⁝ kim estate.

@✿ kim yejoon As Yejoon's words settled in the air, Eunha found herself grappling with a myriad of emotions. The sincerity in his voice and the depth of his regret were palpable, and she felt a sense of warmth envelop her despite the heavy subject matter. The weight of her fears and the depth of her emotions seemed to fill the room, and she couldn't help but marvel at the resilience of their bond.

Her heart swelled with gratitude for her brother’s unwavering love, and she found herself unable to hold back her tears. "I know you didn't mean to cause me pain, and I want you to know that I forgive you," she continued, her voice filled with sincerity. "Our bond is unbreakable, forged in the fires of adversity and strengthened by the love we share as siblings. In those torturous hours of waiting for the antidote, I have missed having my brother by my side, sharing our secrets, our fears, our hopes, our late-night conversations, and the way we would sneak out of the estate to watch the stars together."

A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she reminisced about their childhood, the memories flooding back like a tidal wave. "Remember the time we got lost in the forest and had to spend the night under the stars? You were so scared, but you did not want to show it because your baby sister was with you. I will never forget the look on your face when we finally found our way back to our estate in Incheon."

Eunha wiped away a stray tear from her cheek, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. "I am so grateful to have you back, Yejoon. Let us make the most of the time we have together, and let us promise to always be there for each other, no matter what life throws our way."

As she spoke, she felt a sense of peace settle over her, a newfound resolve to cherish every moment they shared. "I love you, orabeoni."

With those words, she pulled him into a tight embrace, her heart filled with gratitude and love for the brother she thought she had lost. They may have endured their fair share of trials, but together, they would face whatever challenges life had in store for them.

[ fin. ]

@✿ ryu yeonhwa yejoon chuckled softly at yeonhwa's words, his gaze fond as he watched her playful interaction with him. she had always been a beacon of warmth and kindness in his life, her easy manner putting him and others at ease. as they walked through the garden, he listened attentively to her words, nodding in understanding at the mention of the changes in her life.

"i'm glad to hear that you're doing well despite everything," he replied, his voice gentle. "and i understand, regarding sangwook. as long as it was a mutual separation, i shall not hold anything against him. if it were the opposite, however, i could not make any promise to be civilized. but, considering it is your request, i shall do my best to be there for him if he needs." he smiles, one that reflects understanding and agreement in his gaze.

as yeonhwa spoke about her recent activities, yejoon couldn't help but be impressed by her resilience and determination. "you've been busy," he remarked with a smile. "it's admirable how you've thrown yourself into helping others, even in the midst of personal challenges." when she mentioned joining the civilian task force, his eyes widened in surprise. "you joined the civilian task force? that's incredible! if this is your first meeting - to handle the plague, i mean - then you might not know but i am also a part of it. it's quite the experience, isn't it? it's challenging, but also rewarding to know that you're making a difference. you sure did for me, so i thank you and all of the other members."

as they walked, he glanced at her with newfound respect, his admiration for her growing. "i sure hope we bump into each other at future meetings. i had no idea you had an itch to be involved in the task force, but it doesn't quite surprise me. it shows how selfless you are, always putting others before yourself." he nods, only to release a soft chuckle at the mention of his own wedding preparations. as they continued their stroll, his thoughts drifted to the wedding preparations.

"lady ahn has been meticulously planning every detail of the wedding. from the venue to the flowers to the guest list, she's thought of everything. i barely know where to try and help out. honestly, i am amazed by her organizational skills and attention to detail." he smiled, a hint of excitement in his voice. "we've decided on a traditional ceremony, followed by a grand reception. gaeun has been working closely with planners to ensure that everything is perfect. it's going to be a celebration to remember, that's for sure."

he paused, his expression becoming more serious. "actually, there is another reason i wished to speak with you today, aside from catching up." yejoon hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "growing up, i always thought that all of this would be centered around you, and that we would be the ones to be wed. but i... i think i'm falling in love with lady ahn." his lips purse, and he nods with a look of contentment crossing his features. "i never expected our engagement to turn into something so... real? but being with her, getting to know her better, i find myself falling for her more and more each day."

he glanced around the garden, the beauty of flowers and the tranquility of their surroundings enhancing the moment. "i feel like i'm finally understanding what it means to be truly loved by someone. it's unlike any other, one that fills me with joy and gratitude."

@✿ kim yejoon "ah, joonie, you're so silly," yeonhwa chuckled, the musical notes of her laughter echoing in the quiet serenity of the garden. she batted her hand playfully at his words of gratitude, dismissing the need for formalities between them. "between us, there is no need to give thanks. you know that eunha is as dear to me as she is to you. if anything, she is my younger sister by extension."

accepting his invitation with a smile, she looped her arm with yejoon's, the easy familiarity of their connection evident in the way they moved together on a leisurely stroll through the familiar paths. the scent of blooming flowers lingered in the air, and the gentle rustle of leaves overhead accompanied their steps. "ah, yes, i suppose it has been quite a long time since we last talked. lots of things have changed," she mused, her eyes dancing over the vibrant blooms as she pondered where to begin. "i do not even know where to start."

with the tranquility of the garden as their backdrop, the marchioness opened up about the recent events in her life. "i suppose you have heard about the dissolution of my engagement with lord byun. i know that the rumors are tearing him apart limb from limb for his elopement with another, but i need you, of all people, to know that i am quite alright." her gaze softened, seeking understanding in the depths of yejoon's eyes. "please do not resent sangwook, for he is your cousin, and i am hoping that you, of all people, can be there to comfort him."

"actually, i have been busy spying on her in his stead, since his father practically exiled him back to their ancestral home in yangju upon learning of his marriage." a playful glint entered her eyes as she turned to him with an excited smile. "other than that, i joined the civilian task force for the first time alongside my siblings and one of my cousins. it was quite the ordeal, trying to find out the plague and its origins and to determine a cure. but, as you personally experienced, all is well now. i quite liked helping out. i think i'll do it again."

with a turn of conversation, she shifted the focus to him. "but enough about me. how are you? how is lady ahn? and the wedding preparations? oh, i must hear all about it!" her eagerness to hear his news was genuine, her eyes sparkling with the fire of curiosity.

@✿ kim eunha with every word of eunha’s confession feathering over his lips like the gentlest breeze, shivers shot down seojun’s spine as if it had been the first time he had ever heard a declaration of love in his life. it felt so familiar, yet so new. "my heart is so full of you, i could hardly call it my own." he whispered, wishing for not even the crickets to hear the words meant for the ears of only one person.

“i apologize for taking so long,” he began with parted lips, but nothing else could come out to finish his sentence. seojun was just utterly speechless. no words were more important than this moment that they shared under the moon’s watchful gaze, looking tenderly into her eyes, the jungin felt himself falling for her all over again. warmth grew in his chest as if spring had come early. all this time, he had thought that he missed being in love for the thrill of it, but now, the feeling he had longed for became clear.

seojun missed the feeling of being loved, not just by anyone, but by kim eunha.

seojun’s fingertips brushed against eunha’s face as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his lips curling into an enamored smile. he boldly stole another kiss from her tiers before reluctantly pulling away from her. misty-eyed, the world paused as he admired the contours of her face. her cheekbones and large doe-eyes were his favorite features of hers. “eunha,” seojun spoke her name just to experience those two special syllables rolling off of his tongue. he loved everything about her.

unaware, a small tear escaped his eye, rolling down the slopes of his cheeks as he silently prayed that this day was not a dream. at last, it seemed like he finally had one good thing in his life. eunha gave him a sense of security he had never felt before. if only she could stay.

“beautiful. you’re just so beautiful.”

@✿ ryu yeonhwa as yeonhwa entered the garden, yejoon's breath caught in his throat. her presence brought a vibrant energy to the lush surroundings, and a radiant smile graced his lips as he caught sight of her. relief and joy washed over him, dispelling any lingering tension from their months of separation.

"lady ryu," he greeted with a nod, a genuine yet playful smile playing on his lips. "your presence brings life back to these gardens. i am indeed recovered, thanks in no small part to the well-wishes of dear friends like yourself." as they exchanged pleasantries, he couldn't help but marvel at the depth of their connection. the garden, once again, became a witness to the ebb and flow of their shared history, where time seemed to pause in the face of enduring friendships. yeonhwa's teasing undertones added a familiar charm to the conversation, a reminder of the camaraderie they had shared in years past.

with each passing moment, yejoon felt a growing determination to share the complexities of his heart with her. the carefully chosen gifts, the memories of shared laughter, and the lush beauty of the garden set the stage for a confession that had long been on the verge of his lips. though, he took a moment to express his gratitude more explicitly. "thank you for coming today, as it is always worth the time to catch up with my closest friend. i always want to thank you for taking care of eunha during the trying times when i was down with the plague. your support means the world to me, truly, even if i may not be fully aware of all of the circumstances. she always speaks highly of the comfort you constantly provide, and for that, i am eternally grateful."

with a subtle gesture, he walked to her side, offering his arm in a silent invitation to walk together. "shall we take a stroll through the garden?" he suggested, a warm sincerity in his eyes.

"i'm eager to catch up on how you and your family have been. life has a way of weaving intricate tales, and i'm curious to hear yours before we delve into any other discussions," he added, his tone still playful.

@✿ kim eunha yejoon's gaze softened as eunha's words lingered in the air. the weight of her fears and the depth of her emotions were palpable in the room. as she held him in a fierce embrace, he felt a mixture of gratitude and regret, grateful for her unwavering love and regretful for the pain he had unintentionally caused her. "i never meant to put you through such anguish, eunha," he murmured, his voice carrying a tinge of remorse. the echoes of the past haunted him, the memories of the plague and the shadows that had cast a pall over their lives. he couldn't help but feel a responsibility for the torment she had endured in his absence.

his hand gently brushed against her hair, a soothing gesture as he continued, "you're stronger than you realize, eunha. your resilience pulled me back from the abyss, and for that, i'm eternally grateful." he held her at arm's length, meeting her gaze with sincerity. "i want to completely make amends, to be the brother that you deserve again."

the room seemed to hold its breath as he spoke, the air charged with unspoken emotions. yejoon's heart ached with the realization of the impact his absence had on her, and he vowed silently to be a source of strength for eunha, to rebuild the trust that had been strained by the trials they had faced. as he wiped away a tear from her cheek, yejoon's eyes conveyed a promise - a promise to stand by her side, to shield her from the shadows that had threatened to consume them. the journey to healing had just begun, but in that moment, he could feel the bond between them emerging stronger, forged in the crucible of adversity.

yejoon's gaze softened as he continued to hold eunha at arm's length. "you could never lose me, eunha," he said, his voice carrying deepest sincerity. "our bond is unbreakable, forged not only in blood but in the shared moments of joy and sorrow. i'm here, and i'll always be here for you." he couldn't help but reflect on the significance of their sibling relationship, especially since their father's passing. "our family has faced its share of trials," he began, his voice taking on a reflective tone. "father may not be with us physically, but the strength of our bond ,the love we share as siblings, is a testament to the enduring legacy he left behind. it's what keeps us connected even when faced with the challenges that life throws our way."

his eyes held a deep sense of commitment as he continued.

"eunha, you mean the world to me. our sibling relationships together and with won are a source of strength, a reminder of the love that transcends time and circumstances. i want you to know that you're not alone in this journey. we'll navigate the challenges together, just like we always have." with those words, he pulled her into another gentle embrace, reaffirming the resilience of their familial ties.

@❀ kim seojun Eunha stood there, frozen in the wake of Seojun's confession. His words hung in the air, heavy with regret and an unspoken plea for forgiveness. Tears welled in her eyes, the silent witnesses to the turmoil unraveling in her heart. His words cut through the air like a lament, each one a reminder of the shards of their past that lay scattered. Tears, glistening like diamonds, traced a path down her cheeks, their brilliance contradicting the pain that accompanied their descent.

The weight of his confession pressed on her as she observed how in his vulnerability, sought redemption for the fractures he had caused. She could feel how his fingertips, weathered and tender, cradled her face like a fragile vessel he feared might shatter. His touch, once familiar, now felt like a balm to wounds she had not realized still festered. The gentle swipe of his thumb against her tear-streaked cheeks seemed to erase the years, bringing them back to a moment suspended in time.

Seojun's admission carried the weight of a confession long withheld. She watched as his eyes, darting between hers, sought solace in the vastness of her gaze. She, the safety blanket of his tumultuous existence, held him captive in a dance of unspoken emotions. His words, laden with fragility, revealed a side of him she had not seen before—a vulnerability that resonated with the echoes of their shared past.

"Kim Eunha. It's always been you," he declared, and the weight of those words settled into the cracks of her heart. The attempt to forget, the illusion of moving on—all shattered by the admission of his enduring love. His words shook with the rawness of his emotions, unraveling the carefully woven threads of their history.

The words she so desperately wanted to hear once more from him slipped from his lips, a melody that resonated with a depth only love could fathom. In that moment, the rhythm of her heart echoed through the space between them, a frantic beat matching the tumult in her chest. His words, an affirmation of his profound longing, resonated like an echo through the corridors of time. The disbelief that initially etched her features seemed to dissolve into a fragile smile, a tender acknowledgment of the emotions swirling around them. As Seojun's gaze held hers with unwavering intensity, she navigated the delicate space between skepticism and vulnerability.

The touch at the back of her neck was a gentle reassurance, an anchor grounding her in the midst of an emotional tempest. Inch by inch, she allowed herself to be pulled closer, and the dance of their breaths became a silent symphony, the notes resonating with the unspoken promises of the past and the possibilities of the future.

Seojun's vow echoed in her ears, a declaration that carried the weight of his sincerity. The next moment, their lips met in a slow union. It was as if time had momentarily stilled, allowing them to savor the taste of each other's essence. His kisses were a deliberate exploration, mapping the contours of as if searching for hidden verses in an ancient love story.

A cascade of emotions surged through Eunha, a mix of longing, acceptance, and a tinge of vulnerability. The heartbeat beneath Seojun's chest reverberated against her, syncing with her own as they wove a narrative only they could understand. His touch, both tender and firm, traversed the curve of her waist, a tactile connection that spoke of a love that had endured through the changing seasons.

Against the backdrop of the tree's bark, a silent witness to their reunion, Eunha felt the world around them blur. The fervent exchange of kisses carried the weight of unspoken confessions and the promise of a renewed connection. It was a dance of rediscovery, a melody composed in the language of their intertwined hearts.

Forcing herself gently apart from his lips, Eunha whispered, voice breathless but resolute, "It was always you. You are the moon to my star, the constellations to my night sky, and the sole owner of my heart. I love you, Seojun."

Her words hung in the air, a declaration that transcended the whispers of the wind and the rustle of leaves. It was a confession of a love that had weathered storms and endured the tests of separation. In that suspended moment, the weight of unspoken sentiments found release, and Eunha felt a sense of liberation in baring her heart to the man who had been its silent guardian.

@✿ kim yejoon The resonance of her name, whispered in a familiar tone, echoed through the chambers of Eunha's being, shattering the intricate web of worries and fears that had ensnared her. There was an unspoken power in her older brother's voice, a subtle magic that emanated from the mere utterance of her name. This was not the spectral Yejoon who had haunted her dreams since the night the plague had seized him. It was the Yejoon she had always known and loved, and that alone was enough to quell the tempests raging within her.

As he closed the distance with measured steps, each one a delicate dance of apprehension, Eunha's heart squeezed with a pang of pain. His cautious approach, as if fearing to disturb the fragile calm, revealed the gravity of the ordeal he had endured. Yet, when their gazes finally locked, and she glimpsed the familiar humanity in his eyes, she knew with certainty— her older brother had returned. Tears welled in her eyes, streaming down her cheeks, silent witnesses to the overwhelming relief flooding her soul. His apology, mirrored by tears on his own face, was a poignant acknowledgment of the shared pain they had endured.

Unable to restrain herself any longer, Eunha lunged forward with a desperate speed, racing into his open arms. Her embrace was more than a hug; it was a fierce, unyielding grip, as if trying to merge their beings to ensure he was truly here, alive, and whole. A torrent of emotions, restrained for far too long, burst forth in whimpers and sobs against her brother's being.

"Do not apologize, Orabeoni. I should be the one that is sorry..." Dark thoughts had tormented her through endless fortnights, a relentless battle against shadows that seemed to consume her. Yet, in this moment, witnessing him restored to himself with her own eyes, those dark thoughts dissipated like morning mist before the sun.

"I was so scared... I thought I was going to lose you." Her arms tightened their embrace, a desperate affirmation of his presence and her unspoken vow to never let him go again.

@✿ kim eunha "eunha, i owe you a million apologies." seojun confessed, lowering himself to catch her gaze, his heart heavy with regret. not a day had passed without his thoughts circling what had gone awry, contemplating how he could have been better, not just for himself but especially for her. each passing moment felt burdened with the weight of his shortcomings. as tears streamed down her cheeks, a surge of anguish pierced through his chest. eunha's moonlit tears glistened and sparkled like diamonds—a tormenting, yet hauntingly beautiful scene. it was a poignant reminder of the hurt he had caused and the countless memories they shared.

who was he to be coveting the diamond of the season? seojun knew that eunha could do better than him, but her sudden heartfelt confession was the extra push he needed to be selfish for once. it wasn't all a lie. it wasn't a dream. she did love him. he took her face in his weathered hand, gently wiping at her tear-stained cheeks with his thumb. seojun gazed at eunha with admiration just like the day he first told her he loved her years ago.

"i was supposed to say that first," a lump began to form in his throat as seojun's eyes darted back and forth between eunha's large doe eyes. they reeled him in, held him hostage, and he didn't want to escape. she was his safety blanket, his only solace, and he yearned for her touch. "kim eunha. it's always been you. no matter how hard i tried to forget you, i couldn't. it was foolish of me to think i could forget my first love." his words began to shake, showing a side of fragility that he never had before. "you were my summer, my spring, and when we broke up, i finally felt the chill of fall and winter."

with tender care, seojun's fingertips gently tucked a stray tuft of hair behind eunha's ear, his breath trembling as he cradled her face close to his. his voice was deep, breathy as if he had just run for miles, but it wasn't just his breath that raced. it was the rhythm of his heart. "i love you." he whispered, the words resonating with a depth that echoed sincerity and his deep longing for her.

and there it was. the three words he so desperately held captive all these years in hopes that his feelings for her would fade into oblivion. each syllable held the weight of every moment, every beat, and every hope he had cherished in his heart for her. seojun loved her so much that he would let her break his heart again. tens, thousands, even millions of times—it didn't matter to him. the only woman that could ever reside in his heart was eunha.

a look of disbelief flickered across eunha's visage after his second confession. a fleeting smile tugged at his face, stirred by her initial reaction, compelling the need to prove himself. "you don't believe me?" seojun spoke in a hushed tone, his eyes fixed onto hers. holding the back of her neck gently, he drew her nearer, inching closer as he felt the allure of eunha's erratic breaths, more captivating than any demonic temptation.

hovering over her lips, his words feathered over hers. "i'll make sure you believe." seojun murmured before bridging the gap between them. his eyes closed gently as their lips met in a deliberate, unhurried union. seojun's lips moved slowly against eunha's in a languid dance. the ceramist explored every contour of her vermillion, coming back for more as if uncharted areas remained on the map of . his heart thundered against his chest, a relentless rhythm drowning his senses. eunha was intoxicating, but more than that, she was the one that he had always loved. the embers in his heart never died.

seojun's other hand follows the curvature of her side, his palm molding into the narrowest point of her waist. eunha's silk clothing was cool against his skin, a sharp contrast to the heat that pooled and flowed within him. slowly, they backed toward a large tree and he continued to kiss her against the bark unyieldingly. every unspoken yearning, every hidden sentiment, found its voice in the fervent exchange between their lips.

@❀ kim seojun Eunha found herself standing on the precipice of emotions, a tempest of feelings swirling within her that threatened to drown her composure. His statement hung in the air like an unspoken challenge, daring her to unravel the carefully constructed facade she had built over the years. Denial, a steadfast companion, had shielded her heart from the pain of unrequited love, yet Seojun's insistence on knowing her feelings became an unexpected earthquake that shook the foundations of her emotional defenses.

Then, like a sudden gust of wind scattering leaves, Seojun's revelation shattered the brittle silence.

“Me and Haewon, that’s over. We’ve been over.”

His words were a revelation that echoed through the corridors of her mind. For a moment, the world seemed to halt its incessant motion, and Eunha's heart raced in disbelief. The walls she had constructed crumbled, leaving fragments of her defenses in the debris. The gears of her mind whirred, processing the weight of his declaration. The tension in her body released its grip as the truth sank in—Seojun was no longer entangled with another. A strange calm settled over her, the storm within her chest subsiding as if the universe had realigned itself in her favor.

Seojun's touch under her chin was a tender reassurance, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken turmoil. He gently tilted her chin, urging her to face him fully. Her eyes, wide and searching, darted between his, scanning for any falsehood. What she found was sincerity, a raw honesty that spoke louder than words. Her clenched hands uncoiled, and her shoulders relaxed, surrendering to the moment.

Tears continued to well in her eyes, a mixture of relief, disbelief, and a lingering pain that had been buried too deep. "Why are you saying sorry? Why me? I’m not—we’re not—" She shook her head, her chin pulling away from his finger, yet the proximity between them remained intact. His gaze held her captive, and she found herself unable to step away from the intensity of his presence.

Desperation, yearning, and a shared longing danced in his eyes, mirroring the storm that raged within her. Eunha blinked away tears, allowing them to cascade down her cheeks. "What?" she whimpered, her voice barely audible over the tumult in her heart, opening herself to the vulnerability of his next words.

"I can’t take it anymore, Seojun," she confessed, her voice a fragile whisper. "You keep looking at me like that. I was doing so well, but now… I can’t help but still be in love with you." The admission hung in the air, a declaration that laid bare the truth she had fought to conceal for so long.

@✿ kim yejoon the large wooden gate of the kim estate swung open with a familiar creak, and the embrace of a place not seen for a handful of long years enveloped yeonhwa like a comforting shroud. the guards recognized her instantly, and with smiles of recognition, she was ushered through the entrance.

their hanseong estate stood as regal as ever, the sprawling gardens and finely crafted architecture a testament to the grandeur of their lineage. the air held the sweet scent of blooming flowers, mingling with the subtle fragrance of ancient wood. there was a comforting stillness, a timeless quality that whispered of the many stories etched into the walls of the estate.

as she walked through the familiar halls, the marchioness couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the times when she was a frequent visitor, when laughter and shared moments filled the warm summer air. the kim estate staff graciously accepted the tokens of her goodwill since she could not let herself come empty-handed. the gifts she had brought were tokens of her regard—a brooch of exquisite design for the duchess dowager, small trinkets for the kim siblings, and carefully prepared delicacies from the ryu estate's kitchen. everything had been chosen with care and was a silent acknowledgment of the bonds that had been woven over the years.

finally, she was led to the garden where yejoon awaited her amidst the lush greenery. upon seeing him, a radiant smile graced her lips, and yeonhwa called out his name with genuine delight. the distance and time apart had done nothing to diminish the warmth she felt at the sight of her dear friend. quickening her steps, she closed the remaining distance, and as she stood before him, a surge of relief washed over her. his countenance was glowing with vitality and bore no trace of the affliction that had haunted him.

"duke kim," she said with a polite curtsy, her voice a melody that held a spectrum of emotions – relief, joy, and a hint of teasing. "you look well. i am glad to see you have seemed to recover fully." her words carried a genuine warmth, a sentiment that echoed the unspoken concern she had harbored during the months of separation.

@✿ ryu yeonhwa in the serene ambiance of his family's hanseong estate's garden, yejoon paced with measured steps along the stone pathways lined with colorful peonies and delicate lotus blossoms. the setting sun cast a soft, warm glow, painting the surroundings with a serene charm. he had meticulously arranged their meeting spot—a secluded alcove adorned with a wooden pavilion, where they had shared countless conversations and moments of camaraderie. clad in a hanbok of deep, somber tones, he sought to convey both elegance and quiet resolve.

the memory of his heartfelt confession lingered in his mind—a courageous proclamation of his affections that had met with yeonhwa's gentle yet firm rejection. despite the ache of her refusal, yejoon couldn't help but hope that their reunion might soften the blow. as he waited, his thoughts drifted to the past—the laughter that once filled the garden's serene air, the tender exchanges that spoke volumes in mere glances. he closed his eyes, allowing himself to be immersed in the garden's peaceful ambiance, the fragrance of planted flowers mingling with the faint aroma of incense.

the quietude of the garden was interrupted only by the distant rustle of leaves and the soft whispers of the wind. yejoon's heart quickened as he anticipated her imminent arrival, each passing moment amplifying his nerves. since their last meeting, he had experienced quite a fight of the awful plague, and was afraid no one would ever look at him the same, especially following the story that his beloved sister expressed. he straightened his posture, gathering his composure for the impending meeting. the memory of her gentle rejection lingered, a bittersweet echo that reverberated in his thoughts, yet he couldn't shake off the hope that perhaps time and circumstance might aid in keeping them close, for the foundation of their relationship always had a mutual understanding of friendship over anything else.

in the hush of the garden, yejoon's anticipation was palpable. his emotions swirled—a mix of longing, apprehension, and a tinge of desperation to bridge the chasm that had formed between them. he awaited her arrival with a blend of eagerness and trepidation, uncertain of what the awaited meeting might hold.

and yet, the corners of his tiers begin to etch upwards into a faint smile whilst he scuffs his shoe upon the ground, fingers clasped behind his back. he had another confession to make this time and it felt as though what he was going to confide in her with, would remain safe with her.

@✿ ahn gaeun yejoon lay in the confines of his chamber, shrouded in the delicate embrace of recovery.tThe room, once a bastion of solitude, now became a sanctuary for his healing, the subdued light filtering through the windows painting the chamber in a tranquil hue. his gaze, still tinged with the remnants of weariness, brightened at the swift entry of gaeun, her hurried steps echoing the urgency of her relief and elation.

as she rushed to his bedside, he could see her eyes sparkled with tears of joy, her concern palpable even amidst the overwhelming happiness that radiated from her. yejoon, though still weak from the recent tribulation, managed a soft, grateful smile at her arrival. her presence brought with it an effervescent energy, a profound sense of comfort that seeped into the very fabric of his being, momentarily overshadowing the remnants of his ailment.

"gaeun," he greeted, his voice a tender whisper, grateful for her unwavering support that had sustained him through the darkest of moments. her arms enveloped him in a gesture filled with warmth and relief, and despite his fragile state, he returned the embrace, careful not to exert too much strain on his weakened body.

"hey… don't cry," he murmured softly, a gentle plea to assuage her emotions, as he wiped away the tears that cascaded down her cheeks. his touch was light and soothing, a silent reassurance that despite the recent trials, he was on the path to recovery. a fleeting smile graced his lips, an attempt to convey a sense of assurance despite his own vulnerability.

"I'm getting better," he assured her, his tone laced with a quiet determination. "thanks to everyone's efforts, including yours. your unwavering dedication kept me strong." his eyes met hers, a silent acknowledgement of the immense gratitude he held for her unyielding support throughout the trying times. despite the confines of his bed, he felt a sense of upliftment, a burgeoning hopefulness buoyed by her presence and the shared sense of relief that enveloped them both.

he held her tightly, the warmth of her embrace a stark contrast to the chilling memory of his recent affliction. "thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "your unwavering support... it means everything." the weight of her concern and genuine fear for his well-being touched him deeply, reinforcing the bond that had formed between them during this haunting period.

@✿ kim eunha iIn the dimly lit room, yejoon sat before the easel, of paint dancing across the canvas in an attempt to find solace amidst the darkness that engulfed his soul. each brushstroke was a fervent plea to expunge the haunting memories, to push away the relentless fear that lingered, a constant reminder of his darkest moments. he dipped the brush into the paint, the colors intertwining in a mesmerizing dance as he tried to capture a semblance of tranquility, a respite from the chaos that plagued his mind. the canvas became a battlefield where his emotions clashed, a battleground where hues fought to soothe the agony that threatened to overwhelm him.

but even amidst his fervent efforts, a gnawing fear persisted—a fear that he couldn't completely banish the darkness, that the remnants of his affliction might resurface, robbing him of the control he so desperately craved.

when his doors opened and eunha's soft voice pierced the silence, calling out to him, yejoon's heart clenched with an intensity that shattered his fragile composure. as he looked towards her, the brush fell from his hand, scattering droplets of paint upon the wooden floor. his eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, locked onto hers, pleading for understanding even before she fully entered the room.

"eunha," he whispered, his voice trembling with a mixture of anguish and apology. he stood from his seat and took a hesitant step forward, his heart wrenching at the sight of her visible trepidation. "I'm so sorry," he choked out, the weight of remorse heavy in his voice. tears streamed down his cheeks, unbidden, as he struggled to articulate the depths of his regret, each syllable carrying the weight of his profound remorse. the room seemed to constrict around him, suffocating him with the enormity of their fractured bond. with every fiber of his being, he wished to undo the pain he had caused, to erase the fear etched onto her delicate features. he longed to bridge the unfathomable distance that now stood between them, to reclaim the sisterly affection that had once been their sanctuary in this ornate yet fraught estate.

but as she stood there, her own emotions in confusion, he knew that the road to reconciliation would be fraught with obstacles, each step an agonizing battle against the shadows of their shared past. and so, with a heart heavy with remorse, he remained rooted in place, his silent tears bearing witness to the shattered fragments of what was once an unbreakable bond between siblings.

@✿ kim yejoon The corridors of the Kim estate were a tapestry of tradition and history. Elegant wooden panels lined the walls, adorned with ancestral portraits and ornate tapestries that spoke of a bygone era. Soft lantern light cast a warm glow upon the polished wooden floors, a familiar sight for Eunha, who had wandered these halls all her life.

Intricate patterns woven into the carpets beneath her feet whispered stories of generations past, a silent witness to the ebb and flow of family history. The air in these corridors carried the weight of legacy, an ambiance of both privilege and responsibility. The scent of aged wood, mingled with subtle floral notes from arrangements strategically placed along the corridor, added to the unique fragrance of the Kim estate.

For Eunha, this hallway had been both sanctuary and prison. The memories etched into the walls echoed with the laughter of childhood games, but also the hushed tones of physicians discussing her ailment. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, where her world had once been confined by fragility. Yet, even within these walls, one figure stood out in the mosaic of her memories, a specter of fear that lurked in the corners of her consciousness ever since that fateful night.

As she approached her eldest brother's room, the verses of Yeonhwa's letter echoed in her mind like a protective mantra.

"You must remember that Yejoon loves you more than life itself.”
“The person who attacked you was not your orabeoni."

Each step was a conscious effort to silence the fear that threatened to engulf her.

The door to Yejoon's room, though ornately carved, seemed to loom before her. A primal instinct fought against her rational mind, a sense of fear that resisted logic. She clutched the edges of her hanbok, the silk fabric cool against her trembling fingers. "He received the antidote. He is cured," she whispered to herself, trying to drown the seed of doubt that persisted.

With a steadying breath, she turned the handle and pushed the door ajar. The room beyond was bathed in the soft glow of lantern light, revealing an intimate space that felt simultaneously familiar and alien. There, at an easel, sat Yejoon—her brother, her orabeoni—swiping a paintbrush across the canvas.

"Orabeoni?" Her voice, a delicate tremor, cut through the quiet ambiance. A few hesitant steps carried her into the room, but as his gaze met hers, a sudden paralysis gripped her. The distance between them seemed an insurmountable expanse, and she found herself unable to draw any closer. The room, once a haven of familial love, now felt like a battlefield of conflicting emotions and a stark reminder of the trauma that had occurred to her a couple of fortnights ago.

@✿ ahn gaeun in the vast halls of the kim estate, a sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air. yejoon, once a figure of strength and authority, now lay bedridden, grappling with the treacherous clutches of the plague. his room had become a sanctuary of solitude, sealed off to all except the most essential attendants and medical personnel, barricaded to shield others from the affliction that ravaged his body. days passed like lingering shadows, the weight of his condition casting a pall over the estate. news spread like wildfire; rumors whispered of a desperate race against time, of a family of many scrambling for a cure, and of yejoon's relentless battle against the merciless disease.

amidst the flurry of activity, he awaited the moment when the doors of his chamber would finally creak open to visitors. his thoughts were consumed by one sole beacon of hope – gaeun. In the solitude of his sickbed, he yearned for her presence, her soothing words, her unwavering support that had been a steadfast source of strength in tumultuous times. as the estate bustled with preparations for the imminent arrival of the family doctor bearing the antidote, yejoon’s heart beat with anticipation, not just for the promised remedy but for the chance to see gaeun by his side again. he imagined - fantasized - of her gentle touch, her calming presence, and the reassurance she would bring amidst the storm that raged within him.

the moment arrived when the doors were finally unbolted for visitors. with each passing second, his hopes surged, clinging to the belief that she would be the first to appear, that she would defy all obstacles to be with him in his time of need. around him, attendants scurried, the household buzzing with anticipation. the family doctor's imminent arrival lent a sense of urgency, a glimmer of optimism amid the encroaching darkness.

and then, as the doors creaked open, yejoon's heart skipped a beat. his eyes scanned the threshold, longing for a glimpse of her silhouette. yet, amidst the shuffle of concerned family members and aides, she was conspicuously absent. disappointment weighed heavily upon him, but hope lingered still. he knew gaeun’s resolve, her unwavering determination. she wouldn't relent until she stood by his side, her presence a balm to his anguished soul.

as the family doctor stepped into the room, carrying the vial of the awaited antidote, yejoon’s heart raced with renewed optimism. he clung to the belief that gaeun would soon arrive, that she would defy the barriers and stand by him as the cure was administered, ushering in the promise of recovery and the strength of their enduring bond.

@✿ kim eunha the glassiness of eunha's eyes spoke a million words. seojun knew that she was hiding something. he didn't know exactly what it was, but he desperately clung to it to fuel his courage. he couldn't give up, not now. "i care about what you feel." the male insisted, his voice mellowed. seojun tilted his head down as he tried to maintain contact with her lowered gaze.

from eunha, a bitter aura radiated outwardly towards him that he had never encountered with her before, and it made his insides churn. he didn't like it. he wanted to stop her from feeling that way or else it would start eating at him from the inside.

"me and haewon, that's over. we've been over." his words are barely a whisper, loud enough for only eunha to hear. with caution, seojun's hand slowly approaches her as if it could startle her if he did it any faster. using a finger, seojun tilted eunha's chin up, the warmth of her face soothing the nipping cold that danced on his fingertips. carefully gazing into her crestfallen eyes, the ceramist's eyebrows relaxed as he felt an all too familiar pain grow within his chest. guilt-stricken, the jungin began to regret confronting his former lover. was he carelessly ripping healed wounds back open?

never before has admittance come to seojun as easily as it did in this moment. he felt as if every wrongdoing he had committed could easily fall from his lips without effort. perhaps it was because it was easier than pouring out his heart to her, or maybe he longed to get anything out of the female. "i've been stupid, eunha. i've been careless, and i'm sorry if that caused you any pain." seojun gingerly swiped eunha's tear-stained cheeks with his rough thumbs, weathered from his work in the workshop. he knew how to shape clay, but to shape her heart to undo the dents he had put in it before? a mystery. "all that matters is you. you can tell me what's on your mind." the corners of the ceramist's lips twitched, attempting to offer the yangban a reassuring smile, but the rest of his mouth could not follow.

seojun bit his tongue, forcing himself to hold back any further words that could deter or sway eunha's actions. though his lips were sealed, his eyes were a different story. they did not just speak, they screamed of desperation and yearned for the truth.

in his silence, he tortured himself as a punishment for making eunha shed tears, searching for a reason why he couldn't tell her the words that weighed on his tongue. he wanted to tell her how much he needed her. how their distance didn't matter to him. how he counted the days after last seeing her. how the stars never failed to remind him of her. how he wished that she could hold him again.

@✿ ahn gaeun yejoon's weakened body lay heavily against the bedsheets, his once vibrant energy replaced by a palpable fatigue. gaeun's unwavering presence was a soothing balm to his troubled spirit, her gentle touch and unwavering care a beacon of hope amidst the encroaching darkness. her words, "you won't die, not on my watch," echoed in his mind, a testament to her unwavering faith in his resilience. he felt a surge of gratitude for her love, a love that had become his anchor in this relentless struggle for survival.

despite her outward determination, he could sense the fear lurking beneath the surface of her brave demeanor. the thought of losing him, of facing a future without his presence, cast a shadow over her heart. he yearned to reassure her, to instill in her the same unwavering belief he had in himself, but his strength was waning. as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the room, yejoon watched gaeun's silhouette reflected in the window. her face, etched with worry and exhaustion, mirrored the turmoil within her own soul.

the housekeeper's gentle reminder of the approaching night tugged at his conscience, urging him to consider her well-being. at this moment, he didn’t know much, but he knew she needed rest, needed time to replenish her own depleting strength - and that she needed to remove herself from this situation before he traumatizes her just as he regtetfully did his own sister.

"no, I can't leave him yet. not like this," he heard her say, her voice filled with a resolute determination.

her words struck a chord within him, a reminder of the growing bond they shared, a bond that had slowly, through his heartbreak, began transcended the limitations of physical strength. somehow, after everything, he was her rock, her anchor in the storm, and he would not abandon her, not now, not ever. but, for now, she had to go. “gaeun,” his whispered, panic beginning to arise in his chest and gut. “please, don’t do this. you have to go. that’s what we agreed upon, remember? come back when the sun is up.”

his voice, barely present, murmurs at a slow speed - slow enough to hear gasps of air being back into his pained lungs. a part of him was tempted to allow for her to stay, but then his sister’s face appears in his mind. his body suddenly works on any remainder of adrenaline, pushing the weak corpse from the confinement of dampened sheets and onto the floor. he groans, because it hurt, god it hurt. everything hurt. and in all of his glory, he manages to pull himself back up, palms gently pressing against her back towards the door as muffled whimpers and cries escape his mouth and a pale body shuddering simultaneously. “you have to go, i don’t want to hurt you again, not like this.” his cheeks were wet, warm and salty with tears as he continues to urge her towards the door, interrupting any chance for her to intervene with dismissals.

“do this for me, okay? you can come back tomorrow. i’ll be here. now please - god please - go.”

@❀ kim seojun Seojun's gaze bore into Eunha, a penetrating intensity that made her feel as though he could unravel the very fabric of her being with just a glance. Each word he spoke seemed to hang in the charged air, carrying the weight of a truth she was reluctant to face.

“I-it was a mistake.” Eunha's voice, a fragile tremor in the tense atmosphere, wove a delicate tapestry of denial. “It was never meant to fall into your hands.” Her heart pleaded with her to protect itself, to guard against the resurgence of emotions she thought she had long buried. Yet, as she witnessed his silent understanding, she could not escape the realization that her lies were a futile attempt to shield herself from the inevitable.

As Seojun advanced, a mere step but enough to disorient her, Eunha's resolve wavered. Her legs, seemingly rooted to the ground, refused to obey the instinct to flee. The vulnerability in her eyes clashed with the facade of strength she desperately tried to maintain.

His repetition of her own words, like a haunting echo, reverberated through the quiet space between them. She felt exposed, her soul laid bare under the scrutiny of his unwavering gaze. Tears welled in her eyes, threatening to betray the emotions she sought to conceal. His proximity created a magnetic force that pulled her into his orbit, a place she both longed for and feared.

"It does not matter how I feel," she forced herself to utter, the words tasting bitter on her tongue. A downward cast of her eyes, an attempt to break the connection, could not shield her from the searing pain welling within. Her trembling lips fought to steady the truth she was about to confess. "The papers... You and Lady Haewon..." The chima clutched in her hands bore witness to the silent struggle within her, a futile attempt to grasp at composure.

Tears traced a trail down her cheeks, a poignant testament to the ache that swelled in her chest. The air was charged with unspoken agony, the weight of the past and the present converging in the fragile space between them.

@✿ ahn gaeun yejoon felt a pang in his chest as he observed gaeun kneeling by his side, holding his hand gently, her touch like a comforting breeze against his feverish skin. despite the chaos that had unfolded around him, her presence brought a sense of calmness that momentarily soothed the turmoil within him. he wanted to reassure her, to tell her that he was fine, that she shouldn't worry. but the words remained trapped behind his lips, overshadowed by the sheer agony coursing through his body. his eyes, however, spoke volumes, conveying a mix of gratitude and anguish, silently thanking her for being there while pleading for her to understand his suffering.

as she wiped away his tears with delicate care, he felt a surge of conflicting emotions. he wanted to shield her from the distress he was experiencing, to spare her the anguish of witnessing him in such a vulnerable state. yet, her unwavering determination to stay by his side, to tend to him despite the danger, touched him in a way he couldn't express. maybe he was wrong. maybe, everything that he ever wanted was standing just before him.

when she asserted her desire to care for him, yejoon felt a swell of gratitude and concern. grateful for her selfless offer, yet worried for her safety, knowing the risks involved in being near him in this condition. his heart ached at her frustration, her sense of helplessness, understanding all too well the burden of wanting to help yet feeling utterly powerless. "gaeun... you can't stay here, not long. when the sun sets, you need to leave. okay?"

despite his inner turmoil, yejoon managed a faint, grateful smile, a silent acknowledgment of her kindness and a wordless plea for her understanding. in that moment, he wished he could convey his thoughts and feelings more clearly, to let her know how much her presence meant to him, even in the midst of his suffering. but for now, all he could do was hold onto her hand, seeking solace in her silent support amid the chaos that engulfed them both.

this was the most vulnerable he'd ever been, beneath layers of bedsheets and yet, sweltering. it felt as if each time he opened his mouth, he was going to vomit. everything hurt.

"am i going to die?"

@✿ ahn gaeun yejoon was in the grip of agony, his body consumed by fever, pain, and an unrelenting sense of despair. lying in bed, the room spinning around him, he felt as though he hovered between consciousness and a haunting, fever-induced delirium. his skin burned, yet he shivered beneath the layers of blankets, his breaths shallow and ragged. he heard the commotion outside his room, a flurry of hurried footsteps and urgent voices, but everything seemed distant, as though he were submerged underwater, struggling to reach the surface.

when gaeun burst into the room, her presence was a balm to his tormented soul. even in his delirium, her silhouette was a beacon of light in the dark haze that clouded his mind. he tried to focus, to call out to her, but his parched throat only allowed for a feeble whisper. "..hey.. you.."

the sight of her, her eyes brimming with fear and distress, tore at his heart. he wanted to reassure her, to tell her he would be fine, but the words eluded him. his feeble attempts to move, to reach out to her, were futile as his body succumbed to the relentless assault of the illness. as gaeun drew closer, her trembling steps echoing in the room, he felt a mix of emotions flood his weakened body. relief washed over him at her presence, a woman who had shown him unwavering love despite his flaws and past mistakes. yet, intertwined with that relief was a profound sorrow, knowing that seeing him in such a state would shatter her heart.

his eyes, heavy with fatigue and pain, sought hers, wanting to convey gratitude for her presence, for her unwavering support. but all he could manage was a weak, pained gaze, hoping against hope that she would understand the depth of his emotions without the need for words.

the anguish in gaeun's voice as she'd muttered his name pierced through the fog in his mind. he wished he could gather the strength to comfort her, to wipe away her tears, but he was utterly powerless against the ravages of the disease that held him captive. in that moment, as he lay there, barely able to cling to consciousness, he silently pleaded with every fiber of his being for her to find solace amidst the turmoil, for her to know that his love for her endured, unwavering and eternal.

and, all of a sudden, he begins to cry. there a flashes in his mind of the night prior, a look on eunha's face that haunted him. what had he done? why had he done it? what is happening to him? "god, - he prays inwardly - "(if there is one) please take me from this misery. heal my dearest sister and keep her safe. don't make me do it again, not to gaeun too. help me, take me, help me."

@✿ kim eunha "you were mistaken?" with eyebrows knitted in disbelief, seojun questioned eunha's feeble lie. soon, the ceramist's face relaxed, realizing he couldn't be angry at her for not being truthful. he was equally as guilty of that sin, if not more guilty. "so you're telling me that every , every word in this letter was a mistake?" his heart ached at eunha's claim, even though he knew it was not completely true, and the pain was evident in his voice. he could not give up, not yet. eunha was his only chance at some sort of happiness. "if this letter is full of mistakes, you would have thrown it away."

seojun tucked the crane back into the safety of his sleeve, afraid that eunha would take it back amidst her denial. he took a step forward to be closer to her, a lump already forming in his throat as her features appeared clearer than ever under the icy glow of the moon. "i had never gotten over you, never stopped loving you." the male echoed her words that mercilessly twisted at his heart. "i memorized every since word of that letter. none of it felt insincere to me."

seojun softened as he gazed deeper into eunha's eyes, shifting his focus back and forth between her left eye to her right eye. within her eyes, seojun desperately searched for an inkling of eunha's thoughts, but alas, it was unsuccessful. he couldn't read minds.

"i know you, eunha. you are a terrible liar." it took every fiber of his being to not act on his impulses. he wanted to embrace her and tell her that she could tell him anything, that there was no need to hide anymore, but the possibility of eunha's claims being true hung over his head and held him back.

"please, tell me honestly. our meeting after the ball and in your room, did you not feel anything?"

@❀ kim seojun The moon hung in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the courtyard of the Kim estate. Eunha stepped beyond the familiar walls of her home, her gaze meeting the figure standing in the chilly night. Moonlight painted Seojun’s features, rendering him breathtakingly familiar, reminiscent of nights when the world was their playground and sanctuary during the years of their relationship, and similar to the night of the promenade where fate had intertwined their paths once more. His entrance mirrored the clandestine escapades of their youth when pebbles would tap against her window, ushering in stolen moments beneath the moon.

Confusion etched itself across Eunha's features. She could not fathom why he was here, especially amid the creeping plague that had crawled its way to Hanseong. The memories of their last encounter lingered, haunting her thoughts and dreams. The sound of her name escaping his lips stirred emotions she tried to bury, proving it to be difficult for her heart to continue seeing him when she had no right to do so.

Before she could react, Seojun enveloped her hand in his, guiding her with a gentle urgency towards a back clearing—a path well-trodden in their secret rendezvous. Her breaths quickened and lungs burning from the brief jog, until Eunha expertly caught her breath and lightened them to a more steady one. But a subtle concern lingered as she noticed Seojun's uncharacteristic panting. She would keep this to her thoughts, however, as there was no way she would be able to ask him something so personal anymore.

Seojun’s grip loosened as they halted, and the warmth she had grown accustomed to was replaced by the biting chill. His words hung in the night air, and Eunha listened intently, her gaze tracing his every movement. As he pulled out a folded paper crane, confusion creased her brow until recognition dawned. Memories of the shattered porcelain jar flooded back—the secret repository of her feelings, harboring one special crane never meant for Seojun's eyes.

"I—" Eunha faltered, caught off guard and at a loss for words. Her secret emotions, carefully hidden, threatened to spill. "I was mistaken when I wrote that letter," she stammered a pathetic lie, a feeble defense erected as her heart raced, praying to the stars that he would not pry into the depths of her unspoken emotions and spare her the heartbreak once more.

@✿ kim eunha seojun began to kick rocks in the dirt, completely unaware of the towering figure behind him. he let out a huff, cursing himself out in his mind for not getting to the kim estate earlier. he just wanted to see her face. that would be more than enough for him. the soft creak of eunha's window opening suddenly grabs the ceramist's attention, and eagerly, he looks up. their gazes aligned, and in that small moment, he could almost feel his heart flip on itself. before he could call her name, the look of concern plastered on eunha's angelic face caused the male to wonder what she was so worried about.

it wasn't until her call for her bodyguard to refrain from striking him that he realized exactly what situation he put himself in. of course, the daughter of a yangban family would have a bodyguard. slowly, he craned his neck over, and for a split second, he met woobin's deadly glare. that alone was enough for him to direct his attention back to eunha, who had disappeared to meet him outside. on top of being intimidating, he was strikingly handsome and tall. seojun did not want to mess with that guy.

eunha appears within seojun's gaze once again, and like always, he is left speechless. mirroring the night at the promenade, the moonlight highlighted his favorite features of eunha, which was all of them, and her donning a jeogori over her nightgown was an endearing sight that he couldn't have imagined himself seeing again. seojun swallowed hard, desperately ignoring the way the moonlight danced in eunha's dark irises, which caused them to resemble the twinkle of the stars in the night sky so that he could proceed with what he came there to do in the first place.

"eunha." her name rolls off his tongue perfectly, as if his mouth was made to call her name. seojun pauses, his not-so-well-thought-out plans disappearing from his mind as it decided to focus on the way his name sounded in her voice. panicking, his eyes shifted in doubt for a few moments before returning them to the female, a new look of determination splayed across his visage. taking her hand into his, he glanced at their intertwined fingers, the very sight of them together and the warmth of her hand against his cold ones signaling his heart to kick into overdrive.

"come with me." his voice was firm, and without waiting for eunha's response, he started to jog towards the gates, leading eunha into the woods near her estate. the pair do not journey too far into the trees, knowing that it might be dangerous for them to go in further, given the current rumors that circulated hanseong.

seojun halts inside a clearing, slightly out of breath from the physical activity. his lungs have gotten worse over the years, and seojun's struggle was another painful reminder that he can't do some things like he used to. if he barely has the capacity to protect her, how could he ever think that he deserves eunha?

seojun stood in front of eunha, closer to her than before, as the anxiety of someone or something possibly taking her away sat in the back of his mind. he parts his lips, meaning to confront her, but he stops after realizing their hands are still intertwined. reluctantly, seojun released her hand from his grasp, and in the process, he cleared his throat.

"we need to talk about this," his hands anxiously trembled as he produced the letter from his sleeve, which was carefully re-folded into a crane, and displayed it for her to see in his hand. "i read it eunha, every word of it." seojun's voice was hoarse, yet gentle, threatening to crack under pressure.

@❀ kim seojun The moon reigned supreme in the night sky, casting a silvery glow through the latticed window of Eunha's bedroom. The room was a testament to its occupant's graceful taste, with soft, pastel-hued silks adorning the walls and elegant wooden furniture arranged with the precision that had come to define the young lady’s aesthetic sense. The moon shined on the new bedside table her mother had gifted to her after she had spent countless hours musing on the accident, her heart full of regret. The details of that fateful day were etched deeply into her memory—the sensation of falling, her body tumbling, and then him, strong and resolute, catching her in his arms. The way he had held her, much like he used to in their younger years, as if he were her steadfast protector. In those moments, her heart had betrayed her once more, wanting more than just his protection, yearning for the feeling of his lips against hers for the last time. She despised herself for her momentary lapse into selfish desire, for she knew that such feelings should be stopped.

But this night, the moonlight painted her room in a gentle glow, and Eunha lay in peaceful slumber, surrounded by the quiet memories that filled her space.

Suddenly, she was roused by the distant sounds—quiet, rhythmic, like pebbles being tossed against her window. Her eyelids fluttered open, the moonlight filtering through her room. Once, twice, then a third sound reached her ears, unmistakable. Someone was trying to get her attention.

Eunha rose from her sheets, her nightgown gently clinging to her form. She could not quite fathom who might be out there in the stillness of the night. Slowly, she made her way to the window, slowly pushing it forward. Her eyes widened in shock and confusion.

Standing below her window, bathed in moonlight, was the one face she could not stop thinking about—Seojun.

For a moment, time seemed suspended. Her breath caught in , and her heart quickened. She was about to call out to him, to question why he was here, especially in defiance of the queen's warning to stay indoors after nightfall, when a movement behind him seized her attention.

"Woobin-nim, no, don't!" Eunha's voice was a stark plea of command. Her bodyguard, the ever-watchful protector, had been covertly observing Seojun. He had taken a step forward, ready to confront the intruder with a swift blow to the back, an act of protection for his lady. However, he halted at her command, though his eyes remained locked onto Seojun.

Eunha turned away from the window, her heart racing. She hastily donned an outer jeogori to cover her nightgown and quickly descended the stairs. As she stepped outside to meet Seojun, she turned to her bodyguard with a respectful yet firm tone. "It's okay, he will not hurt me. I promise I will be fine—leave us." Her bodyguard hesitated for a moment but ultimately nodded and retreated, disappearing into the darkness.

Finally, Eunha turned to face Seojun once more, a mix of confusion and curiosity in her gaze. "Seojun? What are you doing here at this time?"

@✿ baek jihyuk In the hushed sanctuary of the moonlit pavilion, Eunha felt the subtle shift as Jihyuk leaned into her embrace, seeking solace in the haven she offered. The bond they shared, woven from the threads of innocent teenage camaraderie, had weathered the storms of life. In this moment, as Jihyuk finally accepted the comfort she provided, Eunha held him more securely, her arms a shield against the haunting ghosts of his past.

Over the years, their friendship had been an anchor, a haven of shared laughter and shared secrets. She could not fathom how her friend’s innocence had been stolen from him at such a tender age. A pang of guilt threatened to surface, as if she should have known all along. Yet, she understood the complexities that had kept this painful truth hidden, and she refused to fault herself. Her focus was on the present, on the profound revelation that laid bare the scars on Jihyuk's soul.

The moonlight painted a poignant tableau as tears flowed freely in their shared embrace. The weight of unspoken pain, held back for years, seemed to dissipate in the quiet exchange of vulnerability. The bond they shared, resilient and enduring, only grew stronger in the wake of this revelation. Eunha, usually the beacon of strength, allowed herself to be vulnerable in this moment, sharing in the emotional burden that Jihyuk had carried for far too long.

"No need to thank me, Jihyuk," Eunha whispered, her voice a soothing melody. "I only wished I was able to help you all these years, but I understand, nor do I resent you for not telling me. Thank you for having the courage to tell me." Her hands rubbed up and down his back in a rhythmic, comforting manner, a silent promise of unwavering support.

She pulled away gently, dainty fingers brushing away the tears that adorned her cheeks. Eunha's gaze, sincere and determined, met his. "It will be hard, and it will take time, but I will be there with you every step of the way. I promise." She enveloped his hands once again, giving them a reassuring squeeze. A tender smile graced her lips. "Maybe we can start with not drowning yourself with alcohol? If you ever struggle during the night, I will keep you company instead of that vile liquid." The promise hung in the air, a pledge to replace the poison of the past with the healing presence of friendship.

@✿ kim eunha the words that were so delicately painted onto that single piece of parchment brought on a different type of pain to seojun like nothing ever could. not his father's sword. not hyunjun's nor jaesang's fists. hell, even her running from him at the promenade did not compare to what he felt after reading the letter that was never supposed to fall into his hands.

to think that eunha never stopped loving him made the world crumble around him. he always assumed that he was the one left behind, but no. eunha was the one. he indulged in other women and poured his heart out to another. but for eunha, even after all the rumors about him, time could not erase what they had.

seojun wished that he wasn't foolish. foolish to think that their love could have been easily forgotten because frankly, he never forgot either. he loved haewon dearly, and was willing to start a family with her—but like eunha, his first love could never completely leave his mind. seojun was guilty of wondering how eunha was doing now and then, even in the presence of haewon, and he could not forgive himself for it—for failing to fully move on.

it had always been kim eunha.

seojun didn't care about the harrowing news that was spreading across hanseong. under the pale moonlight, the male stood in front of eunha's closed window after recklessly climbing the wall of the kim estate. the cold night air pricked seojun's nose and fingertips, and yet he could barely feel the bitter cold. he was numb, overcome with emotion to the point that he couldn't exactly pinpoint his own feelings. all he knew was that he needed to see her, hear what was contained in that letter straight from her lips. seojun didn't want eunha to protect him from the truth. he hoped that just this once, she would allow herself to be selfish.

the ending sentences of eunha's letter relentlessly made laps in his mind.

"i hope to forget you, even though i know deep within that i never will."

those words aroused a certain boldness and impulsiveness within the male. for once, he wanted to make a gamble. he didn't want her to continue her hope to forget him. no, seojun wanted to make her wish to create more memories with him. he wanted to ensure that the image of him was burned into her mind for eternity. was he being greedy? perhaps. but after having lost so much, he couldn't bear to lose her for good. s

seojun softly threw a pebble at the frame of eunha's window. no response. anxiety began to build in his chest as it rose and fall. did she already go to sleep? he threw another rock in anticipation. silence.

"kim eunha." amidst his desperation, her name managed to casually fall from his lips, as if the very sound of it was enough to calm his anxiety.

@✿ kim yejoon In the dimly lit room, amidst the weight of anguish that clung to the very air, Eunha watched her older brother's pained figure. The elegant yet somber surroundings seemed to highlight his battered appearance, the bruises and cuts staining the canvas of his face and neck. The aftermath of a brutal tavern brawl had taken a toll on his once-dashing image, and the haze of alcohol veiled his senses, offering a numbing solace that, in some twisted way, spoke of his shattered heart.

Eunha stayed by her brother’s side, her heart heavy with concern, and yet warm with the familiarity of their sibling bond. Yejoon had always been her protector, and in this moment, she wanted nothing more than to protect him. She wrapped her arms around him a little tighter, a protective embrace that spoke of unwavering support. She did not need words to understand what he had gone through; the look in his eyes told the whole story.

She felt the quiver in his voice as he called her name, and the sight of his tears, a potent blend of despair and alcohol-fueled sorrow, left an aching void in her chest. Her brother, the steadfast and strong Duke of Incheon, was broken, his heart laid bare for her to see. Yejoon's words tumbled out in a stream of pain, his emotions unbridled as he sought refuge in her presence.

Eunha held him close, her arms offering the sanctuary he so desperately needed. "Orabeoni," she whispered, her own voice trembling with empathy. She knew–she had always known more about his feelings for Yeonhwa than he had ever revealed. The bond they shared as siblings transcended mere words, and her embrace was both a reassurance and an invitation for him to let out the torrent of his emotions.

As he spoke of his love, his rejection, and the anguish that had led him to that fateful tavern brawl, Eunha's tears mingled with his. She listened, her heart aching as he poured out his grief and pain. There was the sorrow of unrequited love and the unbearable loss of their father, a wound that had never truly healed. He spoke of loneliness, of the oppressive weight of nobility and the curses that accompanied their titles.

As he recounted the drunken brawl, her heart clenched with every word. The alcohol had blurred the boundaries of pain, and for a moment, it seemed like his only escape from the torment of his heartache. Eunha's fingers gently brushed his bruises as he confessed to not even remembering how the fight began. His self-disgust was palpable as he ran trembling fingers through his damp hair.

Eunha's embrace tightened, and her voice held a soothing tenderness, "Yejoon, I miss father too, but you are not alone in this. Mother, Won and I are here for you, always." Her tears flowed freely, mirroring his pain. "We will get through this together." She understood that the night had been a tempest of emotions, a whirlwind of self-discovery and pain, and in this moment, all she wanted was to be the solace he so desperately needed.

Gently, her fingers reached for his cheeks, tenderly brushing away the stains of tears and dirt that marred his face. "Yeonhwa loves you, Yejoon, and though it might not be the love you desire, rest assured that there is someone out there who will. I'm certain that the day will come when you'll find the love you seek."

@✿ kim eunha the night had blurred into a tempest of agony for yejoon. the dimly lit room, adorned with opulent furnishings befitting his station as duke, bore witness to his shattered heart and bruised body. his once dashing appearance was marred by the cruel aftermath of a brawl in the tavern, visible in the cuts and bruises that adorned his face and neck. his senses awash in the numbing embrace that the alcohol previously consumed provided him. the room spun, but his thoughts were resolutely focused on the torment that plagued him. a rejected confession to the lady ryu, the woman he had loved with a fierce and unrelenting passion, had left him raw and vulnerable.

his vision swayed as he looked up to see his dear sister, eunha, rushing to his side. through the haze of the alcohol and pain, he felt a rush of gratitude and warmth for her. she had always been a constant presence in his life, a pillar of strength that he could lean on in times of need. and now, as he sat battered and bruised in his sister’s embrace, he couldn’t help but marvel at how wonderful she was. her arms wrapped around him with a protective tenderness that tugged at his fragile and aching heart. he realized long ago that she had always known more about his feelings for yeonhwa that he had let on. perhaps it was the bond they shared as siblings, an unspoken understanding that transcended words. and as he began to speak, the dam holding back his emotions finally broke.

“eu….eunha,” his voice quivered as he called out to his dear sister. his tears, a blend of despair and alcohol-induced sorrow, flowed freely as he began to pour out his pain. he sobbed, the pain of trejection and the anguish of his fight in the tavern mingling with the profound grief he felt for their father. “I loved her so much, eunha. I poured my heart out to her, and she rejected me. it’s not like I wasn’t expecting it, but my –” his hand presses against his heart, clutching the torn fabric of his shirt. “my heart, my chest, /hurts/. I never told you, but I think you knew, didn’t you?”

his voice was a broken whisper, laden with the weight of his confessions. the tears flowed freely, and he clung to his sister though she were his lifeline. his mind swirled with memories, not just of his unrequired love, but the loss that haunted him for years. “and it’s not just her, eunha,” he continued, his voice choked with grief. “I miss father so much. it’s been years, bt the pain of his absence never truly leaves me. I feel so alone.” yejoon’s hand trembled, almost seeking as if to find solace in more of the amber liquid that no longer remained In his palm. “being a duke, it’s a cursed life, eunha. the expectations, the responsibilities, the suffocating tradition… I despise it all. I despise this life, and I despise myself.”

amidst the backdrop of their shared sorrow, his words began to flow, carrying the story of his ill-fated night. his voice wavered as he recounted the events that had unfolded after the painful rejection. “eunha,” he began, his words slurred by the effects of alcohol, “I was so shattered, and I didn’t know what to do. so, I went to the tavern. I had a few too many drinks, and then there was a fight.” his gaze shifted to his battered face, and he gingerly touched the cuts and bruises, each a testament to the tumultuous brawl that had ensued. “I don’t even remember how it started,” he continued, his voice heavy with regret. “but I couldn’t let them insult me. my emotions were already raw from what happened with…” he couldn’t say her name. “I fought back.” his confession was laced with self disgust, his hand running through dampened tendrils.

@✿ kim yejoon The night was a shroud of deep obsidian, the moon's silvery glow cascading over the sprawling estate with an ethereal grace. Within the heart of this majestic setting, Eunha felt it, that inexplicable connection with her older brother, Yejoon. It was as though their souls were intricately linked, transmitting wordless messages across the expanse of their familial bond. As the night's embrace tightened, and the late hours crept into the ungodly realms, her brother's absence weighed heavily on her heart. The very atmosphere seemed pregnant with unease, an unspoken narrative unfurling through the brisk evening zephyrs.

The day had earlier unfolded with a peculiar message from the estate's servants, revealing Yejoon's unexpected departure. Clutching an exquisite bouquet of flowers, he had left the estate with a sense of purpose that left the inquisitive Eunha with more questions than answers. Her intuition, sharpened by the mysteries of sibling connection, had already drawn its conclusions. It was clear where he had ventured.

Yejoon and Yeonhwa, a beloved childhood friend, had shared a profound history that transcended the conventional boundaries of friendship. Their unspoken sentiments, the fleeting glances, and stolen moments had painted a love story Eunha was able to see and understand. It seemed that tonight, he had mustered the courage to reveal his heart to the Lady Ryu.

As day slipped into night, Eunha's anxious wait continued. She sat by the window, her eyes seeking solace in the enveloping darkness, yearning for the return of her brother. Woobin, her ever-vigilant bodyguard, was a steady anchor in the tumult of her emotions, reminding her that Yejoon would come back, dissuading her from the desperate act of venturing out to search for him in the nocturnal stillness.

Though her resolve was unyielding, weariness crept in, like a subtle thief in the night. The weight of uncertainty bore down on her, and her eyelids surrendered to the seductive pull of sleep. A gentle nudge from Sohyun, her faithful maidservant, roused her from slumber. Yejoon had returned.

Eunha's response was immediate, a surge of hope and fear racing through her veins. She leaped from her bed and hurriedly traversed the dimly lit corridors, heading straight to Yejoon's room. The door swung open, revealing a sight that was at once a relief and a distress. Yejoon sat there, shoulders hunched, his clothing a disarray of blood and dirt, the pungent scent of alcohol hanging heavily in the chamber. Without a hint of hesitation, Eunha rushed to his side, her heart a maelstrom of concern and dread.

"Orabeoni!" Her voice quivered with an outpouring of emotion, and she enveloped him in a tender, protective embrace. Tears welled in her eyes as she held him close, the worried creases etching her brow. "I was so worried. Are you hurt? What happened?" Her voice was a harmonious blend of anxiety, fear, and a profound sisterly love that transcended the dishevelment of his return.