#youngmin smut

[oraclekleo]

Choi Youngmin (E'LAST) Ideal Partner Tarot Reading

Disclaimer:

All readings have purely entertainment nature

I don’t know any of the celebrities personally

Don’t base life decisions purely on tarot readings

I can never guarantee any of what’s said in the reading

Before requesting, read the pinned post and appropriate linked post

Tarot readings are my hobby - I’m not obligated to accept any of the requests nor to complete them, it’s my choice, not duty

Waiting time is long, even several months

If you can’t wait, please, seek other tarot reader

Reading Info:

Rating: 18+

Reading Type: Single - Couple

Requested: Yes - No

Requester:

Deck: The Phantomwise Tarot

Spread: Ideal Partner

Questions:

Body 

Heart 

Spirit 

Soul 

Time 

Place

Celebrity Info:

Full Name: Choi Youngmin

Stage Name: Romin

Group: E’LAST

DOB: 24.04.2001

Blood Type: A

MBTI: ISTP

Sun Sign: Taurus

Chinese Sign: Metal Snake

Life Path Number: 4

Masterpost: E'LAST

Ko-fi - Voluntary Tip for Readings

Choi Youngmin

Romin (E’LAST) - Ideal Partner

DOB: 24.04.2001 Blood Type: A MBTI: ISTP Sun Sign: Taurus Chinese Sign: Metal Snake Life Path Number: 4

Spread / Question: Ideal Partner

Deck(s): The Phantomwise Tarot

Body - 6 of Swords

Romin’s ideal partner might have gone through a period of time when they were body shamed or they themselves didn’t love their appearance. That’s shifting to more positive self-acceptance now as they start to recognize their own beauty. It’s possible for them to start trying new fashion styles in order to find what suits them the best. They still prefer to keep this transition to themselves, though, not really sharing with others as they are still a little anxious about their looks.

Heart - 3 of Swords

The body image was clearly damaged by someone who also broke Romin’s perfect match’s heart in the past. Maybe they have been through toxic or abusive relationships in the past. No matter the details, their heart is still aching and bleeding but they are aware that the past is over and it’s time to start healing. Romin is probably a patient type of man who can take things slow and help them to reconcile and let go of the past and start trusting people again.

Spirit - XX Judgement

The whole reading speaks of transition and transformation and the spirit of Romin’s special person is no different from that. They are clearly ready to uplift themselves spiritually and let go of what used to weigh them down. They are ready to give their final verdict over the past and release it in order to be reborn anew. I can see a self-esteem boost coming to them, maybe in the form of someone (Romin) to love them unconditionally and the way they truly are.

Soul - XIV Temperance

Deep down in their soul, Romin’s perfect match has found their equilibrium. They have balanced themselves and set up happy mediums in their soul. They found the compromises in order to hold themselves whole and grounded even through the tough times. While treated not nicely, their soul remained intact and unharmed by the outside forces as they always felt the peace and calm deep down.

Time - X The Wheel of Fortune

Meeting his destined lover can be a rather hypnotising experience for Romin. They don’t have to be outstandingly beautiful or impressive in an obvious way, it’s more like a harmony of souls meeting up, the glance into each other’s eyes revealing the divine connection happening by lucky chance.

Place - IV The Emperor

Romin is likely to create a highly safe and secure home for his lover in order to give them a feeling of utter comfort. He might be the one running the home, asserting his dominance and being the master of the show but at the same time, he has the best intentions in mind and creates a true cradle and solid base for them to thrive and develop further. It’s likely Romin’s home is going to be structured and in perfect shape as he’s not really the type to tolerate clutter and mess.

Thank you for reading!

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[blizzardfluffykpop]

Saturday Night

Summary: The same ole routine with your friend with benefits on Saturday night. Unless?

Oneshot

Smut, PWP, Fluff?, Friends With Benefits to Lovers au

If you are a minor, please do not read/engage with this post. This is an 18+ work. 

Warnings: PWP, Grinding, Dry humping, Slight Possessiveness (m! & r! receiving), Unprotected sex (pls practice safe sex), Marking (r! receiving), Scratching (m! receiving), Degradation (r! receiving), Praise?, (other sexual encounters occur while fwbs but they’re not cheating!), Use of pet names: Baby and Slut (and iterations of them) *And if I missed any pls lmk!*

Word Count: 1,809

Sunwoo X Afab!Reader

[A/n: I’ve had this in the works since Cotton Candy came out- and I had a dream this was posted and I found out it wasn’t. So here it finally is. Bc of the title, I will recommend Saturday Night by The Misfits, not necessary to listen to tho.]

Again, if you are a minor, please do not read/engage with this post. This is an 18+ work. 

------

It’s a Saturday night, like it always is when Sunwoo comes over in his black hoodie and gray sweatpants. It’s like clockwork when he turns up. Nothing ever changes your routine. While you try different positions and elements, the end goal is always the same. And you always wake up to an empty bed in the morning. It isn’t the first time you’ve wished for it to be different. It probably won’t be the last. You’d always hope that when you awoke on Sunday morning, he’d hold onto you and never let go. But you knew and lived the reality. It was never going to happen. You were friends with benefits, nothing more, nothing less. You’d have to be okay with that someday or quit seeing him altogether. Neither option ever sounds satisfying, but maybe next Saturday, you’ll know which is best for you. For now, you choose Sunwoo. 

You sit down beside him, and you ask him about his week. And he tells you about how he produced a new track that he’s excited to share with his fans. You ask him to send you it when it comes out so you can listen, and he agrees. And that’s when he asks, “Well, how was your little date this week?” You can’t help but smile as you remember, “Oh, with Youngmin?” He hums, and you tell him, “He was so sweet. He brought me flowers and treated me to dinner.” He waits for you to continue, and when you don’t, he says, “Did you go further?” You look down at your sweatpants before he teases, “Oh, you did~ Didn’t you, my dirty little baby.” You groan, “Shut up. I don’t want to talk about it…” He smirks, “Oh, why not?” You sigh, “He was good...” He continues teasing, “You don’t sound very enthusiastic about that~” You look at him with a slight glare, “He did even better than you.” He pouts, “Aw, baby... Don’t play me like that~” You roll your eyes before looking down and scoff, “Like what?” Sunwoo smirks before leaning towards you to whisper in your ear, “Like we both don’t know that I fuck you best.” You roll your eyes, “Sunwoo, as if.” He grabs your chin, turns your face to him, and you refuse to look at him, “Oh, you’re being real protective of him, aren’t you? Why’s that?” He tucks a hair behind your ear, “Was it because he brought you flowers? I could do that for you... all you ever had to do was ask~” 

You shake your head as much as you can in his grasp, “No... you made it very clear we’re just friends with benefits... And friends with benefits don’t do that…” He huffs, rolling his eyes, “You and I both know we’re more than that.” You glare at him, “Really, Sunwoo? Because you have a funny way of showing it. You show me endless pleasure, and then you disappear the second the sun touches the night sky.” He gives you a pointed look, “You’re the one who told me to leave before the sun rose.” You sigh, knowing he was right. It was your one boundary, but oh, how you wished he didn’t listen, and he asks, “Well, what if… I don’t want to be friends with benefits anymore. Would you let me sleep next to you in your bed through the morning?” You finally look at him, “What do you mean?” And his voice drops as he asks, “What if we became exclusive? And you became mine? All mine… and no one else’s. Just as I would do for you.” You gulp, “You mean it? You’re not just saying that… Are you?” He locks his eyes on yours before grasping your jaw as his tone turns serious, “I mean it.” You search his eyes as you ask, “You promise?” “Promise.” He seals it with a kiss. And you tell him when you part, “I want to see you there in the morning.” 

He drops his hand from your chin, lifts you up, and pulls you onto his lap. You smile as you grind your hips into his. You put both of your hands underneath his jaw and pull him in for another kiss. “Your lips are so kissable.” He smiles as he pecks your lips, “Mine? What about yours, beautiful?” He puts his hand into your hair, kissing you deeply as you grind harder down onto him, desperate for some friction. He lifts you up with one arm around your waist and the other still in your hair, pushing you against the wall. You wrap your legs around his waist as he grinds up against your clothed core. He parts as he looks you into your eyes, “The way you look drives me insane. I want you more than just one day a week.” He captures your lips in a heated kiss as your fingers find their way into his hair. You grind down into his hips, trying to get more friction. And he mumbles into your lips, “My greedy little baby…” And you let out a hum before capturing his lips again. His hips grind harder into yours as he makes out with you, chasing the friction. Your fingers wind into his hair tighter as he draws you closer to the edge. You squeeze your eyes before whispering, “Sunwoo…” He groans, “Wh-what?” “I need you now…” He groans, “Fuck, okay. Yeah… Me too.” He quickly moves you both from the wall and carries you to your bedroom. 

When he finally gets inside, he drops you against your bed, devouring your mouth. His fingers take the place of his hips, rubbing over your sweats, and you whimper, “You like that, don’t you, my little slut~” He teases you over them as he gives you a hickey, “You’re going to take all of me?” You nod, and he grinds his palm down as his fingers push into your entrance through the layers. You whine at the lack of friction, and he grins, laying another hickey on your collarbone. As he feels how wet you are through both fabrics, “All of this is just for me now, baby?” You huff, “Shu-Shut up and fuck me already.” His smirk grows wild as he teasingly pulls up your shirt, “But baby, it’s so much more fun to tease you~” You groan, “Sunwoo! If you don’t stop tea-” He cuts you off by kissing you, and your eyes close instantly as you kiss back. You feel his fingers slip up and under your shirt, tickling up your sides, and he breaks the kiss to take off your shirt before he takes off his black hoodie. You let your eyes wander, and he smirks as he makes a little show of shimmying out his sweats and briefs. He shoots you a wink as he finishes, and you roll your eyes as you make grabby hands for him, and he comes back, “You’re so needy for me, baby…” 

He kisses you again before he kisses down your neck and whispers, “How did I ever fuck anyone else when I had you…” You sigh and mumble, “I’m not sure how I did either. No one can compare to you…” He chuckles against your skin, “That’s right, baby. I’m all you’ll ever need. And you’ll be all I’ll ever need.” You hum as he makes his way down your arm, laying kiss after kiss before pulling his chin up to kiss his lips again before murmuring, “You best believe it... Now that you have me completely. You’re stuck with me.” His lips curl into a smile, “That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” He kisses you again before breaking away to pull off your sweats, “You’re so wet for me, baby… Do I turn you on that much?” He rubs you over your panties, grinning at the wet spot, and you sigh, “Sunwoo, please…” He teases, “What do you want, baby~” You groan, “You in me now…” He smiles, taking off your panties before running his fingers over your folds, slipping them inside for a second, and you groan in frustration, “Sunwoo!” He laughs before lining himself up with your entrance and moans as he gets his tip in, “F-fuck…” You whine, wanting him to fill you up already, and he laughs again, “Okay! Okay! I’m moving!” Which makes you let out a little laugh before he pushes in fully. You both sigh in relief, finally feeling complete. 

You dig your nails into his shoulders as he thrusts into you faster. He slows down just as you start getting close, and you glare at him. And he asks, “Did he even make you cum?” You shake your head as you whine out, “No.” He tuts as he rubs your clit, “You deserve so much more, honey. And you know I can give that to you.” He picks his pace back up, timing his pace with each swirl of his hand. It has you screaming out, and he can’t help but smirk as you do. “That’s it, baby, scream for me. Let all your neighbors know who fucks you so well.” You cry out as you grow closer and closer to your high, “You getting close, baby?” You nod, and he pulls you down towards him, burying his hips into yours before thrusting even faster. He groans, “F-fuck…” You shake your head, “I can’t…Sunwoo, I’m gonna cum. Please.” He nuzzles his head into your collarbone, “With me, baby. Come on, let’s make this time count.” You nod, “O-Okay… You’re- You’re close, right?” “S-So close, baby.” You cry, and he rubs your clit faster before he says, “Now.” Stars hit your vision with how tightly you close your eyes as cum as Sunwoo fills you up. His thrusts slow down, and he rides your guy’s orgasms out. And you push at his chest as he starts to overstimulate you, and he slowly pulls out. “Fuck…” He lays down over you, “Yeah…” 

And next thing you know, it’s a few hours before you should wake up for errands. You look at the clock to feel someone gently nudging you awake. You crack your eyes open to see Sunwoo looking over you, “They called me in early for practice…” “Oh…” He sighs, “Yeah… I want to stay the whole morning, but uh, I have to go in a few.” You nod, and he gives you a long kiss, “Tonight.” You hum, “Tonight?” He smiles, “Let’s go on our first official date.” When it’s time to wake up, you find a bouquet of your favorite flowers in the vase on your kitchen island. You giggle, feeling giddy as you see them, and read the tag, “One of many bouquets I’ll get you from here on out, my dear.” You shake your head as you head out, excited for your date later tonight. 

[pasteidolons]

𝔥𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔤 - 𝔩𝔧𝔥 || 𝔭𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔦𝔦

pairing: lee jihoon x female!reader genre: historical au, fluff, angst, smut (later routes), supernatural members: choi seungcheol, wen junhui, kwon soonyoung, jeon wonwoo, lee seokmin, kim mingyu, boo seungkwan, lee chan, xu minghao, hong jisoo warnings: crass humor and language, blood, violence, mentions of suicide, alcohol, minor character death, 660's sexism, crossdressing, medical procedures, political upset, historical inaccuracies for the sake of plot progression word count: 16.6k summary: riding the highs and lows coming from the crown ordered raids and sieges, the hwarang find themselves in deeper trouble when mysterious figures begin emerging and demanding something strange- you.

taglist: @hipsdofangirl

𝔭𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔦 || 𝔭𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔦𝔦𝔦

𝔉𝔢𝔟𝔯𝔲𝔞𝔯𝔶 6𝔱𝔥, 662 - 𝔖𝔢𝔬𝔯𝔞𝔟𝔢𝔬𝔩, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 The new year sweeps in not unexpectedly, but with a gust of cold that chills you to your core. Seorabeol sits under a blanket of snow, much like it had when you first arrived a little over a year ago now.  

You finish eating breakfast with the captains a little earlier than they do, you excuse yourself to make them some tea before their morning briefing. Thankfully, the halls remain warm, so you don’t need to worry about the winter chill as you make your way back to the main hall, the smattering of captains sitting around.  

“Thank you,” Eunseok says as you set down a cup for him, a smile on his lips as he wraps his cold fingers around the steaming cup. You make your way around the hall to give the captains their drinks, most giving you a curt but appreciative nod as you do so.

“The monks at this temple have been nice enough to let us stay here this long,” Jihoon calls out, disrupting your thoughts as he speaks to the captains, “but Shoshin is getting crowded.” 

“Especially with all of the new guys coming in,” Mingyu agrees, nodding his head. 

“If we could get a bigger space, that’d be good,” Junhui adds, a tinge to his voice as if he’s thinking about how little room there is to move around these days. “Even in the overflow buildings it’s stuffy.” 

“Most of these kids are nobles too, not accustomed to living like this,” Mingyu sighs, not vouching for them, just knowing it would take some time to acquaint themselves with their newfound home. 

“If we can find somewhere bigger to host us,” Seungkwan says, “I’m sure the newbies would be more appreciative.” 

“What about Bulguksa Temple?” The man sitting next to Youngmin speaks up, glancing over to the map hanging in the front of the room.  

“Bulguksa?” Suh Kangjoon frowns, looking towards the map, “Isn’t that a bit far?” 

“Maybe,” the man shrugs, “But it’s one of the only places big enough to accommodate the Seorabeol Hwarang. And its position would allow a tactical advantage in times of panic, it’s a relatively easy place to fortify.” 

After he’s done speaking, the man leans back in his chair to see what the others have to say. Kim Gongmyung had joined the Hwarang on Soonyoung’s excursion to Hanseong in early autumn of last year. His family’s school is quite popular there and his academics gained him notoriety with the nobles of the area. “Besides, it’s closer to the border so if there’s a need to intercept or fend off any Baekje loyalists looking for trouble, it’d put us in the best spot to do so.” 

“Those are good points,” Youngmin nods enthusiastically, “An exceptional amount of detail as always, Gongmyung.” 

Even if the chief thought it to be a good idea, a few voices rose in opposition. 

“Isn’t it a bit… presumptive to do something like that?” Seungcheol frowns at Gongmyung, his hands atop the table, fingers tapping along the wooden grains.  

Gongmyung’s smile flickers as he turns to the colonel, “Then would it be better to be negligent of the possibility, the high possibility, that the loyalists are up to something again?” His question leaves little room for the colonel to answer before he begins speaking again, “It’s a lovely thought, thinking that we’re safe now, but we all know it’s not true.” His deflection of Seungcheol’s statement leaves a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths. 

“I agree that the loyalists need to be stopped, but to place our personal interest there instead of being directed to do so by the Crown or the council is…” Seungcheol trails off, clearly thinking more inwardly than he was expressing outwardly. 

“So, then, what should we do?” Another voice piques up, questioning Seungcheol. “Wait until the bastards are knocking at our door to actually do something about it? Or maybe wait until they’ve actually captured Munmu and have burned the palace to the gro-” 

“Dongyoung,” Gongmyung interjects, “Watch your mouth.” 

“My mistake,” Dongyoung scoffs after a moment of staring at his brother for interrupting him, “Couldn’t stop myself.” 

Kim Dongyoung is the younger brother of Kim Gongmyung by blood, and only by the same father. Dongyoung had joined the Hwarang with Gongmyung in autumn and had accompanied him to Seorabeol. 

“He has the tendency to run his mouth like a child still,” Gongmyung explains, “I apologize.” His attention then turns back to Seungcheol and away from his brother, “So, don’t take it too personally, please. I’m sure someone like you is needed to make the Hwarang successful. Even if your arm is unusable in a fight, your smarts and tactical abilities will prove all the more useful.” 

You see Seungcheol biting back a retort towards Gongmyung’s sour wording, the tension between the two only cut by another voice.  

“I don’t think I heard you correctly, Gongmyung.” It’s Jihoon, his voice low as if he’s trying to stabilize the tone so as to not sound angry. “Seungcheol is smart, as you said. He is not useless and not replaceable, make sure you don’t forget that.” The commander only speaks when there’s something important to be said, having spoken up now means that Gongmyung’s words must’ve gotten to him.  

“My arm, though…” Seungcheol mutters out, seemingly unable to finish the thought. Jihoon’s words remind him of what he once was, causing him to frown at the reality of it all. 

“I didn’t mean to cause such a disturbance,” Gongmyung sighs out with false sympathy, “I’ll be sure to keep my thoughts to myself next time. Seungcheol is quite a beloved member, I see, it’s nice to see such a tight knit group. I can only hope the new members share that sentiment.” 

Jihoon’s eyes seethe with anger as he glares at Gongmyung, but before he’s able to snip back, Youngmin steps in and tries to calm the air. 

“For now,” He begins, looking at each member of the opposing parties, “Let’s just keep matters on finding a new headquarter location. Gongmyung, would you mind coming with me? I’d love to continue our earlier conversation.” 

“Of course, Chief.” Gongmyung says and rises to his feet at the same time Youngmin does, the two begin to leave the room, quickly followed out by Kangjoon. 

“May I join you as well?” The latter asks before the two step out of the hall. 

“Of course,” Youngmin accepts, “I’d like you to hear what Gongmyung has to say, it may help you with strategy points.” 

“Thank you,” Kangjoon says with an appreciative smile as the three exit, shortly followed by Dongyoung who scoffs at the encounter before slinking out after them. 

“Who’s the asshole that invited them to join us?” Seungkwan frowns once the sound of their footsteps falls out of earshot. 

“That asshole’s still in Hanseong,” Junhui huffs, “When Soonyoung gets back I might just wring his neck.”

“The Kim’s father is friends with a few pro-military councilmen,” Mingyu muses, “Interesting to see that they’d join us if they share those same beliefs.” 

“They’re probably playing some sort of superiority game,” Jihoon says, his arms crossing over his chest. “Just listen to the bullshit that Dongyoung spouts off, and it looks like it’s rubbing off on Youngmin. And that’s definitely not good.”

“Youngmin’s always been like that,” Seungkwan adds, “Easily deceived by those who act nice and appear virtuous but are just vipers waiting for the right time to strike.”

“And Gongmyung’s the deputy commander with Dongyoung in a captain’s position,” Mingyu shakes his head, “They’ve rooted themselves deep.” 

Jihoon’s gaze travels to Seungcheol, who’s been staring at the patterns in the wood since his conversation with Gongmyung. “Don’t listen to him,” the commander says to him in hopes of cheering him up.  

“Gongmyung is a skilled orator with a proficient education to back it,” Seungcheol laughs dryly, “And not only that, but he’s also skilled with a sword and bow. With a gifted Deputy Commander, the Hwarang have little need for a colonel now.”

“Seungcheol-” Jihoon begins to protest as the colonel rises to his feet and starts to head for the exit. The commander’s voice trails after Seungcheol as he leaves quietly, no one daring to stop him. 

“Of all people…” Mingyu sighs out, crossing his arms as he leans back in his chair, “Even the wang-do are avoiding him now.” 

“Why?” You question and turn to the captain, “It’s not like he’s done anything wrong.”

“It’s his attitude,” Junhui responds in the elder’s stead, “It doesn't matter what you say to him, he takes it the wrong way regardless.” 

“Not to mention the smartass tone he’s been taking up,” a twisted frown settles onto Mingyu’s face, “it’s no wonder the men are scared shitless of him.” 

Their words confuse you, even though you haven’t been here as long as the other captains, Seungcheol was well liked among everyone in the Hwarang. After he’d received his injury, it seems as if that demeanor has taken a turn for the worse.  

“Can’t you come up with an excuse to get Gongmyung the hell out of here?” Seungkwan asks, turning towards Jihoon. “There’s barely been a moment of civility since he got here.” 

“You know I can’t do that,” Jihoon’s expression turns sour, “Youngmin’s all over the guy. Besides, he brought in a bunch of warriors from Hanseong, their allegiance doesn’t solely lie with us yet. They’ll pack up and leave the second we tell him to get lost.” 

“Fuck him though!” Seungkwan does little to quell the irateness of his voice, “You’re the goddamn demon commander, make the impossible happen!” 

Jihoon barks out a snarkish laugh, “Fine, Boo. How about I make you commander so you can kick Gongmyung and his thugs out?” 

“Hell no,” Seungkwan snickers, “That’s too much work.”

It eventually comes to fruition that Gongmyung isn’t to be trusted, having no other captains speak out on his behalf.  

You’re going around once more to distribute tea to the men when you stop by Hansol, who’d been quiet for most of, if not all, of the prior conversation. He looks up at you, as if he had felt your thoughts wander over to him.  

“What are your thoughts on Gongmyung joining?” You ask as he sets down his teacup onto the tabletop.  

Hansol sighs as you begin topping off the cup, “As any group begins to grow in numbers, it’ll have more and more people with differing opinions.” You pull the pot away from his cup, staunching the flow of the liquid, “Although, if one intends to be the catalyst for change instead of it occurring naturally, the group will begin to kill itself from the inside out.” His words hang heavy as you stand next to him, unsure of what to say next.  

Gongmyung’s acceptance into the Hwarang, from your perspective, wasn’t to tear them apart, but maybe to cause dissension among the members. You’re not fond of him, but his treatment towards Seungcheol and the colonel’s receptiveness to the critiques is what worries you the most. It’s not as if his arm would work again overnight, it would take a miracle to happen, and Seungcheol doesn’t seem like the type to frequent shamans.  

Sometime later you find yourself wandering back to your room, the meeting dissipating with little to be done with the newest arrivals. Although cold outside, the setting sun gives off little warmth as you trapeze yourself through one of the gardens. The reddish-maroon of the sinking star unsettling you. 

You still have Seungcheol in mind as you pause for a moment, staring up at the shifting hues of the heavens. A conversation you’d heard in the news of Seungcheol’s injury had spurred the conversation of the Furies as well as a serum. By the way they’d spoken of it, it made it seem as if the item was only used in dire circumstances, and it was highly secretive. You weren’t even supposed to know about it in the first place, but Soonyoung had let slip some information on it and now you can’t help but think about it. 

If you were to try and learn of it yourself, it’s no doubt that you’d find yourself in a world of trouble. Yet, you are the daughter of a physician, surely you have more medical knowledge than them? 

Falling onto your better judgment, you return to your quarters. Even if you’re worried about Seungcheol, you’re not sure that there’s much you can even do for him at this point.  

When the sun finally drops below the horizon, it seems as if Shoshin Temple bursts to life with activity. But the sounds aren’t boisterous, not the gaiety induced ones of the captains rough-housing, these were more ominous. You hear footsteps charge past your room, never seeming to cease as the men run off to an unknown location.  

Despite trying your best to keep out of it, your curiosity overtakes you, amalgamating in you slowly creeping out into the hall and following the sound of the commotion. The sounds take you to the main hall, the door left ajar so you quietly make your way inside. 

“To think that Seungcheol would’ve…” You can hear Youngmin’s voice, a seriousness in it as he comes into view. Jihoon and the other captains stand around him, each looking to be in a different stage of shock or disbelief. 

“What the hell were you all doing?!” Jihoon shouts out towards the other captains, his grief seeming to take shape in the form of unbridled anger, “I told you to watch out for Seungcheol! Was there some fucking part of that that you didn’t understand?” 

“You can’t blame us for this,” Junhui retorts defensively, “Who would’ve thought that he’d drink that shit? He was also in charge of that stuff so how were we supposed to know he had it?” 

“If he’d hidden it in a vial we wouldn’t have known,” Mingyu adds, glancing from Junhui to Jihoon, “And suppose that it does treat his arm… Everyone who took it went crazy. It didn’t work.” 

The serum… is that what the captains are referring to? You don’t have enough context on the situation to understand fully, but has Seungcheol taken whatever it is? 

“Seungcheol had been trying to improve it,” Hansol interjects, “He’d hoped his arm would heal before it deteriorated too much… Maybe he felt as if there wasn’t any other way. Regardless of that, when he realized his failure he ignored Seungkwan and tried to kill himself.”

“Kill himself?” You gasp aloud, momentarily forgetting that you aren’t supposed to be here. Slowly, all eyes shift to you, Jihoon’s gaze quickly meeting yours. 

“What are you doing here?” He asks and suddenly you’re unable to speak. His gaze holds an iciness that causes your throat to clam up, restricting any words that are trying to form. It’s the same way you felt upon entering Shoshin the first time, a mixture of anxiousness, suspicion and animosity.  

“Jihoon,” Youngmin says, his hand moving to rest on the commander’s forearm, “I think it’s time you tell her what’s going on. She is Heo’s daughter, after all.” 

Your eyes grow wide at the mention of your father’s name. Why is he being brought up all of a sudden? 

“I’m going to make this clear,” the commander stares at Youngmin with a grimace, looking back to you after a moment and sighing out lengthily, “The Hwarang don’t need you. There’s a chance that you’ll help us find Heo, but even without you, we’ll find him one way or another. Do anything strange and we’ll have you killed.” Your limbs feel frozen in place as he speaks, you’re able to stutter out an ‘Okay’ before he continues. “I’m going to tell you what’s happening here, but keep in mind that if you tell anyone else about it other than those that are in this room: it’s your own head.” 

“Are you… going to kill me?” 

“Not yet, but don’t think that means you’re free to run off.” 

“We never told you why your father was here in the first place,” Youngmin steps in, allowing you to break your gaze with Jihoon. “He was developing a… treatment of sorts.” 

“Like the one Seungcheol took?” Words forming on your lips, testing out how shocked you sound.  

The leader of the Hwarang nods solemnly, breathing in deeply before responding, “We first learned of it when one of the Crown’s men brought it to us. They told us it was obtained through trades with merchants in Tang.” 

The curiosity of it all, as dreadful it may be, swirls inside of you. Culminating into something you’re not sure you have the words to describe.  

“A foreign drug said to augment a man’s healing and bolster their strength,” Hansol sighs out, “Anyone who drank their fill would, supposedly, be able to fight off a guhin with no issue.” His voice serious, despite having alluded to a mythical beast, “Any of their injuries would heal almost immediately, unless they were decapitated or pierced through the heart.

This all sounds like something your father would’ve told you as a child to fuel your imagination, not something that was feasible now. 

“Yet, that power comes at a price. It spirals whoever drinks it into an unreturnable madness, they seek out human blood to satisfy their hunger instead of food or drink.” Hansol continues, looking at you with a wary gaze, Heo took it upon himself to try it out on some of the Hwarang so that an attempt to perfect the serum could be worked on. 

“My father?” You’re not sure how surprised you sound, something within you twinges but it’s probably the knowledge somewhere deep inside that you knew your father is connected to all of this. Yet knowing that he was using his skills to try and work on this… serum, makes a pit begin to form in your stomach. “So that night where you all found me...”

“We keep the men who’ve taken it to a temple just outside of Seorabeol, if they were kept here people would’ve become suspicious,” The explanation doesn’t tell you how you’d come to find them, but you can infer that they’d probably escaped. “As long as they don’t get any blood they stay relatively quiet.” With the way Hansol relays the information, it makes it seem as this is just a nonchalant topic for him, and it may have very well been. But to you, it’s alien but helps you put together a few things you’d been wondering since your arrival here.  

“Are you okay?” Mingyu asks, a tinge of concern to his voice, “You don’t look great.” He stops himself, scoffing inwardly before continuing, “Of course you’re not, this information would sicken anyone.”

“I think we’ve told her enough,” Jihoon interjects before Mingyu can continue, “We need to think about what to do with Seungcheol.”

“I guess…” Junhui frowns, crossing his arms, “But he was practically dead when Eunseok took him out of here.”

“This was a new draught of that shit, though,” Jihoon sounds as if he’s trying to contain himself, to keep his hopefulness on the floor, “we don’t know if the effects are any different from the last batch. And if it’s supposed to do what it's meant to, then that cut isn’t going to kill him.” His eyes flicker to the leader, “Youngmin, can you watch over him? I know Eunseok’s taking care of him but he’s just a kid and I don’t think that-” A pause as he catches himself fretting, he gives himself a second to straighten up, “Tonight will tell us if he’s meant to live or die, and whether he’ll be sane or not by the end of it.”

“Of course, isn’t Seungkwan with him as well?” Youngmin asks before he turns on his heels and heads towards the door.

“He’s guarding the room,” A curt response from Jihoon before Youngmin nods and exits the main hall, the sound of his footsteps dying down after a moment.

“I want you to keep everyone away from the captain’s wing,” Jihoon looks towards Mingyu, a frown dancing on his lips, “Especially Gongmyung’s men.”

“I know,” Mingyu huffs looking to where Youngmin had exited.

“Junhui, go and check on Hwangnyongsa.”

Another order from Jihoon, Junhui nods wordlessly and begins to head towards the main exit of the headquarters. As he passes, you see a glint of the same hostility he’d held towards you on the night of your first arrival. It’s tense and suspicious of you, an itch of gooseflesh overcoming you as he walks out into the night.

“Hansol, go to the inner courtyard, if the Kim brothers or their men show up, keep them busy,” And before Hansol’s even left the room, Jihoon’s gaze settles on you. “I want you to stay with one of the captains.” His concern stems not for the care of your well-being, that much is evident in his gaze, but more to the fact that tonight isn’t a good night to be wandering around alone.

“I’d stay away from Hwangnyongsa, they get rowdy at night,” Mingyu notes, his teeth biting at his cheek.

You nod, thankful for the suggestion, but even with his warning, you’d be limited in where you could go.

“I think I’ll stay here,” you assert to the remaining men, nodding to yourself that this is probably the safest place you could remain within the compound.

It doesn’t take long for Hansol and Mingyu to take their leave, heading for their respective locations around the headquarters before you’re left alone with the commander.

The main hall feels suffocating, mostly from Jihoon’s quietness and the thoughts of what had transpired here merely an hour beforehand. Your gaze shifts from looking out of the main entrance to the commander, his brow furrowing and eyes looking sullen. It’s easy to see that the events of tonight are eating away at him, his concern for his second-in-command utterly gnawing at his very being. His eyes close and he lets out a quiet sigh before speaking again,

“You might think you know who Seungcheol is, but this… It’s not really who he is. He’s an intelligent man who is more than just a sword. The colonel sees the full picture rather than what lies duly in front of him.” Another sigh as if he’s reminiscing, “His guidance helped me through a lot more than I’d like to credit, but his words were always more commandeering than his blade. In a way he was more powerful than me, without him, the Hwarang would’ve regressed to the likes of the Wonhwa.” A subtle smile curling on his lips, “He was like my big brother.” Hands balling into fists atop the table, there is a sincerity that drips from his words bitterly.

“He must mean a lot to you,” you say softly, your own hands falling into your lap, your back hitting the back of the chair as you lean.

“It sounds a little childlike when you say it aloud,” the absinthian smile still clinging to him. He sits, probably thinking the worst outcome for his longtime friend, reminiscing on their past and contemplating what it may mean for the future. Jihoon’s position leaves him unable to divulge this with most others, yet by sharing them with you, he can hold off on the truth for a while longer.

“The only reason we didn’t get rid of that serum is because we thought we could heal his arm with it somehow… Because I thought we could heal him,” the smile fades away, replaced with a grimace. “I should’ve seen this coming.” His own hands fall away from the tabletop and to his sides, a relent in the tension building in his shoulders, “We need Seungcheol. We can’t lose him.”

An anguish coming over him due to the morality of his friend. It’s hard to watch, and you’re nowhere near close enough to him to offer him substantial comfort or advice.

“It’ll be okay,” quiet words leaving you as you straighten up in your chair, his gaze flickering over to you.  

“Do you have anything to back that statement up?”

“Back in Toehwa-hyeon, I saw my father treat a lot of people. Most of them believed that they’d recover, and my dad said it was because they had a strong heart,” you say slowly, trying to space out your words coherently. “Seungcheol never seemed like the type to give up fully, and if we all think that he’ll recover then…”

Jihoon lets out a small laugh with a smile and shakes his head, “The Commander of the Hwarang being cheered up by a physician’s daughter. Who could’ve ever imagined this?” A spark igniting in his eyes, returning to the glowing embers and eventual blaze that he so often carries. “You’re right, though. Seungcheol drank the medicine with the intent of getting better and fixing his arm, we just have to believe that he’ll recover.” 

𝔉𝔢𝔟𝔯𝔲𝔞𝔯𝔶 7, 662 – 𝔖𝔥𝔬𝔰𝔥𝔦𝔫 𝔗𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔩𝔢, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 The night breaks into dawn long after you've retired to your room. A clattering of noise and the rise of voices rouse you from slumber and pull you back to the main hall. Upon entering, you find that the captains have gathered, each in conversation with one another. This scene isn’t interrupted until Eunseok enters. 

“It seems as if the hardest part for him is over,” The youngest nods, a collective ball of tension in the room dissipating instantly. 

“How is he?” Mingyu asks, looking to Eunseok. 

“Still asleep,” he nods, “he was in and out of consciousness the entire night, but he looks peaceful now.”

“Has he gone crazy like the others?” Junhui’s question is blunt as he blurts it out into the space. 

Eunseok shakes his head in the negative, “Not seemingly. But we won’t know until he wakes up. But as for now, he looks as he always has.”

Before another captain is able to ask Eunseok of Seungcheol’s status, the doors open and Gongmyung strides into the room.

“Good morning everyone,” A cheap smile painted on his face, “How are you?”

You can hear Junhui let out a soft, “Fuck,” at the sight of him. 

Gongmyung scans the faces of the captains after their muffled hellos, “You all look… gloomy.” 

“Isn’t it obvious that it’s because we’ve got to see your beautiful face every morning?” Junhui bites with a snicker. 

“What a… cute response,” Gongmyung’s quick to brush away the insult as he turns to the other captains. “Is the reason you all look so down because of what happened last night?”

“Ah, actually,” Youngmin begins, fumbling over his words. His gaze hops from captain to captain, looking for someone to relieve him of trying to offer an excuse to Gongmyung. 

“Jae,” Junhui’s elbow finds the older’s side as he whispers, “make something up!”

“You see,” Mingyu says after a moment, he too, stumbling over his words, “Well… Uh, yesterday…” 

“Didn’t you say you used to act for the nobles in your village?” Seungkwan scoffs at him quietly, “Be quiet and let someone else do the talking.” You think he’s talking about himself, but instead of speaking up, Seungkwan looks to Hansol, who begins speaking almost immediately. 

“As you may have heard, an incident occurred last night at the headquarters,” voice plain as he speaks to the Deputy Commander, “We have yet to gain full knowledge on the situation. If we were to make a statement now, it is a risk of polluting fact with falsities. Later this afternoon I’m sure we’ll be able to provide a much more detailed report.” 

“Hmm,” Gongmyung mulls over Hansol’s statement for a moment, “I’ll look forward to hearing all about what happened later this evening, then. For now, I’ll return to my men.” He waves everyone on his way out, a strange smile cutting across his face before he exits. 

“That was easier than it should’ve been,” Seungkwan huffs, watching the door close with a soft slam.

“What do you mean?” You ask, attention turning from the door and to Seungkwan.

“Gongmyung isn’t stupid, unfortunately,” Jihoon frowns and looks at you, “We shouldn’t have let him in here. The only person missing from our ranks is Seungcheol, it’s not going to take him long to realize that something’s happened to him.” 

The Deputy Commander had most likely suspected what had occurred but decided to not press the issue. Before you can think on it for too long, the door opens once more and Choi Seungcheol shuffles in.

A small laugh as he looks at them, his voice sounding a little weak, “Come on, it’s not like I’m some kind of monster.”

Eunseok rushes to him, offering assistance to stand but is waved away by the Colonel, “You should be resting, are you okay being up like this?”

“I’m tired… sore… but I suppose that’s a side effect of my new condition,” Seungcheol’s brow furrows slightly as he looks down to his hand, “Those who’ve taken the serum have found it difficult to do work in the daylight.” His face is a bit pallid, but with the way he stands and moves, it doesn’t seem like he’s hindered all too much. “I’m no longer human,” the words echoing around the room with a chilling effect. Each and every captain fell silent to them.

“Who cares about what you are?” Youngmin speaks up after a moment and steps towards Seungcheol with a bright smile, trying to lighten the mood, “All that matters is that you’re alive.”

“How’s your arm? Healed?” Seungkwan questions, looking down to the colonel’s once bandaged limb. 

“I don’t think I’ve fully recovered yet,” Seungcheol notes, flexing his fingers at his side, “It seems to have healed for the most part.” 

Despite the disturbance and subsequent chaos of the night prior, it seems like Seungcheol’s wish to use his arm again had come true. 

“You can’t go out in the sunlight though, right?” Mingyu asks, voice concerned, and his brow furrowed, “Will you still be able to fight with us?”

Seungcheol nods, slowly moving his head as if he’s mulling over a thought he’d been holding in for some time. “I think you should tell everyone I died.”

“What!?” Junhui shouts out, unable to hold in the burst of confusion. “The fuck are you on about?”

“I should serve in the Corps from now on. It’ll show them, and even more so, us, that success isn’t some far off dream.” Seungcheol says, looking at the frazzled captain. 

“Have you lost your goddamn mind Seungcheol?” Junhui’s voice shakes with every word, “Do you know what you’re saying?”

“Of course, I do,” Seungcheol frowns, “The Crown has ordered us to keep the serum a secret, and if I,” a small hum as he postulates his next word, “die, that secret remains so. Researching in secret will give me more ability to track side effects and even give me the potential to remove them. What reason do we have for me not to if we’re going to use it?” 

The movements of the captains easily show that they’re against Seungcheol’s idea, although no one but Junhui has said anything against it. None of them wish to banish their friend to a life of hiding and secrecy. 

“We were given this task by the late King himself, carried on by his son…” Youngmin trails off, “This may be our only choice.”  

“This is what you asked for, isn’t it Seungcheol?” Seungkwan shoots him a look, “You’ve always been the type to take things into your own hands so I can’t fault you for that.” 

“Sometimes I think you know me too well,” the colonel chuckles.

Jihoon, who’s stayed silent for a majority of the conversation, scoffs at the remark. “This means moving the Hwarang to a new location can’t wait any longer. If we’re going to hide Seungcheol from Gongmyung and his crowd, Shoshin wouldn’t allow us to do that easily.” 

“You’re right,” Hansol affirms, “If the Colonel intends to begin researching again, then we’ll have to expedite our move.” 

A nod from the commander as he turns to face the captains in full, “Even though none of you slept well, we need to get to work.” He looks to you, “You should get some rest, I know you didn’t sleep well either.” 

You want to stay and help them, but with how fatigued you are from staying up so late you can only nod your head at him before quickly shuffling back to your room. 

The same thoughts that had plagued you last night as you tried to fall asleep plague you as you now lie on your bedding. Your father’s work… Are you safe under their pretext of safety still? Thoughts still buzzing around your head as you eventually find yourself drifting off into a dreamless slumber. 

𝔍𝔲𝔫𝔢 4𝔱𝔥, 662 – 𝔅𝔲𝔩𝔤𝔲𝔨𝔰𝔞 𝔗𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔩𝔢, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 Bulguksa Temple has proven a better headquarters than that of Shoshin Temple, you’d come to this conclusion in the subsequent weeks of your arrival in March of this year. There’s much more room for the men to freely roam and train, and the view was even more astonishing than the last. The only downfall is the longer trek to the city of Seorabeol itself. On some days you still find yourself lost on the winding paths to the temple, but for the most part you can guide yourself around with little assistance from the monks who reside there.

On this particular day, you find yourself wandering the seemingly endless grounds for the Hwarang’s colonel. When you think you spot him standing in one of the shaded courtyards of the temple’s grounds you shout out to him.

“There you are, Colonel,” You call out, a tray held tightly in your grasp. The sun hangs in the sky above you, a slight burn beginning to burgeon on your clothed shoulders as you approach. “I’ve brought you your lunch.”

“Oh, hello,” he turns to you with a smile and beckons you closer, “Thank you.” A bird chirps in the branches of the tree above him, you look up to find the small creature before returning your gaze to him. You offer him a smile before extending out the tray to him. 

“It’s really gotten warm lately, hasn’t it?” You note, stepping into the shade once he’d taken the tray. Fingers rising to your shoulders to feel the heat of the sun that had soaked into the fabric. 

“It has,” he nods, moving to set the tray down on a stump beside him, “Although the increased sunshine has been more disagreeable than the warmth.”

“Ah, is it?” The sun doesn’t feel but so harsh on you, but the heat that swells around the compound has been making you sweat since the sun broke over the horizon. Yet, to Seungcheol his disposition probably found the light unbearable from his days in the shadows.

Sometimes it feels unreal to call Seungcheol dead, the night where he’d taken that serum to transform him into a creature lustful for blood, feeling more so like a dream whenever you recall it. As he stands before you now, you can hardly imagine it.

A light breeze wafts through the greenery around you, parting enough leaves in the tree from a few beams of sunlight to fall onto Seungcheol. For a moment, his hair turns a silvery white and his eyes seem to turn a deep crimson.

Your eyes widen and you take a step back, unsure if it were a trick of the light or your own imagination. 

“Is something wrong?” He asks, his hair now normal and his eyes once again brown. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost, and I know I’m not at that point yet.” Maybe you had imagined it.

𝔍𝔲𝔫𝔢 6𝔱𝔥, 662 – 𝔖𝔢𝔬𝔯𝔞𝔟𝔢𝔬𝔩, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 Soonyoung had asked you to accompany him on his rounds this morning with an excitedness in his voice that would’ve been hard to turn down. So, now you find yourself briskly walking with him through the crowded streets, the blues of his robes shining brilliantly in the midday sky. 

“It’s been a while since you’ve asked me to come on patrol with you,” You note as you pass a vendor selling sickeningly sweet treats. 

“I know, right? Hanseong kept me pretty busy.” He sighs out, having only just returned from his trip to the northern city just a few weeks ago. “Junhui and Mingyu didn’t mess with you when I was gone, did they? How was it when I was away?”

“Everything was fine, and they didn’t bother me,” You assure him with a small smile. 

“That’s good,” He returns the smile as you continue to walk. “Any updates on Heo though? Did you find any leads?”

“No,” the smile from your lips quickly leaving. 

“I see…” His own smile quickly disappears as he watches you, “I stopped by his place with the information you gave me but… It didn’t seem as if anyone had returned.” The somberness of the male begins to transfer to you, a feeling of hopelessness beginning to overtake you momentarily. 

“Thank you for taking the time to check for me, I know Toehwa-hyeon isn’t on the direct path back.”

“Don’t thank me for that,” He waves you off, “The fact that you can’t freely come and go as you please is completely the Hwarang’s faul—” 

“Soonyoung?” You question as he’d stopped himself mid-sentence. He’d looked glum ever since his return from Hanseong. “How about you, though? I know it’s been a while since you’ve been back in Seorabeol.” 

“I do feel like the city’s changed, the people too,” he muses, glancing at the faces that pass by. There’s a solemness to his tone that wasn’t typically there in conversations you’d had with him prior, had something happened in Hanseong? Before you can question him on it, his head jerks to look above the crowd, standing on his toes and waving to someone across the way.

“Find anything over there, Seungkwan?!” He shouts out above the clamor of the street. 

“Nope,” the older replies as he saunters over, “Nothing out of order here.” Seungkwan is out for patrol too, but his route takes him through a different path through the city. “Normal for now, at least. Things will change once the king comes back from his family villa. Rumor has it that he’s going to address the Hwarang.”

“Is he really?” You question, brow raising in surprise.

“Yep, it’s got Youngmin all flustered,” Seungkwan chuckles, “Our dear leader really respects the Crown, as well all have to, I guess.”

“I see,” you nod, “I hope it actually happens, then, right, Soonyoung?”

Soonyoung looks lost in thought before he hears his name, stumbling out his words as he responds, “Ah, yeah, right.” 

You look to Seungkwan to see if he’s caught on to the other’s oddness. But he’s stifling his mouth with his hand, coughing into it. 

“Are you alright?” You question him as his hand falls away from his mouth.

“I’m okay,” he waves you off, “I probably just caught a cold from patrolling late one night or something.” 

“Well, try to take care of yourself,” a sigh leaving you. As strong and intelligent as the men were, they hardly ever took care of their basic needs, “I have some cold medicine back at the headquarters, I’ll give you some.” 

“Thanks,” Seungkwan smiles, “I guess it is good to have you around at times.” Something catches his attention, and he breaks his gaze away from you and into the crowds of the street.

“Is something wrong?”

“What do you mean ‘no’?” A voice rings out and you follow it to see a man holding the wrist of a woman trying to get away from him. 

“Let go of me!” She cries out, trying to pull herself away from his grip.

“We’re soldiers of this great kingdom, fighting hard every day to kick these loyalists’ asses! You owe us some drinks, and maybe even a little company.” The man says, and it’s then you realize it isn’t just him, but two other presumed soldiers are harassing this woman. 

“Are you guys seeing this?” You question the two captains.

“Yeah,” Soonyoung frowns, “Stay here.”

Yet, before Soonyoung could step forward, Seungkwan seems to be several steps ahead, reaching the group already.

“Soldiers don’t seem to be what they used to,” he tuts, “throwing that rank aloud doesn’t mean you’re owed anything.” The crowds coming to watch the scene shuffle away from Seungkwan as he hovers his hand on his blade, glaring at the men. As the harassers catch the blues of the Hwarang’s robes they seem to stiffen. 

“You’re a Hwarang, aren’t you?” One of them asks, furrowing their brow.

“And you must be the smartest one out of these men,” Seungkwan’s tone is condescending as his hand now rests on the hilt of his sword. “Now, what’s it going to be?” A snide, predatory smile as he grips the hilt, no happiness deriving from the grin as the soldier’s faces pale. 

“Why don’t you leave us alone? This doesn’t involve you.” The one presumed to be their ringleader remarks. 

“If you really want to get out of here unscathed, you should probably follow your own advice,” Soonyoung scoffs, now saddling up beside Seungkwan. 

The sight of two Hwarang seems enough to deter the men from their endeavor. Their faces draining of color before they scamper off like scolded dogs. 

“If they’re just gonna run off like that when they see us they shouldn’t have tried to start anything in the first place,” Soonyoung sighs, watching them disappear into the crowds. 

“Aren’t you going to go after them?” You ask, looking at them as you walk over.

“And charge them with what?” Seungkwan questions, retracting his hand away from his blade and crossing his arms, “Didn’t think you were the iron fist kind of person.”

Before you can protest that that’s not what you meant, the woman whom the two Hwarang had intervened for speaks up, “Thank you for saving me.” She gives both Seungkwan and Soonyoung a bow, more grace in her movements than you could ever hope to have. Even if you dressed like a girl you’re not sure you’d even come close. 

Seungkwan’s hand lands on your shoulder before you’re able to feel any sorrier for yourself. “Seungkwan?” You question as he pulls you forward to stand next to the girl.

“Just go with it,” he says and steps away from the two of you, his hand under his chin as he looks over both of you. You smile softly at the girl, embarrassed as to what the Hwarang is making you do. She returns the smile, beautiful on the outside but there is something almost… strange about it. 

“Just as I thought,” Seungkwan nods, “They look just like each other.” 

And then it hits you, the girl standing before you looks just as you do whenever you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirrors dotting the headquarters. 

“Really?” Soonyoung questions, tilting his head at the two of you, “I don’t think they look alike at all, Boo.”

“Dress ‘em up like a girl and you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference,” Seungkwan insists.

“Captain Boo…” The woman says, looking at you, “She seems troubled.” 

She? Had the woman caught on to you so soon? Stuck in your thoughts she smiles at you once more, “I want to thank all of you properly, but I’m afraid that I’m in the middle of something important. My name is Ahro, I hope I’ll be able to repay you soon, Captain Boo.”

And with that she too disappears like a wisp into the crowds of Seorabeol, the strangeness of her presence lingering long after she’s left.

“It looks like she likes you, Seungkwan!” Soonyoung nudges the elder with his elbow.

“Is that really what you think, Soonyoung?” The other laughs, “You’ve got a long way to go before you’re at Junhui’s prowess levels.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean!?” Soonyoung shouts at the other, clearly offended by the remark. 

Their bickering fades away as you look to a puddle on the ground left from the rain the night prior. Looking into it now you see the resemblance that you and that woman had had. “Ahro…” You hum as a gust of wind causes the water to ripple and distort your figure. 

“Let’s get going!” Soonyoung calls, now further down the street as he’d begun walking back to Bulguksa.

“Coming!” You shout out to him as you look up from the puddle and begin to chase after him. 

𝔍𝔲𝔫𝔢 11𝔱𝔥, 662 – 𝔅𝔲𝔩𝔤𝔲𝔨𝔰𝔞 𝔗𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔩𝔢, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 The main hall of this temple is open enough so that most, if not all, of the Seorabeol Hwarang can fit inside of it with ample room to spare. It’s a little strange to see all of these faces in one place, seeing as at Shoshin, only the captains and a few other members took priority of occupying the main hall. Yet, as Kwak Youngmin stands proudly in front of his men, any thoughts of the prior location escape your mind.

“By now it’s probably not our best kept secret, but King Munmu has asked us to act as his guard as he returns from his family’s villa to Banweolseong.” Youngmin beams excitedly as the hall begins to erupt in chatter.

“Guard him?” Junhui looks shocked as he turns towards Mingyu, “What’s that about?”

“I don’t know,” he shakes his head in disbelief, “I thought we were just going to get the usual ‘Keep up the good work’ spiel.” 

“Our work at Wonweol and Ongsan must’ve gotten through to them,” Jihoon nods, a hidden smile pulling at his lips. 

“The leadership of Silla resting on us,” Seungkwan muses almost gleefully, “That’s big.”

“Exactly right,” Jihoon agrees, “We’ve got to do beyond our best for this.”

On the opposite end of the hall, you can hear Suh Kangjoon speak up, “Guarding the king… That’s quite the promotion for us.”

“It truly is,” Gongmyung notes with a sigh, “If only Seungcheol were alive to see it. He would’ve been overjoyed.” Another lamenting breath tiptoeing on faux sympathy, “To have lost such an ally…” 

Kim Gongmyung and all of his followers had been told of the colonel’s passing. Actually, the incident surrounding Seungcheol’s transformation had been hidden, only a few of the Hwarang knew the reality of the situation. 

“I think doing our best to serve and protect the king is what Seungcheol would’ve wanted,” Youngmin interjects himself into their conversation. 

“Yes,” Gongmyung nods, “Of course. This is an excellent opportunity for us to gain favor with the masses.”

“We ought to assign roles at this point. I’d like Jihoon, Seungkwan, and myself to—” Youngmin begins before being cut off by Jihoon.

“Sorry Kwak, but do you think Boo can sit this one out?” The commander’s arms cross over his chest as he glances towards the third party. 

“Why’s that?” Youngmin questions, confusion sweeping his features.  

“His cold hasn’t recovered fully. And despite me telling him to take care of himself, he neglects to do so,” He sighs out, looking back towards Youngmin. 

“Is this true, Seungkwan?” Youngmin looks at the swordsman, “Are you alright?”

“Lee’s just babying me again,” Seungkwan says with a dismissive gesture, “I think I’m alright.”

“Don’t give me that shit,” Jihoon frowns, “You nearly coughed up a lung earlier.” 

“Are you trying to sell me medicine?” He scoffs, crossing his arms with a frown, “There’s no way in hell I’m taking what your mother’s doctor prescribed anymore. It tastes like persimmons.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to—” a frustrated grunt from the commander, “Just do what I say, for once.”

You recall giving Seungkwan medicine some time ago after he’d been coughing while out on patrol, had it not helped him? It could be dust particles in the air, you know that the buildup of dust in the temple caused you to sneeze incessantly some mornings. 

From the corner of your periphery, you see someone raise their hand. 

“Is something wrong, Soonyoung?” Youngmin asks, having seen the younger calling for attention. 

“I’m uh, I’m not feeling so great either,” Soonyoung frowns, his eyes looking panicked. 

“You too?” Youngmin hums in defeat, “You should try and take care of yourself. I was hoping we could all go and guard the king.”

“I’m sorry,” Soonyoung bows his head in apology. 

“No, no, don’t worry about it. Your health comes first, always!” Youngmin tries to brighten his tone to detract from the now somber mood. “I’m sure we’ll have another chance to do something great together!”

Jihoon and Youngmin continue discussing the precession that’s to take place, when suddenly, the commander turns to you.

“What’re you going to do?” Jihoon asks, an eyebrow raised as he poises the question. 

“What do you mean?” You say as you look to him, “Are you asking if I want to go with you?”

“I am,” He nods and after a moment of silence asks, “Are you?” 

“Is that really okay?”

“Of course it is!” Youngmin smiles, “We won’t mind. Besides, you’re practically one of us, I’d love for you to accompany us.” 

Another moment of hesitation before Seungkwan laughs aloud, “Why don’t you go? It seems a lot safer than what happened at Wonweol and Ongsan.”

“Yeah,” Soonyoung nods, “I can’t imagine any loyalists would try to do anything when the king’ll be so heavily guarded.” 

“I’ll go, then,” you nod firmly towards the commander. 

“Alright,” Jihoon nods back with a small smile, “I thought we’d give you the job of running messages when needed. It’s not going to be the easiest job but I figure you can do it.”

Later that day you and the able captains and Hwarang left Seorabeol. Traveling about an hour or two outside of the city as you wait for the king’s caravan to greet you in a small village that you can’t remember the name of. You never actually saw the king, but you follow the Hwarang back to Seorabeol, arriving at the gates of the city just as the sun dips below the horizon. The walk through the city is brisk, and in no time the caravan disbands and you and a few other Hwarang stand outside the palace gates. By now, Youngmin, Junhui and Gongmyung are probably greeting officials and other important members of the king’s retinue. 

You shift on your feet for a moment, the sole aching slightly from the trek earlier, but you have a job to do. Jihoon had tasked you to tell the Hwarang when to change their shift and to carry any important messages when needed. It’s something of a glorified page position, but it’s not an entirely useless role… probably. 

“You’re the messenger?” A voice says as you approach them, “This isn’t a vacation, you know.”

“I’m not here to relax, Dongyoung,” you sigh as you stand before him.

“Is that right? Then why did we take someone here who can’t even use a sword?” Dongyoung scoffs, the light from a nearby brazier flickering across the sneer on his face.

“I’m here to do what I can,” You state firmly before beginning to relay your message. “The Chief is currently paying his respects to members of the court, everyone else should continue guarding.” 

“Message understood,” he says flippantly, causing you to look confused with how he didn’t retort on it. “What? Surprised I actually listened to you?”

“Oh no—I just—” 

“It’s a job,” He frowns, “It’s not personal. Now you’ve delivered your message, get going.”

You don’t ever speak much to Dongyoung, mostly on account of his brother being Gongmyung, but maybe he’s more responsible than you thought him to be. 

After he shoos you away, you continue to make your rounds, delivering messages to the Hwarang stationed around the castle. They’re easy to spot, wearing their white robes instead of their normal blues. They seem laxer now, maybe because the loyalists had been driven out of the capital for the most part, the Baekje revivalists fleeing back to the territory of the old kingdom. 

As you think that, and begin to approach another member of the Hwarang some distance away, your blood runs cold. A prick of gooseflesh running along your spine as your heartbeat reaches your ears. You can taste the blood in the air, looking around the trees encasing the palace and finding nothing. It’s not until you look at the castle walls and the walkway situated on top of it, does your stomach sink. Three figures jump down from the wall, landing on the dirt ground with a cloud of gritty dust.

“You’ve found us, then,” A familiar voice sighs out as they turn to you, stating your name somewhat cooly. The figure, flanked by two others, is haloed in the moonlight as you squint your eyes to try and get a better look at his face. “Not too slow.” Their piercing gaze fires into you, the name ‘Hong Jisoo’ battering through your mind as you remember the distinctive voice and way he carries himself. The last you’d seen him had been at Ongsan, and you face him now with much more dread than you’d had that day.

The two figures beside him must be Hwan Minhyun and Xu Minghao, the people whom other Hwarang had encountered during the battle at the fortress. You know they have ties with the inner court and had tried to stop the Hwarang’s efforts during the battle at Wonweol and Ongsan.

“Why are you here?” You question, trying to keep your voice steady.

“You mean ‘how’ did we get here, don’t you?” the one on Jisoo’s left, questions. “Man made obstacles are meaningless to a Demon.”

“We’re here for only one reason: you.” The other speaks up, crossing his arms. 

“Me?” You take a step back, the pounding of your heart unrelenting as you stare at them. “I don’t understand.” How do they know your name? “What do you mean by Demon? Is this some kind of joke?”

Jisoo scoffs, “You of all people are asking that? Maybe you’re the one who’s joking.” He steps forward, toward you, the shadows seeming to cling to his robes as he walks. 

When the man you now presume to be Minhyun speaks, it’s soft, almost caring in a way, “When you’re injured, do you heal quickly?” Your breath catches in your throat as he continues, “You heal faster than anyone around you, right?” 

This knowledge about you is unknown to almost everyone except for you and your father… How do they know this? 

You’re about to try and pull yourself together to defend yourself from the accusations when the other man, Minghao speaks up. “Wouldn’t it be better to just give her a demonstration?” His hand begins to reach for the quiver on his back before Jisoo speaks up.

“Minghao, do you really think I’d let you hurt a female Demon?” His voice slightly agitated as he glanced at the other. 

“Don’t tell me what to do, Hong.” He scoffs, “She’s being stubborn, what do you suggest we do?” 

Jisoo breaks his glare, only for his eyes to settle on the blade at your hip. “Her family’s name is a demon’s, she carries the Demon of Taebaeksan’s blade. Isn’t that enough evidence?” 

“My… name?” What’s wrong with ‘Heo’? His narrative, largely unknown to you, is cause enough for you to continue to panic. 

“Then again, it’s not like we need your permission to kidnap you,” Jisoo muses, looking at you with a frown, “Come with us or we’ll have to take you instead.” His hand outstretches towards you like a lure trying to bait in a fish. You step back, away from him, when you feel two figures brush past you. 

“Woah there,” Mingyu says as he stops, feet hitting the ground as his hand reaches for and pulls out his sword, “This really isn’t the place to try and pick up a woman.”

“You again?” Jisoo asks as he steps back, a sneer on his lips, “For a noble you really do like to keep it simple.”

“The same could be said to you,” Hansol says to him, also reaching for his blade. He looks back to you, “When we heard you hadn’t given your messages out on time we came to look for you.”

You nod and step back once more, your legs becoming unsteady as if the adrenaline that had been coursing through you suddenly left you at once. A hand catches you before you fall, pulling you further away from the skirmish.

“Stay back here,” Jihoon says sternly, looking towards the trio of assailants. His hand guides you to his side before he lets go of you, reaching for his blade. “I thought you’d be here for the king,” He says to Jisoo, “What do you want with my page?” 

“I don’t have any interest in you or this kingdom right now,” Jisoo says, looking past the commander and at you, “This matter only concerns us Demons.” 

“Demons?” Jihoon scoffs, narrowing his eyes at the foe. He seems confused by the statement, perhaps hoping there’d be a more coherent and understandable reason for Jisoo’s presence. 

“Haven’t seen you since Ongsan,” Minghao notes, looking over to Mingyu and Hansol.

“Looks like it’s fate,” Mingyu huffs out, “not that I’m particularly happy about it.” 

“I don’t feel great about this reunion either,” Hansol sighs and pulls out his sword, Mingyu following suit. 

The tension lays thick in the air, settling into your throat so that you find it hard to speak or breathe. With the slightest movement that could set them off, you reflexively reach for the blade at your hip so that should anything arise, you’ll be ready. 

“Don’t worry about them,” A voice from behind you speaks up. Cloaked in the shadows from the nearby forest, Chan slowly approaches you. “Jihoon’s asked me to escort you back to headquarters.”

“Are you telling me to run?” You ask, gaze shifting from Chan to Jihoon, who’s still locked eyes with Jisoo. 

“I am,” Chan nods, reaching out so that you might take his hand, “Even if you stay there’s little you can do.” 

You shake your head, his hand falling away back to his side, “I’m going to stay.” 

“What do you think you’ll be able to do here?” Chan doesn’t sound condescending, just confused as to why you’d wish to stay and endanger yourself further. 

You think to what the three intruders had said to you prior, the want to know more about what they’d called you sought itself out with more priority than your own safety at the moment. 

“You have a reason, I see.” The Hwarang shakes his head, not waiting for a response as he sees the conviction already dead-set in your gaze. “I can admire that. But I do have my orders. You may want to stay because you want to do what you believe is right, but I have to do the same.” His hand outstretches towards you once more, a pleading look in his eye as he quietly asks for you to go with him. 

Before his fingers are able to brush against the linen of your robes, an arrow whizzes by, buzzing before it lands with a solid ‘thunk’ in a tree behind Chan. Gaze traveling back to where it had been fired, you find Minghao lowering his bow, his hand still hovering over his quiver should he need to take another shot. 

“She said she wanted to stay,” Minghao sighs, grabbing another arrow before loosely notching it, “You have to learn to respect a woman’s wishes.” 

Mingyu lurches forward with his sword in retaliation for the attack on his fellow Hwarang, hoping to land a blow somewhere on Minghao’s abdomen. The strike though, is easily dodged by the bowman, who merely steps aside and watches as Mingyu’s feet falter as he moves to sling his bow over his shoulder and reach for the sword at his hip.

“Minghao’s temper is going to get him in trouble one day,” you hear Minhyun note with a frown as he witnesses the event. 

“Evidently so,” Hansol agrees, sword still clenched in his fist, “You don’t seem like you’re going to stop him, though.” He then moves to strike the unarmed foe, swinging his sword in a downward motion to try and disrupt the lax stance Minhyun was in. 

“And here I was,” a clanging of metal as Minhyun seems to unsheathe his sword in a blink of an eye and move it upwards to counter Hansol’s blow, “thinking we could just talk this through!” 

“Who the hell are these guys?” Jihoon says through grit teeth as you hover your hand over your blade once more. Behind you, you can hear Chan slip back into the tree line, presumably to go and fetch help for the commander and captains. Minghao and Minhyun are showing much more prowess with a blade than you’d thought, and with Jisoo still standing, you know it’d take more men than the three Hwarang to defeat them. 

For now, though, you put your faith into Jihoon and step back from the fight, an action that draws appraisal from the commander, “Good. Don’t be an idiot and draw your sword. Leave this to me.”

“Don’t you remember the last time we fought?” Jisoo frowns and you recall the fight that Jihoon had found himself entrenched in. The way that the stranger speaks of it unsettles you, as if he’s taunting the commander with the memory of it. “Maybe instead of going easy I’ll just get rid of you.” 

Jihoon laughs at the absurdity of the statement, “I’d love to see you try. I still haven’t paid you back for killing one of my men at Ongsan.”

The rivalry sparks between them, a fire igniting in their gazes before Jihoon takes the first step. They run towards each other, their swords clanging together and ringing out through the nighttime sky. Blades screaming against one another as they’re pulled apart by the respective opponent, Jihoon seeks to swing again only to be parried by Jisoo with ease. 

“What the hell are you?” Jihoon asks as the two part once more, his breathing heaving as it seems as if he’d thrown his all into his last strike. 

“Haven’t I already said what I was? A Demon,” Jisoo frowns, barely looking scathed by the short skirmish, “but not just me, or them, but her too.” His gaze flickers over to you for a moment before looking back to Jihoon. “We’ve come to relinquish you from watching over her.”

“Sounds like bullshit to me,” Jihoon snorts before tightening his grip on his blade. This time, it’s Jisoo who strikes out first, their blades greeting each other with a shuddered clangor. They exchange a few more blows, a strand of Jisoo’s hair edging too close to Jihoon’s blade and quickly getting cut away. The cut strands flutter to the ground and settle by his feet. Instead of looking scared at how close a blade had come to his body, Jisoo shows what seems to be the tiniest bit of surprise before lowering his sword. 

Jihoon, seeing his opposition falter, lowers his blade as well, taking a step back. Around them, you see that Hansol, Minhyun, Mingyu and Minghao have stopped fighting as well. 

“Fighting like this is going to get us nowhere,” Minhyun frowns and looks over to Jisoo, “We’ll only attract more people.”

“I can’t help but feel that that’s targeted at him,” Minghao bites, “I know when to stop, the only one here who’s got an issue with that is—” His gaze trails towards Jisoo as he speaks, biting back a retort. 

A deep, almost exasperated sigh from Jisoo, “We don’t have to stay. We’ve only come to verify that the lead was correct.”

“Do you think we’ll just let you walk away?” Hansol questions, his sword still raised towards the trio. 

“You three might survive,” Jisoo nods, moving to sheath his sword, “but how many of your men will we have to kill before we escape? Are their lives that expendable?” Jihoon, Hansol and Mingyu remain angrily silent, knowing full well they can’t accept that risk. Jisoo smiles at them, he and the two others begin to make their way to the forest’s edge, but before they disappear completely, their leader turns and says one last thing to you.

“I will be back for you.” Not wanting to meet his gaze, your eyes travel to the embroidered yellow azaleas on his robes before they vanish in the denseness of the forest. 

The words whip through you like an icy chill, curling around your stomach with a fear you haven’t felt since you were a child. 

“Are you okay?” Mingyu asks after he’s sheathed his sword and takes a few steps towards you. 

“I’m… alright,” you nod weakly, clenching your fists so they won’t shake.

“You’re bad at lying,” he laughs lightly, “Just wait here for a bit, we’ll have some other men take a few rounds and make sure those three don’t come back.”

“Thank you,” trying to sound as appreciative as you can, you look from Mingyu to Jihoon, who continues to stare into the darkness of the woods as if to try and spot the three figures. 

“Do you have any idea why they came after you?” He questions after a moment, locking eyes with you as if to probe your mind. 

“I’m not sure…” you relent, not knowing whether Jisoo’s words were accurate or not. Were you really what he said, a Demon? 

𝔍𝔲𝔫𝔢 20𝔱𝔥, 662 – 𝔅𝔲𝔩𝔤𝔲𝔨𝔰𝔞 𝔗𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔩𝔢, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 The incident on the night of the eleventh never comes to the attention of any other members of the Hwarang, save for the commander’s most trusted captains. In lieu of that, life at Bulguksa remains relatively unchanged, the usual grumblings from Gongmyung and his crowd continue as usual and the captain’s antics remain unbothered. 

On this balmy morning, you walk through the halls, coming upon a line of Hwarang gaily chatting among themselves as they wait. Suddenly a door opens from the beginning of the line and Gongmyung comes racing out towards your direction.

“Never have I felt so violated,” He huffs exasperatedly, coming towards you. “This is absolutely horrendous!” 

“Is something wrong, Gongmyung?” You ask with a tilt of your head, wondering what has the Deputy Commander in such a tizzy. 

“Everything!” He pants out, a thin line of panicked sweat trailing down the side of his face, “Why am I meant to disrobe in that room of utter brutes!?” 

His sentence makes you furrow your brow, what exactly is going on? 

“Someone who calls themself a physician who Youngmin met while conversing with the King’s council arrived today,” the Deputy Commander does his best to straighten his robes and adjust his long strands of hair that had gone askew. “He’s holding physical examinations.” With a frown he nods his head towards the door he’d raced out of moments prior, “That monster said I should take my clothes off in front of near strangers! When I refused, he tried to take them off of me himself! And the other captains just stood there! Without doing anything!” 

Seeing as your particular… situation might not be the best for a physical examination in a group full of men, you think about returning to your room before you ask, “What’s the doctor’s name?”

“I think it was Namekawa Yasuo, some man from Yamato,” Gongmyung huffs indignantly. 

“Doctor Namekawa!” You nearly jump at the familiar name. 

The other takes a step back in surprise, “Do you know him or something?”

When you’d arrived in Seorabeol with your father’s letter and a few fragments of some from your father’s collection, his name had been among the signatures. It was your intention upon arrival to seek him out, your father had always called him a trustworthy man. Once in Seorabeol, you found that he’d been away on some patient’s request, and after that you’d quickly gotten swept up into the world of the Hwarang. 

“I’ve got to go!” You brush away his question and barrel past him towards the door he’d exited from. 

“You’re going in there willingly?” Gongmyung calls out from behind you, shaking his head in disgust. 

Almost immediately when you open the door you wish you hadn’t. 

“Alright, next,” the man you presume to be Dr. Namekawa calls out, motioning forward a Hwarang. A nearly fully disrobed Hwarang. 

“My turn!” Junhui shouts and steps forward, only wearing the pants worn underneath his Hwarang robes. “You’re looking at years of training right here,” he laughs almost comically as he approaches the doctor’s station. 

“I think you’re fine, Wen,” Soonyoung scoffs, in a similar state of undress as Junhui, “it’s your head he should be looking at.”

“Are you asking me to beat the shit out of you?” Junhui turns to look at him, a grin split across his face. 

Dr. Namekawa rolls his eyes at him before speaking, “Wen Junhui, you’re fine. Next!” 

“Hold on!” Junhui says, taking a step closer to the doctor and flexing his arm, “You’ve gotta make sure I’m in prime condition!”

“As healthy as a horse,” Namekawa reels, sitting back in his seat, “I’ve seen more than enough, thank you.”

“You’re holding up the line, Wen,” Mingyu calls out, and you spot Hansol standing next to him, both with unamused expressions on their faces. “For the love of— please get moving.”

“I just don’t think he’s had enough time to fully make sure I’m okay!” Junhui complains, “I’m trying to make sure I can bulk up more!”

“This is supposed to be about finding medical issues, not boasting,” Hansol sighs, his arms crossed over his chest, “Move.” 

Your mouth hangs open in shock, it’s now easy to see why Gongmyung had made such a hasty retreat. Shaking your head, you pull yourself from the room and back into the hallway, feeling a creeping heat of embarrassment rise up your neck.

“What are you doing here?” The Hwarang who’s first in line questions, “Is something wrong?” 

“Oh!” Turning, you see Chan gazing at you perplexedly. “Hi, I heard Doctor Namekawa was here.” 

“Ah, so you want to speak to him?” A tilt of his head. “I’ve been briefed on your situation, so I understand what you’re trying to do… But I’m not sure that this is the way to go about it. I’m sure he can speak to you once the physicals are complete.”

You nod, “I just think they might take a while, some of the captains…”

“I’m aware,” he laughs, “if you want me to, I can try to get things moving a little faster.”

“Would you?” Eyes widening, “I’d be thankful if you could.”

“Of course,” the smile still lingering on his lips, “Just leave it to me.” With that he walks into the room and towards the doctor, “Excuse me, Doctor Namekawa? Please let me look after those whose symptoms are minor, I’m sure you could use a break?” 

You stand in the doorway, unable to hear his response, so you step back into the hallway and wait for the doctor to exit. Namekawa Yasuo leaves the room a few moments later, his attention turning to you when you call out to him. 

Namekawa’s eyes narrow as he looks at you, inspecting you as if you were one of his patients. “I need to fetch some medicine from my things, would you mind giving me a hand?” He questions, his gaze softening once you nod your head. 

On the way towards his things, the two of you walk through one of the courtyards and come across Kwak Youngmin walking towards you. He nods at the doctor before glancing at you, “I see you’ve found her already.”

“Thanks to you,” Namekawa nods with a smile at the leader. 

Your brow furrows as you search both of their expressions before the doctor speaks up once more, “I came to Bulguksa to see you. Youngmin told me that Heo’s daughter was staying with the Hwarang.”

“I see,” you realize, your eyes widening as you look towards Youngmin.

“I knew that Namekawa and Heo knew each other,” Youngmin smiles softly, “So I thought that maybe the doctor knew of his friend’s whereabouts.”

Even if the Hwarang wanted to find your father for reasons other than yours, this slight clue was still enough for you to feel happy. 

“Thank you,” a bow to Youngmin and one to Namekawa, “both of you.” 

Namekawa then goes on to say how you’d left just before he arrived at your father’s clinic in Toehwa-hyeon when you’d gone off to Seorabeol. He’d received the letter you sent but once arriving had no idea of where you’d gone or how to find you. 

“I apologize for not seeking you out sooner,” he sounds remorseful, “It must’ve been difficult. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.”

“About my father…” the words leave you and Namekawa’s face turns grim, you already feel as if you know the answer. 

“Unfortunately,” he says once your words have trailed off, “I do not know where your father is residing.”

“Oh,” utter defeat lamenting in your voice as you speak the singular word. You almost feel bad now for feeling so hopeful that Namekawa would have some earth-shattering news about the whereabouts of your father. 

“I hear, though,” Namekawa coughs into his hand to clear his throat, “that you’ve become involved with the treatment… You do know what I’m referring to, right?”

“Are you able to explain it any more?” You’d learned of the serum, seen what it had done to those who’d taken it. But why, why is your father involved with it? “I want to know what my father was experimenting for.”

“Heo was working under Crown orders with the Hwarang to create what are called ‘Furies’,” Namekawa’s voice is low as he speaks, gravelly with a seriousness that permeates into you. “Furies are humans with near supernatural strength and speed. They heal incredibly quickly as well.” 

“Furies?” The word lingers familiarly on your tongue, it takes a moment, but you realize you’d heard the word before. Soonyoung had tried to explain to you what they are on the night that Seungcheol had been injured last year. 

“The contents of the serum are called pimul,” Namekawa crosses his arm, tone still low, “in Tang they call it ‘al iksir’ and in Yamato it’s ‘ochimizu’. It’s meant to grant immortality.”

These words sound like some sort of fantastical fairytale than what’s meant to be real life. Yet, the seriousness of the doctor assures you that it isn’t a sick joke.

“I’ve heard of its healing and strength giving properties,” you nod, “but doesn’t it cause the drinker to go mad?” Recalling the night you had stumbled into Seorabeol and the nobles who’d been attacked by the rouge Hwarang furies causes you to shudder. “And even if that doesn’t drive you insane, the smell of blood can set you off too…”

A heaving sigh as Namekawa nods solemnly, moving then to pinch the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger, “So you’re aware of that as well…” 

“Why was my father doing this?” You plead more than ask, trying to search the depths of your mind to reason with yourself and come to a believable situation that would’ve caused Heo Jinsang to work with such a vile creation. 

“That may have been why he left,” Namekawa suggests softly, “His morals would no longer allow him to work on such a thing.”

“And yet we were given the pimul by the Crown to help strengthen the Hwarang…” Youngmin frowns and looks towards the sidewalk.

“It was an experiment,” Namekawa shakes his head, “and it failed. It’s probably best to leave it behind, I’m sure the Crown has abandoned its ambition with it as well.”

The leader looks up and frowns at the doctor, probably unhappy to hear that Namekawa would question the Crown’s once official decision. 

“You’ve seen what it’s done to your men,” Namekawa insists, “It’s inhumane and you know it better than I do.”

Youngmin lets out a huff of air and then falls silent. You know that he knows how detrimental it is to his men, painfully so. Yet, the pimul was given to him on official orders and a secret request from the former King. 

“I understand that you’re one of the King’s doctors, yet…” A voice from behind after a moment of silence. Your eyes widen at the sight of Seungcheol in the daylight, knowing that the sun’s rays have an adverse effect on him. “You’re not a member of the Hwarang, you have no right to object to our methods.” His face paling in the light, lost of all color, almost as if he were a walking corpse. 

“Are you okay walking around like this?” You ask him quietly, your voice teetering on worry and a whisper. 

“You look pale, Seungcheol,” Youngmin frowns at the colonel, “You should be resting.”

“Don’t mind me,” Seungcheol shakes his head and then turns to the doctor. “We use the serum effectively and at our own discretion.” His gaze hardens when they lock eyes, his voice becoming gravely serious, almost as if he’s been offended.

“It’s far too dangerous to—” Namekawa begins before being interrupted by Seungcheol.

“We have and will continue to work on Heo’s research.” His voice, behind the veneer of quiet anger, sounds weakened. “I am living proof of its effectiveness.” 

“You may be right,” Namekawa cedes before raising another point, “But that doesn’t mean you’re not forcing your body in ways unseen with the eye.”

“I’m perfectly healthy,” Seungcheol insists, “With continued research and alterations to the serum, we’ll have less casualties and more success.” 

“And are you planning on sacrificing your men for your success?” Namekawa frowns, “These men aren’t just common folk, many are the sons of nobles, aristocrats! Sons who will be missed should they just disappear.”

“It’s not as if we’re force feeding them pimul.” Seungcheol’s agitated at the doctor, you don’t know the last time he was able to see his own family since becoming a Fury. “The men who devote and give their lives to the Hwarang are the foundation of my work, they did not and will not die in vain.”

“But—”

“I think that’s enough,” Youngmin steps in before the doctor can say anything else, “from either of you. Let’s discuss this at another time.”

To you it seems that neither Seungcheol or Namekawa would ever come to a civil agreement on the ethics of the serum’s usage. But that was an opinion you feel is best not said at this moment. 

The anger in Seungcheol’s face subsides, and the corner of his mouth turns up into a smile before he bows and leaves the three of you wordlessly. 

“So…” Youngmin says as Seungcheol recedes back into the headquarters inner buildings, “How did exams go?”

“About that,” Namekawa begins, “It’s a bit troubling.”

“Troubling?” Youngmin asks, confused, “What do you mean by that?”

“What do you mean ‘What do you mean’?” Namekawa frowns, “The amount of injured and ill men you have is nearly a quarter of your forces!”

“That’s—” Youngmin’s voice catches in his throat, “Are you sure?”

“I am not only sure, but it is the definite truth,” A disparaging shake of his head, “What have you been doing to these men? Cuts, lacerations, bowel pains… Need I mention the lice?”

“I’m embarrassed to hear that, I really am,” Youngmin looks as such, his ears pink as he drops his shoulders. “What can I do?”

“Set aside a space for the ill and those needing medical attention, for starters. I can send some pyrethrum powder for the lice,” Namekawa lists off and you can see Youngmin mentally making a list, “Second, this place needs to be cleaned. I can’t help you otherwise.”

“Of course,” Youngmin nods, the tinge of embarrassment still riding his tone, “I’ll have everything seen to immediately.” 

And so, the Hwarang are ordered to clean. Those who are able-bodied enough to hold a broom or a rag are sent to the main hall, Youngmin quickly barking out cleaning orders and sending them all over Bulguksa to thoroughly scrub the temple down.

“Why the hell are we doing this?” Junhui grumbles as he sits on his knees, scrubbing at the wooden floors. “I can think of nothing less I would want to be doing right now.”

“Stop complaining so much,” Mingyu sighs and calls him over, “Help me lift up this cabinet, it’s a great way to show off your muscles from earlier.”

You’re walking into the main hall with a bucket of water when you hear Soonyoung cry out, causing you to jump and spill some of the liquid onto the floor and your shoes.

“A RAT!” He nearly screeches, hopping behind Hansol when he spots the gray creature dart out from a bookcase. 

“Calm down Soonyoung,” Hansol looks as if he’s holding back a smile, trying to keep the reserved demeanor he usually has, “It’s not that bad. It actually looks like it’s eating that—is that dried up tteok?”

“Yeah!” Soonyoung says, leaning forward to get a look at the rat’s snack, “Who the hell hides their sweets back here?!”

A grumble from the other side of the room, you look over to see Kangjoon holding a boom, “Why are we bothering ourselves with work a servant should be doing? I’m a strategist, not a cleaner.”

“Why don’t you show us your school’s technique, then?” Mingyu scoffs, “You said it’s prized knowledge, maybe it can help us here.”

“Shut it!” Kangjoon says angrily, “The Pohang style wasn’t designed to help with housework!”

“You’re a little bit of a bully, huh, Mingyu?” Dongyoung snickers as he peeks out from behind one of the various shelves, “Those old-timey tactics of his wouldn’t even allow him to hold a broomstick, let alone make a dent in this mess.”

Kangjoon’s stare hardens at Dongyoung, “You should watch your mouth… Compared to the techniques from Tang it may be outdated, but I can assure you it still holds up.” 

“Oh,” Mingyu looks past Kangjoon and out one of the doorways, “Youngmin’s coming.”

“Chief!” Kangjoon spins on his heels towards the door, “Look at this, the room was so filthy you couldn’t even walk properly, and with my guidance it’s—” He stops once he realizes there’s no one standing in the doorway, “Where’s Kwak?”

“You’re an idiot,” Mingyu rolls his eyes.

“Damn you, Kim,” Kangjoon spits venomously, “You tricked me!”

“An idiot and a kiss ass,” Mingyu hums, “Quite the multitasker. Don’t you ever get tired being such a two-faced asshole, not knowing which mask to wear?” 

Kangjoon fumes and angrily stomps down towards the other end of the hall. You see this as an opportunity to proclaim your findings.

“I brought you all some fresh rags and water to help you clean the floor with,” you announce, holding out the bucket and handful of cloth to the captains.

“Thanks!” Soonyoung says as he bounds over, swiftly taking the items from your grasp and heading back to his work station. 

𝔍𝔲𝔫𝔢 21𝔰𝔱, 662 – 𝔅𝔲𝔩𝔤𝔲𝔨𝔰𝔞 𝔗𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔩𝔢, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 “This looks to be adequate enough,” Namekawa Yasuo had arrived early the next morning to check the cleanliness of the headquarters. He now stands in the main hall, a look of approval on his features as he notes the sheen of the floorboards. 

“Right?” Junhui beams, “See? The doc can acknowledge my hard work.”

Kangjoon lets out something of a guffaw at the statement, “Compared to the nuances of strategy, it’s not like tidying up is a magnificent feat or anything.”

“All you did was complain,” Junhui frowns.

“Yeah,” Soonyoung nods, “And Seungkwan got to rest all day! Sounds like he was getting special treatment while we worked our asses off.”

“Not my fault,” Seungkwan raises his hands to show he’s innocent from that decision, “Jihoon’s the one being overprotective.” 

“It is your fault,” Jihoon snaps at him, arms crossing over his chest, “You’re not taking care of yourself, that’s why you’re coughing up a lung.”

“I will admit,” Hansol say, looking around the space, “It is nice seeing the headquarters put together.”

“It does look different,” Jihoon nods, also taking a moment to admire the cleanliness of the main hall, “I hope to keep it this way.”

“Then we should clean every day,” Mingyu laughs aloud.

“Great idea! Make sure you scrub the baseboards Soonie,” Junhui jokes along with the other while Soonyoung’s eyes go wide.

“But you’ve got the most energy and the biggest muscles, Junhui! Don’t think I’m letting you slide on this,” the younger argues to the two others. 

“I’ll help you,” you offer with a smile, knowing that he’d need it.

“Really?” He perks up, “Yeah, we don’t need them anyway, you and me against the world!”

“Hold on,” Junhui interrupts, “I didn’t say that I wasn’t going to help…” 

Jihoon lets out a laugh, “Wen, there’s some trash over there, mind taking it out?”

“Hooold on, we’re not starting until tomorrow, right, Soonyoung?” Junhui looks to him for help.

“If you keep flailing your arms like that you’re only going to stir up more dust,” Hansol sighs as he watches Junhui scramble to big up the assorted pieces of garbage. 

You laugh at the scene until something catches your eye, you spot both Namekawa and Seungkwan duck out of the room and head outside. Brow furrowing for a moment, you think to follow after them but stop yourself as it isn’t any of your concern.

After the ruckus in the main hall dies down, you grab a broom and head outside to sweep away fallen debris from the walkway leading to the main hall. You’ve just started to sweep the broom across the agate stone when a figure appears before you.

Head turning up from looking down at the azalea embroidered robes, all you can spurt out is a “You!” before taking a step back. 

“You’ve got ancient blood running through your veins and yet you clean up after these humans?” Jisoo sounds saddened on the verge of disgust as he looks at you. 

“What are you doing here?” You question as the grip you have on the broom handle tightens as he chuckles at you.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to fight me with that?” He shakes his head, biting back a laugh, “Was your family not blessed with brains?”

You don’t respond, instead look around for anything or anyone who could help you. Of course, the entrance lies empty, all of the captains still squabbling somewhere deep in the compound.

“Calm down,” Jisoo sighs, his laughter ceasing, “I’m not here to fight today. I only want to know what, if anything, you have to do with Heo Jinsang.”

Stunned by his statement, your lips part in shock, “My father?”

“…Father?” Jisoo looks surprised by your answer, “Heo Jinsang is your father?”

“Yes,” you nod, “he is.”

The man seems shocked at first, then that emotion melts away as it looks as if he’s putting the pieces of a puzzle together. He opens his mouth to say something else but a voice behind you stops him.

“Sneaking into your enemy’s base alone?” Jihoon’s voice rings out as his footsteps approach, the sound of dirt under foot crunching growing nearer and nearer. “I thought you’d be smarter than that.”

A few other pairs of footsteps and you turn and see him flanked by both Mingyu and Soonyoung.

“In broad daylight too,” Mingyu shakes his head at the intruder, “Figures.”

“Get away from her!” Soonyoung’s more than a little adamant, his hand already hovering over his sword. 

“The Hwarang only come in bushels, huh?” Jisoo says, seemingly wanting to egg the men on.

“Watch it,” Jihoon says sternly, the tension between the two becoming more palpable by the second. 

Surprisingly, it’s Jisoo who tries to sate it. “If you want to fight, then I’ll be happy to do so… But I’m here for other reasons, more specifically, to issue a warning.” His eyes grow dark and his tone more serious at his next statement, “Stop trying to turn humans into Demons.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jihoon frowns as he watches the other carefully.

“What makes you think that we’re going to listen to you?” Mingyu pokes at Jisoo.

“You’re all idiots,” Jisoo shakes his head warily, “Can’t you see that I’m trying to help you?” He rolls his eyes, “Forget it, it was useless trying to say anything to you.”

“This is our base,” Soonyoung raises his voice, “You should shut up before we decide to do something about you being here.”

Jisoo ignores the captain’s words and turns to you, a coldness in his eyes as he speaks, “Heo is with us now, don’t you understand what that means?” He searches your eyes for a spark of recognition, but it doesn’t seem to click so he elaborates further, “Your father has abandoned the Crown.”

“What…?” You say, still puzzled by what he means. 

“Why are you here?” A cold smile to match his gaze creeps onto his lips, “I think you should ponder on that. Carefully.” With that final statement he turns on his heels and seems to disappear into the shadows. You’re not sure if he just did, your mind too caught up in what he just said. 

What or who were the Demons? Your father is with them? You thought Hong Jisoo’s family to be just opposing the opposite side of the court that favored the Hwarang, was it a ruse and he’s actually some sort of revivalist? Does this mean that your father is working with them?

Who are these people that call themselves ‘Demons’? And what do they want with you? 

“Who are they?” You look at Jihoon, “The Demons?”

“After fighting them, I can say that they’re not like any human I’ve ever fought,” a shake of his head, “Not even close. I’ve fought against people from each kingdom but none of them… They’ve never been that powerful.” He muses for a moment and nods, “I’d say ‘demon’ is a pretty accurate descriptor.” 

“If the commander thinks they’re demons, they really just might be,” Mingyu says, his brow furrowing at Jihoon. 

“He is the Hwarang’s Demon, after all,” Soonyoung notes, the same concern from Mingyu’s tone riding in his. 

“This is serious,” Jihoon looks at them, trying to quell the playful argument. You feel the tension in your shoulders ease after a while, the dread of seeing Jisoo on familiar ground eventually dissipating as the moments pass. With his arrival, and how easy it was for him to come unexpectedly, you’re sure that you’ll have to have a higher guard now as you walk the headquarters. 

𝔖𝔢𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔪𝔟𝔢𝔯 7𝔱𝔥, 662 – 𝔅𝔲𝔩𝔤𝔲𝔨𝔰𝔞 𝔗𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔩𝔢, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 Compared to the year before, it seems as if the Hwarang aren’t being called on to do as much. Both the raid on Wonweol and the attack on Ongsan seem like a distant memory as you look up at your ceiling from your bed. In a way, you’re thankful for the peace wrought on by this year. It’s allowed you to take up looking for your father again and help more around the temple. The night rolling in and covering your room in a shroud of darkness, the sound of the crickets outside chirping away keeping you awake. 

You push yourself from your bedding and rise to your feet, maybe a walk would help you become sleepy. Right now, you are anything but tired.

Treading quietly across the floor, you open your door, the hinges creaking as you push it open. The halls are quiet as you trapeze through them, in some rooms you can hear loud snoring, in others, nothing at all. You don’t catch sight of anyone until you reach the end of the hall that opens into a courtyard, a figure standing in the shadows as they look up towards the sky. 

As you edge nearer to the greenery, you can see that it’s the commander, standing still as the moonlight cascades down onto him. His foot taps in subtle anxiousness, as if he’s waiting for someone. 

This isn’t something for you to see, but a quickening curiosity takes over you as another figure approaches the commander from the other end of the courtyard.

“I’m sorry for asking you to come out so late, Jihoon,” Seungcheol’s quiet voice rings out through the nearly empty space. 

“Don’t worry about it,” Jihoon turns from gazing up at the stars and looks to his friend with a small smile, “It’s a little difficult to talk during the day.”

You’ve lost all chance to either leave or inject yourself into the conversation, so you just stand and watch their conversation unfold before you. 

“How are you doing?” Jihoon asks, his once soft gaze hardening with concern, “Don’t bullshit me, I’ve barely seen you since you went to Hwangnyongsa.”

Seungcheol merely smiles softly, “I’m feeling alright since the sun’s down. If I was going to complain I’d talk about the heat or humidity.”

“I know you don’t like the sun,” The commander notes, “and everybody hates the humidity and heat. But you know what I’m asking, Seungcheol.”

“Are you asking if I’ve gone mad?” The colonel asks simply, his brow raising. “If you’re worried about me, I’ll let you know that I don’t regret taking the pimul; I’ve regained the use of my arm, I’m able to carry a sword when I thought I’d never do so again.”

 Seungcheol’s smile doesn’t seem to be the answer that Jihoon is looking for, and a frown overtakes him. “At what cost, though?” His voice low as he asks, pressing further, “When you become a Fury, you lose a part of yourself… Maybe even too much. I’m sorry if I’m not taking this lightly, I’m worried about you.”

“You’ve always worried too much, Jihoon,” Seungcheol says, brows knitting together as he cannot fully understand his friend’s concern. “This was a gift, a miracle, even!”

“One man’s miracle is another’s curse,” Jihoon sighs out with a scowl, “I don’t like the monkey’s paw aspect of it.”

“How scary!” Seungcheol chuckles, “I’d be a fool if I ignored one of your famed hunches.”

“You’d be a fool if you joked about this,” the scowl still present as Jihoon crosses his arms, “I’m not trying to be funny.” His fingers tap along his robes as he shakes his head, “You should be standing side by side with Youngmin and me, you’re a colonel, our colonel.” 

“You’re acting odd,” Seungcheol’s lighthearted tone vacating, “Are you okay?” He suddenly looks over to you, locking eyes with yours as a small smile dances along his lips.

Jihoon follows his line of sight and catches you eavesdropping into their conversation. “What are you doing out here?!” He questions as you panic in place. 

“I’m sorry,” breaking your gaze with Seungcheol you look to the ground, “I wasn’t sure if I should say something and then the two of you began talking…” 

“You’ve got more important things to worry about than me, Jihoon,” Seungcheol sighs out and looks at the commander. “Gongmyung and his men, for starters. I’ve heard he’s been acting stranger than usual these days.”

“I’ve been working on that,” Jihoon relents, dropping his arms to let them fall to his sides. 

Seungcheol nods, a gleam of satisfaction in his eye before he gives you a simple nod and walks away into the depths of the compound. You’re about to return to your quarters before Jihoon calls out to you.

“I haven’t dismissed you yet,” he says as you begin to turn. You freeze in place only to turn to face him fully once more. “I know you’re not an idiot so you shouldn’t act like one.” His voice is low, almost a whisper as he doesn’t wish for anyone to overhear him, “The more you know about us, the more danger you’re putting in front of yourself. It’s easy to die around here, you’ve seen that… Do you understand?”

“I’m sorry for imp—” you begin before he cuts you off, raising his voice.

“Don’t be sorry,” his head shakes, “Just be careful and stay out of trouble.” When it seems like he has nothing more to say, he raised a hand to the bridge of his nose and pinches it, quelling some sort of thought before he turns of his heels and begins to walk back towards his room. 

“Commander,” you find yourself calling out. Jihoon looks so… dejected and lonely after his talk with Seungcheol, you have to say something. “Can I help with the research?”

“What the hell?” You hear him say before he turns to look back at you, “Of course not.”

“I don’t have my father’s knowledge or expertise… but I want to do something to help,” you insist, feeling responsible as if your absent father’s duties had been passed to you. “I can read his notes and help explain them, he left a lot of research material at his clinic in Toehwa-hyeon… There’s got to be something useful there. I can find something to help.”

“Heo continued his research here, don’t you know that?” Jihoon takes a deep breath as to not fume so much, “Even if we tore his clinic down to the foundations to get any scrap of information, the chances that we’ll find some new research is slim to none.” 

“I can do my own research!” You push, hands clenching at your sides.

“You’re not thinking about this hard enough,” His gaze hardens, “Could you accept responsibility for things if they go south?” A sigh as he sees you begin to stumble and scramble for words, “Look, your father’s one of the top doctors in the kingdom with the knowledge of Tang medicine. He couldn’t figure that shit out. Someone like your or me with no outstanding medical knowledge isn’t going to do much better.”

Jihoon’s right and you know it, even if you don’t want to admit your faulty thinking. It’s highly ambitious of you to think that you could find a cure-all to the pimul and what your father had done to the Hwarang. As you look to Jihoon, you try and look as stoic and unbothered as possible to stop him from seeing how heartbroken you feel.

His mouth turns into a wry smile at your attempt, “You want to help and that’s what’s important. I won’t forget that.” Jihoon nods his head to show appreciation, “But you have to wait for now. The Hwarang dug themselves into this hole so that means we have to find a way out.” 

Even if his demeanor is cold most of the time, there’s a hidden sincerity behind that face that only peeks through sometimes.

“I get it,” he continues, “your father was a part of the research team and you feel responsible, right? We’re still looking for him, and either we find him, or we don’t, you’ll just have to wait.” When you continue to silently object him, he frowns a bit, “Furies are bad news, in a perfect world we would’ve never gotten involved. But this world is far from it, and they might be our advantage should Goguryeo try and help those revivalists. Only as a last resort though, the cost is still too high.”

A shake of his head, “Never mind that now, though. This is between you and me though, okay?” His words hold the same tinge of threat that you’d heard on several occasions before. You nod almost out of habit at this point. “Also, the next time you take a stroll, be more cautious of who and what you may be stumbling in on.”

[6ixfics]

hey ♡

i'm based on ao3, but since i realise i have a looot of short drabbles that would be a bit of a waste on ao3, i decided to open this blog to dump everything!

and of course i take requests! i don't mind anything ranging from fluff to smut/explicit content (i'm a little rusty on that one though) so please go ahead and request away! i'm too free for this >_<

[justbelustful]

delicious.

character: im youngmin ; mxm

writer: admin lust

genre:  smut (obviously)

summary: youngmin rewards you with his mouth after you help out with his rap

warnings: eating out, a teasing youngmin

word count: 1.9k

a/n: requested scenario! also holy shit this gif u know he really uses it for good use ;)

It was late at night and Youngmin was at his desk writing lyrics for his own song. You were on the bed laying down, scrolling through sns or playing time-killing games. He’s been working on his lyrics for a while now and you’d often see him crumple the paper and toss it in the trash can next to him, scratching his head. It was probably the 8th time since he crumpled up another piece, but this time he just placed his hands on his eyes, resting his elbows on the desk. You got up walking towards him and slipping your arms around his neck, placing a kiss on his ear.

“Lyrics not working out babe?”

Youngmin turned his chair to kiss your cheek before letting out a small sigh. “Yeah… I guess I’m just tired today.” he said looking at the other pages of lyrics that was already written. He grabbed the pages and read over them again. “I don’t know why but the lyrics I’m trying to write after these ones just don’t sound nice together. I even tried rewriting this part to make it blend smoother with the second part.” He glanced at the trash with some of his crumpled papers inside or resting beside it.

“Hey hey, don’t be too hard on yourself. What if I help you with them a little? Hm?” you cooed and gave him a reassuring smile. He smiled and wrapped his arms around your waist to kiss you on the lips. “My number one supporter helping me? I’ll gladly take the help.”

Surprisingly, your ideas helped his thought process flow more. You watched him as his eyes lit up when he felt like some lines fit well together, hearing his small ‘ahs’ of satisfaction whenever he mumbled some lines together. You figured since he was back into his “master rap lyricist” mode, you went into the kitchen and whipped up a small desert as a prize for him. It was just a small bowl of ice cream with chocolate syrup and heart sprinkles. You walked back into the bedroom and placing the bowl next to his arm. He turned his head and glanced at the ice cream smiling while he continued to write the last of his lyrics.

“Just for me?”

You bent down and kissed his cheek. “Of course, who else would it be for besides me?” He huffed a laugh out of his nose and scooped a small piece into his mouth, letting it melt in his mouth as he cleaned up his desk a little. You plopped yourself back on the bed, watching him walk towards you with his ice cream. You just thought he was gonna silently enjoy his ice cream right?

Nope.

He spooned a small amount of the ice cream in his mouth and grabbed the side of your face, kissing you deeply. You felt the coldness of the ice cream melt quickly between your tongues and Youngmin’s hand grabbing the back of your head, pulling you towards him as he kept deepening the kiss. When the ice cream was no longer in either of your mouths, he pulled away and gave you a smug look. Your felt your face heat up and slapped his chest lightly, making him chuckle.

“Wh-what was that for….” you mumbled, pouting your lips and looking up at him with puppy eyes.

“I just wanted to share my reward with you for helping me with the lyrics.” his tone sounding like he didn’t do anything wrong. He scooped another piece of the ice cream in his mouth and smiled cheekily. “I mean, if that wasn’t a good enough of a reward for you I can do something else.”

You saw how his eyes looked darker with lust, his tongue going over his lips either from the ice cream remaining on his mouth or from thinking about ravishing you right then and there. It could’ve been both, really. Your mind wandered to many places, replaying the past times he just had you screaming his name, the feeling in your stomach starting to coil. You leaned back a little and scanned his body. For some reason your attention kept going back to his lips. He could do so many things to you; kiss you deeply to the point where you have to pull him off of you just to regain your breath, leave a shit ton of bruises and bites around your body whether it be around your neck or around your inner thighs– stop. He was staring at you patiently, waiting for your answer. To be honest he was smirking to himself because he knew where your mind was heading.

He placed his hand under your chin and looked down at you with hooded lids. “Well, what do you want me to do baby?” his voice was now deep and raspy as if he just woke up from sleeping. You felt your breathing hitch a little and the same feeling in your lower stomach came back again when you heard his voice. You couldn’t submit now. You didn’t even do anything. You grabbed the collar off his shirt and pulled him roughly to bring his head next to your mouth.

“How about you use that rapper tongue of yours to good use?” you whispered into his ear and immediately pushed him back with a smug look on your face. You leaned your body back the smallest bit, your legs slightly opened a little to give him more of a hint. He cocked an eyebrow and leaned forward to push you all the way down against the bed, placing soft kisses from your lips down to your collarbone, occasionally stopping to suck on the skin a little to leave marks. His thigh was in between your legs, pressing against your heat whenever he pushed his body forward. You just wanted some sort of friction and pushed your body down to rub against it, eliciting a small moan from you. He stopped kissing your body and looked at you with dark eyes again, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.

“We can’t get too impatient baby…” he breathed and slid his hands down your body to pull your shirt and bra up, feeling at your breasts softly, his rough fingers grazing your nipples. You let out a small whine and wiggled your hips. It was pretty obvious that you were desperate and Youngmin loved how he was able to make you like this so quickly. He smiled to himself as he started getting lower and lower as he placed wet kisses on your body. Right when he got to the hem of your shorts, he looked up at you, giving you an innocent smile. You lifted your head, annoyed that he just stopped there.

“You said to make good use of my tongue right? How am I supposed to know what’s good if you don’t tell me?” he said, rubbing circles on your hip with his thumb. You inhaled deeply since you didn’t want to give up what little of your ego you had left at the moment.

“Please, just eat me out already!” you whined and started to rock your hips slightly. As soon as you said that, he stood up to rip your shorts off along with your underwear, teasing the folds of your heat with his fingers before going down and sliding his tongue all the way up, stopping at your clit to suck at it roughly. You let out a scream and arched your back, your arms squirming around not knowing what to do from the sudden attack on your sensitive area.

His tongue felt incredibly warm and the fact that it was huge helped with covering everything. He continued to kitten lick your clit, the tips of his fingers teasing at your hole. His other hand slid under to grab your ass, prompting you to buck your hips towards him. He felt you pushing and slid one of his fingers right in, curving it up to rub at your sensitive spot. You let out strained curses and moans as he slowly pumped his finger in you, your eyes rolling back from the amount of pleasure.

He slipped out his finger only to rub the wetness of that finger onto another so that he could shove both of them in, pumping it fast. Youngmin looked up to see you grabbing onto the bedsheets as if your life depended on it. Your chest was rising up and down quickly as you choked out moans, making him suck on your clit harder. He pulled his head away to grab the inner parts of your thighs and spreading them farther apart, flattening his tongue to swipe at your folds before sticking it inside your heat. His tongue reached as far as it could, wiggling it inside, his thumb circling your sensitive bud. Your hips kept rising as you let out quiet pleads and your eyes starting to tear up.

“Pl-please… please Youngmin… I’m so close…” you whined loudly and continued to moan out different curses. You were pushing your heat against his face at this point and he was using his tongue to fuck you. The feeling was drastically different from his dick, but oh he fucking knew how to use it to where you’re pleading him to finish you off. When he heard your whine, he looked up for a second to see the desperation on your face and pushed his body so much that you slid up the bed. His fingers were continuously rubbing large circles on your clit as he tried his hardest to get his tongue as far as he could inside you. As he pushed you farther, his hips pressed against the side of the bed, making him flinch a little since he was rock hard for the longest time. He thrusted his hips softly against the bed as he sped up his actions on you. You felt your core start to coil as he went faster, your legs kicking up and your hands gripping tightly at the bed.

“Oh my- FUCK”

You were screaming his name as your hips shook almost violently, your juices covering Youngmin’s mouth. His hands were softly rubbing at your legs so that they could calm down. He stood up licking around his plump and slightly swollen lips, swiping a hand over it before bending down to place them lovingly on your body.

“Was it good baby?” he said lowly, his cleaner hand going up to push the hair sticking to your sweat covered forehead back and caressing your cheek. You huffed out a quick ‘uh-huh’ regaining your breath. You felt incredibly sweaty and you were surprised you were breathing at all, plus you just felt extra sensitive, your thighs occasionally twitching. He may have just eaten the life out of you but he just had to smile at how you could barely speak because of him.

“I know you’re trying to breath right now but….” he pushed his bulge against your heat which made you whimper from the sensitivity, “I need help with this…”

By then, your breathing was more evened out than before and you had just enough strength to sit up and kiss him. You could taste yourself, but honestly, you were fucked, he’s got an angry dick to be taken care of, and you were ready to get fucked again. You wrapped your legs around his waist to turn him on his back and straddling him. You finally pulled your sweat covered shirt and bra before pushing your hips back against his dick.

“Lay down and let me treat you again yeah?” you said with a breathy voice, making Youngmin’s spine shiver. His hands landed on your waist, pushing you down onto him as he pushed his hips up.

“I can’t wait.”

[t3kandson]

Angelic Return

Word count; 1,771

Fandom; AB6IX

Rating; Explicit

Pairing; Reader X Jeon Woong & Reader X Park Woojin

Characters; Park Woojin, Jeon Woong & Lim Youngmin

Warnings; Angst, fluff and Smut, Fingering and Oral sex and Pregnancy Kinks

Notes; Chapter 9/13 earlier Chapters Here

“Hi Hyung,” Woojin replied bowing. You looked at him confused with his slight change in confidence. He refused to look at you as Woong walked up the stairs smiling at you sweetly. “Y/N I’ve missed you,” he said wrapping his arms around your waist pulling you into him. “You look so good,” he said standing back to look you as if he savoured every inch of your view.

“Thanks,” you blushed. Woojin turned to look at you, his unreadable gaze refixed. “I was just taking her home,” he said, his eyes connecting with yours for a mere second, before he focused his eyes on Youngmim, still stood silently at the bottom of the stairs. “Really?” Woong asked sounding disappointed. “I was hoping to spend some time with you while we was here,” he said taking your hand into his. “Hyung she’s not well, she’s depressed here, we even sought doctors advice,” he said without glancing at you once. Woong put his back of his hand to your forehead, “Y/N you feeling poorly?” he asked cupping your face. “Yeah I think it’s being away from my family for so long,” you said smiling at him. Woong looked down towards Youngmin, “can I be excused for a while,” he asked, Youngmin silently nodded and Woong bowed. “Y/N let me look after you, i can drop you home before we go back to Spain,” he said draping his arm round your shoulder. You looked at Woojin who was unmoved, his focus at his eldest brother. You let Woong walk you towards your room, listening to him talk about how he missed you and how Donghyun had filled him in of all the things you got up to.

You reached your bed and he lifted the sheets to encourage you to get in. You silently obeyed as he draped the blanket over and sat next to you. “It must Be weird me suddenly being here,” he asked. “Kind of, we hardly know each other,” you admitted. “Well I’m here for a couple of days it be good to get to know you a bit more, if you let me,” Woong said. “But tell me, tell me Woojin didn’t hurt you?” He asked looking worried for your response. “No like I said on the phone minus those first couple of weeks he looked after me well,” you replied. “I have to hand it to you he doesn’t normally have a good bone in his body, but When Donghyun said he brought you here I knew you had found a way to thaw him out a little,” he said complimenting you. “Well I’m sure that’s not true he’s always surrounded by women,” you said. “Y/N their not his women their his whores. They jump into his bed for the status, why do you think he goes through so many,” he scoffed. “That man’s incapable of settling down,” he added. “Unlike me, I’m always looking to my future, well I did anyway,” he said bitterly. “You mean till you rescued a scared kitten, and found yourself following your family business,” you said for him. “Lost kitten, is that what you call yourself,” he chuckled. “What else would you call me? Suppose anything’s better then Woong’s whore,” you chuckled, his face straightened, “aye daehwi’s good chose of words still remain I see,” he said, as he placed his hands on your knee. “Y/N your special, your not a lost kitten, nor a whore,” he said. “Anyway you must be tired, get some sleep we should hang out tomorrow,” he said kissing your forehead and leaving the room.

Woong had kept his promise, the next couple of days while Youngmin kept Woojin busy in a different location of the mansion. Woong took you for picnics in the grounds, you had showed off your archery and shooting skills to his amazement. You spent evenings dancing to music, him showing off his skills. He was so gentle with you and such a light relief to be around. He was totally different to Woojin. Tonight however, he suggested a movie night but instead invited you to his room. You walked down the corridor when you saw a woman leave Woojin’s room. Your heart sunk, just a couple days ago he told you he wanted you. Yet again he was itching his scratch with someone else. You felt anger bubbling at Woongs words of Woojin’s inability to love choking you. Tears pricked your eyes as you walked past his room to Woongs.

Woong’s face lit up as he opened his bedroom door to you. His large bed tucked behind the door and an array of blankets strewn on the floor. The projector was set up and a tray of delicious finger food in the middle of the floor, all complete with a bowl of popcorn and a bucket of iced champagne. “You came,” he said pretending to sound surprised. “Yeah traffic was bad I almost didn’t make it,” you teased as he wrapped his arms around your shoulders. He led you to the blanket mattress he made. “What movie do you fancy?” he asked. “Any I’m happy with anything,” you replied feeling his cheery vibes. You watched a comedy first, both chuckling away as he handed you snacks to munch on. Before you knew it the film ended. “Another one?” He asked, when you nodded his smile widened as he played a horror movie. You both jumped as you hugged into his shoulder. He patted the gap between his thighs. “Hey come sit here I’ll protect you from the scary men,” he teased. “Your just as scared as I am,” you replied smirking but sat between his legs. His arms wrapping around your waist as his head rested on your shoulder. Each scary moment his grip on you tightened, pulling you closer. His hands resting above your breasts as his breathing took to your ear. You felt your heat dampen as you realised you was turned on. You froze at first but remembered Woojin was doing the same, so relaxed into his arms moving your ass back into him more, feeling his bulge against you. He gasped at the contact, the sounds escaping to your hearing making your skin goose-bumpy. You gulped as you pressed your thighs together.

It was then that the power to the house turned off. You both froze as he pulled you closer, his hands resting on your thighs. “It’s ok Y/N it’s just a power cut,” he whispered into your ear. “You sure, shouldn’t we check,” you stuttered. “Y/N it’s fine no one will hurt you,” he said stroking your palms. You then felt his Lips brush your neck. You froze at first but as they continued you melted into his lips. “Y/N can I kiss you?” he asked. “Erm sure,” you stuttered, feeling you had to oblige.

He stood up and took your hands, walking you to his bed his lips touching yours. Unlike Woojin they was more gentle as he stroked your neck, his lips glided over yours. He gently sat you down on the bed straddling you as his lips searched further, his lips remaining absent from yours but made the kisses that much more sweeter when they returned. His hands playing with the hem of your T-shirt. He removed his lips to take your top off. His hands cupping your clothed breasts. “I need to feel those boobs,” he said squeezing them. “Surely you know how to take a bra off,” you teased. With that his hands found themselves to the back of your bra unclasping them in one quick movement. He threw your bra away cupping your bare skinned breasts, softly playing with them as his lips returned to yours. He flipped you so you was straddling him, his lips leaving yours so he could remove his T-shirt. Though you couldn’t see his defined abs, you touched them, stroking the hard marbled body he hid behind his clothes. He moved himself further into the bed keeping you connected to his waist. You brushed against his clothed bulge and gently moaned at the touch. “You sound delicious when you moan, I need more,” he said flipping you again so you was underneath him. He fiddled your pants down taking the underwear with them so you was naked. He raked his fingers down your chest towards your stomach and then down to your heat. He connected his fingers with your nub making circular movements. You moaned into his finger work. He plunged his finger into your hole causing you to arch your back, moaning louder in response. “I could cum just at your voice,” he threatened. He spread your legs his tongue finding your clit, he suckled causing you to moan louder, your hands pulling into his hair. He licked strips across your pussy, juices flowing as he licked it up, your pelvis thrusting to meet his tongue.

“Fuck me Woong,” you panted taking him by surprise. “I thought you would never ask,” he growled playfully. He removed his remaining clothes hovering over you, his mouth returning to yours as your fingers laced together. He rolled his hips against you, his hard member digging against your thigh. He placed his member at your entrance and slammed himself into you taking you by surprise, your moans almost screams. He hungrily greedily sped against you not waiting for you to adjust. You winced slightly but the pleasure took over as your walls clenched around him. “I’m going to make you mine,” he moaned out. “I’m going to put a baby in their so your stuck with me forever,” he moaned, his hands resting over your stomach. “Do you want that Y/N?” he asked. “A piece of me growing in their,” he said, his thrusts fastening as he gripped your stomach. Your walls clenching at his words as you felt your high threaten you. “Woong I’m going to cum,” you moaned encouraging his speed to almost feel unnatural. His tip hitting your cervix causing your orgasm to build up quickly as you screamed through your orgasm. Your nails raking through his back as you shaked through your high. His thrusts remained Unfaulted, slamming into you. Your sensitivity hitting you as you moaned and squirmed at the feeling, his lips finding your neck as he suckled marking you before he filled you. He slowed his pace looking at the cum dribble from your hole. He used his cock to fuck it back into you as you moaned against the feeling. “If that don’t get you knocked up and mine forever I don’t know what will,” he smirked kissing your forehead.

Previous Chapter. Next Chapter

Masterlist

[babyrides]

sex with woong

(A/N): because moondance did Things to me and I needed to get this out

general

vanilla af

he’s innocent and probably inexperienced so you’ll need to teach him things

but also he’s a dancer and we’ve seen how his hips move so... do with that information what you will

definitely stronger than he looks... be prepared for that even though he’s mostly soft

he likes it slow and romantic and sensual

long, slow strokes but they’re POWERFUL and PRECISE

but also I can see him getting wrapped up in the moment and going super hard and fast and then feeling guilty the next day when you can’t walk

but then other times he can probably be super playful and giggly and it’s just fun and breathless and you can barely kiss each other bc you’re smiling so much

probably a switch, but also I don’t see him really being into that power dynamic most of the time

but also imagine pegging him holy shit

willing to try some new things, but probably gets intimidated when it comes to intensely kinky stuff

speaking of kinky...

kinks

P R A I S E  K I N K

since he’s inexperienced he’d probably love to hear when he’s doing well

(also he can be insecure and wants to do well so I feel like he’d work hard trying to learn what you like why am I crying now)

hearing you moan and whimper isn’t enough for him he needs verbal confirmation

asks for it honestly 

“do you like that?” “does that feel good?” 

eye contact and/or hand holding

does this count as a kink???? let’s say it does

again... he likes it slow and romantic

wants to watch you get lost in pleasure

wants you to hold eye contact with him while he goes down on you 

wants to feel as connected with you as possible tbh

overstimulation (giving)

really just wants you to feel good

over and over and over and-

also I feel like he’s got good stamina which contributes to him wanting to overstimulate u

touching

this one is def not a kink I just didn’t know where else to put it but it needed to be said

this boy wants as much bodily contact as possible

I can see him being really into fucking you while spooning wowowow 

damn imagine that lazy morning sex while spooning and he’s just pressing kisses all over your neck and shoulder and it’s super soft and gentle and feels soooooo good I need a minute

sounds

not super loud at first

probably mostly breathy moans (see moondance 01:27) and heavy breathing tbh

whimpers

WHINES

can be loud (esp when he’s abt to finish or in the rare cases where you’re going hard)

conclusion

a soft and romantic boy

he’s always focused on putting his partner first

sex with woong would always be full of love

[enhypemen]

fill me - youngmin smut

requested: Hey! Love your writing!!! ❤️ can I request breeding kink with Youngmin from Ab6ix please?

warnings: smut, breeding, unprotected sex, dom! youngmin

pairing: youngmin x (f) reader

His hand is around your throat with his cock stuffed deep inside of you. You’re pretty sure his was pushing against your cervix, but you didn’t mind, the feeling of pain mixed with pleasure sending you over the edge, once again, making it your third orgasm of the night.

“Fuck..” he curses,”that’s it, baby..cum all over my cock”

You squirm underneath him as he continues his rough pace, the feeling of your walls still processing your last orgasm making him moan loudly. His dick twitches inside of you, you lock your legs around his waist, keeping him between your legs as his thrusts become sloppy.

“Gonna fill this pretty little cunt with my seed and fuck it so far into you that none spills out” he growls using his hands to hold your hips up against his.

He cums with a loud moan of your name. His hips pushing directly against yours making you yelp in pleasure, “M-min” you moan gripping the sheet tightly in your hands.

He shushes you, pulling out and settling himself between your legs. He drags his fingers up your slit, collecting the little bit of cum that dripped out and pushes it back into your hole.

“There, now none of it will come out and hopefully this is the one” he says kissing your thigh with a hopeful smile and gets up from your shared bed.

__

“How long do we wait?” he asks sitting next to you on the bathroom floor.

You hold up two fingers, showing that you both needed to wait 2 minutes for the pregnancy test to process and give you an answer. Your heart beat was rapid and your legs shook as your body began to fill with anxiety. This would be yours and youngmin’s fifth time trying for a child, to say you were walking on a thin line of hope was an understatement. You didn’t understand why it was so hard for you to have a child. You’ve been married to youngmin for 2 years now and together for five. Every doctor you’ve gone to see, has said there is nothing wrong with either of you, so you didn’t undertsand, all your other friends have a child, if not one they had a least two and you were the only one struggling.

The sound of your alarm cuts your thoughts short. Youngmin stops it and takes your hand in his.

“No matter what, I love you” he says with hopeful eyes.

You nod, too scared to say anything, and reach for the test. You take a deep breath in and exhale slowly. Here goes nothing. You flip the test and gasp, your eyes fill with tears, and a bright smile takes over your face.

“I-i’m pregnant” you say and look at your husband.

“We’re having a baby?” Youngmin says shocked as his eyes open wide,”Oh my god, we’re having a baby!” He yells and tackles you in a hug.

You both stay there for awhile, crying and exchanging “I love you’s”, finally feeling complete.

[oraclekleo]

@midnightloki77 + Romin (E'LAST) - The Power of the Dragon - Them = Dragon Couple Reading

Disclaimer:

All readings have purely entertainment nature

I don’t know any of the celebrities personally

Don’t base life decisions purely on tarot readings

I can never guarantee any of what’s said in the reading

Before requesting, read the pinned post and appropriate linked post

Tarot readings are my hobby - I’m not obligated to accept any of the requests nor to complete them, it’s my choice, not duty

Waiting time is long, even several months

If you can’t wait, please, seek other tarot reader

Reading Info:

Rating: 18+

Reading Type: Single - Couple

Requested: Yes - No

Requester: @midnightloki77 

Deck: Dark Mansion Tarot

Spread: The Power of the Dragon - Them = Dragon

Questions:

First Bite of the Dragon (How would they seduce you)

Hunger of the Dragon (Their desire you would feed)

Order of the Dragon (How would they wrap you around their finger)

Shadow of the Dragon (In what way this relationship weakens them)

Fire of the Dragon (In what way this relationship empowers them)

Whispering of the Dragon (Dracula's Relationship Advice)

Celebrity Info:

Full Name: Choi Youngmin

Stage Name: Romin

Group: E’LAST

DOB: 24.04.2001

Sun Sign: Taurus

Chinese Sign: Metal Snake

Life Path Number: 4

Masterpost: E'LAST

Ko-fi - Voluntary Tip for Readings

@midnightloki77 + Romin

Choi Youngmin

Romin (E’LAST)

Deck: Dark Mansion Tarot

Spread: The Power of the Dragon - Them = Dragon

First Bite of the Dragon (How would they seduce you) [13] - 2 of Pentacles

Seducing you would be a piece of cake for Romin. Not that he wouldn’t have to try but he already possesses all the skills and charms necessary. He’s got that perfect balance of mystery and genuineness that makes you fall for him.

Hunger of the Dragon (Their desire you would feed) [47] - 10 of Wands

Romin is a dynamic man in his primes. It’s no surprise he might find many people dull or insufficient. Not you, you can match him when it comes to energy, spark and passion. You are open minded, have stamina and endurance to take what Romin has to offer. You don’t grow tired easily and can keep up with his tempo for as long as needed.

Order of the Dragon (How would they wrap you around their finger) [75] - 9 of Swords

Oh-oh! Romin seems to be a bit of a manipulator. He’s likely to create some illusions in order to keep you close and dependent on him, binding you with fear and insecurity. He’s likely to present catastrophic scenarios to make you believe he’s the only certainty in your life. The point is, he has no real power over you, unless you give it to him yourself.

Shadow of the Dragon (In what way this relationship weakens them) [3] - I The Magician

Romin might start to feel like things are getting out of his hand when he’s in a relationship with you. You are difficult to keep under control for him and it’s something doesn’t suffer gladly. He might become despotic and controllable as a result.

Fire of the Dragon (In what way this relationship empowers them) [51] - 2 of Wands

Romin might start to realise that a more balanced and optimistic approach is needed for a successful relationship. He might start to see that even if he loosens his grip he’s got on you, you will come back. It’s not needed for him to keep you on a leash and secure you with a safety net. The risk is worth it.

Whispering of the Dragon (Dragon's Relationship Advice) [28] - 3 of Wands

Dragon advises you to better consider all the options and routes your relationship could go. Some ways will lead to bliss, but there are also paths leading to despair. It’s necessary to communicate openly and honestly in order to establish the safe grounds upon which you build your relationship.

Thank you for reading!

Hit the Like 💖

Comment! 💬

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Any Feedback is Welcomed ✅

[hannhoseok]

CONCEPT PHOTO #4

AB6IX 2 EP 'VIVID'

[zerot0all]

Reactions | M;F

AB6IX reaction to another member flirting/being too close to their S/O.

Not a request- just for fun*

Youngmin

Youngmin loved having you around and so did the members. So it wasn’t weird that you would hang out in the dorm often. It wasn’t until you were setting the table to eat that Youngmin noticed Donghyun’s eyes linger on your frame for too long. Youngmin realized that Donghyun had a perfect view of your chest so he decided to act. “Hey babe, why don’t you put on one of my shirts. You know how much I love to see you in them.” Youngmin would say sending you a wink causing Donghyun to snap out of it and fiddle in his seat.

Donghyun

Donghyun wasn’t a very jealous guy but he did have his moments. You would be in the living room sitting with the boys, sucking on a lollipop, being super innocent. Well, that is until Youngmin looked over and kept his eyes on your lips. Once Donghyun noticed he would snap back at his leader. “Youngmin focuse on the movie!” He would then take the lollipop from you and whisper in your ear. “From now on, the only thing you’re sucking is me. Understood?” Sometimes his jealousy was welcomed.

Woong

Woong loved that you were a dancer because that’s how you two connected, it was perfect. But when Woojin decided to ask you to be his dance partner and you agreed , he was not too pleased about it. He would be present in all dance practices, keeping an eye on Woojin’s hands. He was fine until the ending part where you would rest your back on Woojin’s chest and Woong lost it. “Woojin, seriously, you guys don’t have to be that close for that long.” He said as he grabbed your hand to head out. “Practice is over and cancelled for tomorrow- since y/n will be too sore to even move.” Woong would add as he looked back at the younger member with a smirk.

Woojin

Woojin is very clingy and loving and he would be all over you every second that he could. But when he saw you and Daehwi in the kitchen laughing and shoving each other playfully, he lost it. “If you two keep this up, the food will never be ready.” Woojin would say as he got in between the two of you. He would send you a death stare while also pouting his lips demanding a kiss. After you kissed him he wouldn’t move from his spot and would even pretend to be helping just to stay close to you.

Daehwi

(Since he is a minor this will be super fluff but still kind of jealous)

“Y/n, why don’t you have coffee with Woong again since you two get along so well.” Daehwi would say with a sarcastic tone making sure you understood he was jealous. Daehwi would be playing the piano as you tried to reason with him but he wasn’t having it. Finally, you would give up and give him a back hug. “Daehwi, do you want to go get food? I’m buying.” You would say causing him to pause his playing. “Fine, but we’re getting ice cream for dessert.” Daehwi would add while flashing his brightest smile.

[CD]

[pasteidolons]

𝔥𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔤 - 𝔩𝔧𝔥 ||𝔭𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔳𝔦𝔦

genre: historical au, fluff, angst, smut (later routes), supernatural members: choi seungcheol, wen junhui, kwon soonyoung, jeon wonwoo, lee seokmin, kim mingyu, boo seungkwan, lee chan, hong jisoo, xu minghao, choi hansol warnings: crass humor and language, blood, violence, mentions of suicide, alcohol, minor character death, major character death, 660's sexism, crossdressing, medical procedures, political upset, historical inaccuracies for the sake of plot progression word count: 11.3k

taglist: @reiofsuns2001, @hipsdofangirl, @lovrehani

𝔭𝔞𝔯𝔱 𝔳𝔦 || 𝔥𝔴𝔞𝔯𝔞𝔫𝔤 𝔪𝔞𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔱

𝔍𝔞𝔫𝔲𝔞𝔯𝔶 7𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔒𝔫𝔤𝔧𝔦𝔫, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 Ultimately, it is decided that Kun’s fleet will head to Cholsan while Wong’s army will march to Yangdeok. In the cold of winter, you leave Ongjin and head into the surrounding forest. Gentle drifts of snow cascade from the gray sky above, settling into your hair and atop Jihoon’s shoulders as he walks quietly, solemnly, forward. A songbird or two calls out in the silence of the forest, your eyes spotting their bright feathers as they darts in and out of your sight, soon to be left in the memory of the moment.

In front of you, Jihoon stops. His footprints in the snow come to a halt, the crunch of the ground under him stilling as you find yourself pausing to match his movement., “I can’t take you this time. You’re staying here.”

“What?” You ask, almost at a loss for words. You’d come this far together, surely there isn’t anything now that can part the two of you., “But why? Where is this coming from?”

Jihoon turns so you aren’t questioning his back, and you meet his gaze. He looks… sad, if you had to articulate it. A hollowness in his eyes that hadn’t been there when you left the city earlier. 

“There’s going to be a lot of fighting. You should get away from that. No reason for you to stick with us anymore, right? I know Youngmin, Eunseok and Chan asked you to take care of me. But I’m sure you’ve fulfilled your promise in its entirety. If you were to die in the mess of this war then I’ll be the one that gets scolded by them in the afterlife.” His voice quiets, “I think it’s time you cut us loose.”

“No!” The outburst rips from your throat before you can even think of a more eloquent response. Now that your father’s passed, there isn’t anything to justify staying with the Hwarang but… Your heart yearns to be with Jihoon.  

“Jisoo’ll probably be coming after me soon, but I can take him. You don’t need to worry about that.” 

“That’s not it!” Once again you find yourself almost yelling. “I don’t want to stay just because I think I need to be protected from him!”

He sighs, looking as if he’s dealing with a fussy toddler. “Come on, don’t be like that… I can’t make you happy.” 

Your eyes go wide, your voice shaking when you speak, “... I don’t need to be happy. All I want to do is fight alongside the Hwarang. I want to follow the same path you do.” There was never an ulterior motive for staying alongside him. “Please, I’ll do whatever you tell me to.”

“Well, I’m touched that you feel that way, but I want you to be happy. Without being with us.” He isn’t saying this to just make you feel better. You feel the sincerity behind his words. And you’re happy to know he cares, but it pains you just as much. 

“These are orders from the Hwarang’s Chief.” He looks you in the eye, his voice flat and cold. “You would impede the function of the Hwarang, and therefore will not accompany us to Pyongyang.

The air is sucked from your lungs and your heart skips a beat. You feel the blood drain from your face and your hands begin to tremble. 

“You’re a woman, and you deserve to have your own life. I can’t let us tie you down anymore.” 

Hearing that, all of the power in your body leaves you, and you fall to your knees in the snow underfoot, “Jihoon… Please wait…” You want so badly to scream this at him, but your voice no longer feels like your own.

“Take care. That is all.” The minute he turns his back on you, you know it isn’t good. It’s clear that he really intends to leave you behind and you can’t even lift a finger to stop him. 

He’s getting further and further away, his footsteps crunching in the snow. It was him who you’d been running after since the battle in Seorabeol… A man that, up to now, was working on chipping the distance between you, bit by bit. 

“I don’t want this!” You scream out, forcing your voice to be heard. But Jihoon walks as if he doesn’t hear you. “Lee Jihoon!” Even calling out his name doesn't make him stop. And eventually, you can’t see his back anymore.  

Minutes pass and you remain in a defeated stupor on the ground. It feels as if something inside of you has crumbled. You’ve been chasing after Jihoon this whole time… but he’s someone who only moves forward. His whole life was lived by keeping his pain sealed away, but never once did he leave you behind. He would always give you the chance to cling onto him.

Now you understand that there aren’t any more chances to gather yourself, or run after him, or any other childish endeavor to bring you closer. He has deemed no further use of you and severed the ties that burden his duty. 

“Ah… Excuse me…” A quiet voice speaks up behind you, and you turn to see who it is. “I’m sorry but I heard everything,” Wong Kunhang inches toward you,  “I apologize for eavesdropping, but there didn’t seem to be a good moment for me to admit I was here.” He coughs awkwardly and hands you a small piece of cloth to wipe your face. 

He waits for you to calm down before he begins to speak again, “You want to stay with him, I take it? Then… Will you wait for us? We’re settling down in Yangdeok before our attack on Pyongyang… So, can you wait until then?”

“What do you mean…?” 

“Once we’ve settled in, I can send for you. I mean, I can hardly leave you crying here alone!”

“General Wong…” Your mouth hangs open.

“Oh, you don’t need to thank me. Once you get to Yangdeok, I’ll assign you to Lee. It won’t be easy work, but at least you’ll be with him.”

𝔉𝔢𝔟𝔯𝔲𝔞𝔯𝔶 14, 667 – 𝔜𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔢𝔬𝔨, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 You get your summons right after Yangdeok falls to Kunhang’s forces. Yangdeok, to the Silla and Tang armies, has been seen as Goguryeo’s last city to topple before moving forth to Pyongyang to its west. 

“It’s good to see you again!” Kunhang calls out to you, waving his arms in the air to summon you closer. 

“Thank you so much for arranging all of this,” You say as you gather your bags together and walk over to him, “And congratulations on your victory here.”

“My victory is a bit of an exaggeration,” he says, “Lee put in a lot of work too. As soon as we finished deciding on the new council, I sent for you.”

“The new council?” 

“Yeah,” he nods enthusiastically, “With the effort going to close in soon, we decided to pull our forces together and combine the northern armies and southern armies to collapse on Pyongyang. Qian Kun is our general now, he knows enough about the Silla and Tang armies to combine us together.”

You learn that Kunhang has been elected the Army Minister, and Jihoon has been named the Assistant Army Minister. 

“You had to wait a while, I understand.” Kunhang frowns apologetically, “Was it too long?”

“It could have been shorter,” You say halfway joking and halfway serious. 

Still, the fact that they’re this close to pushing inward says something to the end of this war. Despite the losses you’ve accrued, this is a glimmer of hope. 

“Ever since we got to Yangdeok, Jihoon’s been… different.” Kunhang notes your confused expression and continues, “He’s nicer to the men, which is good, but he spends too much time locked away in his room. Says he spends most of his time in deep thought and won’t let anyone come by.” He sighs, shaking his head, probably wondering what to do with the man before reaching into his pack and removing a piece of parchment. “I think he needs you,” a smile graces his lips and he hands the paper to you.

“Me?” You question, taking it from him.

“This document officially appoints you to your position. You can get the details after you give it to Jihoon.” 

It takes a while, but you muster up the courage to go into the main hall of where the leaders of the army are staying. Yet, Jihoon isn’t among them, he’s in his room, alone. After inquiring about where his room is, you find yourself standing before it.

You take a deep breath and rap your hand against the door several times. After a few silent seconds, a tired voice drifts out, “I’m not attending… This isn’t the time for a party.”

Without saying anything you push open the door. Jihoon turns toward the door, preparing a half-hearted tirade for whoever had decided to intrude on his solitude. When he sees you, the words freeze in his throat.

“Reporting as ordered, sir.” You say, standing straight, “I have been assigned to serve as Assistant Army Minister Lee Jihoon’s page… by Army Minister Wong Kunhang.”  

His mouth works soundlessly for a moment, finally closing with a snap. He stares at you incredulously for several more seconds before frowning, “It’s a mistake. I haven’t been told about this.”

You pull out the letter that Kunhang had given you and hand it to him, “I received these orders from him earlier.”

Jihoon’s hand snatches the letter and he scans the page rapidly, his frown deepening with each line. When he finishes he shoots you a sharp look and thrusts the letter back into your empty hands, “No. Take it back. I don’t approve of these orders.”  

“I understand…” You sigh out, looking at the paper now in your grasp before tearing it into pieces. 

“What are you doing?” His eyes widen in shock.

“I don’t care if you won’t approve these orders,” you let the pieces fall to the ground, “I shouldn’t have relied on them in the first place.” You hadn’t taken the letter because you wanted to be in Yangdeok, you accepted Kunhang’s help and came here because you want to be with Jihoon. That’s all that matters. “I came here because I wanted to. I want you to let me stay. Here. With you.” 

It’s his choice.

“Not fair for me to be the only guy with the luxury of a girl for a page. Especially when I’m sending men off to die.”

“Is… Is that why you left me?”

Jihoon falls silent and shifts uncomfortably. 

“Stop this!” You find yourself yelling, and Jihoon looks equally surprised. “You always do this! You decide you can’t do something, then you make up all the excuses you need to justify it! You say you’re doing it for my feelings without even knowing my feelings!”

When he’d left you behind, he said that he couldn’t make you happy– that you should go on and live your life. But he is what makes you happy, and you want to live your life with him. Now he’s trying to push you away again so that he can bear this burden alone. You can’t let him do that.

“You take on so much and you won’t let anyone help!” Tears sting at the corners of your eyes as you try and make him see the errors of his ways. 

He crosses his arms, “That’s my job. If I can handle it, then it’s my responsibility to!”

“What about the people who have to watch you do this?!” You’d watched him torture himself this way for far too long… Every hardship, every burden, is his and his alone to suffer with. And you haven’t been the only one to witness this. “I can’t let you do this to yourself! I want to be here for you! I want to help you! What else am I supposed to do?!”

With a sigh he falls silent, “I give up.”

You blink, furrowing your brow as you have no idea what he’s referring to. 

“Can’t fight a country girl… Better to just listen to them, I guess.” His voice is gentle as he looks up with a wry smile. You then find his arms wrapped around you. As unexpected as it is, you let yourself sink into his embrace. He holds you tightly, almost as if now that he finally has you, he doesn’t want to ever let you go.

“Ever since you left…” He murmurs before pausing, and you can sense him trying to organize his feelings. “I’ve figured some things out,” he squeezes you a bit tighter, “you… supported me. Guess that’s the best way to put it.” As he speaks, he sounds slightly bewildered, as if he can’t believe what he’s saying. “When you’re not here… It’s hard for me to deal with it. All of it. Life, I guess.” With each word, your heart swells warmly in your chest. Each word descends like the snowflakes outside, gently gathering in your heart. 

“You saved me,” he whispers and you feel the warmth of his body touching every part of yours. You’re sure there’s tear stains on his uniform from where you’ve been pressing your face into his robes. “... Do you think the Hwarang still stands for what it means to be a true warrior? Have I done what I was supposed to? Have I led us down the right path?”

You nod, “The soul of the Hwarang that our friends believed in is alive in you. In fact, I think it’s stronger now… We’ve been through a lot but it’s brought all of us together.” 

His lips curl into a smile, “Hearing you say that makes me happy. The men that the Hwarang have left are true warriors. No more need for the iron fist.”

Everyone in the Hwarang now has the unity of vision that brings the clarity of purpose, hopefully meaning Jihoon’s burden will lessen a little.

“Well,” you say, “from now on, please don’t try and hide your problems from me. I’m here to help you. You don’t have to do this alone anymore.” 

He’s silent now, but his arms stay wrapped around you. You feel his hands grasp at your robes as his voice is barely above a whisper, “Stay with me…”

𝔉𝔢𝔟𝔯𝔲𝔞𝔯𝔶 15, 667 – 𝔜𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔢𝔬𝔨, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 The next morning, you’re greeted by familiar faces waiting for you in the main hall.

“Long time no see!” Junghwan smiles, “We were eagerly awaiting your return for a while now.”

“Junghwan, Dohoon…” You smile back at the two. 

“How was the dramatic reunion?” Dohoon pushes eagerly.

“What do you mean?” Your eyes widen, unable to answer him with a straight face as his face blushes with color. 

“Well, ever since Commander– er Chief– left your side, it looked like he just sank deeper and deeper into depression,” he says quickly, “It just made us realize how much he needs you by him.”

“And now the two of you can be together as much as you want to be!” Junghwan adds.

“Ah,” you feel heat rise to your cheeks, “Yes, well, I’m sure we can.”

“Oh?” You hear footsteps coming from down the hall, “I thought I heard a familiar voice. So, you’re in Yangdeok too…” 

“Seokmin!” Your eyes widen at the familiar face, “You’re safe!”

“Indeed,” he smiles weakly, glancing down to his bandaged forearm. Looking at the ruddy wraps, he shakes his head and looks back up at you,  “Sadly, I was injured in combat against some of the Goguryeo forces.” 

“He was appointed as the Infantry Head of the Kyongjong Unit during the last meeting,” Dohoon says quickly. 

“Really? That’s fantastic news! Congratulations, Seokmin.” 

“Thank you, but I don’t know how much I’ll be able to accomplish in this state, unfortunately.” You glance down to his bandaged left arm before looking back up to his face. “But for now, I am here, and all I can do is fight until the end beside Jihoon.”

“Seokmin…” 

“If there’s ever anything you need from me, don’t hesitate to ask. I will always support you and Jihoon.”

“Of course,” you smile at him, “Thank you.”

𝔉𝔢𝔟𝔯𝔲𝔞𝔯𝔶 25𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔜𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔢𝔬𝔨, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 As Jihoon’s page, you spend every day assisting him in his duties. Since your arrival in Yangdeok, he’s seemed much more at ease during the daylight hours. Your job sees you spending more time around him than you ever had before. He’s actually begun treating you quite nicely. 

You feel a little bad that you’re getting spoiled, but whenever you’re around him, your heart pounds.

On one afternoon, some days after you’ve settled in to Yangdeok, Kunhang comes to visit Jihoon in his quarters.

“I’ve made tea,” you say as you set down the tray in front of the two sitting figures. 

“Thank you,” Kunhang smiles, gingerly picking up one of the cups before him and looking over to Jihoon, “Your assistant here is quite something. Tell me, where did you find her?”

“Well,” Jihoon leans back in his seat, “I think some big shot wannabe had her sent over here without my permission. You know anything about that?”

“Oh, I was doing it for your sake, you know. Although, I’m a bit jealous now” he sighs, “A cute, dedicated, efficient page… What man could ask anything more?”

“No, I’m… um….” You say quickly, frantically busying yourself with your tea. 

Jihoon glances at you for a moment, then back at Kunhang, his face calm and serene, “I agree… So long as she sticks with me, I don’t think I’ll ever need any other page.”

You nearly drop your tea at his statement. Kunhang also looks surprised, but raises his cup to his lips to hide it. 

You look for words to say but you can only hear the blood rushing to your head and feel your heart pounding in your chest.

“I, ah, didn’t think I’d hear something like that from you, Lee…” Kunhang muses, “I’d want a wife like her too.”

“Well she’s mine.” Jihoon says simply, “You’ll have to find one of your own because there’s no way I’m letting her go.”

Kunhang laughs, “Now you’re just rubbing it in.” You feel your face growing hotter by the second.”Well, with Jihoon in this sort of mood, I suppose I shouldn’t stay too long, hm?” With one last grin to you, he turns to Jihoon. “So, back to business… Do you think they’ll be mobilizing?”

“Yeah,” Jihoon nods, “As soon as the snow melts.”

“Well, if you think so too, then we should prepare to mobilize.” Kunhang sighs, “Kun says it will be a few more weeks before his ships can set out from Ongjin.” 

“There’ll be a fight once they reach Pyongyang’s harbor, that’s for sure,” Jihoon nods, “There’s no way they’d let us take it that easily.” 

“Of course,” Kunhang agrees, “We’ll need to reconvene to see what troops we can send to aid the navy.”

“Huh,” Jihoon muses, “Gotta admit, before we came here, I never thought you and I would see eye to eye.”

“I know, right?” The other smiles, “I was taken aback by you the first time we met.”

“And I was with you.” 

Kunhang laughs, “Well, I wasn’t born into a family of warriors…”

“Hey, me neither. My family were merchants before I was adopted.”

“Yet here we are, commanding respect as true warriors…” Kunhang nearly marvels at the fact, “A man can only be judged by the path he walks, not the name he bears, nor the house from which he comes. We chose to fight for what we believe in. That path led us here. That’s all there is to it.”

Jihoon and Kunhang are two very different people, but listening to his passion as he talks resonates with you as well. You were born into a family of Demons, but here you are. All your life, you thought you were human. Nothing more, nothing less. But the truth in this discovery gave you life beyond you thought you were, and they accepted you.

“Our ambition will never waver. We’ll fight to the end like we promised to.”

“Thank you for your time,” Kunhang says, setting his cup down. He nods to you and Jihoon before standing and excusing himself from the room. 

“They’re already going to fight?” You ask as you begin to clear the teacups.

“Come here,” Jihoon says, reaching out and taking your hand in his. He stands, gently pulling you towards the door outside. The wind is frigid, without your thick coat on it cuts you straight to the bone. “See that plain down there?” From the higher vantage you have, you see the rolling hills pour down into a sunken valley that spans as far as the eye can see.

“We’ll go down the plain and attack Pyongyang from there. Kun’s ships will come from the west and attack by sea. And if all is communicated correctly, the forces up north will converge on the city at the same time as us.”

“Then we’ve got to make sure we plan all of that out correctly, right?” You ask, “Sending troops in waves would only give them time to prepare for the next one.”

“Yeah,” Jihoon smiles, “If we can take Ajinham before they can fortify it well enough I’m hopeful we can end this before summer hits. The battle in Pyongyang will be my last. It will be the last place I draw my sword as a warrior.”

“Jihoon…” You’re desperate to talk about anything else. 

No sooner do you step back into the inviting warmth of his apartments does his expression suddenly shift. He lets out a grunt as you watch his Fury nature forcing itself to the fore. His hair shifts hue, his eyes turn red.

“Don’t worry,” he assures you weakly, “I’ve been doing pretty well since I got here. Looks like my body’s getting worse. Hope it’ll hold up until spring ends.” Does he mean that he’s ready to throw away his life so long as he lives to fight in one last battle?

“Please don’t say that,” you say, “Didn’t I tell you why I’m here?” Unfastening your collar, exposing the flesh of your neck, you step towards him, “Please don’t say you just want to live until spring. I need you to live longer than that. Much longer.”

“You’re a scary woman, you know that?” He smiles, although the pain twists it into a heart-wrenching grimace. His hands clasp your shoulders, and you feel his lips brush against your neck. “I haven’t tasted blood in a while,” Jihoon murmurs.

“You haven’t had any since you left?” His silence answers your question, “Why?”

You feel as if you know the answer, though. If he only cares about his body lasting until spring, then he likely hasn’t been taking care of it. 

“I suppose my blood must taste awfully good,” you chuckle, “Because, you know, I’m a Demon. In fact, it must be so good that you don’t want to drink anyone else’s blood.”

He lets out a snort of surprise, “Well maybe you’re right…”

𝔐𝔞𝔯𝔠𝔥 2𝔫𝔡, 667 – 𝔜𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔢𝔬𝔨, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 You find Jihoon at his desk, his eyes fixed on a stack of documents, and you muster a troubled smile at him. This has been a familiar scene for whenever you find him, as it seems his work ethic is the same as it ever had been.

Even if you are worried that he’ll start to find you obnoxious, you place his teacup beside him as he writes furiously onto a piece of parchment.  

“The hell’s this?” He asks, not looking up from his work, “Don’t remember asking you for tea.” Jihoon scrunches his nose as he finally looks up to you as you flash him a bright grin. A sigh escapes him, “Don’t worry. I’m not tired. In fact, I’m starting to think I’m cut out for all this bureaucratic crap.”

“Well, it’s true that your duties here in your office are very important, but…” You hum, “It’s not like I can imagine a job or position that you wouldn’t be cut out for.”

“Of course you can. I hate public speaking, and even worse, I hate having to deal with emotional bullshit.” You suppose for him, a loathing profession never had gotten in the way of completing his duties. You’re certain that he has a knack for public speaking, let alone balancing the emotional stress that comes with managing a large group of soldiers. “So, it looks like I have to thank Kun and Kunhang for stomaching all of that shit so that I don’t have to.”

You chuckle at him, “Yes, but in return, you’re the one who’s in charge of managing all of the subordinates. Right?”

“Eh, win some, lose some. They’ve been calling me a Demon for so long, it’s kinda been throwing me off.” He shakes his head, “Hell, I don’t think you could pay me enough to bark at those idiots, or act like the Demon I used to.” His warm eyes glance toward you with an exceptional gleam, and it’s like he’s a completely different person from the man you met all those years ago in Seorabeol.

It’s true– Jihoon is no longer the Demon Commander and it seems like he’s discovered an inimitable truth: the practice of self-love is deeply fulfilling. 

“What’s the matter?” His gaze narrows, “Do I have something on my face?”

“I was wondering when people started calling you a Demon.”

“I guess it’ll come up sooner or later… Don’t get too excited, it's not that interesting…”

𝔐𝔞𝔯𝔠𝔥 15𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔜𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔢𝔬𝔨, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 Before Kun’s fleet is launched from Ongjin, a group is splintered off from the main army in Yangdeok and sent to the navy to aid in their future attack on Pyongyang. Kim Dohoon had volunteered to go and you received word on the thirteenth that the fleet had left port to set the offensive in motion. 

On the night of the news’ arrival, Jihoon holds a meeting into the late, late hours of the night.

“Our meeting is over,” Wonwoo says as he exits the meeting hall, looking to where you’ve been sitting patiently. 

“Thank you for telling me, Wonwoo,” you smile up at him. “I’m planning on bringing Jihoon something to eat, would you like anything?”

“Oh no, I’m quite alright.” He says glancing back to the room, “Although I think it best for you to hold off on your plans for now. I don’t want to worry you but Jihoon’s been in quite the foul mood after tonight’s meeting.”

For Wonwoo to be in such a dour mood must mean that whatever they'd discussed in there must have been truly serious.  

“It can’t be that bad, I’m used to being scolded…” You raise your head high and stand before his door. As you let yourself into his room, you see something that stops you dead in your tracks. Jihoon isn’t sitting in his usual spot. Instead, he’s sitting on the floor with an apprehensive expression. “I-I’m sorry. I, um, heard your meeting ended. If you’d like something to eat I can bring something up soon. What do you say?”

“Don’t want it. Not hungry.” He’s curt, and you can tell he’s irritable.

Although whatever was discussed in their meeting had been left in the meeting room, you can tell those heavy thoughts still swirl around his mind.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” You ask him.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve heard you say that,” he sighs, “I seriously have nothing to ask of you. Sorry for taking things out on you.” Now he turns his head upward to look at you with a sad smile, “When we first met, it drove me mad thinking that you and I couldn’t relate to anything at all. But now that you’re here, I can truly say that it makes me happy to have you here with me. I mean it.”

“Jihoon…?” 

“You’ve kept your eyes on me this whole time… Ever since we were in Seorabeol, in fact. If I think about it, you’re probably the person who’s seen me at my lowest.” He lets out a dry laugh, “It’s ironic, isn’t it? Thanks to you, I can remember. The weight of my burden… The reason every one of our friends sacrificed themselves. If it’s something as simple as rushing straight in, I can just handle that kind of stuff myself. But having you here with me as someone to talk me through doing something stupid makes me think twice. You’re my rock.”

He moves to his feet, walking over to the window cracked open to let cool air into the room, “Putting my life on the line isn’t something I have to think about, but it’s all about knowing the timing. You’ve helped me to come to this conclusion.”

“Then if my life’s purpose is to be there for you, then nothing could make me happier.”

Another laugh, “I’ve only caused you trouble. It’s too much of a burden to put on the shoulders of a woman like you.”

“I won’t let this bring me down… I’m your rock after all.”

“I see…” He hums, leaving the windowsill and slowly begins walking toward you. “I’ve changed my mind. I could use something to eat. Preferably your cooking.”

“Oh? Is there something in particular you’d like?”

“Surprise me,” he smiles, “Just make sure it’s good. Cook like the fate of the Hwarang is in your hands.” It’s as if the realization of your connection hits you suddenly, and you can’t help but grin madly.

With the threat of war looming on the horizon, you can sense that Jihoon’s mind will struggle to find itself at ease in the coming days. You take solace in knowing that you can give him just one moment of reprieve before whatever’s to come.

𝔐𝔞𝔯𝔠𝔥 19𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔜𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔢𝔬𝔨, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 Several days later, the town begins to welcome springtime. As you all had long anticipated, Kun’s ships make port in Cholsan but stay docked until given the word to advance on their enemy. Being a key member of these discussions of when to push forward, Jihoon is often pulled away from the Hwarang’s compound and Yangdeok in general, to a secret meeting place where it is believed all high ranking members of the Silla and Tang debate. You, on the other hand, have been ordered to remain in Yangdeok, the only thing you can do is wait patiently for his safe return.

The day that the men stoll back through the door is a happy one; Jihoon, Junghwan and Wonwoo stepping inside from the warmer day. 

“I’m so glad to see you all safe…” You aren’t sure what catches hold of you, but as soon as you catch sight of them, you feel your heart begin to swell and tears begin to prick at your eyes. 

“Such a crybaby,” Jihoon chuckles, “You know, pretty soon you’re going to dry up from all the tears you’re losing.” Despite his words, he stands next to you with a warm greeting.

“Have you heard from Dohoon?” You look at Junghwan, “I know the ships arrived in Cholsan a few days ago…” 

 Suddenly, everyone’s expressions drop.

Junghwan furiously bites his lip, “We received word that the troop of men he went with to Cholsan were ambushed somewhere along their route… There haven’t been any reports of survivors.” 

An altogether completely different emotion washes over you, the tears justifying themselves. This has been the first time since arriving in Yangdeok that you have to surrender yourselves to the news of another lost comrade, and your vision blurs for a moment.

“Dohoon had been dealing with the guilt of being unable to protect Youngmin for quite some time… If I recall,” Wonwoo closes his eyes, “it was his wish to greet the Chief with his head held proudly when he crossed over into the afterlife. Dohoon didn’t die a coward, so I believe that at the very least he accomplished that.”

Later that afternoon, as the sun begins to transition into red and orange hues, Jihoon summons you to his quarters. The light filters in on him as he sits at his desk, looking up at you as you enter.

“You’ve got time,” He says quietly, “Get as far away from here as you can. I can send you with a merchant’s caravan, I’ll get everything worked out. You don’t need to woot about a thing.”

You understand immediately what he’s trying to do. Jihoon knows the loss of war- does he not want you to get mixed into the crossfire?

“You can try and convince me all you want but I won’t budge… I want to stay. With you,” you say softly. Knowing everything he’s gone through, why would you leave him now? Besides, you’re sure if you hear of his passing in some far off, distant place, it would surely break you in two.

He lets out a breathy laugh that almost sounds more like a sigh of relief, “I figured you’d say that. You’re a real strange one.” You watch his eyes flick in miniscule directions as if he’s coming up with another plan.

“You’re worried about me, right?”

“Of course.” He says immediately.

“Well if you’re worried about me, then don’t let me out of your sight, okay? It’ll be your job to keep me safe.” You smile at him as his eyebrows raise in surprise. “And you can’t do that if you’re dead, can you? So, survive. To protect me.”

“Don’t worry too much about it,” he smiles at you, “I can’t let you die before I do.”

𝔄𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔩 14𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔜𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔢𝔬𝔨, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 By the first of the month, you get news that Goguryeo is expecting the assault on Pyongyang. They began reinforcing their walls and reports say that many of the cityfolk fled the city in a want to not get caught in the fighting. 

Qian Kun reunites with his fleet in Cholsan, Junhi leads the men who have been assigned to navigate Kangdong Pass to reach Pyongyang, while Jihoon has been assigned to the men at Haegok Pass. You accompany Jihoon where you wait for the enemy’s resistance. 

Even though the snow has long since melted, the weather still gets quite cold at night. To rouse the men, Jihoon has brought several large jugs of yakju. 

“The battle’s going to start soon,” he says as he pours the men cups of liquor, “I’ll be counting on you guys. We can’t afford to rest, unfortunately, but I figured you could have something to warm you up. I’d like to give you guys as much as you want, but we don’t know when those bastards are gonna show up.”

After he’s emptied the supply, you and he walk together back to his tent. 

“Jihoon, are you alright?” You ask, rubbing at your nose so it doesn’t begin to run.

“What do you mean by that?” He turns to look at you, the empty jugs clinking together in his hands.

“You’re not drunk, are you?” You look at the aforementioned jugs.

“That’s it?” He laughs, “I had one cup, I can hold my liquor, promise.” The smile slips from his face and he looks off into the distance, “They’re almost like kids to me. Not much I can do for them personally on the battlefield, seems like a little yakju is the least I can give them.”

The two passes are the last line of Goguryeo defense before the city itself, this would be an important undertaking to take these points if the Silla-Tang plan is to go smoothly. 

“I’m sure they understand,” you nod, setting down the jug you’re holding beside his tent.

“You always say what I want to hear,” he says softly, setting down his next to yours. 

𝔄𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔩 30𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔜𝔞𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔢𝔬𝔨, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 With the warming weather comes battle. Kunhang and his men are routed at Kangdong, letting Jihoon’s forces push through with concerted effort towards the fortress at the mouth of Haegok Pass. Beyond these walls and field beyond is where the final battle will take place.

Everything has gone well, just as Jihoon had predicted all those weeks ago. Before the night ends, Jihoon requests your presence in his quarters.

“Are you going to be up for much longer?” He tilts his head as you approach, “You should sleep soon, there are long days ahead.”

“I know,” you have to try and stifle a yawn, “but… “ As the days press on toward the final assault on Pyongyang, days like this in relative closeness to Jihoon become more and more sparse. All you want is to cherish every moment with him while you still can, so you linger for a moment longer. Before you’re able to finish your thought, a visitor arrives.

“Chief, are you here?” The muffled voice of Junghwan speaks out. 

“Yeah, I am,” Jihoon responds, “Come in.” As Junghwan enters you look at him, Jihoon questioning, “What’s the matter?”

“There’s something that just couldn’t wait, something I need to give you, Jihoon.” Junghwan says, his hands fumbling with a rolled up scroll in his hands. He holds it out to Jihoon, “Here…”

When Jihoon realizes what he’s looking at, his eyes grow wide and he stares intently at it. “Did… Did Hanbin draw this? Why are you giving it to me?”

“When we were in Ungjin some time ago I went to see him…” Junghwan confesses, “And that’s what I told him, I told him to show all of you where he’s been… To show you the life he’s led and experienced. And so, not long ago, he sent me this drawing. As soon as I saw it I thought it best to give it to you.”

“I’ll take this,” Jihoon says after a moment, solemnly smiling at him, “Thank you, Junghwan.”

Without another word, the younger one turns with a bow and leaves the room. Jihoon gives a curt smile, exhaling as he plops back into his chair. 

“What was that all about?” You ask, looking at Jihoon reviewing the drawing, “What is that?” The minute you see it, the vivid brushstrokes on the page evokes a small gasp and a feeling of magnificence from you. “A Fury…?”

Painted onto the scroll is the depiction of a Fury, complete with white hair and crimson eyes. Within those eyes, however, is none of the murderous rage you’ve come to expect in Furies. A peculiar kindness is imbued into them, “Who is this?”

“Well, this was the Chief of the Hwarang, but that hasn’t been in a long, long time.” Jihoon guffaws, “The bastard would get into skirmishes with merchants, nobles, and commoners. Then go partying in Noseo-dong when he was finished. His name was Zhang Yixing. When  he was still kicking around, I don’t think I ever got a good night’s rest. Always had to get into some bullshit.”

Everything he describes to you about Yixing seems incongruent to the kind-looking image of the man on the page.

“Actually, funny to think about it now, but I remember spending every day thinking of ways to fuck with him. Then, he told me something… ‘If you want any chance of pushing Youngmin to to the top, you need to become the ‘Demon’ you were born to be.’” Jihoon hums, “And I took his word for it, then I took his life when it seemed being a Fury was too much for him.”

“Pushing Youngmin to the top…” You can’t begin to imagine bearing the responsibility of killing the man who was supposed to be your leader, and you realize how dire those straits must’ve been.

“I have a feeling that night Yixing knew, somehow, that I was going to take his life.” Jihoon’s eyes are locked with your own for a minute of dull silence before falling back to gaze on the drawing. “Strangely enough, the same look he gave me as I killed him is the one drawn here.”

“Huh?” The man you see on the page looks so warm and gentle, and in no way did you interpret his expression as belonging to someone expecting to meet their demise. 

“You know, come to think of it, I could probably credit the bastard for giving me the kick in the ass needed to get my shit together.” Jihoon smirks, “If I let the Hwarang half-ass their way to power, who knows what kind of shit Yixing’ll have to say to me in the afterlife.”

When it comes to people who’ve made a considerable impression on Jihoon, Youngmin is one of the first people to come to mind. Yet, it seems as if Jihoon holds a special place for Yixing as well, and you can hear the admiration. 

“I don’t know what the hell fate’s trying to tell me,” his arms cross, “but he visited me in my dream last night.” 

“What kind of dream was it?”

“Well, we weren’t speaking to one another,” Jihoon nods down to the painting, “But he seemed at peace, not too unlike how he looks on this… It was like his eyes were telling me to let go. Let go of the pain, the burden…”

𝔐𝔞𝔶 8𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔄𝔧𝔦𝔫𝔥𝔞𝔪 𝔉𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔰, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 As the men come in and out of the fortress, Jihoon is dead set on making sure everyone and all equipment is up to par for the days ahead. A certain group of incoming soldiers does catch him off guard– 

“Hello, Chief!” Wonwoo greets with a smile.

“Everything’s going to plan,” Junghwan smiles as he bounds up alongside him, “We’ll have the city in no time.”

“I’m glad to see you all safe…” You sigh out in relief.

“Of course they are,” Jihoon says, looking at the pair, “The battle’s not even started yet.”

“It’s nice of you to be concerned for us,” Junghwan blushes sheepishly. 

“I’m glad you’re doing well too. How are things with you?” Wonwoo asks.

“Great,” you shoot a glance at Jihoon, “He’s allowed me to stick around as usual. I’m not sure if I can live up to the bar you set, but I’m doing my best!”

“Nah,” Wonwoo shakes his head, “Nobody can do what you do.”

“He’s right,” Junghwan nods fervently, “The only person in the world that can defeat Jihoon is you.”

“Knock it off, guys,” Jihoon chuckles, “This is all going to go to her head and then I’ll be the one to deal with it.”

“Apologies, sir,” Wonwoo says, “It can’t be helped.”

After some time, Jihoon fixes his gaze on Junghwan, “Thanks for stopping by with the painting.”

“There’s no need to thank me, I’m confident that Hanbin is happy you have it.” 

“Hmph, maybe it’s time for me to stop being such a hardass all the time.” Jihoon nods, “Hey, I’m leaving the rest to you.”

The words don’t register for Junghwan at first, and he blinks incredulously with a nervous chuckle, “...Um… What do you mean by that?” Jihoon smiles back kindly, staring back at Junghwan with eyes that brim with warmth. After a second, Junghwan perks up and his eyes widen, finally realizing what he means, “Understood. Please leave everything to me.”

Jihoon nods curtly, perhaps satisfied with the confidence in his reply, “Jeon, do me a favor. Can you call Kunhang? I have some words for him.” 

A few minutes later, Wonwoo returns with Wong Kunhang at his side.

“Sorry for taking so long to get here… They put up a hell of a fight at Kangdong,” Kunhang apologizes. 

“We split our forces, we got screwed a bit because of it but we brought it back in the end.” Jihoon nods slowly, “All that matters now is concentrating our men on the front gates of the city.”

“We’ll take it no matter the cost,” Wonwoo nods firmly.

“As long as we fight under the Hwarang banner we’ll fight to the very last man!” Junghwan says quickly.

“Don’t say shit like that– Did you already forget that Kunhang’s in command going forward?” Jihoon frowns.

“I’ll raise the Hwarang’s standard for this battle. Then everything should be fine, right?” Kunhang asks, “So long as it’s up, I don’t think I could falter. I’ve lost a few battles here and there, sure, but I’ve never given up on the spirit of a warrior.”

“Hah,” Jihoon smiles at him, “Now the Army Minister’s superstitious? You need to get your act together, Wong.” That’s when you realize that all four of them are smiling. “We should get going,” Jihoon looks at you, “the men aren’t going to move themselves.”

“Alright…” You say, looking back to the other men, “I’ll see you all again soon.”

As you’re walking away, Wonwoo shouts out, “I’m entrusting you with Jihoon!”

Ever since the war had begun, you’re unsure of how many times people have said this to you. You turn to look over your shoulder at him, “I’ll do my best! I’m ready to lay down my life just like anyone in the Hwarang!”

“You don’t need to risk your life,” Wonwoo shakes his head as you turn fully to look at him, Jihoon continuing on behind you, “I want you to protect Jihoon’s heart. He’s a strong man, but he hides behind that strength and he suffers alone. He needs someone who can look past that, and be there to support him. I believe that someone is you.”

To stay by Jihoon’s side and support him is all that you want… “Can I really do that?” Soon you’ll be plunged into a violent and bloody battle. How much help can you be to him in the middle of a war?

“What are you talking about?!” Junghwan says, “No one else except for you can do it!” 

“He trusts you more than anyone else,” Wonwoo smiles.

“Alright…” No one else can stand by him in the days to come. You nod firmly and wave to them one last time before rushing back to Jihoon’s side.

𝔐𝔞𝔶 10𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔄𝔧𝔦𝔫𝔥𝔞𝔪 𝔉𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔰, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 You’re sitting quietly in Jihoon’s study when he suddenly says, “We’re going to attack tomorrow.”

“Right…” You nod slowly. You’ve been on Pyongyang’s doorstep for weeks now, the battle is inevitable. When the sun rises the next day, the area will become a battlefield. 

“Are you sure–” 

“Yes, I’m going to stay with you.” However the battle ends, you intend to be there with him when it does.

“I need to stop letting you say it all the time…” His expression is solemn, but his lips are pressed tightly together and you can feel his hesitation. Jihoon’s eyes stare back into yours.

“Um…” The silence drags on and on.

“More than anything else, I want to keep you safe.” His voice is low, quiet, “I’m… I think I’m in love with you.” 

Your mouth hangs open, the question you had intended to ask now forgotten. You’ve loved Jihoon for some time by now, and in the past months you’ve begun to realize how much he cares for you as well. For a moment, you think your heart is going to stop.

He gives you a crooked smile, reaching out to close your mouth, his fingers lingering under your chin, “I thought I could just die as soon as I’d done what I had to do for the Hwarang.” 

The words linger in your ears and you can feel just how much has been weighing down his heart. It seems as if he’s trying to assuage your anxieties as he speaks in a soothing tone, “I mean, it’s not like I had a death wish or anything. I just… wouldn’t have anything to live for anymore.” His hand drops from your chin and into his lap, “So long as I led the Hwarang and made them into what they were meant to be, what did it matter if I lived or died? … But now I’ve got a reason to live.”

You feel your shoulders relax from a tension you didn’t realize you’ve been holding. 

“Because you’re by my side… It gives me a reason to keep moving forward.”

“Me…?” As you struggle to comprehend your worth to him, you squeeze your fists together. 

Jihoon reaches out and embraces you, holding you tightly without saying a word, he opens his mouth as if he was going to say something, then closes it. There isn’t a need for words in this moment. At last, his stubborn heart opens, and through his lips pours out what it has long kept hidden. His touch is gentle as ripples on a lake but when you kiss, you feel within him a passion that burns so hot it could put a forge to shame. 

And though that feeling fades as your lips part, the love that flows between you remains in your heart.

“Continue to stay by me,” he says softly, pressing his forehead against yours, “I won’t let you go even if you want to be, so be prepared.”

“Of course, Jihoon,” you respond quietly, his hand raising to brush away the tears you didn’t realize were falling. 

𝔐𝔞𝔶 11𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔄𝔧𝔦𝔫𝔥𝔞𝔪 𝔉𝔬𝔯𝔱𝔯𝔢𝔰𝔰, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 Once the first and second wave of Kunhang’s troops leave, Jihoon decides to travel with the men stationed in the third group.

“You’re coming, right?” Jihoon asks you as he walks to you, the reigns of his horse in hand as it trots alongside him. 

“Yes!” You nod and he grins back at you. 

The two of you gallop through the valley, moving at an incredible pace.It seems to be going well until something impacts Jihoon’s body, the horse, surprised by the sudden jolt rears up and throws you to the ground. Rid of its frightening burden, the horse bolts.

You’re fortunate to have landed in a small area of brush, only a few small scratches littering your body. “Jihoon!” You cry out to him, crawling across the ground toward his body, your own bruised and aching. The soil around him is staining red, more blood than you’d seen over the course of your time in the Hwarang.

Terror grips you and you can hear blood hammering in your ears.

“Jihoon!” You call out to him again, shaking his body as you call his name again and again.

“Hm?” His brow furrows ever so slightly. A normal human would have died from this– but his Fury blood is keeping him alive, if only barely.

“Say something!”

His eyes open to thin slits, “Are you alright?” Near dead and undoubtedly in serious pain, and his first thought is about your safety. “We’re in trouble if they come back to finish the job. We need to get out of here and wait for this to heal.” He struggles to his feet and begins to walk, blood dripping down the length of his body.

“Stop!” You say and haul his arm around your shoulder, and he leans against it gratefully. Scanning over the vicinity, you cannot see any enemy soldiers. Perhaps they’d seen you fall from the horse and assumed you’d died. 

Nudging Jihoon, you push him to move into the brush away from the open air. In the forest you find a grove and settle down, “Jihoon, are you okay?” 

He rests under the trunk of a large tree, a steady flow of blood leaving him. One might guess him dead from his pale complexion, “I guess so…”

“We need to do what we can to stop the bleeding…” It takes a sheer force of will to stop your fingers from shaking as you carefully peel off his clothing. Revealing his chest, you see two arrow punctures, one near his heart and one in his stomach. “This is horrible…” You murmur, thanking whatever deity’s out there that the archer had missed his heart. 

You do what you can to staunch the bleeding, but without the proper tools you can only minimally patch him up, “As soon as you’re able to move again, we need to go back to the fortress.” With no response you call out to him again, “Jihoon…? Can you hear me?”

“Urg, yeah…” His breaths are heavy, “I don’t know if I can go back out there on my own yet.”

“Okay!” You say, knowing you need to keep him awake. “Wonwoo and the others have everything under control. They’ll be waiting for you.”

“Damn r-right they will…” Sweat pours from his forehead, “They’re not Hwarang for nothing… We can’t waste too much time though, we– we have to come back and cover them while they take the gate.”

“You’re right… you’re… You’re going to make it,,” however the spots where he’d been shot don’t look like they’ll be closing any time soon. Had they used silver arrowheads? “Jihoon…?” His eyes close and you begin to panic, “Jihoon!”

“Goddamn  it… S-stop making a scene. I can hear you, alright?” His voice is barely above a murmur– it’s practically a wispy breath. 

At once, a sense of clarity washes over you– he’s a Fury. “Jihoon. You need to drink my blood.” Without any doubts, you move your blade to your palm. 

“Stop it!” The force of his command startles you, and the blade drops to the forest floor. In his condition, he shouldn’t be able to scream this loudly. 

“Why–?!”

“Spare me,” he says through grit teeth, “I’ll be okay. I’m not going to let this crap kill me… This isn’t the end, I told you that. You’re… you’re the reason I’m alive. I’m fine, I won’t die here.”

“I don’t believe you.” You frown, “I believe that you want to live and don’t plan on dying here. But you’re not ‘fine’!” He blinks incredulously, perhaps taken aback by the intensity of your glare. “So, I’m not taking your word for it. You always put up a wall and pretend everything is ‘fine’ even when you’re bursting at the seams!”

You’re determined to get your way just this once. And maybe this time, you’ve gotten through to him.

“Some lady you are…” He chuckles weakly, “I’m starting to second guess why I fell for you. Ugh, this is why they say women from the countryside are trouble…”

“Look, I promise you can give me grief for this later, but for now, please…” Before you finish, Jihoon closes his eyes in silent resignation.

“Do as you wish…” He leans gently against the tree carefully. You pick up your blade, running it across the length of your palm.You put your lips against the cut, sipping in a large gulp of blood without swallowing.  You then lean over, pressing your lips against his and let the blood flow into his mouth. 

Perhaps it's his Fury instincts kicking in that allow him to accept the blood as readily as he does. You repeat the process of this blood transfer over and over again. You’re about to do it one more time when his hand reaches out to stop you. 

“That’s enough,” he says calmly, “I’ve stopped bleeding.” His cheeks, once pale and pallid, begin to show color once more. “You’ve gone and hurt yourself for me…”

“It’ll heal soon…” you say, hiding the cut with the sleeve of your robes. 

“What kind of absolute idiot would ever allow the woman he loves to hurt herself for his sake?” He sighs out, “Try putting yourself in my shoes for once.” After all of that trouble, the first thing he does is scold you… You can’t help but burst into laughter.

“What kind of absolute idiot would ever want to watch the man she loves suffer?”

“Oh, shut up…” He says as you continue to laugh.

After another handful of minutes he brushes himself off and rises to his feet.

“We’ve got to get going,” he says, pulling his robes back together. “Let’s head back to the fortress. Oh– and by the way, I’d prefer the next time we kissed to taste a little bit better than that did.” He chuckles as you help him start walking. His body isn’t great, but it’s enough to get you back.

Once you get back to the fortress, you’re met with a startling site. Perhaps you hadn’t noticed them bloom, or they’d come into their own while you were away, but the azalea bushes surrounding the fortress have sprung to life. 

Their petals dance in the sunlit breeze, fluttering like small butterflies. The area is empty, the men away fighting at Pyongyang…

“Jihoon, how are you feeling?”

He forces a small grin. As a Fury, he should be fully healed by now. Minhyun’s words about the Fury’s borrowing their power from their future lifespan suddenly comes to mind. You slowly begin to panic, becoming paralyzed with dread over the implications of this realization. Is this the end for Jihoon?

He breaks the silence, interrupting your anxiety, “You don’t look half bad surrounded by flowers.”

“You really think so?” You muse, “I’ve alway thought they really suited you, though.” Each felled blossom is strikingly beautiful in defiance of the tragic end they’ll surely face. 

A strong gust of wind blows through the clearing. And then, out of nowhere, a figure emerges from the treeline.

“So, you are alive…” Hong Jisoo’s eyes fall on Jihoon and his mouth curls up into a smile. 

“Why…?” Your voice breaks and the Demon only laughs.

“This man is an affront to my honor.” He says simply, “I’m here to put an end to all of this.”

The last you’d seen Jisoo, he warned you that he’d return. You didn’t think that he would forsake his clan and travel all the way here just to fight Jihoon.

“I’m surprised to see you make it this far,” Jisoo mutters. “Impressive, for a fake. I heard your pathetic friends got their asses kicked until it was just you standing. I’m not sure if being born into a warrior family… Or hell, even being born as a Demon, could help you survive the embarrassment of failing as often as you fools do.”

It’s strange… His tone is as derisive as usual, but his words are almost compliments. In some way, he recognizes what Jihoon’s been through.

“Didn’t think you’d come all the way to Pyongyang.” Jihoon crosses his arms, his voice still a bit raspy. “What were you gonna do if I ate it already? You would’ve wasted your time.”

Jisoo’s face screws into a twisted grin and he draws his sword.  

“He’s hurt!” You cry, stepping between the two men. 

However, Jihoon puts his arm in front of you and moves you, “Step back. He’s thrown everything away to come fight me, right? It’s only polite of me to accept the invitation to fight a warrior of his quality.”

Jisoo practically abandoned his clan. This, up until now, seems to be his entire life, just for the sake of defending his honor.

Jihoon and he are two different men in almost every way, but perhaps they share a warrior’s pride.

“I’ll be fine,” Jihoon tells you as he reaches for his sword, “I won’t die. I already told you: I have a reason to live.”

If he fights Jisoo, then surely by then his life’ll be up. Even if you can convince him to run, then everything he’s stood and lived for will be destroyed. But you can’t stop him.

“...I’ll watch, then. I believe in you.”

Jihoon’s smile is fleeting like the blossoms scattering at your feet.

“Furies are only imitations,” Jisoo says, brandishing his sword, “The more you use those powers, the shorter your life gets. You’re nothing compared to a pure-blooded Demon. You are destined to wither and die. You’re no different than these,” his shoe skids across the ground, swirling the azalea petals around.

“A man’s gotta protect the people he cares about. It’s not so easy to be a warrior, didn’t you know?” His tone indicates that he’s speaking seriously, but a sardonic grin dances along his lips. Watching him now makes you see just how much he’s given, every drop of sweat, blood and tears in his life to protect the ones he loves.

“Perhaps the name of ‘Fury’ no longer suits you.” Jisoo says, his gaze narrowing, “The life you strive to live is not that of a fake.” There’s no hint of contempt left in those red eyes of his, full of confidence. “You are a Demon.”

The man who takes so much in being a Demon calling a Fury, a ‘fake’, a Demon… For him that’s possibly the highest compliment he can ever give.

“I take back all the crap I gave you for being a fake. If you’re really ready to take on the life of a Demon, that means you must have a Demon’s name. I name you… Dùjuān huā jīngshén.”

You think back to the first night you met Jihoon, his hair whipping around his face as snow falls around him like these monstrous azalea blooms do… It seems almost as if the name had been chosen long, long ago; so perfectly befitting of him.

“Thanks, I guess, but I’m not doing this so you’ll call me a Demon, you know.” Jihoon’s mouth curls upward into a smile as he slides his sword from its sheath. With a sigh, his body shivers and suddenly his hair is white.

“Can’t play long, though. That a problem?”

“Not at all. I’ll kill you with the first blow.”

The air is tense between the two; not a soul can come between them. The wind blows up, casting scores of petals into the air. Between the two combatants, there’s a brief moment of stillness. If only for a second, their swords meet. The two trade blows that thunder through the field around you, slashing with their full body weight.

Jisoo’s sword passed within a hair's breadth of Jihoon, but the Hwarang had found his mark. He buries his sword deep into the Demon’s heart.

“There’s still something I’ve got to protect,” Jihoon murmurs slowly, his voice full of confident authority,  “I can’t lose, not even to a Demon.”

Jisoo gazes up at the clear blue sky, and you can almost see a faint grin creep onto his face. 

His lips move, “If my end were to be met with the blade of a Demon like yourself… Then I have no regrets… I have lived my life with honor, and I die with the same.” Jisoo’s eyes are free of hostility, if anything, he seems at peace. To die in a duel against a foe he respects… “You’ve defeated me. Now you must live out what you have left, Lee Jihoon.”

Those are his last words. 

Jihoon draws his sword from Jisoo’s body as it falls, dropping the still bloody sword back into its scabbard, “... I will.” He takes a step away, then another, then his body trembles for a moment, and he gasps before falling to his knees.

“Jihoon!” You shout and run to his side. As he lies on his back, you take his hands into yours, “Please hang in there!” Your desperate screams reverberate around you, but Jihoon can only manage an uncertain lip curl.

“You always have to cry, don’t you?” Jihoon smiles up at you, his voice weak, “If you don’t get thicker  skin, there’s no way you’ll be able to handle being married to a warrior…” He winces with nearly every word and your heart clenches at the pain he must be in. 

“I only cry because of you… And besides, being married to a warrior doesn’t make you impervious to watching the person you love get hurt.” Teardrops stream down your cheeks, dripping down on his bruised face. He reaches his hand unsteadily upward to wipe your flowing tears, kindly running a finger across your cheek. 

“D- Don’t worry… You won’t ever have to cry on my behalf again. Just let me spend whatever time I have left with you beside me. I want to enjoy it…” Jihoon’s eyes quietly shut. You hold tightly onto his blood soaked body, hugging him closely as the blood seeps into your robes. Bright blossoms dance coolly around you as you look to the sky.

𝔍𝔲𝔫𝔢 15𝔱𝔥, 667 – 𝔗𝔬𝔢𝔥𝔴𝔞-𝔥𝔶𝔢𝔬𝔫, 𝔎𝔦𝔫𝔤𝔡𝔬𝔪 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔩𝔞 Jihoon never made it to the gates or siege of Pyongyang. He never saw the fall of Yeon Gaesomun or the Unification of Silla. You hear later that it was Wong Kunhang who brokered for a sated peace between Tang and Silla, at least for the time being.

The Tang reclaimed Kun and his ships as soon as they could, returning him to their capital to bestow honors and titles on him. Somehow, Wonwoo made it through the battle, despite having been on the front line. When you asked what he intended to do, he laughed and said he’d probably open a swordsmanship school in Seorabeol. Junghwan, on the other hand, was entrusted by Jihoon with the Hwarang, returned to Seorabeol to try and rebuild what men they have left. As for Seokmin, before the battle of Pyongyang, took his own life with a concoction of opium. You suppose he would have seen his life as forfeit if he couldn’t continue being a warrior… 

From the stoop of your home, you watch the blooms of flowers lining the road before you, recalling everything that had occurred up north. 

How many men had given their lives for what they believed in…? Perhaps most of all, you remember the time spent with Jihoon. Every time you come across an abundance of them, they remind you of that dreamlike spring, so far removed from it, you’re left to wonder if you really had spent all that time with him.

“You really like those flowers, don’t you?” A voice murmurs out from beside you, a mass of warmth pressing against you as another body squeezes into the doorframe.

“Yeah.” Neither the yuchae nor the sansuyu can compare. “I like them because they remind me of you.”

Jihoon looks at you in a serene contemplation for a moment, then lets his grin spread across his face into a smile, “Well, I like them too. They look good on you.” His voice, soft and quiet, throws your mind into chaos.

“Lately, I’ve been worried about the end…” He hums, noting your confusion, “I never get bored when I’m with you. Sometimes, I wish I could live forever.”

As a Fury, Jihoon has spent his future in exchange for power in the present. How much he’s spent, you don’t know. His life could end tomorrow. If he could live forever, then that fear of the unknown will disappear. 

“It’d probably be an easy way to go… to accept that I’m used up and wither away. But there’s no need for me to ask for an end. Since I want to live, I'll fight for survival. That suits me better.”

“I don’t want to be apart,” you say, your hand holding onto the sleeve of his robes. “I want to stay with you for as long as I can.”

He chuckles, “You cry so easily, I’d feel pretty bad if I left you behind.”

“Oh…” Tears had begun to run down your cheek without you noticing at first. You blink in surprise, but that hardly helps. You raise your hand to wipe them away but he grins and stops you.

“I’ll get them for you,” he says softly, gently drying them with his fingers. “It’s my job to help you.”

“Then it’s my job to support you too.”

“Of course, who else could fit that role aside from you?” He murmurs with a smile, “No matter what I do to drive you away, you won’t go. You even followed me to Pyongyang. I lost to you… and I don’t think I can ever win.”

You want to hold on to this moment of him, the memory, for as long as you can. 

a/n: thank you so much for going on this journey with me! i hold such a fond place in my heart for the heroes and even "villains" of this story and i hope they have brought just a little bit of joy over the course of these seven parts.

months of research went into planning, drafting and eventually publishing this piece and even as i continue to write for the other members i am constantly amazed at the outpouring of love you, my darling readers, have shown me.

thank you once again, i am eternally grateful! ♥

[hansols-yoda-boxers]

You are my night There are thousands of reasons behind these feelings

[01:46] Comfort met discomfort in these moments. Drenched in sweat, heart racing and breaths coming faster. Ease met unease as your fingers dug into the mess of sheets on the bed, giving you something to hold onto, something to find purchase in.

Familiarity, an old pattern. Aron’s hands holding your hips like they had countless times. His hips thrusting, deep and rough. Your legs thrown up over his shoulders as he gazed down at you with heat in his eyes. The same heat you had seen so many times as you gazed up at him from the bed.

“You look so fucking good like this, babe,” you had heard that same roughness before as he spoke. But just like every other time it never failed to make arousal rush through you. His gaze never failed to entrance you. The same pleasure he had brought you before that you were addicted to. You could never get enough of him.

Surety, bliss, pleasure.

Impossibility.

You and Aron didn’t work. You and Aron would never work.

Your back arched off the bed and his hands kept your hips still as he thrust into you harder.

Tried and failed, it was never as perfect as it should have been.

His name fell from your hips as you squeezed your eyes shut, pleasure filling you as the coil inside you curled impossibly tight.

The sex worked, but that was about the only thing that did.

You cried out, your body shaking as your release crashed over you. Bliss flooded your senses and coursed through your body as you panted, trying to catch your breath.

Of the complicated feelings between you, love was never one of them.

[jimininaminute]

**ATTENTION ALL ABNEWS!!**

To celebrate AB6ix’s new comeback, I’m going to do name ships! Drop your name (or nickname) in my asks and I will ship you with a member! Yes it’s ot5! Also if you have not, please go stream their new comeback!

[t3kandson]

Absolute Heartache

A Two part series of Y/N’s Journey when she happens to fall in the grasps of a Mafia Family.

Caught between Dangerous but intriguing Woojin, unpredictable emotional Woong, Bitchy Savage Daehwi & the Gentle Protective Donghyun Y/N finds herself tangled in a love triangle that changes her future forever!

Part one 13 chapters

Dark Angels

Death Grip

Deal breaker

Prison keeper

The Burning Sun

Cold Revenge

Blood Spill

Be Mine

Angelic Return

Jealousy

Family Affairs

Letting Go

Heartache

Part two 12 chapters

New life

Defiance

Frilly dresses, Danger & Doom

Unpredictable

Ghosts

Sam Chon

Hideout

Unexpected arrival

Protect at all costs

Mafia Queen

Abeoji

Absolute Heartache

Masterlist

[wongcoffee]

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