, considering this was, after all, a blind date he had unwillingly signed up for.

@❁ yoon haewon raised in a yangban household his whole life, people naturally expect him to have lofty standards. but sangwook was a simple man, and with simple wishes at that.

he began with a wish for crops to grow healthy this harvest season. he not only wanted his loved ones to be well fed. but others as well. to fully sate him meant to sate the well-being of joseon peoples. furthermore, he ensured there was a long-lasting future for him and haewon, vowing they will keep each other safe from danger and that they remain healthy til they cross the rainbow road together.

his third and final wish, is to receive love from his wife and the ability to reciprocate it endlessly.

opening his eyes, he observed the pink blush that spread across her cheekbones. beaming at her, his face carried heat that rose from basking in the trail of kisses earlier she blessed him with.

“i love you too, yoon haewon.”

the declaration bypassed him with ease. after reciprocating her sudden, yet expected confession, he further punctuated it with a chaste kiss on her lips. snowflakes continued to fall as they huddled for warmth the remainder of the night.

[ fin ]

@✿ yoon junho Despite towering over Weishan by several heads, the man before her possessed a remarkably youthful countenance and exuded an even more youthful aura. Yet, his mannerisms and speech hinted at an unfamiliarity with such interactions. Weishan couldn't help but find him endearing, akin to a child confined within a man's frame.

"Hello, Yoon Junho," she greeted politely. As he nearly stumbled over a stone, Weishan instinctively reached out, catching him by the arm to steady him.

"Are you alright?" she asked, tilting her head slightly. She wondered if his height was causing him difficulty in maintaining balance. In her eyes, Junho resembled the bamboo back home in Qing, swaying gracefully in the breeze. She couldn't help but smile at the way the date had begun. It seemed she would need to take the lead. What an amusing day it was turning out to be.


Balancing the bouquet in one hand, they strolled along the flower-lined pathway. The woman paused to admire a patch of pink blooms. "We don't have this variety back home," she remarked, pointing at them.

"You don't need to worry; I'm new to this too," he replied with a nervous laugh. She noticed his unease and wondered if there was something about her that made him nervous. She made a conscious effort to conceal her cold demeanor. Perhaps he was simply naturally awkward. After all, she had encountered her fair share of intriguing characters in Hanseong.

"Well, I'm a silk merchant from Qing," Weishan explained, choosing her words carefully. "When Hanseong opened its borders, my family saw it as an opportunity to introduce our silk to Joseon." It wasn't untrue; she did engage in silk trade. However, she had no intention of disclosing her true motives to the man.

"And you, Junho-ssi?" she asked, continuing their leisurely stroll. They paused by a nearby lake, watching a couple of ducks swimming lazily.

"What do you do here?"

@❁ cheon suryeon [ Early June 1869 for the Flower Festival]

Renowned for his stoic demeanor and apparent disinterest in festivities, the marquess stood out conspicuously amidst the throng of citizens who had gathered to revel in the flower festival. The gardens were awash with radiant blooms, their fragrances mingling with the gentle breeze, creating an atmosphere ripe for romantic dates and idyllic picnics. Initially dismissive upon learning of the festival's existence, much like other events he routinely avoided, the marquess's perspective shifted upon discovering from one of his subordinates that it was also an opportunity for men to invite women they admired or held dear. At that moment, only one woman came to mind—Cheon Suryeon.

The memory of her presence at the Lunar Seollal gala continued to resonate vividly within the commander's thoughts. He couldn't shake the recollection of her graceful dance moves and her playful critiques of his own, which initially left him feeling somewhat embarrassed. Yet, any sense of self-consciousness dissolved in the face of the pure delight emanating from her laughter. Since that evening, thoughts of her had persistently occupied the marquess's mind, prompting him to ponder: how could one person monopolize his thoughts so completely? Suryeon remained an intriguing enigma he yearned to decipher. The notion of encountering her again held the promise of answering the myriad questions swirling in his mind, and perhaps shedding light on the mysterious power she wielded over him.

When he sent her a missive, proposing a leisurely stroll amidst the blooming gardens, he anticipated a measured response, not expecting her swift agreement to his invitation mere days later. They exchanged pleasantries as they settled on a suitable day and meeting spot. Sejin, unfamiliar with Hanhoe Gardens, took it upon himself to scout the location beforehand, surveying the winding pathways to determine the most picturesque and secluded routes conducive to intimate conversation. After dedicating half a day to exploring the gardens, the marquess meticulously planned what he believed to be an ideal path for their promenade. He was grateful that his dear friend agreed to indulge him in this excursion.

As he looked forward to their outing, Sejin pondered whether he should disclose the looming specter of his arranged betrothal—an entanglement he found himself caught up in, and wondered if rumors had already reached her ears. Perhaps, during their walk, he should broach the subject.


Sejin harbored no intentions of remaining betrothed, let alone marrying the stranger to whom he was arranged. He resolved not to deceive Suryeon about his predicament, yet a small part of him fretted over her potential reaction upon learning the news.

This time, he caught sight of her approaching before she noticed him. While her presence didn't startle him, he couldn't help but be taken aback by her radiant appearance. A smile naturally graced his features as he beheld his dear friend. Sejin felt regretful for neglecting to send her a bouquet the previous week, preoccupied as he was with military duties. To make amends, he personally selected and arranged a bouquet from the florist—a delicate assortment of pale purple and light blue blooms, accented by tiny baby's breath.

"You made it," he greeted warmly, extending the bouquet wrapped in white parchment paper towards her. "I failed to you flowers last week," he explained simply, hoping his gesture would convey his sincere regard for her.
As Suryeon accepted the bouquet, Sejin couldn't help but admire the way the colors complemented her complexion. The setting sun cast a golden hue over the gardens, enhancing the scene with an enchanting glow.

"Shall we begin our walk?" he proposed, eager to share this tranquil moment with her amidst the blooming beauty of Hanhoe Gardens.

@❃ cho miyoung Qingcang listened to Miyoung's words, his expression carefully neutral as he absorbed her flustered demeanor. Her nervous energy was palpable, and he couldn't help but find it endearing. "It's a pleasure to hear that my letter was well received," he replied smoothly. He had taken a risk in reaching out to her, unsure of how she would react, but her warm response put him at ease.

As she took another step closer, Qingcang felt a rush of anticipation, the proximity between them sparking a flicker of excitement in his chest. He had not expected their meeting to unfold quite like this, he did not expect her to be this forward, but he found himself unconciously smiling at their closeness.

/Another step closer./

"Since you have the day to yourself, we should make the most out of it by doing both," Qingcang agreed, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.

As they strolled through the lush gardens, Qingcang's thoughts were consumed by their conversation, the gentle rustle of leaves providing a soothing backdrop to their exchange. However, amidst their lively discussion, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning.

Stopping in his tracks, Qingcang turned to Miyoung with a sheepish smile, reaching into the folds of his cloak to retrieve a small, dark navy blue silk parcel. "Forgive me, Miyoung," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment. "I almost forgot about this."

As Qingcang extended the parcel towards Miyoung, his mind buzzed with a quiet sense of satisfaction. His ploy was working flawlessly. It had all begun at the grand ball where they first met, a chance encounter that had ignited a spark of curiosity within him.

He vividly remembered the dance they shared, the way her eyes sparkled under the dim glow of the ballroom lights. Yet, he also couldn't shake the memory of seeing another man pick up her lost shoe. Another who had shared a dance with Miyoung as well, Qingcang had traced the man down in secret, intrigued by his interest towards Miyoung.

However, rather than revealing himself to the man and allowing him to reconnect with Miyoung, Qingcang had decided to intervene. Little did they know, he had no intention of allowing that other man to find her. After all, he saw an opportunity when he found out that Miyoung was a lady-in-waiting to the lady of the Ahn family. To gain the trust of the Ahn family, he took the part to gaining trust from one of their lady-in-waiting, Miyoung, perhaps even making her fall in love with him.

/For Wufeng./

With a subtle smile, Qingcang watched Miyoung's reaction as she took the parcel from him. "I believe this belongs to you," Qingcang said, his voice soft as he observed her delicate features. And in that moment, he knew that his plan was falling into place perfectly.

@✿ moon jaehoon yunhee's smile blossomed into a radiant expression at the duke's flattering words about her beauty, her cheeks warming with a delicate flush. she emitted a soft, melodic laugh in response, a hint of playful charm dancing in her eyes. "oh my lord," she began, her voice carrying a touch of admiration, "may i return the praise? you look exceptionally handsome tonight as well." her gaze lingered on him, noticing the subtle harmony between his attire and hers, which elicited a gentle blush to grace her cheeks once more.

as they stood in the middle of the vibrant array of flowers that surrounded them, yunhee couldn't resist stealing brief glances at the duke, her curiosity piqued by the aura he exuded. her breath caught as she caught sight of a dimple gracing his cheek, a small detail that only added to his allure. "my lord," she ventured, her tone laced with genuine interest, "perhaps you could indulge me with a few insights into your life? i am eager to unravel the mysteries of the man standing before me. while your name is known to me, there is so much more i wish to discover. if you wouldn't mind to share it.."

yunhee hope she wasn't too desperate or annoying just in case he thought of her being too shameless in knowing him better.

@✿ yoon hyein "hyein that is not what i mea-" he sighs, they had already made their beds and now they must lie on it. lay atop all the words twisted by time's cruel hand, misconstrued by a plethora of assumptions that should have never been made. the more minho gazed into hyein's eyes, witnessing the animosity reflected onto him, the more he came to terms with the fact that what friendship they had lost had been lost to time. perhaps in her resentful gaze, there remained no semblance of the simple joys they once shared.

-- and it'd be foolish of him to expect there to be.

"if it is about what i said all those years ago, a mere apology will not mend things so i see no use of it." he claims stubbornly, holding his own before her. a deep exhale escapes from his lips, his entire being radiating the frigid air between them. "my words back then were harsh yes, but i wanted it to be clear that the relationship between us was not romantic. i never fathomed that it would affect your prospects in such...dire ways. and now that you are promised to my cousin, you are no longer unmarriageable, no? putting aside my...opinions on this match, it seems that ultimately you were able to defy the label you had been branded with."

as minho spoke, a pang of regret settled in his chest, mingling with frustration and resignation. yet actions oft betrayed his thoughts, and as his nature would have it, he would offer no quarter to hyein's lamentations, for he wore the steely cold gaze all through their conversation. "i had always regarded you as a good friend, and not what the ton often perceived us to be, hence my words then."

his hand twitches upon witnessing the singular tear trickle down her face, balling it up in a fist at his side and finally tearing his gaze away from hyein. he could face her in her anger but not in her grief, as it wrenched at his chest so. had it been the past, he would have reached out and offered her a handkerchief to wipe the tears away, alongside an encouraging smile and a gentle pat to her head. however now, all he could offer was his cold presence that made matters worse before it could get any better.

"we're beyond repair, aren't we?" minho's voice was laced with anguish, the realization of their irreconcilable differences hitting him hard. "we've let time and pride tear us apart, leaving nothing but echoes of what used to be."

the wind that continued to pick up its strength only added to the suffocating atmosphere between them, each drop a painful reminder of what they had lost. the sense of loss and longing hung thick in the air, a haunting melody of what could have been but was now nothing more than a distant memory.

"i wish things were different," minho whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "but we can't turn back time or undo the damage we've done."

@✾ sun qingcang "A humble liquor merchant, you say?" she couldn't help but glance over him, a small part of her wondering if there was more to this liquor merchant than meets the eye. Perhaps her curiosity would get the better of her, and she would dig for his secret later, but for now she was here for a date. A small, coy smile settling into her visage. "Then perhaps we can forget I am just a mere gisaeng, for today at least."

As his gaze searched hers, she held it, maintaining the eye contact as if in a defiant manner. He was an attractive man that most women would swoon for, and she was certain that he knew this too. He reminded her of clients that would come to see her with hopes of wooing her into submission for them, but many left disappointed.

Despite the obvious tension in the air and the evident attraction between them, she would not give in to temptation too easily, she assured herself. But she would play along a little, and perhaps have a decent day with someone who didn't care about her societal status.

"Unfortunately, I have not been to Qing. But I hope to travel sometime in the future and experience the culture and beauty that I've heard people raving about. Hanseong is elegant, yes, but I'm certain Qing is equally as lovely. Would you like to tell me about Qing while we promenade?"

She was unsettled by how much this encounter affected her and she hoped that a walk through the gardens would lessen the buzz of electricity in the air

@❀ jeon gyunwoo The way he looked at her when he noticed her, the unrestrained smile on his plush tiers and the clear adoration in his gaze, it made her heart flutter with joy, and then throb painfully with apprehension. She could see him flinch as if he wanted to pull her into his arms, and she had to admit that she was thankful he didn’t. His warmth would have made her sink into his embrace and her resolve to reveal her secrets to him would have been shaken.

“Are you alright? You look… troubled by something.”

She had attempted to mask her inner conflict, but it appeared that her mask was simply a thin veil that the man before her could easily see through. It had been this way since they met, her at 13 and him at 16. He had always been able to read her expression with little effort, and before her feelings for him grew into this long term love, that fact had annoyed her. She couldn’t help but release a heavy sigh, attempting to alleviate the weight on her chest through her respirations, and failing once again.

She glanced at the hand stretched out to her for a moment, wondering if she should reject that hand because was she worthy of it? But she had grown tired of fighting her feelings any longer, and before she could doubt herself once more, she reached out to grasp it, holding it tightly as if she didn’t want to let go.

“I’ve missed you, Gyunwoo. Really, I didn’t mean for us to go this long without meeting. Truthfully, I wanted to see you the very next day after the gala,” she started to speak, her gaze traveling from their joined hands up to meet his eyes before she continued, “I know of your fondness for me, and I must say that I do return your affections. I care for you more than I think I could ever explain through words…”

She paused, willing herself to continue down the path she has chosen.

“But before we can truly move forward without any more doubts or uncertainty, I must know that you can accept me for the mistakes I’ve made in the four years we were apart. Although I know it’s possible you might hate me after I share my secrets, I would not be able to live comfortably with you while knowing that I kept this hidden from you.” her voice was trembling with nervousness and fear, but she otherwise remained strong.

“You see, outside of my family, you were the most important person in my life. When I lost you, I was heartbroken. I could barely eat, I could barely sleep. But then shortly after that, my father passed away as well. The grief of losing two very important people, it was overwhelming… I wasn’t in a good spot at all for a while, and I started drinking heavily to numb the pain. One night when I was drunk, I slept with a past friend of mine…”

She paused, letting that information sink in. Her chocolate-colored orbs disconnected from his once more and she focused on the ground, fighting the shame that threatened to consume her. She was no longer pure, society would consider her damaged goods, and she was certain Gyunwoo would walk away from her, here and now. She wished that was all she had to say, but instead she continued, “When I was at my darkest point, another man saved me. He was kind, thoughtful, and took care of me when I needed someone. We were in a relationship for a bit…”

She finally lifted her head once more, but still avoided looking into his eyes out of fear of what she would see, “But I couldn’t give him the love and happiness he deserved, because my heart never truly belonged to him. I was never able to forget about the first person I ever loved, and that person is you. My heart belongs to you, Gyunwoo. It always has and I believe it always will.”

@✿ go yeonhwa (neé ryu) He stood rooted to the ground, exactly where he had released her unfamiliar hand as they came to a stop in the garden, awaiting her voice as he rose, ready for any questions she might have about the engagement. Yet, Miro didn’t know if he could give her what she had wanted.

It wasn’t an impossible thing to ask of him: to have a friend in him, for her, the very noble Marchioness Ryu, who was forced to marry him. But his heart sank, his mind a mess, unsure if he could ever give her what she had wanted. Looking at his proposition now, it was a losing game for the two, none triumphed over the other, and none a winner. And if that was how he had started to perceive such a loveless marriage, wouldn’t it have been far harder for the Marchioness if she was to agree and marry him?

Alone, surrounded by people she had not known and couldn’t call a family, and relying on the roof of a place she could not call home, from the rain and the sun — as if those were worse than being subjected to be married to him. He could leave for his workplace or walk along the forest trails but a married woman was bound to live in her husband’s abode, so a friendship was truly the smallest thing she could ask of him, and the very thing he should and could give to her.

“Of course,” Miro spoke, taking a deep breath as he leaned close, reaching down to capture her hands in his. He too was afraid, unsure; just a projectile of a man in an unknown land. . . but she was too. Now, instead of just him, there was her — there were the two of them in this unknown land. “We may not know one another prior to this arrangement but you now have a friend in me.”

“Lady Ryu.” He whispered. “Knowing that you have heard much about me, I still have to let you know that I may not be exactly what you were told or pictured. Among my siblings, I am the most childish and brash. I have much to learn from my siblings. . . and now from you. Even though this arrangement must have come to this, just know that I’ll treat you well, like that expected of a husband to his wife. I promise you. And,” Miro paused. “Marchioness Ryu, I would consider myself fortunate indeed to marry you one day too.”

@✿ seol taejoon 　　❛ The Flower Festival, Spring, 1869 ❜
There comes a time where one questions the significant impact someone makes in one’s life. In this case, the daughter of The House of Blue Lion, Oh Bitna, is on edge with her sudden engagement proposal brought upon her by the Seol’s. An arrangement surely Bitna had assumed her dearest little brother Jiyong would have objected to, but on what universe lies his reasoning for why he had easily granted her hand to a man she does not know?

Could true love sprout from political measures?
What awaits at the end of a tunnel,
Where one yearns for something more?

Bitna wanted the answer.
But unfortunately, she wasn’t going to hear it.

Blindly walking into the dire fire completely unprepared, the Marchioness could only hope. Hope for some miraculous miracle to happen. Holding up her slender arms steadily, the tender touch of exorbitant silk comes in contact with Bitna’s porcelain skin, as her maids worked effortlessly to dress their young mistress in a fine vibrant colored hanbok. Twirling slowly in gentle movements, a maid neatly pinned Bitna’s bright pink jeogori together and from her waist rested the flowy ombre yellow and pink chima, an exquisite handy work of the Oh’s personal seamstress.

“You are absolutely stunning, Lady Oh.” One of the young maidens complimented Bitna’s glow-up. Never in a million years would Bitna be seen in vibrant colors, let alone adorn in extravagant jewels as if she were a doll.


The Marchioness nervously gulped her saliva to clear her dry throat, after being carefully tended to by her maids Bitna thanked them graciously before dismissing the crew for a moment alone. She was over the top skittish to soon meet her expectant fiance at the flower festival. Although the two had merely only met once before, she still wasn’t sure on what to expect from the man himself.
Seol Taejoon, the son of the powerful Duke Seol, was now the man she must pronounce as her fiance. Upon their first encounter Bitna observed him as best as she possibly could, but he was a tough one to read despite her best efforts to figure her fiance out. The pair barely knew one another, it only made sense for suspicion to sprout within their circle. Bitna knew enough that Taejoon was like a complicated go-game.

And surely, she had no intentions on figuring him out.
She intended to lose the game if it meant she didn’t have to deal with him.

However, fate works in mysterious ways―certainly, they would have to cross paths whether either of them desire it or not.

The night of the Flower Festival came quicker than Bitna had wanted for it to. Ushered out from her chambers by the demands of the Duke, Bitna had no choice but to surrender completely and attend the festival with astonishment.

Lanterns lit the entire hanhoe garden from every corner the young woman’s onyx landed on. The lights were so vibrant it reflected a wavering image within the Marchioness’s lovely orbs. Bitna scouted the entire garden out of pure curiosity, almost excited for a blissful minute, as she had nearly forgotten the reason why she attended the festival in the first place. With a racing heart, Bitna is astounded by the beauteous sight before her, a couple of children with rainbow pinwheels dashes pass Bitna laughing so openly with one another, the sight of such pure interaction stopped Bitna in her tracks as she stood along the path to stroll through the garden.

The scene she witnesses gives her warm feelings, like a touch of nostalgia.
Life was so much simpler as a child.

In a flash the children sprinted away once more, leaving Bitna alone where she stood in silence. She had arrived at the meeting spot before she had even realized it. Underneath the bright moonlit sky, the young woman stood there like a frozen statue as she awaited her supposed suitor.

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@✿ jang ilseong His sudden compliment alongside his charming smile caught her by surprise. It was not as if she never got complimented on her looks, yet as of late she had dismissed many a compliment out of hand. If they were true, how come she could never seem to find any person willing to repeat it a second time? No one to regard her for a second longer than what was needed to get her reaction. Perhaps it was callous of her to judge him so harshly for the actions of other men, yet she could not shake that feeling at the back of her neck that she was listening to another lie.

And yet she smiled politely, not wanting to voice her dismissal of his words out loud. He was just trying to be polite, she reminded herself. This was a date after all, even if he had probably hoped for something better than her. Only time would be able to truly tell, would it not?

“You are charming in both appearance and prose, I hear,” Sunmi cooed back, trying to keep her tone lighthearted. “I must confess I do not often get to be taken for a stroll along the beach by any m-“ She stumbled over her words a bit, correcting herself quickly. “Any handsome men such as yourself.” She had suitors, certainly.
In her dreams…

Seeing the offered arm, she gently reached out to hold it. Her fingers brushed the soft fabric of his emerald sleeve right above his bicep, forming together to give her just the slightest hold of him without actually grabbing on. She had read enough about the importance of modesty to the current landscape of courting, and would not so easily let herself sway to her natural instincts.

“My my, a gentleman,” she hummed at his offer of clothing should she be warm, a statement that had painted a single image in her mind; her small frame pressed up against his chest as he shielded her from the winds. It was enough to make her cheeks flush with colour, but not enough to shake her. She overactive imagination was something she had started to get used to. “By all means, lead the way.”

“I must confess, my Lord, I was surprised to see that I had picked the flowers of a Duke,” Sunmi began explaining as she followed close by his steps. “Much less a Jang. It is a name I have not heard of in quite a while, but I know my family still holds a great respect for yours. You have always been kind to us Cheons.”

@✾ sun qingcang Her heart was on the brink of bursting out of her chest. She felt indescribably small underneath his gaze. How could she feel this way in front of someone she was excited to see? Someone who came with the promise of something exciting - the rush of a new love. Miyoung nervously wrung her hands together and chewed on her lower lip for a brief moment. She had no reason to not trust him, right?

"No, no, it didn't cause me any distress! I was very flattered to receive your letter, you have such a way with words," she admitted. She had some trouble reading his letter once she received it, so she asked for some help from others in the Ahn estate. But that was a detail she wouldn't mention to Qingcang.

Giving him another smile, Miyoung took another step closer, testing how could he would allow her to be. "I would like to get to know you some more, if that's alright with you. I understand you must be busy during your visit to the capital."

Truly, their time together would be limited. It was something that weighed on her mind ever since she received the letter. They would not have the time to properly initiate courtship before he would have to leave. Yet, she wasn't sure if she could bear the thought of this connection being so temporary - destined to wither away like flowers in the cold of winter. Would she ever see him again?

"Perhaps we could just admire the gardens together, or get something to eat? My Lady allowed me to have the day to myself, so time is of no concern."

@❁ cheon sunmi Ilseong chuckled softly and waved his hand nonchalantly, gently attempting to dismiss the formal gesture from Sunmi. This was meant to be a date, there was no need for all the formalities that came with titles and the social hierarchy. How he loathed such outdated practices. She was humble, that much was for certain. And visibly timid. He would have to adjust his approach, try to keep conversation open, yet also comfortable.

"I cleared my schedule this evening just for this date. In fact, I was looking forward to this occasion for many nights. It's not often that I get to take such a beautiful woman for a stroll along the beach," he smiles warmly.

Despite the woman's smile, there was a hint of sadness - no, melancholy, behind her eyes. The sort of melancholy one would have after a life of many disappointments. While he could not personally relate to such a feeling, he's seen it before, he's all too familiar with it. He couldn't promise that he would be her prince charming or happily ever after, he felt too guilty to give a false promise. But he took a deep breath, reminding himself to focus on making sure it was a pleasant date.

The young duke then studied the soft pink hanbok she had on. It was well made, resembling delicate flower petals. It reflected the wearer quite well, in his opinion. Complimented her demeanor, as well as her complexion, beautifully. He almost felt tacky in a garishly bold color like the emerald green he had selected. He mentally kicked himself for not going with the blue outerwear he had as his second option, it probably would've suited the occasion better. Did she even mind? Probably not.

Offering his arm to her, Ilseong gestured with his head towards the garden entrance. "Speaking of the beach, how about we make our way there? I hope you don't mind the stroll. And if the wind makes you feel too chilly, do let me know. My clothes should keep you warm from the sea breeze."

@✾ hanazawa sumire A strange yet familiar tingle sung within his veins as he waited for her response. Despite the summons he had answered from high officials and the empress' daughters, communicating with them has never felt as nerve wracking as this. His senses all focused on catching every change in her gaze and gestures, the fluttering within his stomach lay still as if the butterflies, too, sensed his nervousness. And when she responded, the tension that had squared his shoulders loosened slightly.

While Haiyan assumed Sumire had simply tolerated him, the interpreter can't deny he was glad she acknowledged his greeting. He did not even find fault in her for not remembering his name. "Yu Haiyan," he offered his name, with a soft smile. "You may call me by my family name or Haiyan, which ever you are comfortable with. And that is good to hear—you doing well."

The soft pink that dusted her cheeks did not slip from his notice and Haiyan ignored it, sparing her the agony of trapped too deep in embarassment, directing his gaze elsewhere as to not burden the japanese. He caught sight of a florist stall, recalling the flower bouquet he had given the Hanazawas (through Airi) as a symbol of admiration for their theatrical performance. A lingering, unconscious thought entered, one that whispered of arranging flowers of his own picking for the female infront of him, while his focus returned to Sumire.

"Yes, I have. . .amongst other personal agendas." Haiyan's tone mellowed as he trailed off before elaborating. While he was an appointed translator for the officials who had been tasked to settle remaining loose ends of the war, he had wanted to visit the site where his soldier of a father and eldest brother had taken their final breaths.

The way of a warrior was thick in his father's blood and it passed down to his two brothers. Meanwhile, Haiyan had shared his mother's keen intellect and undying curiosity for the world. Given the different path Haiyan had threaded as compared to his father and his brothers, the uncertainty of the time left to spent with them was always present. Last winter, while Haiyan had been wandering around the west, a missive arrived. Its contents short, telling him to come home, and barely readable as evidence of grief erased the inked words. The male knew, his heart withering, that he would step into his country to a home filled with tears.

Haiyan cleared his throat, hoping he was not taken away by his head for too long and focused back on Sumire. "And you? Is the troupe back to perform?" he inquired before his honeyed orbs widened slightly. "Ah, I hope I am not being a stray root in your way. We could talk as we go—that is if you don't mind my presence."

@✿ ahn hyunki watching as her husband struggle with jiyeon in his arms, haeryeong could not help but to release a little series of laughter. hyunki, a marquess, the future duke of the household, an intelligent, smart, active participant of her majesty’s court was struggling with a mere little human being he created. “my lord, would you like for us to exchange?” she continues with teasing, her playful gaze softening almost immediately as jiyeon finally stops squirming her father’s arm after being placated with a kiss. “jieun’s sleeping, so i doubt she’ll he a struggle.” There was a sheepish grin on her visage as she motions for her husband to pass their other four month old to her.

with jiyeon now in her arms and a peaceful sleeping jieun in hyunki’s arm, the couple shifted their focus back to their first born, his eyes still wide and filled with curiosity, the crowd of festive goers clad in multitude of various colours distracting him, unaware of his parent’s little struggle earlier. Jihae had always been an independent young boy, a responsible one on top of that and quite a relieve for the young mother since she didn’t need to worry about him ever since he was a child.

“maybe we could get him a stick of fruit skewers, those coated in melted sugar. i’ve heard it’s rather popular these days since the qing merchants brought them in.” she beckons her husband towards the said store. “would you like that, hae-ya?” the young mother pointed to the various sticks of hawthorn candy that was displayed outside. “or would you like something else? perhaps a candy stick?”

@❁ byun sangwook “On a count of three, let us close our eyes as we wish. 1… 2…” At Sangwook’s words, Haewon closed her eyes and a small smile graced her lips as she wished upon the shooting stars that created a spectacular show. Haewon didn’t have much to wish for; however, she allowed herself three important wishes: one for her parents’s longevity, two for the well-being of Sangwook and his future, and lastly, for them to be everlasting.

As she peeked an eye open, she tilted herself just enough to steal a glance at her boyfriend, She wondered if her breath tickled the apple of his cheeks at how close their faces were to each other. Quietly, without wanting to disturb his little moment, she allowed her gaze to trace the gentle features of his face, his brows that furrowed with concentration, his eyes that held promises of their future, the curvature of his nose, and finally his lips that pressed reassuring kisses against hers every single night. Haewon couldn’t help but wonder how she had gotten so lucky in this lifetime to have such a man by her side.

Unable to resist, she leaned forward to press a fleeting kiss against his cheek. “I love you,” she whispered as she pulled away, a faint blush creeping up to her cheeks, painting them in the faint hues of pink and red. “i love you, byun sangwook.” she reaffirmed. And it was in that fleeting moment that she felt that there was no one in this lifetime she would rather be with if it was not him. She was his, just as much as she was hers.

@❀ jeon yunhee As Jaehoon stood before Yunhee, he couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence wash over him in her presence. Her graceful demeanor and the soft radiance that seemed to emanate from her drew him in, despite the weight of his apprehension about this arranged meeting.

"Lady Jeon," he spoke with a respectful bow, his voice carrying a gentle warmth despite the conflict swirling within him, "I am Moon Jaehoon. It is my honor that you had picked my bouquet."

His words were genuine, yet he couldn't shake the guilt that crept into his conscience. Here he was, engaging in a charade of formalities, knowing full well that his heart was elsewhere. But he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing instead on the woman before him.

"You truly look resplendent amidst the beauty of these gardens," he continued, his gaze softening. Jaehoon's words were sincere, a genuine attempt to put Yunhee at ease despite the underlying tension of their circumstances. He wanted her to feel comfortable, to know that he respected her presence here, even if his intentions were not what society might expect.