This Part Aligns With Either Of The Prev Versions FISTS UP CHEERS - Tumblr Posts
away with the wind | x
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: 5.2K Warnings: poor use of biology and science terms, mentions of child abduction, dragon poop (because I'm immature)
a/n: finally no more filler chapters
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The grand chambers of the capitol building echoed with the weight of authority. High lords, resplendent in their embroidered robes and suits, gathered in the chambers set for another day of debate. Yunho rushed past the oncoming crowd, his footsteps a hurried staccato against the marble floor. He weaved through the throng of lords and officials, his eyes fixed on his destination. With a quick, practiced motion, he handed Seonghwa the agenda of the day before bowing out, his duty fulfilled for the moment.
Amidst the orderly chaos, a cry pierced the air. “My son, please help me find my son!” The voice was raw, breaking with emotion. A man, disheveled and desperate, moved through the crowd, his eyes wide with panic. He approached every assembly member and lord he encountered as they passed through the rotunda, but they all brushed past him, too engrossed in their own affairs to notice his plight.
Ham Jinsu was frantic and desperate. He moved through the corridors with a sense of urgency, his hands trembling slightly as he clutched a photograph of his missing son. His voice, though breaking with emotion, carried a determined plea for help. The lines on his face deepened with each passing moment, reflecting the weight of his fear and the depth of his love for his child.
“Please sir, my son is missing!” he implored, his voice echoing off the grand pillars and high ceilings.
A lord brushed past him, bumping his shoulder without a single look. The indifference stung, but Jinsu pressed on, his desperation giving him strength.
“My son is missing, I need help. Please, anyone!” he cried out again, his voice growing hoarse.
Yet his pleas fell on deaf ears. The assembly members and lords continued their march towards the chambers, their minds occupied with the day’s agenda, oblivious to the man’s suffering. Jinsu’s heart ached with each step he took, the photograph in his hand a constant reminder of his missing child. The grand hall, with all its splendor and authority, felt cold and unyielding, a stark contrast to the warmth and love he sought to reclaim.
“I see Lady Lee is here today,” Seonghwa said quietly to Lord Kim as they observed the assembly room, his eyes discreetly following Lady Lee’s entrance.
Lord Kim glanced in her direction and raised an eyebrow. “That she is.”
Seonghwa shifted his gaze back to Sangjoong, his curiosity evident. “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask—what was the nature of your conversation with Lady Lee the other day? You mentioned she had personal matters to attend to.”
“Indeed. She was rather vague about the details of these ‘personal matters.’ What struck me as odd was how emphatic she was about their urgency. It seemed rather out of character for her, considering her usual commitment to events that align with her interests.”
“It does seem peculiar. I wonder if there might be more to her absence than she let on. Her sudden, unexplained absence from such an important gathering certainly raises questions,” Seonghwa observed.
Lord Kim’s gaze drifted back to Lady Lee, who was now engaging in animated conversation with another member of the Assembly. “Perhaps. It’s worth keeping an eye on her. Sometimes, what seems like a simple excuse can be a cover for more significant matters.”
The chamber’s air was charged with the weight of the day’s agenda, a pivotal decision that could shape the future of their society. Madame President Jung, a figure of calm authority, stood at the podium, her gaze sweeping over the assembly.
“What do we have before us today, Lady Lee?”
“Madame President, esteemed colleagues,” Lady Lee began, her tone resolute and clear, “We stand at a critical juncture in our efforts to advance dragon behavior research and ensure the safety and well-being of both our dragons and their riders. The recent incident at the Inferno Cup has underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions to address behavioral issues that can arise in these magnificent creatures.”
She paused briefly, allowing her words to resonate. The Assembly’s members shifted in their seats, clearly engaged as Lady Lee continued.
“Today I propose we bring Cromer Labs on board in the proposal process,” she announced confidently, her voice carrying across the hall.
The Assembly responded with a mix of murmurs; some lords nodded in agreement, while others exchanged skeptical glances. Lord Kim locked eyes with Seonghwa who had been quietly observing from his seat. With a look of deep concern, Seonghwa suddenly rose to his feet.
“Do you have something to say, Lord Park?” Madame Jung inquired.
“I do, Madame President. Colleagues,” Seonghwa began, his voice resonating with conviction, “we cannot, in good conscience, align ourselves with an organization so novel that it seeks to overshadow the millennia of knowledge and ethical standards upheld by the Institute.”
The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Lady Lee’s face flushed with a mix of frustration and disbelief.
“Lord Park, while I respect your opinion, Cromer Labs has shown remarkable innovation. We need fresh perspectives to tackle the challenges we face.”
Seonghwa met her gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Innovation is crucial, Lady Lee, but so is experience and ethical integrity. The Institute has a proven track record of balancing progress with the well-being of dragons. They are the better option for guiding us through this transition.”
Lady Lee took a deep breath, her initial frustration giving way to a more measured tone. “I understand your concerns, Lord Park. Yet, we must also consider the potential benefits that Cromer Labs offers. Their pioneering methods and technologies have the potential to significantly enhance safety and management practices. We cannot overlook the advancements they bring to the table.”
Seonghwa remained unfazed, his expression as cold as ever. “And what might those advancements be?”
Lady Lee’s eyes flashed with malice. “Cromer Labs offers us a chance to break free from their outdated methods and truly advance. Their genetic research holds the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases and other health issues that currently affect our dragons. This could lead to a healthier population overall, which also means healthier temperaments.”
"And what is it that Cromer Labs can do that the Institute cannot?" he asked, his tone laced with skepticism. Are you so eager to embrace Cromer's methods because the Institute's standards are too... antiquated for your tastes? Or is it simply that you have a personal, vested interest?"
As Seonghwa's words lingered, the rest of the high lords and ladies shifted uneasily. A few exchanged uneasy glances, while others murmured in hushed tones, the tension in the room palpable. Lady Lee's eyes blazed with fury, and she opened her mouth to retort, but before she could, Madame Jung brought the hammer down onto the gavel.
"Perhaps this discussion is better suited for another time," Madame Jung interjected, her voice soothing as she gave Seonghwa a pointed look. "We have many matters to attend to today, and I'm sure we all want to ensure that our priorities remain aligned."
Seonghwa simply leaned back in his chair, the ghost of a smirk playing on his lips, satisfied that he'd achieved exactly what he intended.
With Yunho’s task completed, he took the opportunity to take a breather, his shoulders easing as the weight of responsibility momentarily lifted. The capitol building, usually a place where he felt the constant press of duty, seemed almost distant now–it was a place of wealth and power, a world where appearances mattered more than substance.
Yet, even as he observed this, something pulled his attention away from the hollowness of his settings. A distress call. Without a second thought, Yunho moved toward the man, his long strides purposeful. As he approached, he noticed the tremor in the man's hands, the way his breath hitched with every sob. This was no ordinary outcry—this was a father's grief, raw and unfiltered.
“Excuse me sir? Is your son missing?”
“Yes!” he choked out, his voice breaking. “Yes, m-my son Jinsik has gone missing!” The words tumbled out in a rush, as he gathered himself before the handler. “He was last seen at the skyway—he’s training to be a rider!”
“A rider? Did he want to pursue a career in racing?” Yunho's mind raced as he processed the urgency of the situation. Yet, in Jinsu's trembling form and tear-streaked face, Yunho recognized a father's determination and the sheer desperation of a man clinging to hope.
“He was a student at the academy and was recruited by Cromer Labs! They were covering his training expenses and even provided him with a dragon. Here’s his photo!”
Yunho took the photo carefully, his eyes scanning the image of a young boy with a bright, hopeful smile. The boy’s face was full of promise, a future ahead of him that had been cruelly snatched away. But what truly caught Yunho’s attention was the mention of Cromer Labs.
“Come with me,” Yunho said quietly, slipping the photograph back into the man’s hands and placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. His voice was low, meant only for the man’s ears, as he guided him away. “There’s someone who might be able to help.”
The weight of the day’s endless meetings, tiresome discussions, and layers of bureaucracy clung to Seonghwa like an unwelcome shadow. His head ached from the sheer monotony of it all—the endless back-and-forth over trivial matters, the careful balancing of politics, the feigned interest in matters that bored him.
Swinging the door open, his plans for solitude were quickly dashed–he found Yunho and a disheveled man sitting there, waiting for him.
“You’re back!” Yunho’s voice cut through the silence, relief evident in his tone as he stood up.
“I’m back,” he confirmed, his gaze shifting from Yunho to the stranger sitting beside him. “And this is…?”
“Y-You’re Park Seonghwa,” Jinsu stammered, his voice trembling with a mix of nerves and admiration. “The Park Seonghwa. I never thought… I never imagined I’d be sitting here, in front of you!”
Seonghwa, who was used to such reactions, offered a small, almost weary smile. “Well,” he drawled, leaning back against the doorframe with a raised eyebrow, “this is certainly not what I expected to find when I returned. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Ah, this is Ham Jinsu,” Yunho explained, his voice taking on a more serious note. “He needs our help.”
Seonghwa’s brow furrowed slightly, his gaze shifting to Jinsu, who was now clutching a photograph. “My son, Jinsik, was training to be a rider,” he added. “He’s been following your career since you started all those years ago. He idolized you. Wanted to be just like you.”
He took a step closer, his eyes fixed on the photograph Jinsu held. “May I?” he asked gently, reaching out. Jinsu hesitated for a moment before handing over the picture, his hands shaking slightly.
“We couldn’t afford to send him to a traditional training center or hire a trainer. That’s when Cromer Labs stepped in and recruited him from the academy. They covered the training fees, and even provided him with a dragon that he kept boarded at their facility. He was last seen at the skyway just before it closed.”
“Cromer Labs,” Seonghwa repeated, his voice carefully controlled, though there was an edge to it. Seonghwa recalled his conversation with you about Cromer Labs and how they had engaged Mingi in the same process 10 years ago.
“Did the lab expect anything in return? Was there anything unusual about his training?”
Jinsu shook his head. “No… He was so excited about the opportunity. He mentioned that if he completed his training and passed the final trial, they’d sponsor him. It seemed like everything he ever wanted, and he worked hard to prove himself.”
“And no one saw him after the skyway closed?” Seonghwa asked, his tone probing gently but firmly. His instincts told him that there was more to this situation as he and Yunho exchanged looks.
“Nothing,” Jinsu replied, his voice breaking slightly. “It’s like he just vanished.”
“There could be more at play here,” Yunho commented, his voice steady as he turned back to Jinsu. “Are you aware of other missing children?”
Jinsu shook his head. “Not that I know of. But if I do I’ll be sure to let you know,” he sighed, tightening his grip on the photograph. “This means so much to my family, your grace. I can’t thank you enough for your support.”
Seonghwa’s gaze softened slightly, though his mind remained focused. “We’ll do everything we can to find Jinsik. If you think of anything else, no matter how small, please let us know immediately. Every detail could be important.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much, your grace,” Jinsu nodded vigorously, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope after what seemed like an eternity.
For both Seonghwa and Yunho, the gravity of the situation was clear, and both understood that the investigation into Jinsik’s disappearance would likely lead them into dangerous and uncharted territory.
“Cromer Labs,” Seonghwa muttered, his arms crossed. “Lady Lee just so happened to try and convince the rest of the Assembly to work with them in the proposal process for the behavioral study.”
Yunho’s eyes narrowed, his expression growing more serious. “Do you think there’s a link with Jinsik’s disappearance?”
Seonghwa sighed deeply, his fingers pressing into his temples as if to ward off the mounting tension. “It might explain why she wasn’t at the gala or General Choi’s birthday celebration. Her absence wasn’t just coincidental,” he muttered, more to himself than to Yunho. “But there’s still nothing connecting her with Cromer Labs or Jinsik—not yet, at least. I should probably swing by the Institute.”
Yunho tilted his head, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “Why the sudden rush?” he asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.
Seonghwa shot him a look, though there was no real heat behind it. “I need to loop Hongjoong in on this.”
“Uh-huh. You mean, “Kim Hongjoong who only goes home once a month and is going to ask you to return all the overdue scrolls you’ve borrowed”, Kim Hongjoong.”
“This is about work, Yunho. There are serious things at play.”
Yunho rolled his eyes, understanding Seonghwa’s true intentions. “Y/N is not going to be happy if you show up unannounced. She has an actual job that requires her full undivided attention. It’s not like she’s just sitting around waiting for you to show up.”
“Go away,” you said, not bothering to look up as you typed furiously. Your voice was muffled by the sea of papers on your desk.
“But it’s important!” Seonghwa pleaded, his tone a mix of frustration and playful annoyance. He leaned against the doorframe, watching you with a frown. This wasn’t the Park Seonghwa you were accustomed to, and it was probably your fault for indulging him the night of General Choi’s celebration.
You paused for a moment, your fingers hovering over the keyboard as you considered whether or not to entertain him. “What?”
“Come with me to see Hongjoong,” he pleaded, his eyes searching yours for any willingness.
“Are you serious right now?” you retorted, eyes narrowing as you considered the interruption. “I’m sifting through six months of work because someone begged me to train him. I don’t have the luxury of assisting you on your side quests.”
“But you could,” he pouted slightly, crossing his arms defensively.
“Could I now?” you shot back, sarcasm dripping from your words. “I can think of someone else who might want to hear about your ‘important’ mission.” Without warning you wheeled your swivel chair away from your desk and stuck your head out into the hallway.
“Wooyoung! Wooyoung, Lord Park is here to see you!” Your voice echoed down the hall, and you knew it would carry straight to your boss’s office. It was times like these that you were grateful for his open door policy.
Seonghwa’s eyes widened in panic, and he straightened up, looking genuinely alarmed. “No, please! Don’t do that!”
“Oh, I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to have you here. You know how he loves to dig into your personal life.” You smirked, enjoying his reaction.
Seonghwa’s expression softened, a sheepish grin creeping onto his face. “Alright, I get it. I’ll back off,” he said, raising his hands up in defense. “But there is something you should know.”
“And what’s that?” You asked, your playful demeanor quickly fading.
Seonghwa glanced out the door as if making sure no one else was around to overhear. Then, he leaned in slightly, his voice low. “You’ll find out if you go down to the archives with me.”
“Fine,” you muttered, feeling the last of your resistance crumble. As you followed him out, you couldn’t help but wonder what exactly you were getting yourself into this time—and why, despite the nagging voice of caution in the back of your mind, you were looking forward to finding out.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Hongjoong muttered, clearly unimpressed by the unexpected visitor. His eyes narrowed as he scanned Seonghwa’s face, then shifted to you. “Last I checked, a Lord should not be shirking his duties to the people of Aurora.”
“There’s a first time for everything. Besides, I thought you might want to hear something.”
“And you couldn’t just send me a message like a normal person? What, did you need an audience or something?”
“It’s about Cromer Labs.”
You and Hongjoong exchanged a glance, both of you immediately sensing the gravity of the situation. You could feel a knot tightening in your stomach, a creeping sense of anxiety at what Seonghwa had to share.
His expression was grim, his usual confident demeanor overshadowed by the weight of the news he was about to deliver. “A student recruited by the lab has gone missing,” he said, his voice low and serious.
“Missing?” Hongjoong repeated, his tone laced with suspicion. “For how long?” His eyes narrowed, and you saw his jaw clench slightly as he processed the information.
“Right before the skyway closed,” Seonghwa replied, his gaze shifting between the two of you. “His name is Ham Jinsik. He was recruited under the pretense of becoming a rider. They gave him a dragon and were training him. But one day, he just… vanished. No one’s seen or heard from him since.”
You felt a chill run down your spine, the implications of Seonghwa’s words sinking in. “A child has gone missing and no one’s done anything about it? How is that possible?”
Seonghwa shook his head, his frustration clear. “His father has been desperately trying to get anyone to listen. He showed up at the Assembly today, but he was rebuffed until Yunho ran into him. What’s even more troubling is that his father mentioned something about a trial.”
You stared at Seonghwa, your concern quickly morphing into anger. “A trial? Cromer Labs is running trials on minors now?” you demanded, your voice seething with fury. “Did the father say anything else?”
Seonghwa shook his head, his expression troubled. “No, not much. He mentioned that Jinsik would receive full sponsorship once he completed it. The details were sparse, and he looked like he was barely holding it together.”
Your anger only intensified, a seething fury bubbling just beneath the surface. The gravity of the situation hit you with full force, and you struggled to keep your voice steady. “What else?” you pressed. “There must be more to this.”
Seonghwa hesitated for a moment, clearly sensing your growing frustration. “Lady Lee was pushing hard for Cromer Labs to lead the behavioral research project,” he finally added. “She made a presentation to the full Assembly earlier today.”
The revelation struck you, and you took a moment to process the connection. “So get us an in with the lab,” you suggested. The idea had struck you suddenly, the connection between Lady Lee and the Cromer Labs was too significant to ignore. It wasn’t just a coincidence—it was a potential opening, a narrow window that could lead you closer to the truth.
But before you could even finish the thought, Hongjoong’s eyes widened, and he shot you a look that was equal parts disbelief and concern. “Are you crazy?” he blurted out, the words escaped him before he could temper his tone. “Do you even know what you’re asking? Getting close to her could be dangerous—no, it will be dangerous.”
“It’s a viable plan,” you countered, though the slight tremor in your voice betrayed the uncertainty you were trying to suppress. “And I’m not saying it’s without risk. But we can’t afford to keep chasing our tails when we have all the pieces right before us. If Lady Lee is our way into the lab, we have to take a chance,” you pressed on, feeling the weight of the decision settle on your shoulders. “Especially when missing children are involved.”
Seonghwa nodded in agreement, his expression growing more resolute. “If Cromer Labs is as involved as we suspect, every moment we delay could be critical. We need to act on this opportunity,” he finally said.
The archives fell into a tense silence as Hongjoong considered Seonghwa’s words. His expression shifted from frustration to reluctant agreement. “Do either of you have a plan?”
“Seonghwa should charm his way into Lady Lee’s good graces,” you suggested, your tone practical and decisive as you turned to face him. “Approach her with a request to open up a tour of the facility—something that seems entirely plausible and public facing.”
Seonghwa made a face, one that mixed both skepticism and mild distaste. “I’d rather not, but it would give us an opportunity to gather more information without arousing suspicion.”
“You’ll need to do more than just flatter her. We’ll have to provide compelling reasons why a tour of the facility would be beneficial for her. Play it up with the rest of the Assembly,” Hongjoong added, his expression thoughtful.
“And then what?” Seonghwa asked.
“The public gains access to the facility,” you explained. “We’ll blend in with the crowd and use the opportunity to gather as much information as we can. Our goal is to identify key areas of interest, such as restricted zones or locations where sensitive activities might be taking place.”
Seonghwa’s expression shifted from skepticism to determination, signaling his readiness to tackle the challenge ahead. “Well then, I guess we’ll have to play our parts convincingly then.”
“Lord Park Seonghwa is requesting a meeting with you, my lady.”
Lady Lee glanced up from her work, her eyes narrowing slightly in thought. “Lord Park, you say?” She tapped her chin thoughtfully with her pen, considering the implications of such a request. “Very well. Send him in.”
As Seonghwa entered Lady Lee's office, he offered a courteous bow before taking a seat across from her. “Lady Lee, thank you for meeting with me today,” he began, his tone carefully measured.
Lady Lee acknowledged him with a nod, her curiosity piqued. “Of course, Lord Park. What brings you here?”
Seonghwa took a deep breath, his expression a practiced blend of professionalism and feigned humility. “ I wanted to take this moment to address the recent debate we had. I realize it might have seemed more confrontational than I intended. I apologize if it caused any frustration or misunderstanding.”
“I appreciate your candor. Though I assume it is the nature of being a fledgling Lord?” Lady Lee raised an eyebrow, momentarily caught off guard by his directness.
Seonghwa smiled, his demeanor composed. “It’s certainly true that the role can sometimes lead to passionate discussions. Nevertheless, I believe it’s important to address any concerns directly and with respect. I hope we can move past any previous tensions.”
Lady Lee nodded, her curiosity shifting back to the current discussion. “Very well. What is it you wish to discuss today?”
“I’ve taken your presentation during the Assembly today into consideration. Upon further reflection, I find your proposal quite compelling,” Seonghwa began, his tone both measured and thoughtful. He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.
“I propose that a public tour of the facility could provide valuable exposure for Cromer Labs and highlight the significant advancements being made there. This initiative could foster a stronger connection with the community, showcasing the lab’s commitment to innovation and excellence.”
He gauged Lady Lee’s reaction, noting her thoughtful expression. With a smooth transition, he continued, “Moreover, such a tour could serve as an educational opportunity, inspiring future generations of scientists and researchers. It would also allow the Assembly to address any public concerns directly, building trust and support for ongoing projects.”
Lady Lee’s reaction was thoughtful as she listened to Seonghwa’s words. She nodded slowly, her eyes focused intently on him as she weighed his proposal. Her demeanor suggested she was carefully considering the broader implications of the tour, reflecting on both its educational value and its potential to address public concerns.
“Your proposal is indeed intriguing, Lord Park,” she began, her voice calm yet authoritative. “A public tour could certainly enhance our visibility and foster goodwill within the community. I will discuss these points further with my team and assess the proposal’s viability.”
Seonghwa smiled appreciatively, sensing that his approach had struck the right chord. “Thank you, Lady Lee. I look forward to the possibility of working together on this initiative.”
As Seonghwa left the office with a deep bow, he felt a surge of confidence. His plan was now in motion, and everything needed to access Cromer Labs was set.
“Uh, Dr. Kang?” Minjae began nervously, his voice barely above a whisper.
Yeosang, deeply engrossed in the delicate dissection of a dragon limb, barely glanced up. “Hm?” he replied absently, focused on his work.
“We just got a request from Y/N in Conservation,” Minjae continued, trying to keep his voice steady. “She’s asking for a phenotype sequencing report for a Nettled Kuku.”
Yeosang’s hands paused mid-motion as he finally looked up, a hint of irritation crossing his face. “A Kuku?”
Minjae shifted uncomfortably, sensing the growing tension. “It came in about an hour ago. Y/N mentioned it’s urgent for their ongoing project. Should I prioritize it?”
Yeosang sighed, placing his tools down with a deliberate clink. “Alright, get it sorted.”
Minjae nodded quickly, relief visible in his expression. “Understood.”
As Minjae hurried out of the lab, Yeosang’s thoughts lingered on the oddity of the situation. He returned to his work, his mind racing with questions about your motives and the true urgency behind the request.
“Is it necessary for you to gather every little thing about Ajax?” San scrunched his nose in mild irritation as he watched you sift through the cluttered remnants of the dragon’s lair.
Mingi had always prided himself on his independence, but at San’s father’s insistence, the Choi family provided Ajax with a dedicated lair in their caverns. Once a grand and imposing space, Ajax’s dwelling was now a chaotic mess of shattered scales and scorched bones. Dust and debris floated through the air with every movement, catching the flickering light of the torch.
“I can’t overlook anything that might have DNA evidence,” you replied, carefully examining a cracked bone that could potentially hold valuable traces. San sighed and leaned against the cavern wall, his arms crossed and a look of both curiosity and annoyance on his face.
“How are you supposed to find anything useful in all this debris?”
You paused, meeting his gaze with a determined expression. “Ajax’s DNA is all over this place. I need to collect enough samples for Jongho to run it against the phenotype sequencing report and check for a match with the Kuku.”
San raised an eyebrow. “And why not do it through the Institute? Wouldn’t it be more efficient?”
“The report given to the Council isn’t entirely reliable. We need to ensure accuracy ourselves, without any potential bias or errors from external sources,” you replied, shaking your head.
"I'm surprised you're going through all this trouble for Park Seonghwa," San smirked, watching you pick up one of Ajax’s discarded scales.
You paused for a moment, meeting his eyes with a resolute expression. “It’s not about helping Park Seonghwa. It’s about uncovering the truth, particularly with a missing child involved and the threat of unstable dragons like Ajax disrupting the natural balance.”
You shook the bag of DNA evidence in front of San, the clink of the vials inside breaking the silence between you. “Let’s get this to Jongho,” you said, determination in your voice as you tucked the bag securely under your arm.
As you and San emerged from the Choi’s caverns, he glanced over at you with a contemplative look. The two of you walked in silence for a moment, the quiet of the surroundings amplifying the tension between you.
“I couldn’t help but notice how happy you seemed the other night,” he remarked, as you left the Choi’s caverns. His tone suggested there was more to the story. “I have to ask—do you have feelings for Seonghwa?”
His question hung in the air, charged with an underlying sense of knowing. San’s gaze was steady, suggesting he sensed there was more to your relationship with Seonghwa than just friendship.
You hesitated, caught off guard by his perceptiveness. For a moment, you tried to gather your thoughts, the impact of his words settling in.
“Oh come on,” you said with a half-hearted laugh in an attempt to downplay the situation. “It’s not as complicated as you’re making it out to be. I was his trainer.”
San raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. He continued to observe you as if waiting for a more sincere response. “I’m not buying it,” he said firmly.
You sighed and turned to face him, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach your eyes. “Look,” you said, trying to downplay the situation, “the idea of being with Seonghwa is laughable. He’ll find a suitable match from a noble Lady—someone who'll make a fine mistress for his House. And I’m sure she won’t yell at him every time he screws up a maneuver on the skyway.”
San’s expression softened slightly, though skepticism remained in his eyes. He leaned in with a teasing tone, “There’s nothing wrong with being honest with yourself, Y/N.”
You glanced down, feeling a twinge of frustration as you fidgeted with the items in your bag. “I’m fine with how things are,” you said, your voice steady but strained. “I’d rather not complicate them.”
You knew San’s persistent curiosity struck a nerve, one that you were desperately trying to avoid. The thought of potentially disrupting your relationship with Seonghwa loomed over you like a storm cloud–the possibility of a rift was daunting, and you weren’t ready to confront those uncertainties. The idea of opening up about your feelings seemed too risky, especially when the stakes were so high.
As you rummaged through your bag, searching for anything to distract from the uncomfortable conversation, your hand closed around a small jar filled with what looked like fossilized rocks.
“Keep asking me about my feelings,” you warned with a smirk, “and I’ll throw dragon poop at you.”
<< daylight | xi >>
a/n: I swear more action packed chapters are coming, we've reached the turning point in the story. also thanks to xikers for existing because I needed more characters to make cameos
taglist: @litolmochi @syubseokie @park-simphwa @szakias @babymbbatinygirl @oddracha @maliamaiden @signingsongbird