⁝ military academy.

@❃ song haena It should not come as a surprise to Hyeongwon that Haena knew people but what were the odds of her being well acquainted with his mentor? Now that she had found out his secret endeavor did he think of him pathetic for wanting to learn how to fight a little later than most? The thought of her wondering if he would fire her never even crossed in his mind as he busied himself in preparation for close combat.

“Just so you know….I asked Yeonghan to train me because I felt useless during the war. Sure, carrying information to and from the front lines was vital to our success. But I witnessed too much bloodshed that I was not able to prevent.” He pauses before briefly continuing.

“And because you always get hurt on the job. I’d like you to be more at ease and not always anticipate if I would die during dangerous missions?” A light chuckle follows his statement to not make the whole situation even more awkward than it must. Afterall they were also friends despite them Haena working under him.

Oh great..

He’s going to have to fight her. Hyeongwon never underestimated Haena’s talents and yet the thought of attacking her never came across his mind all those times he trained. But he knew she could take him, could take about anyone from the countless missions they have completed together. The male raises an eyebrow at her choice of weapon and he considered for a second whether he should switch his but since he was already used to using just one, he just sticks with his first choice.

They proceed to the arena and Hyeongwon assumes a defensive stance before Haena’s speed almost surprised and knocked him over. Her small stature helped her move more gracefully than others and it took some getting used to but the Marquess was able to adjust his attacks and parries to her stature. Soon only the sound of metal clashing against one another echoed in the room. Hyeongwon’s eyes never faltered as he defended against her flurry of attacks.

He would soon return with some attacks of his, careful not to actually hurt her. Haena almost grazes him when she feints an attack to his abdomen. If not for his quick reflex then she would have sent him to the ground which would both hurt and be extremely embarrassing.
What she said next broke his concentration, earning a kick from the female, he stumbles back before rolling his eyes.

“I was told your mother is forcing you to join the blind dating event at this year’s flower festival. I’m sure you’re absolutely thrilled.”

With a defensive stance, Hyeongwon lunges towards her, leveraging his height advantage to extend the reach of his dagger. As the blade nears her, he deftly twists it, aiming for the hilt to connect with her shoulder instead of the blade's edge. In a swift countermove, she parries his attack with his own dagger, their blades clashing in a mesmerizing dance of skill and strategy.

For moments that felt like eternity, they exchange blows, each movement calculated and precise. The intensity of their sparring match electrifies the air, the sound of their blades meeting echoing in the space between them.
Then, as suddenly as it began, Hyeongwon pauses, his breath coming in measured intervals as he regards her with a mixture of admiration and challenge.

“Oh yeah? You find amusement in my suffering? Well since you’re my bodyguard you should be coming with not as a body guard but also a fellow participant. I will not take no for an answer.”

He says and as if it took her by surprise, Hyeongwon was able to land another hit, so he uses the distraction as a tactic as he advanced, making Haena back away step by step.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you on dates.”

“So you should participate.”

he taunted, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he deftly exchanged blows with her. Whether it was the shock of his challenge or her own willingness to indulge him, Hyeongwon relished the thrill of their sparring match. In his eyes, a victory was a victory, and he was no stranger to unconventional tactics.
The clash of their blades echoed in the air as they danced around each other, each move calculated yet fluid. With a swift maneuver, he managed to maneuver her back against the wall with a soft thud, effectively cornering her. With a triumphant gleam in his eyes, Hyeongwon pressed his blade against the wall, effectively trapping her.
In that moment, the challenge was clear. The only escape was through him, and he dared her to make the move.
His gaze bore into hers, testing her resolve to see if she truly had it in her to harm him, if she dared to meet his challenge head-on.

@✿ moon hyeongwon The look of surprise on her employer and friend’s face when he discovered that it was her in his presence today instead of Yeonghan brought a small grin of amusement to the corners of her lips. Did he really think he could keep such a thing as his secret training from her of all people? As the surprise in his expression turned to frustration, she couldn’t help but be curious why he was this frustrated for her to learn of his activities. She would make sure to get the answer of why out of him during their session today.

“Yes, I’m well acquainted with His Grace. We have been training partners for a long time, since we were in our late teens, I believe?” she paused for a moment, thinking back on how long she had known Park Yeonghan. Yes, she was certain they had started to train together then. “His Grace had a prior obligation he must attend to. As I’m sure you’re aware, he’s a very busy man. He asked me to fill in as a training instructor for a student of his today.”

Her measured gaze watched as he browsed the various daggers, still wondering about his purpose for being here. Perhaps he thought she was incompetent at her job, and he wanted to learn to fight so he could protect himself and wouldn’t need her anymore. Putting her worries into a solid thought was like a soft stab to her gut. If her father were here, would he chastise her for not doing her job properly? Although he was a loving father, he was strict in his teachings and reprimanded her harshly when her abilities appeared subpar to him. Had her skills diminished during his absence?

Before she could let herself dwell on the flicker of a memory of her father, she heard the question being asked of her and quickly switched her focus back to the present and on the task at hand, replying as she picked up her usual small, lightweight daggers, one in each hand, “Yes, my lord. Yeonghan and I have very different fighting styles, so I can’t train you in the way that he usually does. I believe this will be good for you, though. Not everyone fights the same, so if you’re serious about protecting yourself, you will need to learn to protect yourself from someone that is especially skilled in close combat.”

After picking up her two daggers from the table, she walked to the center of the training area, turning toward him, and lifting both the daggers to guard her torso. “I was informed that you have already been training for a while, so today instead of teaching you step-by-step movements, we will spar.” She did not allow him to accept or decline, there was a finality to her tone that said there was no option to decline the sparring match. If he wanted to learn to fight so he could be rid of her, she wouldn’t make this easy for him.

When he was in a steady stance, she lunged at him. Her movements were swift, and there was a gracefulness to them that seemed almost as if she were dancing to a lethal rhythm, the daggers in her hands slashing at him, first her left toward his chest as a distraction before the dagger in her right hand jabbed at his abdomen, both being blocked by her sparring partner. She wasn’t surprised however, as she would never put 100% of her power and expertise into a sparring match with someone, she cared about too much to hurt. But she was still impressed that he had learned enough in these months that he could easily block such a move.

With another swing of her blade immediately after her last attempt was stopped, she spoke to him, “I was told your mother is forcing you to join the blind dating event at this year’s flower festival. I’m sure you’re absolutely thrilled.” Her tone at the end was teasing, knowing how much he must be dreading the whole ordeal.

@❀ kim hyunjun seohyang was no stranger to farewell. be it temporarily and, especially, forever. the thought of a good bye would always wreck her heart and she would nurse the bruises, but scars would remain. in its wake, fears that eventually accumulate were ready to cling onto her in times such as now. it would tell her to leave immediately, yet, she could not. it was as if her feet were chained to weights, every step just a drag of her foot. through the reluctance of parting, she gave a way for a chance to be seized.

"don't go."

oh, how she longed to anchor herself right there and then. the plea in his voice as he uttered her name grated her heart. the fingers that entrapped her wrist spoke of never letting go. any tighter, it could have hurt, yet it would be nothing compared to the ache on her chest over hyunjun's words. the more he continued to speak, the more she wanted to stay—to let his finger lace with hers in a form of silent reassurance to be there for the other.

however, fear still overcomes the premature feelings for the man in front of her. the faces of her loved ones who left, flashed in her head followed by the whispers and pointed fingers that deemed their departure was her fault. surely, she was a coward to the core. unable to take a chance when it was presented to her. when has anyone ever told her they wanted to see her as far as deeming it selfish? when has anyone ever pulled her back into their space, wanting her to stay?

she truly shouldn't have met hyunjun to say good bye.

"this was a mistake," she wondered aloud. the widening of her pupils proved she did not mean to let the thought out, her own heart dropping down to her feet. "/i/ have made a mistake. it is for such a selfish reason that i cannot stay, my lord," she reasoned. "i cannot sully your family's name—your name—by staying longer."

the younger female bit the inside of her cheeks as her eyes burned, her vision blurring. seohyang broke their gaze, and hung her head low and focused on the grip around her wrist. "my apologies," she managed to whisper, yanking her wrist free from his grip. she then fumbled with the dagger strapped by her side, placing it into the very hand that held her back. "i will return this, my lord. for it will be more useful to you than it will be for me."

(for she has, by thus far, never been physically hurt and a dagger cannot stop the invisible strikes that was aimed for her heart as she watched her loved ones fall.)

seohyang gave him a deep bow—one of farewell, of gratitude for the time he willingly spent with her (as short as it was), of an apology for. . .entering his life. she willed herself not to let her tears spill. "take utmost care, my lord," she relayed her well-wishes once more. up to the very last moment, seohyang did not dare to say goodbye. the cowardly female simply turned away from the young lord, leaving him in haste.

[ fin ]

[post deleted by owner]

@❃ song haena Under the relentless assault of the sun's unforgiving rays, Hyeongwon pressed on his path towards the military academy, a departure from every endeavor he had ever pursued. In this moment, the academy lay shrouded in an eerie calm, belying its role as the crucible where the nation's fiercest warriors were honed.

Everything about the place screamed unfamiliar to the male. From it's imposing gates to the pathway that led up to large buildings and the path that he took. One that led inside a smaller building where close combat was usually taught. The room had ample lighting from the amount of windows that allowed the sun in.

Hyeongwon was a formidable scholar, following the esteemed path of his Moon lineage. Fighting had never been his forte; he preferred the art of debate, relying on his sharp intellect and cunning wit. However, the recent war left him feeling powerless. Witnessing countless lives lost while he held a relatively safe position relaying frontline intelligence weighed heavily on his conscience. Now, as his profession became increasingly perilous with each new case he undertook. The Marquess understood that depending solely on his trusted bodyguard and confidante, Haena, was no longer sufficient. It wasn't due to any lack of capability on Haena's part—she was a highly skilled fighter who had saved his life on numerous occasions. However, her efforts often resulted in her sustaining minor injuries.


It had been months since Hyeongwon started taking secret combat lessons from a military General in the name of Park Yeonghan. Having met at the front lines during the recent war, Yeonghan had taken Hyeongwon under his wing when the Marquess dared to ask for tutelage. It had been a rough start but with the general's patience and Hyeongwon's stubborness and perseverance he was able to slowly learn combat and swordsmanship. Today was supposed to be no different than their previous training sessions.

Only it wasn't.

Before him stood not Yeonghan, but his trusted bodyguard, Haena. Hyeongwon halted in his tracks, realizing his attempt to conceal his intentions from Haena had failed. He didn't want Haena to perceive him as weak for seeking to learn combat skills at his age. With a sigh escaping his lips, he felt frustration mounting as nothing seemed to go his way lately. With furrowed brows, he pressed on, taking a determined step forward.

"What are you doing here Haena." He asks, although seeing the female go through various daggers hinted him at what she might have been doing there instead of his usual instructor.

"So you know Yeonghan too." The Marquess makes his way to the table to select his usual pick. A mid-length dagger he learned fit him best with his height. It was also easy to carry around and keep concealed if he wished to do so.

"Is it close combat today." He asks, resigned to be taught by Haena. Already dreading the match but there was no turning back. At least he will try his best to show case what he has learned for months. To not let his mentor down.

@✿ moon hyeongwon Haena was supposed to have the day off from her duties as a bodyguard. This time every week, Hyeongwon would disappear for most of the day, telling no one where he was going and only that he would be back in the evening. He had never told her what it was that he was up to on those days, and there was a small part of the bodyguard that was curious. What could he be doing that was so secretive he would keep it from her? She was certain that of all the people in his life, she was the one he would tell everything to. What was he hiding?

Her answer came in the form of a request from her friend, Park Yeonghan. The two had known each other since their teens and had become training partners whenever Haena was in Hanseong for the social season. They bonded over their respect for each other’s competence in fighting, and after their sessions they would have often eat together, drink, and chat. Now, he had asked her for a favor that intrigued her. He had been training a yangban man how to fight for a while, but on this particular day that they were supposed to meet, Yeonghan was busy with a prior obligation, and had asked her to fill in for him as the instructor. Realizing that she was free on the day, she reluctantly agreed to help.

It shocked the woman to hear the name that had spilled from Yeonghan’s lips after her agreement. The trainee that she would be instructing would be none other than Moon Hyeongwon, her employer and closest confidant. It was blasphemous, the idea that a lord with a bodyguard as capable as her (she was not known for being the humblest) would learn to fight. Was this truly necessary?

A thought had crossed her mind, her blood running cold at the realization, could he be considering firing her?

She quickly shook off that assumption, not wanting to dwell on something that wasn’t proven. Instead, she would get her answers from him during their session, the idea of him struggling to keep up with her bringing a smile of amusement to her lips. If he wanted to learn to fight, she certainly wouldn’t make it easy for him.

She arrived to the military academy early, a place that she was quite familiar with given the countless days she spent there with Yeonghan, and prepared the daggers that she needed for their lesson as she waited for her one-day student to arrive.

@❁ im seohyang there was a pang in his chest as seohyang continued to speak. it was the kind of pain that bore deep into him, digging deeper and deeper until it reached him where it hurt the most. yet, at the same time, it was something hyunjun thought that he could endure, the kind that he could grit his teeth to just to get by. perhaps, a part of him was still holding onto her gestures that which reciprocated his feelings minutely - the tiniest hint of smiles and the simple call of his name.

he was becoming foolish; only love could do that to him.

love. . .love. . .love. he loved seohyang now, did he? but why was he rooted on the ground like a rock being pummeled through and through with her words that seemed to say that this was the last time?

"seohyang - " his voice came out as a plea, his hand coming up to reach her. maybe this time, if he'd take a risk, he would not watch her walk away - much like how he just watched his previous lover while he stood unmoving. hyunjun grabbed her small wrist, winding his fingers around them tightly, never to let go. his sullen gaze caught hers and there it was, a sadness that somehow gave him a little bit of hope that it was okay to hold on.

"don't go." it was a simple request. will she be able to grant it? "it was a ruse. . ." he admitted. "i asked you to come - to accompany me - but i. . .i only selfishly wanted to see you." the young lord exhaled shakily but his stare never wavered, his gaze set on the woman before him - the woman who, now he learned, was someone who wanted to pursue for eternity.

for if it could not be seohyang - then who shall it be?

"apologies but i don't think i shall allow you to go this soon." hyunjun pulled her petite form close, just close enough for him to gaze at her openly without having to strain his neck from his wanting. "just for awhile, my lady. will you indulge me - will you stay with me?"

@❀ kim hyunjun With the way he corrected himself to state her name in a formal address, Seohyang knew he had caught the intention she had hinted. It was baffling to feel the ache in her heart as Hyunjun called her, 'Miss Im', when it was she who stood firm on calling him by his own title. Yet she revelled in the memories of his voice that spoke her name in fondness and in the assumed care he had when writing her name in their exchange of letters.

"The civilian task force is coming together for it, yes," she responded in a measured tone. She extracted herself from the sentence as the words spoken at the present would sound as if it were a promise of seeing one another once again in the future. And she cannot make such promises. "I am sure you will be notified once the antidote is ready to be circulated to the infected, my lord."

"Is it really. . .okay?"

Aside from his spoken words, a silent addition to the query hung in the crisp autumn air. "It is..." Not, Seohyang continued in her head. Deep down, she knew putting a stop to her feelings towards Hyunjun would be different than the previous affection she held for a certain yangban lord. The young maiden cannot fathom how in such a short time, Kim Hyunjun could matter greatly he occupied her dreams, giving her respite from her nightmares.

"It will be," she reassured the young lord, though her own words failed to comfort herself. She drew her hands together behind her, fingers intertwining together till it turned white, when she noticed his eyebrows furrowing, locking the desire to smooth his dark brows. She should go lest she crumbled in front of him with each passing second. "Apologies, my lord. I cannot stay for long." Her voice was soft yet the regret in it screamed loud. "As per your letter, you would like to see if I have nary a scratch on my person and I. . .have relayed my well-wishes to you."

Seohyang's light brown orbs traced his features one last time. The eyes that held gravity, her own orbs would return to. She took another step back, the distance between them growing wider, and her gaze held a fleeting sadness. It was a farewell in its quietest form, a prelude to the inevitable parting that she had orchestrated.

@❁ im seohyang [h] she was beautiful - im seohyang. his heart ached watching the smallest of smiles widen and gracing her dainty face, and ah, her voice. he wondered if he could carve it deep into the recesses of his mind so he could repeat it over and over and over again. perhaps, it was not only her warmth that was addicting.

however, he might be wishing for far too much. hyunjun did not miss the way her simper faltered ever so slightly and for a moment, he swore that there was a flicker of apprehension passing through her facade. was he so bold that she had to pull away far enough for his fingertips to dare miss the softness of her cheeks? the young man dejectedly lowered his hands, clenching them into a fist as he allowed them to settle by his side.

months of longing for her could easily be masked by the nonchalance he's perfected by years of pretending to be his father's successor.

the young lord his lips and sighed quite heavily for someone who claimed to be so good at hiding his feelings. for some reason, it was easier to be fragile around her. "i'm grateful for your well-wishes. i presume that you also have a hand in this...antidote you are speaking of, seohyang - no, miss im?" was this what seohyang wanted? to merely appear amicable in public when, at some point, hyunjun thought that there was something underneath her jests and her little smiles and chuckles?

"is it really. . .okay?" to be like this - he wanted to ask more. however, the mere furrowing of his brows at his query was the only giveaway to the confusion brewing inside him. he wanted to hold her again. no, he desired to do so - but perhaps, he should never forget the seohyang he's met back during chilseok: an image of innocence.

however, how long was he really going to wait until he could safely reel her into his arms without the ton's gaze judging their every move?

@❀ kim hyunjun As Hyunjun buried himself further into her embrace, Seohyang let herself drown in his scent. Beneath sandalwood, vanilla, and a whiff of smoke, was the scent of earth. The familiar smell of grass she would surround herself with in the forest as she collected herbs brought comfort of its own to her, even though she was the one who was giving him solace. His broad shoulders, the arms that had protected her in the crowd during the Chilseok blind date, and the warmth of his figure that mingled with hers; she absorbed the feeling of it all the same way she would to his misfortunes.

The gentle pats paused as she gripped on his hanbok, her heart hinting on the feeling she had begun to bury. Seohyang was glad he broke their embrace first, else she could never. Tears were making their way to her eyes, so she kept her eyes on his chest. Only once he had spoken the second time did she brave her eyes to meet his.

"My name, say it."

His touch was as gentle as a butterfly wings on her cheeks, yet the effect it had may as well have shaken her entire world. For a moment, the young miss parted her lips, his name teetering at the tip of her tongue, then closed it again. While she was glad to see his smile, it was unintentional the first time, caught by the wave of wanting to offer him consolation. But the second time? Seohyang would say his name and repeat it twice, thrice, thousands of times but she knows that with each repetition it would add layer after layer of affections. Even with the slightest of affections she has right now, it felt impossible to go through with her plans of not seeing him ever again once they part.

Seohyang took a deep breath, the grip on his hanbok loosening before she fully released it. “Lord Kim Hyunjun,” she breathed out. The young lady let the ends of her lips reach to her ears, despite the storm brewing deep inside. “Did you forget your name that you need me to say it?”

It hurts to let the softest of chuckles out.

Her smile faltered when he mentioned misfortune, yet she managed to not let it fully disappear. “Yes, of course. Should the antidote be found, not only your sister, but many others would hopefully recover.” She took one step backwards, away from the comfort of his touch. Then another small one, assuming a proper distance however late it was to consider the eyes of the public.

“I truly pray you and your family will not be shrouded by misfortune anymore than this, my Lord.”

[post deleted by owner]

@✿ seol yoonah Jiyong wrenched his eyes shut as the feeling of pain washed over him, overwhelming amounts that had not even allowed him to curse out in pain. Instead, he hissed, as if he was burned by fire on his shoulder, and fell to the ground with a /thud/. Pain like this was… Somewhat new to him. He could remember instances of pain like this, but he felt his eyes water and when he did open his eyes, instead of seeing the faces of those that surrounded him to check his status, he saw splotches of white and black fighting for his vision. This intense, all at once, was new. Pain like this, when described to him by his peers both current, dead, and forcibly retired due to those injuries, had sometimes lead to the inability to use their weapons as they once did.

The flurry of chaos around him had gone almost entirely noticed, for the pain too blinding for even a voice to trickle into his ear and allow him to remember what had gone on out in the world. A ringing had erupted inside of them instead, turning every worried and panicked shout into a murmur, much like how Jiyong remembered the cries of soldiers and his parents on that night.

Not much else could be done now. Jiyong, with his consciousness fading despite the scrambles he heard getting muffled by the second. He was either in the hands of whatever deity existed out there, or whoever was close enough to get him some help. Perhaps, also a deity in of themselves.

When his eyes fluttered open, he could see her face so clearly, and the pain that came with whatever she was doing to him. Yoonah, he remembered her clearly, and so it wouldn’t surprise him if she was helping him or making the wound worse. Perhaps both, with how stinging the pain came to him, making his head spin more than before. He might’ve gurgled out something along the lines of ‘It’s fine—’ but it would make even the most excellent of linguists to understand what he said, for he had no idea himself.

The pain had taken over all of his senses, but the vertigo when he was suddenly upright, being held up by God knows what, he had turned his head over to the side, ever so slightly. He nodded his head upon hearing Yoonah’s words, though they barely registered in his brain. Everything hurt, but the longer he had to spend out here, like this, the more he felt each prickle of pain on each centimetre on his skin. It would just get worse by the second, but he was determined to keep conscious. “I’ll be okay—” Jiyong managed to grunt out.

@❁ im seohyang [h] there was nothing akin to the comfort that seohyang has brought him. not even the thought of a good aged sake taken after a long day could compete to how her mere presence has warmed his entire being. she was like the sun, dawning to another day, and though hyunjun normally disliked how bright it could be, he found that seohyang's radiance was nothing but soothing.

propriety be damned; hyunjun did not pull away. who knew a hug could be this addicting?

the young man continued to bask in her embrace, allowing himself to bury his face further into her hanbok when she showed no signs of pushing him away. her gentle patting has come to appease the storm inside him, the one that had worn him out since the murders of season's past. seohyang, indeed, felt like his salvation. his father will be driven mad if he found out that his son may have found solace in someone that was not up to his standard.

"thank you," he murmured once more, straightening himself but keeping her close at an arm's length.

the sound of his given name leaving her lips made him smile. it was a rare thing to be referred to as such — even moreso by a woman whom his mind constantly drifted to. before he could prevent himself from sounding utterly foolish he already said, "say it again." hyunjun did not allow his gaze to stray away from hers. "my name, say it."

the lord's hands were gentle as he grazed his fingertips along her cheek. he held it, much like how she had awhile ago. she was warm; he did like it. very much so.

"if you do and if you say so, i am sure that not only my sister shall be saved from the misfortune that has befallen this house of mine."

@❁ cheon sumin Jinye listened intently to Sumin's words. Her heart was heavy with the weight of the young girl's impulsive decision. However, the determination in Sumin's eyes was both admirable and heartbreaking. She saw glimpses of her past self in this young girl and couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility for her, especially given their connection through Suryeon.

"Sumin, your selflessness and dedication to your siblings are truly admirable. It's clear that you want to carry the weight of their well-being on your shoulders," her voice was gentle and understanding. "But, my dear, there's something I want to share with you. Making sacrifices doesn't guarantee the happiness of your loved ones."

Jinye reached out, placing a comforting hand on Sumin's. "But, if you must go, I won't stop you." She also knew that it was important to make these rash decisions in order to discover one's purpose and identity. Her own journey took her into an unfamiliar world of warfare and bloodshed, one she wouldn't wish upon the young girl either. Yet, what was most important was being truthful to oneself and to those around us.

"However, Sumin, I urge you to go with an honest heart." Jinye said as she could still remember how she had left home with a lie and it still left scars to this day. "Share your intentions with your siblings. Let them understand the significance of your decision. Secrets have a way of causing more pain than protection. Your honesty will be a source of strength for them and for you as well."

When the young girl offered to guide Jinye to her room, a soft smile spread across her lips. "Let us indeed stop for the night. Please lead the way," Jinye said, allowing Sumin to guide her through the quiet corridors of the academy.

The flickering light of lanterns cast a warm glow over them as they walked, but Jinye couldn't shake the concern for the young girl's well-being. She knew no one could change the young girl's mind for she was determined to face the journey ahead. So, all Jinye could do was offer her some guidance and a little bit of wisdom.

[ fin. ]

@❀ kim hyunjun Silence weaved itself between them as they stood in front of each other. Seohyang waited patiently for him to speak, to answer her question and soothe the ailment plaguing his heart and mind. So, when she leaves, she'd hopefully bring along with the grey clouds that surrounded him. But with the way Hyunjun held her in his eyes, the resolve she had began to crumble.

Hyunjun's gaze upon her was unlike any she has ever known. He made her felt she has become someone dear to him. She'd normally shy away when one's eyes stay upon hers for long. This time, however, she wanted to indulge in his gaze. Yet she feared, given her experience, his gaze was mistranslated and she would regret throwing away her resolve and giving in to her urges.

Against her better judgment—just this once, again she reasoned—Seohyang reached out to touch his left cheek. The coolness of his skin against her warm palm was evidence of how long he stood waiting in the cold and it broke her a little further. Her thumb caressed the underside of his eye as if to erase the fatigue away before retracting her hand. "I'm sorry, my lord. I—"

Seohyang's words were caught in as she held her breath, shoulders tensed, when he pulled her close. Though the young miss knew this would throw away the proper etiquette she has learnt, Seohyang did not push him away. She couldn't. She exhaled carefully, only as he began to speak, not wanting to disturb the temporary solace he found on her small shoulder.

While Seohyang was unsure why he thanked her (when all she had brought was bad luck), the arms that were rooted by her side returned his embrace. Her hands lingered briefly on his back before offering gentle, rhythmic pats. "They're working on an antidote, my lord," she reassured him in a whisper. "Please, do not lose hope." Once I leave, she started silently, "She will be okay. It will take time but everything will be okay, Hyunjun."

@✿ song jinye the risks. sumin knew eventually about the risks and everything but nothing would actually, stop her from it in order for her sibling to get better. if she could ever wish, wishing all the misfortune of her siblings to pass down to her alone so that the others were able to live their life longer and happily.

the warmth slowly built up from the older's hands which made sumin to smile brightly as her eyes keeping the glance to jinye, "honestly, lady song, if it's hurt me that much but giving the things that they are missing, i would gladly be the sacrifice for it," sumin nodded to show how much determination she has.

it would be a lie if sumin wasn't scared about all of these, there's mainly reason why she kept training about her archery, sword fighting and even hunting. to be able to head out of the border, to be able to take over her brother to the war and even, to give the healthy heart of hers to her eldest sister.

if anything possible, why can't her?

"I'm prepared, partly if i can say, with all the training and everything i can, why not? but first, i want to make sure one by one and I'm sure i want to heal sunmi first," the endless and occasional night where she often being awake but to hear her older sister muffling noise, sometimes to see her arms forcing themselves down to calm and even, her confidence in herself despite of having prettiest clothes that made by sumin.

"while i get to go out of border, lady song, i may get some fabrics in case too. that's if i can make it out fine," she ensured the older, with the smile on her face, "why don't we stop for the night, and let me bring you to your room?" sumin got up with her hand reached out to guide. even if she's a friend of suryeon and her teacher for archery, she was too, a lady of the song family and the grace and elegant she have, successfully let sumin to be gentle with her too.

@❁ cheon sumin Jinye's eyes softened with understanding as she knew how much it meant to love and willingly sacrifice for a sibling. In this lifetime, she had been blessed with a wonderful sibling, her lovely brother Jihoo. She knew that without hesitation and without a single doubt in her mind, she would willingly give up her life for him. But with that, she also knew that Jihoo would do the same for her. They had always protected each other and had a beautiful bond that would never be broken.

Compared to other siblings, the two Song children had only fought once. It was the day before Jinye left home and secretly enlisted in the army. Although they have already made amends, that day was still vivid in her memory. She had asked her parents to send her across the country—to heal, she requested, to grieve the loss of her betrothed. Of course she had lied. Jihoo must have been able to tell that she was behaving awkwardly, which eventually led to the hurtful words they had shared with one another and the slammed door that echoed a five-year silence thereafter.

Looking at Sumin right now, Jinye recognized the depth of the young girl's determination and the price she was willing to make for her family. "Sumin, you have a very pure heart. But please consider the risks," she urged gently.

Jinye clutched the other's hand within both of her own. "I understand your love for your siblings," she said softly. "But what you're doing can also hurt you and your loved ones."

She thought back on the journey she had been through, the distant terrains, the war-torn lands, not knowing if she'd ever return home, not knowing if she'd ever get to apologize to Jihoo if she returned in a coffin. It was a painful and lonely thought that kept her company for years. She didn't want Sumin to experience that at all.

"There are dangers beyond the borders, and I fear for your safety. Your siblings would want you to be safe, Sumin." She explained, "they wouldn't want you to take unnecessary risks even if you were doing it for them."

@✿ song jinye the way the older grasping sumin's hand in return make her feel reassurance that if anything that she could ever do more than her sister might, she would willing to help. any friends of her siblings were also a friends of hers, despite of that too, they even willing to keep a secret for sumin's sake to grow stronger and independence so she could able to do her job as the youngest child.

not like the common spoiled youngest child but she want to return the doting moment that her three siblings showed her more than her parent could, to return the love by protecting them.

they held hands together for a moment before sumin squatted down back again but not letting it go, but to embrace the warmth coming from the older as if she could see her eldest sister in her as well. that was a no wonder that they both are best friend just like how suho and yeonghan would be like to.

sumin listened carefully on each and every words spoken from jinye before her expression changed to the confusion. "me? like, me as suryeon?" she could only awkwardly laugh in confusion and not understanding much of what jinye meant. sumin and suryeon were sure much difference according to herself, probably other than relating how she would follow suryeon when she was a kid too but there's very much apart between those two.

but just as the confusion taken away from the sudden clasped of both hands from jinye, sumin too didn't expect that the older one too read passed of her little concern behind her mind. "well lady song.." she look down to contemplate for a moment.

"you must be wondering why i have been training hard these days, and whatnot," she said softly, "i was thinking to going out of the border, or anything, to heal both of my sisters, anything that can decrease their pain." sumin said truthfully as she could give her trust to jinye.

「 this was way before sumin got injured and everything of the current timeline 」

@❁ cheon sumin A small smile found its way to Jinye's face. She gazed at Sumin with a hint of admiration and warmth in her eyes. How could such a child be so pure? She wondered. Thinking back to the days when she was much younger, it brought to mind the question of whether she had once been like that too. However, she could tell that Sumin was more mature, as if she had learned from her past, whereas for herself she was still struggling to come to terms with the unexpected path she had taken.

She questioned, had she once been hopeful with the same innocence and belief in the goodness of the world? It seems like a distant memory now, buried beneath the weight of disappointments and realities she has encountered. When was the last time the world had been less cold to her? Was it during her time on the battlefield when she desperately tried to conceal her secrets or was it now as she tried to confront the light of day again?

Either way, she had no answer. All she knew was that it had been a struggle to cope in a cold and unforgiving world. The past has remained a constant presence, haunting her in the shadows, but she knew she had to face it, no matter how painful it may be.

Jinye reached out, gently grasping the young girl's hand as if seeking reassurance that spoke more than a thousand words. "Perhaps you're right," she said, "maybe it's time to find that little girl and guide her home."

A flicker of hope began to flicker within her as if the warmth of Sumin's presence had the potential to extinguish the darkness that had enveloped her for far too long. It was a bittersweet moment, acknowledging the loneliness that had resided within her for so long as they watched the moon.

"You know," her voice was soft as she thought back on her youth, "when I was a little girl, I used to chase your sister around like a shadow. These days I haven't had the chance to see her. But in you," her eyes reflected gratitude, "I see a little bit of Suryeon eonnie."

She exhaled a deep and heavy breath, as if dispelling years of stress. "So, little one," Jinye turned towards her, both hands clasping Sumin's hand, "is there something on your mind?"

@✿ song jinye the compliments and praises coming from the older one got her actually blushed with the shyness, not expecting those especially not often to grow up and received the sweet words, but coming from someone who was skilled at the same sport was everything to sumin. that's showed how much she improved each and everyday without a miss (and sometimes, maybe when she get too focused on her work and forget anything else.)

"my lady, you're flattering me too much but i appreciate it and will keep in mind," with a wide smiles as she can while both of them settled down to sit, one on the stool while the other let herself settled to sit completely down on the floor like she's homed. all those expression coming from jinye got sumin actually noticed each details, the gleams, the bright cheeks and even the twitching lips when the older tried to brush it away.

observant as jinye stated, sumin just stares quietly while listening with a small smile, "i may be that, because growing up to watch my elders was my favorite thing to do," she nodded before saluting to the older, "but i do agreed. night time do have the quiet peace moment that no one bother much to go out and that's too, where i can be free like a falcon," she said before turning her glance at the moon where the older pointed. the bright moon despite being covered by the cloud, the beauty hidden behind it but the words from jinye somehow, got her focused.

she listened carefully and well, sumin couldn't helped but to turn and look at the expression from jinye, the sadness in her eyebrows, the mild glittering eyes and the small smiles. sumin mustn't thought of her older sunmi at the same time, for both of them to suffer on their own. sumin felt little disheartened but keeping her outgoing side, she smiled while moving closer to jinye.

"why don't we find that little girl of yours home? you may be homed but I'm sure you feel empty, dont you? I'm sure, that little girl is crying and hiding, waiting for you to reach out and hug her," sumin stood up, reaching her hand out to the lady as she wanted to show that, she too, will willing to help jinye to find her way too.

@❁ cheon sumin Jinye smiled warmly as Sumin shared her thoughts on archery and her keen observation of the challenges posed by differences in weather. "Indeed, archery demands more than just precision but also adaptability to the unforeseen elements," she acknowledged with a nod, her voice carrying the elegance befitting a lady of her status. "You exhibit an impressive skill, Sumin. Although your siblings are adept at archery as well, your determination to protect them is admirable. Continue to practice diligently, and I have no doubt you may even surpass them," she praised.

As Sumin expressed her determination to break societal limits for women and pave the way for others, Jinye's eyes gleamed with pride. Jinye nodded and smiled, her heart swelling with pride. She couldn't help but see a slight reflection of her own youthful self in Sumin's gaze. It reminded her of the dreams she once held dear and the obstacles she had overcome to achieve them.

However, Sumin's enthusiasm took an unexpected turn when she sensed something beneath the surface of Jinye's behavior. Her question about difficulty sleeping caught the older woman off guard. For a moment her composed facade wavered, thinking back to all the nights she had spent sleepless and anxious right before dawn arrived, but she quickly masked that worry with a bright smile.

"Oh, my dear Sumin, you have quite an observant eye," she chuckled, attempting to downplay the concern. "Sleep slips away from me at times, but worry not. Nighttime brings its own kind of peace, and I find joy in the stillness it offers."

When the young girl fetched a chair for Jinye to sit on, the older woman could only graciously accept the kind gesture. Her posture remained poised and graceful as they settled with the moon casting its gentle glow over them. As they sat together, the humming of cicadas filled the night air as a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

The gentle melody helped to ease her restlessness and brought a sense of tranquility to her mind. Jinye decided to share a fraction of her truth. "Do you see the moon that's hidden right behind the clouds?"

Jinye explained, "many years ago, I used to pray to the moon every night." Her story was carefully told. "It was always the same prayer: to let me go home," the words were murmured faintly through the night before she covered her concerns with a light smile. "I was away for a long period of time, but the moon reminded me I was never too far away. It was always there beside me."

Memories of her time on the battlefield flooded Jinye's mind as she spoke. She recalled the nights spent under the open field longing for her family, longing for the comfort of her bed, to leave the terrains of conflict behind. "I was young then and I took many things for granted," she sighed, her gaze landing back on the girl beside her. "That young girl made it home but it feels like she is still out there somewhere. Isn't that strange?"

@❁ im seohyang Hyunjun had spotted her even before she could utter a word. He had not missed the way her face seemed so crestfallen as she took in the sight of him. Her gaze on him had felt sullen, her brows furrowed.

And yet, in his eyes, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

The young lord was silent when she stood in front of him, unbelieving that she was finally here after months of longing for her presence. He allowed himself to openly gaze at her, to ingrain her appearance to memory so that he may never forget even in death. The longer he stared, the more that it became palpable that she had taken his heart with him. This was not simply a matter of being smitten – he had fallen. . . fast and hard and worse than how he had fallen for his past beaus.

Before he could even stop himself, the man pulled her into an embrace, his gat slipping from his head as he buried his face into her uniform. It was an act only he could shamelessly pull off – most men would think of propriety but love can always make a man foolish, could it not?

“Thank you,” Hyunjun murmured through gritted teeth. He was so close to saying anything more than necessary. “I did visit her. . .I. . .I’d rather not think of the whether or not she could still come back.”

@✿ song jinye with the elegant and the gentle voice coming from the older make sumin feel reassured for at least to recognize someone she knows from her sibling, not to mention how much she tried to keep it a secret away from them, their own friends ended up having to keep a secret instead. sumin indeed, just bow with a smile before attempting with the wind again, shooting the shot instantky that hit the spot with an excitement.

placing her bow down to fully focus on jinye, sumin can't helped but to shrug her shoulder before heading closer to the older. "practice make perfect, but archery isn't easy when there's wind, snow, rain or even in the hails." she said with a weak voice while looking at their surrounding, "and I'm glad that it was you caught me right now or else i need to speed run somewhere out," she laughed to point where she normally escape easily without getting caught.

the warmth hold on the shoulder and the eyes of sincerity, sumin gently leans towards jinye with a nods. "I'll keep that in mind, lady song, but someday this skills might be handy to protect my siblings too," with the determination that sumin has and her fist to show how much she would keep practicing again and again without a rest, she glanced at the older before looking up at the sky.

"don't you worry, lady song. even if there's limit for women to do anything, at least to have someone to make the path for those who also want to do the same, will guide the way !" excited as she was, sumin feel much more confident with the encouragement, especially as a lady in the country where things may easily look down from men.

"my lady song, i realised something too–" she said before looking back at jinye, "are you having difficulty to sleep?" as quick as she can, sumin ran off nearby to grab a tool to let jinye to have a sit while sumin squat in beside her. staying up all night was normal for sumin but to know other people stayed up got her curiosity out of the box, especially for the graceful lady in front of her.

@❁ cheon sumin Jinye understood full well the concerns of the young girl. There was a determination in Sumin's eyes that she had seen evolve over the years. She had grown from a curious and spirited girl into a young woman who was navigating a world that often limited female aspirations. But seeing the young girl challenge through those barriers was both inspiring and worrisome.

Often, they say the mirror that closest resembles you is the one that frightens you the most. And it is in Sumin that Jinye sees a glimmer of herself, that young child that braved the storms of distant terrains, who covered herself in war paint and had once answered to another name. Having seen firsthand the challenges involved in defying societal expectations, Jinye is heavily worried about the girl and yet it fills her with hope.

"No need to worry, Sumin. Your secret is safe with me," Jinye offered a warm smile in return. "I promise that I won't tell a soul. Besides, it's impressive how good of an archer you've become. Your diligence doesn't go unnoticed."

Indeed, it would not have been easy to get into the academy past the guards. It was only because she had taken over her brother's duties that his badge came in handy, granting them access to enter and the opportunity to practice their target skills away from prying eyes in a world that often sought to restrict them.

As the wind danced around them, Jinye couldn't help but praise the other, "Sumin, you have outstanding skill. I hope you'll never allow anyone to tell you otherwise. Females are just as capable as men, most of the time even more. So don't be afraid to let the world see what you're capable of."

She hoped that she would be able to instill confidence in Sumin as she placed a reassuring hand on the young girl's shoulder as a silent gesture of support. "Society may have its demands, but never let them limit what you believe you can achieve. I believe the world needs more women like you—ones who are brave and unyielding."

@✿ song jinye as the cold weather coming soon and having some occasion wind here and there which make a perfect chance for sumin to sneak out of the night where she occasionally, or perhaps very often, walk around late night to check different hidden spot of the street, and even to the yangban side where the items were much better than their usual things.

she watched her eldest sister sleep, adoring how they two shared the same room to make sure her older sister get all the privacy she needed, and also not minding the mess that the eldest and the youngest often does. knowing how deep suryeon can sleep, sumin peacefully polish her bow and arrows that she customized herself. to the color she likes and the secret name she placed. "벌새", so that no one can easily tell it's belong to her when she goes out.

carefullt as she must, making her way down to the military academy while checking the guards around, the back gates and even thankfully she studied the way people dressed in there for the ladies to practice archery, she easily make one for herself to enter without any suspicious. from the hair she tried to tie it up to keep it neat as most of the ladies have their long hair still except her, the little make up she tried and even the walk to enter.

the cold wind that wasn't that strong, yet to practice hitting precisely with the wind was crucial for sumin. finding a spot of the academy was easy and having to polish for the last time before she stood on the position to shoot from the distance without any help, with the mild wind blowing, she take a few shoot. some are out from the red spot, some are almost towards it.

the serious eyes, the indubitable focused she have right there, until the familiar voice appeared which almost got her to miss the shot but thankfully still on the board. sumin turned to see who was it only to greet by suryeon's close friend, jinye. with the wide smile and a bow to greet the older, "you're flattering me, lady song, but please don't tell anyone I'm here– it's the only chance for this month for me to sneak in to this place," sumin pleaded with both hands of hers together and rub them with the hint of cuteness she can.

not all the time she get to step in to academy, on occasion where there days where it's completely empty and there days where no one bothered who coming in and out. yet also, for not letting any of her sibling knows about her own self training.

@❁ cheon sumin [ backdated : 1867, early autumn ]

Jinye cannot sleep no matter how hard she tries. There was too much on her mind, especially her family's current situation with her dear brother, Jihoo, in a coma weighing heavily on her thoughts. It had been months since he fell into his long sleep and the only assurances her family had were the physician's assessment and diagnosis. Her father had been restless at her brother's bedside and his work had not been his usual main priority which is uncommon for the Chief State Councillor, and even her mother had fallen into despair.

The daughter of the house of dove seemed to have taken on a new role, quite unusual for herself as well. She had taken it upon herself to manage her brother's affairs and responsibilities during this difficult time to ensure that his position as Secretary for the Ministry of Justice would not be compromised.

However, she was facing her own silent battle, a mind game in which the past interfered with the present. The trauma of her time in distant battle fields and wearing the name of her deceased betrothed as if it were her battle armor haunted her, making it even more challenging for her to find solace and rest. The memories of their love, their dreams, and the pain of his loss intertwined with the weight of her brother's condition, creating a constant whirlwind of emotions that kept sleep at bay.

It is the sound of an arrow piercing through the air, flying across the archery field and landing on the distant target that finally brings Jinye a momentary sense of calm. She imagines herself as that arrow, soaring through the confusion and finding its mark, momentarily freeing herself from the burdens that weigh her down.

Beside her, the youngest daughter of the Cheons drew her arrow with steady hands and focused eyes. Jinye watched Sumin take aim, finding the younger lady's stance to be similar to that of her older sister, Suryeon. As Sumin released the arrow, Jinye couldn't help but feel a surge of nostalgia. It reminded her of the freedom she felt galloping through the open plains with Suryeon by her side. The midnight stallion and morning mare mirrored the individual characteristics of their riders. Those carefree days seemed like a lifetime ago, but Jinye found comfort in the familiar rhythm of the archery field and how the arrow cut through the stillness.

Despite her listless eyes, she spoke, praising the younger one, "as expected of a daughter from the house of the falcon. You have the skills and precision one would expect of your family."

@✿ seol yoonah The influx of injured soldiers had grown as time went on after the war, to the point keeping track of those missing each day at the academy had become pointless. Jiyong was never the type to be a stickler for the rules, especially after the largest war Joseon had experienced in a few generations, but he had seen how the infirmary had bled out into the other vacant rooms, and how soldiers still struggled to continue their practices. Jiyong had no idea how it affected the men drafted who had no prior battling experience, but he couldn’t imagine it to be worst than those at the front-line had experienced.

Jiyong knew he was lucky to get out alive. He always had been.

After all, he had nary a broken limb, not even a torn ligament or pulled muscle, just a few scratches and bruises here and there, those that would disappear before the social season. He was the last bastion of order within the academy, no matter how close they still were after winning the war, they had no idea what had yet to come. Jiyong remembered his days as a young man, reading through scrolls and books, retellings of old wars. They never ended just like that.

Joseon had no shortage of healers and things of that sort, most of the women Jiyong had met, Yangban or not, had some sort of affinity towards healing. And most of those in the military academy had their fair share of quick thinking healing on themselves and for others. Yet, the infirmary filled, most who had gotten sick from their time spent in the cold, those who had gotten so severely injured no one knew if they would even make it, and those… Well, some of those Jiyong had to drag back to camp himself.

Jiyong sighed as he put his sword down. Practice felt meaningless now, even though a few of the others had gotten a post-war zeal that Jiyong found to be… Well, he couldn’t do much. Training was his only way of getting that energy out. His partner, sloppy in his movements as he tried to swing in every which direction to try and get some kind of advantage over Jiyong.

Turning his head, his eyes widened. His sharp eyes had caught sight of someone across the way, her familiar figure, and of course, her out-of-placeness in this pighouse part of the academy, had caught his eye. Yoonah. Jiyong had barely a time to think before the felt the sword against his shoulder, a wild slash to the flesh that beckoned the red blood from underneath, through the thin armour they usually wore during training.

“Duke Oh!” Jiyong’s partner cried out, finally out of his bloodthirsty stupor, finding himself once more as the sword clanked to the ground, and he went down with Jiyong. “Someone, help!”

@❀ kim hyunjun seohyang stood a distance away from the young lord, having arrived a couple of minutes earlier. she stared at the items that she claimed back from the courier just in time before they could be sent. a parting letter, shrouded by insecurities, and the dagger he gifted meant to protect her being.

when she heard news delivered by the royal investigator of his family member being infected, seohyang's mind remained absent during the rest of the civilian task force meeting. to have another misfortune fall so soon after his mother's death made her want to run to him and hold his hand through it all. the pain of losing a mother and finding out a sister had fallen victim to a disease was a situation seohyang knew so well. yet, thoughts had her rooted on her seat then: is it not your fault, the icon and harbinger of misfortune? the series of painful events that came up after they've met a testament to the title people whispered behind her back.

hence, reading his letter in which his feelings bled through every word, she was ready to be the antagonist. to nip the budding emotions before it bloomed was an act she had gone through over and over. and it was the letter's purpose before she decided against it. seohyang cannot send it without seeing him, perhaps for one last time. the physician's assistant kept the letter within her jumeoni and slipped the dagger into her sokgoreum.

for once—just this once—she would disregard what the world had condemned her to believe. not a girl of bad luck, but one that will ease the ache in one's heart.

as her heart took control of her mind, there was urgency in her steps as she approached hyunjun. the yearning to comfort him not through words but by presence has been piling like snow would during winter. it lay heavy on her heart almost as if she would suffocate beneath it. "lord kim," she called softly once she stood infront of him. "my apologies, for making you wait, again."

seohyang took in his appearance. her heart contracted at the shadow of grief and lines from sleepless nights that contoured his features. it pains her to know how the world (and how she) had robbed him of his smile. "did you...did you see her?"

@❁ im seohyang [h] the autumn breeze continued to seep beneath the layers of hyunjun's hanbok despite its thickened fabrics' attemp to provide warmth to the jungin lord. still, he remained unmoving where he stood, his arms wrapped around himself as he waited beneath a century-old tree by the bureau's courtyard. remembering hyunji's sorry state did not help alleviate his circumstance for the mere thought of her sallow skin – her paleness – made his skin prickle and shiver.

hyunjun was not afraid of her, no. rather, he had been more afraid of what might befall his only sister – their lone flower in a bed of thorns. he had already lost his mother; the young lord thought he could not lose hyunji either. their relationship might be a tad bit strained but he was sure that he bore no ill-will towards her. after all, in his mind, she will always be a child he had to take care of and along those lines was the desire to protect.

still, hyunjun failed. as a brother, he did.

lord kim mulled over his regrets as he stared at a distance. a sudden chilly gust blew past, briefly pulling him away from his thoughts to focus and stop his teeth from chattering quite hard. yet, hyunjun remained still lest seohyang failed to spot him when she finally came.

seohyang — the mere thought of her name allowed a little warmth to settle within him. when was the last time he had seen her? months ago? during chilseok? no wonder he had longed for her so badly that even in those times when he knew he was losing grip from reality, it was her smile that reeled him back in. hyunjun had not only been taken by her on that fateful night by the promenade, she had managed to crawl her way into his very being, into the nooks and crannies of his mind. seohyang had been the subject of his dreams both good and bad, and though he would oft tell her of his doubts of him forgetting her face one day, it all seemed impossible. "is this what real love feels like?" he would wonder. perhaps it is; perhaps it is not.

either way, the question would continue to baffle him, especially now that he's meeting her again for the first time in months.

@❀ kim hyunji "kim hyunji. i need to see her. i'm her older brother." he pleaded to the guard, slipping a string of coins into the man's hands. he didn't know if he even needed to bribe the staff, but seojun did not care. with a grunt, the burly man complies and leads seojun into a building. his heart pounded against his chest as he trails behind the man. inhuman moans and groans echoed through the narrow and dim hallway, the only source of light being the guard's torch. after what seemed like forever, the guard came to a stop, pushing open a door leading to a small room.

within the room was a small cell with thick iron bars. a lone figure sat facing the wall, its hair disheveled and blue chima dirty. she was small, just like her younger sister. seojun didn't want to believe that it was hyunji—he needed to see her with his own eyes. it could have been a mistake. it should be a mistake.

"hyunji?" he softly whispered as he nimbly approached the cell. the figure suddenly stood up. seojun holds his breath before calling out her name once more. the woman turns around, and the male's heart drops to his stomach in an instant as he recognizes the familiar face under the flickering light of the torch. her delicate features were contorted into an angry expression by the strange affliction. it was typical of hyunji, but at the same time, it wasn't—something was off.

with wild eyes, she lunged for her brother with an otherworldly ferocity, emitting guttural growls that sent a shiver down seojun's spine. the heavy chains that weighed down her feet kept the infected female from moving any closer. "hyunji—i'm so sorry." he stared at the shell of his sister in disbelief. knuckles white from his grip, seojun clutches onto the bars, wanting to get closer to his sister. a sharp pain of sorrow and despair stabs his heart as he helplessly listens to hyunji's growls and screams.

she needed to be consoled, held, comforted, but he couldn't do that. he was powerless. tears welled up in seojun's eyes as he spoke to her through the bars, his voice trembling with emotion. "hyunji, it's me, your annoying brother, seojun. please, try to remember." not even a slight bit of recognition flickers in the female's eyes as she continues to try to grab at seojun, ravenous and consumed by bloodlust.

seojun's mournful sobs grow louder as he continues talking to his younger sibling, pleading for her to come to her senses. this was the most he had talked to her in weeks, and the regret of not interacting with her enough began to eat at the ceramist from within. he was a horrible brother, there's no doubt in his mind about that. "i'm going to get you out of here okay? you'll be okay. you'll be okay." he trailed off as he began to lose air, his erratic breathing making it hard for coherent words to leave his lips. the male's knees buckled under his weight.

seojun found himself crouching, forehead resting against the cold iron bars as tears continued to flow from his eyes. turning to the guard with hands still clutched onto the bars, collects himself to ask the man one last question before taking his leave.

"did she say anything...when she was taken?" the ceramist managed to choke out.

clearing his throat, he speaks to the jungin for the first time. "the last thing she said was she regrets not having dinner with her brothers."