XV) Parallel world (3/5)
(Follows right from the end of part 2/5.)
.
Yeong POV:
Once Nam Seon Ho reemerges from the bathroom, Yeong can't refrain from noticing that his second twin looks actually too small for his clothes. Yeong knows they would have been somehow loose on Eun Seob; but not that much, all considered. But on Nam Seon Ho... It just looks *wrong*: a reminder that Nam Seon Ho is actually too frail for his body.
But Nam Seon Ho doesn't seem to realize it - or to mind about it as Yeong does, at least. To tell the truth, strangely, he actually looks less vulnerable than the day before - in they way he stands, in the way he holds himself; notwithststanding the bags under his eyes and the undecipherable even gaze behind this morning's polite mask, which Yeong doesn't judge might qualify as an improvement over yesterday's vacant stare. But Nam Seon Ho had to wear a mask half his life, sadly; and so Yeong will not take it personally. The night had gone well, all in all. And as long as Nam Seon Ho kept moving forward, it would be enough. One step at a time.
"Breakfast?", Yeong suggests, forcing himself to stop staring; and Nam Seon Ho agrees.
/
It goes easier than their first meal. Yeong still takes a bite from Nam Seon Ho's plate and a sip from Nam Seon Ho's glass at the start; but Nam Seon Ho digs in right after, and agrees to an extra portion.
"It tastes good", Nam Seon Ho even says as his plate is refilled; and Yeong does a double take at the once more not strictly *necessary* words leaving his second twin's mouth since the day started. He hesitates; but finally decides to test the waters, with a fragile smile:
"I'll let the cook know?" ('with your permission' being inferred in the question mark in his tone)
Nam Seon Ho tenses; walls back up at once - too soon, Yeong curses at himself. And then, Nam Seon Ho shifts his focus back to his food with a probably-willing-to-pass-as-nonchalant shrug but barely veiled accusation in the most polite yet biting voice:
"I guess you keep *the cook* well informed anyway."
"I do keep His Majesty very well informed indeed", Yeong states at once, only calm and resolute; forcing himself not to fire back at the snigger he heard in his own voice on 'the cook' after what was, in fact, a blunder of his own. One doesn't corner a wounded animal without causing it to attack if threatened.
Apparently, the simple and direct honesty works again though; surprising Nam Seon Ho enough for him to meet Yeong's gaze once more.
"But reporting you ate one and a half plate and notifying you said it tasted good are two different things", Yeong continues, driving his point home.
Nam Seon eventually sighs, audibly, before sinking his chopsticks back into his food:
"Tell whichever suits you best. But it's my turn to do the clean up."
The tone on the first part is too obviously dismissive to be entirely self-centered, and Yeong realizes Nam Seon Ho simply chose to indulge him; but whatever works, right - especially as the second part does feel like a genuine peace offering, and possibly an excuse. Yeong openly smiles in return:
"Thank you." (And it's about both parts.)
Nam Seon Ho shrugs - a real shrug, this time. Yeong finishes his coffee. They're silent; but it's a silence they share, somehow - Nam Seon is by now more present; less a ghost. And that is definitely an improvement.
/
As they relocate to the desk in a corner of the living room - Yeong having decided time had come for some necessary shopping (and the bigger family computer screen being more practical than Yeong's phone for two pairs of eyes at once) - Nam Seon Ho stops in front of the large family photo hanging above the coach.
"This is your family."
It is not the first time Nam Seon Ho must have noticed the photos; but it the first time he decides to address the topic.
And it is not a question; but Yeong confirms it all the same:
"It is."
"Where are they?"
"Surprise holidays. But they are having a terrific time - I have the pictures to prove it on my phone. We couldn't really have another me waltzing into The Palace or well, anywhere; I guess you've realized that I am sort of a recognizable person in The Kingdom. So, the house felt like the best place to start; until we've sorted out your legal existence and all?"
"You're going to give me official papers?"
Yeong isn't sure if the question is more about them being able to or willing to or both, but he is not going to let the opportunity to make his point further pass when it presents itself:
"Of course. You need papers for everything in this universe: open a bank account; find a house; get a job; travel abroad-"
The longer Yeong's list turns the more and more unbelieving Nam Seon Ho seems; but he can't help but wonder out loud at that last one, interrupting:
"Travel?"
Yeong smiles his widest smile to his second twin, and holds his doubtful gaze with nothing but certainty in his own:
"Yes. Soon, you'll be free to go whenever and wherever you might want."
Nam Seon Ho doesn't smile back: he will probably need that shiny new ID in hand before actually daring to even contemplate any of it.
"Hopefully; simply for holidays or so", Yeong suddenly feels like adding; both out of honest personal wish and preference, but also because he doesn't want his last sentence to get misinterpretated as a polite push into disappearance. Freedom of choice implies actual possibilities - plural; Yeong is simply presenting several available options. "This house... For now, it's only a first stop refuge - an emergency patch. But I cannot stress enough how very much welcome you would be around here; if you wanted to. It's entirely up to you though; of course."
Because yes, Yeong wouldn't mind unsuspectingly getting 'back' a believed-lost twin brother or so, if Nam Seon Ho was to decide to settle in The Kingdom. Not only for his own gain, mind you; but mostly, for Nam Seon Ho's - who had been dealt such a poor hand in comparison to him; and so Yeong in a way can't help but feel somehow responsible for helping upgrading it. But he'd understand, and respect it, if Nam Seon Ho would rather just run away to the opposite side of the world.
Silence falls, until Nam Seon Ho's attention returns to the photo:
"What's our name?"
Yeong likes that 'our' probably more than he should: it is after all technically simply a fact; it doesn't mean what it could mean, maybe - if that's what Nam Seon Ho chooses.
"We're Jo's."
Meeting Yeong's eyes, as if to check his pronunciation:
"Jo."
"Yes." (pointing to himself) "Jo Yeong" (pointing to the photo) "Jo Eun bi. Jo Kha Bi. Na Hee Do. Jo Hyun Jun."
Another pause. Nam Seon Ho doesn't point at himself with a 'Jo Seon Ho' in response. Yeong hasn't really expected him to anyway; right. His second twin's eyes returns to the photo as he continues:
"It's odd. I was left at the orphanage door as a new-born; without any information. The director was the one who named me. I never thought I'd get to know my actual name, nor what my parents look like. I used to think that knowing something - anything - would either make me happy or angry. As it turns out; it does neither - at least; not about me. (his face hardening; his voice too when he goes on:) I sure hope they did it better for my brother and sister - about them, I would definitely be angry."
It's the first time Nam Seon Ho confides anything and acts so genuinely. Yeong can't help but feel hopeful - Nam Seon Ho opening up to him might mean he is lowering his guard, even if only around Yeong for now; and that is a positive evolution. Yeong can't help but sigh, though, even as he exchanges a truth for a truth:
"I have no answer for you; except that I do not have any. The universes do not appear to walk strictly parallel. But in truth, we do not really know how it works. But my parents... They're fantastic. I would never have believed any version of them to be able to abandon anyone - I would have thought them to have died, most probably; or you to have been stolen away. But, even if I'd rather not mention it... I've now seen a version of His Majesty that is so contrary to everything that He is; so I truly cannot infer anything about your parents. As for siblings: it's still possible that you have none. I know of a world when Eun Bi and Kha Bi did not exist."
This much, Yeong can share - even if he knows that he will *never* share the full truth.
Until last year, in fact, I was an only child. And the first time I saw Eun Bi's and Kha Bi's faces: it was in another universe.
Parallel universes are one thing - and already too much; but time-travel is still of another level. Even if they do not know how it works - and Yeong can't help but pray that they never find out how it works - this is a secret Yeong *will* take to his grave. People would kill for such power - and Yeong will never turn His Majesty into a bigger mark than the one He already is from birth alone. And people would die from it. Such a lure would be potentially too tempting, and too dangerous - for anyone; but even more particularly for anyone with a troubled past. And no one should live trapped in the past; and so, knowing about the possibility of going back in time is nothing but a possible cage. Yeong is so deeply grateful about the reset - about his siblings. (And even more about the fact that he actually stayed alive in order to meet them, of course.) But he has always known how lucky he had been. His Majesty - the owner of the flute, to say it out loud - hadn't been able to save His Father, and had in fact been ready to die himself. Yeong is only humbled, and sincerely admirative - and so profoundly relieved - of His Majesty's *strength*; of His Majesty's capacity to take his win without the urge to chase and fix his losses. Less would drive lesser men mad, no doubt. And so Yeong will never feel guilty about lying to keep that knowledge safely hidden from everyone. Three people know; it is already possibly three people too much.
Nam Seon Ho's head tilts some as he is computing it all - unaware of Yeong's inner worries. It *feels* very familiar - and Yeong realizes in a flash that Eun Seob did that too; and that he does that too. Maybe this is a tick so inherent to who they are that it transcends any universe?
"That strange place we crossed; there were so many paths..."
Well; of course - no matter one's state of mind, it was indeed just too big to be ignored, right.
"But it wasn't chance, obviously: you knew exactly - you even made preparations... And I can't understand how and even less why; but I realize... You actually came for me. And I haven't thank you yet, Jo Yeong."
It is the first time Nam Seon Ho addresses him by his name; and Yeong can't help but feel that he would have preferred it to sound less official. (That being said: meeting Eun Seob couldn't be the norm Yeong should measure meeting any other of his twins with, of course - there is only one Eun Seob.) But Yeong realizes Nam Seon Ho is about to drop down on his knees, and he right away stops him with a hand on his arm:
"And you don't need to. Besides, I'm the side kick; His Majesty is the hero. So if you ever feel like thanking someone, thank His Majesty; or better said, try to - because His Majesty will tell you to thank The Manpasikjeok."
Nam Seon Ho only frowns deeper in confusion; so Yeong explains, trying to convey it all into just a few words:
"As for the how: sometimes, the flute calls for His Majesty; and so His Majesty goes, because it might mean that something somewhere needs to be fixed somehow. That's how His Majesty found out about you; the flute brought him there. As for the why: if there is something somewhere needing to be fixed somehow, you can be sure His Majesty will always strive to fix it. His Majesty is good - so inherently good. And I hope, one day, you will *know* it; as I do."
Nam Seon Ho isn't ready yet to hear praises about His Majesty, apparently, as he right away redirects the conversation in another direction:
"How many worlds have you been to?"
And Yeong hears another question under the words - 'Do you do that a lot?'; even if he's unsure about which Nam Seon Ho actually means: saving people? collecting twins? Again, Yeong keeps it short and simple but truthful - besides necessary ommissions:
"I'm from this universe - and I'm truly grateful for it. But I've visited two other universes: yours - once, yesterday; and another, several times, over several months - until His Majesty was able to fix what needed fixing. I might get to visit more - if His Majesty ever needs me to. I'll always go where His Majesty needs me to. But to be honest: I could do without. It's obvious and confronting - how we do not belong, wherever we land; and it's only more difficult, if we get to. I really miss someone I had to leave behind in that other universe - even though I'm grateful I got to meet him; and always will be. But I digress. Now, I'm grateful for the opportunity to be able to help you. So. Let's start shopping, shall we?"
Yeong walks over to the family computer and turns it on as he sits down. Nam Seon Ho still looks frozen in place, so Yeong insists, taking the chair next to his out:
"Please."
Nam Seon Ho concedes; walking over and sitting down.
/
"So. You need a phone. Prepaid; until we've arranged for your official ID."
Yeong opens the webshop of The Kingdom's most trusted communications provider and adds the highest amount prepaid card to the shopping cart before selecting the best phone in his opinion.
Nam Seon Ho watches, openly awestruck: undeniably tangible facts are, indeed, worth a thousand promises.
"You're buying me a phone."
"Standard black, or color?" (pointing at the screen)
And Nam Seon Ho, after some hesitation, still in half unbelief, shyly points to black. Yeong adds it to the shopping cart and gets to payment.
"I never had one."
The admission is unnecessary; but it feels right that Nam Seon Ho dares sharing. Yeong is sad, though, to have been right about communication of any kind with the outside world not having been authorized to Nam Seon Ho (as unbelievable as it might seem nowadays).
Yeong pays; then turns back to Nam Seon Ho with an encouraging smile.
"Well, I'll show you how it works. How to make a call; how to send a text message; how to find stuff online - like we are doing now. It's quite simple; as long as you remember the three rules. Internet is the best thing, but it can be twisted. So. One: never upload anything you're not 100% sure you are willing to share - the World Wide Web never forgets. Two: always check there are sources, and check that those are actually sources; there is so many possible trash and misinformation going around - never believe anything at face value. Three: you are the only algorythm you can trust; and the only one you must always follow. But that's for later, don't worry about it for now: shopping is quite instinctive, as you just saw. Choose, order, pay."
"I do not have any money."
Again with the shyness; but there is also an added layer now - polite disinclination to be spending Yeong's savings. It is logical; but again, unnecessary.
"Do not mind about it. I can afford it, I assure you. Besides, to tell the truth: I know His Majesty will insist on paying me back. His Majesty is much concerned about your wellfare - believe it or not. And if it makes you feel better: you can always insist on paying His Majesty back, later on, all right?"
Nam Seon Ho looks at him as if he has grown two heads. He still cannot comprehend ever interacting with His Majesty, of course... Yeong changes the subject - small doses, for now:
"Anyway. Clothes."
He hints at the keyboard.
"You want to try it yourself?"
Nam Seon Ho comes back to his senses. He shakes his head in a small no.
"You're obviously very efficient at it. I'd rather just be watching and learning."
"All right. So. Any preference? About the style of clothes?"
Again, it's the most simple question, that anyone their age shouldn't even need to consider; yet obviously Nam Seon Ho doesn't have a ready answer - as Yeong had been expecting: Nam Seon Ho's wardrobe had probably never been a real choice.
Yeong opens several windows, offering the widest selection he can think of (and not directly typing in his own regular shops) - formal, sportive, casual, street, alternative, traditional. He resizes them so they are loading next to each other, and waits for Nam Seon Ho to notice something he likes.
(Yeong's own eyes are unsurprisingly right away attracted to a sleeveless black Death Note Tshirt featuring L and a pair of black cargo pants with additional rings and chains; even though knowing he will never buy either, and not exactly minding about it. Yeong has chosen his life path long ago, and has learned to embrace and master the very specific style it entailed in toes; even though he has never forgotten nor lost the appeal for his more unconventional original tastes (which he had never actually exposed in full; growing up at The Palace implied a minimum standard standing - and once more, honestly, Yeong couldn't mind about it.) - a fact not only he but also His Majesty knows, as proved by Yeong's evergrowing gifted collection of graphic Tshirts (no matter the timeline). The red is mostly an inner joke; but the prints are definitely a reminder - that His Majesty hasn't forgotten; and that Yeong shouldn't forget either, maybe, too. Yeong expects it will be an Avatar Tshirt this year; now that they have finally caught up on it: most probably Zuko related - His Majesty has hinted that Zuko reminds Him of Yeong after all. (His Majesty has also made clear that Zuko is His favorite; and Yeong always tries not to reflect with too much fondness about how those two facts might or not be linked whenever Avatar gets discussed by His Majesty and his siblings.))
But Yeong is not really surprised by Nam Seon Ho's first pick, when it is finally voiced - still shyly; but with open sincerity.
"I like this."
Basic sweatpants and comfortable hoodie. High sneakers. Contrast. But light colors.
"It looks like your clothes. I like how they feel."
The all covering yet unconstricting fit. *Safe*. Nam Seon Ho doesn't need to tell it for Yeong to hear it.
"The pants are too loose at the waist though, to be honest; even though I've tied them as tight as I could."
"We'll order thinner. What else?"
"This."
Cargo pants and henley longsleeve. Army boots. Contrast. But light colors.
"And this."
Baggy jeans and longline Tshirt. Sweat vest attached by the sleeves around the waist. Low runners. Contrast. But light colors.
A pattern is a pattern. Yeong favors dark shades and monochrome. Eun Seob likes vivid colours, and often wears graphic or patterns. Nam Seon Ho apparently prefers unicolor soft tones (no matter if from innate inclination or from contrary reaction to the blacks and full reds etc he had probably been made to wear for so long) but contrast.
With that basis in mind for style and colours, and his own measurements mentally readjusted down (except for length and shoe size), Yeong starts with the sportive look, opening his usual shop for that type of clothes. Nam Seon Ho apparently prefers to stick with Yeong's training basics instead of the more fashionable suits available, and they are done quickly, Yeong monitoring the quantities only (and only to ensure Nam Seon Ho will not fight him over each and every article being needed or not). Nam Seon Ho ends up with three (light grey) sweatpants; six (crew neck, normal fit) Tshirts in white and in light grey; three longsleeves, two hoodies and one crew neck sweater (all white; Nam Seon Ho never opting for black, and not particularly interested by the colors on display); two pairs of sportive shoes (one high, one low; both white).
Yeong is then on uncharted territories and takes a moment to look up for what might be a good shop for streetwear. Once Yeong half chooses half gambles for one, Nam Seon Ho selects three baggy jeans (in different shades of blue); two cargo pants (one beige, one brown); six low line Tshirts, five henley longsleeves, three hoodies and three sweatvests (all not really pastel but somewhat still soft tones - except for some darker purple, which turns out to be Nam Seon Ho's first choice, whenever available); and one very colourful pair of shoes. It is winter, so Yeong insists on a thick jacket too. Nam Seon Ho simply selects one practical bland zip bomber (dark blue - simply because the other choice was black).
They are done for now with the upper layers, and Yeong tries to find the best angle to approach the more intimate layers. He settles for nightwear as a start.
Yeong usually sleeps in nothing but his boxer shorts under his season-adapted beddings - eventually adding a simple Tshirt in the heart of the winter (and comfortable sweatpant on the rare occasions he feels feverish). Even as a child, he had used to wear PJ's (most often cartoony and always buttonless since having grown old enough to voice this preference over the more classic ensembles his mother had first used to buy, judging from some old photos in the family photo books) between shower and bed time in the evening and at breakfast in the morning, but he had generally disrobbed down to his underwear when snuggling into his bed. And since Yeong lives on his own and never lingers around, neither before bed nor upon waking up, he has nowadays no use for PJ's; as he simply springs from his post home training shower right into bed in the evening, and right away from bed into sport clothes for his indoor morning run before breakfast (but after having hydrating himself).
Yeong believes Eun Seob sleeps that way too: there had been only a few checkers fleece pants in the back of his closet; so he probably used those only when his siblings were around. Yeong though cannot ignore the fact that Nam Seon Ho might wish for more cover. He types in the search bar and inquires as it loads:
"How about some pyjama's?"
There is a flash of surprise yet recognition in his second twin's eyes; and Nam Seon Ho can't help but nod:
"I'd like some; thank you."
Again, Nam Seon Ho chooses for single-colored and plain, and sticks to fleece or cotton; but he selects bottoms and tops.
"Now, let's get you a load of socks", as Yeong quickly buys several packs, in accordance with the color palette of the clothes they just bought.
Yeong then finally opens the underwear section, and refrain from clearing his throat or acting nothing but to the point as he simply asks:
"Which ones?"
Nam Seon Ho doesn't hesitate as he right away points to second-skin, slim fitted boxers (instead of the more loose versions Yeong had been expecting; but, well, Yeong knows how *close* is indeed the most comfortable there in his mind too - but he also realizes at once how a tighter fit might feel in truth like the most enclosed and secured option, notwithstanding being the most revealing, shapewise.) White, dark blue, light grey - once more: not black, and nothing fancy. Yeong orders seven of each.
Then, Yeong adds a few more boxer shorts in his own size; and another pack of socks. He goes back to the sportwear shop and adds for himself two sweatpants, two Tshirts, and two hoodies to the cart - one set black, one set white; after having asked Nam Seon Ho if it would be all right for him to choose the same one as him, and unable to refrain his smile when his second twin had answered affirmatively. Lastly; he orders two dress shirts from his usual tailor via the phone, and asks for those to be delivered at The Palace. (He will be around the house for several days; and he'd rather not leave Nam Seon Ho alone in order to go fetch clothes at his apartment, nor have to do the laundry only for a few clothes every day. He will ask His Majesty to bring the dress shirts, and the spare suit in his locket.)
Yeong closes all the orders and pays.
"So. I think we're done. It should all come in tomorrow."
/
Yeong is about to turn the computer off. (He has been fishing for enough private information as it is for now; no need to ask too about Nam Seon Ho's preferences about personal hygiene habits. There is a bathroom full with several options for soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc, and enough new spare towels and disposable razors at their disposition. The basics are covered; the specifics can wait.)
He doesn't; suddenly remembering with bitter clarity the possessive hand he had seen tightly twisted around Nam Seon Ho's hair; and fumbling about how to best breach that topic:
"Shall I order a hair clipper? I'm no hairdresser; but until one is an option... I've cut someone's hair before; so, if you want..."
Nam Seon Ho seems surprised; at first. His gaze then right away hardens; and Yeong realizes he's crossed a line.
"I'm not cutting my hair."
It's straightforward, and the most assured Nam Seon Ho has ever sounded.
He then softens somehow:
"Thank you for... the thought; I guess. But really, it's not necessary."
Yeong hadn't expected such a reaction; but he takes it in stride and readjusts:
"Do you need anything, then? Products and such? And is the hair brush upstairs all right, or would another one be better suited? I've always kept my hair short."
"There's enough upstairs for daily care; and the hair brush is nice. I would like some ribbons, though; if I may?"
"Sure", Yeong affirms at once, already opening the online shop of a renown drugstore. There are a lot of hair accessories to choose from, as Yeong scrolls down and down and down; but no ribbons.
"May I?", Nam Seon Ho asks, hinting at the keyboard.
He slowly types in 'ribbon by meter' - duh, indeed - proving he's understood enough by now how search works as the screen right away fills up with pictures and links to various sewing shops. He simply opens the first shop, and selects material (silk), width (thin), and colors (purple, dark red, light pink) - one meter each; talking as he goes: not because he must; simply because he wants to - a sad but real smile on his face as he uses the mouse, eyes on the screen - and Yeong quickly realizes the line he's crossed isn't the one he thought he had at all.
"When they arrived at the orphanage, Yeon was too young still to do her hair on her own; Hwi did it for her. She had three ribbons. As she grew up, Hwi let her train on his hair. She always used the dark red ribbon for him. She preferred my hair, though - Hwi's hair was quite unruly, to be honest. That's how I ended up with the purple one." (the smile disappears) "He made me burn it; about a month in, when he realized..." (meeting Yeong's eyes as he lets go of the mouse and keyboard for Yeong to pay) "But now, I can wear all three. Thank you."
Of course Nam Seon Ho would never want to cut his hair short - would even feel agressively protective of its length (except for regular maintenance, of course). And not only because it never belonged to the tyrant at all to begin with. But even more, because it has always been, and still is, a *strength* - memories and warmth and love that have always kept Nam Seon Ho standing; and now even more precious, as it is actually his last link with them.
Yeong starts to feel relief, deep down. Nam Seon Ho wanting to wear again the ribbon he had never taken off in his heart and in his mind (and anything purple, even) alongside its companions now feels not only right - it feels positive. He wants to stay strong; maybe not yet with them but at least for them, and that's definitely a step better and far stronger than simple spite.
"You're welcome", Yeong answers honestly - just unable to downsize the heartfelt thanks, this time.
Nam Seon Ho clears his throat; but still holds Yeong's gaze:
"I would have known; soon. They would have been visiting, in a few weeks."
Needless to say, Yeong is even more grateful the flute allowed His Majesty to be on time *enough*, then. He doesn't want to think about how that revelation would have gone; and even less about its more than probably irreversible related consequence.
Nam Seon Ho's gaze grows distant; even if his voice doesn't waver:
"Once a year. I was always looking forward to it; even if part of me hoped they would stop coming; let go of me. As much as I needed to know they were all right; you bet I didn't want them anywhere near the palace. And I had to pretend; of course. It was easier with Hwi - he wanted so much to believe I was all right. I probably can't say I ever really hid it enough, though; he kept coming, right. But I know I could never fool Yeonnie. 'Stop smiling'; she always said sotto voce. 'Be happy and I will be happy'; I always whispered in her ear before they left. And I have been; the first time I could see her eyes light up as she talked about Baek Yi Jin."
Nam Seon Ho's full attention gets back on Yeong:
"I don't suppose you know if he was in the car, too?"
"We do not, indeed."
And there is only open sad hope in his eyes as he goes on:
"And I don't suppose you know where they are?"
(Is there a place to go and mourn them; honor them; remember them by? Not that a place is necessary - when you carry them with you, in your heart, forever, no matter where you go, anyway; but still. Is there a place? Even if only symbolic; and, in that particular instance, even if in another universe. Because if there is a place; then you want to go there.)
"I'm sorry. There was no time-"
"I understand."
Nam Seon Ho grows quiet; all his questions for now answered.
Yeong finally turns the computer off:
"Lunch?"
"Lunch."
There's enough left for one last meal. Yeong will just order in for the evening. He has a lot still to discuss with Seon Ho before His Majesty comes back; online groceries can wait.
.
AN:
I don't think I will be able to write for the coming weeks, with Christmas and all; so here is only - but at least - yet another part of this (ever growing monster of a) chapter.
Anyway: I just... love them, I guess? So. I realize this feels a bit all over the place; but I let it happen? (I've also added and rearranged some bits in previous part, so you're not hallucinating if you think you've already read a few lines in here...)
Also: Yeong thinking so much about Eun Seob yet feeling unable to actually speak about him does things to me, okayyy ! *sobbing all over the floor*
Finally: Next chapter will be more back on track - meaning: back on (GonJo) feels :) I mean, Yeong talking about Gon is always - well, you know... YEONG TALKING ABOUT GON - AAAAHHHHH ! *heart eyes*
(On a side note: I had to make up Yeong's father name. Apologies and let me know if it sounds odd? And yes, Seon Ho is simply Seon Ho in Yeong's head by the end of this chapter.)
I wish you all the best of times until next time :) (whether you celebrate the coming holidays or not...)
(And as always, thanks for any feedback, it means the Manpasikjeok to me!)
