#get lost song mingi HMPH

[vcutparis]

what i wanna do to mingi :

away with the wind || iv

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: 5.1K

a/n: I've always imagined this world to be similar to Final Fantasy, so don't be surprised that I introduced technology lol

Fic Masterlist

The announcement that you were officially joining Seonghwa’s team as his trainer sent shockwaves through the dragon racing community and beyond with media outlets buzzing with excitement, speculation, and a flurry of opinions.

INSIDE SCOOP: EX-ROOKIE RIDER HIRED BY PARK SEONGHWA’S TEAM?

Some critics questioned your qualifications and experience, pointing to your past as a rookie rider, doubting whether you could handle the pressure of training a top-tier rider like Seonghwa, especially with your early retirement. Some debated the decision, arguing that it was a risky move that could backfire on him. 

Park Haerin was skeptical about the decision. She had always been deeply involved in Seonghwa’s career, and the idea of bringing in an outsider, especially one with a controversial past, was unsettling. Seonghwa assured her of the potential benefits, indicating that you were the only viable Dreamwood trainer who knew all of Ajax’s weaknesses. 

BREAKING NEWS: PARK SEONGHWA’S MYSTERY WOMAN?

Some articles speculated about the nature of your relationship with Seonghwa, with some suggesting a romantic angle, pointing to the close bond you seemed to share. Upon hearing this, you and Seonghwa both wanted to gag. The idea was laughable. You definitely weren’t his type, and the thought of a romantic involvement was as far-fetched as it could get. 

This partnership was purely strategic. You were using him as a means to an end, a way to get back at Ming and aligning yourself with Seonghwa’s team was the perfect opportunity to prove your worth as a trainer and rider. 

EXCLUSIVE: PARK SEONGHWA’S NEW TRAINER, SONG MINGI’S EX-FIANCE?

Within the racing community, the reaction was mixed. Others were more reserved, adopting a wait-and-see approach while some dug into your past and your connection to Song Mingi. 

Amidst the whirlwind of reactions, you remained focused on your new role, allowing Yunho to handle any media inquiries on your behalf.

“We remain confident in our decision to bring Y/N on board. Y/N has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the sport and a commitment to bringing our team to new heights.” His words were measured and reassuring, aimed at quelling the doubts and reinforcing the team’s unity.

The air was thick with anticipation as reporters crowded outside the training grounds. Their cameras, notepads, and microphones were thrust forward, all aimed at capturing a glimpse of the enigmatic woman who had been seen with Seonghwa. Whispers and speculations filled the air, each more sensational than the last.

“Trainings are closed to the media,” Yunho called out, his voice strained as he tried to manage the growing crowd for what seemed like the nth day in a row. The reporters, undeterred, continued to press forward, eager for any scrap of information.

Inside the training ground, the atmosphere was much different. Seonghwa, focused and determined, paying no mind to the chaos outside. You were equally composed, guiding him through a series of exercises from the ground as he piloted Starshine. 

You focused your attention on his form, noticing how stiff he seemed. His shoulders were tense, and his movements lacked the fluidity required for optimal control. “Relax your shoulders!” you instructed, your tone firm but encouraging.

“Piloting a Dreamwood isn’t the same as any other dragon! You don’t need to rely on strength!”

“Lean forward a little more!” you added, your voice steady and clear. Seonghwa adjusted his posture, responding to your instructions as you monitored his movements on the hologram screen in front of you. The advanced display projected real time footage of Seonghwa and Starshine, allowing you to observe every detail of his technique.

Seonghwa took a deep breath, consciously loosening his muscles. You watched as his posture began to soften, his movements becoming more natural and harmonious with Starshine’s rhythm. “That’s better!” you called with a thumbs up. “Let her movements guide you.”

With your feedback, Seonghwa’s body moved in sync with Starshine, the two of them gliding through the air with newfound grace. 

“How’s he doing?” Yunho asked, returning from the front gates after attempts to fend off the press. He glanced at the hologram, his brow furrowing slightly as he assessed Seonghwa’s progress.

“He’s getting there,” you replied. “He’ll need some fine-tuning to maintain the right balance between control and flexibility. He could benefit from more stretching to improve flexibility and core strength training.” 

Yunho let out a chuckle, shaking his head in amusement. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“How’re the vultures?” you asked, turning to face him. The noise from outside the training grounds was still audible.

“What do you expect? They’re looking for a scandal,” he sighed, folding his arms behind his head. “They’ve been camped out there all day, hoping for a big break. I’m surprised you haven’t been affected by the media circus.”

You shrugged, your expression thoughtful. “People will move on to the next story soon enough. Our main objective is to ensure that he's prepared to take on anything Mingi and Ajax throw at him.”

As you both turned back to the screen, the noise from outside seemed to fade, replaced by the steady rhythm of Starshine’s wings swooping through the air. 

When you told Wooyoung that Seonghwa had hired you to train him for the Inferno Cup, he fell to the floor, dramatically clutching his chest, as if the news had physically wounded him. 

“You wound me, Y/N. This is the ultimate betrayal! How much is he paying you? I’ll write to the Council and ask for a boost in funding and double your salary!” he declared, feigning a dramatic sob.

“10,000 shillings an hour. I was able to negotiate an 8,000 inconvenience fee for disrupting my already mundane life,” you replied with a smirk, dusting off your shoulder.  

Wooyoung’s eyes widened. “18,000 shillings? I knew he wanted to beat Song Mingi, but this is next level!” he rubbed his chin wondering what kind of magic your family had managed to pull to get Park Seonghwa to settle for a Dreamwood. 

When Seonghwa and Yunho waved goodbye to your family from atop their dragons, your grandmother wasted no time stashing the funds away for her next trip to the bank. Suffice to say, your family may have added an extra ‘0’ to Starshine’s price tag. And while many would call it exploiting the rich, Chunja considered it a well-deserved bonus for dealing with the eccentricities of Lord Park Seonghwa. 

“I have six months to get him and Starshine trained up. It’s not going to be easy, which is why I need this leave of absence.” 

Your boss nodded. “By the way, did Seonghwa pull the records on Ajax?”

“He did. We found some discrepancies in the registry but still doesn’t answer any of our questions about his Fury heritage. I theorized that the recruiter could’ve fabricated the story of Ajax’s origins to take advantage of Mingi.”

Wooyoung furrowed his brows, deep in thought. “Have you had an opportunity to analyze any footage of him?” he asked, curiously. 

“Footage?” you echoed, puzzled.

“Footage of him in action,” Wooyoung clarified. “You have a great eye for anatomy. I’m sure if you analyzed it, you might uncover something you missed,” he suggested.

“I’ve seen him in action plenty of times, but like most Longhorns, he lacks brains and relies on raw power to get things done,” you replied, shaking your head.

Wooyoung leaned back in his chair, a contemplative look on his face. “Seonghwa mentioned that his speed is unusual for a Longhorn,” he mused, tapping his fingers thoughtfully on the armrest.

“I’ll see if there’s any current footage of Ajax I can pull,” you said, considering all of the possibilities.

“If his speed is truly that exceptional, you need to understand how he’s achieving it. There might be more to his physiology than meets the eye.”

“If I can figure out what makes him different, we might be able to at least prepare for it.”

Seonghwa stood at the edge of the training grounds, his eyes fixed on the horizon where the sun was beginning to set. Starshine was splayed out on her belly next to him, exhausted from a rigorous day of training. She let out a soft chirp, rolling onto her side and stretching her wings lazily. Her eyes were half-closed in contentment as she urged her rider to pet her.

With a gentle smile, he reached out, running his hand along her side. Her scales were warm to the touch, and she responded with a rumble, her tail swaying in contentment. The bond between them was undeniable, all thanks to your grandmother’s intuition and years of breeding. You watched the scene unfold, a sense of fondness swelling within you. The connection between them was a sight to behold, something you’d never imagine given Seonghwa’s history. 

You approached the pair, ready to brief him about tomorrow’s training. Starshine’s gaze shifted to you, wagging her tail excitedly. Seonghwa looked up, dread filling him with whatever exercise you had in store for him. 

“I can only do so many weaves,” he groaned, falling onto his back with a thud. The grass cushioned his fall, and he stared up at the sky, pleading for the Gods to intervene. 

You chuckled, shaking your head. “Oh, come on, it’s not that bad. Besides, you’re getting better at them.”

He turned his head to look at you, one eyebrow raised skeptically. “Fine, fine,” you waved off his complaint with a grin. 

“I want to show you something,” you said, plopping down next to him and pulling out the tablet. 

The screen flickered to life, casting a soft glow as a holographic display materialized. The footage showed Mingi and Ajax navigating a practice course. Both of you watched intently, your eyes tracking the wild dragon’s every move. 

You studied the dragon, pulling up another screen to compare the physiology of a true Longhorn against Ajax. You captured a still shot of him and overlaid the hologram with the anatomical illustration of the Longhorn.

“His wings are longer for sure,” you murmured, pulling the two holograms apart. “Look at his angulation,” you said, bringing the images together. 

“Ajax’s hind quarters are much more moderate whereas this Longhorn’s is less pronounced. It’s probably the reason why he was able to produce such an explosive burst of speed on such short notice.

Both you and Seonghwa continued watching the footage. At first, he started off slow, his massive form taking off above the terrain. Then, with a sudden flick of his tail, a whip-like movement propelled him forward with astonishing speed, a move that shocked you.

“Right there!” you exclaimed, pausing the screen. You zoomed in on his tail, replaying the footage in slow motion. The tail moved with a fluid grace, each segment working in perfect harmony to create a powerful thrust.

“What about his tail?” Seonghwa asked, leaning closer to the screen.

“That’s only a technique Cirrus knows,” you replied, your mind racing.

“Are you sure Mingi didn’t teach him that?” Seonghwa questioned, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“No. It’s physically impossible. Ajax’s tail is rigid and covered in spikes, designed for force rather than finesse. Dreamwood tails are flexible and have a lanced tip,” you explained, pointing out the differences. You get up to your feet, calling out to Cirrus. 

Bringing your fingers to your lips, you whistled for her with urgency. The sleek, lavender dragon appeared almost instantly, her body vibrating as if she were saying, “Finally! It’s my time!”

“Get on Starshine, I need to show you how it’s done,” you instructed Seonghwa. He quickly mounted Starshine, and followed you out to an open air space. 

You guided Cirrus to mimic the movement you had seen in the footage, her tail flicking with precision and power as she weaved through the air. “Watch closely,” you said, demonstrating the technique. 

“It’s all about the timing and the angle of the tail. If Ajax can do this, there’s something unique about his physiology that we need to understand. Maybe he isn’t a dumb as I thought.” 

You turned to face Seonghwa. “Do you remember what he did before he caught up to you?” 

“It happened so quickly. Mingi launched him above me, he was fast like an arrow. He did this move where he twisted or backflipped and slashed into Edge using his hind legs on the come down.”

“My back is going to hate me for this,” you grumbled, feeling the tension already building in your muscles. “So he did this, right?”

You pull down on Cirrus’ reins, urging her to fly straight upwards. Her iridescent scales reflected the sunset, casting a kaleidoscope of colors as she torpedoed into the atmosphere. As if reading your mind, she twisted into a backflip, her powerful wings slicing through the air before slamming down onto the ground with her hind legs. 

The impact sent a shockwave through your body, and you winced at the pain that shot up your spine, momentarily forgetting about the exhilaration of the flight. 

“How did you know what to do?”

“Because these are maneuvers only I taught with Cirrus. Either Ajax has grown a brain and let Mingi teach him or, he’s been playing dumb this whole time observing our every move.”

Sensing your discomfort, Cirrus carefully shifted her weight, allowing you to slide off her back. You gritted your teeth as you moved, each motion sending jolts of pain through your muscles. Cirrus extended one of her wings, creating a makeshift ramp to help you dismount more easily. You leaned heavily on her, grateful for her support.

“Starting tomorrow, you’re going to learn those movesets,” you declared, hands on your hips. 

“Eh?” Seonghwa cried out, slack jawed.  

Starshine let out an enthusiastic chuff, her eyes twinkling with excitement. She nudged Seonghwa playfully, as if to say, “We’ve got this.”

“Remember what I told you? You have to be prepared for anything,” you replied, a hint of smugness in your voice. You really enjoyed tormenting the rich. “So make sure you rest up!”

“Prepared for anything? Like your crazy stunts?” Seonghwa shot back, rolling his eyes. “I swear, you’re just trying to kill me at this point.”

“Wouldn’t that be a tragic end to House Park’s legacy,” you snort sarcastically. “Just think of it as character building. Besides, you’ve got Starshine, she’s a natural.”

Cirrus joined in with a playful flick of her tail, the tip brushing against Starshine’s side. The younger dragon responded with a light-hearted swat of her own tail, both aunt and niece engaging in a brief, friendly exchange that brought a smile to your face. 

“See? Even Cirrus is cheering you on.”

As the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, Seonghwa knew that tomorrow would bring new challenges and opportunities. But for now, he allowed himself to savor this quiet moment of camaraderie. 

“That reminds me…”

The grand hall of House Park’s estate was a sight to behold, transformed into a dazzling venue for their Inferno Gala. The Inferno Gala was more than just another display of wealth by the Great House; it was a strategic move to not only elevate the profile of the Inferno Cup but to attract influential sponsors and supporters in favor of her son. 

Park Haerin spared no expense in ensuring the event was a memorable one. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries and floral arrangements, their vibrant colors adding to the festive atmosphere. A string quartet played softly in the background, their melodies weaving through the air and adding a touch of elegance to the evening as guests moved gracefully through the room, their laughter and conversation blending harmoniously with the music.

The tension in the air was palpable, and you could feel the eyes of the crowd on you as you stepped into the grand hall. Your attempts to make yourself small to avoid curious eyes were proving futile as the room buzzed with whispers and glances in your direction. 

“That reminds me…” Seonghwa opened his mouth but quickly closed it again, racking his brain for the right words. You blink, waiting for his response. 

“Is everything okay?” 

“Yes, well. It’s just that my mother will be hosting our annual Inferno Gala in a few weeks and as an official member of the team you’re expected to attend.” 

“I don’t have a choice, do I?” you sighed, patting Cirrus, who nuzzled against your hand. The thought of attending a grand event filled with strangers made your stomach churn, especially given the heightened interest in your role on Seonghwa’s team. 

“As your employer, no you don’t,” he replied with a smirk, his tone lightening the mood slightly. 

“I don’t think this was part of the deal,” you rolled your eyes playfully, trying to mask your apprehension with humor.

“You can add it to my tab” he sighed, running a hand through his hair. You couldn’t help but chuckle at his resigned tone. You pumped your fist in triumph, feeling a small victory in the midst of your reluctance.

“You look nice,” Yunho said, his voice breaking through your thoughts.

“Why thank you!” you giggled, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. Ack! You quickly brought yourself back to reality, reminded of the snug fit of your dress.

It was two sizes too small, and you could feel every seam pressing against your skin despite Sunmi insisting that it was the perfect fit. The colors were representative of your House, a deep, rich hue. The strapless design showcased your collarbones and figure, accompanied by a billowing shawl draped around your arms, concealing the surgery scars on your back that you were still self-conscious about.

This was your first public appearance as a member of Seonghwa’s team along with Yunho and…Hongjoong? 

“Since when did you leave the archives?” you asked, grabbing a glass of champagne, turning to your colleague. 

“Since Park Seonghwa doesn’t know when to reel in his ego. Or keep his mouth shut. Or his trysts private,” Hongjoong replied, counting off Seonghwa’s mishaps on his fingers with exaggerated patience. “A degree in Draconian History also doesn’t pay the bills,” he added, adjusting his glasses with a sigh that hinted at exasperation. “This is just a part-time gig.”

“You live at home in your family’s historic estate. You don’t have any bills to pay,” you muttered, taking a sip of the liquid, earning a light chuckle from Yunho.

“Someone has to keep the family ghosts and dragons entertained,” he shrugged. “Speaking of entertainment, where is that boss of yours? He’d better not be getting himself into trouble.”

“It’s after hours, I’m off the clock,” Yunho shook his head defensively, his tone light but firm.  You hummed in agreement, taking another swig of the golden ambrosia to calm your nerves.   

Clad in an array of colorful and ornate attire, dragon riders from all over the empire convened in House Park's grand hall. Each rider carried an air of pride, their shared bond with their dragons evident in their confident strides and the way they spoke of their adventures.

From the corner of your eye, you catch a familiar blonde figure entering the room. His presence commanded immediate attention, drawing the eyes of nearly everyone around. He was dressed impeccably, as always, his suit tailored to perfection and his hair styled just so.

“Shit,” you muttered under your breath, dread washing over you like a cold wave. You handed your glass over to Hongjoong, who groaned in response.

“Why do I always end up as the designated glass holder?” he complained, though he took the glass without further protest when he noticed your expression falter. His eyes softened with concern, but he didn’t press you for details.

“I’ll be back,” you whispered, your voice barely audible over the din of the room. You whipped your head in every direction, desperately searching for the closest exit. The walls seemed to close in around you, and the air felt suddenly stifling.

He shouldn’t have this effect on you. It’s been two years, and he made it very clear that he was leaving you and you’ve made it clear to yourself that you’ve moved on. Yet, the sight of him still had the power to unravel you completely. Your heart pounded in your chest, and you could feel the familiar ache of old wounds reopening.

Seeing Mingi again was like ripping open a barely healed wound–you always thought about the scars on your back as that wound. Your breath hitched, and you struggled to maintain your composure as you hurried out of the grand hall and out towards the garden. 

The cool night air hit your face as you stepped outside, offering a brief respite from the suffocating atmosphere inside. You took a deep breath, trying to steady your racing heart. But before you could gather your thoughts, you heard footsteps behind you.

“Leaving so soon?” 

You turned around slowly, your eyes meeting Mingi’s. His figure stood imposing against the dim light filtering into the garden from the grand hall, illuminating his broad shoulders and tall, muscular frame. 

“What do you want?” you asked, your voice laced with venom as you pulled the shawl of your dress tighter around you, seeking some semblance of protection.

“I just wanted to see you. How’ve you been?” Mingi asked, his voice softer than you remembered.

“We're strangers, you don't get to ask me that,” you bit back, the bitterness in your voice unmistakable.

There was a long silence as you both stood there. The night air seemed to grow colder, mirroring the unspoken words you wanted to say at him. You turn away from him, focusing on the stars ahead.

He took a deep breath, his voice breaking the silence that hung in the air. “Why are you training him?” 

You frowned, the question catching you off guard. Capturing Mingi's attention by joining Seonghwa's team had always been in your plans but you weren’t prepared to face him this quickly. 

“That doesn’t concern you,” you replied steadily, with an air of coolness. The audacity of this man. 

Mingi’s expression hardened, tinged with hurt and…concern? “People are talking, and they’re assuming things. They’re talking about you!” frustration evident in his voice. 

“If you can’t handle the rumors, that’s on you,” you replied with a shrug. The same way you couldn’t handle my situation, you thought, but left unsaid.

“Y/N,” he pleaded, his voice barely audible but heavy with longing. The desperation made your skin crawl. 

Your jaw dropped with a scoff. Crossing your arms, you try to maintain your composure despite the turmoil inside. “Are you scared of losing to Park Seonghwa?”

His face darkened. Was Seonghwa really a threat, or was it all in his head? Inside, his thoughts churned with jealousy. He couldn’t stand the thought of you investing so much time and energy into teaching and guiding him. The fact that Seonghwa also owned one of your dragons didn’t help either. 

“I don’t want you to get hurt,” Mingi said, his voice strained with emotion. His dark eyes bore into yours, searching for any sign of the person he once knew, but all he found was a wall of resolve and pain.

“Hurt? You want to talk about being hurt?” you finally snapped, tears stinging your eyes. The raw emotion in your voice was searing, revealing the depth of your own pain and anguish. 

“I broke my fucking back, Mingi. You betrayed me and left when I was at my lowest point. You don’t get to tell me what it’s like to be hurt!” Your hands trembled, your chest heaving with the effort to keep your emotions in check.

Hurt. That’s what it boiled down to. You wanted to hurt him as much as he hurt you. And you were going to use his biggest insecurities against him. 

You knew that he worked tirelessly, pushing himself to the brink, yet it never seemed enough. He could’ve easily taken up Lord Choi’s offer to train him alongside San, but Mingi didn’t believe in handouts. 

Every time Seonghwa was mentioned, Mingi felt overshadowed. His insecurities bubbled to the surface whenever he was compared to everyone’s favorite golden boy. It made him feel like he was constantly fighting a losing battle while trying to prove his worth in the racing world.

“I–” the words dying in his throat as he struggled to find a response.

“Y/N! There you are!” Seonghwa interjected frantically, striding towards the both of you. He stood tall in a black suit, the red and gold accents intricately forming delicate patterns along the lapels and cuffs, giving the outfit an almost royal appearance. 

You blinked back the unshed tears, grateful for the interruption. “Your grace,” you breathed out a sigh of relief as you bowed deeply, the tension in your body easing slightly. Seonghwa’s arrival was a welcome distraction from the emotional turbulence you were experiencing. 

“Quickly!” He suddenly grabbed you by the shoulders and spun you towards the estate. “General Choi is losing a debate to Lord Kim about the Great Wyrm War! The General has specifically requested your assistance to save the day!” His urgency was almost comical.

“R-Right,” you nodded. You could feel Mingi’s eyes on you, but you didn’t dare to look back as you hurried off. Seonghwa watched your figure retreat into the grand hall, a small smile playing on his lips.

He turned towards Mingi, raising a brow. His gaze was steady and expectant, clearly waiting for him to acknowledge his presence. After a tense moment, Mingi forced himself to speak. “Lord Park,” he greeted stiffly.

Seonghwa stepped closer towards the rival dragon rider, his demeanor threatening. “Questions about my hiring practices should be directed towards me. My team is off limits,” he said, his tone deceptively light but carrying an unmistakable edge.

The air between them crackled with unresolved tension, each man standing his ground. Mingi’s anger simmered beneath the surface, but he held his tongue, knowing that now wasn’t the time for further confrontation. Without another word, he spun on his heel, stalking away, his irritation evident in every step. 

Seonghwa watched him go, a smile never leaving his face despite the silent warning in his darkened eyes.

You wandered the halls of the expansive estate, kicking yourself for not asking Seonghwa about Hongjoong and San’s whereabouts. The grand corridors, lined with portraits of stern ancestors and ornate tapestries, seemed to stretch endlessly. Each step you took echoed through the vast space, the sound swallowed by the high ceilings and distant corners.

You slumped down against the wall, bringing your knees to your chest, your head and feet aching from the night’s sudden turn of events. The coldness from the marble flooring and distant sound of a clock were the only things keeping you grounded amidst your chaotic interaction with Mingi. 

“Found you.” 

Startled, you looked up to find Seonghwa standing next to you. The soft, silvery glow of the moon emphasized the elaborate gold detailing of his suit jacket, making the intricate embroidery shimmer in the light. The structured shoulders and red trim cast sharp shadows, adding to his commanding presence. You noticed the strands of his updo framing his face, their delicate curves softened by the moonlight.

“How’d you find me so quickly?”

“I’m Lord of this House, I have eyes and ears everywhere,” he replied with a smile, his tone both reassuring and slightly teasing as he settled next to you. 

"Are you allowed to concern yourself with such...lowborn matters?" you chuckled patting the empty space next to you. You gather the skirt of your dress and scoot over to make room for him. The attempt at humor was a weak one, but it was all you could muster in your moment of vulnerability. 

“Perhaps not,” he settled beside you, the warmth of his body a welcome contrast to the chill of the marble floor. “Though you are no ordinary lowborn.”

“Didn’t you threaten to ruin my life the first time we met?” you snickered, stealing a glance at his strong profile, the sharp angles softened by the concern etched on his brow.

“Touche, but...you did accuse me of being desperate,” he admitted with a sigh. His eyes met yours, and for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. A comfortable silence settled between you, the kind that spoke volumes without uttering a single word. The glow of the moonlight casting an intimate cocoon around you both.

Seonghwa watched you closely. He had always been struck by your boldness, the way you marched up to him the first time you met, the way you persisted in supporting his training despite your body’s reluctance to get back into the saddle. To him, your strength was not just in your quick wit, but in your unwavering spirit.

“You didn’t have to give me an exit,” you finally said, breaking the silence. 

“I wasn’t going to allow his disrespect to go unchecked,” he replied, his tone firm yet gentle. “Song Mingi’s actions were inexcusable, and I won’t tolerate such behavior on my grounds.”

“Chivalry isn’t dead, after all,” you murmured, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. 

“I’m also sorry about your back,” he added, a bit awkwardly, his concern evident despite his attempt to sound casual. 

You touched the back of your nape, trying to downplay the severity of the accident. “Ah well, it shouldn’t have happened. It was my fault after all.” The pain of the memory was a dull throb that you tried to ignore, a constant reminder of that fateful day.

“Accidents happen. It's not fair to carry that burden alone." He shifts slightly, his shoulder brushing against yours. "What matters is how we move forward."

Seonghwa’s unexpected kindness stirred something in your heart, leaving you feeling both intrigued and comforted. It was disarming, to say the least, as if a veil had been lifted, allowing you to see the true Seonghwa—a man who, despite his power and status, was not above showing vulnerability and concern. 

“Thank you, your grace,” you said quietly, conveying the gratitude and sincerity you felt. 

“Seonghwa.” he corrected.

“That is your name.”

“Just call me Seonghwa,” he insisted, “Besides, ‘your grace’ makes me sound like an old man.”

You softened at his words, and nodded slightly, acknowledging the change in your relationship. Your eyes met briefly and for a moment, the weight of the night’s events seemed to lift.

As it turns out, Hongjoong and General Choi San were in the midst of a heated debate, though it certainly was not about the Great Wyrm War.

“Look at these dog-eared pages!” Hongjoong exclaimed, his hands waving in exasperation. “It’s like you’re trying to destroy it on purpose.”

“It's just a book. It’s meant to be used, not kept in that dust pile like some museum artifact.”

“Just a book? This is a rare first edition!”

San stuck out his tongue. “Well, at least I’m actually reading it, unlike someone who just likes to collect them and never opens them.”

“You take that back!” the elder shot back, his face turning red with indignation. “I read all my books, thank you very much! And I treat them with the respect they deserve.”

<< iii | v >>

a/n: this might be the last chapter for a while as i'll be traveling and seeing the boys in Tacoma next weekend! i'm so excited

taglist: @litolmochi @syubseokie