Rolling Thunder

Yi Siwoo - 18 - Youngest son born to the King’s Consort Hong Hui-Bin.

[haesiwoo-blog]

soft light*

[haesiwoo-blog]

@dalyuhwa

“would his highness mind showing me around the palace. if he pleases?”

The way the girl looked at him made him uncomfortable. Her fluttering eyes, her smile, the warmth of it all gave chills down his spine which didn’t make sense to him. And as they seemingly drifted towards each other, he could feel the blood rush to his cheeks. The situation was too ambiguous for him to analyze. He was still surprised she took up his offer.

“I’m afraid I have no destination, I’m rather aimless at the moment,” her words rung in his ear. Where do you take a girl with no destination, he began to ponder, but the answer was simple. You don’t take them anywhere. The girl was cryptic and her words seemed feigned, but Siwoo saw that he was no better. If she was aimless with no destination, Siwoo was lost, moving towards an unknown destination. In his pride, Siwoo knew very well that saying no was an option, he was a prince after all. The consequences of things like this would be small. But the reality was, he was a lowly prince with nothing but his own dignity, and It would be an undignified act to decline her suggest, especially since it was his idea. Finally, he settled for what he felt was a compromise.

“I’m afraid I'm a poor guide if you’re expecting to see the more interesting parts of the palace. If you don’t mind visiting the more unconventional places feel free to come with me. Otherwise, you’re free to leave me if you want.” Siwoo wanted her to be prepared if she were to come with him. These places made Siwoo feel safe, but they could easily be seen as boring or even ugly, and he didn’t want her to think dull of him.

“Oh! Tell me your name before you choose. I’d like to know your name now in case you decide to do your own thing.”

[haejungwoo-blog]

{ ` the thrill of it all }

[haejungwoo-blog]

{ continued from here ; featuring @haesiwoo }

the giddiness jungwoo felt increased as both of them crawled out the hole that exited to the back of the palace. it was a place that people rarely pass by, and usually, jungwoo would just pay the stationed guard to keep his mouth shut. But it seems like luck was on their side as no one was in sight, allowing the two to enter an alley that lead to the capital unnoticed.

“isn’t this so exciting?” jungwoo asked, as he turned to face his brother. “where should we go first? oh! i think there’s going to be a performance by the marketplace today… or maybe the art supplies shop? oh!” jungwoo exclaimed, clapping his hands together in glee. “there’s this restaurant that serves the best beef stew. you’ll fall in love!”

the restaurant was a rather large building with two floors. the building’s architecture looked like it came from Qing, as foreign travelers and merchants often dined here. it was made with red walls and deep red columns. Lanterns lined the roof, and two guards were standing at the circle-shaped doors.

“it looks awesome doesn’t it?” jungwoo said, as they stopped in front of the building. “they also make mean sweet and sour pork but the i like the palace’s better.”

[haesiwoo-blog]

@haejungwoo

Passing through the palace gates was just the beginning, although to him it was everything. What started off as something purely experimental quickly became an eye-opening experience for Siwoo. Entry into the town outside of the palace left him at a loss for words. The sheer mass of people was beyond belief, and the fact that he was to walk among them made his heart race. Gazing at his brother, however, comforted him. He couldn’t help but notice how at home he looked outside of the palace. A true man of the people.  

Jungwoo dragged him into the crowd listing a variety of different places to visit, but Siwoo could not focus. There was yelling at every corner and he could hardly take a step without having to dodge other people. The lack of order was frightening, but at the same time, refreshing. No one paid attention to him, and no one had a hand in what he wanted to do. It was just Siwoo alone in his mind for once. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was the feeling that drew Jungwoo out here.

Quickly, Siwoo’s scene shifted to a large restaurant that Jungwoo had recommended. It was pretty, that was all he had to say about it. The people that walked in and out of the round doors definitely drew Siwoo’s attention, however. The place seemed to draw all kinds of people there. Perhaps there was more to the restaurant inside, something a bit more mystifying to Siwoo.

“They also make mean sweet and sour pork but I like the palace’s better,” he hears his brother say. He loved the palace’s sweet and sour pork. Staying inside the kitchens so often and occasionally helping the cooks made his bias, but he was interested in how this restaurant decided to cook their food. “Okay, let’s go in! I’m a bit hungry,” He replied.

The two sat down at a wooden table near the center of the establishment. Finally relaxed, Siwoo briefly looked around the restaurant. Its decorations were actually very nice, very exotic. Beautiful blue vases lined the screen walls. Pots filled with ferns laid adjacent to the staircase. And the attitude exhibited by the people was jolly. The inside definitely displayed something mystifying for Siwoo. He felt at peace.

 “It’d be nice to have something like this in the future wouldn’t it?” He muttered.

[haesiwoo-blog]

Hiatus End

I’m back! I’ll be writing a bit more before this weekend and responding to some of you guys as soon as possible so no worries.

[haesiwoo-blog]

Brief Hiatus

Sup everyone! I know I haven’t been as active as I could be at the moment, but it’s because I’ve been preparing for a camping trip. Sorry, but I’ll be gone starting tomorrow until June 19th. You can leave me a message on Tumblr if you want to set something up with me later. Peace!

[haejungwoo-blog]

{ ` the thrill of it all }

@haesiwoo

he paced around his room, unsure if he should really go through with this. he asked siwoo out to see him earlier, planning on following through with their plan. he was going to sneak out once again, but with siwoo this time. he stared at his closet for a long time, biting his fingernail. his younger sibling would be safe with him around, he’d make sure of that. they won’t go very far, just far enough for siwoo to see what’s going on outside of the palace walls.

he grabbed another robe, figuring siwoo wouldn’t have any clothes that aren’t fancy. excitement filled jungwoo, he’d never had anyone out with him before. oh the places he’d show siwoo. jungwoo grabbed his sketch pad and stuffed it into a bag along with his usual things.

jungwoo sneaked out from the back of his home and ran to the location and stood near the hole, waiting for siwoo. “hey!” he motioned him over, pulling out the robe and shoes from the bag. “you need to change into this.”

[haesiwoo-blog]

@haejungwoo

An escape to Jungwoo’s palace would be nothing difficult for Siwoo. His attendants were very trusting of him and so would be fairly easy to trick. He had to admit though. This kind of thing was not something he’d typically do. Leaving the palace was against the rules, and there would be many consequences in store for him if he were caught. This boldness he’d suddenly acquired surprised him. Nonetheless, Siwoo went ahead with the plan, telling his attendants he was off painting again, then sneaked over to his brother’s palace.

“Hey!” Siwoo heard, seeing Jungwoo motion him over. It was then he realized that he was actually going to leave the palace for the first time. Suddenly, he felt a fluttering in his stomach. “You need to change into this,” Jungwoo said while pulling out a long robe. 

Siwoo took the clothes and began to change, taking off his robes. Putting on the commoner clothes, Siwoo couldn’t help but giggle. It fit him much better than he assumed it would, almost as if it was made for him to wear. It’s time isn’t it.

“Hyung-nim, I’m ready.”

[haesiwoo-blog]

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[haesiwoo-blog]

dalyuhwa:

“it would have been incredibly disrespectful if i his highness go without acknowledging his presence...does his highness not agree?” 

“Oh, of course. I suppose it would be disrespectful." Would it though?

Personal boundaries. Areas of comfort. Wouldn’t it be more respectful towards the two if she did ignore him? It would definitely be much more comfortable, and he enjoyed the comfort of admiration from afar. But of course, here was a girl acknowledging both his presence and his title, yet he had no hostility, no irritation towards the girl because her actions are of respectful intent. He found the predicament amusing. What was also amusing was the fact that despite how uncomfortable he felt at that moment, he had no desire to end his conversation.

He would be lying if he were to say that the girl was not beautiful. She was very beautiful in a complicated way. The way her gaze was chilling like the winter, yet her hair was warm as the summer. It was all difficult to trace, but it was captivating. He had no desire to be shallow, but what a lie it would be to say he was not influenced by her beauty.

A bit choked on words, Siwoo continued to speak, “In that case, I am afraid I have been very disrespectful in ignoring your presence as well.” He lowers his eyes from hers, feeling a bit embarrassed about humbling himself when he is a prince. Quickly, he peered around once more to make sure no one was around. “Are you without a guide at the moment? Allow me to take you to your destination.”

[haejungwoo-blog]

{ continued from here : @haesiwoo }

jungwoo opened his mouth to speak, but closed it again as he remembered he shouldn’t influence his siblings with his bad habits. he knew that everyone in the palace knows about his escapades, he got caught once but no one knew he started again. “its fun.” he stated, sighing and rubbing his face. he knew that the palace stifles everyone that lives in it, making them live a life in some sort of isolation. “bustling with merchants. people in the capital are noisy.” he wasn’t one to over share, but he understands very well how his younger brother felt. “you know, sometimes i think i would give away my life in the palace for a life outside of it.”

[haesiwoo-blog]

 “Sometimes I think I would give away my life in the palace for a life outside of it.”

There was something about Jungwoo’s words that resonated in Siwoo. Although he knew life in the palace was often suffocating due to the customs and politics, he was very satisfied with his life. The palace was the gathering place for some of the strongest and smartest people in all of Joseon. Visitors weren’t rare and neither was food. Life in the palace was quite good. For Jungwoo to consider giving up his life in the palace for a life outside was very shocking to him.

People always talked about some kind of freedom when they spoke about life outside the palace, but he was curious. How free were the people outside if they were enslaved to hunger, sickness, and strife? Was the freedom of choice better than the freedom of security? He wasn’t sure, but he was willing to learn.

“Hyung-nim, you must take me outside the palace at least once. It seems like a great learning experience.” He was no longer practicing his smile. His smile, as sinister as it felt, was genuine.

[haesiwoo-blog]

continued from here @dalahreum

Kim Ahreum. He had no desire to forget that name again. The girl that approached him at the wedding had a very bright air and a suspicious attitude. She was quite the interesting character. Of course, there was something about her that made Siwoo feel like she knew more than she let on, but if they had met before, it was he that forgot her, which put him at a disadvantage. He truly hated being a burden, and this girl, whoever she really was, made him inadequate. Their lost history together was something he wanted to uncover, and every moment they would spend together from now on would be to piece together the story.

[haesiwoo-blog]

soft light*

@dalyuhwa

The sweet aroma of the magnolia blossoms was always intoxicating. He definitely enjoyed it, but the shape of the flower was more interesting than its scent. Each stroke of his brush was made to capture the delicate form of the flower petals, along with sharper ends of the magenta center. It was in painting Siwoo could devote his attention to something other than his family. Each of his paintings, a reflection of himself, but it was difficult today. The palace was noisy and his focus was quickly distracted. He set aside his brush and looked around. There were servants everywhere bustling around. Apparently, someone had just entered through the palace gates. Curious to see who it was, Siwoo made his way towards the palace center.

Siwoo wasn’t quite sure who it was, but he had an idea. His ears were quite keen to the rumors around the palace due to his friendship with the staff, and he there was a word that his eldest brother, Yi Minsoo, was to visit the palace soon. This wasn’t anything intimidating, but Siwoo was concerned. Although Siwoo was always good to Minsoo and cared for his safety, Minsoo always seemed indifferent. It was obvious who cared more about their relationship, and that was something dangerous in his world. Siwoo knew this, but he proceeded to hope for the best.

Finally catching up to the visitor, he was left outside the throne room. I apologize my Prince, but the King has official business to take care of, the guards tell him, but he knows what they mean. He understands his place. Sadly, he didn’t even get to see if it was his brother.

Trotting away from the door, he realizes there is an unfamiliar girl walking behind him. He can’t help but notice the beautiful hibiscus in her hair and wonder if she picked it out herself. He is tempted to turn and greet the girl, but cannot bring himself to do so. We'll part ways sooner or later, he figured. And so, Siwoo decided to enjoy his walk, robotically looking forward unable to ignore the girl’s presence, until he heard her voice ring in his ears. Turning to see if she was speaking to him, he met eyes with the girl.

A bit flustered, he apologized, “I’m sorry? Were you talking to me?” 

[haesiwoo-blog]

❝ I would look a little happier if I were you. ❞

wedding promptstatus: accepting

Hearing one of his older half-brothers speak to him in such a manner would generally be downcast, but he was particularly used to this older brother’s flamboyant attitude. In fact, Jungwoo was secretly one of his favorite siblings. Siwoo admired the free-spirited nature of his half-brother, although he could never be like that himself. The least he could do was learn to speak like Jungwoo, a bit playfully.

“Hyung-nim,” Siwoo greeted, turning his face to meet his. “You know you are the second person to tell me that tonight. Maybe I should practice my smile today.”

[haejungwoo-blog]

Jungwoo chuckled at his younger step-sibling’s response. He wiped his hand on a napkin since he had been eating biscuits before reaching out and pinching the other’s cheek. It’s been a while since he’s interacted with his siblings like this, and it made him somewhat wish that there’d ben more of these tedious celebrations. “How have you been doing?” He asked, genuinely curious as to how his younger sibling has been faring and what he does for fun.

[haesiwoo-blog]

“I could be doing better.” That was an honest answer. Siwoo didn’t want to seem sad in front of his half-brother, but he was sure Jungwoo would understand. Life at the palace, although embellished, was quite dreary. Siwoo didn’t have the courage to sneak out of the palace either. 

“All I’ve really done is paint and wander the palace. I’m much more interested in what you’ve done. What’s life like outside the palace?”

At the moment, this was his biggest curiosity. What did life even look like outside the palace walls?

[haesiwoo-blog]

Plot Page!

IDK why it was so difficult to come up with these today, but finally I got some plots in for everyone!!!

CLICK HERE for my plot page.

[haesiwoo-blog]

❝ I just need an excuse to sit here. ❞

wedding promptstatus:accepting

“Be my guest,” Siwoo instinctively replies. But of course, the man’s much larger presence only makes him shift in his chair. He wants to say something to the man, but the words meld together in his mind. He reaches for some alcohol to give the man, but he already has some. Siwoo is lucky the man’s eyes are off of his. Finally, he concedes defeat and settles for something he hates, but is undoubtedly good at… small-talk.

“The weather’s nice for a wedding isn’t it?”

 He chokes on his words and his self-disgust.

[haesiwoo-blog]

❝ You didn’t have to do that. ❞

wedding promptstatus: open

Siwoo understood the pain his older sister’s voice when she said that. The feeling of helplessness that permeated through the protection of others was no stranger to him. At the same time, however, he could not understand why Jiu was so willing to leave herself in that kind of situation. He noticed how uncomfortable the groom’s presence made her, and he was quite sure that they may have had some kind of thing in the past based on rumors and situation itself; It only felt natural to get her out of that mess.

“Sorry, but it hurts to see you in pain like that. Please be happier Noonim.”

[haesiwoo-blog]

❝ A little out of place, are we? ❞

Wedding promptstatus:accepting

Sharp tongues and piercing eyes are exactly what Siwoo uses to define his younger sister, although sharp eyes and piercing tongues are just as fitting. As anyone could imagine, it was not easy being acquainted with his half-sister, but there were not many people in the palace younger than he himself. He couldn’t help but feel some sort of kinship with Saeron, even when she’d talk like this.

“No need to point out the obvious now, is there?”

[haesiwoo-blog]

❝ I would look a little happier if I were you. ❞

wedding promptstatus: accepting

Hearing one of his older half-brothers speak to him in such a manner would generally be downcast, but he was particularly used to this older brother’s flamboyant attitude. In fact, Jungwoo was secretly one of his favorite siblings. Siwoo admired the free-spirited nature of his half-brother, although he could never be like that himself. The least he could do was learn to speak like Jungwoo, a bit playfully.

“Hyung-nim,” Siwoo greeted, turning his face to meet his. “You know you are the second person to tell me that tonight. Maybe I should practice my smile today.”

[haesiwoo-blog]

❝ You look like you could use a drink…or two. ❞

wedding promptstatus: accepting (now that it’s back on!)

Siwoo really didn’t know how to feel about Inyoung’s comment. While he has met her a few times, he was not particularly fond of her, and he was sure she felt the same way. Nonetheless, he assumed she had no ill intent regarding him and welcomed her instead.

“Would you like to get me some? Perhaps I’ll share one with you,” he humored, flashing a sly smile at her.

Where this burst of confidence came from, Siwoo was unsure. He assumed it was the alcohol, but for the time being, he was okay with it. It may be fun getting to know someone better.

[haesiwoo-blog]

❝ I would look a little happier if I were you. ❞

wedding promptstatus: accepting

Siwoo would be lying to say that he was enjoying himself at the moment. Weddings often emphasized his lack of social skills, so he was itching for someone to come and talk to him. In a turn of luck, of course, a familiar figure came to stand beside him. the man, regal in composure, placed his arm around Siwoo’s shoulders and chuckled.

“I would look a little happier if I were you.” 

Siwoo instantly recognized Minjun’s playful tone and felt compelled to retreat. Although he always acted kind towards Siwoo, he was oddly intimidating. Something about how he presented himself made Siwoo unnerved, but because it wasn’t necessarily proper to immediately leave Minjun’s presence, he responded.

“I definitely could look happier.”

Siwoo’s response was supposed to be a warm joke, but when he gazed into Minjun’s eyes, he saw the slightest hint of vulnerability. And suddenly, he felt sympathy for the vice-general. A realization that the two may be more similar than he presumed.