🌻 A Promise with Every Flame
Cheng Yi had returned to Nanjiang to deliver his report in person. News of his marriage soon reached Yun Yuhua and her brothers. Though distant, they sent letters filled with heartfelt wishes for his happiness.
The year drew to its close, and with it, the gardens prepared for the blossoming of a new beginning — the Lantern Festival. Yun Yuhua's heart was excited; this time, she would attend without her brothers' ever-watchful eyes upon her. Each had their own engagements to see to. Ji-nara clung closely to Tian Ke, as though to mark him as her own. Though less obvious, Ae-shim remained near Qian'ai. Yun Yuhua, however, stood alone, for Seo Ju had not yet returned.
The evening air brimmed with laughter and song. Lanterns glowed like stars fallen to earth, and couples moved hand in hand, making wishes together beneath the festive night sky. Yun Yuhua lingered by the inn's entrance, her figure quiet amidst the lively crowd.
From a distance, Qian'ai spoke first. "Do you suppose she waits for Seo Ju?"
Ae-shim let out a soft laugh. "Or perhaps... she simply misses him?"
"Miss him?" Qian'ai scoffed lightly. "More likely, he gave his word to return."
"Yet where did he go at dawn?" Ae-shim mused gently. "She has been waiting all this while."
"If there were trouble, surely he would have sent word," Qian'ai said. "Come, let us call her to us."
He took a step forward, but Ae-shim caught the edge of his sleeve.
"What—" he started.
"He is here," Ae-shim whispered quickly. From the side path, Seo Ju emerged, moving silently like a passing breeze. Yun Yuhua, sensing something, gave a soft sigh and slowly turned around.
"Oh heavens!" she cried out the moment she saw him, stepping back in surprise. Seo Ju's low, amused laughter warmed the cool night air.
"Forgive me," he said, offering a polite bow. "Have I kept you waiting long?"
Yun Yuhua quickly hid her face behind her hands, the heat rushing to her cheeks.
"W-what do you mean?" she stammered behind her hands. Seo Ju smiled at the sight of her bashfulness. He reached out, gently taking her hands away from her face.
"I mean," he said softly, "did I make you wait too long for me?"
For a moment, their gazes locked, unspoken affection glimmering between them. Yun Yuhua, flustered, quickly looked away.
"N-no... I am only glad my brothers did not treat me as a child this year," she murmured, stepping past him in a hurry. But Seo Ju caught her hand, his grip firm yet gentle.
"Then allow me," he said with a mischievous smile, "to be the one who treats you with care tonight."
At his boldness, Yun Yuhua turned her head sharply, her cheeks burning crimson.
"D-do as you please!" she stammered.
From a distance, Qian'ai and Ae-shim chuckled quietly, watching the pair with amusement. Yun Yuhua's ears were red as ripe cherries, and her entire face glowed with embarrassment. Ae-shim could hardly contain her laughter, covering her mouth in a failed attempt to muffle the sound.
"Shh!" Qian'ai warned, nudging her lightly. Ae-shim grinned, eyes sparkling.
"How is it," Ae-shim whispered, "that you have such an adorable little sister?"
Qian'ai smiled at her, thinking how right she was. Yun Yuhua truly was their adorable little sister — someone they had protected for as long as he could remember. It had taken years before they allowed anyone new into their tightly guarded lives. And now, there were others — Cheng Yi, Ae-shim, Seo Ju, Ji-nara — each of them cherishing Yun Yuhua in their own way.
As Qian'ai realized this, he found himself smiling. Ae-shim, whom he had once thought reckless and naive, had proven to be anything but. She was bubbly, yes, but also steady, supportive — a bright presence that stayed longer than anyone else ever had. His heart softened at the thought.
While Ae-shim's gaze remained on Yun Yuhua and Seo Ju, a soft laugh escaping her lips, Qian'ai turned fully toward her. Without a word, he gently cupped her face and leaned in, pressing a tender kiss against her lips. Ae-shim was shocked yet didn't push him away. She slowly accepted it and wrapped her arms around his neck, blushing as she closed her eyes.
The bustling sounds of the market faded around them as Yun Yuhua and Seo Ju wandered amongst the lanterns, searching for something to hold and make a wish upon. Like stars, the lanterns flickered softly above them, casting a warm, gentle light over the crowd. Though beautiful, none of the lanterns seemed perfect enough for Yun Yuhua in Seo Ju's eyes. He noticed how she averted her gaze, trying to avoid his, as his hand still held hers. He respected her space, knowing she didn't wish to be the object of his focus.
Then, a lantern caught his eye as if guided by an unseen force. It seemed just right for her. Without a word, he gently pulled her toward it.
"Good evening, honored guests. Would you like to purchase a lantern?" the vendor asked, his voice polite and welcoming.
Seo Ju smiled, his eyes on the lantern, not wishing to make Yun Yuhua uncomfortable. He pointed to the delicate design. "This one," he said, his voice soft, as though speaking more to the lantern than anyone else.
Yun Yuhua, unsure of what to say or think, remained silent, not daring to look at him.
"This one," Seo Ju repeated, his voice gentle. "The pink cherry blossoms are beautifully painted here."
The vendor, noticing Seo Ju's approval, nodded pleasedly. "Thank you, young master. My daughter is an artist. She would be glad to hear your kind words."
Seo Ju nodded back, still respectful. "Her work is truly exquisite."
He paused, then asked quietly and uncertainly, "Could I add something to it at the back?"
The vendor's eyes brightened, and he nodded eagerly. "Of course, of course! Is this lantern for the young lady behind you?" he asked, his smile widening with curiosity.
Seo Ju's cheeks flushed slightly, but his voice remained steady. "Yes. It is for her."
The vendor's gaze shifted to Yun Yuhua briefly, but he smiled knowingly at the couple, nodding his approval.
Without further delay, Seo Ju led Yun Yuhua toward the back of the shop. He took a brush in hand, carefully dipping it into the ink, and began to add his touch to the lantern. Yun Yuhua stood quietly, her gaze lowered, watching his graceful movements as he worked. Each stroke was delicate and thoughtful, his concentration on the task at hand more than on her, though she couldn't help but notice the care he took. When he finally finished, Seo Ju's gaze met hers, and Yun Yuhua instantly felt a flush rise to her cheeks.
"What is it?" she asked, her voice soft with curiosity.
Seo Ju smiled, a warmth in his expression. "For you."
She blinked, momentarily caught off guard, before glancing at him again and then at the lantern. Slowly, she reached for it, her fingers brushing the delicate surface as she examined his work.
The lantern before her was nothing short of exquisite. Soft, pastel pink cherry blossoms bloomed across it, their petals outlined in deeper rose, fluttering gently as if stirred by the wind. Some blossoms were in full bloom, while others were just beginning to unfurl, each petal capturing the fleeting moment of spring's first breath. Slender branches wound elegantly around the lantern, their delicate curves mimicking the flow of a gentle breeze. The gold centers of each blossom shimmered faintly, catching the light as the lantern glowed softly in her hands. The design was serene and subtle—embodying the quiet grace Yun Yuhua herself carried within.
She was amazed and touched by the careful details that Seo Ju had placed. She looked at him, restraining herself from admiring too much. She blushed and bowed.
"It's beautiful…" she murmured softly, her voice a gentle whisper. Seo Ju's smile deepened, contentment flickering in his eyes as he saw that she liked the lantern.
"Where would you wish this year, beneath the sky's gaze?" he asked, his tone laced with quiet curiosity. Yun Yuhua hesitated, unsure of where they would go next. A date, perhaps? While the trios were enjoying their moments together, a shift in the air stirred nearby. Three imposing figures, shadows of menace, loomed at the edge of the inn's courtyard, their rough silhouettes barely visible in the fading light. The air grew thick with an unsettling tension, the soft rustle of the night breeze masking the weight of what was to come.
They walked to the river's edge, the same place he had once dragged her to see. The once tranquil banks of Seong Juk Bridge were now alive with the presence of other couples. Seo Ju and Yun Yuhua stood quietly, the lantern resting in her hands. He watched her closely, awaiting the moment she was ready to make her wish. She felt the weight of his gaze and flushed, a slight embarrassment creeping up her cheeks. His smile softened as he lit the lantern, his fingers brushing against the wick.
"What wish do you hold this year, whispered beneath the starlight, like a flower blooming in the quiet of spring?" Seo Ju's voice was rich with poetic elegance. Yun Yuhua, moved by his words, smiled and closed her eyes.
"Ma, I believe I have found one whose soul mirrors mine—a companion who will share not only my burdens and sorrows but also my joys and laughter. I once thought such a bond was beyond my reach, for my world was always enclosed within the love of Ke Gege and Li'ai Gege. Family... it has always been my sanctuary, my hearth. Yet now, he is like the flame that stirs the warmth of my heart, a light that keeps me aglow in ways I never thought possible. I only wish you could see how life has shaped me and how this love has grown. I wish you were here, Ma, to welcome me home and see the man who now holds my heart."
Yun Yuhua released her wish, watching it soar into the night sky. Seo Ju's gaze lingered on her, his smile softening as he looked at both her and the lantern.
"I hope your wishes come true," he murmured. Yun Yuhua smiled back, nodding in quiet gratitude.
But then—
"Yuyu!" Qian'ai's voice sliced through the air, sharp and urgent. Yun Yuhua's heart jolted, and she spun around, eyes wide. Qian'ai and Ae-shim were rushing toward them, faces etched with concern.
"Is everything alright?" Yun Yuhua asked, her voice trembling slightly with rising dread.
"Someone broke into the inn," Qian'ai spat, his eyes clouded with worry. A cold shock surged through Yun Yuhua's veins. Her breath caught in her throat. Without another word, they turned and sprinted back toward the inn. Chaos. That was the only word that could describe the sight awaiting them. The inn had been ransacked, everything tossed and torn apart as if a storm had swept through.
Tian Ke's mind raced, and suddenly, the letters their grandmother had written flashed in his thoughts. He bolted to his room, fearing the worst. When he checked, they were still hidden, tucked away safely. He grabbed them quickly, stuffing them into his shirt, before returning to the main hall. There, they found Ruqi, injured and groaning in pain.
"Auntie!" the three children cried out in unison. Ruqi looked up at them, her face pale.
"Three barbaric men stormed into the inn," she said weakly. "They didn't speak in Joseon... they spoke in Mongolian."