Do U Want To Test That Theory? I Will Pull Out All The Laws And Theory I Have Learnt And Test It With You Dont Joke W Me Lad. - Tumblr Posts
away with the wind | daylight
Pairing: dragonrider!Seonghwa x ex-dragonrider!Reader AU: dragon rider au | strangers -> lovers Summary: a spinal injury forces you to retire from dragon racing, and with it, the end of your engagement to Song Mingi. Park Seonghwa, a rising star in the world of dragon racing and heir to the prestigious House Park, seeks a new dragon after an unfortunate accident on the skyway. As the saying goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Word Count: 6.1K Warnings: not proofread, fluff-ish? alcohol consumption
a/n: version 2 of chapter ix
Fic Masterlist
The grand chamber was dimly lit, the only sources of light being the flickering holographic displays and the soft glow of the council members’ robes. The air was thick with anticipation as the council awaited the presentation.
“Ready whenever you are, Dr. Kang,” Lord Hong announced, his voice resonating through the chamber.
Yeosang, standing beside the holographic projector, bowed respectfully. He took a moment to adjust the hologram, ensuring every detail of Ajax’s anatomy was perfectly visible. The room fell silent as the intricate projection came to life, displaying the necropsy report for Subject 4201.
“Necropsy report for Subject 4201. Subject is a male, approximately 11 years old, measuring 20 feet in height with a wingspan of 40 feet. Initial examination reveals extensive claw marks along the dorsal scales, likely from recent combat.”
Yeosang zoomed in on the damage inflicted by Starshine during the Inferno Cup. Lady Lee brought her hand to her mouth in feigned horror, prompting Yeosang to roll his eyes at her theatrics. He then brought up the next holographic display.
Swiping over to the dragon’s head, Yeosang brought forward the manifestation of Ajax’s brain, enhancing the size of the organ for the Council’s scrutiny.
“The brain shows signs of abnormal growth in the amygdala, the region associated with aggression and fear responses. This hypertrophy suggests heightened aggression and unstable behavior. Further examination of the neural pathways reveals signs of synaptic plasticity, which may indicate a history of adaptive responses to high-stress environments. This could result in unpredictable and erratic behavior patterns.”
“Is this a common trait in Longhorns, Dr. Kang?” Lord Kim interjected.
Yeosang maintained his composed demeanor, though he felt slightly irritated at Lord Kim’s prodding. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he ensured his tone remained respectful yet authoritative.
“While hypertrophy in the amygdala is not uncommon in Longhorns, the extent of the growth observed here is unusual,” he explained, his voice steady. “Further studies are necessary to determine if this is an isolated case or indicative of a broader trend within the species.”
Lord Kim nodded, the soft rustle of his robes barely audible as he leaned back in his chair. Yeosang then moved on to the next hologram, which flickered to life, casting a light that manifested into Ajax above their heads.
“In summary, subject 4201 exhibits significant physiological power and complexity,” Yeosang began, his voice steady and clear. The hologram displayed intricate details of the dragon’s anatomy, each scale and muscle rendered with precision. “I’ve concluded that the observed unpredictable behavior indicates potential neurological instability. End of report.”
Chairman Jang’s eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, the light catching the sharp angles of his face. “And the report of parentage?” he asked.
Yeosang adjusted the hologram, bringing up a new set of data. “The DNA test results showed no significant anomalies, your grace. The dragon’s genetic makeup is consistent with what we have documented in our archives. There are no indications of any unusual lineage or mutations.”
Lord Kim studied him for a moment, his gaze penetrating. “Are you certain, Dr. Kang? This information is crucial to understanding where this Longhorn may have originated from.”
Yeosang nodded, maintaining his calm facade. “Yes, your grace. I am certain. The DNA results confirm that this dragon is of standard lineage.”
“Lord Kim, we have all the information we need. Continuing this investigation is a waste of our resources and time,” Lady Lee snapped, her voice sharp and echoing slightly in the grand council room.
“We need to be thorough,” Lord Kim insisted, his tone unwavering. The flickering light from the hologram cast shadows across his stern face, highlighting the furrow in his brow.
“The dragon’s physiology and neurological state are well-documented. We have other priorities that demand our attention,” she countered, her words heavy with urgency.
Lord Hong nodded in agreement, the soft rustle of his robes breaking the silence. “Lady Lee is right. We are diverting valuable time and effort. This report should be concluded.” His voice was measured, a stark contrast to the rising tension between his colleagues.
“If Dr. Kang has reported no abnormalities in his findings, then we must move on to the next agenda item,” Chairman Jang interjected with finality. “Thank you for your time, Dr. Kang.”
The room fell silent, the air thick with unresolved conflict. Yeosang remained silent, grateful that the focus had shifted away from his lie, but acutely aware of the brewing storm between the Council members.
“Would it be possible for the copies of the report to be made available, Dr. Kang?” Lord Kim interjected, his eyes boring into Yeosang, challenging him to reveal the truth.
Yeosang hesitated, his fingers trembling slightly as he adjusted his glasses. “The report is rather unremarkable, your grace,” he replied coldly, staring straight at the elder.
Lord Hong’s eyes narrowed. “Is there a problem, Dr. Kang? The Council has a right to see the report.”
Yeosang tightened his jaw, feeling the tension ripple through his muscles as the Council’s insistence caught him off guard. His irritation simmered just beneath the surface, barely contained.
“Of course, I will ensure the report is made available,” he said smoothly, his voice dripping with false sincerity, masking the venom beneath. “I just need a little more time to… finalize some details.”
“Finalize what details? Are you implying that this report today was not conclusive?” Lord Kim’s voice was cold and unyielding, each word a deliberate challenge.
Yeosang’s eyes flashed with annoyance, but he quickly masked it with a calm facade. “I assure you, Lord Kim, the report is thorough. However, there are always minor adjustments to be made for clarity.”
Kim Sangjoong’s gaze hardened, his suspicion evident. “Minor adjustments? Or are you buying time to cover up discrepancies, Dr. Kang?”
“That’s enough,” Chairman Jang’s voice concluded, the tone unmistakable, leaving no room for argument. “Dr. Kang, you have until the end of the day to produce copies of the report to the Council.”
Yeosang felt a surge of anger but forced a smile. “I understand your concern, Lord Kim. Rest assured, the report will be delivered by the end of the day, as requested.” His tone was polite, but the underlying threat was present.
The room remained tense, the air thick with unspoken conflict. Yeosang knew he had to tread carefully, but he relished the challenge.
Seonghwa strode through the hallways of the Park estate, his footsteps echoing off the marble floors as he awaited the results of Ajax’s necropsy from Kim Sangjoong. The grandeur of the estate, with its high ceilings and ornate decorations, did little to calm his racing thoughts.
“Ms. Jang,” he called out, his voice calm yet authoritative. His mother’s assistant looked up from her desk, immediately recognizing him. She adjusted her glasses and gave him a polite nod.
“Yes, your grace?” she asked, her tone respectful but familiar.
“I need a list of all the attendees from the Inferno Gala,” he requested, his eyes scanning the room. “Sponsors, stakeholders, riders—everything.”
Ms. Jang nodded and quickly began typing on her laptop. The soft clacking of keys filled the room as Seonghwa paced back and forth, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He glanced at the clock on the wall, each tick amplifying his impatience.
After a few moments, Ms. Jang handed him a sleek tablet. “Here it is, your grace,” she said. “The complete list.”
Seonghwa took the tablet and offered her a small smile in thanks. As he walked back to his quarters, he scanned the names, noting familiar faces and new ones, the organizations they represented, and the teams they raced for. Each name brought back memories of conversations, deals, and promises made. He needed to ensure that every attendee was accounted for and that no detail was overlooked.
“Treasure Holdings, Blue Bird Airways, Answer Tech,” Seonghwa muttered to himself, activating the hologram interface. These were big name sponsors in dragon racing and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
He swiped to the next category of Aurora’s political elite, scanning the list with a practiced eye. Names like Lady Baek and Lord Yoon stood out, both well-known figures in the political landscape. As he continued down the list, he reached members of the Council and their guests. Lord Hong Bum Soo and Lady Hong Sara, Chairman Jang Ki Young, Lord Kim Sangjoong and Lady Kim Miyeon–
She was never one to miss an event, especially one of this magnitude. He quickly re-scanned the rest of the list, hoping it was a mistake, but her name was nowhere to be found. Had she been deliberately excluded?
Lady Lee’s absence was not just unusual—it was a glaring anomaly. Taking out his phone, he dialed Kim Sangjoong, hoping for news of the necropsy report. The phone rang a few times before Lord Kim answered. “Seonghwa, what’s the matter?”
“I have news for you, should you have any to share with me,” Seonghwa said, his tone measured.
The elder chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I regret to inform you that the report returned without any anomalies. It was conclusive, indicating that the dragon is of standard lineage.”
“That can’t be,” Seonghwa said, his voice laced with disbelief. “Y/N showed me Ajax’s anatomy in video footage a few months ago. She noted that his angulation was much more moderate than a Longhorn’s, and his wings were longer. He also exhibited an unusual level of speed and agility.”
The elder’s eyes widened slightly. “That does sound…unnatural for the breed…” He paused, his gaze drifting out the large, arched window of his office. He noticed Lady Lee in conversation with a young lab assistant, her animated gestures contrasting with the assistant’s calm demeanor.
“Your grace?” Seonghwa’s voice brought him back to the present.
“Yes, apologies. Please continue.”
“I wanted to let you know that I pulled the guest list from the gala and noticed that Lady Lee was missing.”
The elder’s brow furrowed in concern. “That’s certainly odd. She never turns down an opportunity for an event given her rather…vainglorious nature. Her absence is highly unusual.” Lord Kim glanced at the ornate clock on the wall, noting the late hour. If he were to leave now, it would be an opportunity to learn more about Lady Lee’s next moves.
“It seems Lady Lee is just about to leave for the day,” Lord Kim informed the younger. “Thank you for the information, Seonghwa.” He quickly pocketed his phone and hurried towards the exit, his mind racing with possibilities. The corridors of the capitol building were beginning to empty as the day drew to a close, and he needed to act fast.
The soft murmur of conversations and the shuffle of footsteps filled the air, creating a symphony of end-of-day activity. The tension in the air was palpable, each step Lord Kim took echoing his urgency.
“Ah, Lady Lee! Will you be attending General Choi’s birthday celebration?” he called out, his voice cutting through the ambient noise, and scaring the lab assistant. The young man, not much older than 20, bowed before taking his leave.
Lady Lee paled, her confident demeanor faltering for a moment. “O-Oh? Is that this weekend?” she stammered, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. She forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes.
“I must have overlooked it. I’ve been quite busy with…personal matters,” Lady Lee said, her voice wavering slightly.
“Personal matters?” Lord Kim pressed, his curiosity piqued. “Well, I hope everything is alright.”
She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. “Yes, well, it’s nothing that concerns the council.”
Lord Kim nodded slowly, not entirely convinced. “I see. Well, I do hope you’ll make it to the celebration. Miyeon and I look forward to seeing you.”
“Thank you, Lord Kim. I appreciate your concern,” she replied, her voice steadying.
As Lady Lee turned to leave, Lord Kim watched her closely. There was something off about her behavior, something that didn’t sit right with him. Her usually confident demeanor seemed strained, and her eyes darted around nervously. His mind raced with questions, each one more urgent than the last. What was she hiding? And why did it feel like time was running out?
[NEW MESSAGE]
[Lord Cash Money]: Results are in
[Lord Cash Money]: Nothing out of standard
You let out a huff as you read Seonghwa’s message and sent back a quick ‘Thanks’. Dismounting Cirrus, you felt the cool leather of the saddle beneath your hands, but an uneasy feeling settled in your chest. You knew Ajax was definitely not half Fury, but something else entirely. The thought sent a chill down your spine at the implications of what his other half might be.
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manor as you helped Sohee down from the saddle. You slung her backpack over your shoulder, the weight a familiar comfort, and dialed the only person you knew you could vent to besides your grandmother and sister.
“I hate the government,” you said, balancing your phone between your shoulder and ear while you toed off your shoes and hung up your niece’s backpack. The scent of oil pastels and dragon scales lingered in the air.
“Who doesn’t?” Jongho’s voice came through the line, gruff yet playful. You could almost picture his mischievous grin. What’s going on?” he asked, his tone shifting to one of curiosity and concern.
Choi Jongho was the oldest son of the Dune Choi Family and cousin to the Auroran Choi Family. Although they were considered one of Dune’s noble houses, your families had been breeding partners for as long as your grandmother could remember.
Jongho had always been like a little brother to you, his presence a constant in your life—a mix of annoyance and comfort that only a true sibling could provide. His sharp wit and the shared history between your families created a connection that was unbreakable, no matter how much he might drive you crazy at times.
“The test results came back conclusive. There’s nothing out of the ordinary with Ajax’s lineage.”
“Bullshit,” Jongho snapped, pacing his room. “I watched the footage you sent me, read through the pedigree, and everything seemed off. Someone’s tampering with the results.”
You nodded, frustration evident. “Exactly. I’m thinking there has to be something more nefarious in his lineage. Ajax has always been promoted as a hybrid between a Fury and a Longhorn, but I don’t think a Fury fits the bill. It has to be a breed that’s aerodynamic.”
Jongho furrowed his brow. “Aerodynamic, huh? That narrows it down a bit. Maybe something with a sleeker build? A Wyrm variant? Or a Razorback?”
You snickered. “Hongjoong is going to have your head if he hears that. But even those breeds don’t seem quite right. There has to be one that’s also intelligent. Ajax was somehow able to learn Cirrus’ maneuvers, and I know for a fact Mingi couldn’t have taught him that flip.”
Jongho sighed, massaging his brow. “I’ve always told you I didn’t like him nor his ugly dragon. I plan to set up shop in my uncle’s library and we can dig deeper when I’m in town. You’re coming to his celebration, right?”
You groaned, pulling your pillow to your chest. “Do I have a choice?”
“If you don’t, I’ll tell everyone you think San is handsome.”
Rolling your eyes, you retorted, “San is handsome. That doesn’t work on me anymore.”
Jongho smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Fine, then I’ll tell everyone about the time you fell into the fountain trying to impress him.”
You gasped, sitting up abruptly. “Choi Jongho, you wouldn’t dare!”
The grand hall of the Choi Estate was a sight to behold, a testament to the family’s wealth and status. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the family’s storied history, their vibrant colors and detailed embroidery telling tales of valor and honor. The atmosphere was one of celebration and reverence, as friends and family gathered to honor the Choi patriarch on his special day.
San’s father, the elder General Choi, greeted guests up and down the hall, offering glass after glass of champagne and other spirits. His laughter boomed through the room, a testament to his larger-than-life personality. You managed to dodge him, offering your grandmother as a sacrificial lamb as you slipped away, her knowing smile indicating she was more than willing to take one for the team.
You weaved through the crowd, feeling a bit out of place in your simple but elegant strapless black gown. Its understated design contrasted with the more extravagant attire around you, yet the gown’s classic cut and the way it hugged your figure made you feel confident and poised.
“Are you here for a funeral or a celebration?” a familiar voice quipped behind you.
You whipped around to find San, clad in a perfectly tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and imposing presence. The corners of his mouth twitched into a smirk as he took in your startled reaction.
“Very funny,” you replied, rolling your eyes but unable to suppress a smile. “I was just trying to avoid your father’s relentless hospitality.”
San chuckled, his laughter a deep, comforting sound. “He does have a way of overwhelming people with his enthusiasm,” he admitted, glancing over at his father, who was now engaged in a hearty conversation with a group of military officials. “Looking for someone?”
“It's no one important,” you murmured, your eyes drifting away from the young General. You scanned the crowd, your heart pounding as you searched for a certain someone. Striking, charming, refined, and utterly infuriating, with an undeniable pull—a magnetic attraction you couldn’t ignore.
“Am I not important to you?” San tilted his head, giving you a sly smile.
“You are, but you're not who I'm looking for,” you scoffed, hitting his arm playfully.
San brought his hand to his chest, feigning a dramatic gasp. “And here I thought I was unforgettable.”
“You are, just not in the way you think.”
“Ah, so there is someone else! Now I’m intrigued.”
As Seonghwa watched you and San together, a mix of emotions flooded his mind. On one hand, he was happy to see you enjoying yourself, but on the other, he couldn't shake off the feeling of jealousy that consumed him. He knew it was irrational and unfair, but the sight of you with someone else rattled him in ways he didn't understand.
With determination in his step, he approached you, his presence catching you off guard as his hand wrapped around your waist resting on the small of your back. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver coursing down your spine.
“General,” Seonghwa greeted San with a nod, his voice steady despite the tempest raging within. His eyes, however, flashed with a brief, intense possessiveness, a silent claim that spoke volumes.
“Lord Park,” San replied, his gaze sharp with curiosity and a hint of amusement, completely oblivious to Seonghwa’s hostility.
Seonghwa’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched San’s lingering gaze. Leaning in closer, he brushed against your ear as he whispered, never breaking eye contact with San. “Dance with me?” His voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable command.
San, gave you a knowing look and you rolled your eyes in response, a faint smile touching your lips as you took Seonghwa's hand. The soft strains of the music enveloped you both, creating an intimate atmosphere. Seonghwa’s grip on your waist tightened slightly, as if to remind you—and San—of his presence while guiding you with a natural grace. Your free hand found its way to his shoulder, while his other hand held yours, fingers entwined.
“Have I ever mentioned how impulsive you are?” you teased softly, toying with the lapel of his jacket. The smooth fabric felt like a stark contrast to the tension hanging in the air.
“Maybe,” he replied, a smile playing on his lips. His eyes, however, were serious, as if he was weighing his next words carefully. “There’s something I forgot to mention the other day.”
“Hm?” you responded, curiosity piqued, your eyes meeting his with a questioning look.
“Lady Lee was absent on the night of the gala.” Your furrowed your brows at Seonghwa’s revelation. “What do you mean?”
“I pulled the guest list of every single attendee from that night, and she was the only Council member missing from the list. I asked Lord Kim about it, and he thought it was odd as well,” Seonghwa explained, his tone serious, eyes dark with concern. The weight of his words settled heavily between you.
“You think she’s connected?” you asked, your mind racing with possibilities, the weight of the situation pressing down on you.
“I didn’t get a chance to ask, he hung up on me while trying to flag her down,” Seonghwa pouted slightly. No one hangs up on Park Seonghwa, not even his mentor. You couldn’t help but giggle at the thought of Hongjoong’s father abruptly ending the call with Seonghwa, his slack jawed expression vivid in your mind. His flair for dramatics always added a touch of humor to your interactions, making him all the more endearing.
“I suppose you should follow up with him. Fortunately for me, I’ll be enjoying the festivities tonight,” you sighed. “San owes me a drink after I bet that Jongho wouldn’t last an hour without trying to sell someone a dragon.”
Seonghwa’s expression shifted, a hint of disapproval in his eyes. “You and Choi San?” he remarked, his voice carrying a slight bitterness. You nodded, “I’ve known him since we were kids, he’s a packaged deal with Jongho. You know, with the whole breeding House partnership thing.”
“I suppose he possesses a certain charm, but his intellect leaves much to be desired.”
“Don’t be rude! San is my friend,” you retorted, a sharp edge to your laughter. “And if not San, who, pray tell, would you have me spend my time with, Lord Park?”
Seonghwa’s lips curved into a half-smile, mischief glinting in his eyes. “Someone who can match your wit,” he proposed, his fingers drawing patterns on your spine.
“Someone like…you?” you challenged, your grin daring him to deny it. His laughter was low and velvety, a sound that seemed to wrap around you like a cool embrace. He leaned in closer, his breath ghosting over your skin as he brushed his lips against your temple.
“Perhaps,” Seonghwa murmured, his voice a tantalizing whisper. “Guess you’ll have to find out.”
The music slowly faded, signaling the end of the dance and the appearance of Song Tae Gyu. The room fell silent as the Song patriarch entered, the grand hall, once filled with lively chatter and laughter, now buzzed with hushed whispers. Snippets of conversation about “Mingi,” “the Council,” and “unstable dragon” floated through the air like a dark cloud.
“Song Tae Gyu has some nerve showing up after what his son pulled,” Jongho sneered, his gaze fixed on Mingi’s father with a stone-cold expression as he approached you and Seonghwa on the dance floor. Ever the purist, Jongho’s disdain was palpable. You could almost feel the weight of his contempt for the way the Songs had let their son disgrace their house and the sanctity of dragon racing.
“He’s simply carrying out his duties to my father,” San reminded his cousin, his voice composed despite the discomfort evident in his body language. He glanced around the room, noting the wary eyes and cautious glances directed at Song Tae Gyu. “I know the Songs feel terrible about the incident, but as a vassal House, they have their obligations.”
San’s words were measured, but you could sense the underlying tension. The incident with Mingi had cast a momentary shadow over the evening, and the presence of Song Tae Gyu only served to deepen the unease.
“Ah, Tae Gyu! So glad you could make it!” the elder General Choi exclaimed, clapping a hand on the man’s shoulder. “I was just telling everyone about the time you and I got lost in the ravine and had to spend the night in a cave. Remember that?”
The room erupted in laughter as Lord Choi recounted the tale with exaggerated gestures, painting a vivid picture of their misadventure. Even Song Tae Gyu managed a small, grateful smile, the worry lines on his face softening.
Jongho rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the small grin tugging at his lips. He took a sip from his glass, the warm liquid sliding down his throat as he mulled over his father's words. "Your father always knows how to lighten the mood," he muttered to San before turning to face you, swirling his empty glass in a playful gesture.
“So,” he drawls, “Are you still F/N L/N or Park F/N–” Both you and Seonghwa exchange flustered glances, your denials overlapping.
“There’s nothing between us!” Your voice cracked slightly, betraying your nerves.
“Absolutely nothing!” Seonghwa added, his voice a pitch higher than usual, nodding vigorously. His cheeks are flushed, and he looks like he might combust from the sheer embarrassment.
“Oh, come on,” Jongho teased, “You two are practically glowing,” He winks, knocking back the rest of his drink with a satisfied smirk. You groaned, burying your face in your hands, while Seonghwa prayed for the ground to open and swallow him whole. Jongho’s laughter echoed around the room, clearly enjoying every moment of your shared embarrassment. “I’ll be around tomorrow if you want to dig through the records. I’m sure we’ll find something on that wannabe Longhorn.”
“What did you say?”
“Nothing, just bullshitting.”
“No! About the wannabe part.”
The mention of the word "wannabe" caught your attention like a firework exploding in your mind. You could feel your heart racing as you frantically searched your knowledge for any clues about this breed.
Wannabe… Imitation… Copy… The word echoed in your mind, reverberating with increasing intensity. Your breath caught in your throat, and your heart began to race as you frantically sifted through your mental catalog of dragon breeds and their levels of intelligence.
Dreamwood Ridgeback, biddable with high emotional intellect… Cascade Wyvern, alert and confident… Star Fury, fiercely intelligent but too rare… Nettled…
A sudden realization hit you like a bolt of lightning. You turned sharply to face San, your eyes widening with urgency and determination. "Do you have a copy of a breed encyclopedia?" You could almost feel the gears turning in your head, piecing together the clues and making connections. It was all starting to make sense now.
San looked momentarily puzzled, his brow furrowing as he tried to process your sudden question. Before he could respond, Jongho stepped in with a confident grin. “Of course they do, I left one here to read during summers,” he said, patting San’s shoulder in a playful yet slightly condescending manner, acknowledging his older cousin’s limited mental acuity.
“Longhorns aren’t meant to be particularly intelligent,” you began, your voice steady but urgent. “But if Ajax was able to learn Cirrus’ maneuvers, there could only be one breed that matches the description.”
The four of you exchanged tense looks, the weight of the mystery pressing down on you. Without another word, you all turned and rushed out of the hall, each step bringing you closer to uncovering the truth.
Jongho traipsed around the library, pulling out books and peeking through every nook and cranny, his determination to locate the beloved encyclopedia was almost comical. Meanwhile, you took your time, your fingers trailing over the spines of novels that drew your interest—classic literature rich with love and loss and fantasies brimming with epic adventures of dragon riders from the past.
Seonghwa matched your stride on the opposite side of the bookshelf as you wandered through the maze of books, the soft patter of your footsteps echoing off the high, vaulted ceilings. He glanced at the spines of the books you passed, his fingers lightly brushing against the aged covers, intrigued by the types of stories that captured your attention.
“A little help here,” Jongho grumbled from a nearby aisle, hopping up to get a better look at the upper shelves. You pouted, reluctantly placing the book you had been holding back on the shelf as you moved to assist him. Dust puffed out as you rummaged through the shelves, swatting away at the air as the particles ticked your throat.
“When was the last time they dusted the shelves?” you coughed, moving to a particularly shadowed section of the library, where the books seemed older, their covers cracked and worn with age. “What does it look like?”
“The title is on the spine, Y/N,” Jongho replied, his voice echoing softly in the vast, silent room.“It must be here somewhere,” he muttered to himself, peering at the book spines with a frustrated expression.
Taking off your heels and hoisting the skirt of your gown, you climbed onto a nearby ladder, the dim light making it difficult to read the titles, but you persisted. Finally, your eyes fell on a slightly worn book with the words “Encyclopedia” embossed on the spine in gold leaf, barely visible through the grime. “Here it is!” you exclaimed, carefully pulling the book from its resting place.
As you began your descent, you focused solely on your footing, ensuring each step was steady and secure. Finally, your feet touched the ground, and Seonghwa and San rushed over, Seonghwa reaching out to steady you, his hand warm and reassuring on your arm.
Seonghwa exhaled deeply, relief evident in his eyes. “I’m glad you made it down safely.”
"Would you have caught me if I fell?" You met his gaze with a mischievous grin.
“Do you want to test that theory?”
San cleared his throat awkwardly as Jongho strolled over, visibly cringing at your banter with Seonghwa. His eyes flicked to the book clutched to your chest, its yellowed pages and intricately embossed gold cover hinting at its long history. “That’s the one,” he confirmed, reaching out momentarily to scold you for holding the book so carelessly.
“Let’s see where you’re hiding, mimic,” you muttered to yourself as you wandered off, leafing through the contents of the heavy book without much care. The weight of the tome made your arms ache slightly, and the pages, thick and slightly brittle with age, rustled softly as you flipped through them. Jongho quickly trailed behind you, his expression turning serious.
“Don’t turn the pages so quickly!” he warned. “You’re going to damage them!”
You sank into one of the rarely used loveseats, your fingers trembled slightly as you flipped through the pages, each one filled with intricate illustrations and detailed descriptions of various dragon breeds. A sense of awe washed over you as you read through breeds, old and new—each more fascinating than the last. As you continued, your anticipation grew, until finally, your eyes landed on the page you were searching for.
You studied the avian-looking dragon. Its sleek, streamlined body was adorned with grotesque feathers hanging from its gangly, mismatched wings. The large, bug-like eyes bulged with an eerie intelligence, giving the dragon an almost alien appearance. They stared back at you with a knowing, unsettling awareness. Its sharp, curved beak-like snout added to its avian resemblance, but instead of elegance, it exuded menace and predatory intent, as if ready to strike at any moment.
“Found you,” you whispered, a triumphant smile spreading across your face. Your mind raced with the implications of this discovery, the pieces of the puzzle finally coming together. You shut the book with a deep, resonant thud that echoed softly in the space and leaned your head back against the cushions. Thoughts of your job at the Institute surfaced; the resources and access you had there could be invaluable for digging deeper into the investigation and revealing the truth about Ajax and even Lady Lee.
Your eyes grew heavy as the day’s events blurred together, allowing sleep to slowly overtake you. Your mind wandered to the grand hall, where you danced with Seonghwa. The memory of his warm hand in yours, the intensity of his gaze making your heart race, filled your thoughts. The closeness of his body, the heat radiating between you, and the subtle, teasing brush of his lips near your ear as he whispered something only you could hear, left you wanting more.
But then, the unsettling gaze of the Kuku intruded, shattering the fragile bubble of your reverie. The contrast between the warmth of Seonghwa’s embrace and the cold, piercing stare of the Kuku was stark, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease.
In your peaceful state, the hushed sound of footsteps and rustling fabric barely registered in your mind. An intoxicating and alluring scent filled your senses, drawing you back to consciousness as a jacket was draped over your form with care. Its gentle warmth offered relief against the icy fingers tucking a stray lock of hair behind your ear. The touch was tender, almost reverent, as if they were afraid to wake you but couldn’t resist the urge to be near.
The world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for what would come next as your eyes fluttered open, the only source of light being the silvery beams of moonlight filling the library. You blink a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, and then you realize something: your head is resting on someone’s shoulder.
Your heart skips a beat as you recognize the familiar scent. Seonghwa. You must have dozed off after reading, and now here you are, nestled against him, his jacket covering your form. The fabric is soft and comforting, and you instinctively nuzzle into it, savoring the warmth and the faint scent of him that lingers on it.
You lift your head slowly, trying not to disturb him. His face, peaceful and relaxed, comes into view. He stirs slightly, his half-lidded eyes meeting yours as he turns to face you.
“Did ya sleep well?” he murmured, voice thick with drowsiness. Gods, you wanted to do something to that beautiful face of his.
“Didn’t mean to use your shoulder as a pillow.”
“S’alright,” he stretches, offering you a lazy smile. “Best sleep I’ve gotten in a while.”
“No kidding,” you chuckled, “Still I should be careful. Don’t want to cause a scandal by falling asleep in public places.”
“Whatever do you mean, Park Seonghwa’s Mystery Woman?”
You laugh softly, recalling the headlines that painted you as a fleeting chapter in his life. “I’m not interested in becoming a tabloid sensation.”
Seonghwa nodded, feeling a little guilty of what he put you through during the early days of your coaching. A silence falls between you, the intimacy of the conversation giving way to a more reflective mood. You glance down at the encyclopedia resting on the table, your thoughts shifting.
“I’m…thinking of going back to the Institute,” you finally say. “I think I’ve figured out Ajax’s missing half but I don’t think our case against the necropsy will be very effective if I don’t have access to all the necessary resources.”
Seonghwa’s expression softens as he listens, his eyes filled with understanding and support. He leans in slightly, his gaze reassuring. “I get it,” he says gently, his voice steady.
“You do?” you ask, surprised, your eyebrows raising slightly.
He nods, a small, reassuring smile playing on his lips. “This whole situation has been dragging on for too long, even if what we’re doing is…illegal. I’m tired of the bureaucracy and need to go back to doing what I do best.”
You felt a sense of relief wash over you, grateful for his understanding and support. You leaned back, feeling the tension in your shoulders ease. After a few moments, you lifted your head slightly and looked at him.
“Do you want to stay a little longer?” you asked softly, your voice barely above a whisper.
Seonghwa didn’t say a word. Instead, he shifted slightly, making more room for you to lean back against him. You settled in, your head resting on his shoulder once more, and closed your eyes, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing.
<< viii | twilight | x >>
taglist: @litolmochi @syubseokie @park-simphwa @szakias