lee chan has spent years surviving the overstimulation that comes with being pi cheolin’s grandson, so after publicly announcing that his beloved grandson will someday inherit the entire BOMG empire, chairman pi cheolin celebrates the occasion the only way he knows how (his typa dinner). but beneath all the absurdity, one thing has always remained the same— pi cheolin loves his grandson more than anything else in the world.
chairman!pi cheolin × grandson!lee chan ⋅ 1,911 words
🍖 GENRE/S. non-idol au, slice of life, comedy
🍖 CONTENTS. BOMG mentioned, pi cheolin and chan are two different ppl btw, pi cheolin & chan grandfather-grandson relationship, completely platonic, front page of a newspaper, favouritism, running gag of cheap but rich lifestyle. feat: fe dback (seungkwan), jo eulho (hoshi), cel brity (mingyu), yoo danja (minghao), yoon nieun (jeonghan) & jo giyeok (joshua)
⚠️ WARNINGS. mild profanity, secondhand embarrassment, overstimulation, financial jokes, mention of wanting to choke with no physical harm, overall warm and comedic. please do not attempt to calculate the timeline logic of a 58 year old pi cheolin being the biological grandfather of a 27 year old lee chan. the math doesn’t math!! in this timeline laws are just suggestions and logic went out the window years ago, and chairman pi makes the rules. leave your brain at the door and have fun!
🍖 A/N. there you go chee @nothoughtsjustfic, probably not as good as you hoped for but I have nothing more to say. To readers, please enjoy! standard disclaimer that this is not proofread. i walked 10k steps and did a thousand things today, so my energy is at absolute zero and this is the best it's getting! i also fear the math still does not add up… that's a problem for future historians, not me. but in reality, this is just me exploring what it would feel like if your grandfather was rich, unhinged, handsome, funny, and also your single biggest financial liability. enjoy! divider from @cafekitsune
Grease is beginning to stain the corner of the slightly folded newspaper where someone carelessly put their plate down.
“BOMG TYCOON PI CHEOLIN DESIGNATES SOLE SUCCESSOR IN—”
Chan is staring at it, fed up with all of this shit.
Across from him, a grill sizzles. Welcome to the celebration dinner, which is just Pi Cheolin’s way of saying: expensive news, cheap restaurant.
“WHY IS THERE A ₩2,000 EXTRA CHARGE FOR SIDE DISH REFILLS?!” Fe Dback yells, stabbing the poor receipt. “THIS IS GRANDSON FAVORITISM SPENDING!!”
Pi Cheolin calmly pours himself water from a metal kettle. “It is not favoritism, to me it is a wise investment.”
“INVESTMENT DOESN’T MEAN YOU BUY CHAN A SPECIAL HIGH END RICE BOWL THAT COSTS MORE THAN MY EXISTENCE—”
“It has value.”
Chan lowers his head onto the table, “please stop using me as a financial concept.” The dishes here are exceptionally cheap compared to any other small restaurant nearby, but cost isn’t the issue. It’s the fact that he’s spending everything on Chan while he himself is a stingy old man who rarely spends unless he absolutely has to, but he’s still spending on Chan without a second thought. He could’ve taken them somewhere better, but Chan doesn’t care. He’s always been spoiled by his grandfather, Pi Cheolin, anyway, and that’s exactly how they ended up here.
At the far end of the restaurant, things escalates vertically.
Jo Eulho is standing on a plastic stool, yelling, “this is EXACTLY how I performed at the National Singing Contest!” he announces proudly. He succeeded in the audition and even managed to win first place… somehow. “I ASCENDED— LIKE THIS— AND HIT THE HIGH NOTE—” The stool wobbles.
“GET DOWN BEFORE YOU BECOME A NEWS ARTICLE,” Cel Brity hisses as he scrambles to grab his arm while simultaneously trying not to drop three plates of meat and dignity at once.
“I WILL NOT BE SILENCED BY FLOOR BASED AUTHORITY!” Jo Eulho declares.
“You are literally one centimeter away from becoming floor based authority.”
From Brity’s peripheral vision, he sees that the restaurant owner is slowly approaching with the expression of a man extremely disappointed. That’s when Brity knows he needs to drag Eulho down from the stool.
Chan turns his head toward the most peaceful corner of the table where, as always, two people have achieved enlightenment… through laziness.
Yoon Nieun and Jo Giyeok sit there calmly, existing at the absolute minimum requirement. A pair of chopsticks is placed between them while a grill plate sits untouched. With the look on their faces, Chan knows they are waiting strategically, again, waiting for someone to step on their bait.
Dback points an angry finger at both of them, “WHY ARE YOU TWO NOT HELPING?!”
Nieun replies without missing any syllable, “Lazy.” (Meaning: I am lazy and conserving my energy and have assigned all physical labor to others.)
Giyeok tags along, nodding, “Leave, yellow.” (Meaning: We will leave soon to take a yellow bus that needs walking to the bus stop and therefore cannot participate in active tasks now.)
“Hm,” Nieun nods as well. (Meaning: I totally agree with what he said.)
Dback just screams into the void at this point. He’s starting to feel like the only last functioning brain left at the table… other than Brity, probably, and it’s visibly frustrating him. “…You know what, it’s my fault, IT’S MY FAULT— I don’t even wanna understand whatever language this is anymore.”
Chan’s lips are parted, frozen in the middle of a disbelieving sigh as he tries to process the sheer lack of brain cells currently operating in the room.
He looks on from the side, the line of his jaw tight as he watches the absolute circus unfold across the table. The warm overhead lights catch the slight sheen of sweat on his forehead and the textured fringe of his dark hair, giving him the exhausted aura of a tired warrior who is trying to survive a battle only to realize he's trapped in a comedy sketch.
His eyes are fixed on the chaos in front with an unblinking focus with soul deep disappointment. There's no anger left in him anymore about everything that just happened this past week— only resignation.
He looks absolutely drained, his eyelids drooping with fatigue that has absolutely nothing to do with the hour and everything to do with the people around him. “…I don’t understand how this became my life,” Chan says quietly in a tiring sigh.
Pi Cheolin places meat on the grill with solemn care, “because you inherited it,” he added with a little excitement.
“That’s not how inheritance works, granddad ,” he sighs again with a slight annoyance and frustration in his tone.
Pi Cheolin tightens his lips before saying, “... but that is exactly how BOMG works.”
Chan decides not to reply, feeling a little guilty at the thought that he might’ve made his dear granddad sad by sounding like the spoiled brat Dback always claims he is. He knows that their relationship might not be the most socially traditional granddad-grandson relationship, and Pi Cheolin definitely goes over the top for him, but he also knows that just how much he’s loved as a grandson no matter how bratty or rude he gets; he never doubted how loved he is. Pi Cheolin has always been the same with him— never truly taking anything to heart when it comes to his beloved grandson.
Metal tongs clatter as Sungkwan is still arguing with Nieun and Giyeok (who already entered a state of passive existence and silence so advanced it borders on art). Eulho is still negotiating with gravity, while Brity has accepted his fate that he’s going down with Eulho when his pain finally snaps and chokes him.
Chan just sits there embarrassed, overwhelmed and most importantly, quiet, fiddling with his rice.
“There,” a piece of perfectly grilled meat is placed gently onto his rice bowl. Chan looks up to see Pi Cheolin holding the tongs. For once, his granddad isn’t being too overwhelming for him. “You did not ask for any of this,” he says with that old man insightful smile, “But I’m glad you are still here.”
Chan doesn’t answer again… mainly because he can’t quite figure out what emotion is in his chest.
Pi Cheolin pushes the rice bowl slightly closer. “…Eat well,” he smiles. “My grandson.”
A second pass, then Chan gives a shy embarrassed smile anyway, “…you’re paying for this, right?”
Pi Cheolin immediately frowns, but still smiling as he takes a napkin from the table and stands up to go somewhere else, “of course not.”
Dback screams from across the table, “THIS IS WHY THE COMPANY IS LIKE THIS!!!”
“bird chirping noises,” Pi Cheolin makes Dback shut the fuck up.
“Thank you, granddad ,” Chan stands up, crossing the short distance to wrap his arms around the older man in a tight hug. He buries his face into the crook of his shoulder, pouring all his unsaid gratitude into the hold, “for everything.”
For a few long seconds, Pi Cheolin’s arms still hang at his sides without any reciprocation as his weathered frame freezes under the sudden PDA. He just stands there taking the warmth of the hug while his eyes stare blankly over Chan’s shoulder as if the just the sincerity of the gesture has caught him completely off guard, making him momentarily speechless.
Then, the spell breaks. Pi Cheolin takes out a soft gruff breath that sounds suspiciously like a chuckle. He now brings a heavy hand up, landing a series of solid comforting pats against Chan’s back. “Alright, alright, brat,” his voice a little hoarser than usual as he gives him one last squeeze before nudging him back, “don't make it weird.”
Chan giggles, as Pi Cheolin looks at him lovingly and smoothen a hand over his hair.
Dback goes silent for once but still visibly offended by the existence of emotions but clearly going, awwwhhhh, internally, sitting back while saying, “gross,” but still not interrupting the moment.
Brity just goes, “wow,” as he claps in slow motion to comedic effect, while Eulho is unusually not singing anymore and reacts like he just saw a live performance of peak storytelling as he nods in impressed approval.
Nieun and Giyeok watch the exchange with an unreadable hum and a faintly adoring gaze, choosing silence over anything else again, while casually reaching for meat like nothing happened.
Pi Cheolin looks around to find them watching, so he tilts his sunglasses down just a bit to reveal his eyes as his posture straightens. He leans forward toward Chan as the corner of his mouth lifts into a playful smile. At the same time, he gives a quick wink as he maintains eye contact, “sarangui nunbit.”
“Oh my god,” Chan chuckles while everyone else can just just sigh or just go along with them.
“So you’ll never change,” a voice suddenly came from the entrance as everyone looks that way. Yoo Danja’s. “Why was I not invited?”
“Why are you being nosey in other people’s business?” Pi Cheolin retorts. On the side, Chan is enjoying the show for the irony; considering his granddad is the one who appears in everyone’s business.
Yoo Danja sighs as if he has already made peace with ruining the atmosphere, pulls out a chair, and sits down.
The moment he sits, the mood is back to their normal again. Pi Cheolin doesn’t look surprised, but only mildly irritated as this is a recurring inconvenience he never agreed to.
“Still acting like you didn’t ruin things with Chunsun?” Danja says.
Pi Cheolin doesn’t even bother to look up from the grill, “still acting like she chose you?” he replies flatly, grabbing Chan’s arm to make him sit down with him.
That earns a scoff. Danja leans back offended but not surprised, “she didn’t choose either of us. That’s the point you always ignore.”
Chan turns his head between them, caught between two men whose hearts were broken once upon a time. But it’s a very common topic between these two. “Why is this still a conversation?”
Dback groans into his hands, “NO. No, no, no. I refuse to be present for ancient relationship trauma at a BBQ.”
Brity quietly flips a piece of meat on his own and serves Eulho and himself, “you already know what to do. Just… don’t make eye contact and maybe it’ll pass.”
Eulho, however, is fully invested as always. He enjoys watching them argue over a woman who, back in their youth, couldn’t have cared less about either of them. “Fight, fight, fight!”
Nieun takes the newspaper off the table, “always.” (Meaning: It’s always Chunsun.)
“Again.” (Meaning: It’s Chunsun again.) Giyeok takes a mouthful of cold ramen and nods with Nieun.
As Danja’s voice slightly rises, he yells, “you act like you were the victim.”
Pi Cheolin finally looks at him as he touches his hat, “I was the one who had to explain your existence to her father.”
“That’s not even—” Danja starts.
“It is,” Pi Cheolin cuts in.
Chan sighs, very tired from this same conversation every time. “Can we not do this during dinner?”
Dback with his hands clasped, slumps down on a chair, “YES. THANK YOU. SOMEONE NORMAL.”
“No.” Pi Cheolin and Danja both together at the same time.
The table falls silent before Brity mutters, “I’m going to need more meat for this.”
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🎧 Segment: Hate Me, (Please) Date Me by @bluehoodiewoozi
🗣️ Radio Hosts: Choi Seungcheol x f!Reader
📻 Program: When the middle-aged single moms calling his show start getting a little too comfortable on the line, Seungcheol finds himself in need of a quick solution to throw them off. He needs a girlfriend. And who better to ask than his one and only public rival working at the same station?
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🎧 Segment: out of sync by @nerdycheol
🗣️ Radio Hosts: Joshua Hong x reader
📻 Program: On air, you and Joshua sound perfectly in sync—easy banter, soft laughter, the kind of chemistry listeners love. Off air, however, you can barely stand him. Unfortunately, work has a funny way of pushing you two together… and lately, avoiding Joshua is becoming impossible.
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🎧 Segment: anonymously yours by @wheeboo
🗣️ Radio Hosts: Wen Junhui x f!reader
📻 Program: When the world falls asleep, a certain radio broadcast goes live—one hosted by none other than you and your best friend Wen Junhui. The two of you host an anonymous love confession segment, where listeners submit their deepest feelings, secrets, and late-night loves they can’t say aloud for you to unravel live on air. However, when a recurring submission starts to feel a little too familiar, a certain someone finds themselves wondering how long they can stay anonymous… before they are finally heard.
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🎧 Segment: Perfect Match by @lovelylonelinesssvt
🗣️ Radio Hosts: Kwon Soonyoung x reader
📻 Program: You are living a life with expectations of a future that does not feel yours. Your only escape is dancing and the midnight radio station that brings you a little peace and a place to feel heard. When a new dance crew audition is announced, you meet the most energetic, full of life and clumsy ray of sunshine. Kwon Soonyoung. You didn’t know he would be the one to show you there’s much more wonderful things life has to offer.
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🎧 Segment: Dead Air, Still Live by @defwoodz
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📻 Program: Wonwoo's late radio show boasts of knowing the most underground bands and playing only the uncut gems. Every night, the final call is from her, and she's not impressed. Also, every night, after the show is supposed to end, the call keeps going.
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📻 Program: in a small town, you're bound to hit a few dead ends when you're not exactly the demographic being catered to. when jihoon finally gets a bite at a radio station nine miles out, he's astonished to see a woman in the booth - and the best in the game, at that.
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📻 Program: The dreams you once had have died a long time ago. You realized you and music weren’t meant to be, and you learned to be okay with that. While it once ate you alive, you are better now. Knowing you can help aspiring artists pursue their dreams is better than trying for your own anyway. Seokmin doesn’t see it the same way, though. And while he loves your radio show with his whole heart, he loves you just a little bit more. Everyone knows love makes you do stupid things, and it’s no different for him.
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🎧 Segment: jaded by @starlightkyeom
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📻 Program: mingyu started off as the eternal optimist, always talking about his relationship stories in between the songs on his show. after one too many failed relationships, mingyu starts to wonder if love really exists. everyone from the station manager to his avid listeners notices. it's bad for his brand. that's when you enter, the singer in a new band. you come in for an interview with the first station to play your debut single and give mingyu a lot to think about.
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🗣️ Radio Hosts: Xu Minghao x reader
📻 Program: Four novels in and you've developed the perfect system: rent a house, get a part time job, eat where the residents eat, drink where they drink, read the town paper, and listen to the local radio. Then, you lock yourself away for the night and write like someone who could call this place home. So this sleepy beach town is the ideal place to write your fifth novel– set in 1974, small town girl meets big city boy, who promises to visit every summer.
It'd be perfect... if it weren't for the evening DJ at Wave FM, who only ever seems to play music that kills your vibe.
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🎧 Segment: Our Frequency by @vernonverse
🗣️ Radio Hosts: Boo Seungkwan x reader
📻 Program: Years after fame pulled him apart, Seungkwan finds his way back to his first love: you. Now working as a radio producer, you’re trying to move forward with your life... until he decides to break a few rules to pull you out of a bad relationship and win back your heart.
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🎧 Segment: sleepless in the studio by @straylightdream
🗣️ Radio Hosts: Chwe Vernon x f!reader
📻 Program: you two share a lot in common. you’re next door neighbors, you’re both night owls, you both have nonexistent romantic lives, and you both also have a crush on each other without the other knowing. you spend your nights in the emergency room, and he spends his nights hosting a radio show. you find comfort in the chaos of your job by listening to your neighbors radio show. things between you start to change after another long night at work.
🎤 On Air
🎧 Segment: 1(800)GO2-H3LL by @joshujin
🗣️ Radio Hosts: Lee Chan x reader
📻 Program: When the host of the morning show at 99.2 STEP FM announces his retirement, the race to take the coveted, high-traffic primetime slot is on. And after several years maintaining the second highest listenership at the station, that 6 a.m. start time is as good as yours... as long as Lee Chan—the uptight, overrehearsed, pretentious asshole who keeps hunting everything you love for sport—stays away from it, that is. Naturally, he has no plans of affording you that luxury.
you have known your entire life that your existence is political. second born to the Throne, a daughter no less, your only purpose is to be wed to a prince to strengthen alliances. but you still hope to mean something to your new husband, despite the intentions behind your union.
you are sorely mistaken.
you realise quickly that you are as alone in your new home as you were in your childhood one. this is the fate that has been written for you, the reality you must live. but one knight might change it all when he swears an oath of fealty to you, and means it with every piece of his heart.
pairing: knight!choi seungcheol x princess/queen!reader
genre: medieval au, royalty au
category: limited series
word count: tbd
warnings: some swearing, angst, feelings of insecurity and low self worth, arranged marriage, brother!mingyu, infidelity (a lot of it, by everyone), forbidden love, mentions of war, injuries, blood, fighting, character death, there might be some historical inaccuracies lol, smut, nsfw, unprotected sex, oral (f receiving), fingering, quickies.
a/n: okay, this has been in the works for a while now. im ngl i almost scrapped the whole thing and didn’t post at all, but thank you to @milk-moonbunnies for all her encouragement. you’re the reason this story happened xx i hope you all like it at least a little bit ㅠ
synopsis: at 27 years old you no longer had eligibility in the yearly season of courting. your only desire now was to get your younger sister married on her first season out this year. you never expected the loop that the choi family would throw your way with their youngest son hansol. he was perfect for your sister, yet why was he so intrigued by you?
pairing: viscount!vernon x f!reader
wc: — 17.7k
genre: regency era! au, bridgerton au
tags: angst, fluff, slow burn, bridgerton inspired, yearning, oh so much yearning, stubborn reader, lot of internal conflict w reader, mentions of anxiety, commitment issues, eldest sibling struggles, mentions of expectations/limitations on women in that era, title inaccurates for plot purposes, smut mdni!! masturbation, mutual masturbation (kinda?), implied inexperienced reader & vernon, virginity loss, praise, fingering, oral (f), unprotected sex (wrap it pls)
note: my part for the blockbusters collab is finally here! i’m so proud of this work and hopefully everyone loves our viscount hehe.. you can't have a bridgerton male lead without being a poet & i think vernon is so wise with his words hopefully that's portrayed accurately here. also take a wild guess what my fav season of bridgerton was and what this is kinda based upon??!! some stuff may be historically inaccurate (first/second son titles) for plot sake and un-british like cus im not, so sorry for that!
note #2: many thanks are underway. starting out, shoutout to luna ( @belovedgyu ), izzy ( @jakedustry ), and rae ( @nerdycheol ), for making this collab happen and supporting so many new/first time writers! your guidance the past few months has been amazing and i see how much everyone’s improved over time w all of your help. thank you @livmarauder, @jakedustry, and @cherrymayz for beta reading and being the first to see viscount vernon. another thanks to liv for making this wonderful banner, you’re truly so talented. lastly, thank you to everyone in this collab for your support!! i’m so grateful for all of you and watching everyone’s stories come to life has been awesome <3
dividers by @bronzewasp!
support the other blockbusters authors here !
The low rattle of the carriage typically helped lull you to sleep on the long journeys you've endured before. You watched from the small window as the greenery of the countryside passed by slowly. Your stomach was in knots, thoughts running wild preventing you from enjoying a peaceful nap.
A brief glance towards your sister eased the agony raging inside you. Her face was calm, chest rising slowly as her head rested on the shoulder of your cousin. You shared a look with her, a small smile on both your faces.
"She's ready you know. You don't have to stress so much." Your cousin says your name softly, a sigh leaving your lips.
"I understand that. It's my duty to be protective of her though. In my eyes I still see that 12 year old girl." Your sister was 19 now, a full adult and finally making her debut. She whined for two years that she was ready, but your family knew she needed to grow into herself more before searching for a suitor.
You were the eldest child, your brother Michael, was three years younger than you, and the youngest— Ana was eight years apart from you. Your mother passed when Ana was still young, instantly throwing you into a maternal role for your younger siblings.
When you were 18, you traveled from your kingdom of Ellerium with your father to England to make an official debut. You had no luck that season, and tried again the following year. You had managed to snag an engagement from a handsome and highly coveted Lord, excited to fulfill your dreams before he had called off the engagement abruptly. A princess was in town who had expressed her desire for your fiancée, leaving you in the dust.
You were crushed; you wore your heart on your sleeve but the experience of that season made you draw back. Your father and cousin did their best to comfort you, but the damage was done. You attempted one more time the following season when you were twenty, just to have foul luck once again. You returned to Ellerium that winter with a dull ache, and a shadow of the woman you were before.
The glitz and glam of the past three seasons had begun to add up and get pricey, your father having to travel more to pay off the debuts of your designer dresses. After three failures, you decided you struck out. You wouldn't cause your family any more trouble financially or physically. The journey from Ellerium to England was a three day trek one way. You swore you wouldn't go back until your sister was ready to make her debut.
Your father and cousin pushed you to try once more, but you already sealed your fate. Once you turned 23 your family stopped pushing. Most women in high society were married off by 21 or 22. If you were unwed by 25, you were deemed a certified spinster, which you had become for your family. You were 27 and content with your cat and helping your family. The yearn for something more always prodded at the back of your mind when you laid in bed at night, but for the sake of your sister you pushed the thoughts away. As long as she was happy, you were happy. At least that was what you told yourself.
The rolling hills began to turn into a familiar scene of villages, and the cottages owned by commoners who worked in the fields. The carriage veered off to the right, headed towards the city where all the members of The Ton resided. You leaned over and lightly shook your sister, knowing she would be fuming if she didn't catch a glimpse of the city coming in.
"Ana darling, time to get up. We're almost there." Her eyes slowly opened, a yawn and big stretch escaping as she turned towards the window. Her face shifted to one of awe, as it was her first time leaving the resides of Ellerium.
"Are you seeing this?" She turned back towards you smiling, drawing a soft grin from you. You were reminded of your first time in London and the excitement you felt upon first sight of the city.
"Take it all in my love." You felt all of her joy as she turns back out in disbelief, watching the markets and people stroll by.
The carriage made its way towards long rows of townhomes with intricate architectural designs and lined with grandiose gardens. It stops right in front of a beautiful red brick home with a white door and rows of hydrangeas along the walkway.
"I believe we are here! The Hong's have been expecting us!" Your cousin clasps her hands together loudly as the three of you file out of the carriage.
The front door swung open as a woman with a perfectly slicked bun and a kind smile came descending down the steps, a maid close behind her.
"Hello beautiful ladies! I am so ecstatic to have you here!" She exclaimed as you all gave a small curtsy, formally greeting your host for the season. "I am Lady Hong, You must be Ladies Ana and Y/N of Ellerium?" You extended a hand to her to which she held gently.
"That would be correct, Lady Hong. We cannot express our gratitude enough for letting us stay in your marvelous home for the season." You smiled brightly at her, your sister a ball of energy next to you as she could barely contain herself. You placed a hand at the small of her back to ground her, a reminder to control her emotions a bit. Your cousin exchanged a brief word with Lady Hong before giving her goodbyes to you and Ana.
"See you soon, cousin." She pulled back, a glint in her eyes as she looked at you. You knew she was thinking of how you might feel being back and unwed, but you give her a reassuring squeeze.
"Take care. I'll be back home before you know it and our baby girl will be betrothed, mark my words." She laughed, giving one final hug to your sister before returning into the carriage to make her journey back.
"Right this way ladies, let's take a tour shall we?" Mrs. Hong gestured for you to follow, her footman right behind carrying both of your bags.
The main foyer was stunning, larger than you expected from the outside as you and Ana toured the first floor, waving at the maids in the kitchen as you walk through. Upon entering the drawing room, you're taken back by the presence of two men. One— an older gentleman at the piano looking up from his note sheet; the other lifting his gaze from his book on the embroidered couch.
"Ana, Y/N, may I introduce you to my husband Lord Hong," the one at the piano gave a deep nod. "And my son, Joshua." The one at the couch closed his book, rising to give a bow to you and your sister. The two of you mimicked his actions, greeting one another formally.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Ladies. We are looking forward to being your generous hosts this season."
He smiled softly as you took a second to admire his features. Joshua was stunning, his hair swept back off his forehead, pretty eyes and a strong jawline. Pushing your selfish thoughts back, you wonder if he was eligible for your sister or not.
"We cannot express how grateful we are to be here Lord Joshua-"
"Please, just Joshua. I'm not big on titles." He shook his head, shocking you. Every man you've encountered in high society demanded their titles spoken every time they were addressed.
"Okay then, Joshua— I expect you to give me the best scoop on the suitors this season. I want only the best for my sister." Were you starting off strong? Possibly, but a man of his status— and looks, had to know what lords to stay far away from.
He gave a full belly laugh, not expecting your brazenness so soon.
"Alright, I'll be your guide to all things during this social season— and The Ton." He gleamed at the two of you, a hint of mischief in his eyes. He reminded you of your brother and you felt a sense of familiarity within the Hong household already.
"I'll let you two get settled into the home. Mother, I'm going to the lake with Hansol for a while, I'll be back before supper."
He rested a hand on his father's shoulder, giving his mom a kiss on the cheek and with a final bow towards you two, he headed out.
"Alright now, let's continue the tour. I'll show you your sleeping quarters."
After the tour of the estate, you and Ana got settled in the drawing room, chatting with Lord and Lady Hong while sipping tea. You were buzzing with excitement for Ana, ready for her to step out into The Ton and make her mark.
The day slips by with dinner approaching before you know it. The spread was divine, the maids working hard to prepare a special meal for the new guests.
"Oh heavens, now where is Joshua?" Mrs. Hong sighed, exasperated as Mr. Hong chuckled, pulling her seat out for her.
"You know that boy likes to come in right as we sit down. Give it another minute."
As if on cue, the sound of the front door opening and voices traveling in was a sure sign Joshua made it back just in time to eat.
"I'm home! I brought Hansol with me if that's okay?" He called from the foyer loudly.
"Always my dear, Hansol is always welcome in our home!"
You fought to keep your jaw off the floor as the two men stepped into the dining room, your sister going rigid next to you. You swore you've never seen a finer man walk in, his chocolate brown hair parted in the middle, light brown eyes scanning the room with a soft smile on his face.
"Who might we have here?" The man— Hansol, asked with a tilt of his head. You shoved an elbow into your sisters side as she made no effort to control her facial expressions. She blinked out of her haze and the two of you stood to give a curt bow.
"Lady Ana and Y/N of Ellerium, Sir." Your voice came out a pitch higher than you wished, your ears growing hot. Hansol gave a dip of his head in return.
"Lord Choi Hansol. Pleasure to meet you." His voice was deeper than you were expecting, yet his tone soft.
"Glad to have you join us for dinner, Hansol, your company is always a pleasure."
Lord Hong gestures for another place to be set for Joshua's friend who settled directly across from you. Your stomach did a flip as you appeared unfazed, pinching your sisters thigh to keep her from gawking at the handsome man across from you.
Dinner went along smoothly, the Hong family asking many questions about Ana and yourself. You tried to keep the focus on Ana, buttering her up in front of the two males in case they were interested. Hansol watched carefully, only commenting when necessary or if you asked something about him. Ana was timid, though you knew everything you asked she already was questioning as well.
"So your brother is an Earl?" Ana grew the courage to ask herself, a hint of a smile tugging on your lips. Hansol nodded, dabbing his lips with a napkin.
"Yes, Seungcheol is the head of our house now. As the second oldest son the Viscount title was passed to me." A soft 'ah' leaves both your lips as you listened to his family lineage.
"And has he found his Countess?"
You raised an eyebrow, Hansol's expression quickly matching yours.
"Are you asking for yourself?"
You scoffed.
"Absolutely not, the only one looking for a suitor is my darling Ana here." He hummed an acknowledgment, slowly sipping his wine.
"Unfortunate news to bear, but my brother has found his Countess already."
"What of yourself, Viscount?" You tilted your head, Ana's eyes on you now. She hated when you were brazen, especially knowing she was more on the shyer side.
"Ah, I had a feeling this was coming." He chuckled, Joshua smirking and clearly amused next to him. "No, I have not wed yet. I just got back from my travels across Europe this March."
You were highly intrigued by him. His travels across the globe, his intellectual way of thinking and striking looks made him the total package. Plus him being a Viscount meant a higher title in society. As much as you felt your heart call out for him, you knew he would be a perfect match for Ana to betroth.
"Interesting.. Perhaps you and Ana should get to know each other sometime." You pushed, a smug smile on your face. Hansol stares blankly, slowly nodding with a brief glance towards Ana.
"Perhaps."
His tone was flat, like a punchline missed. Maybe he was a tough case to crack—you didn't mind a challenge.
Dinner concluded with Joshua and Hansol disappearing into the drawing room as you and Ana sat and talked with the Hong's for a while after the dishes had been cleared. They appeared shortly after, Hansol claiming he had to get back to his mother and giving his goodbyes.
"Nice meeting you Lady Y/N, Ana." He gave a soft smile, taking your hand and planting a kiss on the back of it. He repeated the action with Ana, her face going hot from the contact. "I'll be around. If Joshua isn't there to be a guide, I'll be glad to step in." He looked you up and down once more before slipping out the door.
The brief interaction had your stomach in knots, the feel of a man's lips even brushing your hand had your knees wobbling. You felt it was going to be a long season if Hansol kept slinking around.
As you winded down for the night, brushing Ana's hair and wrapping it up, she rambled on about the day's events.
"Oh god Lord— Viscount— Hansol was so handsome. Did you see the way he looked at me?!" She sighed dreamily, twirling on a loose strand you hadn't wrapped up yet.
"It's just Lord, Ana, and he surely is a nice sight on the eyes." You agreed, mind wandering back to his playful gaze and how warm you felt under it.
He seemed to linger on you which you despised. You wanted your sister to be the center of attention, not you. Even if a small voice at the back of your mind yearned to be desired still, the way it did when you were eighteen. Your mission was Ana, not yourself.
You went to bed with Ana rambling for twenty minutes after the light went out, over the first ball of the season in two days. She left your mind racing knowing tomorrow you would be going to get alterations on her gown in the morning. Mrs. Hong insisted you find something for yourself, promising you had to look as equally marvelous. You wondered if she pitied you, wanting you to at least go out and feel pretty despite the circumstances.
The next day was busy, with Lady Hong waking you and Ana up early.
"I apologize girls, however if we don't leave before 7am, the line will be wrapped around the corner! I swear Jihyo is the best seamstress in the city!" She bustled about the room, swinging the curtains open to allow the rising sunlight in.
The click of hooves on the pavement rung out as the three of you made your way further into the city. You stopped in front of a white building, mannequins lining the glass windows modeling the most spectacular gowns you've ever seen.
"Mademoiselle Park's boutique will stun you, come on girls we have a long day of fittings ahead!"
Lady Hong stepped out the carriage, offering a hand to Ana as you went out the other way. Opening the doors to the boutique, a bell chimed alerting the owner of new arrivals as a pretty woman with long black hair rounded the corner.
"Ah, Lady Hong it's always a pleasure to see you!" She smiled brightly. "Who might these two debutons be?"
Your time to be a debuton was long behind you, you quietly thought. You had hope for Ana, your sister was stunning and well mannered.
"These two gorgeous girls are the Ladies of Ellerium!" She introduced you by first and last name, the owner Jihyo giving a low bow in greeting.
"Welcome, Ladies of Ellerium. Please take your time. I have quite the selection!" She followed Ana around, complimenting gowns that went well with her skin tone and hair color.
"Y/N, are you going to even have a look?" Ana turned back to you.
"No, darling. I'm looking for you over here."
"Sister, you have to find something. Maybe there's a Lord who likes his ladies a little… older…" You shoot a glare at your sister, a devious smirk playing on her face.
"I'm sorry, how old are you?" Jihyo asked with a head tilt.
"I'm twenty seven, too old to be this seasons diamond I fear." You scoffed, turning back to the overwhelming rack of gowns.
"Oh dear, I would've thought you were no older than twenty." Jihyo placed a hand over her chest with a pout and you felt a spark of rage simmer in your gut.
Why does everyone pity you? Why must a woman have to be married to have any worth in this society?
"Well your sister is right, find something pretty for yourself. Many Lords wait a long time to get married! Oh- looks like Ana may have found something, come here!" Lady Hong gasped, gathering your attention.
You turned to the pale blue gown made of satin, intricate swirls of pearls along the whole dress. The neckline was low, and if altered right, would fit her body perfectly.
"You would look ravishing in that Ana!" You exclaimed, sharing a giddy look with your sibling. She tried on the gown and sighed in awe at herself in the mirror across from her. Jihyo got to work, tailoring the way Ana desired. You smiled contentedly watching her reflection in front of you. You saw glimpses of yourself in her, and silently prayed she would find better than you ever did.
You felt a tap on your shoulder and turned to see Mrs. Hong with a stunning burgundy gown in her arms.
"Dear, I think you should try this one on. You'll look fierce." She handed off the delicate article of clothing as you insisted you couldn't.
"I can't possibly wear this…"
"Stop fussing and try it on!" Your sister made eye contact in the mirror with you, her gaze serious.
You huffed in defeat, shuffling towards the available curtain to undress behind.
"I'll be over to help you in a moment darling!" Jihyo called, her figure hunched over as she hemmed Ana's dress.
You undress from your simple green gown and stepped into the eye-catching burgundy gown. You just barely pull your arms through when Jihyo's voice is directly behind the curtain, asking to come in.
She slid the curtain open and gasped, eyes glowing. "My dear you look stunning. This dress is quite perfectly made for you!"
Her words brought a timid smile to your face, not expecting such a positive reaction. You didn't lack confidence necessarily; you knew you were beautiful. Years of being looked down upon by your family had warped your perception a bit— you just needed a little validation again.
"Here, let me fix you up and we can see what needs to be tailored from there." Jihyo's soft hands found the hooks and closed up the dress.
You gave a mixture of laugh and a sound of excitement at the sight in front you.
The dress hugged you perfectly, flowing out at your hips, past your feet. The neckline was scooped and not too low, making you look modest but sultry.
"Show your sister! She's going to love it!"
"I'm waiting!" Your younger sibling wasted no time to call for you, impatience in her voice.
When you stepped out, you watched both Ana and Mrs. Hong's mouths drop open.
"Well didn't I say you would look ravishing! I did not lie." Mrs. Hong circled around you, inspecting the details of the gown with a nod.
"You look wonderful, sister." Ana's voice was soft, her gaze kind.
She hoped you would still somehow find your own suitor, wanting nothing more than to see you happy as well.
"Thank you, Ana." You smiled softly at her. "I'm only wearing this for you, Lady Hong."
"I already added it to our family's tab so I would hope so!" You laughed at her in utter shock.
"Mrs. Hong!"
"I told you— an arrival gift for our beloved guests."
Jihyo finished up Ana's dress before making some minor tweaks on your otherwise perfect gown.
The three of you exited the boutique, expressing your thanks and gratitude towards Jihyo before heading back to your carriage. It was already mid-day, the dress hunt and tailoring taking up the whole morning and early afternoon. You were starving and willing to eat anything that was in front of you.
"I'm famished!" Ana sighed, expressing your thoughts with a toss of her head against the cushioned wall.
"As expected. Our head maid, Wanda will have cooked up something wonderful for us by now."
Walking into the doors of the Hong residence, the last thing you expected to see was Joshua running around shouting. You also absolutely did not expect to see Hansol crouched on top of a chair, face pale with a contorted expression upon his face.
"Hong Joshua, what in the world is going on!"
"Mother! A rodent made its way in our home!"
"Oh for goodness sake." She sighed, placing the boxes from the boutique into a maids arms. She was ready to ask Joshua where they last saw it when Ana let out a shriek, spotting the creature and running towards the chairs Hansol was hiding at.
"Oh shit!" You heard something crash and Joshua yelped, a broom in his hand as the mouse terrorizing the house rounded the corner.
"Joshua, give me the damn broom!" You shouted at the grown man running in circles from the mouse. He tossed it and you caught it with a slight fumble, swinging the door open, trying to attract the mouse.
"Shoo! Shoo!" You swatted the broom at the creature, watching it scurry out the house before slamming the door shut.
You glanced at everyone in the room. Joshua was huffing from doing a whole lot of nothing, chasing the rodent. Ana watched, perched on a chair directly across from Hansol, who's eyes were comedically wide. Mrs. Hong was unmoved, sharing an unamused look with you. Bunch of cowards.
"Lord Hansol, you're telling me all your travels across the globe and you let a rat get the best of you?"
You raised an eyebrow at him, a playful smirk spreading across his face.
"Never had to fight off rodents on the beaches of Portugal."
You groaned, the head maid taking the broom out of your hands with a smile. If Hansol couldn't even handle getting a mouse out of the home, how could you marry your sister off to him. Who was going to kill the bugs in that relationship?
"Unbelievable."
Hansol hopped off the chair, dusting his trousers off. He offered a hand to Ana, helping her down and sharing an amused look together.
"Sister would always get rid of the animals that found their way into our house. A squirrel was not safe around her." Ana joked, your eyes wandering between the two with a small shrug.
"Our house isn't in the city, someone had to take the role up." You stated simply; the others watching you curiously.
"Exactly as a big sister should!"
"Sure… More like Michael is a wuss." Hansol chuckled, learning about your younger brother over dinner last night.
"I don't blame him."
Your gaze shifted towards him, watching his struggle to keep a straight face.
"You're unbelievable, Choi Hansol."
"Hey! What happened to 'Lord Hansol?'" He teased, your eyes rolling hard.
"I'm going to the drawing room, the maids brought out some sandwiches. That is where you'll converse with Ana." You turned towards your sister, gesturing for her to follow you to the public room.
"Sounds like I don't have much of a choice?"
"Well of course not, my Lord."
You quietly chatted with Joshua as the two of you munched on the finger foods placed in the drawing room. You found yourself straining to hear Ana and Hansol's conversation on the couch farther down the room. Your gaze fell in their direction often, wondering if they were making any headway. Joshua noticed this, from the way you zoned out and stopped responding to him multiple times.
"You should go over there and sit with them at this point."
You glared at him, a bright smile across his face before he took a bite of pastry.
"Can a sibling not be concerned?"
"You should only be concerned with the man if he is actually interested." Joshua makes eye contact with you, confusion written all over your face. "Hansol has been adamant on remaining single. Said the right one for him won't be apart of The Ton, and if they are, he would have to fall for someone… unconventional…"
You swallowed hard, gaze shifting towards your feet momentarily. An unrecognizable feeling brewed inside your stomach upon his words.
"Well Ana is a bit unconv-"
"No, she's not. Not by Hansol standards."
"Then what would be his standard then if not my sister?" Tilting his head slightly, his gaze softened.
"You."
"Joshua, you can't just say unrealistic things like that!" You kept your voice low, yet alarmed. He couldn't be spewing that with the man in question a few feet away.
"Unrealistic? You've known him for a day, I've known him my whole life. Trust me when I say it was you who took his breath away at first sight, not Ana."
His revelation was like a punch to the gut, knowing how hard you were working to get your sister betrothed as soon as possible. Joshua didn't know what he was talking about, there was no way Hansol desired you. He was a tough case to crack, and you were going to do so for you sister's case— not your own.
You casted a glance in their direction once again, finding Hansol's sharp eyes already on you. A chill ran over you as you averted your gaze, turning back to Joshua.
The intensity of his gaze alone had your stomach flipping, and your heart racing.
Perhaps if you were meaner to him, whatever attraction Joshua claimed was there would dissipate.
You were the wrong sister to choose, and he would have to see that.
The bustle of the Hong estate the next day was exciting; maids and footmen moving around as the family prepared for the first ball of the season that night.
You were ecstatic to present your sister, knowing the queen herself would be in attendance. All of the ladies had a big impression to make, and Mrs. Hong apparently had a great connection with the queen.
"Trust me darling, the queen and I go way back." She exclaimed as your designated maids busied themselves fixing up your hair and makeup. "I'll have a proper introduction lined up for Ana." Mrs. Hong winked at your sister, her face lighting up over the thought of meeting the queen herself.
"That's wonderful, Lady Hong! I cannot thank you enough!" She squealed, clasping her hands together from uncontainable joy.
You spent what felt like all day prepping for the ball, Ana complaining her neck ached after being in the chair for hours. The final product was jaw-dropping; you nearly teared up at the sight of her.
She looked elegant, yet refreshing— holding herself with a womanly poise.
"Wow sister, you look stunning."
"You can't be one to talk! This burgundy looks gorgeous on you!" You gave a small spin, not used to the glam you've stayed away from for seven years.
"Thank you my dear. Now, let's go find you a husband."
The first ball was hosted by the Lee's, a very prominent and influential family in the Ton. They had a mansion farther out from the city, used mostly for social gatherings.
Your jaw dropped as the sight of the castle-like home came into view, already lined up with carriages along the main walkway.
"The Lee's surely know how to host. Their oldest, Jihoon, was married a few years back but the two youngest sons are eligible currently! Ana, I will speak very highly of you to them and introduce you myself!" Mrs. Hong was excited, sharing with you prior to leaving she had yearned for a second child— a daughter. By hosting Ana and yourself, she could finally experience what other mothers of The Ton did with their daughters.
"Oh! I can't forget about you as well Y/N, there will be plenty of suitors there," You opened your mouth to speak before she raised a hand, stopping you before you began. "I know, I know, you're not interested but don't give up completely dear. I got engaged at twenty six."
You were glad she had found her love match later on, but you knew the story wasn't the same for you. You gave up a long time ago and decided upon that. You weren't going to turn her down, but your heart was out of the game a while ago.
"I'm almost thirty and still am unwed!" Joshua butted in, earning a side eye from you and an eye roll from his father.
"Things are different for us, Joshua. You could get married at fifty and it would be acceptable."
"My apologies, just wanted to be relatable…" You laughed at him, appreciative of his efforts.
Your group made it inside, Ana barely containing her excitement at the grand entryway, and the stunning attire all around.
"I'll be back, I'm off to find the Lee sons! Joshua watch over them!" Mrs. Hong stepped off, dragging her husband along with her.
"Alright ladies, Lord Joshua at your service. Let's get some introductions rolling."
After weaving through the crowds and bowing at recognizable faces, he finally lead you to the main floor, snatching up three glasses of champagne.
"Better vantage point here, ah, do you see the man with glasses straight ahead?" Joshua tilted his champagne glass in said direction, granting a nod of acknowledgment from both you and Ana.
"That is Lord Jeon Wonwoo. Certainly a piece of eye candy. He's a true gentleman and his family has connections to the royal family of Korea. He's the slightest bit weird, and a little quiet. If you can get past that— or that's your type, then he's a perfect candidate!"
You hummed, slowly sipping your champagne. You take note of Lord Wonwoo, ranking him high on your list for Ana.
"Oh! Who is that?" Ana's voice caught your attention as you turned to see a taller man with bleached blonde hair to his nape and a small crowd around him.
"That, my dear, is Duke of Shenzhen— Wen Junhui. Only in town for a few weeks in search of his Duchess before he leaves back to China. Tough competition though…"
"China is too far for me, I need to be able to visit often."
"If it gets you married to a Duke, you could go to Australia for all I care Ana." She whined at this, ready to bicker before you catch Mrs. Hong making her way towards the three of you. The broad shouldered man accompanying her could only be what you assumed, one of the Lee sons.
"Ah! There she is! This is Lord Lee Chan, the youngest of the bunch. Lord Chan, may I introduce you to Lady Ana of Ellerium?" The two shook hands and formally dipped into a curtsy and bow.
"Lady Ana, you look marvelous, quite literally stole my breath away!" She smiled shyly. "Who might you be?" He turned to you with a bow that you return.
"I'm her older sister, just here to support her debut season." You softly gave your name and title with a kind smile. Chan looked you up and down, a smirk forming.
"You need to meet my cousin, you seem just like his type-"
"Ah Chan, we should let you and Ana get acquainted!" Joshua cuts in, signaling for you and his mother to make an exit.
"Yes, that sounds perfect. Pleasure meeting you, Lord Chan." You gave a final curtsy, meeting your sister's eyes with a silent message— 'you got this.'
The three of you scurried off, Mrs. Hong disappearing once again to make her rounds. You and Joshua settled near a corner, on your second glasses of champagne when Chan's comment resurfaced in your mind.
"Do you know who Lord Chan's cousin may be?"
He glanced at you, taking a sip of the bubbly drink.
"Mmm not sure who he was referencing. The Lee's family tree is insanely big."
Something in you told you he was lying but you brushed it off for now, watching Ana and Chan make their way onto the floor to dance.
You scanned the ballroom, searching for other potential suitors when your eyes landed upon a familiar figure. Hansol was on the other side of the floor, dressed in a navy blue suit as he chatted with another broader man. The more you looked, you saw they had the same crest woven on their jacket pockets and it clicked; that was his brother Seungcheol.
You watched his eyes roam the dance floor, as if he was searching for someone before he finds you. His gaze was heavy, a single eyebrow going up upon contact. He whispered something to Seungcheol, excusing himself, as he made his way towards you and Joshua along the edge of the crowd.
"Should've known I'd find you here standing in a corner." Hansol joked.
You felt his eyes drift over you, drinking up the sight of you in the intricate gown. His staring was nothing short of shameless, his expression blank yet carrying a weight behind his eyes you couldn't place. You felt your face grow hot, opting to sip the bubbly drink to hide the growing flush of your cheeks.
"You know these things aren't my cup of tea. And Lady Y/N here is trying to avoid any and all male attention." Joshua poked fun at you, a sinister grin on his face matching Hansol's.
"Any attention warranted to me can certainly be directed towards Ana. Speaking of, she seems to be hitting it off with Lord Chan, no?" You tilted your head towards the pair moving swiftly across the floor.
"Channie has always been a great man, if he wants to pursue Ana they would be a wonderful couple." Hansol's nickname for Chan caught you off guard. They must've been closer friends than you thought.
"My lady, would you be interested in a dance?" Hansol questioned, his head tilting.
"Oh no, I don't dance my Lord."
"A Lady of your status most certainly knows how to." He pushed back, his expression remaining unreadable, though the playfulness was present in his tone.
"I don't know, Lord Hansol-"
"Please, I beg of you to drop the formalities. Just Hansol." You gulped, feeling Joshua's gaze tear back and forth between the two of you.
"Just one dance, I promise to bring you back to Joshua in one piece." A hint of a smile twitched along the corner of his lip as he stared down at you.
You sighed deeply, nodding in agreement as you felt like your heart was betraying your mind.
He grabbed your flute and handed it to Joshua, gently taking your hand to guide you towards the edge of the dance floor. You step into formation with his strong hand in between yours, the other resting high on your waist. You danced in silence for a while, avoiding any eye contact while you focused on the drag of the music and keeping your feet coordinated.
"Why are you so adamant on remaining unwed?" Hansol broke the silence first, his directness nearly making you stumble over your own feet.
"Why does it matter? I'm past the age most women get married. I'm happy as long as my sister is happy." You bit your tongue, knowing the rehearsed answer you typically gave fell flat. He hummed in response, barely heard over the strum of the violins.
"That didn't sound very convincing. Plenty of women still get married at your age. My mother married my father when she was 32." You glanced up at him, his gaze soft and holding your own carefully.
"That makes you and Seungcheol half siblings right?" You questioned, Hansol giving a curt nod.
"Yes, but that's irrelevant right now. I'm talking about you. You deserve a shot at happiness as well." He spoke your name quietly, spinning you in sync with the music.
Your stomach was in knots, the proximity to him and his utterances making your mind grow fuzzy. His words rattled in the back of your mind as you grew silent, swaying with the music. You knew you deserved to be happy, but the thought of your family covering two weddings within a short time frame made you uneasy. If anyone should receive that blessing, it should be your sister.
The song finished, signaling the end of your dance with Hansol. You curtsy as he gave a deep bow, leading you back towards Joshua in the corner.
"Thank you. For dancing even if it was for a few minutes. You need to loosen up more." He stated simply, snatching a champagne flute off a tray and bidding a farewell, off to search for his brother once more.
Hansol was plaguing your mind the more time you spent with him and Joshua's convictions the day before reappeared in your thoughts. You had to shake off the feeling he left— and fast.
"Ana has been having quite the night if I say so." Joshua commented, snapping you back to reality as you scanned the crowd to find your sibling.
"Is that so?"
"Mmm, she's currently talking to the second oldest son of the Lee's— Lee Seokmin." He tilted your head towards your sister, catching her in deep conversation with a tall man with a bright smile.
"Good. Put in a word with one of the Lee boys to come visit her."
"Always working are we?" He joked as you fixated on the sight in front of you.
"You said you'd help us this season, Joshua. I expect that includes with the men in your circles as well." You turned towards him with a cheerful smile. You always got what you wanted when it came to your siblings.
"Of course, my Lady."
The first ball was a success, Ana boasting the rest of the night about all the suitors she had danced with, and her first encounter with the queen herself. You were introduced to her as well, keeping your poise in front of the most respected and feared woman in London.
The following days lead to a slow trickle of men of different statuses making way into the Hong residence, eager to make conversation with Ana. You were ecstatic, watching each interaction carefully in the corner of the drawing room. Mrs. Hong or Joshua was always by your side, critiquing the candidates with hushed voices.
Hansol was a frequent visitor, snatching Joshua away from the home, or staying and making conversation with everyone. You were watching intrigued one day as Hansol shared his notebook with you, going over the details of his travels. Ana was deep in conversation with Chan, though you knew she wanted to speak to Hansol as well.
"Hansol, why don't you stay and chat with Ana after Lord Chan leaves?"
His hand hovered above the notebook, his eyes widening in the slightest as if he wasn't expecting what you said.
"I'm alright here actually."
"She's very interested in you Hansol-"
"Chan has a great chance with her. I'll converse for your sake— as a friend, but I don't have romantic intentions with her."
You sighed, feeling like you were talking to a brick wall.
"What will it take to pursue her?"
It was Hansol's turn to sigh, his eyes closing briefly in exasperation.
"I've told you before, I have no intentions of marriage. It would have to truly be a love match by the grace of God."
"Would you hate me if I kept trying?" You asked, expecting him to snap. Hansol was unmoved, shaking his head.
"No, I couldn't ever hate you. But your efforts are troublesome for yourself. Focus on Lord Chan, or even Lord Seokmin, for your sister. Not me."
As much as you silently pleaded with him, you knew it was falling upon deaf ears. Hansol had made his decision a long time ago, unsatisfied with the hand full of options within the Ton that shamelessly threw themselves all over him. Simply for his looks and his title, hoping to become the next Vicountess. He hated it, knowing those were two of the things he cared the least about.
A few weeks later you were out for a stroll with Ana along the lake by the edge of town, watching families of the Ton out on the sunny day.
"How's progress been with Lord Jeon?" You held your hands clasped tightly, your deep purple dress feeling heavy in the summer heat.
"He's been okay, he's just so quiet. I'm quiet myself so the conversation always turns awkward…" She huffed, kicking a pebble in frustration. "I wish Lord Choi would be more receptive… he's always stoic around me."
You felt your gut twist up, knowing Hansol's words to you a few weeks prior. Not to mention, he tended to act the complete opposite around you. You felt uncomfortably guilty, even though you hadn't done anything wrong.
"I'm working on that Lord Choi now… What about Lord Lee?"
"Which one?"
"Ah, both Lee brothers have been pursuing you? You're the hottest Lady out this season I see!" She laughed at you, bumping her hip into yours.
"Lord Seokmin has talked to me a few times, but the real chase has been Lord Chan. That one… my word he is persistent."
"Speak of the devil…" You mumbled, catching sight of four figures approaching you on the trail ahead. The set of Lee and Choi brothers made their way towards you and Ana, stopping short to allow the two of you to curtsy in greeting.
"What a coincidence seeing you two out here!" Lord Seokmin stated cheerfully, his eyes crinkling with a smile.
"Pleasure seeing you again, Lord Seokmin." You smiled softly at him.
You caught Chan staring at Ana and gestured quickly with your head for him to talk to her.
"Lady Ana, would you mind joining me on a stroll?" He asked, your sister turning towards you for approval. You looked at her, your face reading 'don't look at me!' as she turned back and agreed. The pair wandered off down the trail as you continued to walk with the remaining three men, not far behind.
"Our cousin happens to be very interested in your sister. I wouldn't be surprised if a wedding was called for by the winter time." Seungcheol spoke, your head turning in confusion.
"Wait, cousin? Who's your cousin?" Your head whipped back and forth between the three, trying to place who they were talking about.
"Seungcheol and I are related to Chan and Seokmin. They're our cousins." Hansol quietly shared, as your mouth fell open in an 'o' shape.
"Small world? I had no idea you were cousins!"
"Doesn't take long to notice once you hear Chan speak for longer than twenty minutes." Seokmin added, the group chucking at his comment.
"So, Y/N. Hansol told me you were unwed?" Seungcheol asked, hands in his pockets as you trained your gaze towards the ground.
"It seems to be a hot topic for everyone…" You huffed in annoyance, tired of your status being discussed. "I am, and I happen to be very content with my cat. And taking care of my family."
Seungcheol hummed while Seokmin looked at you in disbelief, Hansol staying quiet.
"I can't believe a woman as beautiful and well carried as yourself hasn't found her husband! You're still young, don't count yourself out!" Seokmin met your gaze, trying to express his shock to the fullest.
"It's okay, every family needs their spinster right?" You joked, hands toying with the lace along your dress.
"Hey, if nobody snatches you up by the end of the season… You know where to find me." Seokmin says your name with a wink, causing your cheeks to grow hot.
Seungcheol laughed in amusement, playfully shoving his cousin.
Nobody caught the way Hansol's jaw ticked, his usually calm exterior slipping momentarily.
Prior to the next biggest ball of the season; you, Ana, and Mrs. Hong found your way to Jihyo's shop once more. Ana was being fitted into a shimmering pale pink gown, as you held the box your new gown resided in. Mrs. Hong swore it was her duty to splurge in you— both of you, as your host.
"You know, Lord Chan mentioned he liked me in pale colors." Ana looked smug in the mirror as you made a face back at her.
"Oh? You care what Lord Chan likes on you now huh?" You teased, sharing a playful look with Mrs. Hong.
"Well… I've given up on Lord Hansol. He's icing me out." The unnerving feeling resurfaced in your gut at the mention of his name. "At least Lord Chan makes an effort for me. I don't want to chase a man."
"I raised you right my dear." You nodded at her proclamation, glad she felt a sense of self worth in a society that thrived off male attention.
"If I didn't know better sister, I'd think he might be interested in someone else?" Her tone was questioning, and you felt as if she was accusing you of something.
"What do you mean, Ana?"
"I notice things… He seems to like talking to you… A lot."
"That's nonsense, he talks to me as if I'm another Joshua." You huffed, feeling her eyes lingering on you through the mirror.
"I'm not mad, Y/N, just be honest if you have feelings or not so I know. I don't want to be blindsided." You couldn't explain the feeling brewing inside you other than simply— awful.
You couldn't even give her a direct answer because you didn't know the truth yourself. You were at war with your emotions at all times, thoughts of Hansol filling your mind when you least expected it. You didn't want to hurt your sister, and you needed to regulate your feelings as soon as possible.
"I don't have feelings for him." You swallowed down the lump in your throat, praying the way your voice shook didn't give you away. You felt three pairs of eyes on you, making your unease grow.
"Alright… "
You were on edge the rest of the day, thankful Hansol decided to stay away from the Hong residence for the day. You couldn't face him right now.
As the maids worked to make you and Ana stunning for the ball, you found yourself forcing conversation with your sister and the maids to keep your mind off your troubles.
A particularly hard tug of your hair had your maid apologizing, you waving her off promising it didn't hurt. She worked to weave your hair into a braided crown, leaving framing curled pieces out. Your makeup was soft, yet a pop of eyeliner on the waterline was used to make your eyes stand out. Your dress was a low cut azure blue shade, lined with intricate lacing. The gown you sported tonight had to be the most beautiful one you've ever worn, your confidence skyrocketing.
"Oh sister, your Lord Hansol will be in shambles upon seeing you!" Ana teased next to you, her bright cheeks and pale pink dress contrasting your darker makeup and dress.
"Quit that, he's not my anything." You crossed your arms over your chest, her teasing getting the best of you.
She smirked, her eyes glimmering with mischief as she grabbed your hand to descend down the steps.
"Tell that to him! Joshua was telling me that Lord Hansol had his eyes set on a woman finally, but wouldn't tell him who. I'd bet 5 pounds it's you, sister."
"I doubt it, I'm too old."
"You're a year younger than him!" Ana sighed as the two of you exited the house, your heels echoing on the marble floors.
The Hong family gave the two of you generous compliments the whole ride to the residence, Joshua fanning himself for dramatic effect.
"Lady Y/N, you might be betrothed by the fall if you keep looking like that." He teased, his eyes skimming along you with a burning heat.
"Joshua, you're too much of a tease." You rolled your eyes, ignoring the prickle of your skin from his compliments. While he was your friend and host, he still was an unwed, attractive and highly coveted man within The Ton. You had to keep an eye on that one now…
The ball was hosted by the Yoon family, their residence being amongst one of the biggest within the city. Most balls were held in families second homes, either along the edge of the city or within the countryside. The Yoon family had so much wealth, their home was rivaled only to the royals.
"You're telling me this is their main home?" Ana watched the mansion fall into line of sight, Mr. Hong chuckling at her reaction.
"The Yoon's have been the most loyal family to the royals for centuries. Most of this wealth comes from their dedication to the crown." He explained.
"So tell me… do they have any bachelor sons..? I'll take a cousin as well." The carriage exploded with laughter at Ana's antics, her grin wide as you leaned into her with a giggle.
"Well, their only son Jeonghan, was married two seasons ago. I believe one of the cousins, Yoon Keeho is still unwed. You'll have fierce competition though, every mama in The Ton will be working overtime tonight to get him to look at their daughters." Mrs. Hong added, her champagne color dress sparkling under the street lights leaking into the carriage.
"Y/N, Mr. and Mrs. Hong, Joshua. If you find Lord Keeho for me, you'll be given front row seats to our weddding."
"I'm your sister, I better get a front row seat!" You smacked at her arm, giggling at your baby sister.
The carriage stopped in the long cobblestone road, the line of carriages extending far. Mr. Hong ushered everyone out, promising it would take another hour to reach the front.
"Xavier will find us after, let's get in while we can." He offered a hand to help you out, your heels clicking along the cobblestone as the group made its way to the entrance.
Inside the mansion was lively, hundreds of people swarming around the busy mansion. Bouquets of flowers bigger than you've ever seen were elaborately arranged, desserts and other finger foods stacked high on wracks all around. You were barely inside for a minute before everything started to overwhelm you.
"Oh! There's the Lee brothers! Let's make haste!" Ana announced, grabbing your hand to drag you towards the sibling pair. You tossed your head back, eyes pleading with Joshua as he laughed, shoulders going up in a shrug.
"Glad to see some familiar faces. How are the Ellerium Ladies doing tonight?!" Seokmin exclaimed, kissing the backs of both of your hands softly, Chan bowing in greeting.
"I've got to say, this is the most expensive looking home I've ever been in!" Ana joked, the two brothers laughing.
"The Yoon's know how to do it big!" Chan nodded in agreement. "Would you ladies like to join us for a dance?" He asked, his eyes landing on you, a silent way to ask for permission to steal your sister away.
"That would be marvelous, let's go!" You agreed, watching Ana instantly reach for Chan and make their way towards the center. A hand rested along your back gently, Seokmin guiding you with silent and gentle authority.
You wrapped your arms loosely around his neck, his hands barely hovering around your waist. The two of you gently swayed to the string symphony in the background, Seokmin dancing effortlessly alongside you.
"How's the season been for you?" You inquired, wondering if he had any serious prospects.
"Overwhelming. Boring. A bit of everything, I fear the social season will have worn me out come the fall." He chuckled.
"Too many Ladies to choose from?" You tilted your head, Seokmin shaking his own briefly.
"No, No. Not enough of the right ones."
"I'm sure there will be a wonderful Lady out there for you, my Lord. You're so kind it would be impossible not to." You commented as he removed his hand from your waist, giving you a twirl.
"Thank you, darling. You're right, maybe she's right in front of me?" His eyebrow went up, a soft smile upon his face. Your stomach churned, anxiety settling deep in your gut.
You didn't know how to handle all the sudden attraction from the different men. You thought after seven years, you would be past any potential feelings when the season came around. You weren't blind, you knew if you came with Ana that someone would try getting to know you. You just weren't ready for the commitment, having grown so comfortable on your own for years.
"I'll have to get back to you on that one, Lord Seokmin." You forced a smile as the song crescendo's to an end. You gave a quick bow, turning on your heels to find an escape. The air was turning suffocating as his implications swirled in your head. You heard him call your name as you pushed through the crowd, desperate to leave.
You spotted the glass door to the garden and sighed in relief, pushing through the doors with ferocity. The night air was refreshing, taking in gulps of air in attempt to settle your nerves. You walked further into the greenery, your breaths shaky as you found a bench to hide out at.
You kept your eyes closed, inhaling deep breaths to steady yourself. Seokmin couldn't be serious? What was it about you that drew their attention?
You heard a twig snap, startling you. Your eyes flew open and you whipped your head towards the sound, spotting a figure approaching you in the dark.
"Are you doing okay?" A familiar voice called out, Hansol's figure becoming visible under the twinkle of the floating candles in the garden.
"Wasn't expecting anyone out here, and most certainly not you…" The main source of your issues was standing in front of you, his expression blank yet the slightest turn of his head showed he was confused.
"Am I allowed to sit or are you going to bite my head off?" You huffed out a laugh, scooting over to allow him space. He settled quietly next to you, his eyes trained on the lilies in front of him.
"To answer you— no, I'm not doing okay." You sighed, pressing your palm to your forehead. Hansol turned, silently waiting for you to continue. "I don't deserve any of this attention." You barely mumbled out. If Hansol wasn't directly next to you, you doubt he would've heard. "I came here for my sister— just for my sister. I didn't ask to be pursued."
"Why do you feel so strongly about this? You don't want to give love a chance?" You laughed, the words rich coming from him.
"You're asking me when you're the one who's sworn off marriage. When you have women flaunting over you every day, Hansol." He opened his mouth to speak before you cut him off. "I know, you're only settling for the perfect one, but we're almost like two sides of the same coin now."
"Are you saying we're perfect for each other then?" A hint of a smirk was visible on his lips. You pursed your lips, not in the mood for his jests.
"What? No, stop toying with me." You grew frustrated, knowing he was causing most of your turmoil and he didn't even know.
"What if I told you I was one hundred percent serious just now." His tone dropped, his eyes wandering across your face.
Your lips parted, disbelief wracking your senses. The hum of the party grew into background noise as your ears rang.
"You're a fool."
"I would be more than pleased to be your fool." He was quick witted, not missing a beat with you. He typically remained quiet, never sharing his feelings but he couldn't hold back any longer. His hand resting on his thighs twitched, fighting the urge to grab your face and bring your lips towards him.
"Hansol, I.. I don't know if I'm ready for marriage. I can't guarantee you anything so please, please, find another Lady." Your voice shook, your resolve crumbling. You had to keep your walls up, no man— not even Hansol, could bring them down.
"I've waited all these years. I would wait for you until the day you're ready." His voice was sure and steady, his eyes the most serious you've ever seen them.
You worked the courage to meet his gaze fully, watching his pretty eyes linger on your own. In a moment so quick, you nearly missed it, his eyes landed on your lips before trailing back to your eyes. You sucked in a sharp breath, feeling the air around you changing.
Your eyes widened as you watched Hansol begin to lean down, the world slowing to a halt. It was just you and Hansol now, your heart thundering through your chest. Just as his lips nearly were on yours, you turned your head sharply. His breath fanned across your cheek as you trembled, his lips almost resting on the cheekbone.
"I'm sorry, Hansol, I truly am. I cannot be the one for you." Your gaze was settled on the shrub across from you, your cheek still turned away from the quick maneuver. You heard the shuffle of him leaning back and you stood up abruptly.
You took a step back, Hansol softly calling your name; an inkling of hurt lingering in his tone. His wide eyes were shining in the moonlight, making your stomach lurch. You shook your head roughly, tears forming in your eyes as you took off running through the garden, leaving him behind in disbelief.
You fought to keep the tears from spilling over, not wanting a trail of eyeliner running down your face as you reached the garden doors once again. Pushing through the crowd of people, you searched frantically for anyone you could confine in, when your eyes landed on Joshua; emerged in conversation with Seokmin.
That was the last place you could be right now.
You wandered in the opposite direction, ready to leave the event. You wanted to crawl into bed and sob, your heart aching like you've never felt it before. The longer you stood in this ballroom, the harder it was to breathe.
"Lady Y/N, are you alright?" You whipped your head to see Mr. and Mrs. Hong, chatting with Mr. and Mrs. Lee. The tears pooling in your eyes threatened to spill as you shook your head. Mrs. Hong leaped into action, wrapping her arms around you and telling Mr. Hong to find their carriage.
"Can you tell me what's wrong, dear?" She lead you towards a corner, away from prying eyes as you kept your focus trained towards the floor.
"I would like to leave. Ana and Joshua shouldn't leave early because of me, but I have to get out of here, Lady Hong."
Mr. Hong reappeared, alerting you to the carriage waiting out front.
"Should we grab Joshua and Ana?" He questioned, a worried look on his face upon seeing your trembling form.
"No dear, you stay here. I'll go with her and send Xavier back with the carriage as soon as we arrive." He nodded, resting a grounding hand on your shoulder briefly before Mrs. Hong pulled you out the grandoise doors.
The moment the doors of the carriage closed behind you, the well of tears that had built up finally came pouring out. Sobs wracked your body as you nearly wailed out from how hard the tears rushed down. You were aching. You typically held your emotions in well, an unwavering anchor for your family. The stress of the past few weeks finally caught up to you, with Hansol's words burning in your mind.
Mrs. Hong stayed quiet, not once forcing you to talk to her. She rubbed calming circles into your arms and whispered hushed promises that you'll be okay.
You hoped she was right.
By the time the carriage pulled up to the estate, your makeup was ruined. Streaks of eyeliner marked your face as your maid stared at you in shock when you entered the residence.
"Anica, help her get that makeup off. I'll be by soon."
You threw the door to your room open, your maid following close behind.
"My Lady, let me help you."
She worked to gently remove your makeup, wiping away the black streaked spots. You helped her take your hair down, pulling bobby pins out with puffy eyes. She remained silent at your request, though you felt her worrying eyes. When you finished and washed your face, you didn't expect to see Mrs. Hong sitting on your bed.
"Wanted to make sure you were alright dear. I won't make you tell me what happened, but I'm here as a listening ear if you'd like." You appreciated her approach, the opposite of what you're expecting when Ana got home.
You were tired, flopping onto the soft bed with a pout.
"I don't know what to feel and it scares me." You mumbled, toying with the top sheet as Mrs. Hong waited for you to continue. "I've avoided all affection for years, and I thought I wouldn't be this… weak… coming into this season."
"Having feelings doesn't make you weak, it's in our nature, sweetheart. You're allowed to feel this— to work through these feelings." For one of the few times in your life you were genuinely conflicted— and scared.
"Which one of them is it? I know it has got to be either Lord Seokmin or Hansol."
"What if I told you it was a little bit of both. Mostly Hansol though. Most definitely Hansol." Her mouth tweaked into a smirk, reading you like an open book.
"My my. For someone who didn't want a suitor this season, the boys are persistent about you!" You groaned, throwing your head back onto the pillow behind you.
"No matter how many times I say it, they keep coming back! Hansol, he… he almost kissed me tonight." Your revelation has her eyes bulging, her jaw dropping unexpectedly.
"You've put a spell on that boy. If Choi Hansol is pursuing anyone, he must really have his mind set on you."
"I don't know what to do Mrs. Hong! I can not see myself leaving Ellerium, and the thought of both Ana and I getting married when I should've done so about five years ago.. It's nerve wracking." You were never supposed to come here and catch feelings for someone. You're Ana's anchor. Her guidance throughout this crazy time in her life— to help her step into her womanhood. You felt selfish now.
"I know what you're thinking… about coming here only for Ana. From the way things are going, Lord Chan will propose eventually. He is committed to her." You nodded, seeing firsthand how Chan was working to be active in her life.
"Your mother passed when you were young. You've been a caretaker all your life; isn't it time you allowed someone else to take care of you?"
Her words weighed heavy in your mind that night as you tossed and turned.
The moment Ana came home she demanded you to share what happened. You groaned and begged her to blow the lamp out and that you'll catch her up in the morning. She was irritated, but respected your request just for once.
A week went by after the faithful night, and you had yet to see Hansol anywhere. He stopped by briefly one morning to retrieve something from Joshua, mumbling a stiff 'hello' to you as you returned the gesture.
Joshua wasn't stupid. His best friend who damn near lived in his house barely stepped foot in the residence for over a week. It didn't take a genius to put the pieces together. He knew something had happened out in the garden between you and Hansol. He was aware that Hansol liked hiding in the gardens during parties, and from the information he gathered from Seokmin; you had stormed out there after the mere mention of marriage.
"Tell me truthfully, what happened with you and Hansol?" He questioned you one day in the drawing room, halting his piano session to bore his eyes into yours.
"Nothing's wrong, Joshua…"
"Right… Because my best friend of fifteen years suddenly stops coming around after you flee the ball in tears. And suddenly he's 'Lord Choi' or 'Lord Hansol' once again when a week ago, he was just 'Hansol' to you." You gulped, knowing Joshua had read you with ease.
"He said he would wait for me.. to accept him. It was too much and I told him I'm not the Lady for him. Left him behind without looking back and it probably was for the best." He pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly distressed.
"When I say this, please don't take offense-"
"Don't disrespect a Lady, Joshua." You joked, earning an eye roll from him.
"You are so, so dense. My word… I've never seen Hansol like that before. The guy is usually off in his own world, yet he's willing to make you his entire world." You avoided his eyes, turning back to your book as your heart sank. "You deserve happiness, no matter how much you tell yourself you don't. Hansol is a perfect match for you."
"You're saying this because he's your best friend."
"I'm saying this," he paused to accenture his words. "Because I see two people who swore off love, holding out hope for a perfect love match. My word if I ever saw a love match, it would be you two."
You mulled over your conversation with Joshua's as you soaked in the tub that night. You would have a chance to speak to Hansol at the upcoming ball this Friday. His family was hosting this time; at their house in the countryside.
Your eyes were closed as thoughts of Hansol filled your mind. You wondered how his lips would've felt on yours, if he kissed gently— or with ferocity behind it.
The more you imagined scenarios of Hansol, the more you grew frustrated, with a dull ache formulating between your thighs. You needed to relieve some of your stress anyways.
You trailed a hand down your body, stopping to roughly pinch at your sensitive nipple, before dragging down to your center.
You teased the hole, pushing a finger inside with an airy sigh. Working yourself open, you pushed a second finger in, curling up to meet that spongy spot that had you trembling.
You remember how strong his hands felt along your waist. How big they were spread out across his journal.
You imagine his long fingers pumping inside of you right now instead of your own. Biting back a moan, you pinch your clit, eager for a quick and hard release.
The water in the tub sloshed around as you bucked your hips up, your orgasm hitting you suddenly as your vision went white. Hansol's name was quietly on your tongue as you came, wishing his face was buried in your sopping cunt.
You threw your head back against the edge of the tub, the blissful feeling easing the anxiety in your system; even if it was only momentarily.
You felt guilty, a sense of shame washing over you for touching yourself with him on your mind.
Little did you know, at the same time across town— Hansol was spread out on his bed, actions mirroring your own.
With quick pumps of his heavy cock, he came hard, jerking his hips up and spilling all over himself with a soft cry of your name.
His hand was nothing compared to what he hoped your cunt would be, but it would have to make do for now.
As the ball hosted by the Choi's approached, you felt uneasy with the thought of running into Hansol again. You knew you couldn't avoid him forever, and would have to tackle your conflicted emotions finally.
The night prior to the ball, you found sleep hard to come upon, Ana tossing in the bed next to you. She turned to you, and you felt her gaze even within the darkness.
"I'm not stupid you know. Something happened with you and Lord Hansol because you like each other. It may not be my business to know the full extent, but if you're holding back because of me… I urge you to let go, sister."
"Ana it is too late to be divulging in this-"
"I don't care," she spoke your name with intensity. "You've held back from him all season long. I like Lord Chan and haven't even thought of Lord Hansol in weeks."
You watched her from your peripheral, her hands clasped over her stomach as she stared at the ceiling.
"You've done your duty as a big sibling. Now go chase your dreams. Your Viscount is waiting!" She poked your side, earning a yelp from you as she laughed, body trembling from laughter in the darkness.
"You promise you're not mad at me? I don't even know if I truly like him or not Ana…" You felt her eyes on you, taking in your outline in the faint glow of the moonlight.
"Why would I be mad at my sister for pursuing her happiness? You've given me everything I could ask for in life, it's your time now to fight for yourself."
You swallowed hard, your throat closing up as you fought the tears out of your eyes. Taking up the mother role in your household at a young age had warped your ideal of happiness. Your every decision was for your siblings, never considering yourself first. You felt a sense of relief wash over you knowing your younger sibling basically gave her blessing.
"I love you, Ana."
"I love you too." You felt the bed shift and heard the bed sheets rustle before feeling her arms around you. You squeezed her back, finding comfort within her arms. The two of you stayed like that for a long time before her breathing evened out, signaling she had fallen asleep holding you. Your eyes eventually grew heavy, finally falling sleeping within your sisters arms.
"Earth to Y/N? Care to join us back here?" You snapped out of your daze, turning to Ana in the carriage as she smirked lopsidedly at you.
"Care to share what was on your mind?" She teased, eager to see you grow flushed.
"No, I'm alright." You stared at your bright red silk dress pooling at your feet, Ana's pale purple dress flowing into yours.
"My girls… you look stunning today." Mrs. Hong commented, a gentle smile on her face.
Her gaze met your own, her eyes holding yours like a way of reminding you to stay confident.
The Choi's countryside residence was only about an hour from your house, the journey short compared to the one you had made from Ellerium a few months prior. Their home was beautiful, acres of lush greenery filling your vision as a string of lights lighted the path towards the entrance.
"You better find Lord Hansol and don't run away this time." Ana whispered to you, extending her pinkie out.
"No promises…" You looped your pinkie around hers, wiggling to seal the deal.
As everyone filed out of the carriage, you couldn't help but worry. You were a ticking time bomb, your emotions heightened like never before. The simple sight of Hansol could set you off right now. How were you to have a responsible conversation with him right now?
The inside of the Choi's country home was beautiful, marble floors and high ceilings throughout the whole foyer. The strum of the symphony helped keep you grounded, softly humming to the count.
"We're going to search for refreshments. Care to join us dear?" Mrs. Hong glanced at you, her eyebrow going up in question. You nodded, arm linked within Ana's as you trailed behind the family.
You kept your arm looped within Ana's for the majority of the night, sticking close by her side. You were undoubtedly pissing her off, knowing you were avoiding Hansol at all costs still. Upon sight of Chan, she squealed in excitement, unhooking your arm from hers.
"Stop being a wuss. I'm going to Lord Chan now." She pinched your arm hard before spinning on her heels, the brown haired man greeting her with a wide grin.
You huffed, spinning around to go and find Joshua to conspire with. You didn't want to be out on the floor alone, searching for your friend when you caught sight of the very man you were avoiding.
Hansol wasn't looking in your direction, as he was engaged in deep conversation with a woman with dyed ginger hair. He looked handsome, his dark brown hair parted in the middle and styled. He sported a navy outer coat, similar to the ball prior.
You tried not to stare, but you were enticed by him, knowing you would have to speak to the Lord eventually. You were making your way towards him when you caught him throwing his head back in laughter, a hand resting on the girl's shoulder.
You stopped in your tracks, the brief moment of clarity you had dissipated as you only felt anger and disappointment with yourself now. Hansol's eyes lifted up, catching yours glaring at him a few feet away. His smile was slowly wiped off his face as you had a staring match. You turned sharply, storming away as you heard your name called out behind you.
You didn't know why you were so mad, you had no right to be. Maybe because you were taking a leap to swallow your pride, just to see him getting cozy with another woman.
"Wait! God you walk fast…" You heard Hansol catch up to you, a hand falling onto your shoulder.
You whipped around furiously, tossing his hand off of you.
"How dare you touch me, Lord Hansol? In front of all of these watchful eyes? I am not your betrothed." You hissed, Hansol jumping back from the venom in your voice.
"I'm confused, what has gotten into you?" He whispered your name, his voice calm despite your malice towards him.
"You're absolutely unbelievable." You scoffed, shaking off his hand that reached out for you once more. You didn't care that the members of The Ton around the two of you had to be staring, you felt embarrassed and had to disappear.
You found yourself drawn towards the garden once again, the big glass doors already wide open as you ran out into the greenery. You heard your name called, Hansol following behind you. He casually strolled up to you, slightly out of breath from the light jog before.
"Come back inside, let's talk out of the rain."
You were so overwhelmed you hadn't even noticed the light drizzle pattering against your skin.
"No, no, because I'm livid!" You threw your hands up, frustration taking over now that you were face to face and alone. "I hate you, Choi Hansol!"
He wore a look of surprise, his lips parting as he couldn't understand why you were going off on him suddenly.
"What have I done-"
"I hate you for making me feel this way! Why did you come into my life and have to change things?" You felt the tears prickling in your eyes, the lump in your throat making it hard to speak.
Hansol stared, his expression conflicted as he remained silent, waiting for you to finish.
"I- I just… I don't know how you could pick me, over Ana. I should've stayed in Ellerium, I should've never came here." You shook your head, your tears finally falling.
"I can't believe I let myself get caught up in you, how could I be so stupid to allow myself to yearn for your… your love." Your voice trailed off, shaking as you laid your emotions down on the line. Hansol's hair was becoming damp, droplets falling into his eyes yet he couldn't care less.
"You're not stu-"
"Yet you had to make me feel embarrassed in there. All over another woman like that? I should have known this would be how it turns out."
"You cannot be talking about Seulgi-"
"I don't give a damn who she is! She isn't me!" Your eyes widened. Hansol's eyebrow shot up as he snorted at you.
"Can I speak now?" He questioned, watching you carefully like you would continue to chew him out with a single breath. You nodded slowly, the rain making your hair feel heavy, your perfect curls falling into a mess along your shoulders.
"You're scared, that's what feelings can do to you. To any of us really. You have no idea how much courage it took me that night in the garden to try and kiss you." You averted your gaze, remembering how his breath fanned along your cheek. "It hurt a lot, yet I cannot blame you a single bit. I shouldn't have came onto you suddenly, knowing how you felt about your independence."
He pushed his damp hair back, praying you didn't notice the way his hand shook from anxiety.
"No matter how many times you can yell at me, scream, and curse me out, I would still choose you. Again and again in every lifetime. You can try and push me off onto your sister, but it would never work." You were trembling, unsure if it was the rain causing your shaking, or the pound of your heartbeat.
"But… Ana is more of a debutante, an exceptional woman-"
"Yet it was never her. It would never be her. It was always you from the start." He proclaimed softly, his voice never wavering with you.
You were shocked, taking a step back as he stepped an inch closer, rain blurring your vision. Or was it the tears swimming in your eyes?
"Marriage has never been on the table for me. I have traveled all along the globe and yet that desire I desperately searched for… I have only found once meeting you. You are the bane of my existence, and the object of all my desires." Hansol's gaze was steady, his eyes glimmering back at your own tear filled eyes.
You cried out, a combination of a laugh and huff, reaching for his hands to slide into your own. You were both drenched at this point, the rain coming down harder now, yet neither of you cared.
"Hansol… I'm so scared. I'm scared because I can see a future with you that I've never imagined before. If you are patient with me… I think I would love to be yours." You took every ounce of strength to get out your confession, watching the slow spread of a smile forming on his lips.
"You do not have to accept my love immediately, or embrace it, or even allow it. Knowing you, you probably will not. But you must know, I will wait for the day you are ready, with open arms." His hands drew circles into your own, his grip squeezing you gently.
His proclamation moved you, tears silently falling from your eyes once more. Hansol brought a thumb up, brushing away the stray tears. You sniffled, feeling sheepish for still wondering about the ginger haired woman from earlier.
"So.. who was that girl in there?"
"Seulgi?" Hansol laughed, shaking his head in amusement. "A childhood friend of mine. She's been married with two kids for six years now."
Your lips formed into a pout, feeling silly for jumping to conclusions so quickly. Perhaps you already were whipped for him.
"Now I feel ashamed… I'm so sorry." He grinned lopsidedly at your sheepishness.
"Don't apologize. I told you there's nothing to worry about. My heart fully belongs to you." He took your hand, guiding it to his heart to feel the quick thumping there. He was anxious, his heartbeat showing how intense the situation was for him as well.
"Is it alright if I kiss you now? Or will you run away from me again?" You smiled up at him, rolling your eyes as you pulled him closer.
"I think I'm done running for now."
"Good, otherwise I'd have to get you a bell miss." You laughed at him, watching his eyes crinkle as his grin grew even wider.
With his finger coming under your chin to tilt you up towards him, he leaned down, gently pressing his slightly chapped lips against yours. Your mouths moved slowly together as you melted into his arms. The patter of rain continued to pour down on the two of you, a background thought as his hands gripped your waist tightly.
Anyone in The Ton could walk out into the garden right now and find the two of you tangled up in one another. Despite all of that, you had no care about who saw you.
Hansol pulled back, your eyes slowly opening to catch his wide, glowing eyes peering down at you.
"Was that okay with you?" He asked cautiously, searching your face for any discomfort.
"Your lips are better than I ever imagined." You mumbled, your eyes falling onto the pink flesh once more.
"You've thought about this before?"
"You're telling me you haven't, My Lord?" You teased, playing with the hairs that curled at his nape.
"Oh I've imagined more than just that…" Hansol had a new surge of confidence now that you had accepted his hand.
"Oh? Do tell?"
"If you'd allow it… perhaps I could show you instead." His gaze was heavy, a burning desire behind his otherwise calm expression.
Your stomach jumped, this time in excitement rather than anxiety.
"I would be honored, Hansol."
The adrenaline rush that flowed through you as Hansol lead you back in through a private entrance had you buzzing. The two of you were soaking wet, sneaking into the home through the entrance used most frequently by maids, to avoid any unwarranted attention from the event carrying on inside.
"We're not too far off from my suite." He spoke in a hushed tone, his hand gripping yours tightly.
As you rounded the corner leading to the stairs, a young maid appeared, jumping with a quiet yelp. You jumped in response, not expecting to get caught so easily.
"Lord Hansol?" Her eyes traveled between Hansol and yourself, most likely wondering why you were drenched and using the maid entrance.
"Marge, keep quiet on this one yeah? If my mother asks, I stepped out for a while." He placed a single finger over his lips, a plead for the maid to remain quiet. A faint smile formed across her face, nodding in agreement as she bowed quickly and hurried past.
The two of you shared a look, both of your lips twitching to fight the laughter off. Hansol continued on, stumbling up the stairs as the strums of the symphony in the ballroom rang through the staircase. Eventually, he turned down a long hallway, stopping at a wooden door. He pulled out a key, unlocking the door and quickly dragging you in behind him.
You watched as he lit the oil lamp, the room coming to life as you took in the area around you. You spotted a guitar and fiddle in the corner, a stand with sheet music next to it. A large wooden desk took up the middle of the room with a small couch nearby. His bed took up a majority of the room, the high frame catching your attention. There were drawings and postcards all along his walls, creating a very unique flare to his room that fitted Hansol.
"Like what you've done with the place." He laughed, shoulders coming up in a nonchalant shrug.
"Could use some improvement." The click of the lock caught your attention, Hansol leaning against the door casually. His arms were crossed over his chest, taking in your form from afar. His silent authority had an effect on you, Hansol not saying a word yet you knew what he wanted.
"You should change out of your dress. Can't have you catching a cold now."
"You should come untie me then." You spun around, pulling your damp hair over one shoulder as you heard the rustle of his trousers approaching. In seconds, a soft hand pressed along your shoulder blade, another toying with the ribbon down the back of your dress. Painfully slow, Hansol unraveled the back, your straps slipping over your shoulders. His breath hit against your neck, causing goosebumps to form with a shiver. He played with the strap, tugging it further down as your breath quickened.
"Step out of it." His voice was soft, yet you felt the command behind it.
You slid the red satin down, Hansol's hands lightly trailing along your body as you stepped out of it. His hands moved to quickly untie your corset, feeling the shell drop around your feet. His hand was steadying as you were nearly bare for him. You slowly spun around— the sharp inhale of air at the sight of you, unmissable.
"Your turn." You tugged on his white button up, the navy overcoat long gone the moment he stepped in the room. With a faint smirk, he held eye contact as his fingers flew down the buttons, his chest slowly revealing itself. He tweaked with the buttons along his trousers, pulling them down painstakingly slow. You bit your lip in anticipation, Hansol fighting the smug look off from how eager you had grown.
You both stood in front of each other, stripped down to just underwear. Your eyes shifted frantically, wondering who would make the first move.
Hansol took a step closer, his hand grazing against your hip. "Don't get shy on me now." Your name coming from him sounded sultry, a fire igniting in your lower belly.
You slid your hands up his chest, wrapping your arms around his neck loosely.
"Kiss me again, Hansol."
He was weak when it came to you, wasting no time to capture your lips against his own. The kiss was rough this time, the weeks of unresolved tension coming to a head. His grip around your hips tightened, backing you up towards the edge of his bed.
The backs of your thighs hit the edge, causing you to topple back onto the bed. You remained connected, Hansol devouring your lips. You readjusted towards the middle of the bed, Hansol resting his hips against your own now. You felt him, thick and heavy, straining against his undergarment. You pulled him impossibly closer, the smack of your lips driving you insane. Hansol grinded his hips into yours, his length rubbing against your clit dangerously.
You gasped into his lips, moaning against him as you were desperate to keep his lips on your own. One of his hands trailed down your body, feather light touches along your burning skin. Finding your sensitive nipple, Hansol gave a tug, causing your hips to buck up into his own in pleasure.
He broke away from your lips, your moans spilling free as he worked on both of your breasts, neither one safe from the attack of his lips and mouth. His clothed length continued to dig against you, a wet patch forming in your underwear from the delicious drag.
"Hansol… it's too much." You groaned, a finger sliding through the mess of locks as he sucked and bit your sensitive buds.
"Tell me," He pulled off of you with a wet pop. "Have you ever touched yourself?"
You nodded, your eyes hooded as you stared down at Hansol who worked his way down your body. He kissed along your stomach, stopping short of your thighs as he gripped along your underwear.
"Yes."
His gaze darkened, slowly dragging your panties down with his jaw going slack. The sight had you squirming, eager to feel him between your aching thighs.
"I touched myself to the thought of you before, Hansol. I imagined it was you splitting me open instead." You admitted breathlessly, watching as he halted all actions.
As if his brain was frying in real time, he swore he could cum his pants from the imagery alone. He closed his eyes with a groan, imagining how you looked fingering yourself as his name spilled from your lips.
"Let me bring your fantasies to life then."
With little warning, you felt a long finger swirl around your entrance before pushing in. Gathering some of the slick there, he brought the finger back up to your clit, swirling his finger as you wailed from the sensation.
"Please try to keep it down. I don't need my family knowing I'm defiling you like this."
"You're such an ass-"
You jolted from the intruding feeling of two long fingers pushing into your cunt, your slick making it easy for Hansol to slide them in. You gripped him impossibly tight, fisting the sheets near your head as you rocked your hips. He worked you open, scissoring his fingers inside to stretch yourself for him.
"Have you had anyone taste you before?"
You felt your cheeks heat up as you nodded, thinking of the shop owner you had a crush on, back at Ellerium that you had given your first kiss to. He had ate you out along the counter of his shop after hours, but not going farther to 'save yourself for your future suitor.'
He hummed, leaning down to kiss along your plump thighs. His kisses trailed up, stopping just short of your cunt. His breath was sending chills up your spine as he glanced up at you momentarily.
"Bet I'm better than him."
His face was buried in your pussy instantly, a scream escaping you as his tongue moved brutally. He sucked loudly on your clit, fingers pumping into your dripping pussy with a gush.
You were trembling, gripping his hair tightly as he hummed into your cunt, devouring you like you were his final meal.
Your hips were chasing after him uncontrollably, his tongue alternating between fucking in and out of your hole and sucking on your clit. His nose bumped against your clit, sending shockwaves through you. His hand was resting along your thigh, keeping you spread wide for him.
You weren't going to last much longer, the buildup of your orgasm approaching quicker than you expected.
The vibrations of Hansol's groans against your cunt enhanced the feeling, your legs shaking as you moaned desperately.
"Hansol, I feel different.." You huffed out, the growing heat of your orgasm feeling more intense than you've remembered before.
"That's it, let go for me."
The view of him glaring up from between your thighs was sinful, his mouth playing you like a fine-tuned instrument. Hansol was in his element, enjoying every quiver and whimper you gave him.
One final pump of his fingers, and a rough swirl of his tongue along your clit had your orgasm rocking your body, stars shooting within your vision.
Hansol took everything you gave him, drinking up every drop of you as you yanked on his hair, grinding your cunt deeper into his face. He sighed blissfully, eventually pulling his face away with kisses all along your inner thigh as you came down for your high.
"Would you like me to give a rating?" You teased, sitting up on your elbows. Watching carefully, Hansol wiped his face, licking his fingers clean like it was nothing.
"Save it for after perhaps?" He chuckled, stepping back to slip out of his underwear, his thick length slapping up against his stomach.
Your jaw dropped at the sight of him, long and heavy, his tip red and leaking from neglect. He gave a few light strokes, holding your gaze as your wide eyes watched him eagerly.
"Hansol, let me taste you." You crawled down the bed towards him on your hands and knees, reaching for the thick length.
"No, not this time. This is about you." You glanced up at him through your lashes, a smug look forming on your face.
"This time? You plan on defiling me once again, Hansol?" He made a face at you, causing you to bust into laughter.
"I'm going to be ravishing you for the rest of our lives, viscountess." His tone was teasing, though you knew he was serious. Your stomach flipped at his implication, the conversation in the garden flooding your mind.
"Well then, don't leave me waiting, viscount." Your grin matched his own, his lips colliding with yours as he wore the smile on his lips still.
Not once breaking the kiss, he pushed you back down, crawling on top of you once more. His cock was poking against your inner thigh, an airy sigh leaving your lips from the feel.
"Is this the first time-"
"Yes… I've…I've never…" You trailed off, your cheeks growing flush.
"There's nothing to be ashamed or shy about. I want to know so I can take care of you, properly." His gaze was soft and reassuring, his hand trailing along your body slowly.
"Relax, I'm going to be careful." One of his hands slotted between your thighs, guiding two fingers past your glistening folds. You purred into his ear, allowing him to pry you open once more.
"You're doing so good for me." You hummed in response, feeling his digits slide out of you. He shifted above you, bringing your legs around his waist. The head of his cock brushed against your hole as he lined himself up, stopping just short of pushing in.
"If you're uncomfortable at any moment, do not hesitate to stop me." You nodded, your heart thumping in your chest.
"Use your words."
"Yes, I will, Hansol." You managed to get out breathlessly and the corner of his lip twitched.
"Good girl."
Hansol slowly pushed his cock in, the tip alone causing you to throw your head back with a loud wail.
Your walls clenched around him tightly, Hansol taking shaky breaths as he eased in inch by inch. He stopped about halfway to allow you to adjust, your hands gripping the sheets so hard your knuckles turned white.
"So perfect, you're doing wonderful." His words were igniting low in your belly, clenching around him on impulse. It took every ounce of strength to keep Hansol from fully ramming his cock in after you squeezed around him.
"Keep going, I'm okay." Your voice wobbled as he glided the last bit of his cock into you, bottoming out with a groan. You stayed like that for a moment, before the throb of his cock started becoming unbearable.
"Hansol, please move."
He pulled out nearly to the tip, before snapping his hips slowly back into yours. The sound that left you was guttural, Hansol groaning in time with you.
He kept his pace slow, admiring the way you shook under him, your eyes struggling to stay open with every thrust. The sight was lighting a fire in him, determined to keep your pleasure in the forefront for tonight.
You forced your eyes open, catching the way his lips were parted, the chocolate brown locks dangling over his lust-filled eyes.
The clap of your skin connecting filled the room, Hansol's lips on your neck driving you crazy. You clamped down on him, earning a deep groan in response. You needed him to pick up the pace— and desperately. You were fully adjusted to him, and eager to get wrecked.
"Hansol hon, can you speed it up a bit?"
His lips detached from your neck, tossing you a glance as he gave a strong roll of his hips. His cock dug into you, making a shaky moan leave your mouth instantly.
"Are you sure?"
"I am begging you to ruin me."
Hansol was a simple man. His lady asks for something, and she shall receive.
As if a switch flipped in him, he brought your leg higher up, a shaky breath escaping your lips in preparation. He drew his hips back, ramming into you deeply, the change in angles making his cock drag along your walls sinfully.
You were gushing around him, your wetness dripping where your bodies connected. Hansol watched carefully as his cock slid in and out of you, the clap of your thighs against his own driving him insane.
You were squeezing him so impossibly hard, Hansol knew he wouldn't be lasting much longer. He focused on your clit, gathering your slick from your hole and drawing circles along the bud.
"Oh my god!" You had never felt pleasure build up like this before, gripping the back of Hansol's neck as he worked for your second orgasm.
You felt the familiar build of your climax, mumbling nonsense as Hansol's cock split you open, his moans reverberating in your ear. His pace had picked up, rough drags of his veiny cock filling your warmth, your own moans pushing him closer to the edge.
"Hansol, I think I'm close.. so close.." Your eyes screwed shut as you felt the coil inside you snap, Hansol's name flying off your tongue as you spasmmed on his cock, shaking hard while you gushed down his length.
"Perfect, so perfect, god you're perfect." He buried his face in your neck, his hands moving to roughly grip your waist, chasing his high with a heavy slap of his balls against your puffy and overstimulated clit.
You could barely breathe, the waves of your climax still jolting you. In attempt to help Hansol out, you squeezed down on him, a guttural moan ripping from his mouth as he gave a final few shaky strokes. Quickly pulling out to cum along your stomach with his head thrown back, he moaned your name lowly.
Hansol leaned toward, dropping his weight next to you, shaky breaths filling the room. You were spent, your pussy aching from the stretch moments prior.
"Ready for your rating now?" You teased. Hansol huffed a mix of a strangled laugh and groan, lifting his head to meet your eyes.
"I'd rather not hear it at all." He deadpanned, yet the gleam in his eye told you he was messing with you as well.
"I wasn't too rough was I? I wanted to stay slow for your first time but-"
"But I am a heathen and wanted you to pick up the pace. Don't worry, you were amazing." You pinched his cheek, catching the light flush on his face before he ducked away, his ears still showing the pinkness.
"Was it not your first as well?" You tilted your head, Hansol shaking his in response.
"You thought I could devour you like that with no experience?" His eyebrow shot up as you opened your mouth to speak, closing it quickly as the words couldn't come to you.
"Well I know what you were doing on your European tour then…" He rolled his eyes, sliding off the bed to enter the attached bathroom, returning with a damp rag. He worked the rag over your body, soothing any spots he may have overdone earlier.
"To answer you, there has only been one other." You averted your gaze, feeling better knowing Hansol was nearly as inexperienced as yourself. "Anything else, Seungcheol has taught me."
You snorted, not expecting him to say that. The grin on his face gave away that he was teasing, earning a smack on his arm from you.
"You're insufferable, Choi Hansol."
"You'll learn to deal with it, my Lady." He planted a light kiss against your temple. Picking up his white button, up he helped you slip it on, only bothering with 2 of the buttons before you swatted him away, turning into the pillow. You heard him rustle with something, his trousers back on as he slid into the bed beside you.
"My sister is probably worried about where I am…" You suddenly felt a sense of consciousness, remembering the ball that was occurring a few floors down.
"No worries, Joshua knows." You cracked an eye open, watching the goofy expression spread on Hansol's face.
"How in the world does Joshua know?"
"You were too concerned yelling at me to notice Joshua watching us from the window." You move to throw a pillow at him, Hansol hiding his face with a cackle. "I caught him before we took the back entrance, we made eye contact briefly. He knows."
"Wonderful… Now Ana will be screaming about babies when I go back…"
"Speaking of babies… Should we make one right now?"
"Don't make me smother you with this pillow, Choi."
When you returned to the Hong residence the next day, hand in hand with Hansol, the drawing room exploded with commentary.
Ana shouted a quick witted "I knew it!" as Joshua slowly clapped, shaking his head with a congratulations.
"See this was the cousin I was talking about!" Chan added, laughing as you rolled your eyes at him in faux annoyance.
"About damn time, anyone with eyes could have seen you two from the start. The first dinner together I knew you would end up like this!" Mrs. Hong commented, bouncing on the balls of her feet.
Ana squealed, throwing her arms around both you and Hansol. "I'm so happy for you, sister. You have no idea how much you deserve this." She pulled back with glowing eyes as you held her gently, your soft smile mirroring her own.
"Thank you, Ana. Couldn't have happened without you."
"Uh.. Yeah, I know!" She tossed her hair over her shoulder dramatically.
"Actually we have some news to share, now that you're here." Your eyebrow quirked up as Chan and Ana glanced at each other.
"We're engaged!" She whipped her hand out, the expensive diamond glistening unmistakably.
Your whole face dropped, Hansol's mouth flying open as he shared a look with you, knowing you were seething.
"You got engaged. Without my blessing beforehand?" Your eye twitched, the smile on Chan's face falling.
"Well, you know. Ana was telling me how much you approved of me and that you wanted her wed by the end of the season. So uh, surprise?"
Hansol didn't know if he would have to hold you back from scratching his cousin's eyeballs out, so he rested a grounding hand on your back.
Chan wasn't wrong at all, but you felt offended knowing he didn't ask you first. It had come up briefly between the two of you recently, but you had no idea he would've taken the initiative to go ahead and propose.
"Lee Chan, you are very lucky I like you and said you'd be a good match for Ana." Your anger subsided as you stepped forward, wrapping your arms around Chan. He went stiff, before returning the hug with a sigh of relief.
"I wish I knew before but, I understand. I'm just happy you two are betrothed." You stepped back with a calm smile on both of your faces, Chan nodding in agreement.
"So… am I now your brother in law or your cousin in law? Hansol did you pop the question yet?" Chan grinned widely, watching the way his cousin's eyes widened half a fraction; the typical blank face Hansol wore shifting to one of confusion.
"Uhh, not quite…"
"Well.. what are you waiting for Hansollie? Two weddings are better than one!" Chan gave a hearty laugh. You turned around, meeting Hansol's slightly panicked eyes.
"Oh my, father is going to flip when he finds out both of his daughters came back with a husband."
"Hansol isn't my husband-"
"Yet!" Everyone in the room called out, your face growing hot. Hansol scratched the back of his neck, a lopsided grin on his face.
As you met his gaze once again, you both casually lifted your shoulders, grinning at one another. You had found your perfect match, and after all the years of turmoil, there couldn't have been anyone better for you than Hansol.
The grin on your face was so wide your cheeks hurt. No matter how hard you tried, you and your sister were inseparable. To know you would be next door neighbors, even after marriage was joyous. Ana was bouncing off the walls, already rambling about how you needed to make haste and go dress shopping by midday.
Hansol came over to you and wrapped an arm around your waist, his bright gaze turned down towards you.
"I think 'Lady Choi' sounds perfect going before your name doesn't it?"
"Perhaps you are right, Lord Choi." You grew overwhelmed with your emotions, burying you face into his chest. Ana squealed in the background how cute two of you were, as the vibrations from Hansol's laugh echoed against your cheeks. His embrace was warm and secure, giving you a new meaning of home you didn't think you'd ever find.
The ladies of Ellerium would be leaving, but your heart was full, knowing that a piece of home would always remain with you.
✩ ! includes :: slightly suggestive content. goose-human!vernon × fem!reader. established relationship. tension turning hot. 1,864 words. notes :: thank you chee @nothoughtsjustfic letting me indulge in this nonsense lmfao. happy birthday, and just know that i love you. i’ll write something better for you next time, i just had to mess with you heh. i hope i didnt ruin your birthday. unbeta’d
YOU HEAR THE HONK BEFORE YOU SEE HIM.
Which, at this point, is normal.
“Vernon?” you call from the hallway as your arms are full with paper bags. Vernon must be in the kitchen waiting for some reason, because there’s never a time when he’s not aware of your comings and goings. “I swear to God, if you’re terrorizing the neighbors again—”
“I wasn’t,” he snaps back immediately from inside the apartment. The seriousness in his voice actually makes you pause. You know him well enough to recognize that tone he uses when he:s actually offended by the accusation. “They were staring.”
“They were walking their dog,” you reason to suppress the amusement and exasperation rising in you. Your mind wanders to how absurd and funny it is that a grown human with wings can get so offended over something so small, and yet, that is Vernon in a nutshell. You think about the last time the dog barked, and how he had puffed up and hissed until the owner dragged it away. Now, you cannot stop the little laugh that threatens to escape.
“It was staring too,” he says but now your brain is imagining the dog and Vernon locking eyes like a standoff in some nature documentary or something.
You kick the door shut behind you and step inside and drop the bags onto the counter. Vernon is standing there in the kitchen while his wings are half-puffed, hair slightly ruffled like he’d gotten into a fight with a strong gust of wind just now. His amber eyes flick toward you, then toward the groceries, then back to you—softening only on the last pass. “You got the bread I like,” he notices the plastic of the bread peeking out of the brown paper bag.
“You mean the one you attacked me over last time?” you try to hush the giggle in your throat and try to look intimidating for absolutely no reason. Your mind races as you think about how weird it is to feel this combination of love and exasperation toward him. Every little thing this man does makes you both annoyed and warm at the same time. He’s so cute.
“It was one honk,” he holds up his finger to emphasize on the one (1). “And you ignored my text.” You fight You fight the smile now threatening to take over your entire expression, instead of your previous giggle. Goose-Human hybrids, you’ve learned, are born with a natural talent for two things: unnecessary attitude, and acting like they don’t care when they actually care far too much. Vernon is no exception. He walks over seeing you not responding to him and glances at the bags. “Want help?”
“You can help by not terrifying the delivery guy next time.” You remember the poor man’s wide eyes and how Vernon had hissed at him in the stairwell last week. The thought makes your lips twitch upward despite your attempt at seriousness.
“He reached for you,” Vernon says with a friction of feathers along his ears. “What was I supposed to do?”
“Use your words?” you deadpan with him as you lean against the counter, letting your eyes move to the window where the sunlight falls warm on the floor. You think about how childish it seems, the fact that he prefers action over explanation, and you feel both irritation and amusement at the same time.
“I DID use my words. I told him to back off.”
“Naur, Vernon. You hissed.”
He looks away, but you see his jaw tightening and wings fold in defensively, tips brushing the floor. “…That’s still communication.”
You sigh, bumping your shoulder gently into his arm. “I know. Thank you for… protecting me, I guess.”
His feathers twitch at that. That’s an involuntary reaction he always tries to hide. Goose hybrids imprint easily, and Vernon had imprinted on you so easily and quickly and sneakily you didn’t realize it until he started glaring at every person within a two-meter radius of you.
Vernon and you met when you were both in college. He had been living on the outskirts of the city and keeping mostly to himself, until a community project required him to pair with someone to clean up the riverbanks.
It was you who had gotten stuck with him. The first time he honked at you to warn you off the muddy bank, you had laughed and called him ridiculous. He had puffed up in offense, but something in that display had struck you. Weeks later, he had asked you to go on a proper date, and you agreed while thinking it was just a big joke for making fun of him the other day. It was not. From that day forward, he became something you couldn’t ignore. Over time, his habits, him protecting you without asking, became part of your daily life.
People like Vernon weren’t exactly rare, though not everyone was one either. Some neighborhoods had a few, some cities had more. Humans and hybrids lived side by side, and hybrids had learned to blend in well with only small signs like the occasional honk, a set of feathers, a way of moving that felt a little off from normal, and especially their laugh that hinted at them being a hybrid. There are cats, dogs, fox, rabbit, tiger and others that you’re not aware of. Vernon’s kind of hybrid, goose-human, was unusual, but in the city no one batted an eye. Still, he kept tp himself carefully because even in a place that had grown used to hybrids, some people never got used to the wings or the feathers or the amber eyes.
You learned that day at the riverbank that hybrids like him could be startling, yes, but also very loyal and emotional. He honked at you, puffed up, hissed at the wind or a dog or anyone who came too close, and you realized he was protective not because he wanted to scare people but because he had been built to care. It wasn’t odd for a goose-human to have attachments, but Vernon did it in the most Vernon way possible, and somehow that made all the fun and feathers and honks feel like home.
You reach into one of the bags. “Can you put this away?” you hold out the carton of milk?
Vernon takes the carton from your hand, brushing your fingers only slightly and freezing. His wings fluff just a little, but there. He reminds you of those victorian child memes. “Cold,” he says as if he needs an excuse, then puts it in the fridge.
You catch him stealing a glance at you over the door. Your heart warms, then drops when you see the mess on the table. “What… is that?”
Vernon stiffens. “A nest.”
“A WHAT.”
“It’s natural bird behavior. Don’t make it weird.”
You walk over, staring at the pile of blankets, pillows, and—“Is that my sweater?”
“You weren’t using it,” he mutters, but his wings fold tighter.
“And my scarf?”
“I washed it.”
“And that makes this any better??... And my— why is half my wardrobe in this??”
He turns away, ears pink. “It’s… yours. It smells like you, like how my t-shirts smell like me.”
Oh. Oh. You pick up a blanket corner. “You made this… for me?”
His voice comes out low. “For us.”
Your throat tightens in something warm and embarrassing. You didn’t expect that. “You don’t have to sleep on the couch anymore.” His voice sounds so genuine and totally like a good boy. “You keep falling asleep on it anyway.”
“You built a whole nest… because I napped there?”
He shrugs one shoulder. “Geese mate for life, I guess.” You don’t respond to that. “I MEAN—” he chokes while his wings flare in panic. “Not that—I didn’t— you know— not with YOU— I mean, unless— NOT THAT—I DIDN’T MEAN—”
He honks… actually honks. You burst into laughter, doubling over as Vernon turns into a flustered feathered mess. The tips of his wings slap the ground, and he glares at everything except you.
“Stop laughing,” he mutters. “It slipped out.”
“Vernon,” you manage between breaths, “did you just accidentally propose?”
“No.” Pause. “…Yeah.”
You step closer, and he tenses but stays. “You don’t have to be embarrassed,” you say. “I know you care.” You take a step closer, watching him try to fold his wings neatly against his back like that will somehow hide the embarrassment written all over him. His feathers twitch under your gaze and you notice his eyes darken just a bit. “You know,” you brush your hand against his side as if by accident… which is not on accident. “you don’t have to make everything so… complicated.”
The tip of his nose glints in the sunlight, and you can feel the heat radiating from him. “Complicated?” he repeats, kind of accusing.
“Yes,” you tilt your head to the side while your fingers graze his hip again, tracing the curve of him under the fabric of his shirt. “Like, this. You. Me.”
His feathers brushing your arm. “I… I don’t—” His words die off when your other hand slips around his waist, pressing your body against his for him to feel it, and for him to stop mid-protest.
You chuckle. “You don’t have to explain, baby,” you lean your forehead against his shoulder. “I know you feel it too.”
Vernon inhales when his wings drop a little like he can’t decide whether to hold you or take flight. “I… I do and care,” and your fingers tighten slightly around him when he says that. “Too much sometimes.”
“Good boy,” you reply, tilting up to press your lips lightly to the corner of his mouth and his shoulder eases immediately. You smile knowing exactly what you’re doing. “See? You don’t have to hide it.”
He groans, burying his face in your neck while you feel the flutter of wings beneath your arms. One of his hands moves to your hip, the other hesitates against your shoulder. “You’re dangerous, babe,” his voice muffled. “You make me… want things.”
“Things like?” you tease, tilting your head so he can’t see the grin forming on your lips.
He growls in his throat, and presses his body closer. “Things you wouldn’t be ready for,” and suddenly he’s back to his prime.
You chuckle, tangling your fingers in his ruffled hair, and press closer. “Try me.”
His wings twitch, but then wrap around you to pull you into him. He buries his face in your hair again as you lean into him, feeling the warmth and the desire that has been building since the moment you the nest talk happened.
Then he pulls back enough to catch your eyes before closing the distance while his wings and arms hold you close in place. You feel the slight tilt of his body as he leans down and meets his lips with yours. Your eyes close automatically, and tip your head into the kiss. His hand moves to cradle your jaw gently while the other rests at your back, and for a long suspended moment, the world stops to the press of lips.
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