Dr KANG BETTER NOT TWEAK AJAX MORE IM GONNA BURST INTO FLAMES - Tumblr Posts
away with the wind | vi
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: 4.8K Warnings: dragon on dragon violence, depictions of flesh and bone, not proofread
Fic Masterlist
The morning of the race had finally arrived, and your house buzzed with chaotic energy. You scrambled to gather all your belongings for the skyway, while Sohee trailed behind, voicing her frustration about not being able to join you.
“I want to go too!” she exclaimed.
You sighed, trying to balance the chaos. “I know, Sohee, but it’s a busy day for everyone, including Yunho. Maybe next time, okay?”
Sohee pouted, crossing her arms. “Everyone is always busy!”
You knelt down to her level, giving her a reassuring smile. “I promise, you can come to the next training session. But today, I need you to do a big job for me.”
Her eyes lit up a bit at the idea. “What is it?”
“I need you to cheer on Mr. Seonghwa. He has a really tough race ahead of him and we all need to make sure he wins. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes ma’am!” she confirmed, giving you a quick hug.
“Now, can you help me make sure I have everything I need?” She nodded eagerly, her earlier frustration melting away. “Okay!”
With Sohee’s help, you managed to gather your things more quickly, feeling a bit more prepared for the day ahead.
“Wait, don’t forget this!” she called out, handing you a colorful drawing. In the picture, you stood proudly next to Cirrus, with Yunho surrounded by holographic monitors. Sohee had depicted herself riding Outlaw, with Burrow soaring beside them, and Seonghwa mounted on Starshine, surrounded by sparkles.
“Can you show this to Mr. Seonghwa? Tell him it’s a good luck charm!” she pouted, bashfully, refusing to admit her fondness for the rider.
You chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Sure thing.”
“Wait! I need to add something!” she exclaimed, padding to the kitchen to grab a marker from the drawer.
Seonghwa’s mood was sour. He had been distant ever since your argument a week ago, and the tension between you was still palpable. He was all smiles during the ceremony, waving to the crowd, his charm and charisma on full display as he stood beside Starshine. She preened under the adoration of the spotlight, waving her tail as if she were addressing the crowd. As you watched him interact with the fans and the other riders, you couldn’t help but feel a mix of admiration and resentment. Admiration for his ability to captivate the crowd and resentment for the distance that had grown between you.
You had been present for all of the training sessions after the argument leading up to the day of the race, but relied heavily on Yunho as a mediator. You’d lay out all of the instructions for him to relay to Seonghwa while you observed on the monitor, refusing to speak directly to him. Seonghwa, equally stubborn, would only respond to Yunho.
Yunho’s attempts to mediate were admirable, but the underlying tension was hard to ignore. The constant back-and-forth was draining, and there were moments when he felt overwhelmed by the responsibility. Yet, his natural inclination to help and support his friends kept him going.
You watched from the sidelines as the opening ceremony was in full swing. The grounds were packed with roaring fans, their cheers echoing through the air. Banners and flags waved in a sea of colors, representing the various riders and their loyal supporters. The smell of food from the vendors mingled with the scent of dragon scales and the faint whiff of smoke, charging the air with anticipation. As expected of Park Haerin, you thought.
Once Seonghwa returned to the dragon pit, the facade dropped. He sat in silence, brooding as Yunho flitted around performing last minute checks on his gear. Sensing his distress, Starshine bumped her nose against his chest, her eyes full of concern. Lost in his own world he looked away, leaving her to retreat with a soft rumble, her wings drooping in disappointment.
She noticed a sheet of paper tucked underneath Seonghwa’s bag. She approached it cautiously, her nostrils flaring as she sniffed it. The scent was faint but unmistakable, a blend of yours and Sohee’s. Her tail began to wag, a sign of recognition and excitement.
Using her snout to nudge the paper free from its hiding place, she carefully pulled it out and laid it on the ground. The drawing, slightly crumpled but still vibrant, captured Sohee’s joy in the composition, colors, and attention to detail.
Starshine turned her head towards Seonghwa, hoping the sight of Sohee’s gift might lift his spirits. The dragon’s gentle rumble filled the pit, a soft call to her rider, urging him to notice the artwork she had found.
Seonghwa, still lost in his thoughts, finally glanced in Starshine’s direction. His eyes fell upon the drawing, and for a moment, his brooding expression softened. He reached out, picking up the paper and gently tracing the lines of the drawing.
“GOOD LUCK MR. SEONGHWA. FROM: SOHEE”
Her handwriting was scrawled out in large, enthusiastic letters. A small, bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he admired Sohee’s handiwork. Starshine watched intently, her tail swishing with anticipation. She could sense a shift in Seonghwa’s mood, a glimmer of light breaking through the clouds of his mind.
“Hey,” Yunho poked his head through the door. “It’s almost time.”
“Yeah,” Seonghwa said quietly.
Yunho walked over and looked at the artwork, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “Sohee’s really got a knack for this, doesn’t she?”
“She does.” With a final glance at Sohee’s drawing, Seonghwa tucked it safely into his gear. He stood up, his posture more resolute, and gave Starshine a gentle pat. “Let’s go, girl.”
Yunho smiled, stepping aside to let Seonghwa and Starshine pass. He was hopeful that your olive branch would be the first step towards reconciliation with his friend. “You’ve got this,” he said, his voice filled with unwavering confidence.
You, on the other hand, remained outside on the sidelines with numerous monitors floating in front of you, each displaying vital statistics and real-time data. Your fingers hovered anxiously over the transparent buttons, ensuring everything was in order.
As Seonghwa and Starshine emerged from the pit, you could see the tension in his shoulders ease slightly. Her powerful muscles rippled under her shimmering scales as she prepared for take off. The crowd’s roar grew louder fueling the energy of the skyway. Each second felt like an eternity, the anticipation almost unbearable. As Seonghwa passed by, he hesitated, his eyes searching for yours. There was a flicker of something unspoken in his gaze, a longing that mirrored your own.
As the countdown timer ticked closer to zero, you took a deep breath, steadying yourself. The riders were in position, the energy in the air electric with anticipation. You glanced one last time at Seonghwa, silently wishing him luck. You turned back to your holograms, your heart pounding in sync with the countdown timer as riders took their place.
With a final, lingering look, Seonghwa turned his attention to the sky, his determination evident. The countdown reached its final moments, and the riders were off with a thunderous roar. With a powerful leap, Starshine took to the air, her wings beating rhythmically as they soared into the sky. The crowd erupted in cheers, the roar echoing through the arena.
The sky was a chaotic blend of colors and sounds as the dragons jostled for first position. Seonghwa leaned forward, urging Starshine on, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. Her wings cut through the air with precision and grace, twisting and turning with her sharpened tail to reduce the drag and build momentum. The wind whipped past them, carrying the roars and cheers of the crowd below. Seonghwa could feel the heat of the other dragons’ flames behind him, but remained undeterred.
As the riders approached the first checkpoint, the tension in the air was undeniable. The checkpoint was marked by a series of floating, combustible rings. Each rider had to navigate their dragon through these rings to continue the race, but the rings were unpredictable, shifting positions and occasionally bursting into flames, adding an extra layer of danger.
As Seonghwa and Starshine approached the first ring, it suddenly shifted to the left, forcing them to make a sharp turn. Starshine’s wings flapped powerfully, and they narrowly avoided the burst of flames that erupted from the ring’s center. The crowd watching from the sidelines gasped in awe and fear, their sounds mingling with the roar of the dragons.
Yunho watched as Seonghwa pushed Starshine harder than usual, demanding more speed and agility without considering the strain it placed on her this early in the race. The crowd, sensing the tension, watched with bated breath. Seonghwa’s usual confidence was replaced by a visible strain, and it was clear that his mood was affecting not just his performance, but also Starshine’s.
“Seonghwa, you need to relax more,” Yunho’s voice crackled through the comms, filled with concern. “Starshine’s vitals are showing some strain.”
“She’s fine,” he reassured, though his voice lacked its usual confidence. Yunho, watching next to you, threw his hands into the air in frustration.
“Seonghwa, listen to me,” you insisted, your tone urgent. “If you keep pushing her like this, she might not make it through the canyons. You need to ease up and find your rhythm again.”
Seonghwa clenched his jaw, feeling a surge of irritation. He knew you were right, but his pride wouldn’t let him admit it easily. Torn between his determination to win and his concern for Starshine, he took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts.
“Seonghwa,” Yunho warned, his voice weary from playing mediator.
“Alright, I’ll try,” he finally conceded, his grip on the reins loosening slightly. He could feel Starshine respond to his change in demeanor, her movements becoming a bit more fluid despite her exhaustion. Seonghwa’s irritation lingered, but he knew he had to put it aside for Starshine’s sake.
One by one, the riders navigated the course, each encounter more harrowing than the last, some riders less fortunate than others. Flames singed wings and tails, and the unpredictable shifts of the rings caused several near-misses. Upon clearing the second ring, they could see the third and final ring ahead. This one was the largest and most erratic, its flames dancing wildly in all directions.
“Focus, just focus,” he told himself. With a powerful surge, Starshine propelled them forward, her wings beating with incredible strength. Just as it seemed they would be engulfed by the flames, Seonghwa guided her into a barrel roll spiraling through the ring. The crowd erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable.
“YES!” You and Yunho cheered from your position on the ground, your voices blending with the roar of the crowd. Relief washed over you as Seonghwa made it out of the first checkpoint, now heading towards the second leg of the race.
As they emerged from the pass, the race intensified. The next section of the course was a series of sharp turns and steep dives, designed to test the riders’ control and the dragons’ maneuverability. Seonghwa leaned forward, urging Starshine to pick up speed. The wind whipped past them, and the ground below became a blur.
The first sharp turn approached rapidly, a narrow gap between two jagged rock formations. Seonghwa tightened his grip, his body moving in perfect harmony with Starshine’s. With a swift, graceful motion, they banked hard to the left, narrowly avoiding the rocky outcrop.
Watching from the sidelines, your heart pounded with anxiety. This section of the course was where you had your wings taken from you when you broke your back. You clenched your fists, forcing yourself to focus on the present.
Seonghwa and Starshine were doing everything right, their movements controlled. But the sight of the sharp turns and steep dives brought back a flood of emotions. You could almost feel the wind rushing past you, the ground coming up too fast, the sickening crunch as you hit the rocks, the ringing in your ears.
“Y/N, are you okay?” Yunho asked, his voice filled with concern. “Do you need a break?”
You shook yourself out of your reverie, forcing a smile. “No, I’m fine.”
He placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “I know this part of the course is tough for you. But look at them,” he said, nodding towards Seonghwa and Starshine on the screen. “They’re handling it perfectly. You trained them well.”
You took a deep breath, trying to steady your nerves. “I know. It’s just hard to watch sometimes.”
Yunho squeezed your shoulder gently. “Trust in what you’ve taught them.”
You nodded, turning your attention back to the monitors. Seonghwa and Starshine were approaching the end of the second checkpoint, their movements precise and controlled.
Starshine’s powerful wings folded in close to her body, streamlining their descent. The canyon walls seemed to close in around them, the path ahead filled with sharp turns and narrow passages. Seonghwa’s heart pounded in his chest, the thrill of the dive coursing through his veins. At the last possible moment, she unfurled her wings, pulling them out of the dive with a breathtaking swoop.
You followed the dot on the screen, quickly closing in on Seonghwa and Starshine. You zoom in on the hologram and see Ajax in hot pursuit.
“On your six!” you called through the comms.
Seonghwa could see Mingi and Ajax out of the corner of his eye, matching their pace stride for stride. Seonghwa urged Starshine to push harder, her muscles straining as they surged forward. The next series of turns came fast and furious, each one testing their reflexes and coordination. Seonghwa and Starshine moved as one, their bond evident in every fluid motion.
The erratic flight path was causing Ajax to drift dangerously close to Starshine. Seonghwa, noticing the impending collision, tried to maneuver Starshine away, but Ajax’s unpredictable movements made it difficult. The dragon’s tail whipped around, narrowly missing Starshine’s flank, and his wings beat with a desperate, uncontrolled rhythm.
You noticed that something was off about Ajax’s movements. They were intentional. The dragon’s powerful wings continued to beat erratically, each stroke a testament to his raw, untamed power. It was clear that something more sinister was at play.
“Something’s wrong with Ajax,” you said through the comms, your voice steady to not worry the other competitors and race organizers.
Yunho tapped the hologram, producing another screen with a close-up of Ajax, a crazed look in his eyes. Mingi’s expression mirrored his dragon’s, a sinister grin spreading across his face as he directed Ajax with ruthless precision.
“They’re not just trying to win,” Yunho said, his voice tight with anger. “He’s out for blood.”
Ajax’s movements were aggressive and calculated. He lunged at Starshine with his claws extended, aiming for her wings to cripple her flight. Each swipe was intended to inflict maximum damage, not just to win the race but to ensure Starshine couldn’t continue.
Mingi’s commands were sharp and relentless and Ajax obeyed, his eyes glowing with a malevolent intensity. He unleashed a torrent of flames, this time aiming directly at Seonghwa. The heat was unbearable, forcing Starshine to shield her rider as Seonghwa struggled to steer them both into a dive.
Starshine twisted in mid-air, narrowly avoiding the flames, but Ajax was relentless. He followed them into the dive, snapping at Starshine’s tail with his powerful jaws. The crowd below gasped in horror as they realized the true danger of the situation.
“Mingi’s lost it,” Yunho muttered, his eyes never leaving the screen. “He’s not going to stop until Seonghwa and Starshine are down.”
Ajax’s next attack was even more vicious. He aimed for Starshine’s underbelly, a vulnerable spot that could cause serious injury. Starshine managed to roll out of the way just in time, but the close call left her and Seonghwa shaken.
“Seonghwa, you have to pull out of there, Mingi is purposely trying to drive you into a corner,” your voice crackled.
Without looking back, Seonghwa urged Starshine further into the open sky stretching out before him. Ajax lunged forward, his jaws snapping dangerously close to Starshine’s neck. Seonghwa pulled hard on the reins, trying to steer Starshine away, but Ajax was relentless. The two dragons twisted and turned in a deadly aerial combat, circling in the sky.
The crowd below watched in stunned silence, their eyes glued to the fierce battle unfolding above the ground. The other competitors kept their distance, aware of the danger posed by Ajax’s unpredictable aggression. Mingi’s face was set in a grimace of concentration, his knuckles white, driving Ajax to continue his assault.
Seonghwa’s evasive maneuver brought them dangerously close to the crowd below. The spectators gasped and scattered, their cheers turning to cries of alarm. He could feel the heat of Ajax’s flames licking at Starshine’s tail, the acrid smell of burning filling the air.
“What is going on here!?” Haerin shouted, joining you and Yunho on the sidelines.
“It’s a full on assault,” you said, without taking your eyes off the monitor.
“We have to evacuate the premises,” Yunho said, turning to Haerin. “The keepers are on their way to neutralize the situation but Ajax is too dangerous."
Haerin nodded, her face pale but determined. “I’ll coordinate the evacuation. You two keep an eye on Seonghwa and Starshine. Make sure they stay safe.”
As Haerin rushed off to execute the evacuation plan, you and Yunho turned your attention back to the monitor. The screen showed Starshine and Ajax engaged in a deadly dance, their movements a blur of wings and claws.
The two dragons collided, their wings tangling for a brief, heart-stopping moment. The impact sent both dragons spiraling. Spectators screamed and began to flee, the once festive atmosphere turning chaotic. Your heart pounded as you watched Seonghwa struggle to regain control of Starshine, who was now locked in a deadly battle with Ajax.
Starshine retaliated with a powerful swipe, her claws grazing Ajax’s side. He snarled in pain but didn’t back down. Instead, he seemed to grow even more enraged, his eyes glowing with a fury. He unleashed another barrage of flames, forcing Starshine to dive and roll to avoid the searing heat.
“He needs backup,” you muttered, your voice barely audible over the roar of the flames and the beating of wings.
“It’s too dangerous!” Yunho exclaimed, his eyes wide with fear as he watched the battle unfold from the sidelines.
“Seonghwa won’t be able to fight Ajax on his own,” you insisted, your voice firm despite the chaos. “I have to buy him time until the keepers get there.”
Without waiting for another word, you whistled for Cirrus. She responded instantly, her sleek form emerging from the shadows as you bounded on to her back. Cirrus’s wings beat against the air, propelling you upwards with incredible speed. The wind whipped past your face, as the ground below quickly became a blur as you ascended, the panic of the crowd fading into the distance.
Ahead, you could see the battle raging between Seonghwa and Ajax. Starshine was dodging Ajax’s relentless attacks, but it was clear she was tiring. Seonghwa’s face was set in grim determination, his focus unwavering despite the danger.
Mingi, with a fierce determination in his eyes, commanded Ajax to unleash another devastating flurry of flames. The inferno roared to life, its searing heat and blinding light creating a formidable barrier. Seonghwa and Starshine, caught off guard, found themselves with no opportunity to counterattack or escape.
Using the flames as cover, you surged through the inferno with Cirrus’ claws outstretched, aiming directly at Ajax. Emerging from the fire, she struck with precision, her claws swiping Ajax across the face and catching him completely off guard. His screech echoed through the sky, a sound of pure fury. Quickly regaining his composure, Ajax’s eyes burned with renewed rage, the intensity of his glare promising a fierce retaliation.
Mingi, sensing the shift in momentum, barked out another command. “Ajax, focus!” he ordered, his voice cutting through the chaos. Mingi’s grip tightened on the reins, his knuckles white with tension. But the dragon didn’t relent, ignoring his rider’s orders.
This wasn’t the first time Ajax had defied him. The bond between dragon and rider had always been tenuous, a fragile alliance forged out of necessity rather than trust. Ajax’s unstable nature was the root of his inability to fully accept Mingi as his rider. Ever since he was a hatchling, Ajax's natural instincts to dominate clashed with the idea of submitting to a human. His fierce independence made him resistant to any form of control, despite Mingi’s best efforts.
Cirrus, undeterred by Ajax’s roar, circled back for another strike. Ajax illuminated the sky with a series of fiery blasts, each one aimed at you with deadly precision. You and Cirrus dodged and weaved through the onslaught, the intense heat singeing her wings
Ajax, momentarily distracted by Cirrus, left an opening for Starshine. Seonghwa seized the opportunity, diving towards the dragon’s vulnerable underbelly. Starshine’s claws raked across his scales, eliciting a pained bellow from the mighty beast.
Mingi gritted through clenched teeth as Cirrus clamped down onto Ajax’s wing, a sickening crunch following the impact of jaws against flesh and bone. Ajax let out a blood curdling roar, swinging his body wildly in an attempt to shake her off.
“The keepers are almost here!” you shouted to Seonghwa, struggling to control Cirrus as Ajax thrashed violently in her jaws. Mingi’s eyes blazed with a mix of fury and desperation, each of Ajax’s agonized shrieks tearing at his heart. His mind raced, torn between his ambition and the reality of the situation.
“Starshine, now!”
Without missing a beat, Starshine soared high into the sky, her wings beating furiously as she gained altitude. With a fierce cry, she tucked her wings and dove straight down, aiming directly at Ajax. Starshine’s dive hit with devastating force, her claws digging into the flesh on his back, sending him reeling. The impact was enough to knock the wind out of him, and he staggered, struggling to stay upright, with Mingi holding tightly onto the saddle.
“Lord Park!” a keeper called out. A group of keepers with neutralizing spears surrounded Ajax, pointing them at him. They moved in cautiously but decisively, their eyes locked on the crimson dragon as one of the keepers aimed a lance at one of Ajax’s hind legs.
Ajax snarled, but his movements were sluggish, his strength waning as the keepers applied specialized restraints to his limbs, preventing him from using his claws, tail, or jaws to attack. The restraints clicked into place, with the assistance of the spears, holding firm against any attempt to break free.
“Mingi, it’s over,” you said, your breath ragged. He looked at you with pleading eyes, searching for reassurance but you couldn’t offer him any. What you meant was that it was over. His career, the end of Ajax’s terror on the skyway, everything.
In a twisted way, engaging in combat with Ajax was your way of finally letting Mingi go. The man you once knew was gone, replaced by someone driven by ambition and recklessness.
You slid off Cirrus, the rush of adrenaline masking the excruciating pain coursing through your body. She nudged you gently with her snout, her eyes filled with concern as she sensed your discomfort. A soft rumble emanated from her throat, and you could feel the warmth of her breath against your skin as you leaned on her for support. The ground beneath your feet felt unsteady, and every step sent a jolt of agony through your limbs.
Seonghwa stood nearby as Yunho was debriefing with the keepers, who were busy corralling Ajax into a secure containment unit. The air was thick with tension, the keepers’ voices low and urgent as they worked to subdue the agitated dragon.
Seonghwa stepped forward, his eyes filled with concern. “Are you alright?” he asked softly. You meet his gaze for what seemed like the first time in weeks.
You nodded, “I will be,” you replied. The words felt inadequate, but they were all you could manage, straightening out your back. The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words and lingering tension. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the silence enveloping you both awkwardly. You could see the worry etched into his features,
“I–” you both began simultaneously, then stopped, a small, awkward laugh escaping your lips.
“No, you first,” you offered sheepishly.
“I wanted to thank you for coming to the rescue,” Seonghwa said, his voice soft and a bit hesitant. “I don’t think we could’ve held off Ajax on our own.”
“Your combat training really paid off,” you commented, your eyes lighting up with genuine admiration. “Didn’t I tell you that a Dreamwood would beat Song Mingi?”
Seonghwa smiled, looking a bit bashful. “I’m not sure I actually beat him, considering the race was called off,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “But I didn’t realize how vicious Cirrus could be. She did try to rip off his wing with her jaws. It was like watching a force of nature in action.”
He glanced over at Cirrus, who was now resting peacefully, her fierce demeanor replaced by a calm, protective presence. “By the way,” he said, fishing out the folded drawing from his pocket. Your eyes widened in surprise as he carefully unfolded it. “Thank Sohee for me.”
He held up the drawing your niece had given you that morning, the colors still vibrant despite everything that had happened. It was a small miracle that it had survived the chaos unscathed.
“She was adamant that I give it to you,” you said with a small smile, feeling a rush of affection for the little artist. “I’m surprised it stayed intact after all that chaos.”
Seonghwa’s gaze softened as he looked at the drawing, then back at you. “I’ll consider it a good luck charm.”
“That’s exactly what she said this morning,” you chuckled, recalling your conversation with her. Seonghwa nodded, his smile growing.
“She knows how to pick her charms.”
There was a brief, comfortable silence before you spoke again. “I wanted to apologize,” you said suddenly. “I didn’t mean to call you a coward. I was out of line and–”
“No, I’m sorry,” he interrupted. “You were right. I was unfair for lashing out at you. I’ve let my own insecurities and frustrations cloud my judgment, and hurt you in the process. I’m truly sorry, Y/N.”
His words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of his remorse. You could see the sincerity in his eyes, the raw emotion that he rarely let show. You nodded, accepting his apology with a small smile.
“I can only assume this is a step toward reconciliation, your grace.”
“I told you to call me Seonghwa,” he reminded you, his voice soft. The formality of your words stung, a reminder of the distance that he had put between you.
You took a deep breath, trying to bridge the gap that had formed. “Speaking of reconciliation,” you began, shifting the topic, “what did the keepers say about Ajax?”
Seonghwa sighed, the weight of the situation evident in his expression. “They’re going to put him down and perform a necropsy to see if he had any underlying issues contributing to his unpredictability. He’s too much of a threat.”
“I wonder if Dr. Kang will be performing the necropsy. He’s experienced in dealing with creatures like Ajax,” you mused. “He might be able to find out if there was something more going on with him. Maybe we’ll finally discover his true parentage.”
Seonghwa chuckled at the idea, a warm, nostalgic sound. “That’s how we got close in the first place, remember? Poring over records and trying to piece together the puzzle.”
You smiled, the memory bringing a bittersweet warmth to your heart. “Yeah, those were good times. It’s strange to think how much has changed since then.”
Seonghwa’s expression grew more serious. “Will you be returning to the Institute?”
“I suppose since the six-month training period is over, I should return to my post,” you hummed thoughtfully. Seonghwa didn’t want that. He wanted you to stay, to be close again, but the words caught in his throat.
He took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. “I admit I’ve grown used to your training style,” he admitted, his eyes searching yours for any sign that you felt the same.
You looked at him, the longing in his eyes mirroring your own. “I’ll miss being here,” you said softly. “It’s been… nice, despite everything.”
Seonghwa’s heart ached at the thought of you leaving. “Maybe you don’t have to go right away,” he suggested, hopeful. “I…We could use your expertise here a bit longer.”
You raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on your lips. “Is that your way of saying you’d miss me?” you crossed your arms.
“Maybe,” he admitted, a playful glint in his eyes. “But don’t let it go to your head.”
You laughed, the sound light and genuine. “I’ll think about it. It’s not like I’m in a rush to take a pay cut.”
“Good,” Seonghwa said, his smile widening. “Because I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet.”
<< v | vii >>
a/n: this and the next chapter pretty much wraps up the Mingi arc before we move into the Dr. Kang arc
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