Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The morning begins gray and dismal, a promise that the rest of this late winter day will be just as rainy and miserable.

The cold makes Minseo's hands feel clumsy as he prepares the inks and pigments that will be used today. He scrapes a finger against the whetstone, a rough smudge of red that becomes coated with a sooty black when he wraps his other hand around the tiny injury. His eyes prickle hot, he's used to the rough work of preparing the workshop for the master painter he's apprenticing under every morning, but it's just that the cold makes it sting worse and also- 

He casts a look at the paper scraps that are stacked near haphazardly on the workbench that serves as his own. Trimmed and discarded papers that master painter Lee has no use for, that Minseo has practiced his own lines and forms on during his free time. But it's not enough, it doesn't feel like nearly enough. 

He drafts, he blocks out the colors that he's asked to, primes the paper, prepares the tea, cleans and cooks and - 

He wants to create his own works, wants to create freely without being berated for wasting paint, wants to use the colors that he wants, let what inspires him lead the brush in his hand. 

But he knows that he isn't good enough. He's heard the hum of disapproval too many times as master painter Lee runs a critical eye over his paintings before tucking them away. Hiding Minseo's work so that any prospective clients won't judge the master by his student's works, perhaps? 

There's a knock on the frame of the door and Minseo startles. He roughly wipes his hands clean, though clean is relative, there are bright blues and yellows dried on to his nails, an almost permanent set of ink stains on his fingers. 

Was a client expected to visit today? None of their commissions are due within this month. 

Minseo chews on his lip, glances towards the cramped stairs that lead towards the master painter's sleeping quarters. If an important client was visiting, the master painter would have long since rolled out of bed and been present.

Minseo stands up, nervously running his hands across the rough cloth of his apron. He makes his way to the entrance, where there's another impatient rap against the door.

There's a hole in the screen, something that Minseo knows is his duty to fix but…there's just so much to do that he hasn't had a chance to patch it over. He peeks through it.

There's a young man standing outside- no, two of them. They both seem to be around Minseo's age, but the similarities seem to end there, because unlike the old, paint stained clothing that Minseo is dressed in, the two are dressed in something much finer.

Are they in the employ of an aristocrat? A well to do merchant? Minseo doesn't know, but he shouldn’t keep them waiting.

He slides open the door, awkwardly stumbles through a greeting, breath hitching when he notices the sword strapped to the waist of the shorter of the two.

He tries not to stare, but there's a noble's insignia stamped onto the sheath. He's seen it before, but it feels as if his mind has been scoured clean when he tries to recall just which family it belongs to.

He ushers them in nervously, the taller of the two frowning as he enters the workshop and casts an eye around, displeased about something and fraying Minseo's nerves further. The guard - Minseo assumes he must be a guard because who else carries a sword around, right? - gives Minseo a shy smile when their gazes accidentally meet.

Minseo nearly spills the tea while pouring it for the guests. 

The proposal makes no sense.

“I'm- I apologize, but could I ask you to repeat that? Please?” He's not good with the overly formal language that the upper classes use, and the words feel clunky and awkward on his tongue. It's something he needs to study, he knows, if he ever wants to find a patron in the future and somehow manage to hold on to their good graces but…it's hard to devote time to anything but his art. Not that he has much time for it when being an apprentice means living at the beck and call of the master painter.

“Of course.” Cha Junho, the taller of the two, speaks. His frown has eased into a neutral expression, but Minseo still feels an air of judgement around him. “The Hwang family is seeking a portrait artist for the purpose of securing a match for their son and heir.”

Junho takes a slow, steady sip of his tea. His calm appearance is in sharp contrast to the erratic way that Minseo's heart is beating inside his chest.

Kim Dongyun, the guard, nibbles on one of the sweets that Minseo has placed before the two guests. He hasn't spoken much since introducing himself, leaving the delivering of the commission proposal to Junho. Dongyun's silence isn't the quietly critical silence of Junho's, instead he gives Minseo an encouraging smile. 

Minseo doesn't know what to make of the two. Junho seems to detest him on sight, while Dongyun seems cheerful. 

“Yes, I understand but…” Minseo's eyebrows scrunch, he doesn't understand. “I think I heard incorrectly. You meant master painter Lee, right?” 

Too casual, he mentally chastises himself.

“You heard correctly. The young master is interested in your work, specifically.” He lays a sheet of paper onto the table, and Minseo has to hold himself steady. “This is one of yours, is it not?”

Minseo nods his head shakily. A self portrait. 

The master painter pays him with food and lodging and the secrets of his methods, nothing much tangible that he can easily ask someone to take time out of their day to model for him. The neighborhood children will sometimes oblige, the aunties and uncles while they work at their own crafts carving wood or shaping pottery, but portrait practice usually means Minseo and a small mirror.

“Yes.” Minseo somehow manages to say, his throat feels dry. He takes a gulp of tea, scorching his throat, but it grounds him better in the moment. “But I'm…only an apprentice. And- and the Hwang family is…”

Minseo doesn't know all the ins-and-outs of the noble class, but he knows that the king owes his parentage to an omega of the Hwang clan. He can't imagine his skills being at a level worthy of a family of such high regard.

According to the master painter, his skills are only at a level worthy of -

The corners of Junho's mouth dip back into a frown, displeased. He places another painting down, a landscape. Then another, an arrangement of flowers. 

Stamped on it is his master's signature but it's…it's Minseo’s work.

“And these?”

“Mine as well.” His voice is quiet as he tries to understand what it means. “It's mine…but…”

Dongyun puts a hand on Junho's forearm, and Minseo's gaze shifts between the two of them. Junho still seems unhappy about something, but his posture relaxes.

“The young master has always had a discerning eye for art,” Dongyun speaks up, “He knew it wasn't master painter Lee's work, so he sent us to find out who the true artist was. He's fallen in love with your art.” 

Dongyun's voice is low and soothing, contrasting with Junho's professional austerity. However, the next time that Junho speaks, his tone has softened as well.

“You have talent, and the young master wants you. Frankly speaking, you shouldn’t be stuck here.” Junho drops the formal speech, and that's when Minseo finally realizes that Junho isn't angry at him but angry on his behalf. “The young master wants to see your talent grow, it isn’t just about the portrait.”

Junho pauses, then says with a smile, “The portrait is important, though. What do you say?”

“I…” It sounds too good to be true, it could be the beginning of his career, it could be everything. Again, his words stumbling out, his ability to articulate failing him. “Yes. Yes, please.” 

Junho nods. “Do you want to hear the details, how you'll be compensated, the deadline…?” 

Earlier, he'd spoken in the polished dialect of the city, but now that he's speaking more comfortably, there's a hint of the countryside in the way his consonants are shaped.

Maybe it's naive of Minseo to think so, but he has no concerns that the Hwang family will fail to appropriately compensate him. It probably is naive when he's just found out that someone as respected as master painter Lee has taken advantage of him. But Junho and Dongyun both feel like good people, and the way they address this young master Hwang is full of warmth. He must also be a good person for his subordinates to speak of him in such a way.

He pushes aside impractical thoughts, though it's hard to resist falling into fanciful daydreaming of what young master Hwang must be like. Good people notwithstanding, Minseo would like better earnings than he has now. His parents’ inn is successful enough that Minseo's been given the freedom to pursue art, but he's also not blind to the sacrifices that have been made. He'd like to help his parents out more than he's able to with the pittance he receives from master painter Lee. 

“Yes, please.” Minseo wants to say more than that, ask questions, but his mind is racing far too fast and his mouth just can't catch up right now.

Junho sets a new paper down on the table, and Minseo's eyes scan over it. Neat handwriting, each stroke of the brush controlled and purposeful, and neat wording. It appears to be a straightforward contract, and primarily spun in Minseo's favor.

There’s a thud on the stairs, the sound of heavy, stumbling footfalls. Minseo holds back a wince, master painter Lee must be hungover after arriving back late last night from a smaller court official's banquet. He'll be harder to handle today, sour and cranky and even more demanding regarding all of Minseo's various tasks.

More footsteps in the workshop, and then master painter Lee appears in the open doorway that connects the sitting room to the rest of the residence. 

Minseo should stand, should greet him, should show him respect, get him a cup of tea. But when he sees him, red-faced from drink so early in the morning, Minseo feels his mind empty of all that he should do and instead fill with the anger and frustration that he's tried to suppress for the past several years.

“And what would the names of these two gentlemen be?” Master painter Lee sits, then reaches for the contract. 

Junho rolls it up, removing it from his reach. Minseo blinks.

Master painter Lee is… his work is famous, and his reputation just as much. An artist who did not receive a formal apprenticeship, largely self taught but with such an eye, such taste, who quickly rose to prominence at a young age. Minseo knows that his star has faded in the two decades past, but master painter Lee is still highly respected and his bookings stretch not just a month or two into the future but a full year. There might be criticisms that his art is a little old fashioned among some of the elite, but just as many aristocratic houses have a painting of his on their walls.

So Junho's lack of deference to someone his elder, and one so respected, is shocking.

Master painter Lee takes in a deep breath, but doesn't comment on the slight. Even inebriated, he must have recognized the insignia on Dongyun's sword, or perhaps the fine quality of the two's clothing. Even with his status, he can't afford to slight the vassals of someone clearly so much higher in the social hierarchy.

“Cha Junho, here on request of young master Hwang Yunseong to procure the master artist who is responsible for these works.” 

“Kim Dongyun, also sent by young master Hwang to ensure that this matter is handled peaceably.” He casually rests his arm on the hilt of his sword, lips bending into a polite smile.

“The Hwang family…it's an honor. I hope that my apprentice didn't offend you in any way, he doesn't mean badly but Minseo can be…foolish.”

“The honor is master painter Kim's, sir.” Junho says, tone icily polite and clipped. 

“Master painter Kim?” 

“Yes, sir. Master painter Kim. The very same artist whose works you have attempted to pass off as your own.”

Minseo listens to the exchange as if untethered from his body, seeing it play out as something removed from him. Master painter Kim .

There's a hot, red feeling that brings him back into the moment, the palm of master painter Lee's hand striking his face. He immediately slides back until he bumps against the wall, a glass decorative piece slides free off a shelf and shatters on the floor.

“You betrayed me.”

Lee's arm stretches back, hand forming into a fist and readying to strike again.

“Everything I have done for you, and this is how you repay me? By going behind my back, you ungrateful-” A pained gasp as his arm is twisted behind his back, Dongyun having moved so quickly that Minseo has hardly processed it.

Lee scrambles with his free arm, trying to remove Dongyun's grip but it may as well be an iron vice.

“How can you treat him like that?” Dongyun asks, his voice doesn't sound exerted.

“I can treat him however I damn please. He's my apprentice.” Lee says, then hisses when Dongyun twists his arm back harder.

Lee grabs the self portrait and waves it in the air, his drunkeness growing further apparent in the jerky movements. “Is it because of this? Your young master fell for a pretty face? Does young master Hwang want his art or does he want a pretty omega groom?” Lee laughs, and it's a crude, cruel sound. “He looks like that, but he's a half assed alpha. Your young master won't want him, not really.”

He puts the self portrait down on the table then smacks it. “Talentless, clumsy. Good for nothing. If you go, you'll only embarrass yourself and embarrass me. You know I'm telling the truth.”

“I can pretend this didn't happen. You can keep studying as my apprentice, and I'll take this job instead.”

“I don't…” Minseo’s voice shakes, not with fear but with anger. “No. It's not true. I can paint, I do have talent. If I didn't, you wouldn't have stolen my art. You wouldn't have sold it with your name stamped on it.”

He sees Junho nod his head encouragingly, sees that Dongyun is watching him with a small smile.

“So no, I'm not going to tolerate this any longer. You taught me, you gave me a place to live and work. I won't ask you to compensate me for all the paintings you stole and profited from, that can be my gratitude to you. But that's all.” The words come out in a rush, quickly before he can stumble and hesitate. He gasps in a breath, the only sound in the stunned silence after.

Minseo stands up, then steps out the front door. He takes a step, and then another. 

Whatever strength took hold of him a moment ago leaves and his shoulders droop. The tears that have been threatening to spill finally fall down his face. He sniffles, angry and devastated and so, so happy to finally pursue the future he wants.

Minseo holds a poultice of cooling herbs to his cheek as he speaks, he flinches occasionally from the soreness of his face but it doesn't temper his excitement as he animatedly conveys the events of the day to his parents.

What feels like a feast is spread out before Minseo, it's been a while since he's been home and the good news is further reason for his parents to celebrate and spoil him with his favorite foods. Though, Minseo notes, Junho and Dongyun are being treated just as much like sons of the Kim family as he is. He's seen his mother fussing over Dongyun's empty bowl several times, and seems to have come just short of adopting Junho.

Unlike the stiff formality that the two had displayed in front of master painter Lee, their polite attitude towards Minseo's parents is one that's warm and respectful. Handsome and well mannered, it isn’t a surprise that the two have quickly endeared themselves to his parents.

The empty serving dishes are carried away, the table instead set with after dinner drinks. The conversation turns serious again, formal plans discussed. Minseo will take the time to pack tomorrow, make any purchases. Junho assures that the Hwang family will cover the costs of his art supplies, as well as any other necessities. Weather permitting, the three will head out to the Hwang family estate the day after. 

“Here, bring this up to their room.” Minseo's mother sets a tray in his arms containing a water pitcher and two cups. 

While his parents had offered to let Junho and Dongyun stay the two nights free of charge, they had respectfully declined and made certain to pay in full. 

Minseo makes his way up the staircase, wood creaking softly beneath his feet. If he thinks too hard about the events of the day, it feels unreal. The offer from the Hwang family, standing up for himself against master painter Lee… He wonders if it's alright to feel this optimistic and finds his thoughts starting to teeter into negativity. 

Down the hallway, the last door that leads to the best room of the inn. Minseo shifts the tray to one arm, then knocks. 

Soft voices, the sound of footsteps before the door opens.

“Ah, thank you.” Junho says, immediately taking the tray from Minseo.

“If you need anything during the night, my room is to the left of the stairs.”

Junho nods, “Have a good-”

“Is it alright- sorry.” Minseo speaks up suddenly, then apologizes as he talks over Junho.

“No, it’s fine. What were you asking?”

“About master painter Lee. He was so angry, will that be alright?”

“Ah…” Junho sighs.

There's a shuffling sound, and then Dongyun joins him at the door.

“Let's sit down and talk.” Dongyun places a hand on Junho's shoulder, pulling him away from the entrance. Minseo takes a hesitant step into the room, then slides the door shut behind him.

Junho sets the tray down on the low table, then takes a seat on one of the floor cushions. Minseo follows suit, eyes drawn to Dongyun's sword that's also resting on the table.

“Master painter Lee won't be a problem anymore.” Dongyun says, then takes a sip of water from the cup that Junho's pushed into his hands. His cheeks are still flushed pink from the liquor earlier, it seems that despite his appreciation for a good drink his tolerance is fairly low. 

Dongyun looks up, and something in Minseo's expression must be concerning because he immediately exclaims,“Not like that!”

Junho laughs at the misunderstanding, shaking his head. “We had a civil conversation, and he acknowledged your skill.”

“But…but can't he accuse the young master Hwang of stealing his apprentice.” Minseo mumbles it, phrases like loss of business and financial harm floating incoherently in his thoughts.

“He won't do that.” Dongyun leans against Junho's shoulder. “It’s foolish to go up against the Hwang family.”

Minseo must not look convinced, because Junho continues, “We got it in writing. He signed on it. Your apprenticeship is considered completed, and he has no rights upon you or your work. Here-”

Junho reaches for a bag, then pulls out a sheet. He lays it down on the table and Minseo's eyes skim over it. It's exactly as Junho said.

Without warning, a tear slides down his cheek.

“Ah, no,” Minseo scrubs his palm over his face, and the apology automatically spills from his tongue, “sorry.”

Junho pours out another cup of water, placing it in front of Minseo.

“You don't need to say sorry. A lot happened, it's fine if you're upset.”

“No, that's not it-” Minseo's voice hitches as he fights a sob back, frustrated that his eyes won't listen and cease their tears, “I'm not upset. I'm just…I'm embarrassed, crying like this in front of strangers. Alpha's don't - This isn't - you did so much for me, I'm happy but I don't know how to repay you.”

He sniffs, rubs at his eyes again.

“Make a good portrait for the young master, that's all.” Junho says it matter of factly. 

Dongyun elbows him, then says, “If you feel like you can't be comfortable because we're strangers, then let's be friends instead. That way, you won't feel like you owe anything.”

“Friends?” That finally shocks his tears into stopping. Instead, he finds a smile on his face. “Yes…yeah, I'd like that.”

It really is fine if he's optimistic. It's fine if he's hopeful. And after a long time it feels as if the future spread out in front of Minseo, a bright and glittering thing, is something that he can reach out for and take into his hands.

Chapter Text

Besides the jostling of the carriage, the trip to the Hwang estate is pleasant. Heading south of the capital means that the weather grows warmer, the season much closer to spring than to winter.

While the Hwang family does have a residence in the capital, a short walk's distance from the palace gates, the young master has preferred to reside in the ancestral home away from the hubbub and gossip of the royal city during these past few years. 

Junho requests the carriage driver to stop just as they crest the top of a particularly tall hill. 

“Let's get out for a moment, you'll want to see this.” In the course of the past few days since Dongyun extended friendship, both the long hours spent in each other's company and the literal close quarters of the carriage have brought the three of them closer with each other. The beginnings of this friendship can be heard in the much more relaxed speech that Junho uses, formality dropped after realizing that all three are born in the same year.

Dongyun steps out after Junho, the metallic clank of his sword accompanying the thump of his boots on dirt. Minseo is next, awkwardly shuffling out on stiff legs, still not quite used to travelling such long distances in such an unsteady vehicle. 

The earth feels good beneath his feet, solid and unmoving. He blinks, unused to the bright sunlight after hours of sitting in the shaded interior of the carriage. 

Dongyun tugs at his arm, turning him around. He points in the distance. “Look there, that's where the lands of the Hwang family begin.”

It takes a few more seconds of blindly squinting, unable to make sense of the smears of indigo and red that he sees before his eyes accustom to the light. 

It takes his breath away.

Eyes wide, watering from the brightness of the sun above but just as much in awe. Spread below are fields of flowers, as if a god has casually spread a brocade robe over the land. The breeze picks up just then, teasing through Minseo's hair, carrying the sweet scent to his nose. He takes a deep breath, fills his lungs as he continues to drink in the sight.

“It's beautiful.” He turns to Dongyun, but his gaze immediately pulls back to the view, the softly rolling hills, the mirror clear surface of a lake in the distance. “But why flowers?”

Even from this far away, Minseo can tell that he can't recognize any of the blooms below. They aren't any of the flowers that he's familiar with that are turned into dyes or pigments. And even if they're beautiful, it doesn't make sense to dedicate so much land to their cultivation just for the sake of beauty. 

But then again, Minseo is reminded, he doesn't understand anything about the aristocracy. Maybe all this land, these fields, are nothing more than an expansive garden.

Dongyun seems to have been waiting for the question, because he answers eagerly, “Right? But it's not just pretty, it's useful too. The flowers all have medicinal purposes.”

Junho continues from there, “The Hwang family's been researching medicines for alphas and omegas for generations. Most of these flowers, and even the bark from those trees are to combat the effects of heat and rut.”

Minseo just barely keeps himself from visibly flinching at that, he's never heard anyone discuss it so openly. Even if it's health related, among the common people to address something so…private is considered taboo.

As the three settle back into the carriage for the final stretch of their journey, Minseo rolls the thought over in his mind like a marble in his palm. He really doesn’t understand anything about nobility. Unlike the world of commoners that he comes from that’s populated near fully with betas, the households of noble families are filled with alphas and omegas, whether by blood, adoption, or employment. Instead of something shameful, maybe the particular problems of alphas and omegas are seen as something common and everyday instead. 

But still, Minseo can’t quite wrap his mind around it. It’s far too different from his own experience, even as an alpha himself. 

He’s been trying to ignore that thread of apprehension that keeps pulling taut inside his gut, but the feeling only grows stronger as he’s faced with just how much he doesn’t know. Everything he’s ever heard about the sub-genders has always sounded like sensationalized hearsay to him, rich and powerful omegas with harems full of beta men for their insatiable appetites, alphas that possess the strength of an entire army contingent and the aggression to match…He’s nervous that he might offend someone he can’t afford to offend with his lack of knowledge. 

The apprehension must show on his face, he’s never been good at hiding his emotions, because Junho asks, “Something on your mind?”

In the same way that Minseo’s never been able to suppress his feelings to the chagrin of master painter Lee who felt that both his smiles and his tears were an insult to men and to alphas, he’s also never been able to stifle his curiosity. 

“I was wondering-” But it’s his curiosity, his questions about how and why that would often end in master painter Lee’s irritation and the last thing that Minseo wants to do is spoil this newly sprouting friendship with the two Hwang retainers. “Never mind, it’s nothing.”

“If you want to know something, just ask. You probably have a lot of questions, right?”

“I don’t…I don’t want to be a bother.” Minseo says, his voice shrinking.

“It’s not a bother, since we’re friends now.” Dongyun says with an encouraging smile.

Junho crosses his arms. “It’s more annoying if you sit around fretting like that. If you want to say something, just say it. Besides, we’re not reaching the estate until sunset, it’s better to spend the time talking than in silence.”

“Then…” Junho nods as Minseo begins speaking, “earlier. You mentioned an omega’s time of month…is it normal to discuss something like that so openly?”

“Time of month? Is that what betas call a heat?” Dongyun says with his eyebrows raised, “Why wouldn’t it be normal, it’s health matters just like a beta’s monthly bleeding and that’s normal, isn’t it?”

“That’s not…” Minseo wishes again that he had better control over his expressions because the heat in his face tells him that he must have turned bright red. It feels like a series of punches one after another, Dongyun candidly discussing not one but two societally taboo topics at once and Minseo can’t muster the strength to respond.

“It’s not? But-” Junho places a firm hand on Dongyun’s shoulder and he stops speaking. He seems perplexed.

“What’s normal for us isn’t what’s normal for the common folk.” Junho says to Dongyun before turning to face Minseo across from him, “I’ve been with the Hwang family long enough that I forgot that discussing it might be…shocking for you. Dongyun’s family has been with the Hwangs for generations, so he really doesn’t know that the majority of people don’t talk about either of those topics.”

“But to answer your question, yeah, it’s normal. Nobles and the people around them don’t think of it as anything disgraceful because there are so many alphas and omegas. Instead, it would be inconvenient if we couldn’t discuss it.”

Dongyun nods, and interjects, “Like if I need to take some days off and rest, or if there’s a situation where someone’s,” he slows down, and then says carefully, “time of month unexpectedly starts.”

Junho taps at his chin as he thinks, “Other than that…there might be a few other things that might feel shocking to you.”

“Please tell me.” Minseo leans forward slightly, curiosity battling with the society-instilled sense of impropriety that he feels at the topic. “I don’t want to say anything stupid and make anyone angry.”

“Well…” Junho frowns as if struggling to find the right words. “Intimate relations…”

“Ah,” Minseo makes an awkward, choked sound. 

“It’s nothing crazy like the rumors,” Junho hurriedly says, “but it’s not…what I’m saying is, it’s not a big deal. Unmarried couples, it’s not frowned on. It’s understood that sometimes people won’t, or can’t, take suppressants. So it’s just seen as health stuff.”

“Oh, and…betas are, like, a little bit rigid, right? Beta men only marry beta women?”

Now that the topics moved away from things like intimate relations , Minseo feels the tension fall from his shoulders. “Oh, oh, I know about that. One of the clients that master painter Lee had was a noblewoman with a wife.”

Junho nods. “See, you’ll be fine. As long as you’re not rude on purpose, there’s no problem.”

“And you can always just ask us if you’re curious about anything else. Here, take one.” Dongyun says as he unwraps a parcel of rice cakes he’d bought earlier. 

Junho takes one as well, and they sit in a pleasant silence for a moment while enjoying the snack.

“But Minseo,” Dongyun says with a small frown, “aren't you an alpha? You're so shy about all this, Lee didn't teach you?”

Minseo notes the conspicuous lack of title. He begins to speak, but his mouth is still full and the most he can manage is a garbled mumble. He chews quickly, but it's easier said than done with the sticky texture of the rice cake.

“It's fine, don't choke.” Junho says before turning towards Dongyun to say, “Isn't Lee a beta? He wouldn't have known much either.” 

“Ahh,” Dongyun nods thoughtfully, before asking a new question, “But…since Minseo's an alpha, why was he apprenticed under a beta?”

Minseo swallows, and is about to ask how Dongyun knew he's an alpha before he remembers. Half assed alpha , master painter Lee had called him. It's not like it's wrong, his alpha traits don't present all that strongly, and looking at him, he'd never be mistaken for one. During his yearly health examinations, he's been told time and time again that his pheromones are a bit weak.

It shouldn't bother him. He isn't sensitive to other’s pheromones, has never had any difficulty with his rut medication. But it's the way that master painter Lee would needle at him, make him feel like he was lacking, that's sunken under his skin. 

“That's because…I'm a recessive alpha. He was probably the only one willing to take someone like me as an apprentice.”

“What…” Junho says, then shakes his head. His expression’s grown clouded, thinly concealed anger. “No, that's not it. Like I just said, Lee doesn't know much. He doesn't know anything.”

He takes a breath. “Alright, so, let me ask you this…why do noble families like to adopt alpha and omega children?”

“Because,” Minseo fidgets with the edge of his sleeve, “they're valuable? Alphas are strong and omegas are…pretty?”

“That's not…entirely wrong.” Junho says, making it clear that it isn't entirely correct either. “Kim Dongyun, what's your sub-gender?”

“Me?” Dongyun startles, but then answers without missing a beat, “I'm an omega, but you know that. Why?”

Junho looks back at Minseo and nods. “See?”

“But-” Minseo realizes that he's left his jaw hanging and quickly shuts his mouth, his lips forming into a frown instead. 

“Just say what you're thinking, it’s fine. It's better to correct any misunderstandings right now.” 

“But aren't omegas weak?” Minseo glances back and forth between the two of them. Dongyun doesn't seem like the kind of frail flower that he's heard omegas described as.

“Only omegas that don't have access to proper medication or don't have a partner. Improperly handled heats mean fevers, and getting sick all the time means they're weak.” Junho continues, “Dominant alphas and omegas are a pain, suppressants and doctors are expensive. Of course, there's a benefit for noble families that adopt alpha and omega kids. They have stronger constitutions and they pass those down to their children. It means heirs that are less likely to die.”

“So it doesn't mean that something's wrong with you, it just means that your own family was able to safely raise you because your condition wasn't too serious.” Junho huffs out a breath as he finishes. “Seriously, the things that people say.”

“Oh.” Minseo drops his gaze to his lap, considering what Junho has just told him, trying to recontextualize his understanding of the world. 

An old memory is cast in a new light - census day when Minseo had been examined to check for a sub-gender along with all the other children that lived in his district. The palace official had sat with his parents for a lengthy discussion, their faces stony as they had listened. Afterwards, his mother had held him tight, quietly sobbing.

Even though he's never doubted his parents' love, after the many years under master painter Lee's tutelage, Minseo had assumed he'd disappointed them. But now he understands that moment for what it was, his parents relieved, grateful, that they didn't have to be parted from their son so soon.

He puts his face in his hands, inhales deeply, exhales.

The rest of the ride passes comfortably, easy silence, occasional chatter. At one point, Dongyun falls asleep, leaning against Junho's shoulder. When his head begins to slip, Junho gently adjusts it. The look in his eyes is soft, his smile, and something about it feels so private, so intimate that Minseo feels as if he's intruding. He drops his gaze, notices for the first time the way that their hands are held, fingers twined. 

It's another thing he's going to have to grow accustomed to, he realizes. He's never seen such an outward display of affection, much less between two men. Face feeling warm, he pretends to have fallen asleep as well.

Feigned sleep must have become true sleep, because Minseo awakens at the sound of loud voices outside of the carriage. A loud wooden creaking, he peeks past the curtains, curious.

“We've arrived.” Junho says, then softly says Dongyun's name to wake him.

The carriage's wheels roll past the thrown open doors of a tall, wooden gate. The guards who stand at the gate carry the same swords at their side as Dongyun.

With the sun having set already, the grounds are lit with torches, lanterns affixed to the exteriors of the many buildings. Still, it's dark enough that Minseo can't make out any specifics, each of the buildings looks like a vague gray shadow. He ducks his head back inside just as the carriage comes to a stop.

“It looks more impressive during the day,” Junho says, stepping out of the carriage. “I'll arrange for someone to give you a tour of the grounds tomorrow.”

A little drowsily, Dongyun also scoots out, stumbling on his feet. He stretches, then says, “Why don't you do it yourself?”

A gaggle of servants walks up to Junho and he quickly directs them and they begin unloading luggage, leading the horses away.

Junho finishes speaking to them then says to Dongyun, “It's the middle of the month. I'm going to be busy covering for the young master.” 

“Is the young master not home?” Minseo asks, not quite following the conversation. He stifles a yawn with the back of his hand.

They begin to walk, and Minseo is glad that someone will show him around tomorrow because he doesn't think he'd be able to navigate the grounds on his own.

“Oh, no,” Dongyun says, “It’s young master Yunseong's heat, it's always around this time. Junho takes care of his duties, so he's going to be stuck at a desk for a few days.”

“Oh.” Is all that Minseo says, but on the inside his mind is reeling from the new information.

Junho ascends a short series of stone steps, a grouping of other small buildings at the end of a small path. “The guest quarters are here. It's a little further out, for privacy.”

Minseo nods, but he hasn't committed the way here to memory. Young master Hwang is an omega. He's the young master, the heir, but he's an omega? 

A servant enters one of the guest residences ahead of them, lighting the interior. 

Minseo realizes he's being close minded. The assumption that an omega wouldn't inherit, would instead marry out into another family… he has a lot that he needs to unlearn.

Minseo wishes he were less tired from the journey so that he could better appreciate the interior of the guest residence. But for now, he sits down when Junho and Dongyun do, watches in a daze as his luggage is brought in. More servants, this time carrying trays of food, a dinner much more elaborate than he's ever had in his life.

Minseo sleeps well that night. Exhausted from the days of travel, stomach full of good food, and tucked into comfortable sheets, he's asleep as soon as his head touches the pillow.

He dreams of that field of flowers, purple and red and pink and spread out all around him, a brilliant blue sky above him. His heart feels light.

Minseo awakens to the sound of quiet but determined footsteps, soft clattering, the slosh of water. He blinks dazedly for a moment before realizing that he's no longer dreaming.

He sits up, crawls forward on his knees to peek beyond the screen that's placed to offer him privacy. It feels strange as he observes the servants who are readying for him to begin his day - a teapot on the table, warm water for him to wash up. He feels like he needs to stand up and offer them assistance, whether at his family's inn or during his apprenticeship, these are all the tasks that were his duty.

He looks at his hands. Rough knuckles and calloused palms. 

It's another thing he'll need to get used to while he's here.

There’s a knock at the door just before noon, right as Minseo has finished arranging all of his art supplies. It seems as if this room was prepared in advance for him, and he wonders if young master Hwang had expected his agreement before having even extended the offer. A large wooden table, several shelves filled with reams of pure white paper, cakes of pigment, inks of varying shades. Charcoals, and brushes. There's everything that he could ask for, and then some that he doesn't recognize. Art supplies from foreign lands, the scents and colors and textures unfamiliar.

He pulls his attention away from what feels like his own personal treasure trove, and answers the door.

It's an unfamiliar young man, but there’s nothing surprising about that. Minseo doesn't know anyone here aside from Junho and Dongyun, and he'd felt too awkward, too shy to speak with any of the servants, afraid of disturbing them in the middle of their work.

“Hello,” The man smiles brightly, “Master painter Kim, yes?”

“I-” The form of address still feels unnatural to him, even though completing his apprenticeship and receiving master painter Lee's formal approval means that the title is his. “Yes, that's me. May I ask…?”

“Of course. Lee Hyeop, serving as an advisor to young master Hwang. Junho's asked me to show you around, are you ready to head out?”

Minseo blinks, even he's heard the name Lee Hyeop before. Not only did he pass the exams at a remarkably young age, but also achieved among the top ranks. Just as remarkable is his family background, or lack thereof- unlike most top ranked scholars who come from noble families with an easy access to resources and tutors, Lee Hyeop is a commoner.

In an attempt to show appropriate respect, Minseo ends up fumbling his words, somehow both agreeing and disagreeing while also extending an invitation for tea. 

The scholar waves his arm, as if brushing away something. “Let's just dispose of formalities, all these titles are stuffy, aren't they? If you're a friend of Junho's and Dongyun's, you'll be a friend of mine, too. So, just Hyeop hyung is fine.”

He hums slightly, cheek dimpling with his smile. “Tea sounds nice, we can stop by the kitchens and pick up some treats too.”

Hyeop speaks animatedly as he gives Minseo a tour, and it doesn't take long before Minseo's chatting just as cheerfully with him in response. It's just as Hyeop said, it feels as if they'll be friends too.

They stop to rest at a pavilion that's set within one of the gardens. Wisteria spills over the trellis, the air softly perfumed. 

Tea and prettily shaped cakes, it still feels strange to have it served to Minseo instead of serving it to others. 

“I think Junho wanted us to meet because our experiences are similar.” Hyeop sets his cup of tea down, gaze drifting over the garden before settling on Minseo. “The Hwang family picked me up right after I'd taken the exams. Coming here, it was kind of a culture shock.”

Minseo nods, head bobbing up and down quickly. “It is! They talk about all kinds of things so casually, I can’t get used to it at all. How did you?”

“I'm not sure…I think with time and an open mind, you just do.” Hyeop says, then laughs. “They'll tease you if you're too shy about it, the young master is nice, but he's got a little bit of a mischievous streak.”

Minseo sits up straighter at that. “What is he like? The young master?”

“Hmm…” Hyeop taps at his lip as he thinks, the edges of his mouth curled into a smile. “When you meet him, you'll understand why everyone here loves him.”

“I'm just…nervous,” Minseo admits it honestly, “I don't want to do anything that'll make him hate me.”

“No, I don't think that's going to happen.” There's a bend to Hyeop's smile that tells Minseo that he's got his own mischievous streak. “Something tells me that he's going to like you quite a lot.”

Minseo passes the next few days peacefully. Exploring the grounds, a sketchbook and a stub of charcoal in hand, it's relaxing. Despite his busyness, Junho finds the time to join him for dinner, bringing along Hyeop and Dongyun too.

And then the day comes where an attendant knocks at his door after breakfast with the announcement, “The young master has requested your honorable presence.”

Chapter Text

Ever since a rider arrived with a note written in Junho's handwriting, Kim Minseo has agreed, Yunseong has felt restless with excitement.

Or maybe the excitement has started since well before, when Yunseong first laid his eyes on the painter's work.

He stands in his room with his arms out, servants fussing over his robes, smoothing this, knotting that, a brush through his hair. He keeps his eyes on the wall across from him, where until recently a landscape scroll had hung. 

“After breakfast,” Yunseong says, closing his eyes as the comb slips through the hair that frames his face, arranging it just so, “invite the master painter, Kim Minseo, to my study.”

He's spent enough time admiring the painting that he can picture it clearly in his mind. Expressive lines, colors shifting between muted and bold that make the piece seem luminescent. There's just something about it, something about all of Kim Minseo's paintings. An innocence, a unique sense of wonder at the world, a tenderness in his depiction of it.

Yunseong bites back a smile, trying to keep his expression steady as just a bit of color is applied to his lips, brushed onto his cheeks. He knows he looks a little dull after the past three days resting off his heat, but neither the leftover lethargy nor a pallid complexion can dampen his eagerness to finally meet the man.

He’s curious. Someone who sees the world as something so beautiful, what do his eyes look like? 

Yunseong is at his desk, Junho summarizing the work he's undertaken in the past few days on his behalf. Bookkeeping, approval of budgets, responding to invitations- while Yunseong hasn't formally inherited the Hwang family mantle yet, his parents have been easing him into the role over the past several years. Yunseong trusts Junho's judgement, and trusts that Junho understands his mind and can make the same decisions that Yunseong himself would.

He's never been wrong once, and in fact, the only point against Junho as his right hand man is that he's an alpha. It's mildly inconvenient needing an in between to communicate with him during the times in which he depends most heavily on him, but it's also not too inconvenient with either Hyeop or Dongyun willing to ferry his thoughts on anything urgent to him. And Yunseong knows that Dongyun in particular doesn't mind an extra chance to be around Junho. 

Not just his personal guard but also his childhood playmate, Dongyun is easy for Yunseong to read. At this point, Yunseong is simply waiting for the day that Junho and Dongyun request his blessings for marriage. They make such a good match that if Yunseong weren't so committed to the best interests of the Hwangs and therein the best interests of alphas and omegas, he'd almost feel jealous of the two and how naturally, how sweetly romance has blossomed between them.

“There's mail that you need to personally see to as well.” Junho says, neatly ordering pages of shipment details and expenses regarding the procurement of medicinal plants that aren't, or can’t, be grown on the Hwang lands. He pushes all of those to the side of the desk, and places down a new stack of papers.

The Joo family, the Hwang's neighbor to the east that boasts military strength. The Lee family of the capital, known just as much for political acumen as for their trading empire. Other families as well that the Hwangs hold a favorable relationship with. Matters that extend beyond the Hwang land, issues that are a little sensitive. 

For someone of Yunseong's status, every relationship has a transactional element. Politics and business are forged through dinner parties and marriages.

Still, the ambiguity of his identity as a male omega affords him a certain degree of freedom. It's difficult for society to dictate what it struggles to define. 

He thumbs through the letters, mentally tallying the benefits of a stronger alliance with each family. He turns to Junho who stands at his shoulder, he's made up his mind on who the best candidates are and is just about to say so when there's a knock at the door.

“That must be Minseo.” Junho says, and Yunseong suddenly wishes he'd taken the chance to ask Junho his opinions on him. Speaking on a given name basis must mean he feels favorably, though.

Junho’s assumption is proven correct, a servant's voice announcing Minseo's presence as well as requesting permission to enter.

Yunseong wets his lip. “You may enter.”

The door slides open, the servant entering first, the painter following in behind. 

If Yunseong stares, it's because he can't help his curiosity. His curiosity goes unsated, however, Minseo bows, and even when he straightens he keeps his gaze respectfully dropped to the ground. Some of his hair’s come loose, further obscuring his face.

The servant speaks to Junho, it seems that Hyeop needs his assistance for some task or another. Junho looks from Yunseong to Minseo, something uncertain on his face, but Yunseong makes a shooing gesture and he leaves along with the servant.

There's some chatter outside the study, Dongyun's posted outside and his voice mixes with Junho's. Footsteps walking away, and then the study fills with a tense silence.

“Well,” Yunseong begins speaking just to fill that awkwardness. The way that Minseo is standing there with his shoulders drawn in, fingers nervously fidgeting with his sleeves, bothers him, and he wants him closer where he can actually see him. “Please take a seat.”

Minseo walks forward on wooden legs, flinching when the feet of the chair grind against the floor. He sits, but uncomfortably at the very edge.

Dongyun had described Minseo as friendly. Hyeop hadn't said much at all, instead cryptically smiling and saying that Yunseong would find out soon enough. 

Neither had said anything about how stiffly Minseo would just be sitting there, chin drawn against his chest. 

He probably shouldn't tease someone that he's just met, someone that he doesn't even know, but for some reason he can't seem to repress the urge to get a reaction out of the man sitting before him.

“If you don't look at my face, how will you paint my portrait?”

“I’m s- , my apologies.” Minseo's head jerks up. Their eyes meet.

“ Oh ,” Yunseong breathes, stunned for a moment. He recovers and says, “No need to apologize.”

He's even prettier than his self portrait.

Delicate eyebrows above a pair of warm brown doe-like eyes that seem to shine like a piece of polished amber, rosy lips. There's a flush on his cheeks right now, every emotion seems to be written on his face. Yunseong wishes he was fluent in that language, that he could read the thoughts that Minseo's expression betrays.

Yunseong pulls himself together. Minseo seems to be nervous, so the first thing he should do is try to set him at ease. 

“Would you like some tea?” He gestures towards the pot that’s set at the end of his desk. Of course, Minseo refuses, but of course Minseo has to refuse out of respect. And of course, Yunseong overrules the refusal and Minseo gratefully accepts a cup.

He takes a sip, and when he lowers the cup and places it onto the desk, he seems a little calmer.

“How are you finding your quarters?” Yunseong asks, “I assumed you would bring your own art supplies, but I thought to provide some as well.”

“It's perfect.” Minseo says, gaze dropping back down to his lap, then flitting back up. It looks like he wants to say more but doesn't.

“Have you had a chance to look around the grounds?”

“Yes, Hyeop hyung showed me around. It's beautiful, the gardens. I did some sketching.” He brightens up as he speaks.

Yunseong smiles, takes a slow sip of his own cup of tea. It's a floral blend, something light after breakfast. “I'm glad. If it's fine with you, I'd like to see the sketches sometime.”

“Oh, no,” Minseo says, hesitating. “forgive me, but they're just sketches…they're not worth seeing.”

Yunseong isn't sure why, but it seems like he's misstepped. “Forgiven. I doubt that, but you don't have to show me if you don't want to.”

“But you see, I really do love your art. So if you do create anything during your stay, I'd like to see it.” He thinks for a moment, then asks, “Have you been outside of the estate yet? The scenery here is quite pretty.”

“Not yet…I saw a little during the ride here.” Minseo smiles, “If there's a chance, I want to see the flower fields or the lake.”

It’s a hesitant, shy smile, but Yunseong immediately understands how Minseo has endeared himself to not just Dongyun but even Hyeop and Junho. It suits him, smiling.

“Why not both? I'll take you around sometime.” Offering something like that when his freetime is limited will probably earn him Junho's scolding. But it seems worth it to Yunseong at that moment because Minseo's smile widens further.

“Oh no, I couldn't ask that of you.” 

“It’s fine, you aren’t asking, I'm just offering.” Yunseong gestures at all the stacks of loose sheets, a pyramid of scrolls. “In fact, if you accept, it would be a favor to me. I also need a break from all of this sometimes.”

That finally earns Yunseong a laugh, and Yunseong decides on the spot that he'd like to hear more of that. 

“Then if you insist, I'll humbly accept.” 

“I absolutely insist.” Another laugh. 

“But speaking of work,” Yunseong is unsure where this feeling of needing to please Minseo has come from but finds that he very much wants him to keep smiling. He exaggerates his movements, hangs his head for a second, and then lifts it to meet Minseo's eyes again before speaking, “we should discuss the portraits.”

“Portraits?”

“Yes, two of them.” Yunseong goes on to explain that he's narrowed down his choices of his future match to two, and that he intends to meet with both individually before making the final decision. The current head of the Hwang family has been receiving letters requesting the hand of his heir for the past few years, but it's been left to Yunseong to decide just when and who to marry.

As details regarding the portraits are discussed, Minseo slides into a hesitant professionalism. His confidence grows as he continues to speak, explaining the process, a potential timeline to produce the first portrait and then a copy.

“Yes, all of that seems reasonable to me.” Yunseong nods after Minseo finishes speaking, “I'm looking forward to it, seeing how I look through your eyes.”

“I-” That seems to break the composure that Minseo's managed to build. His cheeks pinken, but he finally says, “I'll do my best.” 

“If these portraits are accurate, they're both quite handsome. You aren't deciding based on their faces, are you?” Hyeop teases, occupying the same seat that Minseo had been in during the late morning. “Joking aside, I agree. These two are the best options for what they can bring to the Hwang family.”

While it's true that Yunseong has a little bit of a weakness for a pretty face, something that he's become even more aware of since meeting with Minseo earlier, he would never let that interfere with his decision making. It's as Hyeop has said, the two portraits laid out on his desk are simply the ones that belong to the best possible matches.

Hyeop taps the corner of one of the portraits, a painting of a young man with hair that's oddly been painted in brown rather than black. Artistic freedom, Yunseong assumes. “Of the two, he might be the better choice.”

“Hyung, is his face to your tastes?” Yunseong teases back, “I can set you up with him.”

“Even if the young master is generous, allowing your subordinate to steal your potential husband is a little too much.” Hyeop says with a dry laugh. He bluntly steers the conversation back on topic, asking, “Who are you planning to invite first? Young master Joo or young master Lee?” 

Despite the joking tone, Yunseong realizes he may have crossed the line just now and made him uncomfortable. Even if Hyeop has been with the Hwangs for years now, he's still a beta that spent the majority of his life in a much more conservative society that hasn't permitted his attraction to men. Teasing about matchmaking him with another man may have been too much.

“I'm not sure.” Yunseong says, “What's your opinion?”

“Well…” Hyeop studies both of the portraits, bottom lip pushed out in a thoughtful frown. “I have an idea, but it's a little…bold.”

“Go on.” If Yunseong trusts Junho's judgement on day to day dealings, then he has the utmost faith in Hyeop's ability to strategize for the long term. 

Hyeop looks back up and when their eyes meet, there's something a little wicked there.

“Invite them both at the same time.”

Yunseong lets the words sink in, the edge of his mouth lifting into something a little sharper than a smile.

He laughs, “Hyung, isn't that rude?”

“Is there anyone that would dare accuse the illustrious Hwang family of poor manners?” Hyeop counters back. 

“No, but…” It isn't that Yunseong is opposed to Hyeop's idea, but that he wants to understand why he's proposed something so unconventional. “You don't think they'll feel insulted? It seems a little like a competition this way…”

Hyeop nods. “They're both alpha men, raised as heirs to their respective houses. I want to observe how they behave towards not just you but with each other. If it’s a competition, will they be underhanded? If their egos can't tolerate this, I don't think they'll handle it well marrying into the Hwang family.”

He's looking out for Yunseong from an angle that Yunseong hadn't even considered. Of course, any suitor would try to flatter him, but it would leave Yunseong in the dark about his true character.

“It's a bit of a power play,” Hyeop concedes, “Right now, they both might think their status and wealth means that you wouldn't refuse them. But this will force them to have to prove their worth to you - it'll give you better leverage in marriage negotiations.”

His gaze falls to the notes he's taken down, listing the assets and titles of every noble that has petitioned for Yunseong's hand. He frowns, brow furrowing as he continues, “I want the correct dynamic established from the start, just because they were raised to rule doesn't mean they’ll have the final say in your actions.”

“But it's just an idea.” Hyeop says, waving his hand as if he's embarrassed at having brought it up at all.

“Hm,” Yunseong taps a finger against the edge of his desk. “No, I like it. Let's do that once my portraits are completed.”

“Will you house them in the guest quarters?” Hyeop moves on to logistics. It’s a fair question, there are empty rooms in the main compound provided to members of the Hwang branch families when they visit. Offering those rooms to important guests is the same as acknowledging them just as close as family.

“Of course, a potential suitor isn't the same as family. Guest quarters are fine.”

Hyeop nods. “I'll speak with Junho about preparations.”

He falls silent, but there's a sparkle in his eye that tells Yunseong he's scheming something. 

“What are you thinking about?” 

“Nothing. It's going to be lively with the two suitors and Minseo here, isn't it?” There's something left unsaid there, but Yunseong decides not to push it. “Speaking of, you met him earlier. How was it?”

“It was fine,” The corners of his mouth lift, lips shaping into a smile unbidden. “He'll start on some sketches beginning tomorrow, he said he wants to familiarize himself with my features first. So don't mind it if he's sitting here while we work.”

“He won't be a distraction, I'm sure.” There's something about the way that Hyeop says it that feels like an insinuation, but Yunseong can't piece it together. 

“He seems quiet to me.” Yunseong says, “Actually, I wish one of you had told me he'd be so anxious. He made me feel nervous just watching him.”

One of Hyeop's eyebrows arches, but when he speaks, it's quite matter of fact, “You're the first client he's ever personally had. And from what Junho told me, it seems like master painter Lee was…” Hyeop somehow makes the title sound like an insult. He points to his cheekbone, “It was already faded, but the day after Minseo arrived, I saw a bruise here.”

“Ah,” Yunseong says, unable to find the words for what he feels.

“Be gentle with him.” Hyeop says, “He’s not like me, so don't tease him too much or you might scare him off.”

Yunseong decides not to comment that when Hyeop had first arrived at the Hwang estate, he'd also been painfully shy. 

“I'll be careful. He seems like a good kid, and his art is…” Yunseong trails off.

Hyeop smiles. “It really is.” 

Chapter Text

Minseo is extremely distracting.

Yunseong frequently finds himself unable to focus, whether on the papers before him or on any of Junho and Hyeop's conversations with him.

He's quiet, he's unobtrusive. He sits in a corner of a room, charcoal softly whispering against a sheet of paper, glancing up at Yunseong every so often. Casual sketches, he'd explained, just quick studies of Yunseong to get a feel for his features, no need to pose rigidly.

Even so, it's distracting. The weight of Minseo's eyes on him, the feeling of being observed. Yunseong feels much too warm, and now and again finds himself awkwardly tugging at his clothes.

As he dips his brush into ink, he's too aware of Minseo's gaze following his arm, his hand, noting something with a soft hm.

At one point, he makes an excuse of accompanying Junho to the archives to find documentation on farming practices from a few decades past just to get out from under Minseo's gaze. Inside the cool, shelf lined room he asks nonchalantly, “Does my hair look alright?”

Junho gives him a look, it's not unkind but he still feels as if he's been judged about something. 

“Isn't he just drawing a few rough sketches? Does it matter if a few strands are out of place, it's not like this is the final portrait.” Junho loses interest, instead bending to read the plaques bearing years that are fixed to the cubicles of every shelf. He continues speaking, mostly thinking aloud to himself, “It should be around here, shouldn't it?”

“That's not it.” Yunseong responds, shuffling through the contents of the shelf just beside Junho.

“Hm, it's not here?” 

“No, that's not…” But Yunseong realizes he isn't sure exactly why it's bothering him. He has enough self-awareness to know he's beautiful by most people’s standards, but he's never been vain about it. And as the future head of the Hwang family, he's long since become used to the scrutinizing looks of others.

But the way that Minseo watches him isn't like that, it isn’t critical. It feels pure, full of awe, eyes sparkling as if there's something wonderful in observing Yunseong struggle through scrolls written in archaic language on how to best combat pests that appear in twenty year cycles.

“Ah, I found it.” Junho says, then straightens up. “If it's bothering you that much, then ask him to come back later when you're not working. During a meal, or during leisure. Aren't you drinking with Dongyun tonight? He can sketch while the two of you play your games.”

Yunseong thinks it over, and then imagines the painful awkwardness of eating while so stringently observed, or of making himself out to be a drunken fool before those eyes.

“That sounds even worse.”

“Is it really that uncomfortable?” Junho shuts the heavy wooden door to the archives behind him, scroll tucked carefully under his arm.

“Not uncomfortable…I just feel too conscious. You would too, being watched like that.”

“No, I don't think I would. Young master, this seems to be a problem particular to you.”

“Hmm…” Yunseong doesn't agree with that statement, and he's about to say as much when he sees a servant passing by. It's a little early, but he asks the maid to pass on a message to the kitchen to prepare his mid-morning snack early.

“Are you planning to take a break already?” Junho asks.

“Yes. We've worked plenty, don't you think?” Yunseong says as they reach the door to his study. He speaks to Dongyun who is stationed beside it as usual, “Why don't you join us too, come inside.”

“If I may speak honestly, I do not.” Junho says.

Yunseong laughs at the way that Junho says it, his tone perfectly balanced between polite and exasperated. It's true, with how distracted he's been, they've barely accomplished half of what he'd intended to complete this morning. 

He steps into his study, and Minseo startles, getting to his feet. Yunseong waves his hand, allowing him to take his seat again.

“Master painter Kim,” Yunseong says, and sees the way that he seems to brighten up at the address. He's not used to the title yet, and while Yunseong wishes he were on a given name basis with him the way that everyone else around him seems to be, he also thinks it's not so bad if it means seeing him so overjoyed at it. “Can I request something? For you to sketch, I mean.”

“Yes, of course!” 

Yunseong claps a hand each onto Dongyun and Junho's shoulders. He steers them closer to Minseo. “These two, please sketch them.”

Dongyun takes a seat across from Minseo immediately, clearly excited.

Junho shoots Yunseong a look, aware that he's trying to prove a point. He chooses not to say anything, instead sitting beside Dongyun, their shoulders touching. He sighs, then takes hold of Dongyun's hand, letting their clasped hands rest against his knee.

Minseo takes out a new sheaf of paper, and Yunseong moves to stand behind him.

“Do you mind if I watch?” 

Minseo shakes his head immediately. 

Their positions have changed, the observer and the observed. Yunseong watches as Minseo makes the first marks upon the sheet, not the traces of charcoal on paper but the way his hand moves in sure, certain arcs across the page. His fingers are pretty, Yunseong belatedly notes. Thin and elegant fingers and wrist, he thinks that Minseo's hands wouldn't look out of place on an instrument either, carefully plucking at strings.

Slowly but surely, the marks on the page fill out to depict Junho and Dongyun. There's warmth to it, Yunseong can sense the fondness that Minseo holds for the two as well as the love the subjects of the sketch have for each other. The faces are detailed in, Dongyun's thick lashes, his gaze drawn towards Junho. Junho's smile, the way it reaches his eyes.

Minseo’s fingertips turn pink, particularly bright against the monochrome of the page. He's drawing their hands now, and Yunseong's gaze moves up past Minseo's own hand to his face.

There's a look of concentration, his eyes flicking from Junho and Dongyun's joined hands to the sheet, and then back again. The same pink on his fingertips is reflected in his cheeks. Rather than the subjects, it seems as if it's the artist that's become overly conscious.

It's cute. 

There's a knock on the door, and it's only at that sound that Yunseong realizes that he's done nothing but gaze at Minseo's face for the last several moments. It's much too easy to get lost in admiration for Minseo's sincere focus, the joy he seems to feel in the act of art.

After being granted permission of entry, a servant enters bearing a tray with refreshments. Hyeop follows in behind, clothes fluttering as he takes quick strides. He doesn't seem to be in an actual hurry though, he just lives in an energetic rush, so Yunseong doesn't pay him much mind.

Hyeop steps closer to peer over Minseo's other shoulder, observing his work for a moment. There's a rustle, and Yunseong glances away to see that Hyeop's picked up the sheet that Minseo was previously sketching on. Hyeop makes a thoughtful hum, a dimple pressed into his cheek, lips pulled into a close-mouthed smile.

Unable to resist his curiosity, Yunseong leans over to look at it as well.

The sketches of Yunseong that Minseo has kept himself busy with all morning fill the paper. Some are rudimentary, others are far more detailed. All of them capture his essence in a way that makes Yunseong feel almost exposed.

A sketch of Yunseong at his desk, brush in hand, a thoughtful look. Yunseong in profile as he speaks to another figure. Serious, smiling. A close up, with notes jotted down in a quick hand, mole on left cheek.

Things that Yunseong has never noticed about himself but that Minseo has captured in just a few deft strokes on paper. The quirk of his smile, the warmth in his expression as he speaks to those close to him.

It’s almost a little overwhelming, the way that Minseo has depicted so honestly the Yunseong that appears in his eyes. 

He's too aware of his heart beating inside his chest, the heat that fills his ears.

Junho holds the drawing of Dongyun and himself, marveling over it once again. Minseo has long since gone, having been urged to rest after spending hours focused on drawing.

Yunseong laughs, watching Junho from where he sits at his desk. He teases, “Now who's the one not getting any work done?”

Junho places the sketch back down, clears his throat. 

“It's really not so bad.” He finally says after a moment.

“Not so bad? It's very good, and you know it.” 

“No, not the sketch. That's my new treasure.” Junho says it with an entirely straight face, there's no such thing as feeling shy when it comes to how he feels about Dongyun. “I meant having Minseo watch you while he draws.”

It's true, neither he nor Dongyun had seemed fidgety beneath his gaze.

“I think I know what the problem is. You just haven't spent enough time with him, once you do, you'll be fine.” 

“Spending more time…” Yunseong thinks he would like that very much. And Minseo did agree, didn't he, to allowing Yunseong to bring him sightseeing around the Hwang lands. 

“Yeah, you’ll get used to it after a while.” Junho lights a candle, the sun has begun its decline and soon there won't be enough of its light to read by. “I'll keep working and get things sorted out for tomorrow morning. Shouldn't you be heading out now?”

Yunseong sets his brush down. “Weren't you just complaining that we haven't accomplished enough today, why are you so suddenly so eager to have me retire for the day?”

“If you keep Dongyun waiting too long, he'll be sad.” 

Of course, that's what it's about. Yunseong laughs, then says, “I think he'll be even happier if you join us.”

“I'd like to,” Junho says, sorting through some papers. In the flicker of the candlelight, his smile appears even softer. “But since I likely won't be working tomorrow, I should take care of as much as I can right now.”

“Fair.” Yunseong looks back at the document in front of him. “I'll just finish reading this and then go. I wouldn't want to make Dongyun sad, like you said.”

Yunseong's shoes tap lightly against the stone paved path, lit by the glow of a lantern. It's a pleasant evening, the very last of the spring sun painting the sky in streaks of purple and orange. Thin, gauzy clouds cover the firmament, the stars just beginning to appear as a scatter of diamonds against the deep blue. 

As he reaches the pavilion, he hears voices and laughter. At first he assumes that perhaps Hyeop has joined despite his distaste for drink, but as he steps closer he recognizes the second voice as belonging to Minseo.

He sounds bright and carefree in a way that Yunseong hasn't heard before. Something about the twinkle of his laughter, this side of Minseo that he hasn't grown close enough to him to be familiar with, it makes his heart squeeze suddenly and almost painfully.

He wants to be close to him. 

He wants to know who Minseo is when he isn't nervous, when he isn't speaking from behind all these layers of formality and professionalism. 

He takes the stone steps up to the pavilion, the servant accompanying him lighting the steps despite the many lanterns hung within and without it. It's an island of light amongst the shadows of the fruit trees that surround it.

Minseo's laughter stops, falling silent as his gaze alights on Yunseong. Yunseong holds out a hand, gesturing that Minseo need not rise.

Is it possible to become close? 

The servant besides Yunseong bows, then steps away. He's suddenly and acutely aware of his status and the wall it places between him and Minseo.

“I invited Minseo too, the more the merrier. Right?” Dongyun smiles, patting the cushion beside him. It's casual, and Yunseong thinks of the way that Hyeop and Junho have also allowed that wall to be eroded over the years. So maybe, maybe it is possible. 

He hopes that it doesn't take years. But he knows not to try and rush this friendship, remembers Hyeop's advice to be gentle, not accidentally scare Minseo away.

Yunseong spends all of that time fretting inside his head, but it seems that alcohol is the best way to break down barriers and loosen inhibitions after all.

Minseo enjoys his drink just as much as Dongyun does, marveling at the Hwang's stock. The kitchen has prepared a small assortment of snacks, both sweet and savory, that pair perfectly with the rice wine. Whether it's because of the excess sugar of the candied fruit or the wine, by the second round of the card game, Minseo speaks just as, or more, energetically than Dongyun.

At some point, the conversation turns to the topic of family. 

“You can tell, right? He's a much adored only child.” Yunseong says with a smile, reaching over to pinch Dongyun's cheek. “But I feel like he's my younger brother, even though I'm the youngest in my own family.”

“Hyung, you aren't trying to peek at my cards, are you?” Dongyun leans back. He's dropped the formal title, falling into childhood habits with no one else around and with the atmosphere grown casual.

“I wouldn't dare.” It's a lie, cheating has always been an implicit part of their playing cards born out of the fact that not a single person among Yunseong’s close circle is any good at games. Cheating doesn't make them any better at it, but it does make it more fun.

“Huh?” Minseo looks up from deliberating over his own hand, and asks, “You're the youngest but you're the heir? I thought it didn't work like that?”

“Ah,” It's an expected question, and Yunseong almost feels a little ridiculous because he's happy that Minseo is curious about him. “I have two older siblings, but they can't inherit because one married out and the other’s a general in the royal army. That leaves me, but I'm a preferable heir anyway.”

Minseo doesn't realize but he leans forward, lowering his hand as he does and revealing his cards. His curiosity is apparent as he asks, “What do you mean?”

“Mm, well, as an omega.” Yunseong steals a quick glance at Minseo's cards, it's a terrible hand. 

Even though he's drank slowly, he finds himself frowning as he can't quite seem to find the words to explain, “So it's easier to make alliances and then like, there's no doubt about the heirs because like, obviously they're Hwangs because they're mine. Right? And then because I'm pretty sturdy, my kids will be healthy too.”

Minseo's face is red, but it doesn't seem to be the fault of the alcohol alone. Belatedly, Yunseong recalls that the entire reason that Minseo's asking is because he's unfamiliar with all of these conventions. Hearing him speak so candidly about the children he's expected to give birth to as a male omega might have been shocking. 

Hurriedly, he changes the topic, “What about you? What's your family like?”

It's a question that Yunseong already knows the answer to. In the process of discovering the true artist behind master painter Lee's recent works, basic information about his apprentice had also been compiled and presented to Yunseong. He knows the makeup of Minseo's family, their livelihood, but he wants to hear it from Minseo himself anyway.

“Mmm…” Minseo finally makes his move, setting a card down. Dongyun's turn now, and Yunseong feels that the real suspense isn't in who'll win first, but rather who'll lose. “There's my parents, and my younger brother and…”

“And?” 

Minseo holds his cards up, fanned out in front of his face so that only his eyes peek out above the tops. A little shyly, he continues, “Our three cats. They're not very good mousers but…they're family to me, too.”

“Cute…” Yunseong thinks it aloud.

Minseo misunderstands and enthusiastically nods his head. “They are cute!”

Yunseong leans back, weight on his hands. The moon is bright as it shines through the blossom laden branches of the surrounding peach trees. The conversation has long since fallen into a pleasant lull, though Yunseong thinks that perhaps both Dongyun and Minseo have simply fallen asleep.

He gazes down at Minseo, his head is pillowed on his arms, resting against the table. He's turned towards Yunseong, but his eyes are closed. Asleep, Yunseong thinks again. 

His eyebrows twitch when a strand of hair falls into his face, and Yunseong reaches out, hesitates, and then brushes it behind his ear. Minseo's fine hair feels like silk against his fingertips and he quickly pulls his hand back.

“Young master,” Minseo says, his words slow and slurred. His eyes are shining when he opens them, meets Yunseong's gaze. He smiles. “You're the most beautiful man that I've ever seen.”

“I really like…” He laughs and Yunseong feels as if his heart is made of glass, reverberating with that sweet sound. He feels as if Minseo could shatter him with that laugh, that smile. “Really, really like drawing you.”

A light breeze dances through the trees, carrying loose petals and filling the air with fragrance.

“I…” Yunseong begins to say. He swallows, hard. He doesn't know what he wants to say. That no, he doesn't deserve that honor, he's never seen anyone as beautiful as Minseo. That he barely knows him but that he's become entirely captivated, the serious side of him as he works, the focus and the awe both. The side of him that feels bright and vibrant, the expressiveness - the apparent emotion in his words and gestures. 

There's a series of footfalls on the steps to the pavilion and Yunseong's gaze is finally pulled away from Minseo. It's Junho, come to collect Dongyun, no doubt.

“Should I bring back Minseo after getting Dongyun settled in?” Junho asks as he helps Dongyun to his feet. Dongyun stumbles slightly, falling against Junho, and the air is suddenly scented with something reminiscent of burnt sugar. 

“No, don't.” Yunseong says, “You should stay with him. I'll take care of Minseo.”

“In that case, I will. It's still just spring, so don't stay out too late or you might catch a chill. Good night, young master.” He speaks from over Dongyun's shoulder, arms around his waist to keep him standing. Dongyun murmurs something incoherent, his voice muffled into the layers of Junho’s clothes.

The sound of Junho and Dongyun's footsteps fall away, leaving just the sounds of the night. The wind rustling the branches, the far off hooting of an owl. 

“Minseo,” Yunseong shakes his shoulder gently, but he doesn't respond with anything more than a soft sleepy sound. He seems so peaceful that Yunseong can't bear to wake him, but it's also as Junho said and the temperature has begun to drop.

He must not have sobered up yet because the conclusion he reaches is that he must bring Minseo back himself. He scoops him into his arms, and rises to his feet slowly so as not to jar him awake. 

In his sleep, Minseo curls closer towards Yunseong, seeking warmth. His head rests against his collar, soft puffs of breath against his neck. 

Yunseong makes his way down the steps steadily, but as soon as he's making his way along the paved path towards the guest quarters, a servant comes rushing up to him.

“Young master!” There's a look of alarm, and Yunseong supposes that it must look strange, the heir of the Hwang's family doing something as menial as carrying a drunk friend back. 

“Shhh,” Yunseong immediately quiets him, “You'll wake master painter Kim.”

The servant drops his voice to a whisper but still flutters anxiously behind Yunseong who doesn't slow his pace as he continues onward. “Young master, please allow me to escort him to his rooms instead.”

“No, no, it's fine.” Minseo is thin, but he's a tall man. Even if Yunseong is quite confident in his strength, it doesn't mean that it’s easy to carry him in his arms this entire distance. Yunseong can't explain why but he really doesn’t want to let go of Minseo.

“But young master…” The poor man seems just short of wringing his hands in despair. 

“It’s fine, if I'm saying it's fine, then it is. This man here is…among the brightest talents of the generation. So there's nothing embarrassing about me caring for him.” Yunseong throws a glance over his shoulder to see if he's convinced the servant. He hasn't. “If I waited for someone else to bring him, what if he caught a cold? He's going to paint my portrait, we can't afford a delay or my future marriage might be in jeopardy.”

The servant doesn't sigh because it would be rude of him to do so, but the feeling comes across all the same as he responds with, “As you say, young master.”

They near the guest quarters and the servant steps ahead of Yunseong in order to open the doors.

“Tomorrow morning,” Yunseong says, “instruct the kitchens to prepare hangover soup. And let master painter Kim know that he need not come to my study.”

Yunseong lowers Minseo slowly, laying him down in his bed. His hand clutches at the front of Yunseong's clothes, and Yunseong gently uncurls each finger. He makes a show of arranging Minseo's blanket, not quite wanting to part from him just yet. 

The mischievous, playful look that had adorned his features earlier is gone. Instead, the Minseo before him looks peaceful and innocent in his sleep. For the second time that night, Yunseong finds himself reflecting on just how cute he is.

“I overheard something interesting this morning,” Hyeop says, standing on the other side of Yunseong’s desk across from him. His arms are folded over his chest, but he sounds much more amused than angry, “regarding you, young master.”

“And what would that be?”

“Young master Yunseong, the omega heir of the Hwang family, carrying an alpha man in his arms, late at night.” Hyeop says, a finger tapping against his elbow. “Would the young master enlighten this humble servant as to why-” Hyeop decides to drop the faux formal speech, “why you did that? You know that people are going to talk and come up with all kinds of nonsense…what were you thinking?”

“I wasn't.” Yunseong raises his hands in surrender. “I thought…at worst, it would seem unbefitting of my station. I swear I didn't even think that someone might think that…”

He trails off.

“I wouldn't say anything at any other time,” Hyeop says, “and I don't think anyone else would mind it either, something like this isn't scandalous for all of you. But because you're looking to get married, you need to be aware of how your actions might come across to your potential suitors.”

Yunseong is struck by an urge to defend himself, but he tamps the feeling down. It's as Hyeop has said, he needs to be more aware. But there's still something that sits uneasily inside his chest, a feeling as if he's denying something of himself.

But before he's given a chance to introspect and puzzle it out, there's a knock at the door to his study.

“You may enter.” There are several people that he's expecting to hear from today, but the one at the door isn't one of them.

Minseo, face overcast in the way of only someone experiencing the regrets of overindulging in liquor the night before, holds his art supplies tightly to his chest.

Yunseong blinks. “Master painter Kim, what are you doing here?”

The ease that Minseo had in Yunseong's presence just last night seems to have dissipated in the sobering light of day. 

“Young master, did I offend you somehow?” He drops his gaze to the polished wood of the floor. “If…if you no longer want my services, I understand. But please let me apologize first.”

“No.” The word is immediately out of Yunseong’s mouth. He feels Hyeop's gaze heavy on him, sees from his peripheral vision as he turns to study Minseo instead. “No, you haven't done anything wrong. I just thought you should rest today…”

Minseo's head snaps up, the sense of relief written explicitly on his face.

“It looks like there was some miscommunication,” Yunseong frowns. “I figured you wouldn't want to work today after drinking last night.”

“I-I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine!” Minseo says although in Yunseong's opinion, he isn't. He continues, “I want to finish sketching today, I can work. Master painter Lee had me accompany him to drink many times, and I always worked the next day. Whether I'm hungover or running a fever, I'm fine. So…so…young master, I'll have the portraits completed without any doubt.”

There are multiple ways in which Yunseong could respond to that. The fact that Lee made him work even when his condition was poor, or even that Yunseong holds no doubts at all about Minseo's ability to deliver the portraits. Or that, he's finding himself growing extremely fond of Minseo and that he wishes he would just accept his concern. 

He doesn't say any of that because it appears to be a matter of pride. Instead he simply nods his head and replies with, “I understand. Master painter Kim, please feel free to do as you like.”

It's easier to stay focused today, though Yunseong feels that it's less because he's grown used to Minseo's presence and more because he's instead aware of the way that Hyeop is watching him as well. The morning's work is made easier thanks to Junho's thorough preparation the evening before. Matters requiring Yunseong's attention are sorted by urgency, with Junho's notes summarizing each situation. He discusses the viability of making the trip to personally inspect some of the flower fields with Hyeop, who quickly checks the open dates in Yunseong's schedule. In this way, time passes productively and it feels not long before the mid-morning tea and refreshments are delivered. 

The three of them sit at the low table besides the opened window, a refreshing breeze carrying in all the sweet scents of spring. 

“Junho and Dongyun aren't joining us today?” Minseo asks, as he neatens up all of his art supplies, stacking it on the floor beside him. 

Yunseong's just taken a bite of rice cake, so it's Hyeop who answers instead.

“Dongyun is resting, and Junho's taking care of him.” 

“Is he feeling alright?” Minseo frowns, obviously concerned. “Should I go visit him later?”

“It's better if you don't go.” Hyeop says, but his attempt at subtlety in order to avoid scandalizing Minseo only serves to worry him instead.

“Is his condition that serious? He seemed fine last night.” 

Yunseong swallows, takes a sip of tea. Hyeop's the one who told him to be gentle, but he's curious how he intends to handle this conversation.

“You don't need to worry. The only ailment he's got is a hangover. He's taking the next few days off for his time of month, that's all.” Hyeop says delicately, a finger running along the rim of his teacup.

Oh, so that’s how. But despite the euphemism, Minseo still turns a brilliant red. Sitting this close beside him, Yunseong catches scent of something sweet, reminiscent of amber. He must be exceedingly flustered to have reacted with his pheromones as well.

“Ah, I see.” Minseo says, and it’s clear that he's attempting to speak as if the topic hasn't frazzled him. The next few words feel as if he forces himself to speak them, “It’s just his heat.”

He takes a couple sips of tea in succession and then sets his cup down. For some reason, Yunseong feels reminded of someone downing alcohol to borrow some courage.

“Young master,” Minseo abruptly turns to Yunseong, and if the surface of the tea within Yunseong's cup ripples then it's no one's business but his. “I've completed some thumbnail sketches and I'd like you to decide the composition you'd most like. I've swatched some possible colors as well, please let me know your thoughts both on the drafts and the palette.”

Yunseong nods. “Show me.”

Minseo reaches for it, his face turning away as he does. 

“Master painter Kim,” Yunseong says when he's straightened again, he gestures at his cheekbone as he does. “You have something here.”

“Ah,” Minseo's ears flush pink, and he scrubs at his skin. 

“No, not there.” The charcoal smudge is still there, Minseo's only managed to wipe at the very edge of it.

“Here?” 

“No-” Yunseong leans forward, Minseo's skin feels hot wherever his fingers touch it. He wipes at the black smudge with a gentle hand until it fades away. He sits back. “I got it.”

“Thank you.” Minseo's eyes flick from his lap to Yunseong and then back down again. He bites his lip, smiles.

Hyeop clears his throat. “Let's see the sketches.”

“Young master, forgive me for asking so bluntly but…” It's been clear to Yunseong that Hyeop has had something to say to him all day. He's felt his gaze grow more and more pointed, silently observing without actually saying anything. It's now, only after Minseo has left, that Hyeop has spoken up. “How do you feel about Minseo?”

“He's talented, but you're aware of that too.” Yunseong responds. “I'm satisfied with the sketches he's presented so far, and I'm sure the final portraits will be more than satisfactory as well.”

“No, I want to hear your personal opinion.” 

“He's nice. When he relaxes, he's fun to be around.” It doesn't seem to be the answer that Hyeop is looking for, so Yunseong adds on, “I want to be his friend. I’m a little jealous of how quickly all of you have gotten close with him.”

“Hmm, I see.” 

“Hyung, is something wrong?” 

Hyeop sighs, he seems to deliberate over something for a moment.

“Young master, I'm going to give you some honest advice. If you keep behaving like this, you might confuse Minseo or even hurt him.” The way he meets Yunseong's eyes is direct, serious. “However you feel, you need to be clear in what you want and intentional in your actions.”

“What I want…” It seems as if Hyeop knows him even better than he knows himself. He puts his face in his hands, cheeks hot against his palms. “I understand now, thank you.”