Chapter Text
High dive into frozen waves
Where the past comes back to life
Lee Sanghyeok had a dream.
In that dream, there was another version of himself, dressed in traditional clothes. He had a stern expression and a stiff demeanor, traits that high-ranking nobles seemed to have been taught since childhood. As he closed his eyes to meditate, a pigeon landed on his window, disturbing him from his meditation. Suddenly, he stood up and hurried closer to the pigeon, something you wouldn’t expect a noble to do, as they always act gracefully, like swans. After reading the attached message, he ordered his servant to prepare his horse for departure.
Fight fear for the selfish pain
It was worth it every time
Lee Sanghyeok hurriedly rode his horse into deep forest, far away from his place. After he passing through various scenery, he spotted abandoned pavilion. Lee Sanghyeok slowed down his horse and get off from his horse as he walks closer into the building, to meet someone that has been waiting for him. Inside there is young man, tall and have a big build like a warrior, complimented by his attire with armor and helmet on his head. He appeared alert to his surrounding, as he suddenly turn his back towards Lee Sanghyeok direction. Noticing his presence, he let out a smile, remove his helmet, walks closer towards him and embraced him. “It’s Lee Minhyeong” Lee Sanghyeok mentally noted as he watch their interaction from afar. The hug lingered, feeling more intimate than one shared between comrades.
Breaking the hug, Lee Sanghyeok put his hand towards Lee Minhyeong’s cheek, softly caressing it “ It’s been a while. I missed you”
Even from afar, Lee Sanghyeok could see Lee Minhyeong stare that full of affection towards him. He let out a small laugh, gently holding Lee Sanghyeok hands on his cheek and left butterfly kisses on Sanghyeok cold palm “ Me too. You don’t know how much I longed to meet you”
“ I even wished for you to appear on my dream” he added as his other hand pull Lee Sanghyeok body closer towards him.
Lee Sanghyeok turned his head away, attempting to free himself from Minhyeong’s hold. He couldn’t allow himself to get swept up in his charm. Because they have urgent matter to discuss.
“ Forget about it” Lee Sanghyeok pulled back his hand and took a step back from him. “ How is the progress uniting our clans?
Lee Minhyeong playful expressions changed instantly. “ It’s not good, the elder keep fighting for control of dominance” he replied.“ I’m afraid war will break out soon”
Hearing his answer, Lee Sanghyeok shook his head and placing his hand on his frowning forehead “ Damn those elder, why do they only care about sovereignty…. Why can’t they see the beauty of peace?” Lee Sanghyeok muttered under his breath.
Watching his reaction, Lee Minhyeong took a step forward, use his hand to smooth the wrinkle on Lee Sanghyeok forehead and put both of his hand on his cheek “ It’s alright, everything will be okay” as he rubs his cheek to give reassurance.
The fact that they came from opposing clan yet they understood each other so deeply made Lee Sanghyeok feel as though he were walking on a thin rope. He always wanted to meet someone who shared his dream and vision, but the fact that Lee Minhyeong origins comes from enemy clan that his clan hated the most created inner battle between his heart and his duty as a high ranking official.
Sometimes he wondered what will happen if he hadn’t saved Lee Minhyeong’s life and learn about his existence. He doesn’t know if meeting Lee Minhyeong is a blessing or a curse for him, but one thing he knew for certain, he enjoyed his company.
Hold still right before we crash
Cause we both know how this ends
Just as Lee Minhyeong had predicted, the war finally happened. Lee Sanghyeok stood still, holding his sword that stained with blood. Heavy snow fell on top of his head. The pure white snow could not erase the traces of blood, blood that belonged to his beloved. He could only stare blankly as he watched the snow slowly pile up, covering Lee Minhyeong’s body.
Minhyeong's expression was peaceful, a stark contrast to the surrounding pool of blood from the deep wound that made it appear as though he were merely in a comfortable sleep. Yet, his pale lips and cold, unmoving body betrayed that illusion.
Amidst the chaos of war between clans, Lee Sanghyeok had been forced to make an impossible choice. Bound by duty and his responsibility, he had been forced to kill the one he loved for the sake of his clan’s glory. But his heart was filled with bitterness. He hated himself for what he had done, and deep down, he hated Lee Minhyeong too, for his foolish selflessness.
Lee Minhyeong was an experienced warrior, one who would never let his guard down or expose any weakness. He could have easily block his attack, perhaps even killed him. But instead in front of him Lee Minhyeong only smiled at him and let his sword pierced through his body as he pull his body closer and whispered to him “Let me hug you for one last time, Sanghyeok hyung” before his body collapse into the snow.
Though he was the one left alive, his body now felt numb. Without Lee Minhyeong by his side, everything seemed meaningless. His dreams of peace would never come true, and the war’s end felt further away than ever. Letting out a sigh, he put a bitter smile as he turned his sword toward himself. The pain that goes through his body as if he’s the one that experience it makes Lee Sanghyeok jolted awake from his sleep.
Our clock till it breaks your glass
And I drown in you again.
Sweating profusely with cold sweat all over his body Lee Sanghyeok opened his eyes, sit up straight and try to calm his erratic breathing. He touched his chest in instinct because the pain felt too real. Glancing on his other side of the bed his movement seems to wake Lee Minhyeong as he slowly rub his sleepy eyes and ask him with worried tone " What’s wrong Sanghyeok hyung? Do you have a nightmare?"
Nightmare. It was a nightmare. Seeing Lee Minhyeong face now overlapped with Lee Minhyeong with pale lips and faint smile from his dream made single tear escape from his eyes.
Watching Lee Sanghyeok shed a tears causing Lee Minhyeong to become fully awake and ask him again in panicked voice "Hyung what's wrong? Are you hurt somewhere?" As he place his hand on Sanghyeok and moved his head back and forth to check on Sanghyeok body.
Lee Sanghyeok doesn't said anything and pull his body closer for a hug. As Minhyeong warmth enveloped him, he tightly hold his body and mutter in his head repeatedly that it's just a nightmare. Full of understanding Lee Minhyeong silently caressing his head and pat his back, softly whispering to him " It's okay hyung, I'm here... it just a nightmare" to ease his chaotic mind.
After calming himself, Lee Sanghyeok finally separated himself from Lee Minhyeong body that full of warmth. Staring at Lee Minhyeong who’s had the same eye full of affection towards him, just like on his dream makes Lee Sanghyeok promised himself that he will never allow such tragedy befall on both of them.
Noticing Lee Sanghyeok eyes gleaming with determined gaze makes Lee Minhyeong feel a little bit confused, wondering what’s on his mind. He want to ask but sleepiness hit him, making him let out a yawn.
"I'm okay now... let's sleep again" Lee Sanghyeok finally spoke as he watch Lee Minhyeong motion that makes Lee Minhyeong feels relieved but just to make sure...."Should I hug you so you can sleep comfortably?" And his question being answered back with Lee Sanghyeok pulled their body together into their matress, as they drifted into dreamland, drown in each other warmth.