⁝ palace ballroom.

@❀ kim hyunjun Kim hyunjun, as much as Aera would hate to admit had always been a man of many charms. Despite their separation eon ago, despite them being lovers in past, and while did she did not have his heart wholeheartedly, she could never forget how he had her whole heart, but even so, the young lady could never bring herself to hate him completely — it baffled many how they still remained friends.

“Indeed.” she echoed his words, her gaze travelled everywhere but into his brown orbs, but what was she even afraid of?

a moment of comfortable silence hung between them before his words brought her out of her own reverie. “not quite.” the young marchioness answers. However, given how lost she looked early on was a give away. “i’m here with someone. but um.. yeah, well.” She continued, glancing around before her focus landed back onto the other’s figure.

“i doubt much of me has changed, my lord. i could say the same about you. you haven’t changed much either? Maybe just a little taller, hopefully a little wiser.” she jest, a small grin adorning her face as she walked alongside him. “i only jest, lord kim, if anything, i’ve learnt to not take things too seriously.”

as they moved to the back of the halls, side by side, aera watched as multiple pairs took each other’s hands, making their way to the center of the hall and she sighs with a fond smile on her face. Despite them being a couple once, it had never dawned to her— until hyunjun had popped the question— did she belatedly realize that she had never once in their courtship, danced with him.

“Promise me you’ll try not step on my feet, hyunjun.” His name rolls of her tongue just like the good old day as they moved to the center of the hall, a hand around his shoulder and other clasp tightly within the warmth of his palm. “However, I can’t promise you that I would not step on yours.”

@❁ cheon suryeon Amidst the loud symphony of the music and the constant chatter of the attendees surrounding them, Sejin remained focused on Suryeon. The world seemed to fade into background noise as he tried to create a bubble of intimacy around them, shielded from the external distractions of the ballroom.

Sejin initially struggled with his dancing, realizing he wasn't the smoothest or most graceful among the eligible bachelors. However, looking back, he felt grateful for his lack of dancing prowess. If he had danced conventionally from the beginning, he might never have experienced the joy of hearing Suryeon's delightful laughter echoing around them, even as their unorthodox moves attracted curious glances from surrounding couples. As usual, Sejin paid little heed to the opinions of others, particularly now that it seemed the only thing that mattered was the woman in his arms.

At the outset, nervousness admittedly tinged Sejin's every move. Yet, as they danced on, a sense of ease settled over him, as if the connection they were forging was as natural as drawing breath. Suryeon was like the air after a storm—refreshing and clarifying.

"You're truly dancing with both your left foot,"

"I trust you'll pardon my clumsy footwork... Perhaps I'm deliberately skipping steps to amuse you?" Sejin offered with a playful smile, though in truth, his dancing skills left much to be desired. Despite his jest, there was an undeniable joy in moving to the music with the woman held close in his embrace. It felt oddly perfect, as though her presence alone compensated for all the dance rehearsals Sejin had avoided in the past.

Each misstep seemed insignificant in the light of her infectious laughter and the warmth of her hand in his. He found himself savoring these moments, cherishing the opportunity to share this dance with her, even if his technique was far from polished. Their shared rhythm, imperfect as it was, felt like a private language spoken between just the two of them, drowning out the rest of the world around them.

"You jest, but I confess I'm more anxious about my dance steps than disobeying a general. Titles mean little when I'm entirely at your mercy," Sejin remarked, a hint of self-deprecation in his tone. Yet, as her laughter rang out, he felt his tension ease. Her smile alone made any missteps worth enduring.

Sejin pondered the nature of their bond. Was this akin to the camaraderie he shared with fellow soldiers, or was it something deeper? Suryeon occupied a unique place in his life—an outsider to his military circle yet a cherished friend. When he mentally listed his companions, she stood out as one of the very few he considered a true friend outside his professional world.
The commander marveled at her ability to command attention despite her petite stature. Suryeon's presence filled the space around them, her influence far surpassing her physical size. It was a puzzle Sejin found himself happily contemplating, intrigued by the enigma of her captivating personality.

Renowned for his economy of words, Sejin found himself surprised by the effortless flow of conversation that always seemed to spring forth when he was with his dear friend. It was as though they were filling in the gaps of unspoken thoughts accumulated over time. The slow tempo of the music acted as a serene backdrop, allowing their shared words to meander like a gentle stream.

When Suryeon fell into a moment of silence, Sejin followed suit, content to bask in her presence as they glided across the dance floor. He wondered silently if their reunion brought her the same profound joy it did him. After all, it had been a decade since they last met. The fact that she had maintained correspondence with him over the years, unlike even his own siblings, left him touched and grateful for her steadfast friendship.

As they danced, Sejin contemplated the significance of their bond. Their connection had endured the test of time, a testament to the depth of their mutual regard. In this quiet moment, amidst the swirl of music and shared memories, Sejin marveled at the enduring nature of their friendship but he slowly came into a realization that perhaps it was not only friendship that he felt for her.

He held Suryeon's gaze steadily, a faint smile playing on his lips as he marveled at her unwavering composure. It seemed that nothing could unsettle her, not even the scrutinizing gaze of a seasoned commander like himself.

As the music began to fade, Sejin felt a pang of reluctance. He wished to continue dancing with her, despite his less-than-impressive skills, but societal decorum and concern for her reputation held him back. He didn't want to subject her to gossip or assumptions about their relationship.

"Was it just me, or was that song shorter than the others tonight?" Sejin quipped lightly as he gently released his arm from around her waist, already missing the warmth of her presence. However, he kept hold of her hand as they made their way off the dance floor, returning to the spot where she had discovered him earlier in the evening.

"Thank you for indulging me and my whims, and I apologize once again for subjecting you to my lack of dancing skills," Sejin expressed sincerely, his tone tinged with gratitude.

Sejin's eyes swept over the crowd, a subtle search for figures reminiscent of Suryeon, though he knew it was a fruitless endeavor. He turned back to her with a gentle expression, concern flickering across his features.

"I hope I'm not detaining you from chaperoning your sisters? If so, I understand if you need to attend to them," Sejin said, his voice warm with understanding. Yet, a hint of reluctance colored his words as he continued, "Or, if you'd permit it, perhaps I could accompany you in this task." He paused, not quite ready to part ways with her just yet.

The thought of losing her company, even momentarily, left a trace of reluctance within the marquess.

@✿ choi siwoo Seeing Siwoo made her remember. It took a lot more effort than necessary for her to not let out a heavy sigh, thoughts of what she had told him not so long ago. Their history was long, much longer than hers with that other man, whose name she couldn’t bear to say, But Siwoo had been forced out of her consciousness since he had disappeared all those years ago, it only wasted her time to think about a man who wanted nothing to do with her once he had to work to gain the title every upper class many craved so badly, Garam was merely a distraction until that had become real work for him. That was what she told herself, but she struggled to believe it, especially now, when she felt the warmth of his fingertips against the pulse on her wrist.

Why had he reached out to her again? She had nothing for him that he would want, perhaps other than a warm embrace men would want… Yet, she couldn’t deny the comfort she found in his presence at times. While her heart rested in the absentminded palm of another, she could not deny the comfort of memories Siwoo brought with him. She could stare up at him and see the man she knew many years ago, even if he had not aged much in that time. His stark features that could capture the fear of any man he looked to, yet when his features softened, he looked so young and sweet, skin soft to the touch, if Garam were to guess. They had seen each other a few times since, when he came back to her life with that look in his sharp brown eyes that made her want to look away. The one that stared at her now. She briefly wondered if other people had seen that look in his eyes, too.

“I am well,” Garam cleared , pulling her hand away and flushed. Last thing she’d need is to get her name in the society papers for getting her wrist tugged on by such an upper class duke such as Choi Siwoo himself. Even if she didn’t really mind it. “The gala is a welcomed distraction from the aftermath of the war. You seem well yourself.”

Finding her footing, she stood tall, well, as tall as she could in his presence. Garam lifted her chin and looked up at him, meeting his eyes with a set gaze. She did not know what was behind her eyes, as the perception of her from a man such as him was lost on her, but she hoped it had been full of a fierce determination, old friends merely meeting in a social gathering. The eyes around her made her think of how she looked, the old yet well taken care of binyeo in her hair, her hair that may have started to fall out of place no matter how many hours she spent trying to get it to rest properly after dancing with her date… Why would Garam even worry about something frivolous like that? She didn’t know. Why was he gazing at her so intently like that?

“Forgetting is something that happens, we all get older and move on,” She murmured, her own words striking a little too close to home. She felt bad for attributing such a thing to Siwoo, trying to not let her gaze wander somewhere off the way to where she had thought she saw that other man. “But, I suppose you are not that type.”

“Duke Choi,” Garam warned, lowering her gaze and looking towards the people surrounding them. “You flatter. But, I… Well… I hope you don’t mean that.” She frowned, yet there was a certain amount of jest in her expression. “I cannot deny that you have not been in mine… But, you know who I am, and how that is normal for me, yes?”

@✿ oh sejin The astonishment reflected in his eyes, and every line of his face for that matter, told Suryeon that her plan to take him by surprise had succeeded. Within the buffer of time in his response, Suryeon keenly observed the palette of his outfit and it did not seem to surprise her how he's adorned in dark blue, black and silver. A combination she noticed he often went with in the palette of his gifts for her, the adored Buchae for one.

In his dark attire and silver embellishments, she saw reflections of his character—strong, steadfast, yet touched by a subtle grace that set him apart. He was like a shadowed figure in a painting, his presence both haunting and captivating in equal measure. Sejin stood out more in the sea of light hues opulent of the gala, and it was no wonder eyes continued to follow his figure.

“I’m afraid I’m not a good dancer. You know this, so I spared her."

"And so, I've been told," Suryeon nodded as she recalled the contents of the missive from their recent exchange. She took a sip on the drink before adding,"yet I cannot confirm." It was not because she did not believe him. But who's to say that it was simply a biassed judgement set by himself and brought up to use as a reason?

“Thank you Suryeon-ssi. I thought you were not attending the gala?”

Suryeon took another sip before putting the glass away as the staff of the gala passed by. "I had duties, hence, here I am." Her eyes lingered around the ballroom, finding the figure of her younger sisters still around the venue. "My sisters they're attending a blind date, so I've come to accompany them."

When he inquired about the card, she sighed soullessly, "Ah. . ." Suryeon held her wrist up, the ballspende dangling from it. For younger girls, this would be a show of eligibility for marriage and perhaps, of popularity? Given that they would seem in high demand once the spots in the card were all filled. However, edging to the age of thirty and above, it simply highlighted their unofficial title of a spinster. "I don't have much interest in dancing. And again, I am not here to dance to find suitors."

When Sejin boldly invited her to dance, extending his hand towards her, she did not even bother to consider before placing her hand into his. Was it the genuine need to confirm his words? Perhaps. However, as Sejin did not stop at the nearest empty spot on the dance floor, she held back a complaint.

The last time she had taken the centre stage was during her debut gala, the moment where she, bestowed unexpectedly with the title of a diamond, had danced with her former fiance, ironically, bachelor of the year. She had shoved the memory to the void, despising the way she corroded to nothing with a feign joy plastered in her smile. All through her debut, she held the pieces of her old self in order to keep the honour of her family's name—whatever was left of it.

Reluctancy tainted her confidence as Sejin continued to lead her towards the centre. Unconsciously, the hold on his hand tightened, taking comfort in his presence—trusting his intentions. They took their place, Suryeon placing a hand on his broad shoulder while the other was safe within his, and began to dance. Shortly into the dance, Sejin's steps started to miss a beat. . .then two.

A small, sudden laughter escaped her, genuine amusement bubbling within her chest. It dispelled the negative emotions that weigh her heart almost immediately. Given the slow tempo of the music, Suryeon's laughter was like a mistaken pull of strings from a gayageum, disrupting the mood for a split moment. It brought more eyes to the pair of friends, curiousity permeating into the atmosphere about what had brought such laughter out.

"You're truly dancing with both your left foot," she lightly teased the taller man, at the same time, trying to lead their movements. "Relax, soldier. I am but a woman who bears no title to her name. I can't do anything but give you an earful if you've made missteps too many times."

However, she had to give him the credit of having undivided attention on her as they danced. It has been awhile since she felt her insides slowly melt by the intensity of one's eyes on her. The remnants of a dusty candle rekindling with a small flame.

"Points for the focus, commander," she murmured. It was an attempt to buffer the effects she began to feel from him. "Any lady would surely appreciate such undivided attention." With a slight shrug, she once more reverted to a teasing note, "Maybe even up to forgiving you for skipping beats."

Then again, perhaps she was spouting off too many words, disrupting the enchantment of the music and not letting herself be controlled. Or was she simply trying to ignore the weak flutter, which was gradually getting stronger, within her veins. Suryeon eventually fell quiet, her gaze squaring on his as they swayed, steps now on a synchronised beat.

Lost in the dance, she found herself drawn to the familiarity of their connection, the ease with which they moved together despite their individual reservations. It was as though they had danced this repertoire a hundred times before, and Suryeon speculated that perhaps it was due to the many years of correspondence. In which if it is so, she found it rather intriguing for an exchange of written words to manifest such familiarity. And she wondered if he felt it too.

@❃ kwon nabi nabi's remarks did little to implore bora to understand her sister's side. instead, it just made her blood boil more ferociously. "who are you to tell me what i should be? do i not have a say in my own life? why should i even trust you, after everything you've hidden from me? the only thing that ties us together is blood." she spat, her harsh words not shying away from her true feelings. over the years, nabi has become more of a stranger to bora. she did not even know what her sister did for enjoyment, who she was acquainted with, and the mundane details of her daily life. "do you still know me byeo- nabi?" bora corrected herself, "because i don't think i know you."

bora thought it was cruel of nabi to try to leave her naïvely working towards and hoping for a perfect marriage. a woman unable to bear a child is not a suitable wife in their society and is grounds for a divorce without exception. did nabi wish to put her through the torment of trying to produce an heir, knowing that she'll never be able to?

if bora's pre-determined destiny, given to her by her sister, is to be foolish like a dog chasing its tail, she would rather welcome death with open arms.

through clenched teeth, bora craned her neck down, making herself eye level with her older sister. her narrowed gaze bore through nabi in the hopes of destroying her righteous act. "reality is staring back at you nabi, and that reality is: i'll never be better than you. and you know that, yet you still drag me along this path." tearing a hairpin gifted to her long ago from nabi away from the side of her head, she forcefully shoves it into the older female's chest.

"i'm tired of playing your games." bora hissed loudly, bitterness dripping from her voice. opening her flask, she spitefully takes one last swig in front of nabi before storming away.

@❃ nam boram Jiyong did his best to not let the grin overtake his face, biting his lips, and looking away. The relief that washed over her made him happy. With his height and reputation as one of the most powerful military men in Joseon had made it so that women, especially those who were lower class, and even men had found his presence intimidating. It was customary for class mixing to only happen in places like gibangs or if they were your servants, so having people be intimidated by Jiyong’s presence was only expected if they were lower class… Yet, even some yangbans had struggled to get comfortable with him.

To him, this said Boram was a force to be reckoned with. A strong woman, sure of herself, and someone who could easily be a close friend.

“It warms my heart that you think that.” Jiyong spoke softly, earnestly, the feeling showing through the little bit of teeth he showed in his smile. “I was dreading this event, but I’m glad we both got something good from it.”

“All I can hope for is for those who suffered in the war to lead a good life after it. As someone who works in the military, there is only so much I can do to help others, such as yourself, be optimistic after we had so much wreckage. The least I can do for you, is to share my positive energy onto you.” Jiyong hummed. “You had such a thing out there, did you not? Not only that, you’re still here. To be brave and resilient, while important, isn’t everything. There is an amount of wisdom needed to be out there, and to make it back alive. Especially to protect those you love. I believe you possess all of that.”

Elder brother figure. There was certainly something to that, and Jiyong could feel that, especially with the sense of pride and joy that surged through him at her flustered laugh. As if he had just seen through one of his siblings’ little white lies to hide a crush. “I imagined so. Your daenggi seemed to have a connection with someone from the war, I took a wild guess and thought it would be someone who would be here. I’m sure the distance from you both having other partners only makes your hearts grow fonder. I am not offended by it all, I did not… Intend to find a wife here, in spite of Her Majesty’s intentions.”

“I’m sure I will need to, I am not the most organized of men in the ton, I fear.” He teased, smiling to himself. “No, my heart does not beat for anyone anymore, at least, not for those who are still here, among the living. But, I am okay with it. I am much too busy for love, at this time.”

@❃ na garam for someone like choi siwoo, the emotions he harbored for na garam were unlike anything he had ever experienced. he had nothing to compare these strong and non-swaying feelings that were so intense it defied any other comparison. in his early stage of youth, siwoo's life diverged from a normal young man's path, as he plunged himself into the complex ropes of the political mess to not only secure his future but of that of his family, as well.

while his peers pursued carefree endeavors, making the most of the time responsibility wasn't chasing their steps, choi siwoo found himself taking in all the intricate details of the web of politics. he has been diligently mastering it and the daunting responsibility of change made his broad shoulders even heavier. so, it was a surprise that amidst the relentless familial obligations he had, na garam entered the portrait to bless his bleak world with color and warmth.

accustomed to setting aside his own aspirations and personal desires, he had mastered the art of sacrifice for the well-being and future of his loved ones. becoming a father figure for his siblings and a strong man to lean on for his mother, choi siwoo realized how new and different na garam made him feel as they shared a blossoming friendship all those years before he became a duke. from their earliest encounters, he assumed an affectionate guardianship over her. it was as if he didn't know why he was so fond of the young lady, but, in the depth of this devotion, he remained oblivious to the actual significance of why he felt this way towards garam.

he had no idea until it was all too late.

as na garam stood right by him, her gaze locking with his, he felt as though time stood still. it was unreal, too good to be true, even. he has long forgotten how someone can have the power to elicit a kaleidoscope of emotions from within him.

the last he saw her, he had sworn an oath to relinquish the feelings that could never be reciprocated. with her heart ensnared by another man, how could he ever win it when there was no competition at all? and yet, seeing her now, amidst the splendor of the gala that has been nothing been transactional for his duties as a duke and the newly appointed minister of the ministry of rites, it was as if time halted, casting all his priorities in its wake.

"how have you been," siwoo heard himself ask, and could've sworn he heard a voice inside his head calling him lame. "how can i forget?" he responded to her, almost bewildered that she could ever think he could forget her. "your face filled my dreams for a long while." his eyes never leaving hers, even as he realized he's been holding onto her wrist a tiny bit too long.

the realization dawned belatedly for the young duke, and the clarity of it almost made him stumble. despite his oath and vow to forget how he feels for na garam, siwoo only set it aside in his heart; set aside but never forgotten.

@❁ hwang miryeong [h] expecting a rejection from her or words of opposition, he was taken aback by her last words. sighting the single tear that fell from her watery eyes, he reflexively wiped it with his gloved thumb.

“you.. you are?”

he blinked at her response. suddenly, the bravado he projected into his speech dissipated into genuine surprise. the general was unable to suppress the smile threatening to spread across his face. elation began to consume him, as he was tempted to leap into the air as if he was a theatre performer instead.

“you know, my heart has been ready for you for the time we have spent together. it was far from my first to delve into such uncertainties. though admittedly, this was the first i have truly cared and fought for such clarity. i can ascertain that it does not matter if you have gone back on your word, if that’s what you feel best suits your spirit.”

even though her feelings for him were far from a mystery, he was uncertain if they were able to break free from the roles imposed onto them by their families. songmin feared she would turn into a memory, and not an active part of his present.

the fate where she were to remain a remnant of his life and not to join him in union to walk down the path to his willow bounded estate was an occurrence he never wishes to see. her demeanor, presence, and doll-like features led him to this desire to live a life of security, departing from his instability garnered by his former philandering ways.

every doubt and premonition he held washed away as he continued to look into her brown eyes. the usual wistfulness held in them were replaced by a bright gleam, the sheer sincerity and thoughtfulness that reflected in her words. the dancing pairs surrounding them continued to serve as mere background figures, absorbed in their usual joy or tedium. most of them paying no heed to the couple in their self-imposed intermission, some exchanging quizzical looks. but songmin couldn’t care less, as he resumed his dance with her as the gentle strumming of the gayageum roused his body from its stillness. leading the dance in a gentle sway, he resumed his speech.

“i struggle to make sense of why you make me feel this way, on how you can build me up and break me all the same. but i have learned that not everything needs to be questioned, but instead felt. i am only relieved we are able to live our truth in its rawest form.”

his gaze remained on her face, eyes downcast as they drifted to her rouged lips.

@❁ kwon bora entranced as he watched the rhythmic fluttering of her eyelids, kihyun got lost in each blink carrying a graceful movement as she blinked away the intoxication. his eyes vividly noted every detail of her freckled countenance as it was illuminated by the blinding lights of the gala. her lips that parted in low breathing etching itself into the canvas of his mind.

he was entranced, alright.

kihyun found himself suddenly feeling his chest tightening, unsure of what it was. however, with gentle precision, he guided her in a gentle rhythm as he dared not to disturb the lull of her peace.

cha kihyun remained oblivious to the concept of love. its intricacies seemed to be far from his comprehension and so, it didn't occur to him that the way he looked at her was far different from how he had ever looked at anyone at all. he failed to recognize that this was far more significant than just an attraction due to physical allure and was something more than mere admiration.

kihyun often leveraged attraction as a tool for his own personal gain. he was a master of manipulating those who dared interact with a man like him to make them do his bidding. yet, beneath such a facade, an emptiness stemming from the lack of genuine experience in receiving love rendered him blind to what true affection and genuine emotions were. growing up, threads of love remained absent and instead were replaced by hate and the feeling of anguish.

a smile immediately unfurled across cha kihyun's lips. he could see the clouds on her expressions clearing, and the scowl from the god-awful gala finally missing. "oh, am i really?" he responds cheekily to the unexpected compliment. "i feel rather honored to hear that i am the most charming in your eyes." he hums and continues, "if i remember correctly, you despised seeing me during the early days of our meeting." a smirk appears as he .

for a brief period, bora remained hesitant and cautious around cha kihyun. it was something to be expected when a man uses your weakness as leverage for something he needs in return. bora is a formidable ally in navigating the alleys of the marketplace; expertly negotiating with the avaricious merchants for discounted prices and extracting donations for the less-fortunate community. and with the long-standing relationship, it seems as though they both learned to open their arms to one another and offer a sliver of trust in a bond that was forged from blackmail.

relief washed over kihyun's features like a soothing tide. he very much agreed that they had a lot in common. like a kindred spirit, he found it a lot easier to put trust in some like kwon bora. he has found to embrace a little more vulnerability of letting down his defenses for her, not anybody else.

he held her gaze for a moment, as his eyes traced the contours of her smile. in a fleeting moment, kihyun slipped into a territory that is beyond his control; something that doesn't happen very often. her crooked smile seemed to have cast a spell on him, a tremor coursed through his veins, sending tendrils of electricity throughout his body until the sound of his own pulse thundered in his ears. "okay," a small smile played upon his lips as he whispered.

taken aback, he found himself still and rooted to the spot, completely oblivious to the fact that they were amidst the dance floor with very curious onlookers. however, in that very moment, he was lost in the overwhelming feeling of bora's head on his shoulder; the world fading behind him into insignificance. his heart began pounding harder against his chest, sending his mind into a state of panic and confusion. what is this sensation? why is it rendering him powerless in its wake?


yet, amidst all the chaos and turmoil inside his head, everything comes to a sudden standstill as he listens to bora's voice. her questions getting him to a relieved sigh. chuckling after composing himself, kihyun shakes his head and carries the lady in his arms, not minding the gasps of the ton behind him. kihyun leaned towards bora's ear and whispered, "this world seems to have been far more suffocating than it is beautiful sometimes, bora." he then straightened up and walked out towards the direction of the palace gardens. "and we both know that all too well,"

@❃ nam boram juyeon’s eyebrows furrowed slightly at boram’s response. was she rejecting him? if that was the case, he would not blame her. he knew boram did not believe the rumors that surrounded him, but the same could not be said for the ton. he felt countless eyes burning holes into the back of his head, and his paranoia of it all did not help his case. though he had been proven innocent, he still could not convince himself of his innocence, just as the public remained unconvinced. “boram—“ he tried to cut her off, but the drunk gentleman did it for him as juyeon suddenly found himself catching the woman in his arms.

juyeon stumbled back, holding her tightly with his eyes wide open, surprised by the sudden impact and flustered at their contact. boram smelled sweet, but he couldn’t exactly place what it was—juyeon was too busy being into her dark gaze to identify it. beautiful. she was just so beautiful. if he closed his eyes, surely her face would have been burned into his eyelids.

“no need for apologies. that man should have watched where he was going. are you okay?” juyeon’s brows were now knitted together in concern, but he quickly reminded himself to relax. he had almost forgotten about the watchful eyes that surrounded them. promptly nodding at her suggestion, juyeon’s slightly trembling hand makes its way to boram’s waist, his other hand squeezing hers. smoothly, they transitioned into a waltz, seamlessly blending in with the dancing pairs on the floor with them.

“i must say, miss boram, you’re good at this.” juyeon blurted out amidst their dance, a futile attempt to distract himself from the way the curvature of her small waist perfectly fit with the contours of his hand like two matching puzzle pieces. “forgive me for my lack of skill in ballroom dancing. your previous partner seemed to be much more coordinated than me.” despite holding it in, jealousy inevitably seeped out from his voice as he tried to remedy the tension that permeated the air between them. juyeon did not know the exact type of tension that seemed to loom over them, but he just hoped that he did not make her uncomfortable.

“are you…enjoying your night? i hope my presence did not dampen the excitement of the occasion. the last thing i’d like to be reminded of is work when i’m off-duty.”

@❁ jeong dongmin bora laughed at dongmin’s remarks, a bitter note hidden in the joyous sound as always. as much as she hated to admit it, it seemed like dongmin effortlessly read bora’s mind. perhaps this was the reason that she could tolerate him more than others, even though she would never acknowledge that fact openly. there was something about him that made her want to continue to hang around him—a quality rare among those she had encountered in hanseong. it certainly spared his life during those grueling moments of dongmin’s indecisiveness while helping him put together his gala outfit. it drove her crazy, but it was a fun experience nevertheless.

“i saw some wine earlier, but they must have diluted the drink because it was no better than water when i sampled it. they should have put their budget towards things that matter, like liquor, instead of these frivolous decorations. flowers wilt in a couple of days.” bora grumbled, placing her ceramic flask, which had been smuggled into the palace, onto dongmin’s hands. “luckily, i thought ahead.”

she leaned her back against the wall, arms crossed in front of her chest in an unladylike stance. it was comical, the context of it all. the last time she was in this ballroom was during the social season, years ago, when her grace earned her the diamond of the year. now, she was offering liquor to a man instead of her hand to dance. “did anyone catch your attention tonight? or do you not care about that type of stuff?”

@❁ kwon bora “kwon bora!” nabi interjected in exasperation when her sister claimed to be half a woman, her hands curling into fists and shaking as they clutched onto the skirt of her hanbok. this disagreement was spiraling out of control and she did not even know where bora was coming from. what did she mean by that? did bora know? that she was infertile—has been since the damned massacre—and that nabi has been hiding it from her the entire time? since when? how did she find out? and was this the catalyst of her misbehavior? thoughts swirl within her like a raging sea threatening to drown her beneath its waves and the madame feels like she is suffocating.

all she can do is look at her younger sister helplessly, not even sure what to say until bora makes her next retort: “you act like you’re so prim and proper but those gloves are the only thing keeping you from what you truly are.”

nabi inhales a sharp breath as if bora had knocked the remaining air out of her lungs. the sentence had pierced through the former gisaeng’s defenses, striking at the heart of her insecurities. she had known this sentiment bora had held onto since that incident in taesan and it would not be the first time that someone has implied her to be a . but that did not mean it did not sting — if anything, it stung a hundred times over coming from her own flesh and blood.

the woman struggled to steady herself, taking a moment to compose herself by blinking away the tears that threatened to spill over. “you are right,” nabi admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, “i am not prim nor am i proper. i have sold more than just my soul away to make a living.” the confession was a bitter truth laid bare for all to see, a stark contrast to the façade of dignity she had tried to maintain.

“but don’t you get it, bora?” she implored, her voice trembling with raw emotion. “that is exactly why i cannot condone your actions. because you *are* supposed to be better than me. because none of this matters if you do not end up in a better place than me!” the words echoed in the space between them, a plea for understanding, for redemption, for a chance at a better life for them both.

@❀ kim byungjun [h] the marchioness nodded in understanding as byungjun explained his detachment from the art of pottery that stemmed from his absence, recognizing he had lost ten years’ worth of practice during the time he was away from his family and their business.

she chuckled alongside him, her laughter light at his affirmation of her fighting prowess and jest about being able to take on a grown man in a fight. “thank you for your kind words, but now you are just flattering me at this point,” she remarked with a playful shake of her head, the sweetness of his praise not lost on her.

yeonhwa listens attentively as he went into depth about his approach to cooking, genuinely heartened by the passion in his voice. she had always been one to enjoy hearing about people speak of their interests and seeing how visibly their eyes would light up, just as byungjun’s did as he spoke of his appreciation for food and all that it could be.

“you do not need to apologize for anything! if anything, i truly enjoyed hearing about your insights, and i resonated with most of what you said,” she assured him with a wide beam. “most, because i do not hunt, but i can see how meaningful it would be to do so with appreciation for what nature has provided us.” her gaze softened as she regarded him. “plus, it is not every day that i meet a man who has such a skill! your future spouse will certainly be a lucky one,” she remarked, her tone warm as she expressed her admiration for his talents.

as the music started to mellow down, they stepped apart to bow to one another, a customary gesture not only to conclude their dance but also of gratitude for the time they had shared. when their heads came back up, she met byungjun’s gaze with a gentle smile. “well, this was certainly a delightful experience to share with you. i apologize, for i do have other names on my dance card, but with this dance, i would like to call us friends,” she expressed with sincerity.

“perhaps the next time i visit your brother, i can personally try out one of your culinary creations. i hope you have a lovely rest of your night.” with that, she offered him a final nod of farewell before stepping away to fulfill her next obligation of the evening.

[ fin. ]

@✿ choi siwoo The little matchmaker couldn't help but notice the subtle shift in her dance partner’s demeanor as they twirled in sync to the music as they continued their dance. Although she knew very little of him and had only graced the surface of his existence tonight, she wondered what other weights and burdens he carried. There was a faint glimmer of genuine interest in her eyes, a spark of curiosity that mirrored the glow of lanterns as they moved gracefully across the dance floor.

It was when he expressed his reluctance in arranged marriages that Seoyul found herself more drawn to their conversation. Although the reveal of his sentiments went against the notion of her work, she also couldn't help but feel a surge of respect for him due to his sincerity and honesty. He seemed like a man committed to his personal principles, one that didn’t necessarily conform to the rigid societal expectations. For odd reasons, it resonated deeply with her, and she admired his refusal to trap someone in a marriage devoid of happiness. It was a sentiment she also shared.

Seoyul could not help but dwell on her own thoughts and she couldn't shake the weight of her own conflicting emotions. She had entered into the world of matchmaking with a dual purpose: to spite her stepmother and to help individuals find love that wasn’t confined to societal classes.

She had always believed that love knew no boundaries, that it transcended social expectations and familial obligations. It was a belief she held dear, one that had been shaped by her own observations of the world around her. She had seen the pain caused by loveless marriages, yet here she was, using the gala as an excuse to recruit eligible individuals into securing her business, much like her stepmother had done.

Lost in her thoughts, Seoyul found herself slowing her steps, her focus drifting away from the dance and towards her dance partner. She began to feel awful about her ulterior reason for approaching him now. So when he introduced himself as Choi Siwoo from the House of the White Stag, Seoyul felt a slight pang of panic. She hadn't anticipated him asking for her name, and worried that he may recognize her family’s prospects with her stepmother being a well known matchmaker for elite families in the capital. Seoyul would not doubt for a moment if the man before her had run into her stepmother before, or if his parents had turned to the prominent matchmaker for suitable matches in the past.

In a split second decision, Seoyul felt the need to protect herself and maintain her anonymity. She scrambled to think of a suitable alias to give him as she worried revealing her true identity, not when her motives for approaching him had been far from genuine.

Gathering her composure, Seoyul offered him a warm smile, masking her inner turmoil. "Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Choi," she replied, her voice slightly holding a tinge of sweetness in hopes to camouflage her nerves. "I am…” her voice faltered as she debated, then picked up once she'd made up her mind. “Ah, you may call me Lady Kim Yisoo."

Instinctively, her bottom lip settled between her canines as she realized that she had given the name of her late mother. With a slight lowering of her head to return his bow, Seoyul’s face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and worry. She hoped he would not ask around about her and that this fleeting dance would suffice as their first and last encounter.

Then as if luck was on her side, the music began to fade, a signal for the end of their dance. Seoyul brightened up, met his gaze and with a slight chuckle said, "thank you for the dance, Lord Choi. I had a wonderful time."

With that, she offered him another polite bow and turned to make her way back into the crowd, hoping to blend in and disappear without drawing any further attention to herself. Yet, the little matchmaker had failed to notice the delicate norigae that had slipped from its knot and it fell soundlessly to the ground, lost amidst the sea of swirling skirts and polished shoes.

@✿ ryu songmin tonight—and in the days prior, miryeong prepared to let it all go: any sense of hope she carried of a lifetime filled with a multitude of moments of unsullied, absolute bliss in the arms of the man before her—all expectations of finding a man as handsome, honest, and sincere as songmin. the circumstances at which rendered her headspace impenetrable, unchangeable their last night together before the war lead miryeong to this: at an unspeakable loss, with practiced readiness to accept the outstretched hand of any man who would promise to provide security for her future—no matter how much she wished it would be his hand that’d reach out to her.

in some fateful, strange twist, perhaps the very fact that he had chosen her item was that hand reaching out to her. and yet, she denied him, her own mind stricken with this internal conflict of interest. should she listen to that voice of reason that paid loyalty to everyone she loved? or should she freefall into the monsoon of everything she only once dreamed of? of surrendering? of faithfully belonging to someone whose heart and soul was made up of the same hers was? was there a choice that she could not yet see that would steady her feet on the very ground she stood on?

miryeong watched, gaze unable to move from his face as he diverted his response as ever careful. she almost felt apologetic for whatever it was that troubled him over her genuine curiosity. his grace in equally respecting his own family and managing to tug at her heartstrings, she could not help but to admire. ‘would you like for me to stay?’ the question lingered in her thoughts, but her lips found themselves unable to speak the words, for she did not want to ask. she would simply declare it that if he’d have her, she’d stay for as long as he’d look upon her fondly.

“oh.” was all that fell from her lips. it carried a reflection of the wistfulness present in his own. she should have seen it coming. that perhaps he’d doubt the length at which she would remain in his life because she’d turned him away. she’d be gone. he would find another. the memory of her would be just that to him. a memory.

the thrums of plucked strings resounded throughout the room, guiding the dancing duos that surrounded them—and yet, while in her own head, gaze lost elsewhere in the room, miryeong noticed that her partner had led them to a standstill in the midst of swaying couples. her brows furrowed, materializing the confusion she felt inside as she reconnected their gazes.

“why—” she began but was cut off by the odd steadiness of his voice.

suddenly, miryeong felt the room around her dissolve into the background. like all earnest truths, his hit hard, and she felt every sentence like a ripple to her existence. the sounds of her heart pounded in both her chest and ears; her fingers tingled, trembled in his hold, although slackened from their brief recess.

traitorous tears welled up in her eyes before she could even think of what to say in return. but what was there more to say when he laid his heart bare before her, like a hand reaching out to her once more? and more tenacious than her desires to dance along to the expectations set forth by her own principles, she wanted to hold on tight and never allow that hand to slip away ever.

“i will,” miryeong vowed softly, a tear slipping over her cheeks. a beat. an exhale of a breath she did not know she was holding. an act of surrender so subtle that she swallowed any threat of hesitation and began again. “i will stay, if that is what you are asking of me. i know that is contrary to everything i have said before and the way i have acted towards you but truthfully——i am so tired. i am tired of denying and pretending as if my heart does not skip at the sight of you—as if the mere thought of you does not send every ounce of logical reasoning in me out the door. you are my first thought in the morning and my last at the end of the night.”

in his eyes, she steadied herself, her lips offering a rueful smile.

“i am ready to start again with you.”

@❁ cheon suryeon He was at the precipice of leaving and until…

"Her father is the newly minted member of the Royal Assembly—the Chief of Royal Investigator, was it?—
nonetheless, a dance could not have hurt.”

It was unmistakable—the confidence woven into her every word and the magnetic charm it exuded. Her voice resonated with an authority that transported him back to that book store in Hanseong, the capital he'd often daydreamed about in his longing. Though a decade had passed, it felt as if mere moments had separated them, her visage and voice vivid in his memory as if he had seen her only yesterday.
Sejin turns around to the source of the voice and there she was.

Cheon Suryeon.

The commander found himself utterly unprepared for the overwhelming effect her mere presence had on him. Sejin, never one to back away from war and battle is rendered completely and utterly defenseless by the female who now stood in front of him. As if all the correspondence that they have sent back and forth throughout the years bridged a path for them to meet again. He doesn’t fail to notice how effortlessly beautiful she looked in her blue-grey dress and Sejin could not help but compare her to a thousand different things, diamonds being one of them although even a diamond’s shine paled with how she stood out from the crowd. Suryeon is as beautiful as the sky is vast during all times of the day. And this evening, she appeared to him like an unexpected meteor in a
starless night. And he wished to revel in this moment.

“Welcome back to Hanseong, Commander Oh Sejin.”

Despite the whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind, he found himself rendered speechless in her presence, unable to summon even a single word.

For one, he reaches for the drink that she had offered. Hoping it might help the nerves that had suddenly kicked in with their surprise reunion.

“I’m afraid I’m not a good dancer. You know this, so I spared her."
He admitted with a smile, his words breaking the barrier of silence between them. Instantly, the nervousness and hesitation melted away, as if they were once again engaged in their familiar correspondence. She possessed a unique ability to simultaneously make him feel nervous and at ease, a paradox he couldn't help but admire.

Sejin brings the glass to his lips, sipping on the drink before scanning the crowd once, undoubtedly the ton’s eyes are on them.The stoic commander who never showed himself in such events, now finds himself in the company of the only woman who has managed to coax a real smile from him. Surely they did not expect Sejinto be acquainted with anyone other than his peers in the military.

“Thank you Suryeon-ssi. I thought you were not attending the gala?”

His words were laced with genuine curiosity as he regarded her. Suryeon fit in the grand gala with her elegant mannerisms and the way she held herself together. Commanding attention at every step and turn. It would have been a shame if she did not attend. Although the prospect of her dancing with other gentlemen in Sejin’s imagination somehow left him feeling slightly bothered. For reasons unknown.

Glancing at her dance card, the Marquess notices that the ballspende was empty save for one spot. Sejin thought that the card would be filled with more names if not full as it was already the middle of the night. Usually, a time where ladies find their cards filled with names. Surely, she was not rejecting dance invitations like he did? For the idea of gentlemen not approaching her was just impossible.

“I should think your dance card would have already been filled..” He says, motioning towards it before taking another sip.

It was amusing how mere moments ago, the idea of dancing with anyone would have been out of the question for him. He had been content to remain a mere spectator, observing from the sidelines. Yet with her by his side in the present moment, something stirred within him—a desire to take a chance. Despite knowing his own lackluster dancing skills, he felt compelled to try. Sejin was acutely aware that he might embarrass himself, yet if there was anyone in the world who would forgive his missteps, it would be her.

As if in perfect synchrony with his thoughts, the lively tempo of the music transitioned seamlessly into a slow, melodic tune, as though a higher power were listening in on his internal deliberations.

“My lady…you know I lack skills in dancing but. Can I still dare ask you for a dance?” He says, extending his hand towards her.

And when she takes his hand, the Marquess leads her to the dance floor thinking about how her hand felt with his and unconsciously he was already thinking about how hard it would be for him to let go once the dance ends. With her by his side, he dared not think about what others might think, what gossip would soon revolve amongst the elite. For this one time, he would let himself be selfish.

They took to the center, for as much of a bad dancer he was, Suryeon did not deserve to be on the sidelines. The dance begins, and Sejin places one hand around her waist, with another holding her hand as they start moving with the music. The Marquess might have been two steps off beat, but he would regain his rhythm half way through the song. In the soft glow of the dimly lit room, his eyes fixated on her visage. The clarity of her eyes, akin to a vast starry sky in the darkness of night, captivated him completely. If he peered closer, he was sure he could see the cosmos held within her orbs. He couldn’t help but feel like Suryeon’s much smaller frame was guiding his taller clumsier build.

Perhaps it was time to relearn formal dancing.
It couldn't be solely to impress the enchanting lady before him; after all, they were just friends. And yet, as they danced, the world around them blurred, the crowded ballroom fading away until only Sejin and Suryeon remained.

In that moment, his focus was solely on her, the intensity of his gaze unwavering. The pulsating rhythm of his heart drowned out the ambient sounds of the ballroom. They were just friends, he reasoned, attempting to silence the fervent beats echoing so audibly in his chest. For fear that, in the quiet spaces between the music, she might discern the frantic tempo of his heart, pounding with a rhythm that spoke of feelings he hadn't yet fully acknowledged.


(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfn1J2WuHWo)

@❀ yang seoyul choi siwoo was highly aware of the knowing looks that followed his movements. it was as if with every step he made, there was an invisible spotlight illuminating his path. the discerning gazes of those around him came with wariness, yet with a recognition of his recent promotion, elevating his status in the inner web of power that defined hanseong's political scene.

the promotion surely has only intensified the scrutiny upon him. amidst the throng of well-wishers, she didn't seem to share the same look and agenda everyone seemed to be particularly interested in. with that, he felt a tinge of assurance that he could relax his shoulders and enjoy the brief dance they shared.

with a nod of agreement, siwoo found himself conceding to the same sentiment. it was an undeniable truth that resonated deeply with his principles. the burden of his position overshadows his desire. there were far more important things than the selfish whims he had within. in the hierarchy of priorities, his aspirations often took a backseat to the demands of a duke's duty and obligation.

as the words hung in the air, siwoo responded. "aren't we all?"

the mere mention of matchmaking piqued siwoo's interest almost instantly. the words of the stranger resonated with a profound truth, after all. amidst the opulence of the gala, the ton has engaged in the collective yearning to recapture the essence of hanseong before the war erupted. the gala served as the perfect reason and timing where the rest of the families to engage with marital prospects and allies. with whispered conversations and subtle glances, he was sure that far many families would sooner or later join hands after tonight's festivities.

"truth be told," he interjected as he gracefully guided their steps towards the periphery of the dance floor, avoiding the aggressive swirling throng of pairs. "i am not one for arranged marriages. i find myself at odds with the notion." siwoo paused, giving it some thought. " i have one too many concerns about such ideas. i am willing to compromise and make countless concessions in my life for the best interest of my people," he pauses and shakes his head. "however, i will not trap someone in a marriage i am not sure i can cultivate happiness in."

siwoo's commitment to his principles ran deep. he refused to watch someone be forced into a union where it would trap them in a familial duty and cause their lifelong unhappiness. just like his mother.

forced into a position of influence within a clan tainted by corruption, and rotting from the inside, siwoo's existence was due to the necessity to empower their deteriorating family; it was enough to see his beloved mother become a reluctant participant in a game of power where the stakes were nothing short of one's soul.

he refused to watch someone's heart wilt into decaying pieces; siwoo did not want to see someone in the shadow of his mother, growing old and weary, waiting for a man who never once returned her sincerity and love.

tilting his head, he awaited the lady's response, poised and attentive. however, the response he has received was one he never anticipated. a rush of warmth surged to his face from the sudden proposition, momentarily rendering him speechless. however, as she continued, he found himself gradually easing away from the tension. "i am choi siwoo. from the house of the white stag." he introduced himself, his movements coming to a graceful halt as he offered his partner a courteous bow.

as he lifted his head, a sense of composure finally settling over him once more, he extended his hand once again. "now, may i have the honor of knowing your name, my lady?"

@❁ jeong dongmin His comparison to fine liquor made her chuckle. Maybe the men had. Maybe that was why she disliked them all so much. All as fine a liquor, burning down your throat and making your senses unfocused. No, she much preferred her men- Well, that part she wasn't so sure of yet. She was certain she would find a man. When or how was an entirely separate notion with which she could not really fathom yet.

"Perhaps not every girl wants a man so finely aged. Each tongue is different," Sunmi quietly mused, attempting to offer him a polite smile. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the man standing before her in her eyes. Yes, he was awkward, but that held a charm in its own way. And it wasn't like the smithy had made his physique unappealing. In fact, those broad shoulders looked quite comfortable as a place to rest one's head.

The color still played over her cheeks as he kept complimenting her. "Oh, I assure you, Dongmin. My days with a bow have long passed. It is high time I take up a more ladylike profession. Though my hand is not steady enough for a needle quite yet, I will one day be able to wield it more deftly than I ever did a bow."

She smiled at his musings, agreeing with each word as if it was spoken about him and not by him. No matter how many years had passed since then Dongmin felt like the same man. Humble and kind and charming. "She would not have dared. You were far too handsome." Her voice was a teasing whisper at the last comment.

And yet here they were, so far apart from what they had been. Who they had been. Sunmi wondered what in his life had changed him so to make him think such horrible things of himself. Ha had not been anything but a perfect gentleman to her in every which way.

"You speak as if a man could do this for me, yet no woman could do so for you," she replied, a small pout on her lips. But she could understand his worries. She herself had similar abysmal thoughts of her future. It was not due to her her future would be bright. It would be due to her husband and whatever children she could give him. She herself had little to add but to hope she could satisfy the needs of whomever she married. "I'm afraid my future might not be so sunny either, my friend. I may smile all bright when outside, but I am but a hollow shell of who I once was. I can only hope a man would want me as his bride. And that I would be capable of fulfilling his needs."

@❁ cheon sunmi Dongmin willed the urge away from wincing at the sudden weight on his foot. Though he had expected this, better her than him, it had come unexpectedly, his mind clouded with their conversation. Not that she was heavy, or that it hurt enough for much of a reaction aside from a wince… But that it was unexpected. Like the rest of her words, and… Cheon Sunmi in general.

“I am not sure if expired is the best way to put it. Other men my age have aged like the finest of liquor, yet, I feel there is something different about me. Perhaps it’s because of the smithy.” Dongmin tried his best not to ramble, unsure of how to avert attention from his compliments. He feared he came off as creepy, or that the blush on her cheeks had meant her wanting to step away. He wouldn’t blame her. “Even if it’s not graceful, it’d turn every hunter in here to shame. It’s never too late to continue with what you love.”

Dongmin looked off the way, thinking to himself. “We change everyday, yet you remain familiar. Different, yes, I don’t know if the girl from back then would speak to me as she does now, but… That can only be a good thing, no?”

Repressing a sigh of relief, he felt a little lighter. Sunmi’s feelings for him no longer remained. He knew, deep down, she’d be a perfect person for him to have a life with, as none of this was on her… But he couldn’t picture him with anyone, let alone someone as sunny as her. He didn’t want to be the clouds crowing her skies, shadowing the light onto the land. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself. Dongmin had already been through enough in his long life, love was just… Not in the cards for him. He knew this so long ago, when his… When that fell through. As he aged, he accepted it. Or maybe he just pushed it deeper and deeper until it was bound to…

“We are similar, in the way friends are, equals are, but you future is bound to be bright, for you are in it. Your family has good things ahead of them, and if someone wants to come into your life and marry you… I can only imagine they’d bring you everything you need.” He sighed. “But for me, I cannot see that. I don’t think of it as pessimism, rather, it was in the cards for me since I was born. I am not a man who believes in fate, yet, I can’t think of any other reason as to why everything had… Turned out the way it did.”

@❃ choi saemi His expression softened when he noticed a reflection of mixed emotions in Saemi’s eyes. Of course Youngjae understood the gravity of their circumstances in this public setting: he was the son of her employer and she was a servant of their estate, even if he held her like she was his world, in the gaze of the ton, they seemed to come from different universes.

It’d be a lie to say that he did not worry she’d turn away from him, however her slight hesitant nods filled him with a rush of relief. Youngjae tightened the grip of his hand on hers, responding with a smile that held all the adoration of emotions that he felt for her.

“Look at me, Saemi,” he tells her, peering into her orbs that sparkled in the chandelier lights. “I don’t care what anyone else thinks about us. All that matters to me is you. I will not let anyone deter you from my side, and even if they try to take you from me, I will continue to hold you like this and never let you go.”

The world around them had faded into insignificance with each step they took and each turn they made on the dance floor. Youngjae found himself losing track of time in the presence of love and the silent affirmation of their hearts that beat as one. Compared to months ago, his worries and fears had no longer taken hold of his heart, because Saemi had given him a reason to brave through all the trials that may come their way. All that mattered was here and now, with her hand in his, the gentle gaze of her eyes, and the unspoken promises of their future.

As the music swayed them into a realm of their own, he is reminded of how she had blossomed a tender love in his soul against all odds. How could such a small person hold so much of him within the spaces of her being? For in her, he had found more than a home, he had found the very reason to breathe and look forward to more tomorrows with her.

And as they danced through the night, each song after the other until the lights had dimmed, the music had stilled, and the people had gone, Youngjae never grew tired of how Saemi felt in his arms. He knew, without a doubt, that he would follow her to the ends of the world and back, if only to feel her warmth against him and to bask in the glow of their love—a love that he would never allow to fade away.

[ fin. ]

@✿ oh sejin A cocktail of emotions—regrets, envy, lingering affections—remain coursing through her veins even after her dance with Jihoo ended. It left a vile aftertaste in the back of . How she had even dared to feel such a way towards the people she treasures was baffling, to say the least. It was as swift as a venom to taint the happiness she felt for the newborn couple.

Extracting herself from the crowd to the sidelines did not seem to ease the knots in her chest. The high-strung melodies obsessively nudged onto the flurries of emotions as the dance ascended to a crescendo. The falconer excused herself from the palace ballroom, seeking the quiet solace the palace garden offered.

There was urgency in her steps, as if any minute now, she would combust if triggered. When the cold air hit her skin, her feet slowed as they gradually regained the poise she had. The splendour of the gala soon turned into faint muffles of music and the glow of the palace lights dimming as she continued to walk a couple of steps further from the festivities.

Suryeon breathed in the crisp air of winter lingering in the early spring night, exhaling to dispel the cursed thoughts within. The views of the garden enticed her to leave the gala. A longing--a need to free herself from the societal duties the night demanded of her. She wanted to run between trees within the woods, to let the scattered stars above blur into streaks, to let her weak heart beat dangerously wild and her lungs begging for air so her thoughts would numb out the what-ifs.

Yet she could not possibly leave her sisters behind.

Or miss the opportunity to welcome a certain naval commander back to the Capital.

A sigh escaped her once more. The thought of the eldest of the House of Blue Lions felt akin to an antidote, gradually neutralising the poison in her system. She had found a newfound respite in exchanging words with Oh Sejin. In the empty classroom of her academy, she'd open his newly arrived letters and lived through his experience on the far out ocean that was neatly written into words. While she remained tight-lipped of the ails that plagued her to most, her replies would sometimes be laced with momentary weakness. Even now, her finger itched to let her heart speak to her friend through ink.

In the recent reply to his missive, she had declared that she would not attend the Lunar gala yet here she was, donned in the blue-grey dress of her debut almost twelve years ago. Keen eyes would notice the modified length and the additions to add glamour befitting of her current image, courtesy to her sister, Sumin. It was a tribute to the moment where the Queen announced her as Diamond, her mother insisted. Though unlike her father prior to the sister's departure to the gala, the former Duchess did not bring up the matter of finding a suitor, as if knowing the one fear her daughter had kept away from the world relating to her illness.

Suryeon cast one last look beyond the palace gardens, then began to make her way back into the ballroom. As she searched for her sisters, whispers of a new presence of a bachelor reached her ears. Suryeon was never too keen in listening to the gossiping lips of the Ton, however, the name of the man she had been waiting for had apparently been weaved into the most heated gossip of the night. Gossip aside, the Falconer swept her gaze around the ballroom.

It was easy to pinpoint the Commander. Other than his tall stature, eyes of ladies gravitate towards him, vying for his attention, much like the judging gazes of the Ton mamas of his elusive presence. Even as he seemingly placed himself as a wallflower, the gravity of the Ton's curiousity was stronger and he may as well be a sculpted figure to be admired in the centre of the ballroom.

She stealthily weaved through the ton, taking her time rounding the ballroom while her eyes fixed on the man in order to make sure he took no notice of her presence. Her steps came to a halt when she saw a young lady approach him. An amused smirk settled on her lips as she witnessed the scene unfold. For a moment, Suryeon marinated on the idea of approaching him. Surely, she did not want to be a repellant to his potential suitors by approaching and engaging in a conversation with him.

When the young lady turned her back abruptly from the Marquess, her eyebrows raised in amusement. What had the man said to drive her away like a child in tantrum? As Sejin assumed a position further into the sidelines, Suryeon resumed to silently head towards him, pausing to pick up two glass of drink to accompany their incoming exchange--spoken rather than written.

Suryeon took her place beside his tall build, clearing to announce her presence as she extended the drink in her hand. "Her father is the newly minted member of the Royal Assembly—the Chief of Royal Investigator, was it?—nonetheless, a dance could not have hurt.” The smaller female tipped her head to one side, her teeth in shame of his lost chance before glancing at the military male, curious of what expression would dance in his round, pearly orbs at her sudden entrance.

“Welcome back to Hanseong, Commander Oh Sejin.”

@✿ song jihoo Chaperoning was her goal for the night. Her eyes fixated on the figures of her two beloved younger sisters and their blind date. The dance card she was given, as apparently she remains eligible for marriage, dangled from her wrist, ignored. Not many men dared to approach the spinster nor did she accept any hand extended to her, receiving relieved (masked with slight disapproving) glances from the ton mamas as she rejected the bachelors.

Diamond be damned. Twelve years has passed since her debut and she did not have a man to change her surname into. It was amusing to know she still kept the ton mamas on their toes with herself still on the eligible market, seemingly posing a threat to their daughters’ hunt for bachelors. If only she was kind enough to publicly announce she has no intentions to take a bachelor as husband and put a balm on their prickling anxiety.

Loosening her focus on her sisters, Suryeon’s caramel orbs caught sight of her best friend as he cut through the crowd. At the peak of their romance, his approach filled with purpose would have caused her heart to flutter wildly. The remnants of those feelings lingered at present like embers in the midst of ashes, ready for the right amount of breath to light it up once more. Yet she recalled the paragraph in the Society Papers of his forthcoming engagement–to none other than her beloved little sister figure, Ryu Aera. The news doused the kindling completely and for a moment she had suffocated in the smoke. But it was all for the best.

Song Jihoo will be happy.

At the call of her name, she mirrored his smile. “Jihoo.”

The falconer gazed at his extended hand, tracing the lines on his palm. With every dance they engaged in, their relationship progressed from that of a dear friend to a lover before having to step back to a friend once more. It was strange—and awfully familiar—how the hand she once thought she could hold onto forever in times of dire need would no longer be available to her. Tonight is, perhaps, the moment her heart would dance to the tune of the last notes of their song. Tonight may as well be the last time she would share a dance with the man who had countlessly offered her respite from the talons of cruel fate.

“Of course, I do recall it very well.” Suryeon gently settled her hand over his. With ease, they slipped onto the dancefloor and joined their fellow dancing ton. Suryeon lay her other hand on Jihoo’s shoulder, a teasing smile gracing her tiers as a prickling curiosity surfaced on the thought of her best friend’s romance development. “I heard there will be a meteor shower tonight. A perfect chance to profess one’s undying love to another on one knee, is it not?”

@❃ kwon nabi For a brief moment, in their proximity surrounded by other dancing couples, Yeonghan wondered if ever in the near future would he get the chance to grace the dance floor again with Nabi on his arm. If greed was considered a sin, a sinner he was, and he did not wish to repent. To hold her close. To witness her sweet smile from mere inches away. Even the soothing cadence of her whispered voice drew him closer, yearning to capture what essences of her he could to save for those rainy days where nothing else was quite capable of alleviating him of his tribulations.

She was like that for him. A panacea for every ailment. The familiar pats to his back in the eerie darkness. A reason for him to keep on, to grit his teeth and keep fighting when outnumbered.

The subtle press of her body against his did nothing short of abbreviating his next breath. Her lips barely ghosted over his skin, but the sensations that followed were nearly enough to make him consider inviting her out of this ballroom filled with a crowd of people so that they could be all alone. Just the two of them. But he could not fault her alone for this abrupt onrush of a million and one butterflies and a torrid flush that surely crawled up to his neck. His own hand that slipped a little lower to her hip brought her closer and closer as they glided into the next set of steps.

'Don't you dare.' was his immediate thought at the mention of a third departure, but his lips did not move. If he ordered her to stay, would she? Or would she choose to leave again, tired of the things he commanded her to do whenever the universe granted them another chance? The thought of losing her again. How could he bear it?

He allowed her words to linger in the air for a moment before he finally smiled, all of the focus in his gaze concentrated on Nabi's own. His voice softened, slowed. "Byeol, I am hardly a man of poetry, but if you wish to hear me speak long and honestly of how much I miss you and of the things I miss about you, I'm afraid we'd be here all night. For you, I will try. And besides, I am certain that before I could begin my second stanza, you will probably flush red from embarrassment and command me to stop." The scenario humored him, and a laugh bubbled from his chest.

With a mischievous glint in his eye, he chided her request with a click of his tongue. "Tsk, I do not know how to say this more gently, but . . . as you have gifted it to me, the daenggi is now rightfully mine." Even though I'd much rather have your heart, he wanted to add. "Think of this as an exchange. You can keep the norigae I have given you, and the daenggi will stay in my possession until otherwise stated."

However, much to Nabi's misfortune, Yeonghan did not have any intentions of returning the daenggi. Not now and not ever, lest it was her hand in exchange.

｡･:*:･ﾟ･ { ᴇɴᴅ ᴏғ ᴛʜʀᴇᴀᴅ } ･ﾟ･:*:･｡

@✿ oh jiyong lord jiyong continued to surprise boram. in the brief span of their acquaintance, he had given her a considerable measure of empathy. the prospect of friendship had not been within her expectations for the evening, yet she embraced it wholeheartedly. “my lord, your kindness knows no bounds. i’m grateful for the fortunate circumstance that brought us together on the dance floor tonight. it would be an honor to consider you a friend. i look forward to our future encounters.”

a gentle shake of her head dismissed his apology. “there is no need for apologies, my lord. your refreshingly optimistic outlook on life post-war is truly inspiring. perhaps i should adopt such a disposition myself.” lord jiyong, she realised with a growing appreciation, possessed a rare and admirable quality - introspectiveness. a bashful smile graced her lips as she returned his compliment. “your words are far too generous. my contribution was but a mere trifle compared to what was truly required. the frontline demanded unparalleled bravery and resilience. yet, i am grateful to learn that my chosen item resonated with you.”

a deeper blush adorned boram's countenance at his final inquiry. had her sentiments been so transparent? her partner was far more perceptive than she initially believed. “there may have been," she admitted with a flustered laugh, “a specific individual i envisioned when selecting my item. however, that in no way diminishes my delight in this fortuitous outcome, which has not only graced me with your presence but also the prospect of a newfound friend /and/ an elder brother figure.”

in the aftermath of her disownment, male figures in her life were scarce. it held great significance that lord jiyong was willing to assume such a role, and she earnestly hoped to reciprocate in kind. “your support is deeply cherished, my lord. however, i implore you to consider our connection a two-way street. i hope i can be someone upon whom you may rely as well.” a moment of comfortable silence settled between them as they continued their waltz. then, a spark of curiosity ignited within boram. she turned to the young nobleman, her gaze filled with inquiry.

“if i may inquire, do you find yourself in a similar situation as i? is there is someone within these very walls who captures your thoughts?”

@❁ hwang miryeong [h] ‘hanseong may be a small place, but there was an imaginary divide drawn between us.’ he mused, a response to her murmurs that never left his mind.

“joseon as a whole is not very large, but yet, i did not expect to trespass your domain so soon.” and it was not an unpleasant surprise at all.

as if their hearts beat along one rhythm, songmin gently held her close to him as they danced away, their feet sweeping across the floor. yet, the closer he held her, the force that aims to repel him from her grew stronger, or so it felt. was he gone for too long? was war not worthy a sacrifice to efface his past wrongs? no matter his actions, however, he cannot dictate the maelstrom that was the two of them, or her reactions.

in fact, he was a little surprised she even stuck with him at all, despite the temporary absence from his life.

“i am as well, if i did not well… it is not a matter i would like to discuss on the dance floor.” clearing his throat, he quickly summoned a topic of change to the best of his ability. “however, i felt, as formidable as my family is, i feel they would always be there for me. but you, my darling, i can never truly know if you would stay for long.” nary a trace of conceit in voice, but instead a certain wistfulness laced in his tone as he treaded the careful balance between his love and family. there was a foreseeable future his love would coalesce, marry into the latter. but that was merely an image painted by hindsight, and hindsight alone.

the turmoil only worsened as he glanced at the binyeo placed ever so gingerly in her dark hair; it feels as though he was being toyed with. not necessarily by the woman, but by the conflict between himself, the interests of his and her families, and the ongoing battle between his heart and mind. the flutters from the summer festival returned to him, except it differed from typical first date jitters. it was the pressure to truly bare of his heart and soul, committing to his true desires, to a woman who defied all the standards that were set for him.

he refused to remain caged by the walls he was told to put up, especially as this may be his last chance to ultimately win her back. however, if she were to reject his request, he had to face that hard truth as well; love was not only a choice, a worthy sacrifice, but a feeling to work for as well.

slowing to a halt, juxtaposing the eager dancers on the floor, their breaths mingled, as well as his hesitation and growing resolve.

“i only stopped calling upon you, because i thought that was asked of me. or.. what others have asked of me. however, my heart rebelled against them; it did not care what others thought or demanded from me. and neither should you, miryeong. the whole time… my heart only asked for you, and wanted to call for you. as embarrassing as it seems, i am completely and utterly consumed by you, and i do not wish for that feeling to end. you are not just the object of my desires, you are to be subjected of my love as well. i only ask of you, to stay with me and start it all over.”

his eyes searched for any silence in hers, anticipating her response.

@❁ hwang mijoo "You did? Pray, share with me all the musings that filled your mind... and if any worries lingered, I trust that my company tonight has banished them away."

As the final notes of the song faded, a sense of unease settled upon the censor's thoughts. It was not a foreboding dread or a harbinger of doom, but rather a fleeting fear that Mijoo might slip away from his grasp as the echo of the drums faded into the hall. Though he concealed it well, Jeon Gyunwoo found himself troubled by this notion, his mind already scheming for another excuse to be near the maiden. He was relieved that none of his sisters were around to see through this charismatic act he adopted, he knew all three would be quick to call him out for being a silent bumbling fool.

It was a foolish notion, he chided himself, this tug-of-war between the belief in their inevitable meeting and the urgency to make his intentions clear. Yet, driven by an unexplainable desire, Gyunwoo found himself longing for a second dance with Mijoo, hoping to convey his feelings through the gentle sway of the music.

"Mijoo, might I—" he began, only to pause as she gently withdrew from his embrace.

"I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening." she said softly, and a wistful sigh escaped Gyunwoo's lips. It seemed a second dance would have to wait for another time. Nevertheless, a boyish smile graced his features as he nodded in acknowledgment, signaling the end of their dance.

Yet, even as he smiled, a shadow of doubt crossed Gyunwoo's mind. Perhaps, he reckoned, Mijoo did not wish for another dance with him. The thought lingered like a whisper of uncertainty, tugging at the edges of his hopeful heart.

"Wait," Gyunwoo implored, reaching out to clasp the young lady's hand once more. "I... wish to see you again. Not by chance or mere happenstance—our encounters thus far seem to have been guided by fate—but by your own choosing. Perhaps over yuja cha and dasik, just as we used to? Would you grace me with your presence again, Mijoo?"

@✿ cha kihyun bora found her relationship with kihyun to be a perplexing one. the thought of it was one of the many concerns that kept her up at night. how could something forged in manipulation feel so genuine at the same time? perhaps it was the beating muscle in her chest that had tricked her into feeling this way, but it felt that kihyun spoke to her with little restraint. it seemed that he denied the goodness in him and held little regard for it, though it shined so brilliantly in bora’s eyes. it was those parts of kihyun that bora found to be so magnetizing. she wanted to get closer to him, to know him better, see his vulnerabilities, but she couldn’t allow herself to get close to anyone.

with her sister aware of her location, bora planned to leave the capital and disappear without a trace. she wished to fade away, like dust scattered in the wind, but the man standing before her threatened that dream. she hated to admit that she’d miss their conversations, seeing his face, and the thrill of fooling merchants with him. his claim was meant to be one of sarcasm, but it is undeniably true. kihyun was entertaining and charming, maybe too much for his own good.

a small laugh bubbled up from bora’s chest as she patted kihyun shoulder in response to his witty remark. “family reunions must be dry if you’re the most entertaining of them all,” she jested, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes. “if it helps, i find you most charming /off/ of this wretched dance floor.” normally, she would have never dared to compliment anyone, but in her intoxicated state, it almost had become a custom to say at least one nice thing to kihyun whenever he caught her one too many drinks in.

alcohol amplified the careless attitude that often got her into trouble and arguments with others. bora knew she would wake up in the morning, embarrassed by her actions once again.

“it’s shocking what we have in common.” bora scrunched her nose, feigning disapproval for their shared feelings about the event. the longer they danced, the heavier her eyelids grew. kihyun had an inexplicable calming effect on the female. like magic, she was no longer agitated from her fight with nabi earlier—in fact, she had nearly forgotten it ever happened.

just as bora was about to drift away from consciousness, the light brush of kihyun’s fingertips against her face pulled her back to the dance floor. “hm?” she hummed in question before blinking her eyes in a lousy effort to sober up. locking eyes with the male, she swore she felt her foolish heart skip a beat with his words. why must he treat her with such care? “i’m feeling fantastic, kihyun. especially ever since you boldly whisked me away to dance. thank you, i was about to pass of boredom.” briefly, bora gave him a crooked smile as her eyes silently traced his features against the opulent light of the ballroom.

her head felt heavy as if she had weights woven into her hair, and it was not long until she couldn’t stand holding her head up. without much thought, bora leaned in closer to kihyun to lie her head on his shoulder, replacing her hand which had moved to rest between his shoulder blades. her slowed breath feathered against his neck as she blissfully took in his scent. “my head hurts.” she mumbled apologetically, her voice trailing off as she spoke. “kihyun, do you ever feel like you’re being suffocated? because i do. every waking moment. sometimes, i wish it would all stop." a sudden pause followed, "forgive me for the sudden question. i must be out of my mind."

@❁ im insoo Strings of music filled the ballroom where jubilant songs guided synchronized steps in a dance of courtship center stage. An ensemble of colors in various tones and hues, both pale and bright, swirled into an array of kaleidoscope beams shining beneath the chandelier lights. Hands clasped together with a touch of a delicate that spoke of hidden longing and emotions that could only be conveyed through fleeting glances. Layers of voices fall from ear to ear, soft whispers and chimed laughter, as flirtatious flutter of eyes and blushed cheeks make connection between hopeful hearts.

But tucked within the shadows of the hidden stairwell, Jinye has been lost to the waves of a fever that ran through her veins and raised her temperature. She felt as if she would melt into Insoo’s embrace, yet she was cradled so delicately in his arms like a work of art. His warm hands caressed her skin as if she was his creation to be shaped and molded to perfection. And she had no objections to what he would do, because Jinye was certain only Insoo could quell this yearning within her.

She was completely pressed against his body when he turned them away from any possible line of sight in their surroundings, and the darkness of the dim stairwell hid them within its shadow like a protective cover. From the tenderness of Insoo’s lips on hers, they shared a language of desire and affection through the subtle exchange of tastes on the tip of each others’ tongues. The rhythm of their shared breaths danced to a melody composed solely for them as they were lost in this world of craving, and it was her first time to have ever felt this way.

Jinye’s hands pressed against Insoo’s chest as the pad of her fingertips clung to the silk of his attire from the spells of her breathlessness. She trembled like a fragile ribbon to the wind, a white flag fluttering for surrender of herself to his scorching touch. She was like a candle and he was the flame that brought her to life and consumed her at the same time. Was it possible to drown in the depths and doings of love like this? She wondered as her heart pounded against her ribcage. But the answer was given to her through the tides of Insoo’s love that washed over her like a torrent that continuously poured into her and overflowed until she was completely submerged.

A soft gasp left and she pulled away briefly to catch her breath as if she had never known air before until him. Her gaze was glossy, clouded with ardent honesty that told tales of anticipation and hesitance at the same time. “W-wait, Insoo…” she managed between her draw of breaths.

The soft glow of light filtered through the dark and illuminated his features, casting shadows that danced across their flushed expressions. She took a deep breath, searching his eyes for a glimmer of common sense as she felt that she would willingly drown herself in the impulsive urge to be his, but she had not gone delirious enough to forget the situation upon them.

Her fingers continued to press against his chest as subtle anxiety danced through her eyes and she blushed a shade of bashfulness. Insoo made her feel as though she had been flying, weightless and free, her spirit had soared to dizzying heights and it was only in his arms where she could remain grounded. She couldn’t contain the small laugh that escaped her. “I’ve truly gone mad, Insoo…” she whispered, “look at what you’ve done to me.”

Jinye inhaled deeply to steady her still racing heart. With just a touch, a kiss, and a glance, he had turned her world upside down. Her reflection stared back from the depths of his eyes, sketching a portrait of her that was intoxicated and defenseless in front of him. When did she ever allow him to have such power over her like this? He had gently knocked on the walls of her heart and she had let him in unknowingly. And it was all because of this that she had been transformed in ways she never thought was possible. With Insoo, she felt so fragile because she had never felt more alive, more herself, than when she was with him.

She leaned in and pressed her forehead against his, feeling the warmth of his breath on her skin like the soft waves rippling on the sea. Jinye smiled into a tender kiss on his lips before gently pulling back to run her hands through his hair and study his expression. There was no one else she wanted to love and be loved by but him. She placed a brief, sweet kiss on him again, then another and another, until she couldn’t help but fall into a bout of innocent laughter.

With a contented sigh, she tenderly pulled away. Her bottom lip caught between her teeth as she couldn’t suppress the grin on her face as she looked at the man she loved with all her heart. “Insoo,” she whispered gently, yet cautiously in a bid of his reply, “let’s go somewhere else.”

@✿ go youngjae The soft illumination of the ballroom's chandeliers cascaded over Saemi's upturned face, casting a gentle, romantic glow over her features as she stood, hand in hand with Youngjae. His words, so direct and heartfelt, lingered in the air like the lingering notes of the music that enveloped them.

Every part of Saemi wanted to agree wholeheartedly to Youngjae's bold plea, to allow him to fill her dance card with his name alone. But as her fingers brushed against the delicate parchment of her dance card, a surge of guilt and self-doubt washed over her. She felt the weight of expectation—of propriety and societal norms—bearing down on her. Youngjae's gaze was steady and unwavering, and for a moment, she couldn't help but feel a flicker of panic. Would she be seen as rude, as selfish, for monopolizing his time? But then, she remembered his wish, his desire to be with her, and only her.

There was a certain vulnerability in her soft nod and the shy, fleeting smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. "If that is what you wish, my lord," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, but brimming with sincerity and affection.

As their feet glided across the polished floor, Saemi found herself lost in the music and the rhythm of their steps. The ballroom seemed to fade away, the whispers of the ton and the expectations of society dissipating into the night.

All that mattered was the feeling of Youngjae's hand in hers, the warmth of his gaze, and the soft, steady thud of her heart in her chest. She felt herself falling deeper and deeper, consumed by the love and the bond that bound them together. Each twirl and each step felt like a shared heartbeat, a testament to the depth of their connection. And as they danced, Saemi knew that this moment would be etched into her memory forever—a treasured memory of love, of longing, and of the bond that had brought them together.

@✿ ryu juyeon "a student, you say?" boram replied, her tone even-keeled. a sense of relief should have washed over her, knowing the woman was merely a pupil, yet a disquieting curiosity gnawed at her. who was this blind date, this phantom partner she had not witnessed?

she inclined her head, a flicker of confusion crossing her features. "indeed, he was. i confess, i approached the queen's matchmaking with hesistation, but the gentleman proved an agreeable dance partner." while truthfully stated, a wistful yearning clouded her heart, wishing the man before her had been her blind date instead.

/you both looked good together./

boram furrowed her brow at his remark. though intended as a compliment, his words struck a discordant note. "thank you, my lord," she responded politely, "that is most gracious of you to say." an awkward silence descended upon them, displacing the usual ease of their conversation.

"i am certain you and your blind date were a captivating sight as well!" she continued, her voice tinged with a hint of forced cheer. "the entire ton, i daresay, must have been captivated as you graced the dance floor together. in fact, there is no need to fret about my dance card. perhaps your partner still possesses an open space –"

her ramblings were abruptly cut short as an inebriated gentleman stumbled past, sending her careening towards juyeon. with commendable reflexes, he caught her fall, his arms enveloping her in a comforting embrace. the warmth of his touch was fleeting, however, as the impact propelled them both towards the dance floor.

the orchestra's lively melody filled the air, signaling the start of a new dance. boram observed couples gracefully gliding across the floor, and felt the scrutiny of the onlookers, their eyes undoubtedly fixated upon the rather compromising position she and the young viscount found themselves in.

"my apologies, my lord, for the unfortunate stumble," she stammered, a touch flustered. she gently disengaged from his embrace, yet remained within close proximity. reaching out, she placed a hand upon his shoulder, the other intertwining with his. looking up into his eyes, she offered a tentative suggestion, "perhaps, a dance is in order? it might serve to alleviate any undue attention arising from our recent mishap."