⁝ bookstore.

@✿ go miro Garam would be lying if she said she was not one to consider violence in situations such as these. She was just a tad hot-headed, only able to keep her cool when she was Shinae and sitting behind a veil and a darkened room, able to grip her fist and clench her jaw whenever a customer was being especially insufferable. Yet, this hot-headedness of hers is what kept her alive to this day, as she was not the type to take a hit from anyone without throwing one back ten-fold. She did keep away from fights, of course, she wasn’t anything to write home about physically. A small girl, made even smaller from years of malnutrition from poverty, she could barely lift up her essentials, her drive being the only thing allowing her to keep objects larger than her own head. But, she would try to fight, whether with words or with her own hands.

Which is what she wished to use right now, wrapped around the man before her’s neck.

“Y—You…!” Garam spluttered, shifting to the side of the bench as far as she could go. His attempt at charm made her want to vomit, just as it did all the times they met before. The only thing going for him as his handsome features, but even those had made Garam nauseated. The only thing she could do now, especially to prevent herself from falling off the bench and letting her hit the stone ground, was to stand up in shock, her cheeks flushed from their proximity.

“If you say that name again, I’ll find a way to have your head hung on my wall.” Was all she could find herself saying, leaning forward, trying to make herself look more threatening. It was a little easier now, standing before him, when he’d usually tower her if they stood next to one another. “Lord Go, was it? What do you want from me? I don’t have much money for myself… As you can see, I couldn’t exactly buy your book by legitimate means.”

“Unless… You intend to arrest me for shoplifting?” She stepped away, eyes widening. She had no idea what he did, indicators of his class only in his title and how he dressed. Yangban, no doubt, but she had no idea what he did for a job. Had she somehow found herself in a conspiracy handled by someone of the justice ministry? “I— Just take the stupid book! I don’t want it, anyway! Just leave me alone!”

@✿ choi siwoo valiance was not her strong suit, evident by her resolve crumbling, all thanks to this man. deep, honeyed voice, accompanied with his tall stature; the gods bestowed features to him that render young ladies (or gentlemen) to tremble in their knees. the weight of his gaze was felt, the heat in her face akin to the scorching heat of the sun. his words blurred together, drowned out by the blood rushing to her ears. for a moment, hana resorted to decipher his words from his lips alone, which was unhelpful.

she ended up itinerant, wandering in her reveries as she got stuck in the webs of her imagination, working to escape from them.

all of a sudden, his words sounded clearer to her. maybe it was her curiosity that wrenched her out of her daydreams. or the longing to know the name of this man, the proper way to address him, or the various epithets that followed him.

choi siwoo, from house of the white stag. with the slight tilt of her head, she planned to keep it engraved in her mind. what a befitting seal for such a powerful man, she mused.

the strong front she put on effaced, as soon as she retreated to her shell. but so did his coldness, the warmth in his smile slowly melting it away. or was it her own perception that led her to believe what lied above the surface? she noted how he wantonly shifted in his stance, how he positioned his hands behind him. whether his deference was genuine or not, or a way to disarm her and to act on her next move preemptively. this was not a game she wanted to play initially.

“oh um… i don’t mind. however, this will take a while, so you’ll have to be a little patient.”

but great rewards come from making great risks, especially if this prestigious man managed to be intrigued by a young maiden in shabby dress. she cleared before she elucidated the premise to him. “from what i recalled from the original story, it was about a brave young woman who went by the name of lady pak. arranged in a marriage with a government official’s son, yi sibaek, she was subject to mistreatment by him and her mother in law, due to her unremarkable appearance. but beneath her shabbiness, was a beautiful girl who had the power of taoist magic. instead of using it for vain, she used it to save the land of joseon from ruin by the manchus.”

as she finished her explanation, her eyes drifted over to the book once again, seeing how secure it was in his hold. “is the premise to your liking?”

@❃ jung hana for all the occasions he had been lost amidst the labyrinth of aisles in this bookstore, he had scarcely encountered anyone willing to initiate a conversation with him. or perhaps, had he been the one to take that initial step this time? choi siwoo carefully pondered on in that split second as the young lady looked up towards him. nevertheless, he found it rather refreshing how she didn't hastily recoil or pivot away from him when he began to speak.

with the rumors hitting the streets of hanseong, he knew that with an aura and appearance like his, it often disarmed and perplexed others that siwoo had grown accustomed to the people having judgments upon him before they could even exchange a few words in a conversation. it was inevitable, after all. given the family name he carries, prejudice and entrenched stereotypes were almost shadows to him since childhood. it followed him everywhere and anywhere he went, their origins rooted in the murky influence of their familial history.

however, it did not sway siwoo's determination. it only powered his desire to uproot the rotten misdeeds of the rest of their clan. there was a heavy weight that hung heavy upon choi siwoo's shoulders—a burden passed down to him by the generations who did not realize these echoes of corruption and scandals would bring the legacy of their family to ashes. and after all that burden, it has just made siwoo someone cruel and impossible to approach in the eyes of many.

her nervous chuckle brought a flicker of amusement to siwoo's expression. his anxiety and nervousness ultimately disarmed with her shy demeanor. maybe this was indeed quite a nice change of pace, after all. here she stood, suddenly bashfully withdrawing her hands after having made a valiant attempt to reclaim the novel he had inadvertently taken. the smile remained on his lips, "no need to worry, lady jung." he reassured her, trying his best to keep his tone gentle as he extended a hand to offer the book to her.

continuing his train of thought, siwoo pressed on. "i would rather hear the premise from you, after all. if you do not mind." his acceptance of her offer was marked by the subtle shift in his posture; clasping his hands behind him. this was some kind of a display of vulnerability that choi siwoo rarely does. a conscious effort towards softening his rather sharp edges that made him unapproachable to the normal eyes. in this moment, he stood by a stranger, someone who wasn't afraid to engage him in small talk. maybe by embracing a gentler demeanor, he could dispel the apprehensions that plagued his people and the rest of hanseong. he bowed politely as he introduced himself in response, "my name is choi siwoo. from the house of the white stag."

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@❃ nam boram Yejun looked around, going through the shelves of books.He took a bit of time to look through before making his choices. He picked a few books of contemporary writing, holding them to him. He walked towards her and handed her the small stack of books. "Here. A few that I think are good enough. Not too many that you'll get bored of it. A few days of reading would be enough to finish this."
At her suggestion, he quickly added a little information, when she thought that the books were actually for him.. "Actually... the books aren't for me. It's for my girlfriend. She has a good skill in medicine. Well.. at least according to me. She fixed my wounds from the war before. So, could you pick some books that might suit to her level of expertise?" He inquired. She clearly knew a lot more compared to him in this particular subject. He wouldn’t be shy asking her about it because he truly got no clue at all. Seemingly, he should have asked Boram or Eun to teach him a little bit about it. So, on second thoughts, he decided to get some to read as well. "if you don't mind, maybe some easy ones for me too. Like the most basic ones.." Having an additional skill wasn’t a bad idea. Maybe it could come as a use when there wasn’t anyone with that particular skill and there was someone else that might need one. During that time, at least, he could help until he managed to bring the person to the doctor.

@✿ baek yejun "a haven of emotion and beauty sounds lovely,” boram murmured, trailing yejun to the shelves filled with volumes of poetry. "truth be told, a break from dry facts and the weight of reality would be most welcome." her fingertip danced across the gilded spines as she absorbed his recommendations. “i find myself drawn to contemporary works at the present. the classics, however, shall undoubtedly find their place upon my reading table at a later date."

her brows arched in surprise at his query. yejun had been a most invaluable companion, and she was eager to reciprocate his kindness. "certainly!" she declared, a smile gracing her lips. "there are several medical books quite accessible for novices. the field of medicine is a vast tapestry, encompassing the intricacies of anatomy to the mysteries of toxicology. is there a specific area that piques your curiosity?"

@❃ nam boram "And I'll be glad to help you." he replied as soon as she spoke her thanks. As Boram expressed her appreciation for his offer of a book and mentioned her interest in poetry, Yejun's smile widened. "I'm glad to hear that. Poetry can be quite enriching," he remarked, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "It's a realm of emotions and beauty, a departure from the more factual nature of history and medicine."

He gestured towards the shelves, inviting Boram to explore with him. "Let's see if we can find something that speaks to you," he suggested, his tone gentle and encouraging. "Perhaps a collection of classic poems or even some contemporary works. The possibilities are endless."

As they talked about these whole subjects, he recalled about the topics of her reading. Instantly, he remembered about one particular girl that had taken his heart. "Um... I think I also might need your help. Could you give me a few recommendations for some medical books and novels?"

@❃ na garam "What was?" A voice pierced through the air that surrounded her; the glitters of her stars seemed to wane and it was hard not to notice. Not when, seconds ago, Miro was following after her among the throngs, not the least dissuaded by the crowd, not when catching up to her felt like trailing after the flutter of a butterfly, the vibrant blues in her hues and the very same stars trickling their specks of dust that led him straight to her.

He was sure that their eyes had met for a flickering second and it brought a smile to his face.

The silence between them felt welcoming as well, a long time coming since the last occasion they met at her small shop. And with the resting stop in their breaths, he let his gaze sweep across her face, the doe of her eyes, the slightly tanned skin and the freckles mimicking the night sky across her cheeks. Miro rested both his hands behind his back, leaning forward to come face to face with Shinae, the reader of stars and claimer of destiny. A powerful title for such a small little lady.

While he, on the other hand, was an opposite character compared to her. And despite already leaning down, he remained to tower above her, his stature becoming yet another shade for her if she wished to seek solace and protection from the excruciating weather that winded across Hanseong.

"I see that you have found something interesting at the bookstore. Tell me," He paused to settle down next to her on the decayed bench, arm perched against the backrest whilst his face was cradled in the palm of his hand. "What made you pick up the book? Was it the title that tickled your fancy?"

"— or was it because it was the very book that have been sending your customers out your door with a swift of fingers flicking?"

The smile that drew up along the plush of his lips was what it was meant to look like to her — playful and testing. He wanted to know what she thought of it. Did it upset her that such a flimsy book was written and published? Did she like the content? Or were they so unlikeable that they drew a laugh out of her? It would be nice if she laughed at him now for writing such a thing.

"I don't believe you'd remember me but I remember you and it’s truly a pleasure to be able to see you without the prevalence of the veil before your very visage, Lady Shinae."

@✿ baek yejun [ apologies for such a late reply! ]

boram offered a shy smile, unsure about dropping formalities. "thank you kindly, my lord, but i'm more at ease with proper titles, given my station." she hoped he wouldn't take offense. news traveled amongst the ton. “your thoughtfulness is commendable. your offer of a book would’ve been a welcomed gesture in my eyes.”

with a grateful look, she added, “thank you, "i will certainly seek you out if i require assistance in finding a book, especially one on a particularly high shelf.” she couldn't help but add a playful tone. she watched him with curious eyes as he perused the shelfs. the mention of poetry piqued her interest. "poetry is something i'd love to explore. most of my reading has been history, medicine, or novels."

@✿ go miro Garam was no stranger to theft, someone like her who dealt with the throes of poverty for so long, who had lived on these streets for even longer, had been able to pull off small thefts such as these as if they were part of her daily routine. She kept the thievery to a minimum, it would just be her luck to be stuck in the capital jail for the rest of her life, but was adept in the skill. She had heard no outcry as she escaped the bookstore and into the streets, hiding her small body (one of the only times she was ever grateful for it) in the swarm of people.

She glanced behind her, and saw no one following her. All she had to do was escape to a quiet area far enough away for no one to see her. Then she could say that her mission was accomplished.

What was Na Garam’s mission, you ask?

And that would be an excellent question, for Garam wasn’t quite sure herself. She had heard rumours of this book for what felt like months now, her thinning crowd of patrons whispering amongst themselves about this seemingly Holy Grail of a book. It had taken Garam’s mysterious and supernatural business and dumbed it down to whatever the hell was written in this book, and Garam was set on seeing just what was stealing her business away. She had seen an ebb and flow in her customers, married women who had gotten what they wanted and would not come back lest they hit a bump in the road or wanted to know about the baby they held inside of their womb. But, it had not looked this dim in a while.

Garam panted as she came to a familiar clearing somewhere in the marketplace, a small reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Hanseong, a place even the capital itself seemed to have forgotten about. Yet, the small tree thrived in this quiet, and so would Garam. She sat on the decayed bench in front of the tree, and opened the book.

‘Flirting Fans and Poetry: A Joseon Love Manual for the Hopelessly in Love’ was etched in gold foil on the front of the book, leather-bound with the freshest of new paper. She traced her finger over the cover, and sighed.

The title, she knew a few words. Garam had forgotten one vital thing that seemed stupid in recollection, her literacy. Growing up Sangmin, her father the humble fisherman with nothing to his name except for the roof over his head and the clothes on his back, Garam had only picked up on reading and writing from her deceased Aunt, and then from the bits and pieces Garam could pick up while in Hanseong. Reading the names of herbs and plants was needed in her former job, as well as any notes that needed to be left or taken in. But a book like this, about /this/…

“What am I getting myself into?” Garam spoke out loud, to herself, unaware of her audience. “This is stupid.”

@❃ na garam Right in the cobweb of his trap—!

He shut the book in his hand close and Miro silently watched from the first floor of the teahouse near the bookstore. There she was, the mystical seer, her figure emerging from the busy bookstore, moving away with calculated steps.

Miro's breath hitched as he finally caught a glimpse of Shinae. His heart quickened as memories flooded back—a time when he, along with a few friends, had visited Shinae's shop. The whispers of the gisaengs at the gibangs had piqued their curiosity about Shinae's rumoured ability to unravel the intricate web of love connections between individuals.

He recalled the anticipation that had coursed through him as they entered her modest shop adorned with ancient artifacts and mystical trinkets. Shinae, draped in flowing robes, had exuded an enigmatic air that instantly captivated them.

Indeed, it was her voice that had cast the first spell upon Miro. Hidden behind a delicate veil during her reading, Shinae's voice had carried a mesmerizing quality that seemed to weave an enchantment around him. It was a melody that resonated deep within, captivating his senses and kindling an inexplicable infatuation.

Now, watching her move through the busy streets, Miro couldn't shake off the sense of intrigue that had drawn him back into her orbit. The allure of her cryptic insights and the magnetic pull of her mystique compelled him to follow discreetly.

Miro's heart fluttered with a tumult of conflicting emotions as he trailed behind Shinae, navigating the lively marketplace with careful steps. Each step brought a surge of questions about Shinae—her motives, her mysterious abilities—questions that gnawed at his insides, intertwining with an unspoken yearning to unearth the truth behind her ethereal facade.

Shinae glided through the throngs of people, her purposeful movements a silent call that drew Miro closer.

@✿ choi siwoo observing the man’s visage from a closer look, the stranger emanated regality, an essence that only those of higher status held inherently. in the fibres contained in their bones and up to the shiny encasing polished to the brim, was a yangban standing in front of her. although it should have been obvious from her past studies, examinations, of her latest distraction, third time is the charm. clearing , hana shifted gears to a more deferential approach, to spare herself from the lashings from a powerful family. call her artificial or /fake/, but adjustment is often a necessary mode of survival to prevent herself from drowning into more suffering. considering she was already on the run a couple of years ago, she could not afford any more trouble than what it’s worth.

from the male’s inquiry, hana sensed that he was not aware of the book she was waiting for. his inquiries were soft-spoken, gentle, and held no ire towards her. guilt arose from reflecting on her own misjudgment, and competitiveness over a mere novel. in response to his question, she began with a curt nod.

“it is interesting indeed, my lord. perhaps, maybe you do not need to lend me the book.” a nervous chuckle left her as she retracted from her previous request, as well as withdrawing the hand that touched his on accident to rest by her own side. maybe it was due to how impotent she felt next to him, or how she folded to his handsomeness that radiated brooding. either way, she relented and her frustration abated in those few moments. deep down, she felt weak, but she repressed that in order retain her politeness.

“if need be, i can tell you the premise of this novel. although, pardon my manners.. it seems i forgotten to introduce myself. you can simply address me as lady jung for the time being, my lord.”

@✿ moon hyeongwon Though he in many way was still as complete a stranger as the man that had approached them, Hyeongwon’s words of comfort did just that: comfort. Sunmi would normally have faulted herself for being so careless, especially after what had happened last she let her guard down this much. But he had been there and rectified the situation, putting his own name in risk on her behalf.

“Oh, I assure you, my lord, I have left those dreams long behind me. I am no mere girl anymore. I cannot just prance about in nature without a care in the world. I want to prove to my family that I am a woman of merit too. I too can find a husband that will make them proud.” She gently touched her lips after having said so much, a worried expression on her face. “My apologies again, My lord. I do not know where my mind is at the moment.”

As soon as the smile had showed it disappeared, replaced by another flustered expression as she averted her gaze. Why was he so good at picking up everything? Was he too perhaps a hunter? It was certainly less rare to find Yangban men who enjoyed the sport of it all, and it would explain his honed senses. “I- It just. I-“ she stammered, not knowing how to even respond to such a question. “You have been very helpful and informative. I a-appreciate that help.”

Perhaps a book itself was not as much help as that of someone who seemed more experienced with the acts themselves. For all she knew, his wife might have already carried a child for him. If he had a wife. She was not certain. Beyond his first name and the vague notion that he worked within research and law, she knew scant about the man before her.

And yet she could not resist the offer. He had already been such a boon to her research that she could hardly believe he would be anything less in a place where such matters could be discussed in open without the pretences of society constricting them.
“Y-yes, of course,” Sunmi stammered, going along with his offered solution. Though she had little other in way of plans that day, it seemed as smart as anything to put another step between such a meeting. That way she could meet him with confidence that he was a good man wanting to help. “I am certain such theatrics are not needed. If I know where to go, I will find my way on my own, I am certain.”

“But I can come prepared with the knowledge,” she quickly countered, as innocent as ever. “To partake in such acts outside of wedlock is preposterous,” she continued on, adjusting the sleeves again, as she often did when lying. She knew little of the acts nor why they were so frowned upon when not married, but it was what she had been told throughout her life and thus her one line to fall back to.

“I still do not see the harm in being at least a little knowledgable of the act before that day. And though I hope he would be so enamoured-“ she continued on, shoulders raised and cheeks aflame. “-I know I am not the kind of lady most men would seek. I know scantly how to sow or stitch, and my cooking is rudimentary. I am little of what is expected of a housewife, so the least I could do would be to prepare for the eventuality of motherhood.”

He said it again.
Sunmi’s gaze dared itself to lift ever so slightly, catching his for a mere moment there above her. Was she really such a bright spot in anyone’s life but Byul’s? It seemed most everyone else could live on without here, a mere shadow hiding within their own.

The distraction of a new topic was welcome, as she had slowly started to feel much like a doe eyed deer again. “Y-yes, a falcon. My family have t-trained them for generations, so most of us have trained them from a young age as well.” She stopped herself. If she went on for too long about Byul, he might think her strange. It was better that she kept it simply to that.

This time her ears did not fail her though, as Sunmi had noticed the man approaching before he even turned the corner. He looked angry, much like a boar about to charge. She found herself shrinking back, hoping she could somehow avoid the situation entirely from the moment she heard the man’s loud voice and tone. But even she was not spared from his anger as he glanced in her direction. Sunmi shrunk back further, her back pushing up against the back of the seat she had sat in not long before.

She hoped she could just disappear that very moment. If only the chair behind her could swallow her up into the shadows, perhaps she would not feel so frightened. Bu one name off of the man’s lips caused Sunmi to snap back to. It felt almost like a slap to her face the way it rung her senses to clarity. Jaehoon… Which meant-

The rest of the men’s conversation was lost on her as she pondered it through. She remembered vaguely that Jaehoon had a brother, though he was still a few years younger than her when he was set to marry her sister. Was this really that same boy?

“L-lord Moon, I-“ she began, as if any explanation could bridge what gap felt like it had opened between them. “Y-yes, I will await a letter.”
Lord Moon Jaehoon’s brother…

@❁ cheon sunmi "Please, don't apologize, my lady. It's not your fault that someone dared to barge into our study session," Hyeongwon remarked lightheartedly. He refused to let her shoulder blame for something beyond her control, especially when the intruder had approached from behind.

"Believe me, there's nothing wrong with desiring a husband. But in my honest opinion, a lady—no matter her station—should aspire to more. If she wants a career, she should be allowed to pursue it," Hyeongwon shared, his usually guarded outlook on life opening up in the presence of this lady. There was an indescribable sense of comfort in her company, despite the unconventional nature of their first meeting.


As Hyeongwon stood just a foot away, he witnessed something rare: Sunmi's first genuine smile, not born out of flustered embarrassment but genuine amusement. It was a small smile, but he noticed it nonetheless. Perhaps it was an early sign of progress in his conquest.

"Ah, is that a smile I see on your lips, my lady?" he teased, his playful demeanor never faltering.
What had begun as a mere distraction from his mundane work had evolved into something more. Hyeongwon found himself intrigued, wanting to see her again, perhaps even three more times. With his sights set on this goal, he was determined not to let such an opportunity pass, especially when she responded to one of his jests.
"Do you have a more private setting available?" she inquired, her bright, crystalline eyes shining with hope and anticipation. Hyeongwon couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. He had set the trap, and she had fallen for it, though he hadn't expected it to be this easy.
In another life, perhaps he wouldn't be as messed up as he was now. But as it stood, there was no turning back.

“I’m a man of research. It is the nature of the station that was assigned to me so yes. I have a private room dedicated to research. Though it might not contain the texts that you can find here as I do not keep such things, I can still impart knowledge that I have.” He offered. Knowing she would fall for it once more.
"Of course, I understand if you cannot accompany me immediately," he continued, offering her an alternative. "But if you agree, we can correspond, and I'll arrange for servants to fetch you at your convenience..

His brows furrow. It was his turn to go through reactions in fast succession at her words of not wanting to be lead and wanting to be prepared for what’s to come.
“My lady, there is no preparing unless you engage in the act itself before your wedding night?” He says, eyes slightly widening at how bold she could be. Perhaps she was not listening to what he said outright, as well as his implications on how such acts are committed for a child to come to be.

“And of course, your husband would not think it improper to lead you. If he is so enamored, so inlove with you. It wouldn’t feel like leading or even training?” He explains. Hyeongwon had a lot of experience in the physical aspects of the topic but he has only truly been inlove just once in his life. And although a lot of time had already passed since then, he couldn’t mask the shadow of sorrow that passed his face at the mention of love and affection.
And as fast as it showed was how fast he was able to mask it once more with a perfectly practiced smile.

The smile faltered once more at her words, a reminder of the societal constraints that he despised. He shared this sentiment with his eldest brother, both of them harboring a disdain for the expectations imposed by high society. Perhaps one day ranks, titles and such stifling notions would not exist and people can just be themselves.

"I am not disappointed at all," he reassured her, his tone firm. "I had a mundane task at hand, not giving much thought to how today would unfold..." He trailed off, his gaze lingering on her once more. "And then I find myself encountering a flower—suddenly, my day is so much better."
Standing before her now, hands clasped behind his back, Hyeongwon's stature cast a shadow over her, reminiscent of their first encounter just hours ago. Yet, this time, they faced each other directly.

"A falcon, you say?" His curiosity piqued at her mention. "I had a falcon when I was younger. Though I wasn't skilled at hunting, my falcon proved reliable in aiding my pursuits." He reminisced about the days when he neglected his studies, relishing the freedom to pursue various hobbies and interests.

As Hyeongwon's reverie was broken by the arrival of a colleague charging towards them, his expression twisted into one of annoyance. The man's face was flushed with what appeared to be anger, directed squarely at Hyeongwon for his prolonged absence from his duties. However, the Marquess remained unfazed by the outburst.
Turning to face his colleague, Hyeongwon listened to the man's tirade with a bored expression. "Lord Hyeongwon! How could you disappear without notifying anyone in the office!? Those texts are quite important," the man scolded, attempting to collect himself as he shot a disapproving glance at the lady beside Hyeongwon.

"This is where you've been all this time!?" he continued, his tone growing more accusatory. But Hyeongwon remained nonchalant, unimpressed by the man's attempt at reprimand.

"Lord Moon Hyeongwon... If you don't abide by the tasks assigned to you as punishment for yesterday's fiasco, we'll have no choice but to report you to your older brother, Duke Moon Jaehoon," the colleague threatened, invoking the name of Hyeongwon's elder brother.

Letting out a sigh of exasperation at the mention of his brother, Hyeongwon raised a hand in a dismissive gesture. "Alright, alright, I understand," he responded, waving off his colleague's warnings.

"You can pick up the texts at the shop's counter. I'll follow you in a bit," Hyeongwon added, already maneuvering his colleague away from him and Sunmi. He felt a pang of regret at having to cut their meeting short, but duty called.

"Well, my lady, duty calls and I must leave now," he addressed Sunmi, his tone apologetic. "But I will send you correspondence. Will you wait for me?" With a curt bow and a hopeful smile, Hyeongwon took his leave, purposefully picking up only one book to give his colleague a hard time before departing from the bookstore.

@✿ moon hyeongwon Though she was certain seeing the smug face that must have accompanied a question like that would just make the thoughts worse, Sunmi dared enough to part her fingers, one eye watching him as she protested. “N-not here,” she replied in a hush. She could not blame him his curiosity when she herself was in this position because of her own. But she had not expected her mind to so freely wander from such little explanation. Perhaps it was the lack of details that made it worst. She did not fully know what to imagine, so her mind went wild with whatever she could grasp at.

Her hands fell at the lord’s quick movements, not having heard the man coming up behind them until the lord had spoken. A small gasp escaped her at the sudden shift in his tone, appearing much more frightening than he had so far. Yet, when it was to protect her from her own folly of distraction she could not help but feel a little charmed.

She let out a breath she had not realized she had been holding when the man retreated away from the little nook, her shoulders slumping ever so slightly. “I should have heard him enter,” Sunmi replied before bowing her head. “I apologize for putting you in a situation like this, my Lord.”

But as soon as the book slid back to the table, she found herself much as before in the same position of complete bewilderment, cheeks all red and her eyes darting about as if she didn’t want to stare at the book before her. But she did. She was oh so curious to know. In her mind it all seemed so impossible.

“I-is that not what any lady would want?” she asked, part in earnest, part in jest. It was all she had ever been told in her forming years: be respectful, be polite, be gracious. All in pursuit of a good husband. She herself had never much given it a thought. Few men ever caught her interest, and she had equally many times been distracted by a lady. The only two options were her being broken, or her simply not knowing love yet. The latter seemed more likely than the former.

Her gaze met his in surprise at the statement, genuine bewilderment written plain across her face. The sudden shift in his tone was so casual, no pretence of the usual politeness that marred any conversation with one of the upper class. Unbeknownst to herself, her lips drew back in a small smile, finding the slip-up oddly charming.

Yet, her mind did not get to linger on the moment for long as Hyeongwon guided her attention back to the book. The smile slowly faltered again, giving way for a wide-eyed stare and pink cheeks. “E-even your reality sounds impossible,” Sunmi stammered once the book was finally closed. To think there existed anyone would could make her feel warm in the midsts of winter, it all sounded like fanciful tales not much different than the book they had been looking at.

His statement as he got up had her brows furrowing, wondering where such a worry would even come from. If anything, he had assisted her more than once already, giving her both information and aid from other people all within the span of an hour. She followed his movement, turning ever so slightly in her chair to see him place the book away. “P-pick something else?” she stammered, wondering how she would even know what was what.

A voice within her told her this could be a trap, but the man had been nothing but charming and polite to her since showing up. And if there was more information to be garnered from him, why should she not grab the opportunity. She waited until he was back by the table, a book placed before her that she heeded no mind. Her attention was fully on him, curious eyes gazing up at him innocently. “D-do- Do you have a more private setting available?”

It might have been bold of her to ask, but he seemed a helpful man. “I want to be prepared for whatever is to come without having to be lead. I want my life with a husband to be one of love, not training.” And with how wild her teenage years had been there was much training for her to do on her own before the time she could ever land herself a husband.

Legal script? Of course, that explained his fine clothing and polite manners. “I am afraid I must disappoint you, my lord. I am but a common woman. The little free time I have is rarely spent with anything but my falcon.” She did not have the time to enjoy such luxuries as bookstores often. But since this was research she had afforded herself the time needed to go.

@❁ cheon sunmi Her flinch didn't escape Hyeongwon's notice, and he tilted his head slightly, understanding her reaction. After all, it was their first meeting, and any respectable lady would naturally be cautious of a man's touch. Deciding to brush it off, he continued with his playful banter, finding it far more enjoyable than the mundane tasks assigned to him by his office.

Despite his amusement, a pang of guilt tugged at Hyeongwon as he thought about the servant who would inevitably have to pick up his neglected duties. He made a mental note to compensate them generously for their trouble come morning.


Hyeongwon arched an eyebrow as he observed the lady covering her eyes with her hands, as if trying to banish a mental image. His curiosity piqued, he couldn't resist probing.
"Hmm? You can't keep that to yourself, my lady. What are you imagining?"
With his arms still folded across his chest, he leaned casually on the chair, feeling a sense of relaxation wash over him. Amidst the chaos of his work, he often forgot to allow himself moments of reprieve. But in the company of this curious lady, he found himself unconsciously letting go of the tension that had gripped him lately.

His brief respite was interrupted, however, when another man approached them, clearly eyeing the provocative texts on the shelf behind Sunmi. Acting swiftly, Hyeongwon snatched the book from her grasp and discreetly tucked it away inside his sleeve, his movements smooth and practiced. As the man drew nearer, suspicion evident in his gaze, Hyeongwon's demeanor shifted, his brows furrowing in annoyance.

"What are you staring at? It's impolite," he snapped, his tone laced with a hint of venom and a silent threat. The stranger, clearly intimidated, quickly retreated from their secluded nook, leaving them once again in peace.

With a sigh of relief, Hyeongwon remarked, "It would have been troublesome if I hadn't noticed him approaching."

As the tension from the earlier interruption dissipated, Hyeongwon noticed the lady sitting before him, frozen in place. Sensing her discomfort, he offered a reassuring smile.

"It's alright, he's gone now," he said softly, retrieving the book from his sleeve and opening it to the previous page.

"Where were we?" he mused, his gaze flickering to her before settling on the text. "Ah yes, you mentioned wanting a husband and doing a bit of research." Leaning back, he propped his chin on his hand, his expression thoughtful. Hyeongwon did not want to be impolite but he much preferred to look at her countenance rather than the book that was unfurled in front of them. This time he notices her hair, the way the illumination highlighted the brown hue of it.

"Who's the lucky fella—" He caught himself mid-sentence, realizing he was getting distracted again.

"As I was saying... after all that," he continued, guiding her through the intricacies of intimacy with a matter-of-fact tone. Drawing from his own experiences, he explained how even the slightest touch could ignite passion even in the coldest of nights without the exaggerated descriptions found in salacious texts.
Closing the book, he emphasized the importance of realistic expectations, suggesting that novels could serve as practice material but cautioning against disillusionment when reality differed from fiction.

Hyeongwon offered her an almost apologetic smile, his intention not to crush her hopes but rather to provide a dose of reality. If she truly sought to understand how a child comes to be, she needed to be prepared for what she might discover.

"I hope I didn't ruin your day, my lady," he said gently, rising from his seat with the book in hand, intending to return it to its place on the shelf.

"Shall I fetch us more study material?" he offered, turning to look at her with a playful glint in his eye. "Perhaps you should pick another volume. It would be interesting to see what you choose." With a jest, he plucked a book from a higher shelf, this one focusing more on romance than explicit detail.

“You know…a bookstore might be a most inappropriate place for such talk. Should you wish to know more. I can tell you more. In a more private setting of course.” Hyeongwon says matter of factly. He did not mind meeting the lady again. In fact, she was like a breath of fresh air.

"This might be more your speed," he suggested, gesturing towards the tamer book.

"Don't force yourself to learn these things if your motivation is your future husband. A good husband will guide you through it all, just as I've explained."

He returned to his seat opposite her, a warm smile gracing his features.
"Are there other interests you have, aside from our recent research? When I'm not buried in legal scripts, I enjoy delving into books about astronomy. The cosmos greatly fascinates me."

He shared, hoping to steer the conversation towards lighter topics and alleviate the perpetual flush coloring her cheeks.

Hyeongwon knew the bookstore like the back of his hand. Knowing where the shop owner kept such valuable astronomy texts was an advantage that the Marquess was proud to have. He never had to compete with people that enjoyed the same books as he did and at times, Hyeongwon would even hide books that he wanted to go back to. Come to think of it, this nook was one he did not really pay much attention to. As the Marquess preferred a more hands-on approach. His days of sneakily reading raunchy texts were way past him.

@✿ moon hyeongwon The seat helped somewhat ease Sunmi’s mind as she drew her hand back from the cover of the book, quickly folding it with the other in her lap beneath the table. The space it afforded between herself and the handsome lord opposite her also helped ease her, feeling less like prey when she could hide the worst of her own ailments. Her fingers carefully entwined with each other, gripping tightly to stop the shaking as their talk continued. Hopefully he would not see and think her too excited if he noticed the tremble. If he thought it at the notion of what they were to discuss, she would have been horrified. Such matters were not for the public, and yet her curiosity had lead her right here, about to ask questions somewhere barely secluded.

“Perhaps not in the eye of the common man, but our society does not share your impartiality to such matters,” she pointed out in turn, though she respected his belief that anyone was deserving of respect, title or not. It was rare to hear, especially from someone that seemed on a higher rung of society.

“Better fiction than to surprise a husband on a wedding night,” Sunmi mumbled defensively, cheeks burning red at the horrifying notion. In the quiet of their corner he could hear him turning the pages, wondering what exactly he was looking for. He seemed far too comfortable to have this be his first book of this kind. “And it is unbecoming of any lady to say she does not know how to conceive their spouse’s heir.” It had always seemed such an easy notion in the epics, but she knew those tended to be fictionalised to be more appealing to the masses. So what secrets hid behind the flowery language?

A small gasp escaped her as her eyes landed on the illustration on the page. It vaguely confirmed her thoughts, but she had somehow thought that it would be an activity one did with a modicum more clothing. She carefully lifted her hands back to the table, drawing the book a few inches closer to have a better look, her hands resting at the sides of the book to hide it from any immediate passers by.

She had been so lost staring at the illustration that she had not noticed his arms up on the table, hands barely an inch from her own. “I might have let my young mind absently drift as my mother told me otherwise,” she stammered back truthfully, knowing her ignorance to such topics were all to be blamed on herself. Had she taken a more proactive stance on her existence as a lady and less on her frivolous hunts, she might have been more prepared for a time like this.

The brush of his hand against her own made Sunmi flinch back a little, arms hugged to her chest and hands clasped together. It was one of the few unfortunate side effects she had yet to fully train away. It was not that his touch in any way hurt, but she could never know for certain what lied beyond it.

The quiet took over again as he picked up the book, careful but precise movements of his hand flipping through the pages. She could not help but study him as she saw his eyes scanning the writing. When he was focused like this he seemed far less like a fearsome tiger like she had thought earlier. The way his brows wrinkled ever so slightly in focus, and the speed with which he skimmed through it all spoke of someone who was used to larger bodies of text. A scholar of some kind, perhaps. Definitely a learned man.

But as he placed the book back, pointing one finger towards the line in question, she felt the flush return to her cheeks. She leaned closer, eyes going wide as she read the passage he had indicated. It took her several tries to get through, each pass of certain information earning another low gasp that sliced through the quiet. Was any of that even physically possible? The thought of forcing anything of that size inside herself-

“Oh heavens.”
Sunmi shook her head, trying her best to shake away the image left in mind from the description.

Yet as Hyeongwon leaned closer, one finger pointed to the tied bow of the goreum holding her jeogori closed, the images very much returned. Her already red face must have turned the colors of a beetroot as her mind lingered on the image of his warm hand carefully drawing the goreum back, its light grip on her jeogori giving away.

She let out another gasp, covering her own eyes as if the images were her sight and not those of her own mind. Was he doing this on purpose, or was it just the shock of it all that had her mind wandering as such? Sunmi sat for a moment in the lonesome darkness as she tried to clear her mind of the thought.
“N-no… Please go on. I need to be aware of these things if e-ever I am to take on a husband.” Damned be her curiosity. She could have just asked her sisters, surely. Would the embarrassment not beat sitting opposite a stranger, no matter how handsome, to have him explain such lewd behaviour in his calm demeanour.

@❁ cheon sunmi Hyeongwon’s gaze softened upon noticing that she might have been uncomfortable. He quickly released the chair, ensuring she settled comfortably before taking his own seat opposite her. Her name, Cheon Sunmi, rolled off his tongue with a delicate charm that matched her demeanor perfectly. Offering her a genuine smile, he turned his attention back to their research, though her subtle accusation of his expertise in intimate matters intrigued him.
It was true, as a textbook rake, the Marquess is well-versed in the ways of passion and desire. But never did he imagine he would find himself imparting such knowledge to a lady as innocent as Sunmi, especially in the quiet confines of a bookshop.

Yet, as they delved deeper into their task, he found himself drawn to her curiosity. Despite her initial reservations, she soon began to open up, asking questions that revealed her vulnerability and innocence. And he, in turn, answered each one with patience and understanding, determined to ease her uncertainties without overstepping boundaries.

The silence their secluded nook offered and the dim illumination of the lantern that hung atop the short ceiling surprisingly gave off an intimate setting and the Marquess couldn’t help but feel like he’s read about this exact encounter on one of the many novels that adorned the curious shelf that now loomed behind them.

“One does not need to hold titles to be respected or held in a high regard.” He comments when she followed up her name, stating that she held no title.

“Well, if you put it that way my lady, then yes. The thought of you wanting to find knowledge in fictional books is in a way amusing. It tells me that you have no idea of the nature of such things.” He says opening the book to a scandalous page where an illustration of a man and woman wearing little to no covering are seen embracing each other.

“If it’s the art of procreation well this book is a good source material. I would say. But practical application is always better.”
Seated across from each other, he couldn't help but notice his height advantage over her. As her attention shifted to the illustrations in the book, he observed her reaction, recognizing her surprise.
Hyeongwon gently sought her hands, which lay on either side of the text, and placed his own beside them. Their fingers didn't quite touch, but the proximity allowed them to feel the warmth emanating from each other's hands, creating a subtle connection between them.

“If you heard that conception happens simply because a man and a woman love one another, then whoever told you that lied. Or wanted to hide the nitty gritty details from you.”
Continuing his explanation, Hyeongwon maintained his hand beside hers, the gentle proximity a silent reassurance. As he shifted his seat closer to the table, their hands brushed ever so slightly--a fleeting yet charged moment that spoke volumes

“That could be a factor yes.”
Continuing their conversation, Hyeongwon held her gaze for a brief moment before returning his attention to the book, flipping through pages with purpose. Skimming past the irrelevant prologue and dialogues, he stopped at the middle page, pausing to emphasize a particular line.
Removing his hand from its place beside hers, he pointed at the specific passage, directing her attention to the crucial information she sought.

The line reading about how men and women anatomically make love. However, the book still heavily romanticized the process. Making up information that isn’t necessarily correct.

“This is a good example. However, in this setting. It is the woman’s first time. So, before they do...all that.”
He refrained from delving into more explicit details, mindful of her reaction. Judging from the horror and fluster evident on her face, he recognized that the information he had already shared had pushed the boundaries of her comfort. Thus, he opted to maintain a respectful distance, avoiding any further vulgarity that might overwhelm her.

“Before they do all that he needs to first make sure that she is okay. Multiple times. And of course, take it slowly. Starting with small kisses. Progressively getting needy as time passed. And once he’s sure that she was okay with it….then they can undress each other.”
With a playful yet gentle touch, he reached up to point at the ribbon that adorned her jeogori, but he made no attempt to tug at it. His intention was merely to before withdrawing his hand.

“My lady, we can stop if the information is too much.”
Hyeongwon couldn't suppress a slight chuckle as he observed her reactions. Folding his arms across his chest as he watched her closely. The rapid shifts in her demeanor, from shyness to curiosity and then to mortification, amused him to no end. Despite his efforts to maintain a composed demeanor, her responses were too entertaining for him to resist a hint of amusement.

@✿ moon hyeongwon Even with the book in her arms, Sunmi could not stop her nervous fidgeting with the sleeves her sister had sown into her jeogori. It did not do much to sooth her nerves though. The man before her had the eyes of a predator, always watching for prey. There was no doubt he would notice either the sleeves or the scars beneath. But at least adjusting them helped relieve the itch she felt whenever she felt supervised.

“Y-yes, research,” she reaffirmed, as if it would make the material any more questionable than it already sounded from the title alone. Sunmi’s arm tightened the hold on the book, as if it would disappear into thin air if she did not hold onto it tightly.

Why was he looking at her like that?
She felt like a deer before the man, small and weak and insignificant, yet very much a treat to him. Was it her flustered reaction he was delighting in, or was it just having found a woman in this section alone? Did he usually read the tales one would find in books like these? Forbidden things like kisses and embraces, the kinds one would rarely hear of in epic poems.

If her petite frame could shrink any smaller in that moment it would. Had it been up to her she would have become as small as the book itself and hide behind it to avoid the very invasive questions. She knew she was too old to do this kind of research, but was it really that humorous for him to see?

Nervously, with her face half hidden behind the book, Sunmi took another glance at the man. He was far less intimidating with his back turned, even if he carried an air of gravitas and importance. Yangban, perhaps? She’d definitely say so from looking at the fine fabrics of his outfit. She knew it well, both from her time among them and from watching her sister’s craftsmanship. It would be impolite to turn down an invitation of someone of his status.

“Cheon Sunmi,” she answers, though her voice is not the steady brave one she would have spoken her name with in the past. “And my name will do enough. I hold no title.” Swallowing heavily to hide her worries, she stepped forward to take the seat he had offered. “I take it, Lord Hyeongwon, that you find humour in me perusing such literature because you are more aware of the books contents, no?”

She placed the book on the little table, pushing it slowly towards him. “This book-“
For a moment she sat there, lips pursed in a tiny pout as she searched for the words she needed. “It contains information about conception, is that not so?” The heat in her cheeks felt like it radiated, her hand still covering the title at the front of the book’s cover.

@❁ cheon sunmi Dim illumination surrounded the section of the bookstore that they currently found themselves in, it was a small quiet space, away from the regular hustle and bustle of the bookstore with only a square table and two chairs that faced one another adorning it; as if it was a random forgotten nook. The smell of books-- something the Marquess loved lingered in the air. And now that they’re within close proximity he takes notice of the familiar scent mingled with the scent of the lady’s fragrance pouch. Hyeongwon takes a good look around the texts. He smiles ever so slightly as his eyes scanned the shelf where he plucked the book for her. The entire shelf was laden with raunchy provocative texts. From novels to “informative books.” Everything a curious soul could ever want was here. The male could not help but recognize books he’d secretly stashed during his youth as a brief nostalgia wash over him.

Her Flushed cheeks, stuttering and her adamant avoidance of eye contact almost made Hyeongwon feel bad that he to this extent. Almost. Unfortunately for her, the Marquess rather liked seeing her in such a state. What was she doing here unchaperoned? Hyeongwon assumes she had snuck into the bookstore by herself. Not wanting anyone close to her to find out that she’s seeking such provocative literature.

Now that she faced him, Hyeongwon gets a better look at her visage. The Marquess takes note of her flushed cheeks and petal-like lips. Her eyes shone with timid curiosity as she looked up at him. One can’t help but find her innocence adorable. Hyeongwon is not impervious to charm. In fact, women might just be his downfall.
“Research?” His interest and curiosity are now at its peak.

“Pray tell what it is about this book that you think is worth researching about? Anything that you want to know?” He pokes even further. Wanting to fluster the fair maiden even more.

“Before you answer my inquiry, lend me your name.” He requests, as he moved away from her. He easily made his way to the table only a mere foot away. He pulls up a chair for her first, as if waiting for her to take a seat.

“My name is Hyeongwon. My lady, would you give me the honor of assisting you with your arduous research today? I happen to have a lot of free time.” He lies, knowing full well he is neglecting his work. But that is nothing compared to the fun he could have tormenting and getting to know the fair lady.

@✿ moon hyeongwon The presence of another was felt before she could even see him. Something about the air around her changed, the light from outside seeming to retreat as if blocked by wide shoulders. Her body made a small jolt as she heard a voice from right behind her. The words barely registered in her mind from the sudden shock his appearance had given her, eyes nervously looking up as she saw a hand reach out towards the spine she had tried to get to.

Had she not spotted the hand reaching up before her, she might have believed he was still standing a few feet back and stumbled back into the chest of whomsoever this was. Instead she stood there quietly, waiting until his arm had retreated back over her shoulder before taking a step to turn around and face him.

Even then it took a full second before Sunmi managed to take in the fact that this man towered above her by almost a head and a half. She craned her neck back, barely audibly mumbling out a short: "Y-yes," in reply to his question. That had indeed been the book she had reached for. She had many a time heard of a lady's desire being the cause of a conception, so if any book would hold the secrets she searched for it would be the very same one he held in his hand.

But as soon as his eyes moved from her to the book and she saw him reading, she blushed. A deep red quickly speckled her fair cheeks, her eyes darting around as he began reading aloud. Oh, if ever there was a moment she could just lay down and die it would be this.
"Sssh, p-please keep your voice low, my lord," the woman stammered, thankful that no one had turned the corner just then. At least these books were kept somewhat in the back where people rarely came looking.

Her hands shot out to grab the book from his as soon as it was offered, quickly hugging it to her chest to hide the title. The blush had slowly kept creeping down her neck, making her skin look far more like her jeogori than her collar.
"It is for research," she hurried answered without thinking. The word flower kept repeating over and over in her head, his tone as slippery as silk. "S-so thank you, my Lord. Please do not speak of it further."

@❁ cheon sunmi Yet another uneventful day…

Naturally, he found himself tasked with procuring additional texts as a consequence for his recent escapade. Who could have predicted that meticulously scouring Byeongjo’s records from the past year five times over would yield such valuable insights into their current case? Despite the arduous method, the fruits of his labor were undeniable. Yet, for involving everyone in his endeavor, Hyeongwon now found himself relegated to mundane duties, such as fetching books—tasks that could easily have been assigned to a servant.

Hyeongwon's attention quickly shifted from his mundane task as he spotted a damsel in distress, her delicate form struggling to reach a shelf that towered above her. A new opportunity presented itself, one that he couldn't simply ignore. With the menial task pushed to the back of his mind, he saw a chance for a different conquest—a fair maiden adorned in a delicate pink hanbok.
From the entrance of the bookstore, she stood out amidst the shelves, a vision of elegance in an obscure corner. With easy, confident strides, Hyeongwon made his way towards her, his curiosity piqued and his intentions clear.

"You seem to be in need of assistance, my lady," Hyeongwon offered with a gentle smile, though she hadn't yet turned to acknowledge him. Towering over her smaller figure, he followed her gaze to the unreachable shelf. Extending his hand, he leaned slightly in her direction, maintaining a respectful distance. Despite his many flaws, Hyeongwon was not one to shamelessly intrude.

"Is this what you're looking for?" he asked, effortlessly retrieving the book she had set her sights on with ease.
As Hyeongwon stepped back, he observed the lady regaining her space, respectful of her boundaries.
Rather than immediately handing her the retrieved book, he chose to study its title with a playful curiosity.

"The Marchioness' Nightly Desires," he reads aloud with a mischievous glint in his eyes as he took in the suggestive title. Despite the simplicity of its appearance, the book hinted at tantalizing contents that piqued his interest.
Turning his gaze back to the lady he had just assisted, a playful smile graced Hyeongwon's facade, a silent invitation for her to share in the intrigue sparked by the book's title.

"What's a flower like you doing, reaching for such raunchy texts?" Hyeongwon quirked a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes as he extended the book towards her, his tone light and teasing.

@✿ moon hyeongwon Oh help...
Sunmi's eyes scanned over the many bound books on the shelves before her, reading each title as if it would tell her what she needed to know. Certainly one of them would have to contain some information that could help her out, because there was no way in the high heavens that she would ever ask this of her siblings or - dread- her mother...

Why did she have to have been such a single minded fool in the past? If she had just spent a moment to listen to her mother explain anything about her future as a good wife, maybe she would not have felt as lost at this moment. Perhaps if she had just spent a single modicum of a second not thinking about the next possibility for a hunt she would have learned that children indeed were not a result of simple handholding. But what else could it be? It wasn't kisses, that much she had surmised.

The woman shook her head, straitening the pink skirt of her hanbok as she re-centered her thoughts. At least one of these many romantic tales would have to have one more accurate account of how a child was conceived. Yet ever title was the same as the last, superficial fluff or dramatic statements that meant little out of context. Perhaps some of the more detailed books would be higher up, but even standing on her tippy toes she could barely touch the books two shelves from the top.

Even the spines became hard to read at that distance. Sunmi sighed, sinking down to her feet before the shelf. If only there was anyone she could have asked, then it wouldn't have had to feel so embarrassing like this.

@❃ jung hana he was renowned for having reclusive tendencies, often secluding himself inside his chambers for weeks on end, seeking solace in the pages of his books, away from the bustling world beyond the estate's doors. from a young age, he knew that the written words gave him some sort of solace, learning through the intricacies of literature along with his academic research for his future seat as a duke. each page he turned was like a portal towards the distant lands that was not confining him to his future responsibilities.

choi siwoo felt as though the bookstore was some kind of a sanctuary; a sanctuary that the oppressive gaze of his rather dictatorial father could not access. aware of his father's relentless pressure to engage him in meeting elite women from other yangban families, siwoo sought refuge in the bookstore instead.

today is yet another day of avoiding the eyes of his father. he sauntered the aisles of books in a quiet contentment of having peace. with measured steps, siwoo lost himself in the scent of the aged paper and ink as if it were a comforting embrace at the frayed edges of his spirit. he reached for a book that caught his eye, however, he halted in his movement as he comes into touch with another lady.

he turned to the beautiful lady as she began speaking, following the trajectory of her gaze and it was on the book nestled in his grasp. siwoo was momentarily confused at the situation and yet as she further inquired, he pulled back his arms to check the title and tapped it onto his hand, carefully inspecting it. siwoo raises it slightly and then continues to present and offer it to the lady, "is it something interesting?" he asks, his curiosity piqued, and his voice was low and was almost a whisper. "enough for you to search and ask it from someone else?" his inquiry for her thoughts was soft and laced with the tone of curiosity wondering what the book must be about.

@✿ han miro 【　back dated before the joseon-qing war. the first few replies were written in advance.　】

Garam shrunk into the very little shadows that were provided for her in the capital, midday. She hated walking around in the daylight like this, her hours of operation usually when the shadows stretched further and the crowds got bigger, but their circles were tighter, closer together. She was a small woman, nothing unheard of for the woman of Joseon, but it certainly made it difficult to push her way through arduously dense crowds when she was scrawny from malnutrition and could barely see over the shoulders of most men. But, when Garam put her mind onto something, she was quick to see it through.

She had passed the streets and found herself in front of her destination. Garam stared up at it, a store she only wished she could frequent, a place she hadn’t been since she and her father had been considered as ‘sangmin’, and she would hold onto her father’s hand as they looked through each volume of whatever Garam set her eyes on. A gift her father got her that Garam had to sell in order to eat that month, and now she had nothing left to remember him by.

Sighing, Garam stepped out and peeked inside. It was quiet, only a few customers who perused through the books in their hands, others reading over scrolls. Most of them were older than Garam, and all of them certainly richer, but there were a few women much younger than herself, giggling to themselves as they read through a copy Garam had set her eyes on, flipping through the pages.

The shopkeep sitting behind his counter was dusting one of the shelves, his eye only barely looking to each of his patrons. Garam looked away from him quickly, and to the best of her ability, strode forward and took one of the books in her hands, fingers brushing against the leather. She had no money for a book like this, unless she wanted to be kicked out on the street for not paying her taxes. So, she pushed it underneath her cloak, and looked around quickly, taking another book in her hands, peering at it. The clerk did not look at her, neither did any of the other patrons, so Garam made her quick escape out of the bookstore… Book still in her hand.

@✿ choi siwoo [ backdated: july 28th, 1868, summer in hanseong ]

vestiges of the sunlight slowly disappeared and burned into hues of orange and pink, dusting the emerging night sky. after a long day of work, she spent her reprieve visiting the bookstore near her employer’s estate. her arms and hands ached from long hours of sewing hanbok pieces for her lady. it would be more pleasant holding a book in her hand, skimming through pages to see which was fit for her very singular tastes. buzzing with excitement, the young lady made the beeline over to the establishment. not solely out of her enthusiasm towards the newest light novels but also on the lookout for the mysterious man that lingered by the shelves.

this should be the third, or fourth time, encountering the personification of darkness. that is if she even kept count. entering into the bookstore, hana perused through a couple of scrolls soon as she stepped in. she even spotted some in the newer hardcover format exported from who knows where. however, none were the particular novel she searched for. an updated 1868 edition of “the tale of lady pak” was set to be released in this bookstore on this day, but alas it was nowhere to be found. either she was duped or someone else must have taken it. prematurely staking a claim on a book she never bought was not a guarantee she would buy it. that was common sense.

it still did not prevent her from getting upset and borderline sulking as if she was a child that did not receive a piece of candy. distracting herself from her petty upset, the woman convinced herself to search for different books. after all, jung’s bookshop was well known for its variety in genres, which can also lead to a variety of disappointments. expanding her search to the shelves higher up, she reached for a mildly interesting book at the top. as it was within her reach, she collided into another figure, one much taller than her.

“i apologize for the disturbance, let me—” she paused mid-sentence at a copy of ‘the tale of lady pak’ in his grasp. the contrition she felt subsided and was replaced by momentary shock. where did he even get the book? the several shelves she searched did not contain a single copy.

flustered still at the situation at hand, hana eventually calmed down, though her eyes tempted to dart between the handsome man across her and her desired book in his hand.

“what i mean is to let me know where you found that book. or could you kindly please lend me it?” to her chagrin, her voice rose in pitch slightly.

@❃ nam boram Yejun shook his head at the formal address given to him. "Just call me Yejun." He gave her a soft smile while nodding as he listened to her words. "I could see your enthusiasm in reading. I thought to offer you a book but I don't want it to seem like a breach of courtesy."
He gave a few nods of understanding, not surprised with that but happy to meet someone who would love to expand their knowledge and world. "Hmm... if you ever need any help with those, I'll be here most of the time." He then looked around when she asked for a recommendation. He looked around the shelves, finding something easy and lighthearted that one could read without investing too much time and could grab and read anytime easily. He hummed and mumbled to himself, busying with own thoughts. He then stopped in front of one shelf. He turned to her to ask her. "what about poetry?" he asked for her opinion, wondering if she took poetry into liking too.

@❀ jeon dayeon Hyunji smiled back at Dayeon as they walked toward the skewer stall. The nostalgia of their old hangout spot brought back memories, both bitter and sweet.

"Ah, you remembered. Yes, I still find solace in pottery," Hyunji replied, her eyes reflecting a mixture of passion and a tinge of sadness. "Despite my father's disapproval, I can't seem to part ways with the pottery wheel. It's my quiet rebellion, you could say. I create and collect my own pieces, a hidden world of art that he doesn't acknowledge."

Her fingers gently traced the edge of the book she had just purchased, a reminder of another form of artistic expression that she held dear. "It's a way for me to preserve a part of myself that he doesn't understand or appreciate. How about you, Dayeon? How have you been spending your time?"

@❀ jeon dayeon Hyunji glanced over her shoulder at Dayeon, her expression guarded yet touched by the sincerity in her friend's words. The reassurance about her father's changed perspective brought a subtle softening to Hyunji's demeanor. The weight of past misunderstandings seemed to lift, if only slightly, as Dayeon expressed her willingness to stand up for their friendship.

"Books," Hyunji replied simply, her gaze returning to the shelves. However, the mention of the skewer stall drew a flicker of nostalgia in her eyes. Memories of their shared laughter and carefree moments at that familiar stall flooded back. The offer of lunch and the promise of Dayeon's treat brought a hint of a smile to Hyunji's lips, a rare display of warmth.

As they approached the counter to pay for the books, Hyunji nodded, her guard gradually lowering. "Sure, why not? It's been a while," she conceded, allowing a genuine smile to surface. The prospect of revisiting a cherished spot from their past appealed to her, a reminder of simpler times.

With the books secured, they stepped out into the bustling streets, the air carrying the promise of a rekindled connection. Hyunji couldn't deny the twinge of excitement that welled up within her.

@❀ jeon dayeon Hyunji looked at Dayeon and her facade is still the same, "I hope your father doesn't find us meeting again, it's always me the one who distracts you with your studies." Then she walked passed her, wanting to pay for the books she already is in her hands.

Once she is done paying, she looked at Daeyeon and told her. "Where to?" She asked.