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"Are you looking for matching rings, my lord? Or perhaps moving on to the pairs of garakji for some lucky lady?" Asked the store owner, wearing his usual greedy grin.
Normally, Seungho would ignore him, would look until he's found what he wanted to purchase, but today his tongue had been feeling the itch to tell the man that he was the one to be wearing the garakji soon. That his Baek Nakyum had been plotting a grand gift for him.
It was unlike him to overshare, or share anything at all. Just like how it wasn't like him to fancy shiny jewelry unlike what most noblemen coveted.
But now, he couldn't stop eyeing the sets of carefully laid out rings. From quartz, to jades, to the more expensive ones made with silver or even gold, imagined what it'll be like to wear a pair, gifted by Nakyum.
Seungho bit the inside of his cheek, his grin slipping through despite how hard he tried to contain it...
He'd always imagined that he'd be the one choosing the rings, the one asking Nakyum for his hand in marriage, watching the tears pool in those wide amber eyes as he stared at Seungho with love and disbelief.
But after what he had heard, Seungho decided that he didn't mind being the one to wear the garakji, symbolising that he was united with someone as wonderful as his Nakyum...
***
He didn't mean to listen in... He wasn't the least bit interested in other people's lives anyway, but the mere mention of his little love's name had him curious, setting morals aside for now.
"When does he plan on doing so?"
"At Lord Seungho's birthday, apparently. Oh what a grand gift. He's even cutting back on sweets to save what he earns from selling his paintings!"
"I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around how much our Kyum-ah has grown now." Hee-yeon, one of the noonas who were then invited to a luncheon at the Yoon estate, said with a sigh.
"It's the same for me," agreed Hee-song, "Can you believe it's been long ago since he was this adorable little babe that made us feel like a family?"
"Now he's planning to start a family of his own." Said the other, then they both made adoring noises. Seungho, on the other hand, was frowning and confused.
"I do believe that Lord Seungho adores him. Truly adores him. I'm no longer afraid of what our Kyumie's future will be."
Hee-yeon hummed in agreement. "A noble that welcomes us kisaengs as his guest is bound to treat our little Nakyum right. I know he's nervous about asking the lord for his hand in marriage, given their status, and not to mention what is between their legs, but I'm sure that Lord Seungho would adore the idea of it."
"Just like how he adores everything about our Nakyum. Have you seen the way he looks at him even as he naps?" They both erupted into giggles, discussing more which fell to Seungho's deaf ears.
He was stupefied by what he had heard. Disbelief overshadowed by the sudden haste in his heartbeat. Nakyum was what? Planning to ask for his hand in marriage? His shy little painter asking something of that magnitude, and on his birthday at that?
Seungho found himself chuckling, face heating up, elated at the thought that his lover was just as selfish as he was, wanting all of what their love came with.
Now, he found himself almost floating through the jewelry stores, eyeing the rings and wondering which one of them Nakyum plans on choosing as the symbol of their love.
***
That night he made sweet sweet love to Nakyum, the kind that left his voice hoarse from screaming and his limbs boneless and heavy with pleasure, sending him off to a satisfying dreamless sleep until the harsh sunlight forced them up their feet.
"What's the occasion, my lord?" Nakyum asked, staring at the widespread breakfast before him, grander than the king's for sure.
Seungho bit his bottom lip, his fond stare never leaving his lover. Too tempted to respond with a teasing "Our impending wedding, of course.".
"What? Can't I spoil you whenever I just feel like it?"
The suspicious look on Nakyum's face only grew. "Still seems a bit excessive, my lord."
"Nonsense," He clicked his tongue. "Last thing I want is for you to lose weight before the big day."
"Big day?"
"Why the day of my birth, of course. It'll be a grand celebration." Seungho can't help the grin now, almost jumping out of his seat.
Usually Seungho does not even realise his birthday had come until it was over. It was just another day to tick off the calendar, until Nakyum started urging him to do something special during his birthdays, but even then, they were spent privately between the two of them.
This time he wanted it to be special, he'd throw a celebration in order to tell the whole nation that he's about to marry the love of his life.
Nakyum visibly paled, almost choking on his grilled fish. "You... you plan on celebrating this year, my lord?"
Seungho nodded, too eager. "Yes, I'm planning to have your noonas, Seungwon's friends at the academy, and whichever servant you wish to bring, make sure that wenc— I mean, that lass Heena is invited too, I wouldn't want her to miss it."
Nakyum looked aghast but Seungho only chuckled and peppered him with kisses. He wasn't the one to flaunt his wealth but once Nakyum proposed, he'd be sure that everyone who's anyone will have to know about it.
***
It was only natural that Seungho would start counting down the days to his upcoming birthday. Which was then five full moons away, but he had already told Kim, who was also in disbelief, that he wanted a grand celebration for it and that the man should be starting the preparations by then.
"I believe I have more to celebrate than the day of my birth." He can't help but slip, humming happily to himself as he casually went through a catalogue of best wedding hanboks in town, unbeknownst to Nakyum or his servants.
He wanted the wedding not long after Nakyum's proposal; the day right after, to be exact. He'll surprise him by having everything prepared for their wedding, down to the sweets that Nakyum will most probably snack on throughout the day.
Aside from his secretive wedding preparations, one of Seungho's favourite things to look forward to each day were the subtle hints that confirmed Nakyum's plan to propose…
They were in the market one day, as per Nakyum's request, when Seungho playfully spotted a set of rouges once again. The merchant claimed they are new colours, more vibrant and fitting for nobility.
Almost as if reading Seungho's mind, Nakyum whined in protest when his lord picked up one of the rouge then proceeded to dab his finger on it.
"My lord, please. If you are planning anything inappropri—"
"Hush, dearest one." Seungho chuckled. "I will wipe it off properly this time. I just wanted to see what you would look like with a yeonji gonji."
Nakyum had turned almost as red as the rouge as Seungho carefully drew a circle atop each of his cheek, then one on his forehead. The traditional red wedding marks to protect the bride from evil spirits.
Seungho smiled at how well it fit his love, and he needn't say it for Nakyum could see it from the satisfaction on his face.
"Did you… ever want one, my lord?" He started, voice low enough only for Seungho to hear. "...a wedding?"
The sudden jump in Seungho's chest was justified, leaning close as he dabbed away the red marks he'd made. His Nakyum was checking if wanted to be wed…
"Not until the day you told me that I could be selfish, and that I could want more from you." He answered with a smirk, but was certain that it lacked the teasing edge to it. Could feel it straining his lips too much.
Nakyum smiled, the bright and blinding one that he used to covet so madly. Now, it was thrown his way almost every waking day.
His lover surprised him further by standing on his precious toes and landing a shy peck on Seungho's lips. An act that sent him floating, for Nakyum wasn't one to show affection in public. Too shy to even hold Seungho's hand.
"I-I will just be buying some sweets, my lord." Then he rushed off, red-faced and coyly grinning. Leaving Seungho stunned like a wee lad receiving his first kiss.
Seungho felt like he was about to explode, like a high pitched sound was threatening to spew from his throat. He ended up turning to an empty corner where he let his instincts win, pumping his fists in the air and sputtering victorious noises with a little jump.
Only the sound of someone clearing their throat broke his joyous acts.
"I was afraid you were rushing out of urgency my lord so I followed you to check, apologies if I've witnessed... something I shouldn't." Kim carefully explained, turning his eyes downward.
Seungho felt his ears heat up but he made sure to put all his remaining pride into the glare that he sent Kim. "Seen what, exactly?"
Kim stiffened. "Nothing, my lord. I saw nothing"
Satisfied with the answer, Seungho raised his chin and walked past him, trying to hide his heated ears and fists which were still itching to swing with excitement.
***
Months passed by, Seungho had almost planned the whole ceremony entirely… He was just missing the exact day, which he planned to be the very next one after his birthday, the day after Nakyum proposed.
Nakyum had dropped a couple more hints about his plan, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
"May I try and feel your fingers, my lord?" He asked one time, right after their bath.
"Why ever would you do that?" Seungho replied at first, puzzled at the sudden request.
"Oh I—" Nakyum gaped like a freshly caught fish, looking around as if to search for an alibi. "Just your left hand, my lord. I'm just curious, is all..."
Left hand? Then it hit him...
Nakyum needs the size of his left ring finger. For the wedding rings…
Seungho fought off that very strong urge to jump him and smother him in smooches, choosing to just dwell on the amusing fact that Nakyum was such a terrible liar.
"Well if you must," He offered him his left hand. "Although I'm surprised you're not familiar with my fingers yet, when just last night like many before it, they were deep into your—"
"My lord!" His lover hollered, beet red in the face. Seungho let out a booming laugh, unable to contain the joy from teasing Nakyum and having his finger inspected for two rings that soon will surround it.
Finally, the day of his birthday came, the Yoon estate had never been more lively.
The kisaengs performed a very beautiful dance as a gift to the celebrant, and Seungho thanked them by announcing that they were there as his guests and not as entertainment for the other nobles or servants invited.
For a few hours, noblemen, servants, and lowborns drank and ate as if they were equals, undivided by the fabric or jewelry they wore.
Nakyum too had been beside Seungho all night, as the lord paraded him. Introducing him as his lover to anyone that asked. He had been fidgeting and tense, which amused Seungho to no end. He teasingly asked if he was okay once, and Nakyum sent him a forced smile that looked as if he's holding back his bladder.
As the night grew longer, Seungho started growing impatient. When was Nakyum going to ask for his hand? Surely he already had enough hours to gather his nerves.
"I am not one for gifts but I would very much like to see yours now, Kyum-ah. It's the only one that matters." He blurted out, causing Nakyum's eyes to widen.
"Now, my lord? Don't you want to enjoy your celebration even more?"
Seungho shook his head. "I've had enough of it."
Nakyum let out a heavy exhale, then told him it was in their room.
Once in their room Seungho was readying to say his yes, giddy and anxious to see what rings Nakyum bought. But instead a heavy leather bound item was shoved to his direction.
"I'm not sure if you're going to like it, my lord. I… know you told me I am not here to paint for you anymore but I just wanted to give you this as a present."
Seungho opened it, and in it were Nakyum's wonderful paintings. Some were of random things like the cats he adored playing in the yard, some of their smiling faces staring at each other, down to intimate nights that depicted passion in tangled flesh and pleasured expressions.
Seungho loved every single one of it, just like everything that came from Nakyum, he savoured each and every one... but he was waiting for something grander.
Something he was looking forward to for the past half a year.
"I adore this, Kyum-ah…" He told his lover, who sighed in relief. "But is there anything else? Anything you want to ask of me?"
Nakyum gulped and averted his gaze then, gnawing his bottom lip in worry.
"Go on, Kyum-ah." Ask me to marry you. Demand it. His mind supplied, heart pounding with anticipation.
"My lord..."
"Yes?" He was trying to keep the breathlessness out of his voice.
"Lord Seungho, I-" Nakyum exhaled. "I'm just... going to ask if you would be so kind to let my noonas stay for the night?"
Seungho was so ready to scream yes… But that wasn't the question he had been wanting to say yes to. Hell, he'd even say yes without a ring, or if Nakyum could only afford to propose with cherry stems. He didn't need the shiny rings, he just wanted Nakyum to want to spend his life with him…
Silence filled them. The air shifted along with the metaphorical breaking of Seungho's expectant heart at the lack of what he was waiting for.
"No."
"No?"
"No, ask everyone to leave."
"But my lord it's really late and—"
"No. I want them gone, every last one. And tell Kim to prepare a bath for myself." He turned, fists shaking, his blunt nails digging into his palms.
How foolish was he to expect that Nakyum would want more from him? When he's already living a life better than even some lowly noble like his learned sir? Or maybe he changed his mind, realised he didn't want to spend eternity with such a fickle man… Pathetic. His active imagination got ahead of him again.
He barely gave Kim time to heat up a bath for him before Seungho was stripping down in his private bath, wanting to quickly drown the stinging in his eyes and in his chest, in the scalding water.
It felt like days before the estate quieted down again, quiet enough to hear those approaching footsteps that his stubborn heart recognised and sped up for. Pathetic indeed.
"My lord?" Nakyum's small voice called. "Can I... come in?"
He gave no answer, still hurt and bitter. He was expecting Nakyum to leave, not hear the door open and close behind him.
"Didn't you hear what I told Kim? I want a bath for just mysel—"
"You know of my plan, yes?" Nakyum cut him off.
Seungho finally met his eyes, unable to keep his bitter glower. "What plan?" He denied.
"The one where I... that I'm planning to—" Nakyum mumbled, turning red in the face.
Seungho's stubborn heart hastened, but his stubborn head was even more so that night. "I do not know what you speak of, and if you changed your mind about it then I do not wish to hear it any more."
Nakyum's eyes widened in panic, this was not how he wanted it to go.
"No, Lord Seungho, it's important! I was going to ask if you—"
"Stop." Seungho butted in. "Do not ask me if you are having doubts. Do not patronise me like a wounded animal. You did not ask of it for a reason, let's leave it at that." He can feel the stinging in his eyes again but he didn't let it shake his firm voice.
He turned, losing the heart to stare at Nakyum but did not have the strength to send him away as well. Right as he was about to just submerge his misery, a broken sniffle shot him to the heart.
"Seungho-yah..." Called Nakyum, with a sob that squeezed his heart further.
"I wasn't... I wasn't having doubts." The painter continued sobbing, whilst Seungho gripped the sides of the tub and felt the metaphorical ice around his heart melting once again because of Baek Nakyum.
"I was going to ask you to marry me. I was going to. I've been keeping the rings for months now, I can't sleep without checking it first, making sure it's safe under my pillow… You can't tell me I'm having doubts when I've never been more sure in my entire life."
Nakyum carefully walked towards him, wrapping his shaking arms around Seungho's wet shoulders. "When I bought the rings it took all of my strength to not just ask for your hand immediately, that night." Seungho could feel each sob as Nakyum held him tighter.
"But I wanted to do it on your birthday... In that way, maybe y-you'd... maybe you'd have something joyous to remember that day by, in the coming years, and that we could celebrate it together." He was sure his love was a mess of snot and tears by then, he was breathing harshly but his arms were firm around Seungho's shoulders.
Warm streams threatened to pour from his eyes, for he never felt that kind of joy before. Never even know he was capable of feeling such.
"Then why didn't you?" He quietly asked, but his arms slowly made their way to embrace Nakyum's
"I just— there were too many people, my lord." His lover quickly replied. "I didn't want to pressure you into saying yes just because you didn't want me to lose face, so I backed out and figured I would just have to ask you once the party was over…"
"I'm not sure how you came to know my plan, Seungho-yah, but I assure you, I haven't changed my mind about it. I just… wanted you to say yes because you want it too." The last part was whispered doubtfully, like Nakyum wasn't actually stating a fact.
Seungho fought off a snort. "Then ask me now."
"Huh?"
"Ask me now." Seungho repeated. "I don't care what romantic scene you planned in your head, just ask me now, Kyum-ah."
Finally facing him, Seungho stood up, bare in all sense of the word as he held Nakyum's face. Nakyum shakingly placed each palm on Seungho's cheeks, like the night he confessed his love for him.
"My lord, my Seungho-yah, will you be my eternal moon? The one that follows me everywhere that I go because it is so fond of me?"
Seungho grinned, so wide that he's afraid he'd tear at the lips, finally letting the warm tears fall. It seems as though Nakyum's lessons in literature were paying off.
"Only if you'd allow me to be as selfish as I wish to be. Even more so now that I'll be your husband." They both melt at that term, obvious by the look that Nakyum gave him, which he was certain that just mirrored his own.
"I love you, lord Seungho."
"I love you, my Kyum. Only you."
They kissed as if they were already at the ceremony, which in a way was starting to feel like a waste, for they already were bound heart and soul with each promise whispered between ardent lips.