⁝ hwang residence.

@❁ hwang mijoo “mijoo!” having settled the boxes on the countertop now, she made her way to the female with the biggest smile on her face. Mijoo had always been that little ball of sunshine in her life, no matter what others might say. She was one who radiated an immense amount of unbeatable energy that was contagious, bringing a smile to anyone’s face wherever she was. And just like today, there was were many days where Haewon would find herself seeking her friend out just to receive that instant boost of energy.

Having move to her side, Haewon snuggled closely to the other, arms coming around her petite body, giving her a gentle hug. “I did not know you were around, I would have brought something you like should I have known!”

Settling down, she sips on the tea mijoo’s mother had prepared for her. “you have all my time, I’m all yours!” the young lady grins, reaching out to hold her best friend’s hand within hers. “anything going on as of recent?”

@❁ yoon haewon Mijoo had decided to stay home on this day, not having enough energy to be out and about. Instead, she spent the day walking through their little garden and playing the geomungo for her mother. Mirae always loved to listen to her daughters play their instruments, and that was a big reason why after selling nearly all of their other luxury items after falling to the Sangmin class, the girls were at least allowed to keep their instruments.

Mijoo had just finished a song when a visitor arrived. The appearance of the visitor brought the brightest smile to the younger Hwang sister's lips. Yoon Haewon, Mijoo's closest friend since childhood, stood there smiling back at her. Perhaps it wasn't right to simply call Haewon a close friend. The woman was more like a sister to Mijoo, someone that she could confide anything in and someone who she loved as if they were blood related.

"Haewon-ah! I'm so happy you could come to visit today," she exclaimed, forgetting about her low social energy. Seeing Haewon always brought warmth and happiness when she was in a low mood. "Will you stay and chat for a while? I believe we have much to discuss!"

@❁ hwang mijoo The evening sun had already started to descend upon Hanseong, bathing the buildings in the capital with bright golden hues as Haewon started packing up for the day. Till the last hour, Only One had still been welcoming a large crowd of shoppers, each rushing to have their norigae crafted for the upcoming social season in hope of finding their future beau or belle.

“I’ll be going now!” Haewon shouted from the doorstep, in her arms, two single-tiered boxes, within them multiple sets of specially crafted norigae components that the Hwang household had ordered from them. “I’ll tell Papa and Mama Hwang you said hello!” she continued before she found herself departing their own establishment for the residence just a couple of streets down.

Haewon was no stranger to the residence, with both their mothers being best friends even way before Miryeong, Mijoo, and Haewon were created, the Hwang household was like a second abode for the young lady, Haewon missed the time when three of them were still young without having the need to shoulder responsibilities, unlike how things were now, and would conduct weekly sleepovers. “Papa and Mama Hwang!” the female quipped with the brightest smile despite a long day of hard work as she greeted both of them. “Mama and Papa said to bring this to you, and they apologize for the tardiness in producing them.” Haewon explained as she placed the boxes on the countertop.

@❁ hwang mijoo It was unlike Youngjae to cross boundaries of etiquette. While a student under a teacher who taught him moral obligations to the country and to humanity, he was also taught to caution the interactions between men and women. However, this encounter did not feel strange, in fact, in some odd ways, it felt familiar; as if they had known each other for a long time.

Perhaps it was through the warm tales his teacher had shared with him during the holidays when other pupils had gone home to unite with their families, and Youngjae, well… home did not feel like home. Not when his family lived across the country and he had been sent alone to the capital. During those years, it felt as if he was all alone, but it was Master Hwang who took on a role others would not have taken. To Youngjae, Master Hwang was a teacher and then he was an adopted father, and in both roles, Youngjae held immense respect for him.

His lips faintly curled upwards at the news that the young Lady Hwang had conveyed. Knowing the plague did not reach their home was a blessing and although Youngjae had failed to check on them earlier, he was thankful that the heavens guarded over them in a time of peril.

“I’m glad your family has been well--” /all these years/ he wished to add, but kept on his tongue. It was too late to amend for not having visited sooner.

Upon her sudden apology, Youngjae’s eyes grew slightly round as he tried to reassure through her flustered reaction, “no need, Lady Hwang,” he conceded, “there is no need to treat me with regards. Please, consider me a friend and my visitation an obligation on my end.” He hoped it was enough to pacify her.

When she invited him in, Youngjae felt an air of wistfulness seep into his lungs. The idea of entering the Hwang residence had seemed foreign to him, yet when memories of the late Master Hwang came into his mind, it suddenly felt like a puzzle piece finding its rightful place, as if the halls of this humble home had kept his teacher safe and alive after all this time.

A thin mist of gratitude veiled his gaze and Youngjae found himself agreeing to the invitation unconsciously. “Tea… would be nice,” he replied. A small, yet gentle smile graced his face, “I’m sure there will be much for us to talk about, Lady Hwang.”

@✿ go youngjae After she had completed her customary greeting, a necessary routine when conversing with an individual from a higher social standing, Mijoo allowed herself to relax a little bit. As she attentively listened to the lord's reply to her question, she observed him. He appeared to be only a little older than her sister, but somehow he spoke with a wisdom that belied his years. No doubt it was a trait passed onto him by her father.

A feeling of warmth settled into her chest, and she immediately felt at ease. She couldn't explain what it was that made her feel so at peace and comfortable with this stranger. Perhaps it was the way he spoke so fondly of her father and by association, her family. Her father had been someone important to Go Youngjae and it was plain to see how much the man respected him. Their shared love and appreciation for Hwang Younghyun bound them together in some small way, and she couldn't help but wish to know more about the student whom had managed to impress her not so easily impressed father.

At the mention of her family's fall from grace, the petite musician's smile faltered ever so slightly. Despite the time that had passed, it was still a bit of a sore subject for her, but she was aware that the lord before her intended no malice and she could sense his sincerity in wishing her and her family well. She quickly recovered, her visage easing back into a friendly smile as she replied to his inquiry, "The plague certainly has been concerning as of late, but I assure you our family is doing alright. Mother is unwell right now, but she does not have plague symptoms and will likely recover quickly, so please do not fret about that. My sister and I are faring well. Despite not having the luxuries that we had before, we are making ends meet and I am thankful for that..."

She trailed off, realizing that she had not offered her guest anything to drink or a place to sit. Suddenly feeling embarrassed at her lack of etiquette, she changed the subject, "My apologies, my lord! I am not usually the one to greet our guests, so please do forgive me for not being the most gracious host. Would you like to come inside and have some tea? I am not talented at many things, but I've been told I am talented at brewing tea. I would also like to chat with you a little longer... if you wouldn't mind, of course!" She hoped that she didn't sound as if she was babbling as she continued, "I am curious to learn more about my father's most treasured student and what stories you might have of my father."

@❁ hwang mijoo His eyes wandered over the surroundings of the Hwang residence and although it’s the first time he’s come here, memories of his time with his late teacher flooded his mind. The respectable guidance on matters of morality and honor, to art and writing, as well as ethical lessons always held a special place in his life. Youngjae had always held great respect for his late teacher and the bond they forged during his time under the wise master’s wings.

Upon the soft sound of approaching footsteps, his gaze briefly flickered away. He turned around, meeting the youngest daughter of his late master for the first time. Youngjae has only heard about them through his late teacher and in his mind he had always envisioned them to be young children, but the lady who stood before him was a grown woman with a grace that surprised him.

Youngjae greeted with a respectful bow, his demeanor a reflection of the courtesy ingrained in him. The mention of Madam Hwang’s health brought a tinge of concern as he nodded understandingly. “Please convey my well wishes to your mother, I hope her health improves quickly.”

As the young lady inquired about the purpose of his visit, Youngjae's posture remained respectful. "Lady Hwang, I've come to ensure the well being of your family during these challenging times of the plague. Master Hwang was not only my teacher as in times of hardships, he stood as a pillar of encouragement. He was more like a father than any I’ve known.”

Despite the respect he upheld, a heaviness weighed on Youngjae's heart. He had heard about the fate that befell the Hwang family since Master Hwang's passing—how they had been stripped of their jungin status to sangmin, and the women have made a humble living with seam work. The news had cut through him like a dagger, a bitter truth that unsettled him deeply. Youngjae couldn't help but wonder how such a fate had befallen the family he held in high regard. The injustice of it all fueled a quiet turmoil within him.

"I deeply regret the circumstances that have befallen the Hwang family," he finally confessed, his voice carrying a genuine sincerity. “Lady Hwang, I offer your family any assistance I can provide, be it in matters of health, safety, or any other concern you may have. Your family's welfare is of great importance to me."

@✿ go youngjae Mijoo was finishing getting ready for the day, brushing her hair and styling it into a half up-half down style when the family's servant came to her door. After the Hwang family's fall from Jungin to Sangmin, it was expected that their servants would move on to find other masters, but this servant had stayed with them, wanting to be of service to them for the rest of his life. He was dear to her father and Mijoo was thankful to have him with them during these tough times.

"Lady Mijoo, Lord Go Youngjae has arrived. He wishes to pay a visit to your family regarding the plague that has spread through the area," said the servant. Mijoo, although surprised at the visit, was intrigued at the mention of her father's previous student. If she remembered correctly, this student was his star pupil and was the one he was the most proud of.

"Thank you. Have you spoken with mother yet?" she asked, aware of her mother's ailments lately. She was almost certain her mother would not wish to meet with guests today, an inference that would be proven to be true when the servant nodded in response, "Yes, she is not feeling well today. Shall I request that his Lordship visit on another day instead?"

Mijoo quickly shook her head, nearly horrified by the idea of offending someone in the yangban class, "No, no it's alright. Since Miryeong has left the residence already, I will meet with Lord Go. It would be rude to turn him away when he came all this way to visit." She stood up from her vanity, glancing into the mirror to make sure that she looked presentable before turning toward the door. "Let us go greet our guest before he gets impatient, shall we?"

She walked along the hall, the loyal servant following behind closely, until she finally made it to the door, noticing the man lingering near the garden. She approached him, a friendly smile settling on her lips as she dropped into a respectful bow, "Good day to you, my lord. I am Hwang Mijoo." She straightened up, smile still present but slightly more hesitant as she continued, "My apologies, mother is feeling unwell at the moment and will not be able to meet with you today. However, I am happy to help with anything you may need. May I ask, what brought you to our home today?"

@❁ hwang mijoo It has been a while since Youngjae thought of his late teacher. Ever since his untimely death, it felt as if the memories had been swept by the wind, turning each image into fine dust. However, like dust, once collected, it becomes something that can never be erased. Youngjae's grief had been buried, but it remained deeply rooted in his heart.

Memories of countless lessons and conversations flooded his mind as he recalled the times when his late teacher shared wisdom about life, morality, and the duty one has towards society. His late teacher was the man who shaped him, who encouraged his love for poetry and helped him find beauty in the world even in the darkest of times. He was the closest figure Youngjae had to a father, given that his own father, Marquess Go was rarely present and only regarded his children as pawns in a political game.

The Hwang residence bore a sense of quietness as Youngjae took a deep breath before stepping through the entrance gate. The silence reminded him of his own home, but the air here seemed brighter, it was not as suffocating like his cold estate. Before he could wonder any further, a servant approached him.

"Good day, your Lordship. May I ask, what is your purpose at the Hwang residence today?" The servant questioned with a bow.

He turned to the hunched man and said, "Pardon my unannounced visit. I am Go Youngjae, a former pupil of the late Master Hwang. Amidst hardships caused by the spreading plague, I wanted to pay a visit to Madam Hwang. Please pass along my message that I would like to meet with her if it is possible."

The servant acknowledged his request, replying, "I shall let Madam know. Lord Go, please wait here." Soon, the servant disappeared inside the humble home.

Youngjae lingered for a moment in the yard to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. The nearby garden glistened beneath the sun's rays, its vibrant colors reflecting the resilience of life despite the difficulties. The delicate beauty of the flowers offered a momentary distraction from the weight he carried. He couldn't help but think about how his late teacher would have appreciated the significance of the garden—the eternal nature of life and how growth can still blossom despite hardship.