Red String (Series #1) \\ Ateez ✔

forevermore and beyond

Jangmi's steps were slow and deliberate as she strolled along, her mind clouded with bliss as four figures trailed behind her.

Nurse Seo, always the picture of kindness and wisdom, would accompany her on the walk. Soojin, already recovered from the shock, now possesses infectious laughter and energy, she would skip ahead, plucking flowers and weaving them into Jangmi's hair with a carefree grin. Doyeon, the quietest of the group, would walk beside Jangmi, her steady presence was a source of comfort. And Miyeon, with her mischievous smile and quick wit, would regale them all with tales of palace intrigue and gossip.

"Thank you all for your company," Jangmi smiled solemnly. "But I think I need some time alone now,"

The rest of the maidens exchanged concerned glances, but Jangmi shook her head gently, signalling her need for privacy. "I appreciate all of your presence," She continued, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "But right now, I just need to be by myself."

Her maids nodded understandingly, their expressions reflecting their concern and respect for her wishes. With a final, tender smile, they bowed and silently withdrew, leaving Jangmi alone in the peaceful solitude of the garden.

After they respectfully withdrew, Jangmi's gaze drifted towards a hidden door nestled discreetly amidst the foliage. Something within her stirred, pulling her towards it and knew where it led – to the greenhouse.

The tranquil place Seonghwa mentioned her to go until he promised to come back after the recent court meeting.

As Jangmi approached the hidden door, she instinctively reached into her pocket and pulled out an amulet. She remembered Seonghwa giving it to her, saying it would grant her access to the greenhouse even when he wasn't around. So she held it near and the leaves started to move, almost as if responding to the amulet's presence. They swayed and twisted, revealing the entrance to the greenhouse hidden beneath it.

Jangmi watched in awe as the plants parted, creating a clear path to the doorway. With a sense of wonder, she stepped through the revealed entrance, eager to see the once beautiful greenhouse again.

The same canopy instantly calmed her as she began to walk inside. The comforting feeling of Seonghwa's presence through the paintings lining the walls basked her into a profound peace. Because she knew that each in this greenhouse held a piece of his soul, a glimpse into his innermost thoughts and emotions.

She stopped in her tracks when she saw a familiar painting, hung among the other canvases was the portrait the Prince painted for her before their wedding ceremony by the sea.

Her heart skipped a beat as she gazed at the painting, the memories flooding back. She remembered the feel of the sand beneath her feet, the way Seonghwa's hand had felt and their sweet kiss as they sealed their little wedding something she couldn't ever dare forget.

Then beside it was a familiar painting again, one that she remembers oh so vividly. A painting was given to her and him when they danced together at the Celestial Mirage festival.

She allows herself to admire the painting, blending in the aurora that painted the black night sky as another sad smile paints her lips.

In the painting, they were surrounded by couples twirling and swaying in dance, yet she and he seemed to exist in their world. Their faces were illuminated by a soft glow and with an unmistakable sense of love as they gazed into each other's eyes.