Chapter Text
“I miss you, Jisoo.”
I miss you too.
“I want to see you, Jisoo.”
I want to see you too.
“I will return soon, Jisoo.”
I want you to return soon too.
But Jisoo is never going to reciprocate those words to Jeonghan, knowing well his existence is a shackle. If he spoke those words of promises, they will bind Jeonghan down, sealing his fate forever. Jisoo will always welcome Jeonghan back, though he’ll never say anything that insinuates him wishing Jeonghan to be back. He’d rather be cruel than promising an uncertain future.
Years has passed and the separation taught Jisoo many things.
Jisoo couldn’t deny his yearning for Jeonghan anymore. Spending countless nights reading the collection of letters, crying himself to sleep, only to wake up feeling empty and still hurting. Whatever he does or whoever he is with never take his mind off Jeonghan.
Jeonghan. Jeonghan. Jeonghan.
This feeling building up inside him was undeniable. Or perhaps the feeling was always there, taking shape with time, and finally emerges itself in the most painful way possible. Once Jisoo caved in and embraced his own feelings, it was much easier to breathe, his mind a lot clearer, as if a gentle breeze has blown the fog away and sunlight seeping through a black cavern.
He was still haunted by loneliness, but at the very least he knows what he’s up against.
Jeonghan is everything to Jisoo, the same way Jeonghan once stated Jisoo is his everything. It took him years to get here and though Jisoo isn’t proud of it, he’s glad the denial phase is over. It was much easier navigating through the pain, to the point of Jisoo immersing in it as opposed to running away.
He would look back on their beginning with a fond smile on his lips. It was truly unfathomable how a single human managed to hold on to his life so tightly, and truly, only Jeonghan can do that.
Because of Jeonghan, Jisoo experiences these intense emotions unknown to him, the pleasure and agony of being in love. When he’s happy, receiving the bouquet of flower bearing promises, he feels it with his entire heart, his heart giddy and a smile lingering on his lips, the pleasant feeling buzzing throughout his body. When he’s sad, mulling in his thoughts alone without a single letter, dread settled in his chest and anxiety stuck in his throat, all those haunting thoughts of his mistakes and insecurities resurfaced, telling Jisoo he isn’t worthy of anything.
When you’re in love, you feel with all your heart. Feeling the pleasure and pain alike are the most wonderful part of being alive.
Jisoo thought time flows fast, but without Jeonghan, every day is agonizing. He misses, he yearns for everything of Jeonghan. His heart is fuzzy at remembering their moments together, and it aches at the realization that Jeonghan is not here.
The seven years they spend together is short compared to his three hundred years, but it defines his entire being. Jeonghan taught him so many things in life that Jisoo is unable to let go.
He shamelessly wishes for Jeonghan’s decision to remain the same, for Jeonghan to stay with him forever as long as time allows.
Everything is now up to Jeonghan to decide, whether he returns or not, whether he decides to change his mind or not. It is Jisoo’s fault to assume Jeonghan will be happier with his kin, and he learned from his mistake. Now, he waits for Jeonghan’s decision. The least he could do is make up of his mind, readying himself for a decision for when the time comes.
Jeonghan is willing to go through such lengths for Jisoo. It is only befitting for him to reciprocate the same sincerity.
If Jeonghan does return, then Jisoo will say his honest feelings.
No one, even the strongest being in this continent, can turn back time. But if Jisoo could do so, he’ll return to the time before Jeonghan’s departure.
“Take your time. At the end of the seven years, once you return, I’ll take you as my Companion.”
If only Jisoo said so. If only he wasn’t a coward and evasive with his own feelings. If only he promised Jeonghan something, so he would return.
Because Jeonghan isn’t going back.
The seven years they promised is merely a month from now on, the time Jeonghan and Chan is supposed to return. However, it has been four months and there isn’t a single letter from Jeonghan, the longest it has ever been.
Jisoo had enough and contacted Wonwoo in a heartbeat.
“Chan? Yes, he said he’s sorting out things and they’re supposed to head back in a few weeks. I can’t believe it has been seven years,” Wonwoo told him, a proud smile gracing his lips. “Time truly flew fast. Chan must be taller and bigger now. In any case, Seungkwan has been pestering me for a while to throw a special ‘welcome home’ event for them. Do you—” the guardian fox paused, narrowing his eyes to see Jisoo’s expression clearer through the reflection of water. “Jisoo? Is something wrong?”
“I—I heard nothing from Jeonghan,” Jisoo blurted out.
Wonwoo’s mouth clamped shut.
“Wonwoo, did he—did Jeonghan say anything about going back?”
“Chan told me both of them are going back. But I’ll make sure if you want to. I’ll ask Chan—”
Jisoo was quick to stop him. “N—no, it’s okay. Maybe he’s just busy. There must be a lot of things he needs to sort out.”
Jeonghan is sociable and likeable, so it’s not surprising if he made a lot of connections and relationships through the whole journey. It is nice to know he is welcomed and able to fit himself anywhere. Yes. Human.
“Don’t overthink it, Jisoo.”
Despite what Jisoo said, his expression betrayed him, saying he isn’t convinced with his own words. He forced out a small laugh, scratching the back of his neck. “Of course, don’t worry, Wonwoo. What did you say just now? Something about welcoming them back?”
There was an awkward silence and Jisoo is hoping Wonwoo will drop this topic. His eyebrows are scrunched together, debating internally on how to fix this—on how to make Jisoo feels better.
“We can discuss the details later. Just take it easy, alright? I’ll ask Chan about their details on coming back, then we can gather to plan the event together. Sounds good?” he leaves no gap for Jisoo to reply. “I heard those trio is coming to visit you in two days, so I’ll be leaving the aromatherapy incenses to them. Choose the ones you like, okay?”
“O—okay. Thank you, Wonwoo.”
“Anytime. See you soon.”
“See you.”
The surface of the magic tool stilled, ending their connection.
Jisoo took a deep breath and leaned into his couch, trying to calm his trembling body. Vaguely, he could hear Cheonsa whimpering at his side, and he would love to reach out and caress the white bunny if his two hands weren’t busy covering his face.
Chan is in contact with Wonwoo and he’s still together travelling with Jeonghan out there. So, they should be in a position where they can send their familiars to deliver letters. The question echoes itself on Jisoo’s mind. Why didn’t Jeonghan contact him? Drawing the conclusion, it is highly plausible to say he is doing this on purpose.
Why?
Deliberately, months before he returned, he decided to stop contacting Jisoo, disappearing and leaving Jisoo with no news at all.
Jisoo’s heart dropped, shattering into pieces.
The answer is obvious. Jeonghan never held his silence unless he was making a mistake, hiding something, or feeling guilty towards Jisoo. Being the kind and gentle person he is, Jeonghan never wanted to hurt Jisoo. He must’ve arrived at the decision to leave.
Yes, he will return, and he will return bearing a decision to leave for good.
The entire situation feels unreal, but there’s no other way to explain it. Why else would he stop contacting Jisoo, when he managed to keep it up the years before? There’s no reason in doing so except he changed his mind and was too hesitant in telling Jisoo about it, that he purposely avoided Jisoo until the last moment, only to reveal the painful truth at their reunion.
It all makes sense now.
Jeonghan is leaving.
Jisoo doesn’t deserve to cry. He had this coming, wishing for Jeonghan to choose his future as a human, choosing where he truly belongs, and not with Jisoo. He doesn’t deserve regretting this decision now, when Jeonghan had been sacrificing so much the past seven years. Jisoo decided to be honest and yet the opportunity was robbed from him. He deserves this for hurting Jeonghan.
He is thoroughly shattered, tears flowing out uncontrollably, sobbing loudly without any restrain. It was all his indecisiveness and cowardice, ruining everything for both him and Jeonghan. It was an outcome to be expected. How ridiculous Jisoo is hoping for everything to work out at the end, when it was him who ruined it in the first place.
Alone. He’s going to be all alone again, and he deserves it.
Jeonghan finally found a place where he truly belongs, found something as his reason to live, found someone he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. Someone that is not him. Jisoo should be glad and relieved. In the end, maybe it really is the best decision for Jeonghan.
Six bouquets of flowers and Jisoo will never receive the seventh one.
The magnificent owl perched on his forearm squawks.
Jisoo offers a small smile and scritches the owl’s head, its deep violet feathers fluttering. The creature accepted the gentle touches gleefully and rotated its head. “You’re good to go. Don’t fly out too much, okay? Give it a few days.”
Once again, the owl squawks, understanding Jisoo’s request. It nuzzles at Jisoo’s hand as a form of gratitude, before flapping its wings and flying away deep into the forest, back to where it belongs. Jisoo fixated his gaze until the owl completely disappear from his sight, reduced to a single speck in his vision.
At this point, it was impossible to keep the overflowing emotion in check. His eyes are empty and hollow, the constant ache and dullness lingering in his chest. The entire forest seems to pick up on his sorrowful mood and are conflicted on how to console their master.
According to Wonwoo, Chan and Jeonghan would be returning from their journey on schedule, a week from now on, and they have prepared a small welcome party for them. The event will be a dinner party, inviting beings from their circle to throw a small feast and catch up on the stories from their journey.
There’s still no letter from Jeonghan, even when Wonwoo has confirmed multiple times that he’ll be coming back.
Jisoo is trying to do whatever he can to cope. He must prepare himself to welcome Jeonghan back with a smile. Whatever Jeonghan has decided, Jisoo must accept it with an open heart. He can’t make his friends or Jeonghan worry about him, or maybe it was too late, as they visited him frequently nowadays as a gesture to comfort him.
Everyone makes mistakes, and Jisoo must amend by letting Jeonghan go this time with a smile.
He has one more week to prepare himself thoroughly. Sincerely, earnestly, with his whole heart, he had to give his final blessing to Jeonghan, for his true departure into the world, for them to be separated forever. It is the best for the two of them. He echoed the words repeatedly, brainwashing himself, while at the same time sealing his feelings tighter. This time, Jisoo wishes for the strength to make it through properly.
He inhaled the crisp air of the forest, surrounded by the blooming flowers he dearly loved, and straightened himself. Cheonsa is nearby, wrestling a newborn wolf, together with the usual flocks of fairies. Jisoo could never get enough of the adorable sight. The usual antics of the forest’s residents is constant, a sign that everything is normal, as it should be.
Cheonsa freezes and the entire air shifted, causing Jisoo to still as well.
“Cheonsa? Is something wrong?” Jisoo asked cautiously.
The familiar tensed, his bunny fur and ear standing up in full alert, almost coming into a hiss. A chill run through Jisoo’s spine. Cheonsa is only this defensive if there’s an intruder in the forest, specifically a dangerous intruder, one with huge mana capacity and ill intentions. Before Jisoo could inquire further, Cheonsa sprinted away, towards the direction of the treehouse.
“Cheonsa!” he called for the familiar to no avail.
Then it hits Jisoo; a presence approaching the treehouse. A very familiar presence.
Jisoo doesn’t want to move, but the screeching coming from Cheonsa is calling to him, urging him to come after him. So, Jisoo did. His heart is beating loud, deafening the voices of the forest around him, be it the rustling of the bushes or the noises from the creatures around. As he draws nearer and nearer, the presence becomes clearer, an all too familiar presence.
He is dreaming. He has to be dreaming.
At the front garden of the treehouse stood someone, someone that should be arriving a week from now on.
Jeonghan.
Coming into a pause, Jisoo wondered how this illusion is so vivid. There was him and his laughs, trying to keep the fairies away from swarming him too much. Cheonsa is at his feet too, tugging and biting his pants urgently to grab his attention.
“Wait, wait, I know what you want,” Jeonghan spoke, and oh, even his voice sounded real. He waved his hand and a black bunny hopped off the materialized portal, a familiar Jisoo misses too.
Cheonsa welcomed Shuji into a hug, squealing and smothering at each other. Jisoo wonders if this means Cheonsa is an illusion as well. He stared as the two familiars cuddled, trying to discern where the illusion begins and ends, unaware of the footsteps approaching him.
“Jisoo.”
Jisoo slowly lifted his gaze up, holding his breath. If he moved around too much, if he sharpened his senses, will the illusion of Jeonghan disappear? Will he wake up from this dream, just like those countless of times before?
Tears are swelling in his eyes, turning his vision blurry. He misses Jeonghan, his presence, his voice, his gaze, his scent, and his everything—so much that it hurts. Jisoo wouldn’t mind if this is an illusion.
"Jisoo, I miss you," the illusion said with a smile.
The same smile he used to see every day, the same smile he saw seven years ago at Jeonghan’s departure.
It was the last straw and Jisoo burst into tears, falling into his knees and breaking apart right there and then. If this illusion is to disappear, Jisoo wishes to disappear along with it.
But the illusion didn’t go anywhere. Jisoo is wrapped in a tight hug, invading him with Jeonghan’s familiar warmth and scent. The arm wrapped around his back, the hand cradling his head, the body pressed against him, the voice calling his name desperately, repeating them over and over on his ears. It feels real, so real.
“Jisoo. I’m sorry—please don’t cry. I’m sorry for worrying you so much. I’m back here. I’m back home.”
Jeonghan. It really is Jeonghan.
Jisoo inhaled sharply at the revelation, a high-pitched voice stuck in his throat as he choked on his own tears. With everything he had, Jisoo clung onto Jeonghan desperately, closing the space between them and unwilling to let go. Whatever he was trying to say turns into incoherent words, trapped between his wails and sobs.
“Jisoo, I’m sorry,” Jeonghan was at lost, trying to gather more of Jisoo into his arms, tucking him closer. “I’m here. Jisoo, hey? I’m home. Everything is okay. Everything is fine—I’m fine. So, don’t worry, okay? I’m home for good.”
He continued to whisper sweet reassurances to Jisoo, soothing his cries, calming his trembling body. Jeonghan pressed his lips on Jisoo’s temples, kissing the drop of tears away. But even Jeonghan is unable to halt them, as they continue to flow constantly, reflecting the depth of emotion Jisoo is feeling. He’s heartbroken at how broken Jisoo looks.
“Jisoo? Hey? Can you look at me?”
At the request, Jisoo shook his head, responding with a weak whimper.
Jeonghan cradles his cheek, coaxing Jisoo to lift his head. “Jisoo,” he gently encourages.
Jisoo’s beautiful eyes are red and tearful, meeting Jeonghan’s steady and kind gaze. It helps him calm down. Jisoo misses his eyes and his heart swells with the overwhelming emotion. He swallowed his tears and took a deep breath, and though his voice is shaky, it’s not muffled anymore. “Jeonghan—are you real? Are you really here?”
“Yes, I’m real. It’s me.”
“Hannie—,” Jisoo clutched onto him, tighter and harder. “Please—please don’t leave. Please stay with me. Please don’t ever leave again.”
He doesn’t care anymore; he’ll beg if he can if it means having Jeonghan by his side.
Jeonghan’s eyes widened, finally grasping what Jisoo had been on edge about. His crying isn’t as simple as being emotional from their reunion, it’s clearly more than that.
“Jisoo, listen, I’m never going to leave you, okay? I’m going to stay with you. I decided seven years ago, and I’m not changing my mind,” he made his words as direct as possible, thumbing Jisoo’s cheek gently. They need to make this clear. “I’m sorry for disappearing on you for months. I admit it was stupidity on my part. I just… I was too preoccupied sorting things out before I return, and I think to myself, what if I make it a surprise for you? That’s why I stopped contacting you and that’s why I’m here, a week early. I—it was stupid of me. I’m sorry.”
It was more than stupid; Jeonghan is an idiot. From Jisoo’s perspective, Jeonghan who stopped contacting him, while Chan is still in touch with Wonwoo, can only mean one thing and it’s bad.
Seven years is slow and agonizing, yet it passed in the blink of an eye. It is a weird period of time for Jeonghan, as it is excruciatingly long and fleetingly short at the same time. Those countless experiences and connections are priceless treasure he’ll be grateful of forever. Nevertheless, he was more than eager to see Jisoo again, to stay with Jisoo for good.
He misses Jisoo and he can’t wait for them to be reunited, living together again. He was too fixated on his excitement that he forgets how Jisoo might’ve feel at his idiotic little plan.
“Jisoo. I’m never changing my mind, okay? I’m staying by your side,” he firmly repeated. Even if Jisoo doesn’t want him to, Jeonghan is persistent with his decision. He will be staying by Jisoo’s side forever, as a Companion or not.
But Jeonghan doesn’t need to be stubborn, not when Jisoo has decided to pour his heart out without a care.
“I’m sorry, Jeonghan. I’m too scared, I’m a coward. I rejected you and avoided your feelings because I was afraid of mine. I was afraid of being hurt and I hurt you instead,” Jisoo held his shirt, forcing their gaze to lock, conveying his sincerity. “You’re the most important person to me. You have always been. That’s why… please, don’t go anywhere.”
Jisoo thinks he looks miserable, pathetic even, holding onto Jeonghan when he’s the first to let go. He didn’t care as long as his true feelings are conveyed. Unbeknownst to him, Jeonghan always thought Jisoo looked beautiful and pure, even when he’s crying like this.
“Jisoo, I promise you, I’m not going anywhere,” Jeonghan slightly pulled away, making room between them, and Jisoo panicked at the contrast between his words and his action. “Wait, I’m just—I’m just going to give you something, okay?”
He looked embarrassed at his own fearful reaction, as if he can’t be separated from Jeonghan just a single second. Rummaging through the space pocket, Jeonghan pulled out a magnificent bouquet and handed it to Jisoo.
“Here, it is an early birthday present for you. This flower is called azalea.”
“It’s beautiful,” Jisoo marveled, admiring the stunning gradient of white and pink of the petals, with darker pink patterns painted towards the inside, and the stamens curling out elegantly.
“They symbolize remembrance of home and a desire to one day return. This flower reminds me a lot of you. You’re my one and only home. I’ll always go back to you, no matter how far I go, or how long it takes. Now, I’m here, and I promise you I’m never leaving your side. Ever.”
Home.
Jeonghan’s gaze towards him is brimming with adoration and yearning, true to his words. If this is all a dream, a figment of his imagination, Jisoo wishes it would go on forever. It feels sinful at how happy he is, Jeonghan unchanging his mind and showering him with reassurances. Anyone could change their mind whenever they want. Despite the hundreds, thousands of ways, and the high possibility it could happen to Jeonghan, it didn’t.
Is it luck, is it fate, or is it choice?
Between the guilt and conflict inside him, the feeling of gratitude won over, and Jisoo hugged the bouquet of flowers tightly. Together with his tears, he finally smiles. “Thank you for coming back home safely.”
Thank you for coming back to me.
Uncharacteristic of Jisoo, the treehouse is messy, littered with trinkets all over the place. On rare occasions, he would feel overwhelmed with work and started leaving stuffs unattended, which in return makes him more stressful. Jeonghan would usually step in, tidying up and airing the place, helping Jisoo clear his mind.
“I’m really sorry, I’m working on a few stuffs lately,” Jisoo sheepishly stated, rolling up the stacks of scrolls abandoned on the floor.
Jeonghan set down his bag and stretches, taking in the view of the treehouse. He’s relieved at how it looks and feels the same, as always.
“Are you hungry?”
“Nope, don’t worry. I’ve eaten.”
Jisoo jolted in surprise, finding Jeonghan standing behind him. “You can sit down and just relax. You must be tired.”
“No, it’s okay, I want to watch you.”
Jisoo’s eyes are red and puffy from all the crying, so when he brewed some tea for them, Jeonghan prepared a small towel dipped in ice water for a cold compress.
“Here, Soo, close your eyes and relax for a while,” he held the towel at Jisoo’s eyes.
He is reluctant at first, but he complied at Jeonghan’s insistence and closed his eyes. The sudden coldness caused him to gasp and Jeonghan muttered a small apology, pressing it more gently. The cool sensation help Jisoo relaxes, clearing his mind and regaining clarity. He could feel the close proximity between them, gentle touches holding the back of his neck and the towel on his eyes, the feeling of Jeonghan’s heartbeat and breathing on his skin.
Will Jeonghan disappears once the towel is taken off? Jisoo had the feeling he won’t. Once the cold dissipated, the towel was taken away, and indeed Jeonghan didn’t disappear.
“Jisoo?”
Jisoo didn’t take his eyes off Jeonghan, taking in every inch of him. Seven years has passed, and somehow Jeonghan is the same and different. He looks much taller, more or less at the same height as Jisoo, and he is far bulkier and tougher. Jeonghan used to be on the skinnier side and now the muscles on his arm and torso are prominent. The lines of his facial feature are defined, showing a much more refined side of him, appearing more handsome.
He didn’t bat an eyelid, even when Jeonghan called for his name, too immersed in his observation.
A tug on his wrist and Jisoo is pulled along to the couch. “Here,” sitting side by side, Jeonghan grasped both of Jisoo’s wrists, directing it towards his face. “I’m really back, I’m here. So, feel free to make sure of it.”
For a moment, Jisoo is bewildered, trying to figure out Jeonghan’s intention. As his fingers touched Jeonghan’s cheek, a need surges in his body, wishing to caress more of his skin. So, Jisoo did, cupping his face tenderly, staring into his warm brown eyes. Truthfully, it still feels surreal for the dragon to have Jeonghan back, to be able to touch him and listen to his voice. It takes a long time for Jisoo to accustom himself to the days without Jeonghan, and it’ll also take a while for him to revert.
“Jisoo, I’m sorry. I must’ve worried you a lot,” Jeonghan apologized too many times today and it’s still never enough. He feels guilty every time he saw deep sadness in Jisoo’s eyes. Even if Jisoo says it’s okay, it’s not.
Jeonghan is the one who invites Jisoo to touch him and yet he’s feeling embarrassed and nervous now. Usually, Jisoo is the one who would be flustered first. Perhaps all the shock and crying put him in an unbothered headspace, where he didn’t care about other’s reaction and focuses more on his own purpose. He wants to confirm Jeonghan’s existence. Jeonghan bets Jisoo would wake up tomorrow with a heart attack.
Maybe he should stop worrying and indulge in the moment too.
“Jisoo… I miss you, a lot.”
“I miss you too.”
His eyes widened. This is the first time Jisoo ever said it back. He began replaying the words Jisoo had said a moment ago and curses himself at missing the crucial part. Holding Jisoo’s hand, he momentarily stopped the his caresses. “I need to make sure of one thing. The things you said just now—are they true?”
Jisoo tilted his head in confusion. “Which one?”
“That you want to be with me forever?”
The feeling of remorse returned to him and Jisoo visibly shrunk, though he was still holding onto Jeonghan. “Listen, Jeonghan. I—I was too late in realizing my feelings. I wanted to be with you as much as you wanted to be with me. But I was scared—and I doubted your feelings. I believe, in these seven years, you’ve grown and experienced a lot of things. That’s why, whatever decision you make from now on, I’ll accept and support you. I know this sounds unfair and selfish, but before you do, I want you to know what I’m feeling.” Jisoo took a deep, shaky breath, and he continues.
“I mean what I said before. I want to be with you forever. I want you to stay by my side, be it as a Companion or not. If you still wish to become one, then I’ll follow your wish. If you decided to leave—then I’ll let you go. But I—,” he shut his eyes tightly, summoning every ounce of his courage, and opened it again, “—I need you to know. I love you, Jeonghan.”
Jeonghan stilled, the world surrounding him going empty, leaving only Jisoo in front of him.
“I love you. You’re the most important person to me. And it will never change, regardless of your decision,” Jisoo finishes unloading his whole heart, gritting through the fear, and is left with fulfillment.
Whatever Jeonghan decides from now on, Jisoo is ready to accept them.
The words flow out of his lips eloquently, like a stream of water. “I don’t know when it exactly started, but I always remembered wanting to be with you. The feeling was there, and it grew, to the point of me wanting to become your Companion. I admit it, I was young and immature. I feel insecure because I have nothing but you. You can choose anyone in this world to accompany you, but I only have you.”
“Going on the journey is the biggest gamble I’ve ever taken. I would be separated from you for a long time. I wouldn’t know if someone else took my place and you might’ve forgotten about me,” Jeonghan let out a small laugh at Jisoo’s immediate objection. “I know you wouldn’t do that, but I’m scared. Just like you, I’m scared too.”
They need a lot of time to unpack the regret and guilt building up inside them for years. Don’t worry, they have enough time from now on.
“But here we are,” he smiles proudly. “I spend seven years with you, and I spend seven years without you. I truly experienced so much, making a lot of memories. Everyday is full of new things for me to discover. There are days where it is so fun and exhilarating, but there are days where it’s tiring and painful. Beautiful places are everywhere and so many new people to meet. However, there’s not a single day pass without me thinking of you.”
Everything reminded him of Jisoo.
Every beautiful view he sees, he wants to show them to Jisoo. Every tasty food and drink he consumes, he wants Jisoo to try them. Every event or festival happening at town, he wants Jisoo to enjoy them. Everything fun, happy, and joyful, he wants Jisoo to experience them too. Then when things aren’t going well, when Jeonghan is suffering and hurting, facing the trials and tribulations of his journey, he prayed Jisoo is fine back at home, safe and sound, waiting for him to return.
Looking up at the sky would give him both the strength and courage to see the end of his journey. Though apart, they are seeing the same sky, under the same sky.
"Now that seven years has passed, will you believe in the choice I make?"
Jisoo nodded. He believes in Jeonghan.
“I want to be with you for a long, long time. Will you take me as your Companion?”
Even if they are to regret their decision far in the future, Jisoo is ready to take responsibility for it. They should live on the moment now and not the unknown future, or else they would never take a step forward. Jisoo has prepared his answer.
"I will take you as my Companion," Jisoo told him.
His smile is breathtakingly beautiful and Jeonghan leaned in to hug him. Now, it feels like Jisoo is truly in his arms.
Finally.
Fate brought them together, then they are to be separated, only to be brought together again in the end. Jeonghan hoped this will be the end of it, without any more separation. They settled on each other’s arms perfectly, the seven years’ worth of time barely changing the bond between them.
To be honest, Jeonghan wasn’t sure the love they confess to is the same kind of love. He didn’t doubt the intensity and sincerity behind Jisoo’s feeling. Even so, he was sure their underlying intention is not quite the same, yet. Jisoo is content in being with Jeonghan, but Jeonghan has always wanted more. He won’t deny the carnal desire growing within him together with the love he always had. For more than seven years, he kept everything in, and he isn’t going to wait any longer.
Jeonghan leaned in and kissed Jisoo on the side of his lips, causing the dragon to stiffen, eyes widening at the sudden ambush. His lips ghosted on Jisoo’s skin, gauging his reaction, and Jeonghan is satisfied to find no traces of discomfort or disgust. In fact, the dragon looks quite lost with his round eyes and flushed cheeks, being overwhelmingly adorable.
“Can I kiss you?” he whispers, carrying the sole intention of enticing Jisoo.
Jisoo was stunned, the words stuck in his throat. Entranced by Jeonghan’s gaze and lips on his skin, he almost mouthed a silent “yes”, yet Jeonghan captured his lips first.
The feeling of Jisoo’s lips against him is divine.
His heart soared, hearing Jisoo’s weak, surprised gasp, stoking his ego and leaving him wanting more. He savored Jisoo’s taste, leaning forward and pressing more, both hands preventing Jisoo from moving back instinctively.
The two of them are quite unfamiliar in this area, but Jeonghan get the hang of it quickly, already addicted to this sensation—the heat and softness of Jisoo’s lips, together with his exquisite taste. It’s excruciating for Jeonghan to hold back all these times.
It took a few seconds before Jisoo melted and started reciprocating the kiss, and Jeonghan is beyond overjoyed. When they reluctantly parted to take a deep breath, Jisoo opened his mouth to speak something, though it was interrupted by Jeonghan’s lips once again, a weak squeak leaving his throat.
Gods, Jeonghan wants to do this forever.
Still, he restrained his desires, convincing himself that this will suffice for now, in consideration for Jisoo. There would be more next time, and each time, he’ll delve in deeper and gets his fill.
“Hannie…” Jisoo’s breathing is shallow, a lovely blush adorning his cheeks.
Jeonghan smiled, pride swelling in his chest at making Jisoo breathless, his lips plump and wet, inviting him for another kiss. He wanted to lick those lips again. “I’m sorry, I can’t help it. Do you not like it?”
The dragon is flustered at his question. “No! Of course, not! I just—,” he casted his gaze away, embarrassed by his own enthusiasm. “It’s just…” It’s obvious Jisoo had barely any experience in physical intimacy and yet it’s still awkward to admit it. “Um… I need time to get used to it. And, I… I don’t think I’m going to take you as my Companion now.”
“… What?”
It feels like someone hit him on the back of his head, hard enough to pop his eyes out from their sockets. Is this what he gets from kissing Jisoo out of nowhere? Did Jisoo not like it? Is—Is Jeonghan bad at it?
Jisoo caught his baffled expression and fixes his words in a panic. “W—wait, that’s not what I meant! That sounded so wrong. Hannie, I’m taking you as my Companion, and I won’t be changing my mind. It’s just, we won’t go through the ceremony soon.”
Jeonghan deflates, feeling the energy drained out of him. “So… when?”
He smiled softly, patting Jeonghan’s head apologetically. “Maybe after a little more. It’s just, you’re back now after a long while. Take your time in settling down and adjusting. Let’s take it easy, okay? I want you to tell me all the stories from your journey. Or maybe, we can go on a small journey too, together.”
Laying on Jisoo’s shoulder, Jeonghan half-sulked and half-pondered at Jisoo’s proposition. It might’ve been too hasty if they jumped into the next step after they’re shortly reunited. Traveling with Jisoo doesn’t sounds bad either. Oh well, a few more months of waiting won’t hurt, or a few more years, as long as he had Jisoo with him. Jeonghan doesn’t mind it.
He has all the time in the world to be with Jisoo.
“You’re right. There’s lots I want to tell you.”
The dragon nodded eagerly, his smile growing wider. “Yes, and I will listen to them.”
Everything feels right, everything feels complete. Their existence side by side, the past they look back to, and the promise for future days ahead.
Finally, the Guardian Dragon has his Companion.
The story, as the people knows, goes like this.
The guardian dragon of this land, benevolent and novel, granting the people his protection for decades and centuries. He is alone until he meets his Companion, a partner to share his happiness and sadness together, to accompany him till the end of his duty.
A guardian and his companion.
Spending a thousand years together, side by side.