I Get Seonghwa And I Get Reader AND THAT IS HOW CONFLICTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE RAHHHHH - Tumblr Posts

away with the wind | v

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: 5.5K Warnings: angst, hurt/no comfort, swearing, child labor

a/n: 2 chapters in one day, my brain is fried

Fic Masterlist

The countdown to the Inferno Cup had begun, and with just 3 weeks left, the atmosphere was electric. The training grounds were alive with the sound of dragon wings cutting through the air and the occasional command. 

“Let’s run through that track again,” you said through the ear piece, your eyes fixed on the hologram. Seonghwa’s eyes were focused and determined, a steely resolve etched into his features. He pulled on Starshine’s reins, moving with precision to ensure that their every move was perfectly in sync. 

“Don’t pull on her reins when you come on that turn, let her do her thing,” you advised, your tone gentle but firm. Seonghwa nodded, adjusting his grip and relaxing his posture. Starshine responded immediately, her movements becoming more fluid and graceful as she navigated the turns with ease.

Seonghwa had always believed dragons were tools, meant to attend to his every beck and call. After every training session or race, he would return to the estate, his dragons to the caverns to be tended to by the keepers. But with Starshine, things were different. He found himself letting her roam his estate freely, venturing out together to explore the skies, and occasionally dropping by your home. 

This change in behavior surprised even him. He quickly realized that Starshine was not just a tool, but a companion. Her presence brought a sense of calm and that he had never felt before, a being who shared his dreams and ambitions. She was a confidante, a partner in every sense of the word.

“Nice turn on that bend,” you said, watching Seonghwa and Starshine descend gracefully from above. The dragon’s wings folded neatly as they landed, a testament to their seamless coordination. He patted her neck affectionately, a silent acknowledgment of their shared success.

Yunho approached the pair with a broad smile, waiting to take the reins from Seonghwa to unsaddle Starshine. Right on his heels was a bouncing Voltage, galloping towards Starshine with an exuberance that was infectious, his tail swishing playfully like a puppy. 

His golden eyes were sparkling with excitement, pleading with Seonghwa to let him play with Starshine now that training was over. Though he was now bonded to Yunho, Voltage still considered Seonghwa a friend, and nudged his hand with his snout, seeking more attention and pats.

His playful antics brought a smile to Seonghwa’s face as he reached out to stroke Voltage’s head. “Thanks,” he said, his voice warm with gratitude. “We’ve been working hard on those turns outside of practice.”

“It shows,” you said, feeling a sense of pride in his progress. “You two will be unstoppable.”

Seonghwa’s eyes met yours, lingering for a brief moment before handing the reins to Yunho. Over the past few months, your friendship had developed in ways neither of you had anticipated, especially after the incident in the garden with Mingi. When Mingi had accosted you, Seonghwa stepped in without hesitation, marking a turning point in your relationship. 

In the days that followed the events of that night, you found yourself questioning the nature of your relationship with Seonghwa. Were you now friends? The lines between professionalism and something more had blurred, leaving you in a state of uncertainty. 

“Lady Y/N?” a voice interrupted your thoughts, and you turned to see Ms. Jang, Park Haerin’s personal assistant. Her presence was always marked by an air of efficiency and quiet authority.

“Why are you here, Ms. Jang?” Seonghwa asked, his tone sharper than usual as he approached the older woman. 

“Lady Park requests Lady Y/N’s presence for tea,” Ms. Jang announced, her tone polite but firm, hands folded in front of her.

You exchanged a quick glance with Seonghwa. Park Haerin’s constant vigilance and involvement in Seonghwa’s life were driven by a fierce desire to see him succeed, and it was no secret that she wasn’t afraid to voice her concerns, often making Seonghwa feel suffocated under her watchful eye.

“Is this urgent?” he bit back, his voice edged with frustration.

Ms. Jang maintained her composed demeanor, but you sensed the uneasiness in her eyes as she responded to her Lord. “Lady Park simply wishes to discuss your progress with Lady Y/N,” she said, her words carefully chosen.

“Why does my mother want to meet with Y/N now? What’s this really about?” Seonghwa demanded, his frustration evident.

Ms. Jang hesitated, her gaze flickering between you and Seonghwa. “I’m not privy to all the details, my Lord,” she admitted, her voice softening. “But Lady Park was quite insistent that this meeting take place.”

Seonghwa let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. “Fine,” he muttered, his tone resigned.

You sighed, feeling the weight of yet another task added to your list. The thought of facing Lady Park’s probing and veiled criticisms was daunting, but you knew it was unavoidable. 

Seonghwa turned back to you, his expression still skeptical. “Let me know if she tries to pull anything.”

You gave him a reassuring smile. “Guess I'll find out,” you said, trying to muster some enthusiasm.

Ms. Jang’s expression softened slightly, as if she understood the burden you carried. “Lady Park will be in the east garden of the estate when you arrive,” she informed you, before turning to leave.

Bathed in sunlight, the House Park estate’s elegant architecture and meticulously maintained gardens were a testament to the wealth and status of one of Aurora’s Great Houses. The sprawling lawns were dotted with vibrant flower beds, their colors vivid and striking against the lush green backdrop with marble statues and ornate fountains added a touch of grandeur.

As you approached the entrance, the grand facade of the mansion loomed before you, its intricate stonework exuding an air of timeless elegance. More House Park staff greeted you with a deep bow. 

“Lady Y/N,” they said, their voice respectful and composed. You returned the bow and were ushered into the mansion, its interior just as impressive as its exterior. The soft glow of sunlight filtered through large windows, casting a warm, golden hue over everything–a stark contrast to the silver moonlight that enveloped the very same hall with its shadows a mere few weeks ago. 

The servant guided you to a private garden where she awaited. She sat at the immaculately set table, the high neckline and long fitted sleeves of her dress adding to her air of sophistication. Not a single strand of her hair was out of place, each wave perfectly styled. Haerin looked up as you entered, her expression composed and unreadable.

“Thank you for coming, Lady Y/N,” she said, her voice smooth and measured. “Please, have a seat.”

You took a deep breath and sat down across from her, trying to steady your nerves. “Thank you for having me, your grace.”

She nodded to the waitstaff, who promptly poured tea into your cup, the fragrant steam rising between you. “I’ve invited you to tea today to discuss Seonghwa’s progress,” she began, her eyes never leaving yours. “I’m sure you’re aware that The Inferno Cup is not just a tournament; it is a matter of honor and legacy for our House. Winning would uphold our standing among the empire and solidify Seonghwa’s position as a capable and respected rider.”

“I can assure you, your grace, that Lord Park has been making great progress. With Starshine, he’s mastered a number of incredibly difficult techniques within a few short months,” you said, your voice filled with conviction. 

“Their synchronization has improved remarkably, and they’ve developed a strong understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. He’s been training tirelessly, often pushing himself beyond his limits to ensure that he and Starshine are prepared for the challenges ahead.”

Haerin’s gaze remained steady. “That is reassuring to hear. Riders participating in the Inferno Cup not only require skill but also resilience and adaptability. It is crucial that Seonghwa is able to respond to unexpected situations with precision and confidence.”

In the few short months Seonghwa had Starshine, their relationship had grown into a powerful alliance, one that Seonghwa had never experienced with his other dragons. The pair had developed an unspoken language, a seamless system of communication that allowed them to anticipate each other’s moves. Two halves of a whole, each perfectly attuned to the other’s thoughts and intentions.

“Of course, your grace,” you bowed slightly, reaching for your cup. The delicate porcelain felt cool against your fingers as you lifted it to your lips, savoring the rich aroma of the tea. “The bond between a dragon and their rider is not just a partnership; it’s the cornerstone of their combined strength and effectiveness. Dreamwoods possess an extraordinary sensitivity to the emotional states of their riders. Call it emotional resonance if you will.”

You knew that without a strong bond the consequences on the skyway could be dire. A dragon that does not trust its rider can become a liability, its fear and confusion leading to disastrous outcomes. You’ve witnessed dragons spiraling out of control, their riders clinging desperately to the reins, their cries for help swallowed by the roaring winds or by the ferocious nature of their own companion. 

A pregnant pause filled the air, the silence hanging uncomfortably. You could feel the weight of her scrutiny, the seconds ticking by slowly.

“Tell me, what do you think of Seonghwa?” The question was pointed, laden with curiosity and thinly veiled suspicion.

“You grace?” you sputtered, slightly taken aback by the sudden and pointed inquiry. You set the cup down gently, your mind racing to gather your thoughts about Seonghwa. Haerin’s gaze remained fixed on you, her expression hard and unyielding, as if daring you to speak anything but the truth.

“There’s something more than mere admiration in your eyes, isn’t there?” She leaned forward slightly. “What are your intentions with him?”

Your heart raced as you struggled to find the right words, aware that any misstep could have serious consequences. The intensity of her gaze made it clear that she was observing your every reaction.

You took a deep breath, steadying yourself. “My relationship with his Lordship is purely professional,” you began, your voice measured. “Lord Park’s tenacity and commitment to the sport is unparalleled and admirable. My priority is to ensure complete victory for House Park and I only wish to serve to the best of my abilities. There is nothing more to it.” 

Haerin’s eyes flickered with a contemplation but she wasn’t satisfied. “Purely professional?” she echoed, her tone dripping with suspicion. “Do you mind explaining your whereabouts the night of the Inferno Gala? Are you sure there’s nothing personal between you?”

“With all due respect, your grace, Lord Park had come to my defense in a confrontation with another rider.”

Her eyes narrowed, and she leaned forward, her voice cold. “A confrontation, you say? I find it hard to believe that was purely coincidental.”

You felt a surge of frustration but kept your composure. “I assure you, your grace, it was nothing more than a professional courtesy.”

Haerin’s expression hardened. “Very well,” she said, her tone still guarded. “I will take you at your word, but know that I will be watching closely. Seonghwa’s reputation is paramount, and I will not allow anyone to tarnish it.”

“Yes, your grace.” The tension was palpable, a heavy weight in the air that made you eager to excuse yourself. You could feel the scrutiny in her gaze, the unspoken warning that any misstep would not go unnoticed.

You observed Haerin fiddling with the handle of her delicate cup, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns as if seeking comfort in the familiar texture. Her eyes darted around the garden, avoiding direct contact, as if she were unsure of what to say next. As you stood up to excuse yourself with one last bow, she suddenly spoke, her voice halting your movement.

“Wait,” she said, her tone softer but insistent. You paused, looking at her. She set the cup down with a deliberate motion, her fingers lingering on the porcelain as if reluctant to let go.

Finally, she took a deep breath and looked up. “Are you well versed in combat techniques?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, yet carrying a weight of curiosity and concern.

“Y-Your grace?” you stammered, caught off guard by the sudden shift in the conversation.

“I worry about Seonghwa’s safety,” she blurted, a deep-seated anxiety filling her voice. Her eyes, usually so composed, now reflected her concern. “He is so dedicated, so driven, but I fear he may not be fully prepared for the dangers he might face.”

You hesitated, the weight of the decision pressing weighing on your shoulders. While you had received some combat training from your grandmother and sister, the thought of teaching Seonghwa when you yourself were inexperienced, filled you with doubt. 

“If I may, your grace, are you worried about what happened in the last race?” you asked cautiously, recalling the harrowing incident that had set all of these events into motion. 

She nodded slowly. “Yes,” she admitted. “That race was a stark reminder of how unprepared he can be. The chase in the canyon, the chaos that ensued… It was a miracle no one was seriously injured, though that race should have been a given against that Longhorn.” You could see the fear in her eyes. For once, she seemed human, vulnerable. 

“I understand the importance of thorough preparation and the need for vigilance, however… If a dragon is truly bonded with their rider, their instincts will drive them to do whatever they can to protect them,” you reassured, attempting to mask your own hesitations. “I am more than happy to consult my grandmother on techniques that would prepare his grace should he ever find himself in the face of danger.”

Haerin took a deep breath, the tension in her face and shoulders easing. “Thank you, Lady Y/N,” she said, her voice steadier now. The gratitude in her eyes was unmistakable, despite her standoffish demeanor towards you. 

“I’m afraid I must return to the skyway, your grace” you bowed, the formal gesture a sign of respect and duty. As you straightened, you noticed the way Haerin’s gaze softened, if only for a moment.

“Very well,” she replied flatly, her tone betraying none of the emotions that flickered in her eyes. She turned away, her posture rigid once more.

You thought of Seonghwa as you left the garden, sympathizing with the constant pressure he faced. The weight of his responsibilities, the relentless demands on his time and energy, and the expectations placed upon him were immense. Your empathy for him deepened your resolve to support him in every way possible.

“The race is only a few weeks away. I’m not sure if Starshine and Seonghwa will be prepared to master combat techniques in time,” you said, your voice filled with worry. The weight of the upcoming tournament weighed heavily on your shoulders, and you couldn’t help but glance out the window in the direction of the Park estate.

You were in the kitchen with your grandmother, preparing dinner and recounting your conversation with Park Haerin. While you stewed in your own thoughts, she continued to peel the potatoes, her hands moving rhythmically. 

“We’re in a time of peace, not war. Even if those techniques are taught out of an abundance of precaution, what matters is the trust and connection between them.”

“Are you saying you’re unwilling to teach Starshine how to do a barrel roll?” Your grandmother glared at you, earning a hearty laugh. 

“Sunmi’s preoccupied with the baby, you’re…old, and my body isn’t the same as it used to be. I can’t think of anyone willing to teach him those move sets.” You added your own handful of sliced potatoes to the pot, taking in the comforting aroma of the simmering herbs. 

“Old, am I?” she retorted, raising an eyebrow. “I’ll have you know I could still outfly you on my worst day.”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “I don’t doubt it, but we need someone who can keep up with Starshine’s energy.” A comfortable silence settled in the kitchen, the sound of the stove bubbling softly in the background. You stirred the pot absently, lost in thought.

“You know, Sohee’s been practicing divebombs with Outlaw,” your grandmother remarked casually, breaking the silence. 

Your jaw dropped. “You can’t be serious.”

“Age is just a number, my dear,” she shrugged, mischief twinkling in her eyes. “She’s shown more promise than many seasoned riders three times her age. Sometimes, the young surprise us with their capabilities.”

“Sunmi’s going to kill me.”

“She’s been quite encouraging, actually,” she replied with a sly grin. “When you’re six and "bored" all the time, training dragons is a great pastime.”

You sighed, still grappling with the idea. “I know she’s talented, but this is different. Training Seonghwa is a huge responsibility, especially with his mother watching my every move.”

“Give her a chance,” your grandmother urged gently. “You might be amazed at what she can do. Besides, if something happens to her, we can sue House Park for every shilling in that vault of theirs.”

You arrived at the skyway, leaving Cirrus at home and bringing Outlaw instead. Sohee was in tow, with Burrow perched precariously on her head like a living hat. The tiny dragon’s wings flapped occasionally, trying to maintain balance as your niece strutted confidently ahead. Yunho watched with amusement, a grin spreading across his face, while Seonghwa stood nearby, his expression a combination of dread and apprehension.

“Is today ‘bring your kid to work day’?” Seonghwa asked, raising an eyebrow.

“No,” Yunho chuckled, “Sohee’s here to help.”

“Help!?” Seonghwa echoed with disbelief.

“Sohee, are you sure Burrow is comfortable up there?” you asked, trying to hide your amusement as you both approached the rider and handler. 

“Of course she is!” Sohee replied with a dramatic eye roll. “She loves it. Right, Burrow?” The little dragon chirped in agreement. 

Sohee’s bright eyes sparkled with mischief as her gaze met Seonghwa’s. She wore a miniature version of the riding gear, looking every bit the part of a young dragon rider with her hair braided into twin tails. 

“Come on, Outlaw! We’ve got rich people to train and moves to master!” she called back to you, her small frame was almost comically serious as she stood with her hands on her hips. You fumbled behind wrangling an overly eager Outlaw. 

She turned to Seonghwa. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this,” she said with a confident grin. “I’m practically a pro already.”

Seonghwa’s eyes widened, and he glanced at Yunho, who was barely containing his laughter. “A pro, huh?” he muttered. Starshine nuzzled Sohee, earning a giggle from the young girl. 

Yunho bent down to Sohee’s level, a smile on his face. “Here are your comms, boss!” he said, handing her a pair of earbuds with a playful salute. “These will help you communicate with Seonghwa, your aunt, and me from far away.”

“Copy that!” she exclaimed, returning the gesture just as you reached the trio with Outlaw pawing the ground behind you as if he were saying he was “ready for action”. 

Sohee turned to you with a serious expression that was almost comical on her young face. “Okay, let’s start! We have to make Mr. Seonghwa the best dragon rider ever!” 

With a sassy flick of her braid, she approached Outlaw with the confidence of a seasoned rider. She gave a quick, practiced whistle, and Outlaw obediently lowered one of his massive wings to the ground. With a graceful leap, Sohee used the wing as a springboard, her small frame soaring through the air. She landed lightly on Outlaw’s back, her movements fluid and precise, as if she had done this a thousand times before.

Burrow, flittered over to find purchase on your shoulder, letting out a supportive trill. Seonghwa sighed, resigned to his fate, while Yunho clapped him on the back, still grinning.

“This should be interesting,” Yunho said, his eyes crinkling with excitement. 

With Sohee confidently perched on Outlaw, the training session began in earnest. Seonghwa, still looking a bit apprehensive, mounted Starshine, and awaited instructions.

“So, what’s first on the agenda?” Yunho's voice came through the comms, his tone playful.

Sohee straightened up, adopting a serious expression. “Okay, first we’re gonna do barrel rolls! They’re super important for dodging bad guys and making them dizzy!”

Seonghwa nodded. “Alright, let’s do this.”

“Watch me,” Sohee instructed. She gave Outlaw a gentle nudge with her heels, and the dragon took off into the sky. With a swift command, Outlaw executed a perfect barrel roll, twisting with great force through the air. Sohee’s laughter echoed as they completed the maneuver.

“Now you try!” she called through the comms to Seonghwa.

Seonghwa took a deep breath and urged Starshine into the air. Following Sohee’s example, he guided Starshine into a barrel roll, hesitating for a moment before twisting through the air, completing the maneuver with a bit of a wobble.

“That’s okay!” Sohee shouted, clapping her hands. “Do it again until Starshine isn’t wobbly!” 

Seonghwa nodded, determination setting in. He guided Starshine back into the air and repeated the barrel roll, each time improving on the maneuver. With each attempt, Starshine’s movements became smoother and more controlled. 

“Yay, Mr. Seonghwa!” she cheered after his final attempt. “Starshine looks better now. You’re getting the hang of it! Let’s do some dive bombs!”

Seonghwa’s eyes widened slightly, but he nodded. “You’re the boss.”

“Dive bombing is all about speed and precision,” you explained through the comms, watching as Sohee’s small hands gestured animatedly through the hologram. “It’s the maneuver that Ajax used to injure Edge. I showed you how to perform it, remember?”

“Hey, are you listening!?” Sohee asked, pouting from her saddle. Seonghwa nodded as she took off with Outlaw, soaring high into the sky. With a sharp command from Sohee, they plummeted towards the ground. At the last possible moment, Outlaw pulled up, skimming just above the ground before soaring back into the air.

“Your turn!” Sohee called out, waving her arms in the air. 

Seonghwa urged Starshine to gain altitude. Once they were high enough, he took a deep breath and initiated the dive. The wind roared past them as they hurtled towards the ground. At the last moment, Seonghwa pulled up, and Starshine leveled out, albeit a bit shakily.

“Great job!” Sohee cheered. “Again!”

“Again!?” Seonghwa groaned, this time with playful exasperation. He glanced back at Sohee, who was grinning from ear to ear. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”

“Of course I am! You’re getting better every time. Come on, one more dive!” 

Seonghwa sighed dramatically but couldn’t hide his grin. “Alright, alright. One more dive.”

As Seonghwa and Starshine prepared for another dive, Sohee’s voice rang out with a new idea. “Let’s do some wing slashes!”

“Sohee, shouldn’t you teach Seonghwa how to block?” you asked through the comms, your voice crackling slightly but clear enough to convey the suggestion.

Sohee paused, her excitement momentarily halted. “Oops. Yeah, let’s do that!” she agreed, her tone shifting to one of determination. “Let’s do some blocking!” 

“Alright, show me how it’s done.”

“First, you need to keep Starshine’s wings close,” Sohee instructed, her voice filled with authority. Outlaw brought his wings around like a formidable shield, enveloping both himself and Sohee in a protective embrace.

“Like this?” Seonghwa asked, carefully mimicking the motion with Starshine.

“Yeah! Now, let’s practice with some attacks. I’ll go easy on you.”

With a determined look, Sohee commanded Outlaw to unleash a series of blasts. The fiery projectiles were strong enough to push Seonghwa and Starshine back, but not enough to cause any real harm. Starshine quickly adapted, using her wings to deflect the fireballs, shielding Seonghwa from the fiery onslaught.

Seonghwa’s confidence grew with each successful block. “This isn’t so bad,” he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

“Okay, now faster!” Sohee shouted.

“Faster!?” Seonghwa echoed, his eyes widening in surprise.

Outlaw began swooping and diving, changing angles and speeds as he launched a rapid succession of flames, making the attacks unpredictable. Starshine’s wings moved with incredible speed, each deflection creating a burst of sparks in the air. She mirrored these movements, twisting and turning in mid-air to keep up with the barrage. Seonghwa held tight, his body moving in sync with Starshine’s powerful maneuvers.

Sensing Seonghwa’s frustration and inability to go on the offensive, Starshine returned fire to Outlaw who was caught off guard by the sudden counterattack. Her eyes blazed with determination, and a fierce roar erupted from her throat, echoing through the sky.

“Sohee, that’s enough for now. Starshine is getting stressed,” you said through the comms, concerned for your niece's safety while you noticed the strain in the dragon’s movements.

“No,” Seonghwa interjected firmly. “She’s fine. Sohee, keep firing at me.”

Starshine’s movements were not defensive but filled with a fiery spirit, each block a testament to her protective instincts. Seonghwa’s heart pounded in his chest, but he felt a surge of exhilaration with each successful defense, feeding off his dragon’s fierce energy.

Outlaw’s fireballs came faster and more unpredictably, but Starshine met each one with unwavering precision. Her wings moved like a well-oiled machine, deflecting the attacks with a grace that belied the intensity of the situation. Seonghwa could feel the bond between them strengthening, a silent understanding passing between rider and dragon.

“You’re getting really good, Mr. Seonghwa! But I’m hungry and it's too smoky,” Sohee called out with a cough, her small voice barely cutting through the haze.

Yunho, who had been observing from a distance, approached with a smile. “Great job, everyone. The training session went really well today,” he said, giving Seonghwa a pat on the back. 

Sohee slid off Outlaw with a relieved sigh. Her cheeks were flushed and braids tousled as she bounded over toward  you. “Auntie, I’m hungry!” she complained, patting her tummy and looking up with wide, pleading eyes. Burrow trilled, reuniting with her rider, echoing her sentiment for food. 

“Alright, what should we eat?”

“Pasta! Can Mr. Seonghwa and Yunho come too?”

“Why am I, Mr. Seonghwa?” Seonghwa raised a brow at the title.

“Because Yunho is nice and my friend, and Mom said I have to be polite because you’re rich.” Sohee replied matter-of-factly, her innocent honesty making everyone chuckle.

Seonghwa feigned a look of hurt, placing a hand over his heart. “I can be nice too!”

Yunho laughed, ruffling Sohee’s hair affectionately. “Don’t worry, Mr. Seonghwa. You’re nice in your own way.”

“Of course,” you replied with a giggle, enjoying the lighthearted banter. “Let’s head back and get you washed up. You smell like smoke.”

As you all began to walk back, Seonghwa and Yunho fell into step beside you, the three of you discussing the day’s training, analyzing what went well and what could be improved.

“How’re you feeling?” you asked, approaching Seonghwa. You had dropped Sohee off at home and returned to the skyway with Cirrus. With the race quickly approaching, training days extended late into the night, leaving little room for rest.

Seonghwa looked up, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. “A bit exhausted, but it was a good session,” he replied with a tired smile. 

You nodded, glancing over at Starshine who was resting nearby on her side. “Starshine did amazing today. You both did.”

“When your sister said Sohee would run me into the ground, she wasn’t kidding,” he chuckled. Seonghwa took a deep breath, looking out over the skyway.

With twilight on the horizon, the stars were beginning to twinkle, and the cool night air was a welcome relief after the day’s heat. For a moment, the two of you stood in comfortable silence, but you noticed Seonghwa's expression shift, a shadow crossing his face.

“What did you discuss with my mother when you met with her the other day?” he asked, his tone curious but edged with suspicion.

You glanced down at him, taking in his features. His sharp jawline was set with determination, and the way his hair fell slightly over his forehead gave him a thoughtful, almost brooding look.

“Just…your progress,” you finally said.

Seonghwa’s eyes narrowed with a grimace. “My progress? Is that all?” he pressed. “I find it hard to believe that was the only topic of conversation.”

You omitted the part of the conversation where his mother questioned your intentions with him. You’ve both made it clear that this partnership was solely professional, however, over time you found yourself drawn to Seonghwa’s strength, his resilience, and the way he carried himself despite the pressures he faced. You admired his dedication and the quiet moments of vulnerability, something you hadn’t anticipated.

You were taken aback at his sudden defensiveness, and try to maintain your own composure. “Seonghwa, your mother only wanted to know if you’re prepared ahead of the cup.”

“So she asked you to teach me combat techniques?” he snapped, his tone accusatory, eyes narrowing as he crossed his arms defensively. 

You felt your own frustration rising, a knot forming in your chest. “She did. Because she’s worried about you. We all want to make sure you’re ready for whatever comes your way,” you replied, trying to keep your voice steady.

“I don’t need her meddling in my training,” he retorted. “I’m perfectly capable of handling myself, and her constant interference is undermining my ability to stand on my own. Especially when she starts getting others involved,” he emphasized, eyes locked on you. 

"You asked me to train you!" you frowned.  

“I did.” he bellowed, taking a step towards you. “Let me remind you that you work for me.” I wanted to learn from you is what he left unsaid.

The constant interference left him feeling isolated and misunderstood. He yearned for the freedom to make his own choices, to build relationships based on his own desires and values. But every attempt to assert his independence was met with resistance, leaving him feeling more trapped and alone. He always felt suffocated by the weight of expectations that were never his own. Every choice, every decision seemed to be made for him, leaving him with nothing that truly belonged to him. 

And then he chose you. He begged you to train him, willing to pay any price in hopes you would accept the job. You were supposed to be his chance to finally take control of something in his life. But now, even that seemed tainted by the ever-present shadow of his mother’s influence.

“Do not drag me into this!” you snapped back, your voice echoing his intensity. “Your issues with her are yours alone. Address them with her, not me.”

His response was swift and biting. “You brought yourself into this when you approached me at the Institute,” he shot back, his words felt like a slap, unexpected and stinging.

You could only stare at Seonghwa incredulously, blinking back tears. The weight of his words hung heavily in the air, leaving you both in a tense standoff.

You knew where he was going with this. It was easier to blame those around him than take accountability for his actions. You knew it when Hongjoong alluded to it with his comments during the gala. You knew it even before you met him, from the whispers and warnings uttered by those close enough to be scorned by him.

I don't want you to get hurt. Why do Mingi's words weigh so heavily on your heart right now.

“So why didn’t you stop me?” you demanded, your voice breaking under the strain of your emotions. "I admit that I approach you with the goal of beating Mingi. But I didn't expect you to turn on me so quickly. So why didn't you stop me?"

The admission hung in the air, a testament to his own helplessness. “I don’t know,” he finally muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Of course you don’t,” you grit, your voice rising with anger. “Because you’ve never taken accountability for your own actions! You’re too much of a coward to confront your own mother and instead, take it out on everyone else around you,” you accused, the pain and frustration spilling over.

Unable to contain your emotions any longer, you turned on your heel and stormed off, your footsteps crunching against the ground as you wiped the hot tears from your face. 

Bottom of Mito Ravine, Border between the Empire of Aurora and Halazia

“Careful with that one.” A voice instructed, pointing to a particularly large and mangled carcass with iridescent copper scales. “Dr. Kang needs the heart and the brain intact for the hybridization process.”

Two assistants carefully approached the dragon, working quickly but meticulously to extract the required organs and placing them in specially designed containment units. The team moved the containers to a portable lab set up at the edge of the ravine. Inside, various dragon parts were being analyzed and cataloged, each one holding the potential for groundbreaking discoveries. 

The lab buzzed with activity as samples were processed and data was collected. Scientists moved between workstations, their focus intense as they examined the dragon remains, each discovery bringing them one step closer to their goal: to create a new generation of dragons with enhanced traits to create the ultimate combatants and competitors.

For the scientists, the ethical implications of their work were a constant undercurrent, but the promise of power and prestige drove them forward.

<< iv | vi >>

a/n: I lied there are now 2 chapters before I see the boys lol, wrote this part while at the airport

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