What a dog. Or perhaps a cat is the best comparison? Light-heartedly threatens you at your simple affections just because he doesn't know how to handle it due to his inexperience with relationships.
However as soon as you scratch under his jaw, he crumples and melt in your hands as you coo at his flustered face. He'll deny even going soft after a while though. Maybe you should kiss his mouth to shut him out. It'll work for at least a minute and that's being generous.
Don't do it in front of the others, he has a reputation. (Do it anyway he won't do anything to you, his one and only)
However it is more intimate when you two are alone at the dead of night where the two of you are entangled together until the next morning. He'll let it slide this once; spoiler alert, he keeps letting it slide.
Jaha Lee
As soon as you decide to try to scratch his chin, he's leaning in towards you in content. Doesn't matter if it's in public, he'll simply cut them off literally if they dare say anything bad. Since you're going to touch him, why not lend a kiss at the corner of his lips as well.
After the first time you've done it, he seeks it out as if he's a puppy waiting to be praised with some scratches. Maybe his past self is seeping through him begging for that. He'll enjoy it as long as he can just because it's you.
If you stop one day on the account of being busy with the others in his care or on other things, he sulks for your touch. Like a dog, nudging you through actions but not verbally saying it nd when you do catch on, he's the happiest he's ever been. Thankfully you managed to spare the others that were going to be put under his wrath if this goes on longer.
Namgung Deso
He loves it as much as he loves you. It causes a strong effect after a particular annoying day or an uneventful day. Before his reincarnation, he pushed you away to focus on his martial arts training only to end up dead yet here he is again with a new goal and with you closer than before.
You none the wiser of his past and he'd keep it that way by being better for you. He'd let you do this all you want as long as he's with you. Unfortunately there are times where he couldn't get his daily affection which makes him grumble more and easier to irritate much to the delight of the 2nd strategist, Jecheon.
His original plan to leave the namgung clan and live on the countryside with you by his side may be ruined but he'll be damned if he'll let the two of you suffer like before. So hold him tight when he engulfed you in his embrace as he thinks of a plan.
- This is very much the surface I can pin down so if anyone would like to correct me, go ahead.
As the long, dark-haired man stood before the mirror, examining his reflection closely, his eyes grew wide as he took in the cut on his lip and the numerous bruises on his face. However, instead of being appalled by the sight, his lips curled into a wicked grin, revealing his sharp teeth as he let out a low, menacing chuckle.
Jaha Lee did not expect he'd be given another chance, yet here he was, getting sent back in time to his 20-year-old self. Although he felt skeptical, who was he to complain?
After all, he'll finally get to catch his target.
You.
· ──── · · ─────── ·𑁍· ─────── · · ──── ·
"Hmm..."
The man stood in the middle of his inn, taking in the mess around him. Chairs and tables were overturned, tea cups and plates were broken into tiny shards that scattered across the floorboards. The doors were splintered and hung halfway from their hinges...
All in all, the place was a total wreck.
This confirmed at what point in time he was sent back in.
In that case...if he recalls correctly, you should arrive right about now-
"Alrighttt let's start cleaning- what are you doing out of bed!?"
Hearing that familiar voice made Jaha's body tense up, and he turned around.
The man didn't answer.
Here you are...
The man stood there in silence, letting out a shaky breath as he faced your worried expression; this is exactly like his first life...
· ──── · · ─────── ·𑁍· ─────── · · ──── ·
"How dare a mere orphan boy without a dime to his name even think of ever laying his filthy hands upon our pavilion's most exquisite and renowned entertainer!? Have you lost your mind!?"
Upon uttering those words, the man seized Jaha Lee's hair in a painful grip and lifted his head, forcing him to face the scornful woman in question, whilst the other entertainers standing behind her were looking on in delight, giggling as he received harsh kicks and blows from the guards surrounding him.
When he met her eyes, he saw only disdain, staring back at him with utter contempt while fanning herself. Filled with despair, the man could do nothing but curse his luck.
How did things come to this...? How did his words spiral out of control so fast?
'To be honest...my dream is to hear a song from Chaehyang at the plum blossom pavilion.'
He wished he had just told those men the real reason he was saving up; he wouldn't have gotten himself into this situation otherwise.
With smirks on their faces, the guards stopped with their attacks and backed up as the leader released his grip, sending his face crashing into the dirt. "You should be grateful a simple beating is all you're getting; you're fortunate we're so merciful." He spat out with another powerful kick to the ribs, sending the man flying across the street. "Now scram before I change my mind!"
.....
Jaha didn't move an inch.
"Why isn't he moving?" One of the men asked, upon hearing that, Chaehyang stepped forward.
"Chaehyang?"
The crowd of onlookers watched silently as the woman leisurely made her way to the figure lying on the ground with grace. Upon reaching him, she stood over him for a moment before bending down and using her fan to gently nudge his head.
....
"He's just unconscious," Chaehyang said, letting out a sigh of relief.
The woman was well aware that she was attractive, and thus, it was no wonder that many were drawn to her. After all, thanks to her captivating looks and alluring voice, countless men visited the pavilion every night in hopes of getting her to spend the night with them.
That made her skin crawl with both rage and disgust; she would never have sex with just anyone; she's not a whore.
Still, that doesn't mean she wanted the poor boy dead; she's not heartless.
"HA! The bastard passed out!"
"Just leave him there! Let's get back to work; he wasted enough of our time."
Everyone went back to the pavilion, leaving Jaha unconscious on the streets. Chaehyang halted in her steps, glancing over her shoulder at the errand boy with pity.
Hopefully, he learned his lesson from this and would stop having such foolish dreams.
"Chaehyang, is something the matter?" One of her friends asked.
....
Chaehyang looked down at her fan with clear disdain before tossing it aside. "It's too dirty now; I need a new one."
The woman knew what she was referring to, causing her to giggle as she wrapped her arms around Chaehyang's while resting her head on her shoulder with a sweet smile. "Sister Chaehyang is such a kind soul!" she exclaimed with a cheerful air.
"Hmm."
With a clang, the doors closed and everyone went back to their businesses, as if nothing had happened. People passing by the unconscious man either snickered or just ignored his poor state.
........
· ──── · · ─────── ·𑁍· ─────── · · ──── ·
"Agh..."
"Did you see that?"
"HAHAHA That was hilarious!!"
"Aw I missed it, too bad."
"There's always next time pal."
.....
The man has woken up long after the night has passed. His shoulders were slumped as he leaned heavily against the walls and trees for support, slowly making his way home with unsteady steps. The immense pain of his injuries caused him to clench his jaw tightly, trying to block out the mocking laughter and insults that were thrown his way.
Jaha Lee's neat hair bun had been disheveled and turned into a tangled mess. His clothes were in tatters, stained with mud and dirt, making him look like a beggar. On top of everything else, the little bit of money he had on him was stolen as well. It couldn't get any worse...
The man was sourly mistaken, because soon after the sky grew dark and rain began to pour down, the clothes offered little protection as the heavy rain drenched him from head to toe, soaking through his ruined clothes. The streets were empty almost immediately as people hurried to their homes, leaving him all alone, which was a relief.
His eyelids felt heavy as he fought to keep them open. Despite the exhaustion, he kept going, the occasional thunder echoing in the distance and the sound of his footsteps squelching in the muddy ground filling his ears while pushing through the strong winds.
Almost there...!
Then finally, in the distance, the inn came into view, his heart filled with relief, his lips curling into a small, shaky smile, but just as he was about to keep going, his legs gave way, and he fell face-first into the cold, muddy ground.
Ah oh.
With no more strength remaining, the man layed motionless on the ground, allowing the harsh chilling drops to drench him to the bone. He'll...just lay here for a while before using his arms to drag himself to the inn.
Unbeknownst to the man, he didn't hear the footsteps heading his way, nor the way the rain abruptly stopped hitting his body as a shadow fell upon him.
"Oh god... I knew I wasn't seeing things! Hey mister! You awake? You dead?" The voice asked as she nudged him with her foot.
Huh...?
Slowly, Jaha opened his eyes and lifted his head. Next to him stood a cloaked woman, an umbrella held tightly in her hand, shielding them from the rain as she loomed above him. The lower half of her face was covered by a black mask, leaving only her eyes and brow visible as she gazed down upon him.
Breathing out a sigh of relief when she saw him finally move, she spoke. "Glad you're still breathing; do you need help? Where is your home?" Does he even have a place to go? He looks like a beggar.
....
Jaha swallowed hard, gathering up the last bit of his strength to lift his arm and point to his inn. "The..there.." he managed to choke out.
The woman turned her gaze to where he was pointing, spotting the little house in the distance before nodding. "Very well."
Closing the umbrella and stashing it within her cloak, she crunched down, making Jaha blink in confusion before letting out a startled cry as the woman swiftly scooped him up into her arms before standing up, cradling him like a groom carrying his bride. Despite the contact with his wounds making him grunt out in discomfort, he could feel a twinge of warmth spread across his cheeks at the way she was carrying him, firmly yet gently.
Even though the rain soaked her clothes, the woman didn't seem to be phased by it as she continued to walk at a slow pace to keep her footing in the mud, humming a soft tone as she carried him effortlessly, like he weighted nothing.
Her soothing voice helped the man feel more at ease, forgetting about his pain as he relaxed and leaned more into her embrace, savoring the warmth and comfort she provided while listening to her. That is, until she suddenly came to a stop.
"Here we are-...."
???
Jaha's eyes shot open, looking up at her stunned expression before slowly turning his head.
....
Why are the doors broken...?
The woman glanced at him with concern before stepping forward and walking through the doorway.
"Oh god..."
Jaha's eyes widened in dismay as he took in the state of his inn.
"M..my h-home..!" he stammered. His inn, the place he worked so hard to maintain, pouring his heart and soul into, was in ruin. Feeling tears well up in his eyes, he sobbed.
What has he done to deserve this...? All for a silly joke?
The unfairness of it all was too much for the man to bear, and he fainted right then and there.
"Oh god- great, he fainted."
Her boss is going to be so furious with her when she goes back, but she can't leave the man like this!
"...Damnit!"
· ──── · · ─────── ·𑁍· ─────── · · ──── ·
Hours had gone by, and Jaha's eyes slowly fluttered open, disturbed by the sunlight streaming through the window and the sound of birds chirping loudly outside. Immediately, he let out a low grunt of discomfort as he felt his head throbbing with a pulsing ache.
This was just getting worse and worse, he thought when he brought his hand to his forehead, wincing at the intense heat. Did he get a fever? Every muscle in his body screamed in protest as he struggled to sit up right, aching all over.
At first, he had thought, hoped it was all a terrible nightmare, but the stinging pain and the sight of raindrops trickling down the window proved otherwise.
In that case...his inn..!
Bolting out of the bed, the man rushed to the other room, his eyes darting around; the place was in shambles.
....
Jaha stood motionless, ignoring the sudden sting that shot through his feet upon stepping on the fragments of glass lying beneath him.
"Alrighttt let's start cleaning- what are you doing out of bed!?"
The woman was back!?
"I..." Jaha trailed off, captivated by your appearance. Gone was the mask, allowing him to see your full face, and god, you were gorgeous.
Even the so famed Chaehyang paled in comparison to you.
Is this what falling in love at first technically second sight felt like?
· ──── · · ─────── ·𑁍· ─────── · · ──── ·
Being part of a travelling circus, you were used to living life on the move, never staying in one place for long. You travelled far and wide across countless cities and villages, and with each stop, you captivated the hearts of your audience with your enthralling performance. You adored seeing the joy and wonder in the eyes of children and adults alike; it made every ounce of effort put in worthwhile, so when your circus came to this small town, you had no doubt that it would be the same old dance.
What you didn't expect was for the rain to pour down the second you arrived, meaning everyone would be cooped up in their carriages for the time being. After doing your skin care routine, you lounged lazily on the cozy chair next to your window, enjoying your favorite drink while reading a novel to pass the time, glancing out the window every once in a while.
As you took a sip of your drink and casually glanced out the window once again, something caught your eye. A lone figure was walking through the rain, swaying unsteadily from side to side until they eventually collapsed to the ground with a splash.
That made you wince, ouch.
....why aren't they moving?
Should you...?? You didn't really wanna move from this comfy position and go out into the cold though....
You shrugged and turned back to your book. "Nah, not my problem."
.....
Seconds later, the door to the carriage slammed open as you stepped out and opened your umbrella.
You shivered, man it is cold out here!!
· ──── · · ─────── ·𑁍· ─────── · · ──── ·
Long story short, you took him to his home, which looked like a tornado ran through the place, and with the man fainting right in your arms, you had no choice but to stay and assist him.
Plus, with the rain halting the show and the rehearsal for today you have nothing to do so might as well!
Aren't you such a kind-hearted soul?
Now the guy who turned out to be a cutie was staring at you like a fool.
You snapped your fingers in front of his face. "Helloo? Earth to Jaha!"
That made him snap out of his daze as he looked at you with surprise. "H-how do you know my name?" He managed to stutter out.
"Heard the village gossip about an errand boy getting his ass beat while I was shopping, plus there's a sign outside with your name on it, sooo...yeah!" You replied, guiding him towards his room and pushing him gently into the bed. "Don't move."
Jaha obeyed, staying still as he watched you kneel down and gently grasp his foot. Carefully removing the embedded shards of glass before running some alcohol on his feet, making him hiss at the sting.
"Now you lay down and don't move a muscle alright? I'll go clean up."
He wanted to protest, but the pain and fatigue made him shut his mouth, nodding reluctantly and just did as he was told.
Might as well; it's not like he has anything of value you can steal if that was your plan.
He soon dismissed the thought and scolded himself for being paranoid and thinking ill of the kind woman, stupid! If that were the case you would have just rummaged through his belongings while he was unconscious, yet you chose to come back and help him instead.
You finished cleaning sooner than anticipated, and thus you entered the room with a smile, holding a tray in your hands. "I'm done!"
"...That was.. fast."
"There's only the doors left but I'll send some of my buddies to fix it up for ya! So no need to worry about it." You said, walking over and placing the tray on his lap. "I made you some chicken soup, it should help with the fever."
Jaha stared at the steaming bowl before him for a moment, then took a spoonful and cautiously brought it to his lips. As the warm, savory liquid filled his mouth, his eyes lit up in surprise at the taste.
You looked smug when you saw his reaction. "Tastes good right?"
"It's amazing!"
"Of course it does." You said, your voice laced with pride as you turned to leave. "I have to head back now or my friends will get worried. Goodbye for now."
The man was grateful for the help, but..
"Why are you helping me?" He blurted out before he could stop himself.
You halted, turning your head to look at him over your shoulder, your brow furrowing slightly. "Pardon?"
He repeated himself.
"Why are you helping me? I'm a stranger to you, after all."
With a nonchalant shrug, you responded. "....I'm just a bit bored I guess? helping you gave me something to do."
The man blinked at such an answer. "Bored?"
"Yup, plus...why not? You're a cutie." You added with a sly smile, you did not expect to see a handsome and fit guy under all that mud, but it was a pleasant surprise.
Jaha could feel his cheeks growing hotter, and he lowered his eyes. "Thank you." He mumbled.
"No problem! Also, I washed your dirty clothes from yesterday after I bathed you! Bye-bye now!"
He waved as he watched you leave, before freezing as he realized what you just said.
B..bathed him?? So that means...
....FUCK!!
His face burned further with embarrassment as he covered it with his hands.
How could he possibly look you in the eye after that!?
Oh god...
· ──── · · ─────── ·𑁍· ─────── · · ──── ·
This is supposed to be like a flashback to how you met which is a long fic in itself then headcanons right after
leaves and branches crunched under his boots as he trailed down the familiar path in the forest. Deep inside the forest where no man with common sense would come. Little streams of water started to come in view where leaves would float on.
He pushed some leaves away and saw the body of water. By the foot a pale mask and some bottles of potions and creams with some flowers around it.A dark robe with long wide sleeves folded.
''....''
There was a woman in the center of the pound,bathing herself by the waterfall.
He stayed silent.
Jaha said nothing.
The roar of the waterfall filled the space where words might’ve gone, but he had none anyway. She moved with slow, deliberate grace. Fingertips tracing her collarbone, moonlight skimming across the curve of her back. Her hair floated in the water like ink bleeding through silk. Her body belonged to the river, not to the world of men.
He’d seen her like this before. Many times.
And still, it gripped him by the throat.
The mask lay near his feet—blank, unreadable, and yet he swore it was looking at him. A pale witness to all the nights he’d waited by this river, all the battles he’d returned from bloodied just to kneel at this shore.
A wind passed. The petals trembled.
Without turning, she spoke.
“You’re hurt again.”
The voice was soft, as if spoken through water.
Jaha’s jaw tightened. A shallow cut bled down his arm, unnoticed until now. Of course she saw it. She always did.
He took a step closer, boots soaking in the edges of the pond. “It’s nothing.”
A pause. Then:
“You should stop chasing death.”
He let out a breath that was almost a laugh. “I’m not chasing death. I’m chasing something more stubborn.”
''.....''
The river had no name. It didn’t need one.
It sang to the moonlight, swallowed warriors whole, and shimmered in the silence of war-torn lands. But to him—Jaha, the Mad Demon—it was home. Or rather, she was.
She wore no face. A pale, expressionless mask sat upon her features, smooth as ivory and still as death. Her voice, when she chose to speak, rippled like water itself—soothing, elusive, untouchable. They called her the Water Demon, a cursed spirit of lost men and weeping widows.
But to Jaha, she was his stillness.
Where others saw madness in him, she saw purpose. Where others feared her, he knelt beside her riverbed in reverence. They never touched, for her form was made of mist and memory—but their bond defied flesh.
''....what are you standing there.....join me''
The layers fell away from his frame, one strap at a time, and he waded into the water. Cold wrapped around his legs, then waist, then chest—until his breath stilled.
The waterfall thundered on, but here in the shallows, all he heard was her.
She didn’t move as he neared. Her face was still turned toward the sky, lips parted slightly as if in silent conversation with the moon above.
a hand resting over the cut on his arm as he stood at a distance from her,yet she still sensed it.
"Your wound will fester if you let it," she said.
He smirked. "Then I'll fester beautifully."
A flick of her fingers sent a ripple across the pond. Small drops splashed against his skinand in seconds, the sting of the cut dulled. The blood halted.
"You always do that," he murmured.
"What?"
"Keep me alive… when everyone else expects me to die."
''....''
Jaha stepped closer, the water swirling gently around his waist.
Strands of her hair drifted through the water like ribbons of shadow and light, brushing against his skin,ghostlike, soft, untethered.
He raised his hand slowly, letting it surface from the water. Her hair clung to his fingers like seaweed, swaying between them. the scent of jasmine and vannila hung around her. He got closer,his calloussed hands graze her slender shoulder before gripping it.
She didn’t flinch. He gripped her then—not hard, but firm. Like he needed something to anchor him in the moment.
And then, gently, he leaned forward and rested his chin on the soft hollow of her shoulder.
The scrape of his stubble met her smooth skin, a contrast of warrior and wraith.
His eyes closed.
And he inhaled.
"You smell like peace," he murmured, barely audible.
The waterfall raged behind them. The world spun beyond the forest. But here, in the center of the pond, time melted.
Her head tilted, just enough that her cheek brushed his temple. Neither a kiss nor a promise—just existence, shared.
“You always smell like blood,” she replied quietly.
Not with judgment. Just truth.
A smirk ghosted across his lips. “Still prefer it to incense and monks.”
She chuckled under her breath—a rare, river-deep sound that only he ever heard. The body of water vibrating with every sound coming from her throat.
He kissed her neck
And he didn’t pull away.
His lips lingered against her skin, rough and warm against the cool dampness of her river-kissed flesh. He could feel the slow, steady thrum beneath her surface—her pulse, if she had one. Or maybe it was the heartbeat of the river through her.
She didn’t stop him.
Her eyes closed, lashes resting softly against her cheeks, and for a moment… she allowed herself to lean into him. Just slightly.
Like a wave curling into shore.
His arm found its way around her waist under the water, his grip neither demanding nor hesitant—just sure. As if he’d held her in another life, in a thousand lives before this one.
Because he had.
"You're not supposed to touch me," she whispered. The words held no resistance—just remembrance. Like a rule neither of them ever obeyed, yet always repeated.
"And yet I do," Jaha murmured against her skin. “Every time.”
She tilted her head slightly, exposing more of her neck to him—not surrender, but invitation.
“Then don’t stop,” she said.
And he didn’t.
Not until the stars began to fade, and the river forgot to keep time.
Present Day | Reincarnation
The scent hit him first.
Jaha blinked, here in the white hawk village. But this scent,a blend of river mint, jasmine, and wild lotus,halted his steps like a sword to the throat.
A bell above the door jingled as he stepped inside the shop.
Bath & Body Delights, the sign read.
Pastel walls. Wooden shelves. Jars, soaps, oils, all with names like Moonfall and Spirit’s Touch. But what caught him wasn’t the merchandise.
It was her.
Behind the counter stood a girl with calm eyes and a quiet aura. She wore no mask now, but her face... It was as though the river had learned to take human shape. She was folding something inside a piece of paper before handing it to the customer and received some silver pieces.
She smiled politely. “Welcome. Can I help you find something?”
Jaha didn’t answer at first.
He stared. Not out of rudeness but out of recognition.
