✾ hanhoe square.

@❁ cheon sunmi It's... strange, so to speak, to see Sunmi look so small this time around. When Hyunjung was younger, Sunmi had proved to be one of the few people that Hyunjung once looked up to. With Sunmi, Hyunjung had felt seen, understood, for who else would understand her better if not the woman who shares the same thoughts and views as her? But time seems to have changed the older woman, and Hyunjung's eyebrows furrow at the thought, as she doesn't know how to take in this new information she's just learned.

She can see it, the way Sunmi becomes distant. Her mind is no longer here at present, where Hyunjung is. The younger lady then cannot help but wonder—what kind of horrors has Sunmi seen, what has she been through that the change has become so drastic? Hyunjung doesn't want to say that she no longer recognizes the woman she used to look up to, but many things have changed, that is for certain.

"You do know that you do not have to pretend around me, yes?" she says, as an answer to the way Sunmi agrees in such a defeated manner. "I may not know what you've been through exactly, but I hope you know I'm always willing to lend an ear. Especially for you, eonni." Her tone softens, just enough, subtle in the way even her visage softens slightly. "I was truly worried when you'd stopped writing to me."

The admission does hit Hyunjung a little hard, however. Sunmi stopped hunting, and seems to have mellowed down. There is an irrational fear that rises within Hyunjung, one that she hopes to swallow down. (Is this how she might turn to be in the future? Is chasing freedom a futile attempt?) "Why not?" she can't help but ask. "You were so good at it, eonni. Age shouldn't matter, and you are not that old."

@❀ yoo hyunjung As much as she fought her own body, Sunmi could not stop her instinctive need to tug on her sleeves, as if they were not already covering the scaring marking her skin beneath. In the past months she had begun seeing them as signs of strength, but that was only for herself. Around others she still could not shake the feeling of judgement, as if just seeing the scars would somehow prove the very worst anyone could think about her to be true. And in that sense she found comfort in the repetitive movement of tugging on her sleeves.

Perhaps it was the hunter’s focus that still stuck with Hyunjung, unlike Sunmi, that allowed her to pick up on the movement and ask the most poignant question she could have. It caught Sunmi off guard, making the older woman stammer out a few sounds not seeming to mount to anything before she finally sighed. Her already small frame seemed almost to shrink as she nodded in turn. “I guess you could say that,” the older eventually agreed.

Life had been anything but easy. First the bite and the infection. Then the horrid after effects that had lingered even as the war had begun. She still vividly remembered the panic that had struck her one night seeing her hands covered in the blood of soldiers she had helped that very same day. It flashed before her eyes to the point she barely registered Hyunjung’s question. The dark pupils of her eyes narrowed as she focused her vision back on her friend, slowly shaking her head again.

“I can’t say if it is just that I have grown old, or what else it could be, but I have not been able to hold a bow for almost a year. There are days I miss it, and yet I have not gotten myself back out to hunt.” By this time, Sunmi was sure Hyunjung was twice the hunter she had been at the woman’s age.

@❁ cheon sunmi Hyunjung's visage softens a little, at the way Sunmi mumbles and lowers her head. She understands it, knows that as more years pass by, both of them will grow up and find their own lives separately. She doesn't yet understand the full notions of it, with what little friends she has (and she has quite constantly felt stuck in the mind of her teenage self, the desire to rebel and run away continuing to grow the more days pass by), but she does know. Hanseong has been... eventful, to say the least, and while she's gotten off relatively safe despite everything, she knows that others haven't gotten off as well as she has.

"Well, it's truly fine, eonni," she says with a light shrug of her shoulders. "Life hasn't been easy, has it?" She wonders if she should've continued sending letters, even if Sunmi doesn't reply to any of them. A part of her wondered briefly if Sunmi had been dead, with the sudden loss of contact—one never knew, really, and it isn't as if Hyunjung has been doing well in keeping in contact with what little friends she has. (And even then, most of these friends know her by a different name, a different identity, so what do they really know?)

"But to answer your question, I have kept up with my hunting somewhat. My brother does not accompany as much as he used to, but I manage on my own," she says. "Have you?"

@❀ kang heejin The marquess felt a sense of relief that he was betrothed to the lady standing before him, as opposed to someone with a gentler temperament. He realized that if his betrothed were more mild-mannered, he might struggle to express himself with the necessary directness and candor.

It dawned on him that he hadn't given much thought to whether the woman would be inclined to engage in his family's debates. His family, after all, was anything but conventional. If she were to become involved in these discussions, the marquess worried it would only add another layer of complexity to his already intricate relationships with his siblings. The dynamics within his family were delicate and fraught with unresolved tensions, and introducing an outsider into such discussions could potentially exacerbate the existing challenges he faced in maintaining harmony and understanding among them.

“While I appreciate the thought and I do apologize for excluding you from the thought of adding you to the debate, my family is quite dysfunctional. I am sure you can hold your ground in a debate. However, I do not wish for anyone to see our internal affairs.” Words were not his strongest suit, and so was being polite. He did not know how to not make it sound like he was deliberately excluding her.

"Perhaps while I arrange a meeting with my family, you could do the same with yours?" Sejin proposed, seeking a middle ground. "If, unfortunately, our respective families are unable to come to an agreement, then we can reconvene to discuss matters with Jiyong."
In suggesting this approach, Sejin hoped to find common ground and allow both parties the opportunity to navigate family matters internally before involving others. He assumed that the woman, like himself, would be capable of reasoning with her family, and he remained optimistic that a resolution could be reached through this process.


"Feel free to discredit me in any way that you can," Sejin stated, brushing off any concerns or doubts. "From my appearance to any perceived unworthiness of your hand. Any rational family might hesitate to marry their cherished daughter to a half-blood with a so-called 'bad reputation.'"

These words were not born from self-deprecation but rather from Sejin's nonchalance and self-awareness. He genuinely did not care about the opinions of most people. In fact, the marquess could count on one hand the number of individuals whose opinions truly mattered to him.

As he continued with his suggestion, Sejin regarded her, curious about her reaction to the numerous alternative solutions he had proposed. Meeting with a stranger felt less pleasant to him than battling out at sea; he was not a people person by any means.

@❀ yang seoyul the winds of the early night whispered a little colder than it used to. standing before the entrance of the familiar yang manor, doubt gnawed at him as he was held under seoyul's gaze. his gaze, heavy with remorse, fixated on the ground, unable to lift them due to the guilt that was starting to bloom once again. the uncertainty was too heavy on his shoulders, not knowing if he even had the right to beg for her forgiveness like this.

geum hangyeol was entangled in a web of deep-seated resentment and disappointment. the heartache he harbored stemmed from his first love, cruelly snatched away by his good-for-nothing brother who took pride in getting anything he desired. and when he passed and abandoned his wife and son, hangyeol made the difficult decision to take in his sister-in-law and nephew to provide them the care and solace. it was bittersweet, however, hangyeol knew there was another reason why he decided to do so.

he was a coward who was scared to move forward. he only knew how to take care of things, but never to assert for the things he had always wanted.

hangyeol detected the uncertainty in seoyul's voice, a reflection of the turmoil that mirrored his own. he couldn't even blame her, after all, he had caused her immense pain. as he mustered enough strength to meet her gaze, he spoke. "i am truly sorry." he was trying to find the perfect words to say but all lead up to the same thing. "at the time, i clung onto something that was never rightfully mine." it was a beginning of opening a whole ton of feelings he has never put into words before.

"when i was with you, i found respite. i was able to make the weight of my sorrows dissipate." he paused, exhaling. "it made me forget that i was nothing but a coward, my cowardice holding me captive, unable to let go of the ghost of my resentment." a momentary pause hung in the air, a bittersweet smile passing through his tiers. "i must confess that my initial feelings for you were a result of my desperate attempts to sever the ropes of affection i had for another." hangyeol finally found himself losing himself in seoyul's gaze. "but when i told you that i cared for you, and have deep affections for you, it wasn't a lie."

a bitter scoff escaped hangyeol's lips, a painful reminder of his brother, and the time when he told seoyul about his deep-rooted despise for his brother who had already passed. "i recall telling you about my departed brother. he reveled in obtaining everything i ever wanted and longed for. and for a lot of things, he succeeded." he lifted his gaze once more and faced seoyul, baring all of himself. "after his passing, i held those unrequited feelings for someone who could never reciprocate them. deep within, it was my way of exacting revenge for the pain that man has inflicted on me." his voice, wavering from the admission; things he was unable to voice out before. "i wanted to keep her close, to prevent her from slipping away because as if by doing so, i could spite my brother and declare victory even over his grave."

"i knew the feelings i had for her were no longer the same," he breathed heavily. "however, i had no courage to move forward and just forget about them." hangyeol then nodded, in admission. "only when it was too late, was i able to let it all go."

@❀ yoo hyunjung Though she herself was rather awkward in that moment, it seemed this stranger was taking it all in strides. Perhaps stranger was a bit too harsh of a word though, seeing as they clearly had some form of connection, even if she could not place it fully. Then again, she had always been somewhat of a recluse, parting up her life into chunks that she only shared with a select few. And this woman must have been one of them.

Letters? But she hardly wrote with anybody. Not beyond a few lords from her past and-
HYUNJUNG! The hunter she had met that she had started writing with! The steadfast companion that had made each hunt more exciting whenever they could meet. The one person that-

Sunmi’s awkward smile faltered into a pout of guilt. Hyunjung had been the one person she had somewhat abandoned after all that had happened. Despite having told her about her real life and who she was outside of the crossdressing escapades of their nighttime hunts, she had never really known what to say since hanging up her bow. Would Hyunjung like who she had become? Would their conversations still flow as easily as before, as if nothing at all had really happened?

“I… I know. I’m sorry about that,” she eventually mumbled, head lowered in shame. Was there even an excuse she could give? Poor Hyunjung had never done any wrong, and here she was as excited as ever. “A lot happened, and I-“ No, she deserved the truth. Not some half-baked notions of platitude and redemption. “I have not been too well. I should have written to you about it, instead of leaving you in the dark like that.” Words were never easy. “Though, I see you are as spirited as ever. I hope you have kept up your hunting?”

@❁ cheon sunmi Whether or not Hyunjung noticed the hint of nervousness in the way the older lady laughed, she did not make a comment on it, nor even acknowledge it in her mind. The smile on Hyunjung's face was rather bright, quite too bright for the wintery landscape, but how could she not smile, when she was finally seeing someone whose presence she had missed so dearly? She resisted the urge to grab onto the older lady's hands, and instead kept her hands by her back, holding onto one another.

The young lady of the Yoo clan so evidently lacked of all the poise that her father and her tutors had tried so hard to engrave into her bones, but perhaps that was what made her smile all the brighter, an unusual sight to be had especially on her visage.

Everyone who knew her, knew that she did not smile often. It was difficult to approach her even on a good day, and yet here she was, gushing over another lady. "It /has/ been ages, eonni." Her smile dropped into a playful frown, and she crossed her arms by her front. "You've stopped replying to my letters, and I've been worried. I had wished to visit you once but... alas, my father does not allow for long travels, despite the fact that I am a grown woman now," she said with a soft sigh. "I never thought I would find you by chance here, however. How have you been?"

@✿ oh sejin Tugging down the sleeves of her jeogori, Heejin can’t help the swell of irritation at the heat. One day, she hoped to duel the sun in court for such irreparable damages. At the very least, the blazing summer heat was good for one thing—stoking her fiery resentment and channeling it towards Dongyul—as he was the catalyst of the predicament she was in. Upon her musing, the woman followed the lord’s line of sight and ambled over to the gazebo, trailing behind him.

A sigh of relief was exhaled upon receiving a reprieve from the blaring glare of the sun. Sejin may not be a compatible match for her. In fact, friction rose between them, albeit from her initial remarks. But he is at least useful when he could be. Lifting up her chima with both of her hands, she sat down in a near-curtsy. Embroiled in this entanglement, she picked up the listlessness in his tone.

“I understand the gravity of this situation. Rest be assured, I hold no interest for such an unremarkable man as yourself.” She continued with her half-jests, though her gaze leveled on him. His keen sense to craft solutions to the annulment of this engagement overshadowed any physical attributes considered attractive to the average person.

Although relieved at his indifference, she held a thought that told her it would have been more entertaining if there was an unrequited attraction, as unscrupulous as it sounds. Ultimately, she was grateful he had a plan and belying his indifference is an earnest effort to resolve the situation they were thrown into. It was sickening her brother would fix this without her approval, especially when she was ill. In his gaze, it felt he was looking far away, out to the person who had truly caught his eye. Clearly, it was not her, and her mind briefly wandered to the person of her interest. To have her consul would be a relief to have, even though things fared better than she anticipated.

Zeroing in on his clinical assessment of her, she pinned his regard to her beauty in “shallow attraction”. Her own assessment was tainted by her sense of grandeur, admittedly. Regardless, she caught his eye, even though it held no attraction.

As Heejin listened to his words, she gave him a terse nod of acknowledgement. A certain chivalry, though minimal, was worth of merit, as he at least considered a plan to benefit both parties. Despite her positive appraisal, she interjected.

“I believe this is a feasible course of action. However, I prefer to speak for myself in person, as I was unable to consent to this engagement as well. I believe being able to explain the situation from my own perspective will ease the effort from your side. Is there a time and location most beneficial for the both of us?”

Inquiry heightened the pitch in her tone slightly, with the thrum of her unwavering conviction.

@❀ yoo hyunjung Yes, these fabrics would certainly do. Though with quality like that of the displayed pieces, surely even scarps would cost a pretty penny. Hopefully her meagre earnings held enough value to get enough that she could make a mistake or two without dread. And if she was so lucky that her biggest mistakes would only hurt herself, then perhaps she could have leftovers to use for her sister as well. Anything to prep for winter.

She in a deep breath, trying to ready herself for the surprise to come when another hit her from the side.
“Sunmi-eonni!”

The sound was so clear, bright and chipper, yet she could not immediately place it. Had it been her sister she would have known immediately. But this was someone else, someone-
Sunmi turned towards the voice, watching the approaching lady with a quizzical expression on her face. Each step the stranger made towards her was a moment for Sunmi to recognize her, yet she could not for the life of her place the face with any name. Though the more she studied her the more she seemed familliar, as if it was a face she should have recognized from the very start.

It was the small things, really. The slight curve up to her button nose, or the gentle flow of her upper lip. Perhaps it was the brow, or simply something in her eyes. Whatever it was it was as if she was staring at something all too familiar but through a dense fog that made it impossible to truly make out what was behind.

Who was she? And why was her instant reaction to smile as the woman approached her, only nodding her head a little at the statement of it having been a long time. It certainly must have been because no single name would appear within her mind. “Y-yes. I am sure it has been… ages,” Sunmi nervously laughed.

@✿ geum hangyeol Seoyul's heart trembled the moment Hangyeol called her name. His voice used to bring her joy but now it only stirred up painful memories. The memory of that fateful night came flooding back—the night when she had found herself in his arms, bare and vulnerable, only to hear him call her by another woman's name. If only it had been hers in the way he called her now with a tenderness on his tongue, pleading for her to hear him out.

She had once believed in the sincerity of his affection, in the possibility that they could have had a future together that was wrapped in the happiness of each other's arms. But all those hopes had been shattered in the blink of an eye.

Now, she could only watch him closely, observing his expression as if trying to decipher a code of his sincerity. Yet, the hurt he had caused still lingered within her like a raw wound that refused to close. She couldn't simply forget the way his lips had lingered over hers, how they traced over her skin until it turned cold.

She resisted the urge to turn away, to shut him out completely and retreat into the safety of her home. But his words sounded desperate and remorseful, piercing through her defenses and stirring emotions that she had long tried to bury deep within her heart.

The blue hyacinths that now laid cradled in his arms stirred memories of their time together, of lazy afternoons spent in the garden, of whispered promises and stolen kisses amidst the fragrant blooms. She remembered the way his eyes would light up as he talked about his love for gardening, and it was in those moments when she was able to see glimpses of the truest him—the him who was free from the confines of duties and obligation, the Geum Hangyeol who wanted nothing more than simple life and joys.

The delicate blooms had always reminded her of him, and she had tried to bury those memories beneath the layers of hurt and resentment she held for him, ignoring the lingering emotions and doubts she felt.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Seoyul finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper but laced with a steely resolve. "Hangyeol, I... I don't know if I can forgive you," she admitted, her heart aching with the weight of her words. "You hurt me in ways that I thought were impossible to bear, and I'm still trying to make sense of it all."

Her gaze softened slightly. "I need time," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "It’s been years, but I still need time to process everything that's happened between us." She took a step back, the distance between them a physical reminder of the emotional barriers that still stood between them.

"But," she continued, her voice wavering slightly, "I... I'm willing to listen, Hangyeol. I'm willing to hear what you have to say. Just... please be honest with me. Tell me the truth, and maybe…”

Maybe, just maybe, we can find a way to mend what was broken—but those words never left her lips.

She glanced down at her trembling hands, fingers fidgeting with the delicate folds of her chima. She wanted to believe that Hangyeol was sincere in his remorse, that he truly regretted the pain he had caused her. But trust, once shattered, was not easily rebuilt.

@❁ cheon sunmi Freedom felt like a rarity at this point, especially during the day. Or at least, that was the case for one Yoo Hyunjung, whose freedom had tied tightly with the veil of the moonlight glow. The sun had far too many watchful eyes, her father mimicking that of a hawk's, and as such, she did not have that many chances of merely letting herself wander under the sun. The night had easily become her favorites, dancing under the moon with those who wanted to wind down from the busy buzz of the day.

The morning could not pass by fast enough.

Her daily routine had been the same, for the longest of time, ever since she had turned of age. The path from the home of the Yoo clan to her workplace was all too familiar, something she knew like the back of her hand down to the very last pebble on the street. It was only the changing seasons that had added... ah, flavor to her dull morning life. The winters were harsh, sometimes, but it had covered the world in a beautiful white veil that she either hated or loved, depending on how harsh it was to her. Winter nights were difficult, and she couldn't often go out because of it, but it had made the daytime more... tolerable. Sometimes.

Winter did not pause the hours Hyunjung had to put into work, after all, and for that she lamented. Even as she walked down the all too familiar path, she lamented, letting her eyes wander around as she observed that there were slightly less people today than usual. But it was because there were lesser people around that she noticed a vaguely familiar person standing outside a shop. Hyunjung paused in her steps, eyebrows furrowing as her gaze narrowed in on the familiar figure.

Not for the first time, she walked away from the path she knew too well, approaching the lady. Once she was close enough to see the lady's face, her eyes brightened, realization dawning upon her, and the next thing she knew, she was hurriedly walking towards the other. "Sunmi-eonni!" she called, stopping just by the other's side. "It has been a while!"

@❀ yang seoyul there was a time in hangyeol's life when he earnestly believed that everything would be at peace, and he would reach some kind of tranquility in life if he only could relegate the thought of saehee at the back of his mind. perhaps, if he couldn't see her, the feelings that have deeply seeped into the crevices of his heart would fade into the background of the emerging connections with someone more deserving of his affection.

this strategy had proved futile, for he himself realized that he was not at all ready to let go of the lingering specter of saehee, casting a pall over his attempts to forge new connections with others. instead, he inflicted wounds upon someone innocent in between all of these; someone who harbored genuine affection and filled his time with only happy thoughts and memories. she was not supposed to have been affected by geum hangyeol's inability to forget another man's woman; even if that man has long been gone. and yet, here he is, standing amidst the wreckage of his ill-fated choices, his heart heavy with remorse and regret as he watches her flinch at the sight of him.

perfectly opposite of how she used to run into his embrace at the very sight of him.

"seoyul," his lips breathed her name once more, the syllables escaping his tiers as if it was weighted by forbidden affection. and yet, despite knowing it is too much of him to have this kind of tenderness, his heart and mind remained fixated on her; consumed by an unyielding feeling of regret and longing, maybe.

longing for the bygone days of the unassuming joy he once realized he could only have with her. reminiscing on a time when geum hangyeol was not shackled by responsibilities brought by his nobility. a time when he was merely a man who found solace in her laughter, reveling in the simple pleasure of her company and the warmth of her hand in his.

"but you liked blue hyacinths," he murmured softly, as the scent of the flowers reminded him of the days when he would endlessly talk about his garden and the flowers that grew in the back of their seongnam home. yang seoyul had endlessly heard about hangyeol's profound love for the plants and blooms, often telling her different kinds of meanings behind each flower. yet here he stood, offering blue hyacinths as a gesture of sincerity and contrition.

geum hangyeol clutched the bouquet tightly to his chest, he raised his gaze determined to ask for an audience despite being shut down previously. with a hand pressed against the gates of the manor, he pleaded with his voice laced with earnest desperation. "please, seoyul," his determination wavering as he realized how thick-skinned he must sound. "i know you want nothing to do with me. however, let me at least repent for what i did and properly ask you for forgiveness." his gaze falters, knowing all too well how presumptuous of his to say something like this when he wasn't sure if he was worth forgiving. "it's the only way i know how."

@❀ yoo hyunjung The cold had finally began setting in for full in Hanseong. Sunmi could feel it through the thinner parts of her hanbok despite its fine construction. Every now and then a light breeze would hit the right spot, feeling like it snuck in right up against bare skin, sending a shiver throughout her whole body. She had felt worse in her life, but it reminded her of the chill that had set in last year before her whole world had seemed to crumble to fine dust. What remind now was the little she had managed to save from the ashes, scraped and held together by hope and share force of will.

Not all about the cold was bad however. With it came the comfort of knowing another year had passed. Though it had all felt so hopeless, the world kept on turning and she was still in it doing the best she could. Even in her weakened state there was strength to be found in her own perseverance. Much of who she had been had been lost, yet the stubbornness of a Cheon would never die.

That was unless the cold took her. Which was exactly why she had come to the square. She knew of a textile shop in the area that could potentially have some leftover fur trimmings she could use to improve her clothing for the coming winter. Though she had little to offer monetarily, she hoped that they would have some scraps she could get for cheap coin.

If she could only convince herself to go in. Sunmi stood out there in the chill of the autumn breeze, staring at the textiles on offer right within. Just a few steps and a sentence or two and she would be out of there as quickly as she had arrived.

@❁ im insoo How could she ever forget this face? This presence? The very air that encompassed him seemed to stretch for miles, and within that space she only had her eyes on him. Nothing else was comparable to the way Insoo made her feel. She could search through every verse of poetry, every hue of extravagant silk that dyed the river, every grain of sand on the ocean bed, and it would still pale in comparison to the love that nestled in the confines of her chest.

When she was out at sea, Jinye could only watch the ocean waves lap against the ship, and observe the faint line of horizon that seemed to hold where her dearest Insoo was. It broke her heart to see that line grow farther and farther as time passed by, as if it was dividing them into two separate worlds. She wished to command the ship to return her back to shore so she could remain with her beloved, but it could not be done.

The days had been tortuous, and she found no respite in trying on wedding dress attires or attending small, social gatherings with her mother. Her mind was constantly filled with thoughts of Insoo, of their moments together, and of the anticipation when she would return to him.

She had longed for him endlessly ever since the day they had been apart. Now, studying his warm gaze, Jinye could not help but marvel even more. Has he always been this handsome? This breathtaking? Was it because she had missed him so much that standing before him felt like it was only a mirage?

Concealed in the scent of florals, Jinye’s heart felt as though it would burst from the sheer intensity of her emotions. The reality of their reunion washed over her in waves, and she found herself drowning in the depths of his honey eyes. She had missed him more than words could express, more than her heart could contain.

His whispered words wrapped around her like an embrace, filling her with a sense of belonging that she had yearned for since the day they parted at the docks that spring day. But now they were bathed beneath the summer sun where he placed a gentle kiss of adoration on her forehead. She could not help but turn a shade of blush, discerning the proximity and exchange of affection. The warmth of his lips lingered on her skin when he pulled away and she dreaded the moment it faded, wishing it would remain there for years to come.

Reaching up, she cupped his face in her hands, tracing the familiar lines and contours with her fingers as if to reassure herself that he was indeed real. Her fingers trembled slightly as they brushed along his eyebrow to his temple then down to his cheek. She has done this on occasion to the point that she could draw his face from memory alone.

"Insoo," she breathed, her voice was gentle, filled with a mixture of awe and longing as she called his name. "You have no idea how much I missed you."

Her heart swelled with love and longing as she gazed into his eyes, losing herself within the depths. She had waited for this moment for what felt like an eternity, and now that it was finally here, she never wanted it to end. How had she ever lived without him? How had she managed the past endless days and nights without the comfort of his embrace and love?

The world seemed to fade away around them as they stood there, locked in each other's gaze, and for a moment, it felt as if nothing else mattered. But as much as she could stay here just admiring him in the light forever, she also knew there would be more time to be spent together, and she didn't want to waste a single second of it. With a soft smile, Jinye gently withdrew her hand from Insoo's face, reluctantly breaking the intimate connection between them.

"Let's go to the gardens first," she suggested, her heart fluttering with anticipation as she took his hand in hers, "I want to walk with you, to feel the warmth of your hand in mine, and to know that we are finally together again."

@✿ geum hangyeol Seoyul doesn’t know what has come over her or where she had gotten her courage from, be it a sudden surge of bitterness or a stubborn refusal to back down in the face of his presence. But as she stood there, facing Geum Hangyeol beneath the warmth of the sun on her skin and the faint scent of flowers in the air, she found herself unable to tear her gaze away from him.

"Hangyeo..." she starts, her voice faltering as she tries to gather her thoughts.

Despite everything, he still looks so handsome, so beautiful, and it only serves to deepen the ache in her chest. Memories of their past, both the good and the painful, flood her mind, threatening to overwhelm her fragile composure.

She was young then and scared to love again when they crossed paths in a fateful encounter. It’d be a lie to say that Seoyul did not use him as a way to cope with the distress of her hopeless first love that became a wound in her heart. But, nonetheless, she had taken a chance on him, finding their secret meetings beneath the stars a cure to her rebellious cravings to run away from the world. And it was in his arms where she felt fearless. He had taught her how to kiss, how to desire, how to be vulnerable, until she was laying in his arms a trembling mess. She had loved him and he had repaid her with embarrassment.

How could she possibly convey the depth of her pain, the betrayal she felt when he called her by another woman's name?

The weight of their past mistakes hung heavily in the air between them, a silent testament to the once blossoming love that had been lost and the wounds that had yet to heal. She wanted to lash out at him, to demand answers and explanations for why he had done such a thing. Was she not beautiful enough? That when he gazed upon her skin beneath the palm of his hands, that he had wished she was someone else?

That single thought alone shakes her from the core. She hated Geum Hangyeol; hated that she was willing to give up the most precious part of herself to him that night, and yet she was not on his mind… had she been the only one in love the entire time? Did he dream of another woman when he kissed her and held her?

Seoyul took a deep breath, hoping to calm herself so that she does not march over and greet his beautiful face with her hands. Instead, she finds herself caught in the depths of his gaze, drowning in the memories of their shared past and the love that she once held for him. She sees something flicker in his eyes—regret, perhaps, or maybe even genuine remorse. And suddenly, the anger that had been burning within her begins to waver, replaced by uncertainty.

For a moment, they stand there in silence.

She knows better than to let herself fall for his charms again, and as she stands before him now, she knows that she can't afford to make the same mistake twice. It's all she can do to keep herself from reaching out to him, to lose herself in his embrace once more. So, she steeled herself, forcing a coldness to rush through her veins so she could not feel any lingering affection—if there were still any—that remained.

With large strides, Seoyul makes it to the gate of her family’s manor. She picked up the blue hyacinths, delicate and beautifully cradles in her arms, but soon turned to him. In a swift, abrupt motion, she shoved the flowers into his arms like how she had once excitedly ran into his embrace years ago.

"Take these," she says sharply, her voice trembling with the weight of unspoken emotions. She couldn't bear to look at him any longer, couldn't bear to see the man who had once held her heart in his hands only to shatter it into a million pieces. "I don't want them."

@✿ song jinye Jinye was as beautiful as he remembered her to be, just like the first time that he saw her emerging from the palanquin to the last time he saw her when they had bid their goodbyes at the dock, with their hands in between each other’s clasps and their little whispers of promises behind the Duchess’ back, of how they would meet again when she arrived home or how he wished to take her for a walk in the meadow or stayed talking to her until the glitters in the sky succumbed to the light of the rising sun.

Insoo couldn’t help but smile, the brightest that he ever had been these past few weeks, as he opened his arms, bracing for her in his engulf as she moved with the wind. She was truly a force to be reckoned with, a draft of promises of happiness that he wouldn’t wish to ever let go.

And when she was finally in his embrace once more, Insoo closed his eyes. The nerves from seconds ago dissipated into a lull, a gentle ripple in the lake of his being. He was finally home. “I’ve missed you too.” He whispered, tightening his arms around her as he inhaled her scent, imprinting the note of flowers and the delicates of the oils in the blend of her perfume on an empty sheet of memory, to be locked and secured away till the world suffocate him when his end near in the far future. “— so very much.”

Insoo didn’t wish to pull away but he did and he gazed at her, soft and still full of longing. “My lady, it didn’t feel like just a short few weeks that you have been gone. It felt like years, horrendous years and passing days so forgive me if I had sent that letter too early upon your return. I couldn’t wait.” He paused. “I couldn’t wait to see you again.”

“No one had told me this would be what it would have felt like when you’re far apart from your lover,” Insoo continued before he leaned down, clasping her hands in his, gaze now turned down as he caressed the back of her hands, brushing through the folds between her fingers. “I’ve missed these hands too.”

He raised his head and smiled, raising his hand to cradle her face in his palm, thumb stroking her cheek. “And this face too. Your eyes, the bridge of your nose and the way your lips look.”

Every part of it, Insoo wished to remember such as the beds of her nails or how long the of life line across her palms and how her chest shuddered a little when he told her that he missed her. He took notes of all of it and framed them together, like the toy from Qing where there laid photos inside of the binoculars and one just needed to twist the handle to see the images inside of it. And maybe when he closed his eyes, he would get to see every bit of her, the stars in her eyes and the beauty marks on her skin.

“My love, you’re so beautiful,” Insoo whispered before he pressed his lips on her forehead, pulling away only to gaze back at her, his smile never leaving his face.

But he was there for a reason and a reason he should follow through. They hadn’t had all day before the sun set and he had to return her back to her home. “So, shall we head out? Where would you like to go first? The market or would you like to walk along the gardens first?”

@❀ yang seoyul the wind was cold on his cheeks as he stood before the gates of the yang manor, his resolve wavering like the frail branches of a winter-bare tree. he wasn't sure if he had the right to even personally leave these flowers himself. it had been years since he first began to leave delicate flowers such as these at the manor's entrance. sometimes, he would require one of his discreet servants to deliver them anonymously. yet, today he found himself specifically picking out blue hyacinths himself, purchasing them himself before finding himself towards the direction of the familiar manor. he stood there, hesitating, motionless.

love had forever etched itself as a scar upon his life's canvas. losing someone whom he had ardently loved since his youth to a man who did not deserve her seemed to have tainted him with bitterness that lingered like the aftertaste of a bitter tonic.

countless seasons have passed, and geum hangyeol had continued to deny himself the simple joys his beloved parents had fervently wished upon him. ever since his youth, love seemed to be an impossible feat he wasn't able to overcome. he harbored the weight of a bitter truth—the undeniable reality that it had cast a shadow over his heart all this time. with his first love coveted by his brother long before hangyeol had the chance to bloom its flowers, the wounds inflicted by it kept festering at the dormant wound that refused to heal.

and with that, it is why even in the presence of yang seoyul, a woman whose charm and grace were enough to thaw the high icy walls in hangyeol's heart, he failed to escape the claws of his past regrets. he made many attempts to direct his affections to another. Geum Hangyeol desperately wanted to let go of the feelings that would never be fruitful. however, that ship has sailed long ago, there was no turning back. he had already hurt seoyul before he could even realize that he was trapped in the bitter past.

hangyeol knew there was something different with seoyul. with her, the sun seemed to shine a little brighter, its golden rays mirroring her smile. her laughter echoed like tinkling wind chimes on a gentle breeze to his ears, whispering to his heart, working to thaw the ice that kept it cold. it was brief, and yet the young lady influenced him to look at the brighter side of the sky, overlooking past the dark shadows. however, the darkness that had threatened to consume him began knocking on his doors once more and with his reckless decisions and carelessness, he committed one of the biggest mistakes he has made in his life and has continued to regret until today.

crouching down, he decides to leave the flowers in front of the gates, losing all confidence to at least see a servant make sure the flowers would reach the person it was intended for. however, as he was to walk away, he heard her familiar voice and he turned his back and came face to face with yang seoyul.

"seoyul." her name was almost a whisper out of his lips. geum hangyeol stood there, at a loss, unsure what to do with himself as it had been a long time since he'd looked at her like this.

@✿ baek yunseo [November 2nd, 1869]

Riah's Jiwusan cast a crimson shadow as she glided through the bustling Hanhoe square, the vibrant hue of her garment contrasting elegantly with the soft tones of her hanbok. With each step, the Jiwusan swished gracefully, catching the eye of passersby. Despite the early hour, the sunlight outside was intense, nearly piercing through her umbrella. The countess detested hot days, and working on one only compounded her dislike. Yet, Riah's dedication to her job was unwavering; she approached her tasks with full commitment, refusing to do anything halfway. Just like her male counterparts, she was competitive and competent, thriving on the praise she received for her accomplishments. Not even the scorching sun could deter her as she quickened her pace, skillfully navigating through the growing crowd in Hanhoe square. As always, the square buzzed with activity, Hanseong citizens moving in various directions at different speeds, each lost in their own pursuits.

Riah's determined stride propelled her forward, fueled by the resolve to complete the task at hand. Today held a crucial meeting with an informant who could provide vital information for her investigation into a certain official within the Ministry of Justice. She was on the cusp of uncovering his misdeeds; all she needed was that final piece of evidence to solidify her case. Hoping for cooperation from her informant, Riah pressed on with unwavering determination.
The Hyeongjo had informed her that she would be accompanied by a newly appointed senior official. Though she believed she could handle the situation alone, she didn't object. When it came to work, Riah prioritized efficiency, opting to streamline her efforts by not questioning her superior's decisions.

The designated meeting spot was supposed to be in front of a recently inaugurated Tea House. However, upon Riah's arrival, she was met with nothing but the cool shade provided by the tiled roof of the establishment. She had timed her arrival perfectly, expecting to find her informant waiting. But as one minute turned into five, and then ten, frustration began to simmer beneath her composed exterior.
With each passing moment of waiting in vain, Riah's patience wore thin. The subtle tapping of her foot against the pavement betrayed her growing impatience. It was clear that the informant's absence was testing the countess's resolve.

When the man finally arrived, Riah fought to compose herself, suppressing the urge to glare at him. Despite her irritation at his tardiness, she reminded herself of the importance of the task at hand. She still needed answers, and letting her frustration show would only hinder her progress. So, with practiced ease, she put on a façade, summoning a semblance of warmth to greet him, masking her true feelings behind a polite smile.

“Good day to you Min-ssi. I received your missive to meet today, my name is Seol Riah, an inspector for the Hyeongjo under the office of inspection.” She formally announced herself and Riah can already tell the latter’s displeasure with the way his polite smile faded.

“I must say, I am disappointed that they assigned a female inspector to meet with me.” The informant says, looking at Riah up and down, judging her as if not convinced that she can do her job as efficiently as any other man.

“Pardon me?” Riah had already been irritated by the fact that he was late, but now the informant—this Min person is also belittling her too. Does he not know who she is? Her family?
A slight to her gender is a slight to her pride.

“Yes, you heard me miss. Can you walk back to whatever office you came from and tell them to assign a male inspector? Then I’ll cooperate.” Min said, stubbornly crossing his arms against his chest.

“Pray tell what is the difference between a female and a male inspector? We hold the same titles, do the same work. I do not understand why you would not cooperate with me.” Her brows furrow in mild frustration as she too returned the gesture of crossing arms against her chest as she jutted her chin up, daring to hold the man’s gaze.

Min loomed over Riah, twice her size with a pudgy countenance that left much to be desired. Despite her efforts to maintain her composure, Riah couldn't help but grimace slightly at his unsightly appearance. If it weren't for the necessity of his cooperation in this case, the countess could easily unleash a barrage of insults that had been brewing in her mind. But she held her tongue.
Seeing as the female was being ever so defiant, Min uncrosses his arms and took a step forward towards her. Riah stood her ground, already gearing for the worst.

“How dare you, a woman look at me and blatantly defy me like that? I said get me a male inspector then I’d cooperate!” He repeats as he grabbed hold of Riah’s arm a little tighter than necessarily. The countess had her fair share of rude characters she met on the job and she knew well how to deal with them. A swift kick in the family jewels would do and she was gearing towards doing just that when---

[post deleted by owner]

@✿ ryu songmin [ April 10th 1861 ]

"We'll get him today. He won't expect it if we (inaudible)." "Sssh-- Did you hear something?" "Probably just a server." "Check outside." "Come on, relax. You're too paranoid. Just sit down and enjoy your tea."

A young lady not quite a girl anymore and not quite a woman yet, stood in the halls of a teahouse, hands clasped over , body tense. Large eyes stared at the sliding doors in front of her. Behind them were at least two people, men, who had been discussing attacking someone. She knew that someone. It had to be. It was Ryu Songmin, Yeonhwa's brother. The doors to another room slid open and Yeoreum flinched in fright. The kind of smile of her maid greeted and Yeoreum flocked to her, finding refuge in the privacy of her own tea room. "Is everything alright, my lady?", her maid asked kindly as she ushered Yeoreum to take a seat and refilled her cup. "I- I-" Yeoreum didn't know how to reply. Should she tell her of what she'd heard? Or not? Should she tell anyone? What if she had misheard. Everyone would make fun of her and think her a very silly girl. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, fear glimmering in her eyes. She, like most of Yangban daughters, was sheltered. The world of violence and political intrigue was foreign to her. She lived in a bubble of flower arrangement and embroidery lessons, shopping trips with her female peers and an endless series of tea parties. Her father's training in acupuncture and the treatments he let her occasionally provide were a small window into the real window, but even then her patients were strictly curated by her parents. Yeoreum was exactly what the Cheonmin and Sangmin laughed about when they described a silly rich girl, well-educated but stupid in the ways of the real world.

"Are you sick?", her maid asked with concern and reached out. Her cool hand against her skin pulled Yeoreum out of her thoughts. She quickly shook her head and put on a sweet smile. "Oh no, I was just thinking about something.", she said softly. Her maid and good friend narrowed her eyes at her. When the two were alone they were very casual with each other. After all, Yeoreum had been cared for by this maid for the last 10 years. She was the closest Yeoreum had to a childhood friend. "You aren't thinking about that young lord again, are you? He's no good!", her maid chastised as she placed a treat on Yeoreum's plate. "I have no idea what you saw in him. He doesn't look like a good person." Yeoreum blushed bright red and set down her teacup. "I- I'm not! I'm not thinking about him..." She puffed out her cheeks and jutted out her lip into a pout. "I'm not..." She was thinking of him now that her maid had brought him up. That devilishly handsome young Yangban had a horrible reputation. Yeoreum didn't believe the rumours though. They had definitely just been spread by someone who didn't like him. "Yes you are!", her maid interjected with a laugh. "I can see it in your eyes. Haha you can't hide anything from me." Yeoreum cleared and sipped on her tea, cheeks flushed pink.

She spent another hour in the tea house chattering with her maid and nibbling on snacks. When they stepped out together Ryu Songmin was still on her mind, but just a whisper. The two of them wandered past stands selling make-up, jewellery and silks and Yeoreum stopped now and then to admire a few things pretty then. While her maid was describing just exactly how a particular brooch was 'absolutely delightful' and 'made for her', she caught sight of a silhouette from the corner of her. Her heart began to pound in her chest, a shiver running down her spine. It was Ryu Songmin. Her feet moved before her mind could process what she was doing. Yeoreum was gone in the crowds and pushing her way towards where his shadow lingered. She didn't know exactly what made her go without even telling her maid, without even waiting for her maid to follow. Her maid had not yet noticed she had left and when she did, Yeoreum had been swallowed by the masses. Yeoreum walked as quickly as she could without running, cheeks flushing and her breath growing shallow with exertion. She turned every corner where she had seen him go, but he was walking too quickly and she was struggling to keep up. It seemed that whenever she stepped down a road where he had gone he was just vanishing down another street. She didn't know exactly for how long she had followed him. At some point she was at Hanhoe Square and there he was.

Yeoreum didn't call out to him, that would be very inappropriate, and she didn't run to catch up, which would be equally inappropriate. In fact, she was realising now that all of this was very indecent. Her maid was god knows where and she was walking the streets alone. Her parents would surely scold her. Yeoreum glanced around shamefully, afraid to catch the eye of a familiar face. She bashfully pulled her modesty headpiece (sseugae-chima) tighter around her face to help obscure her identity. Ah- While she was busy being self-conscious, he had vanished down yet another side street. Yeoreum huffed and followed after with small, quick steps. Secretly, she was relieved that she kept missing him. She didn't know what to say to him or how to explain that she was following him. Yet, she couldn't turn away. Not now. Not when she'd come all this way. Perhaps she was hoping that he'd notice her and guide her home.

@✿ geum hangyeol The scent of flowers has invaded and conquered the capital for weeks now. Usually, the subtle and charming floral gardens were a welcomed respite for Seoyul, who’d take short walks to view the blooms and relish in the beautiful scenery. However, since the beginning of the flower festival and her return from Boseong, the scent and sights have been overwhelming. Suddenly, the gardens near her home had been packed with people who seemed to have only one thing on their minds: love.

As a matchmaker, Seoyul had spent years orchestrating connections between others and helping to guide them towards their fated match with hopefuls who dreamt of fantastical happily ever after. But for herself, romance had long lost its allure. Though her experiences were few, both had ended on terrible notes, often wounding her fragile heart in ways that time could not mend. So, she had grown accustomed to the solitude of her own company, finding fulfillment in her work and the moments she could cherish with her closest friends.

Yet, as she made her way home that evening, her heart sank at the sight of couples strolling hand in hand to view the flowers and indulge in the festivities. In their eyes were shimmer of adoration, lost in their own worlds of whispered promises and stolen glances. The once-charming atmosphere now felt like a relentless reminder of what she had forced herself to no longer believe in. She didn’t need love, no, and yet there was a slight pang of envy that aroused her complicated emotions.

Heading in the direction of her home, her steps began to falter at a peculiar sight outside the gates of her family’s manor. The soft breeze blew the scent of blue hyacinths towards her, the delicate blooms cradled in the arms of a figure she knew all too well. Even with his back facing towards her, Seoyul could discern him from a crowd for he was the one person she hoped to never see again: Geum Hangyeol.

His presence alone sent a jolt of annoyance through her, mingled with the tension of the unresolved last conversation before she had packed up as a disheveled, blushing mess and left his home in the shadows of the night: ashamed and in tears.

She watched as he placed the flowers outside the gate of her home, but when he turned to leave, Seoyul felt brave for unknown reasons. “Geum Hangyeol,” she called out to him before he could get far away, “stop right there.”

@✿ ahn suji junwoo's expression remained stoic as the marchioness confronted him about the coin pouch. he barely spared her a glance, his demeanor cool and indifferent to her distress. "yes, i won't hand it over, so keep on dreaming of getting it back, lady ahn," he retorted coldly, his words dripping with disdain as he turned to walk away.

junwoo had little patience for sentimental attachments or the whims of entitled aristocrats. to him, the pouch was merely a trifle, and the marchioness's demands held no sway over him.

as he strode away, junwoo remained oblivious to the fact that the marchioness was following behind. his focus was singular, his resolve unyielding. he had taken the pouch, and he had no intention of returning it, regardless of the consequences.

@✿ baek junwoo "you truly aren't going to return my pouch?" she inquires, a gasp escaping from suji's lips, eyes widened momentarily as she witnesses the man pocketing her coin pouch into his jeogori. in the brief moment that she had encountered him up close, the marchioness could not fathom the blatant audacity of this man. well, frankly put, she reckons that he couldn't fathom her own petulance. one could make the argument that the duke indulged his youngest daughter too much, resulting in a state of affairs wherein she had become verily outspoken.

not that this was a bad thing, the marchioness lived without many regrets in her life. however, this may have been the first time she regret letting the temper get to the best of her.

confounded, suji's eyes were fixed on the general location the man had kept the pouch in, lips jut out into what could only be an angry pout. had the duke found out that she had lost a gift he had given her, he would simply get her a new one. suji was not deprived of anything while growing up, however, she held sentimental value for most things. be it a gift from her parents, the gayageum in her chambers, or a flower crown a peasant child would sell for spare change. though this all was carefully wrapped behind the haughty demeanor she wore in front of the man right now.

brows furrowed, she watched as the man walked away. /still/ with her coin pouch in his possession. how infuriating, she muses, grabbing her chima tight and storming away. she had to get her possessions back somehow, and suji would stop at nothing to do so.

@❀ kang heejin “Lord Oh Sejin, it is a pleasure to meet you once again, especially after our wonderful ceremony.”

Upon hearing his name, the Marquess turned, his expression a blend of indifference and mild intrigue as he sought the source of the familiar voice. And there she stood, an enigma cloaked in unfamiliarity. Meeting her unabashed gaze with a silent appraisal of his own, he observed her with a mix of skepticism and begrudging curiosity. Reflecting on the news of his betrothal, Sejin recalled his deliberate decision to forgo the unveiling of the portrait of his intended bride. She was not bad to look at. In fact she looked rather pleasant. Pleasant like how he would regard flowers on a vase. But most importantly, she was not the woman he hoped to be betrothed to.


As the sarcasm dripped from her introductory words, the male couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. Perhaps this situation was easier to navigate than he had initially feared. If there were no genuine feelings involved between them, then surely they could come to a rational solution, one that would be mutually beneficial for both parties.

His nerves disappear with the knowledge that his presence did not inspire feelings. It was what he was the most worried about. The gears started turning in his head as he thought of how to approach the situation. First he walks towards a gazebo, motioning for her to also take respite from the harsh sun since it's rays irritated his vision he figured she would not want to stand under it any longer that necessary.

"And I take matters like engagement quite seriously. Especially when I have not agreed to it. You must know Lady Heejin that I had no say in this." He says, responding to her taunt.

"I do not fancy you. In fact I do not think we've even spoken before." The Marquess held no recollection of ever meeting the woman and if he did he never remembered exchanging words with her. As someone who never stood in the spotlight, he would always prefer the sidelines.

Known to be a man of a few words, Sejin was direct to the point, especially when he was sure that he would not be hurting her feelings.

Perhaps her quip went over his head as he formulated his next words.

"I will be frank. From your actions it seems like you do not harbor such feelings for me as well. So I'm here to propose an alliance. In order to mutually break off the engagement and still save our house's reputation."

Sejin turns to face her. His frame towered over her but she held her ground against his stature. Perhaps she was also there to fight for something. /Someone/.

"I will hold a meeting with my siblings and my youngest brother, Duke Oh Jiyong and I shall inform him that I do not wish to wed you. Let me know how I can help you as well."

Sejin offers, feeling partly responsible for the arranged betrothal. Afterall it was the elders from his clan that proposed it to her family. With or without his consent.

@✿ oh sejin [ backdated: June 15th, 1869 ]

The Hanhoe Square being more vacant than usual may make one nervous, but it only serves as a better alibi for Heejin and will appease her overbearing brother’s demands. Less spectators also mean less gossipers from
the ton and those from abroad. A spinster, though not a maiden, she was used to the cruel remarks hurled towards her way regarding her marriageable status, disguised over their want or need to be near her. Uninterested in the politics of marriage, she finally relented to meet him halfway in being betrothed to the half-blood of the Oh clan. From the painting of his profile shown to her, he was handsome, though he inspired no feelings of enamor or fancy from her. There was a hint of haughtiness in his gaze, and a slight smirk on his lips, though she also wondered if this was how the artist perceived him.

If it were not within the context of a portfolio of bachelors presented to her by Dongyul, Heejin would have mistaken it for a mugshot. From an earshot, she heard from her advisors that he may not have the best attitude. Though in order to check this proclaimed impropriety, she felt it was most befitting to meet him in person.

Ambling towards the square, she sighted a distance appearance amongst others, who blended in with the surroundings. He matched the painted profile on the scrolls to a T. Towering over most, the man was not hard to spot. From afar, nerves seemed to wrack his body, judging from the constant pacing of back and forth. Her annoyance almost urged her to keeping him in place, though it would render her difficult pinning down a military man with decent musculature.

Approaching him in full confidence, it was far from the first time she met with men in power. Dare she say, in the royal assemblies, encounters with ministers and those slightly below were commonplace. Firstly, she merely stepped closer to him to make sure his countenance matches up with the picture. If it was not attraction, it was the intrigue of mere curiosity.

Due to the arrival of summer, the sun’s rays felt emboldened to further make its presence known within the firmament, causing her to squint. As a form of improvised awning, she covered her eyes with her hand. “Lord Oh Sejin, it is a pleasure to meet you once again, especially after our wonderful ceremony.” A tinge of mockery colors her voice, hopefully the suitor does not seriously fancy her. Lest he besotted her, she could always disarm him through a swift kick to the jewels to bring him back to reality. Though, she would reserve most of her bitterness and wrath for her brother for ing her into this arrangement.

“If you did not know from my brother’s letter, I am Kang Heejin, from the House of the Cygnet. As part of the Royal Investigation Bureau, I take identity theft and treason very seriously.” Half-joking, a small smile quirked in her lips. “There is no need to fancy me, I have been told of my gracious beauty.”

@❁ im insoo The daughter from the House of Doves had been restless all night since receiving the letter from her beloved. It has been two long months since she departed to Qing in a voyage that she never had expected to experience in her life. Although the sea had kept them apart, he had always remained in her mind as a constant in her daily endeavors.

Everything reminded her of him: the sea, the sun, the scent of flowers and the sound of rain—for how could she ever forget the man who had captured her heart so completely?

She had been sitting in front of the bronze mirror in her chambers, ensuring she looked as prim and proper as ever. Although she had not been one to ever worry about her appearance, she wanted to look more beautiful than the flowers today just for him. The gifts he had sent along with his letter had found their way on her, from the binyeo to the rings, she proudly wore them as a symbol of their love and to appreciate the thought and effort he had put into choosing them for her.

As she sat there, her fingers absentmindedly traced the delicate flower patterns on the jade rings. There was a bout of nervousness in the pit of her stomach as she waited for his arrival. It had been so long since they had last seen each other, and she couldn’t help but worry if things were still the same as before. Would their love still burn as brightly as before?

Soon, Muyeo rushed into her lady’s chamber announcing, “My Lady, Sir Im has arrived and is in the courtyard waiting for you–”

She did not hesitate any longer. Immediately, her heart fluttered at the mere mention of him and she rushed to find him in the place that her maidservant had said he was at. Muyeo rushed after her lady, trying to calm the Song daughter but to no avail.

Jinye descended from the stairs of the Song estate, her steps light and eager. Soon, the familiar silhouette of Insoo waiting for her in the courtyard filled with a rush of joy and excitement. She no longer felt the earlier nervousness from before. All she knew was that she could not wait to be in his arms again.

Without a moment’s hesitation, with eyes fixed on him with such love and adoration that it felt as if her heart would burst, Jinye dashed towards him. And once she reached him, she didn’t pause to consider propriety or decorum; instead, she launched herself into his arms with a delighted laugh, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck as she stood on the tip of her toes.

“Insoo!” She exclaimed, her voice filled with affection from the way his name fell from her lips with a familiar as if she had called his name everyday without fail. From her run, she was slightly out of breath, yet she managed to tell him, “I’ve missed you so much.”

For Jinye, there was no greater happiness than being in his arms again, no greater comfort than knowing that he was here beside her. And as she remained in the warmth of his embrace, it felt as if the entire world had faded away for in this moment it felt as if their time apart from one another had only been a dream. All the longing, the anticipation, and restless days have melted away as soon as she landed in his arms.

@✿ ahn suji junwoo's stoic facade cracked slightly as he listened to suji's accusations, irritation simmering beneath the surface. he couldn't believe the audacity of this girl, accusing him, a yangban man, of theft. his cold demeanor only intensified as he felt the annoyance creeping in. his patience wearing thin with each accusatory remark. her attempt to diminish his worth based on his social class struck a nerve, but he maintained his composed exterior, though barely.

"your assumptions are as misguided as they are insulting," junwoo retorted, his voice carrying a hint of steel. "you speak of social class as if it defines one's character, yet you seem to lack the very grace and courtesy expected of someone of your standing."

he met suji's defiant gaze with a cool, unwavering stare, refusing to be cowed by her haughty demeanor. her words only served to reinforce his decision to keep the pouch out of her reach, a silent rebuke to her baseless accusations and misplaced superiority.

"it's not convenient, but rather a matter of principle," junwoo continued, his tone firm. "one's social standing does not excuse poor behavior or unfounded accusations." with a deliberate movement, he tucked the pouch securely into his jeogori, a silent assertion of his authority in the face of suji's arrogance. as he turned to leave, junwoo spared her one final glance, a silent challenge in his eyes.

"I suggest you reflect on your actions," he advised, his voice carrying a note of finality. "perhaps then you will understand the value of respect and restraint. call me a child or anything you want then, lady." turning on his heel, junwoo made his way out of the place, his frustration palpable. dealing with suji's antics was the last thing he needed, especially when there were more pressing matters to attend to.

@✿ baek junwoo 'calm down suji, try not to frame an innocent man in the heat of your emotions.' her conscience intervened, and for a brief moment the young lady took a deep breath to compose herself and regarded the man clearly this time. he was familiar...ah! it was then that recognition struck like lightning on a branch, was he not the baek dukedom's heir? crossing him could mean serious repercussions that could reach her father's ears. the marchioness found such a prospect unappealing. that was until he called her beloved possession old and ugly.

any semblance of remaining level headed from then on had been demolished with a mere twitch of her eye. "why i'm sure you are a yangban with how you seem to hold little value when discerning items beyond their intrinsic values. pff you men are all the same." hands rested on her hips, her gaze meets the marquess' with a mix of vexation and defiance. he may as well have cursed her and three generations of her descendants with those few words. "it must be so convenient to fall back upon your social class in such circumstances. it's merely a spoon of wealth that's been shoved into your mouth from the moment you've been born a matter that even i as the cherished daughter of duke ahn acknowledge...good sir."

as she prattled on, her brows furrowed at his next actions as he held the item up high – clearly beyond her reach at this moment. a trick she had clearly not seen since she was a young lass, and one that made her look on incredulously. was the man before her truly the one who would become the next duke baek, from the tales she heard he was stoic and rather...cold. "what- are you a child?!" she says, reaching for the pouch in his hand before giving up, not wanting to draw more eyes to the pair than there already was.

"please just hand me back the pouch, i can not fathom that it somehow got into the hands of an oh so mighty yangban man such as yourself." she groans, every syllable of her speech dripping with sarcasm as she stared up at junwoo.

@✿ song jinye — the morning of the promised day ; 11th july 1869

Nothing could have ceased the qualm at the pit of his stomach at just the mere sight of the Song estate before him. He had seen it before once yet the nervousness remained the second time around. But just the thought of the very lady he came there for: her walking down the steps of her abode to meet him at the courtyard helped to calm the nerve a little.

Insoo perked at the slightest motion in his surroundings, from the brush of straw shoes of the Song estate’s servants going about their daily chores to the sways of the branches of the lone tree in the yard.

When he had sent out the letter and the gifts, thoughts roamed his head. It was one thing after another; one criteria to the next one, a list of rights and wrongs in each single item he had checked. Some of the binyeos were in the wrong plain of silvers, the others with stones that hardly shone in the darkness of the nights. Despite being on the beneficial end of all trades in the marketplace, nothing seemed to fit what he had in mind for her—

—right until, the very one that he had brought home glowed underneath the call of the moonlight. The rings came a little after. The flowers carved into them were a reminder of the spring that they first met. Then, everything fell into place and Insoo was glad that the timing was right around the middle of the season, when flowers bloomed the most and petals went with the wind or fell to the ground.

It had been a few weeks since the last time they had bade goodbye. Everything had felt for nought since then like the time they had to separate because of the war. Separation was never his specialty nor expertise, and he didn’t wish to be presented with another occasion. Yet, Insoo absolutely could not tell his lover. What would she think of him if he did say so? A child? Yet another worthless man who could not live without her presence for a while? How could he ever live if that was to become her impression of him?

Suddenly, the feeling of slight calmness that came with the idea of seeing her again disappeared. The Song estate didn’t feel all that daunting any longer. All that was left was a man burdened by his own thoughts and the calamity of his nervousness as he remained waiting for her in the courtyard.

@✿ ahn suji junwoo's furrowed his eyebrows in disbelief, a flicker of incredulity passing through his stoic facade. the sudden accusations caught him off guard, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration at the female's insinuations. his annoyance was palpable, a simmering undercurrent beneath his composed exterior.

"you do have a knack for accusing me when i'm trying to be nice here," junwoo's voice was tinged with exasperation, his irritation bubbling to the surface. "this is why i don't want to be nice." he mumbled.

"you drop your pouch, i pick it up for you, and this is the thanks i get? accusations?" his voice held a sharp edge, his patience wearing thin. "why would i want to steal from you? i have no interest in your belongings," junwoo continued, his tone laced with frustration. "it's absurd to accuse me without any evidence. you might not know me, but I'm a yangban man. I don't need your old and ugly pouch."

the tension between them crackled in the air, junwoo's frustration palpable as he struggled to comprehend suji's unfounded accusations. "i have better things to do than to engage in petty theft," he added, his voice clipped with annoyance.

with a heavy sigh, he retrieved the pouch she claimed he stole, holding it up in the air between them. "if you want it that bad," junwoo's voice dripped with thinly veiled annoyance, tho a small smirk manage to graces his lips. "then grab it." his tone was curt, his frustration evident in every word. he couldn't fathom why she would accuse him, someone she barely knew, of such a crime. yet, there he stood, offering her the very object she claimed he stole.