The clouds, like wisps of cotton candy, began to dim slightly as the radiant sun gracefully descended behind their billowy veils. Its fading rays cast a warm, golden glow over the landscape, illuminating the scene with a soft, ethereal light. Amidst the tranquil beauty of the setting sun, the air was alive with the exuberant energy of celebration.
Loud cheers and jubilant hoots reverberated through the atmosphere, intertwining with the rhythmic beats of traditional drums that echoed like a heartbeat, pulsating with the rhythm of the festivities. Each drumbeat seemed to resonate with the collective excitement of the crowd, infusing the air with a palpable sense of anticipation and joy.
As Jeonghan stood amidst the throng of revelers, a euphoric sense of joy enveloped him, suffusing his spirit with warmth and contentment. His gaze swept across the scene before him, taking in the sight of children frolicking across the field with carefree abandon. They darted to and fro, their laughter ringing out like melodious bells, as they chased one another with vibrant hues clutched tightly in their hands. Each burst of laughter seemed to paint the air with an invisible brush, creating a tapestry of happiness that enveloped all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
"Come on!" Jeonghan's voice rang out amidst the lively spectacle, his wrist seized in a playful gesture by Jisoo, who pulled him away with an infectious grin. Jeonghan laughed in response, turning to gaze at his companion with a mixture of curiosity and excitement.
"Where are you leading me?" Jeonghan inquired, his curiosity piqued as Jisoo motioned for silence and presented him with a scarf, its vibrant colors shimmering in the fading light.
"What's this?" Jeonghan queried, inspecting the scarf with genuine interest as Jisoo adorned his own face with a similar garment, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
"This," Jisoo explained with a playful grin, "is a traditional game of Sel." He gestured toward the crowd, where groups of revelers were engaged in a spirited game, their faces alight with laughter and mischief.
Jeonghan nodded in understanding, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he realized the nature of the game. It was a game steeped in tradition, a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
"It sounds delightful," Jeonghan remarked, allowing Jisoo to help him secure the scarf around his person. He felt a surge of excitement coursing through his veins, eager to join in the festivities and experience the thrill of the game for himself.
"Between partners," Jisoo continued, his voice tinged with amusement, "the first to be adorned with colors must heed their spouse's commands for eternity. I refuse to let Seungcheol emerge victorious; you shall reign over him," he declared with a chuckle, eliciting laughter from Jeonghan.
"Do you truly believe he will spare me?" Jeonghan teased, casting a playful glance in Seungcheol's direction, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"May I also participate in coloring him?" Jeonghan inquired eagerly, observing as Jisoo rummaged within his hanbok layers.
"Indeed," Jisoo replied with a grin, producing two packets of crimson hues. Jeonghan grinned in anticipation as he accepted one, his heart pounding with excitement.
"This promises to be a delightful diversion," he remarked, tearing open the packet and scattering the vibrant pigment into his palm, swirling and mixing it with gleeful anticipation.
"Indeed," Jisoo agreed, mirroring Jeonghan's actions with equal enthusiasm. "Hence, you must bestow color upon Seungcheol the moment you spot him, understood?" he instructed, his tone filled with determination.
Jeonghan nodded eagerly, his eyes shining with excitement as he prepared to immerse himself fully in the joyous spirit of the occasion.
"But why do we hide?" Jeonghan queried, his curiosity getting the better of him as he glanced around their concealed vantage point.
"Because it adds to the excitement!" Jisoo exclaimed with a grin, his eyes alight with mischief. "And besides—" Before he could finish his sentence, their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice.
"There you are!" Seokmin exclaimed, his hands adorned with a rosy hue. Jisoo and Jeonghan shrieked in unison, spinning around to behold Seokmin standing before them with a mischievous grin.
With a spirited cry, Jisoo dashed away, leaving Jeonghan behind to face the inevitable. Chuckling softly to himself, Jeonghan watched as the festival unfolded around him, his heart brimming with joy as he observed the various reactions of his companions—some hiding, others embracing the playful chaos—all immersed in the jubilant spirit of the occasion.
"Looking for someone?" Jeonghan turned around at the voice to see Seungcheol leaning against the very tree behind which Jeonghan was hiding. Jeonghan's heart raced fast as he stepped backward, his gaze shifting. "What are you doing here?" He stammered, watching as Seungcheol chuckled, taking slow, deliberate steps toward him.
"This land is mine, my rose..." Seungcheol declared, continuing his deliberate advance until he loomed over Jeonghan, who cowered beneath him, his back pressing against the sturdy trunk. Gasping, Jeonghan turned, finding himself ensnared amidst the lush shrubbery. "I can be wherever I wish to be," Seungcheol stated firmly, standing close to Jeonghan, who resembled a deer ensnared in a lion's paw.
"Wait—this is cheating—don't come closer," Jeonghan protested, retreating further into the tree's refuge, seeing no escape. "Why..." Seungcheol teased, taking another step forward, causing Jeonghan to nearly shriek in alarm as he realized Seungcheol's hand was adorned with color.
"You—wait—" Jeonghan's voice quivered as Seungcheol advanced even closer, now merely a step away from ensnaring Jeonghan between the tree and himself.
"Why, my rose..." Seungcheol's voice lowered as he inclined his head to meet Jeonghan's gaze.
"You will color me now, won't you?" Jeonghan observed the vibrant hues adorning Seungcheol's hand, to which Seungcheol nodded, raising his hand with confidence.
"Of course, I will win, just as I always do..." Seungcheol affirmed, raising his hand closer to Jeonghan's face, prompting Jeonghan to squeeze his eyes shut tightly.
Jeonghan clenched his fist tightly, his eyes shut in anticipation as he awaited Seungcheol's touch to adorn him with color. Slowly, he felt Seungcheol's grasp around his wrist, prompting him to cautiously open his eyes.
Seungcheol gently held Jeonghan's hand, causing the tension in Jeonghan's fingers to melt away as they yielded to Seungcheol's tender hold. Jeonghan remained silent, observing the gentle strokes as Seungcheol colored his own cheeks with hues borrowed from Jeonghan's essence.
"But when it comes to you," Seungcheol whispered, his voice barely audible above the rustle of leaves, as he cradled Jeonghan's hand, pressing a tender kiss upon his fingertips. "I don't mind losing..."
Jeonghan's breath hitched as Seungcheol drew him closer. "You don't need these vibrant colors to make me submit to you, my rose..."
With a gentle touch, Seungcheol caressed Jeonghan's cheeks, imbuing them with hues that mirrored the intensity of his emotions. Jeonghan closed his eyes, surrendering to the sensation.
"Whether in this lifetime, this universe, this place, this timeline, or any other..." Seungcheol's voice trembled with raw emotion as the first droplets of rain began to cascade, painting their world with nature's tears. "...I would still fall for you, just as hopelessly as I do now."
Jeonghan's eyes remained closed, feeling the delicate touch of rainwater mingling with the colors on his cheeks, tracing pathways down his skin as Seungcheol's gaze held him captive.
"The truth is, my love, my devotion transcends the boundaries of time and space. Even in the next lifetime, in another universe, if you were to inhabit a different vessel, with a different visage, a different voice..." Seungcheol's words carried the weight of eternity, echoing with a promise of unwavering loyalty. "...I would recognize you, and I would fall for you all over again. Your commands, your wishes—they are gifts I cherish above all else."
"As the rain cascaded around us, weaving our destinies into an intricate tapestry," Jeonghan confessed, his words carried away by the rhythm of the falling drops. "I can no longer deny the undeniable truth, my sovereign. Despite my attempts to evade it, to elude its grasp, or even to deceive myself, I am irrevocably enamored with you."
Jeonghan's gaze held a depth of understanding as he gently encircled Seungcheol's face with his hands, drawing him nearer. "In this labyrinth of love, you are not traversing it alone, my cherished one," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm amidst the storm. "For I, too, willingly surrender to the intoxicating madness of our affection."
Their union amidst the rain was a testament to their shared devotion, as they stood united against the tempest of uncertainty. "Together, we embrace the fervor of our commitment," Jeonghan declared softly, their foreheads touching in a gesture of solidarity amidst the deluge.
Seungcheol leaned in, pressing his lips against Jeonghan's in a tender kiss, sealing their pact with the warmth of their shared love amidst the cool embrace of the rain.
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-Vaish
Finally Jeonghan! 👏👏👏
How was it?