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Seungho woke up after a really nice night's sleep. He hasn’t slept this well since forever. He feels warmth next to his body and it’s his beautiful painter, Nakyum. He can’t believe that he almost drove him on the streets. He will make sure that everyone will now treat Nakyum as the lord of the house. He commands his staff to prepare a hot bath for them as he lifts Nakyum in bridal style. Nakyum squirms in his sleep, but not opening his eyes yet. Seungho covers them both in his cloak and quickly walks towards the bathhouse.
Nakyum finally wakes up, shocked from the touch of water on his skin. He kicks his feet, to only realise he’s in this small tub with the lord.
“Good morning to you too. Let me help you clean up like I always did. You just need to stay still.”
Nakyum, still in shock, tries to comprehend the situation. Then he remembers. He better not show any sign of resistance or protest. Usually he would tell the lord to stop, so that he would clean himself up. But he doesn’t want to anger the lord, so he just leans his head on his shoulder.
Seungho is glad and begins to slowly and carefully cleanse the petite man in his arms. They stay like that for about a half-an hour, before they leave the bathhouse, with fresh new clothes.
When the lunch is served, the two sit in silence. Seungho is the first one to break the silence. “Is it not to your taste? Is there anything wrong with the food? Should I check with the servants again? You have to tell me if there’s anything wrong Nakyum. From now on, I’m here for you.”
Nakyum flinches at the worrisome tone. Did he look not pleased? He rarely can get this much food so he must savour every bit of it “Do not worry my lord. I was just lost in thought. And also a bit tired. But after I eat this, I’m sure, I’ll feel reenergized again. Please you don’t have to worry about me.”
“Nakyum, I want you to know that this is your home now. I want to worry about you, I want to cherish you, please allow me to do so.”
Nakyum is astonished with those words as he has never heard the lord talk like this. He is afraid of affection. He feels like it’s a trap. He heard similar words at the doctor’s hut, but how that turned out. He was almost out on the streets. He doesn’t know what changed Seungho’s mind, but he will not test it. He will just go with the flow. He decided last night, if he wants to survive, he has to learn how to always be on Seungho’s good side. Any hope for love is just delusion. “Of course, sir. If I have something on mind, I’ll inform you. But as I said, nothing is wrong with the food. Actually I’m famished, so I’m sure I’ll eat it all today.” He remembers, when Seungho once commented on his slim body.
“Oh really? Then have my spread too. If you’re even more hungry, just tell the kitchen to prepare more food for you. And call me Seungho. It feels so distancing, when you call me sir or lord. I want you to feel like at home.”
“Yes, my lor-, I mean Seungho.” Nakyum answers, nibbling on the rice in front of him. Now he even has to eat more food, even though he has no appetite.
***
Seungho hasn’t left Nakyum’s side for a whole month now. They have fallen into this comfortable domestic feeling, it makes Seungho never wanting to leave. What he doesn’t Nakyum is just playing house with him.
Nakyum has trained to have a steel mind, to ensure his comfortable life. He calculated every next step. Every time the lord enters his chambers, he puts on a well-trained smile. He’s been doing so for a month and it’s working so why not continue. There’s no need to change, he can adjust. To Seungho, Nakyum’s smile blinds him, what he doesn’t see are those lifeless eyes. There is no light anymore.
Nakyum forces himself to continue painting the erotic images, as he knows the lord still enjoys them. He started feeling hatred towards brushes after the incident. The hatred grows more, everytime the lord is in mood.
It is, however, also suffocating. It’s been a month. He needs to see other people, or he’s gonna explode. He dares to make change in his everyday life. He carefully asks “Seungho, I’m out of papers. Can I, with your permission go buy some more? I also would like to buy some more attire.”
“Well, that came out of nowhere. You usually don’t ask to go outside.” Nakyum flinches at the answer. Did he screw up? He knew it. He shouldn’t have asked. He has ruined it all. The young lord is gonna think, he wants to run away.
“Sure, let’s go. We haven’t been out of the house for a while. We can make a trip. Let me just change to outside attire. And I have noticed, you still wear these straw shoes. I’m going to buy you Woekohye.”
Nakyum is shocked. Those are noble shoes. He’s a lowborn, he shouldn't be wearing those. But before he rejects the offer, he looks in Seungho’s hopeful eyes. He learned to recognize these eyes. He has no choice but to accept the gift. He will deal with the hateful glances later. “I’m very thankful, we shall set off then.”
***
5 years later
There have been many changes in the household. After the incident, Seungho cut all his ties with Jihwa and Min. He wanted a clean cut, so he didn’t bother searching for the hired assassin. He has Nakyum now, that’s all he needs. Seungho hired teachers for Nakyum, so now the lowborn knew how to read and write. He even renovated one of his empty rooms to display all Nakyum’s work. He enjoyed the paintings very much, especially after he asked Nakyum to create more colourful and less of their lovemaking paintings. His Nakyum did an astounding job. Every painting should be treated as treasure. Everytime he enters this room, he feels calm and relaxed. Everything is good and peaceful. Nakyum is by his side and he is true to his feelings. No need to hide anything anymore.
Nakyum just went for a horse ride, to paint the new nature scenery. Nakyum has started going out on his own, always returning before sunset. They fully trust each other.
Well because Nakyum must be doing a good job, he believes. He survived all these years thanks to his perseverance and steel mind. Seungho is happy and satisfied. Meaning Nakyum will be treated nicely too.
Their night activities decreased, as Seungho now enjoys falling asleep next to his loved one. He doesn’t need any other satisfaction anymore. Nakyum safe in his arms is all he needs.
Of course, good things come to an end.
This particular day had to start with Seungwon bursting into the residence. “Seungho, where are you?! There’s a big problem!” He opens every room, finding his brother in the painting room. He is not surprised. His brother has changed for the better so he is fond of Nakyum’s presence too.
“What is it, that you’re interrupting my peaceful morning?” Seungho looks irritated but one glance at his focused painter and all anger dissipates.
If it wasn’t for the big news, Seungwon would roll his eyes, but now it’s not the time.
“Our father has been sentenced to execution, as he was found guilty of treachery. They are going to Yoon’s noble title and as his sons, we’re going to be persecuted. We have to go to the capital now!”
Nakyum drops his brush. Is this it? All these fleeting passive years were leading to this point? “-kyum.” Without Seungho’s title, he can only imagine himself on the streets. “-akyum?” He’s shivering in cold sweat. He’s done for. “Nakyum!” Seungho calls for him. “Talk to me please. Are you okay?”
Nakyum takes deep breaths “I’m sorry, I was simply shocked with the news. I believe you have work to do. I think it’s best to go with Seungwon now. I can manage the household for a while.”
“I’m so sorry, I will take my leave now. Please wait for me, I will return as soon as the time allows.” Seungho grabs Seungwon by the wrist and drags him quickly to horses. And just like this, Nakyum is in this huge house alone.
***
Nakyum has no idea what to do. He could run away right now. But there are guards at the front gates. He will be followed, if he says he’s just going for a hunt. It’s inevitable. If he ends up on the streets, he will be stuck to Seungho. Or even worse, Seungho might even blame him for all this. He takes his frustration on the papers. He paints angrily, all dark colours and very hard strokes. There is no delicacy, anyone who would see this painting can see, they will only feel anger, frustration, desperation and sadness.
Before he calls it a day, there’s a kisaeng asking for an audience. He’s no noble so he sees no point in asking for permission. Just let them in.
When the lady entered, he didn’t expect to see his sister, he quickly jumped from his seat and hugged her tightly.
“Heena noona! What are you doing here?” He doesn’t know where his tears came from. It has been so long since he let his true feelings show.
“My little Nakyum! I’m so sorry,” she cries with him, “I’m so sorry I drove you out of the house. That snake Jung In-hun dared to talk to Yuna about you, calling you a dirty prostitute and not worthy. After I heard those words, I needed to find you. We’ve been searching for you so long and I finally saw your face once, when you were returning on a horse. I’m sorry it took so long.”
“It’s okay noona. I’m so glad you’re here.”
“So what are you doing here. Is it true? Are you Yoon Seungho’s lover?”
“Yes”
…
“Are you okay? Are you hurt? Are you forced to stay with him?”
“No, I’m not. I’m doing fine because I’ve been doing everything the lord wanted”
“You did everything he-, what does he want?”
“Yes, I’m living a comfortable life, because I haven’t slipped up. He wants me to be obedient and act as his pet. He wants me to be happy when he gives me gifts.”
...
“He loves you.”
“NO, NOONA! HE DOESN’T LOVE ME. HE JUST-!” Nakyum breaks down in front of his sister, “he just likes the idea of someone obediently fulfilling his wishes.” He has to take deep breaths now. The lord of the house is gone, but these thin walls also have ears. He’s sure the servants will tell him about his sister visiting.
“Nakyum-ah,” Heena noona slowly reaches for him. “Do you want to come with me? We have worked so hard, Yuna has obtained a noble title. We’re not working as kisaengs anymore. We can enjoy life without that hard labour anymore. That In-hun tried to appease us, to work for our house. He was dismissed immediately, when he opened his mouth about you.”
Nakyum looks at his sister with full hope and new life. Is this real? He doesn’t have to stay here? His hardworking sisters have now become part of the high society. What has he been doing the whole time? Playing house with a selfish lord? He feels terrible.
“Noona. I cannot accept your proposal on those conditions. I cannot just take the noble title, you’ve all worked so hard for. I want to work for Yuna. I don’t want you to blindly accept me as your younger brother. I wanna earn this.”
Heena smiles fondly at her brother. He has grown so much. She would rather, if Nakyum just accepted, but he’s a man now. He has pride, so he’s taking the harder route. She’s proud of him. “Fine. Let me return for tonight and I will start arrangements tomorrow morning.”
Nakyum sees his sister off to the gates. He feels good. He feels like living again. It’s gonna go well.
***
“Your father’s crimes cannot be excused, so his sentence stays. I will be stripping Yoons of the noble title, however you have choice. As my mercy, you’re allowed to continue being noble if you’ll be accepted into another noble household. If you however choose this option, you will have only 2 weeks to announce your new name, otherwise you’ll be following your father’s footsteps. If you decide right now, you are satisfied living as lowborns, you can avoid the execution.”
Seungwon is ready to give it all up, to ensure they live. He’s lived as his father’s shadow ever since, he was born. He thinks he’ll be finally free, if he starts from the bottom. This is a restart. This is actually good for him. “Your Honour, thank you for your kindness, we’re ready to accept life without a noble title,” is what he wants to say.
Instead Seungho answers before him. “Two weeks, you said. We will meet Your Honour then.” Seungwon is again grabbed by Seungho.
“Seungho what are you doing? There is no noble family who would accept us! We have done so many wrongs, we cannot be selfish here. Quickly we can still change our answer to king!”
“I’m not letting Nakyum live as a lowborn ever again. I’m sure your scholar friends will not hesitate to take you under their wings. I know who I can ask. They owe me their life.”
***
Seungho returns to his residence. He needs Nakyum. He needs him right now.
Nakyum welcomes him but he’s wrapped in a tight hug. They stay like that for a minute.
“Seungho? It’s time for dinner. I trust the trip must've been exhausting, let's eat.”
“You’re right, I need to tell you quickly.”
During the dinner, Seungho retells the whole story to Nakyum. When they finish, there is one last thing he has to tell Nakyum. “The Lee family owes me a lot. After they did to you, they have no other choice but to accept us.”
Chills run down Nakyum’s spine, as he hears the name. It was all Jihwa’s fault he had to begin living like this. “Seungho, please let’s not ever mention that family again.”
“But they owe us. Don’t worry Nakyum. You’ll not set your eyes on those filthy bastards. It’s just the name we’ll be borrowing. I will build my own life from that point.”
Nakyum is in disgust, from just imagining the face of the person who made him miserable.
“Seungho. My sister came to visit me two days ago. My sisters were Kisaengs, but now they’ve obtained a noble title. We don’t have to ask the Lee family. Let’s go to my sisters.” Nakyum is pleading with his eyes.
Seungho’s in shock. Is this real? Did Nakyum just save him? Yes, he did. He always does. The luck has smiled upon them. He didn’t even doubt Nakyum’s words. If he says his sisters can assure them a good life, he’ll comply. He can be closer to Nakyum.
“Nakyum, you’re an angel sent.” Seungho smiles “Let’s go with that.”
***
After two weeks they’re at the palace again, in the presence of his Honour.
“I see you have indeed found yourself your saviours.”
The Yoon brothers and Nakyum are standing in front of his Honour, waiting to be officially stripped of the title and live with a new name.
“The household of the Song family. Do you accept Yoon Seungwon as your rightful carrier of the Song title?” the King asks.
“We are proud to welcome Seungwon to be Song Seungwon from this day onward. He has done nothing more than a wonderful job for our family and as a fellow scholar, I cannot see him as a lowborn.”
“Very well, you are now obliged to present yourself as Song Seungwon.”
“It is my honour.”
It’s Seungho’s turn. He’s excited, he hadn’t let go of the painter’s hand, ever since they entered.
“The household of the Baek family. Do you accept Yoon Seungho as your rightful carrier of the Baek title?” the King asks.
There’s no immediate answer, as Nakyum keeps his head down.
“Sir Baek, you’re here to present your answer.” the King says in a strict voice.
“I apologize for my rudeness, your Honour.” he bows down. Seungho doesn’t know why he’s nervous. He smiles and slightly tugs Nakyum’s hand.
“Then answer my question now.”
“Yes, your Honour” Nakyum lets go of Seungho’s hand. “ We as a Baek family do not accept Yoon Seungho to be part of our family.”
The whole place is silent. What was happening? Prior to this, the two of them looked so adoring to each other, no one dared to judge or have any negative thoughts about them, even when both being males. Was it just an act?
“Nakk..yum? Dear, what are you doing,” Seungho feels his world crumbling. What is this? It must be a joke right? Well he’s not laughing.
“How dare you Nakyum! My brother has treated you better than anyone else in his life. How dare you be selfish now?!” Seungwon is in shock with Nakyum’s behaviour. Where is the innocent, polite boy, who always looked at Seungho with adoration?
Seungho takes Nakyum’s hand “Nakyum, is there something I’ve done to have madden you? I’ll be executed, if I lose you. I promise I’ll work hard to bring only honor and pride to your family. Please don’t do this to me.” Seungho pleads.
Nakyum forcefully retreats hand from the grip. He gives Seungho a cold look, before he turns to his sisters and bows to the King. “We will be taking our leave, your Honour. Thank you for granting us your audience today.” Everyone is speechless, as the newly noble ladies leave the palace. Only Heena looks behind at Seungho and then turns her gaze to Nakyum. She recognized the true feelings of Seungho, but somehow Nakyum didn’t budge. Something unthinkable must have happened, for Nakyum to be this cold. She removes these thoughts. From now on, she will solely focus on Nakyum’s happiness. Nothing is more important than that.
In the back, Seungwon’s screams are heard. “Please Lord Song. This will be my one and only wish. Please take my brother under your care too.” He’s lowering his head to the new family. “I beg you, we will surely pay you back, PLEASE MY LORD!” Seungwon’s friend tries to grab Seungwon off the ground, but he’s not budging. “I’m very sorry my dear, but this is not a wish I can grant as I wish you to be free of your brother’s influence.”
Hearing those words, Seungwon turns to the King “your Honour, please have mercy! Please spare my brother from my father’s mistakes!” He looks up at his brother whose gaze is still fixated on the now closed doors, where Nakyum left. He tugs his brother down and slams his head on the ground, to bow to the King. “Brother, please wake up! Please ask for mercy! PLEASE BROTHER!” Seungwon desperately cries for his brother.
“What is the point anyway” the words are heard from Seungho’s lips. “What is the point in living, when he’s not by my side?” Seungho is completely drained of all reasons to live. He doesn’t even realise he’s being taken by King’s knights.
“Put Yoon Seungho in the underground chambers. The execution will take place immediately.” The King orders, as he leaves the room too.
“NO, PLEASE NO. YOUR HONOUR, MY KING! PLEASE! I’LL DO EVERYTHING! Please.” Seungwon’s voice weakened. He tries to fight his way out of the Song's grips. They keep holding him back. He needs to. He needs to run to the king. He needs to save Seungho. He needs to preserve the relationship they've built again. Just one more push. He takes one last look at his brother, before he loses consciousness.
***
“And these, dear visitors are the paintings from the very famous Nam Jin. The paintings were found on a very high quality paper drawn with only one stroke. No mistakes. This talented painter is the biggest inspiration for many painters in this generation. Their works are so superb, not even the world’s most famous painters can replicate their work. This, dear visitors, are the national treasure of Korea and are very well preserved. Please take a look at the rest of the paintings and in twenty minutes, we’ll be heading to the master’s room.”
“Geez, I can’t believe this person is your idol. I believe they became famous, because they painted something straight from porn videos.”
“Oh shut up. You told me I could choose our one honeymoon destination.”
“Yes, I meant something like Hawaii or Bora Bora. Not a National museum from the Joseon era. We can legit visit this anytime.” the taller male complains.
“Well, sorry to tell you, but these are VIP tickets. We can see the paintings this close. Usually common visitors have to use binoculars to even see these details.” the younger male pouts at his husband.
“Fine, whatever makes you happy. But because these are VIP tickets, I had to use my family name, so I expect a reward.” he lowers down and whispers, “you know, the dirty kind.” He stood up and smiles. The other one is turning red like a potato and slaps his husband’s back. “Oh my god shut up please! Yesyesyes to everything, now let me enjoy the exhibition.”
After going through all the paintings, the art teacher tugs his husband’s arm. “Look at all this. I feel like they are chronologically set. Nam Jin had so much passion here. You can see he really enjoyed painting these.”
“Well someone had a voyeurism kink” SMACK “Ouch”
“Anyway, here I feel like Nam Jin lost the passion. It looks like it was painted as a chore. The sex seems bland, no sparks. Just a chore.” The taller noticed a small frown on his husband. He doesn’t tease him anymore. These are one of the moments, where his husband gets so absorbed in art, any wrong words can completely ruin his mood. He just lets him continue, as he also enjoys listening to his ramblings.
“And these nature ones.” Honestly those are the history’s teacher most favourite ones, but he stays quiet. “These are totally bland. Nature my butt. There is nothing lovable about this. It’s just colours slapped together, this is nothing like NamJin’s style.”
Well someone is mad. He really did a good job staying quiet.
“And this is my favourite one.” The taller looks at the painting. Now he really can’t stay quiet. What is this. This is national treasure? This is just dark colours slapped together.
“Honey, can you please elaborate? I’m having doubts about you being an art teacher.” SMACK “ouch…”
“You can’t see it?” “Well if you don’t tell me, you’re gonna get mad at my answer.”
“This is my favourite piece, because so much is shown here. NamJin is going through sadness, anger and hatred. You can say, when they were painting the previous ones, they were bottling these feelings. But now they let them all out on a piece of paper. That’s what I call talent. Telling the whole person’s story, through art. And take few steps back. Can you see the hut? It looks like the hut we visited earlier, where they used to store straw bundles. This painting is proof, someone lived here.” He suddenly feels sad. Considering the next paintings, it can be seen that the world famous painter never found his muse again and just decided to let happy feelings take over the paper. NamJin decided to leave all negative thoughts behind and continue on living happily. They come to the last painting. It is believed this was NamJin’s last painting before he died. There is a hint of longtime regret, but is masked with love from other people. Nakyum does not know this person, but he hopes they found peace.
“Nakyum, our twenty minutes are up. We have to go.”
“Yeah alright let’s go.” He glances back at his favourite painting.
Seungho wraps his hand around his husband’s shoulder and follows his gaze. The painting huh. From this far, he can see it. The emptiness, even if someone lived in the hut, they didn’t feel like living. It makes Seungho sad a bit. But one look at his husband and the feeling disappears.
“Look! Those are Jung In-hun’s famous writings! I can read them up close!” Seungho doesn’t know why he feels itchy at Nakyum’s happy expression. “Look I don’t mind your admiration for Nam Jin. But do not say that name of the literary teacher.”
“Oh boo, Seungho, this cannot even be compared to his works. This is a masterpiece, it is a shame, that he carries the name of this talented person.”
Seungho is satisfied “that’s right! If that snake ever touches you or even glances at you, he’s dead meat. You’re mine Yoon Nakyum.” He bites his cheek.
“Ouch.. And nonono. You said we’re taking my name, Baek Seungho! Didn’t want to get rid of the Yoon corporation’s name? It was the deal with my sisters!”
They both laugh at their antics. It’s time to leave the exhibition. This wasn’t as bad as Seungho thought. These moments make him repeatedly understand that when Nakyum is happy, he’s happy too.