What happens when they meet again after 10 years apart?
pairing: matz + minor woosan and yungi
genre: romance, yearning, smut, angst, omegaverse and historical AU
chapter: 1 of 5, word count is ~5k per chapter. This story is complete.
rating: 18+ minors dni
warnings for this series: dom! hj, unprotected sex (don't do this), dirty talk, r*mming
tags: omega Park Seonghwa, alpha Kim Hongjoong, Jane Austen inspired, sad with a happy ending, family fluff, woosan down bad for each other, Seonghwa and Wooyoung are besties
divider by: @cafekitsune // Do you prefer to read on AO3? 📖
This fic is 5 chapters. I will post twice a week. The completed story is available on AO3.
“Oh look at you my dear Seonghwa, you will truly be the star of the ball.”
He feels a nervous tingle somewhere deep in his chest now.
“Thank you grandmother.”
“You can pick and choose from the most eligible alphas tonight, securing our family’s future.”
He sighs, feeling weighed down by the responsibility that has been placed on his shoulders. With no siblings and a whole cackle of omega cousins, he’s expected to marry as rich as possible.
It’s no secret that Mr. Park’s investments have turned sour, and that Mrs. Park’s declining health needs some of the nation’s best physicians.
Seonghwa hasn't dared to dream big throughout the years, realizing at an early age that his family would rely on him. In his fantasies, he’s a tailor.
He makes beautiful creations, sharp suits and lives in a modest cottage with an ocean view. A more likely future is to be an alpha’s trophy hidden away in a manor.
Perhaps finding solace in a well stocked library or an expansive garden. Seonghwa is almost twenty now, and ready to be presented at his very first ball in the county. It’s at the nearby Kim Manor, currently owned by Kim Hwon, renowned for a playboy lifestyle with gambling and pleasure.
Despite his dubious reputation, Kim Manor was known for being quite tasteful and well kept, and Seonghwa couldn’t wait to sneak off and explore it by himself later.
“Remember, you weren’t born this beautiful for nothing — use it to your every advantage my boy.”
Seonghwa only nods to his grandmother, as he adjusts his hair clips, the mother of pearl-finish sparkling in the candle light.
“I’m convinced it’s your time now, dear cousin, it feels like only yesterday that I met Mr. Lee at this very same ballroom!”
He only musters a polite smile to his enthusiastic cousin Yeji, now betrothed to an alpha of a more modest living not far from the Park estate.
But being betrothed with somewhat poor prospects, is sadly preferable to being unmarried in their society, at least for omegas.
“I’ve heard Mr. Kim’s younger cousin is attending tonight, he’s your age I believe, fresh out of the navy.”
The ballroom doors are thrown open. Music swells and the crowd inside is already loud. Seonghwa steps inside on his grandmother’s arm and feels dozens of eyes on him at once.
He used to think people disliked him when they were staring, until Yeji very matter of factly stated that it’s because they find him beautiful. He’s had a hard time coming to terms with it.
He straightens his shoulders as he was taught. The bright light from the chandeliers combined with a myriad of scents is overwhelming, but there’s suddenly one that stands out — it lingers in his lungs and calms him. Salt water? But something more as well.
Before it disappears, his own scent stutters in response and reaches out to meet the other. He’s not doing it on purpose, but by an ancient instinct he rarely gets to experience. Seonghwa looks up.
Across the room, half-turned away from a cluster of laughing officers, stands a young alpha in a navy uniform. His auburn hair tied back neatly with medals gleaming against his chest.
His expression is composed, but his eyes are alight with something restless. It feels like the room moves in slow motion as he turns around, and their eyes meet.
The alpha inhales, sharply enough that Seonghwa sees the movement in his chest. His gaze narrows, not in displeasure but in unmistakable recognition, as though he has found something he had not known he was looking for.
He’s suddenly heading straight for Seonghwa, but in an unhurried pace, probably to avoid raising any brows among the gossips (and there sure are a few in this ballroom). The alpha stops before him and bows gently.
“Park Seonghwa, I presume?” Seonghwa blinks. “Yes. And you are…?”
“Kim Hongjoong,” he replies, smiling warmly. “Captain, recently returned from service. Your family’s reputation for beauty was not exaggerated, if I may say so.”
Seonghwa flushes before he can stop himself, white tea and hints of peony escaping in small whiffs. Hongjoong’s visuals are exquisite.
His angles are sharp but compliment each other well. It is what his mother would describe as a “handsome face indeed”. He wishes she was well enough to attend tonight, a note of sadness spills in the air.
Hongjoong’s eyes widened, his scent suddenly curling around the omega even stronger. Seonghwa feels a faint answering pull in his chest.
There’s something about this alpha, but he doesn’t understand it. It’s a new sensation. In his confusion, he reminds himself to stay polite.
“You are kind, Captain Kim,” he says, bowing his head just enough. “Welcome back to the county.”
His gaze lingers. Hongjoong seems to be studying him. His eyes travel from the shine of the mother of pearl-clips in his hair, following the fall of dark curls, down to his jawline and ultimately ending at Seonghwa’s rose colored lips.
“I hope,” Hongjoong says quietly, “that your evening will allow me the honor of at least one dance.”
Behind Seonghwa, his older cousin Yeji’s voice drifts through. “…that’s him — Kim Hongjoong. Sadly just a captain. Charming, but hardly enough to secure the Parks. Seonghwa must think of the estate, really…”
Seonghwa keeps his expression smooth, hoping Hongjoong didn’t hear her. “I should be honored, Captain.”
Hongjoong’s face lightens up. “Then,” Hongjoong says softly, “I will make certain that it does.”
He steps back with perfect manners, but Seonghwa feels the absence of him immediately, the way his scent draws away doesn’t sit right with him.
He imagines putting on Hongjoong’s coat and hiding in it. She’s stayed uncharacteristically quiet by his side, but he can feel his grandmother squeezing his arm, leading him further into the room.
“Seonghwa, did you hear? Captain Kim and his crew are staying up by Kim Manor this summer, as his estate up north is being refurbished,”
Seonghwa freezes, trying to not let his true emotions show in front of the family. He quickly glances around, but they’re all preoccupied with newspapers and breakfast foods.
“Oh, he hasn’t been here for a while, has he?” He asks Yeji innocently.
He tries to keep his tone casual.
“I don’t think so, I haven’t seen him down here in almost a decade I think, but we met at a ball up near his estate a few years ago.
Rumors say that he’s looking for a mate — how that man has stayed single is a mystery to me! He’s both rich and charming.”
Something dark and thick swirls in Seonghwa’s chest. The captain is still without a mate, even though he’s heard rumors of his success at sea and in business. His heart twinges at this new information.
“I’m sure we’ll see him around though, as he seems to be an outgoing and outdoorsy type.”
Seonghwa produces a faint smile to his cousin, not wanting to continue the uncomfortable conversation.
A few hours later, Seonghwa and Yeji are gathered at the cottage where she and her husband Mr. Lee stays when they visit their Park relatives.
There’s a determined knock on the cottage door.
“Come in!” Yeji yells, and the door cracks. A strong whiff of salt water, warm wood and lavender hits Seonghwa’s senses.
A catalogue of memories flies through his mind. Hands brushing discreetly against each other. Smiling knowingly to each other.
Seonghwa’s face goes pale.
“Oh Captain Kim, it’s lovely to see you again after all these years, you haven’t aged a day.” Cousin Yeji is positively fawning over him.
“My pleasure, Mrs. Lee,” he does a curt bow in her direction.
The scent fills Seonghwa’s senses. The memories keep queuing up. His palm on the small of Seonghwa’s back in a ballroom. A gravitational pull between them.
“This is my cousin Park Seonghwa, I believe the two of you have met before?”
Seonghwa trembles as he turns around, eyes fixed on the floor.
“We have met before, yes. Again, it’s my pleasure, Mr. Park.”
Seonghwa looks up and their eyes meet. He’s just as handsome as he remembers. His skin is a bit tanner and rugged, likely from years sailing the oceans, but it suits him.
Seonghwa tries to read him, but his face is stern and neutral.
It feels like his chest is weighed down by lead. The seconds are as long as an eternity, but just when he’s about to open his mouth to reply, Hongjoong interrupts him.
“I better return to the others, we’re going on a walk near the coast,” his eyes are back on Yeji now.
“Oh how lovely, with our little cousins right? Well make sure to stop by again Captain?”
There’s a tinge of desperate enthusiasm in her voice
“I will try my best, farewell,” he turns around, nods and exits swiftly.
Seonghwa feels a bead of sweat run down his forehead, even though he’s chilled to his bones.
“Oh my, Captain Kim truly looks like a man in charge, so handsome and charismatic. The fact that he’s made a fortune on the seas helps as well, of course.”
She whispers with a grin, making Seonghwa narrow his eyes from disapproval. He still remembers how she used to talk about the captain in the past.
“He’ll choose one of the girls by the end of the summer, I’m sure. They’re so fresh and beautiful, in a way that only young and naive omegas can be,” she laments mournfully, fiddling with her wedding band.
Seonghwa sees green at the thought of Hongjoong with one of those brats. But it would make sense. Nari and Hana both need mates, and got all the prospects in the world considering Uncle Park’s extensive fortune.
Also, who would turn down a wealthy and capable alpha like Hongjoong, with an already established pack in his lavish manor? Only an idiot would turn down a man like him. A fucking idiot.
The familiar bile of regret starts rising in Seonghwa’s throat. He can’t discern if it’s actually bile or just his brain tricking him anymore, but it doesn’t matter.
He tries to shut down the emotions, and redirect them at his own father.
Watching Mr. Park desperately scramble to not lose the estate, selling off the late Mrs. Park’s grand piano and jewelry before he even considers getting rid of his extensive weapon collection cluttering the top floor.
He’s angry at his mother for leaving him. Angry at his younger cousins with all the prospects in the world. He does at least have Wooyoung, his best friend and rock. Anger is replaced by gratitude. He’s not sure what he’s going to say to Wooyoung about all of this.
Dressed in exquisite silk pajamas, they crawl into bed. Even though it’s summer, a chilly breeze creeps through the open windows, revealing a clear night sky outside.
“Hwa, Yeji told me that the captain visited the cottage, how are you feeling?” Seonghwa wants to downplay it, but he doesn’t want to lie.
“It was… awkward, but very short. He couldn’t leave fast enough to be honest. I think he was only being polite,” Wooyoung tilts his head. It’s clear that he doesn’t want to push the topic.
“Naturally, I can only imagine how complicated this must be for you, even as time has passed,” Seonghwa just nods, fighting the emotions that are about to surface.
“Mr. Park has invited him and his Quartermaster for dinner, by the way. Probably trying to push the little cousins on them both,” he can feel his insides twisting, “apparently, Quartermaster Choi’s mate passed from an illness last fall.”
A pang of guilt hits him now. Seonghwa has no idea what it must feel like to lose your mate like that. He can’t possibly compare his own experiences with it.
“That’s awful, poor Mr. Choi. I’ve only heard good things about him.”
Wooyoung nods, “me as well, we’ll meet them tomorrow and see, I guess.”
Seonghwa tucks a strand of Wooyoung’s hair behind his ear, as they nuzzle their noses and fall asleep.
Seonghwa has lined up in the hallway with the rest of the family, anticipating their guests any second now.
He’s wearing a modest outfit—a light blue linen shirt and highwaisted, tailored pants that accentuates his slim waist. His jet black hair is braided to one side, exposing his forehead.
Nari and Hana on the other hand, are dolled up in elaborate pastel dresses, full of frills and little bows. It seems over-the-top, he reckons.
He can feel Wooyoung’s gaze on him, turning around to see him with a slight smirk. He knows him well enough to surmise that he also finds the outfits rather gaudy and child-like.
The doors open, and Captain Kim enters. Seonghwa’s breath hitches involuntarily. He averts his gaze from meeting Hongjoong’s eyes, locking them on his father instead.
Mr. Park leaps forward to greet him, blocking Seonghwa’s view. As his father steps to the side, Hongjoong tips his hat at the rather cake-like omegas.
“Ladies, lovely to see you both again,” they can’t repress their squeals at the Captain’s attention.
“You as well Captain, welcome to our modest summer retreat,” they giggle, and Seonghwa cringes at the slight against his family home.
There is some truth to it though—the manor is falling apart, as Mr. Park can’t afford the necessary upkeep anymore.
There’s a reason why he’s so interested in marrying off his nieces, hoping to get a helping hand from his rather prideful older brother. He’s all but given up on marrying off his own son.
Hongjoong spots Wooyoung, and does a deep bow.
“I have however not had the pleasure to meet this fine gentleman?”
Wooyoung’s irresistible aura has claimed another victim.
“Oh, you flatter me Captain Kim. I’m Jung Wooyoung, a school friend of the young Mr. Park’s. The Park family took me in when my parents passed in the Otgol fires a few years back.”
Hongjoong’s face drops, his eyes softening.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Mr. Jung. A terrible tragedy, I wish you only good fortune ahead.”
“Indeed, thank you for your kind words, Captain. I’m incredibly lucky to have a friend like Seonghwa though, who’s taken such good care of me. He’s my guardian angel.”
Wooyoung seems composed, even though the topic is dire. Hongjoong nods pensively at this information.
His eyes meet Seonghwa’s next. It stings. He tries to avoid breathing in the captain’s scent.
“Mr. Park, yet again a pleasure,” Seonghwa bows, and lets it linger.
When Hana suddenly pulls at Hongjoong’s coat, he’s not sure what to think. It’s rude, but it also saves Seonghwa from the awkwardness of their encounter. He exhales.
“Come listen to me play the piano, captain, I’ve wanted to show you for such a long time now!”
She’s bouncing off the walls with excitement.
“Simmer down, girls!” Mr. Park yells, as the girls drag the captain with them through the big doors heading in towards the living room.
That’s when Seonghwa spots Mr. Choi. His demeanor is reserved, but he has a warm smile, accentuated by deep dimples, as he greets Mr. Park.
His skin is even more tan than Hongjoong’s, with striking masculine features and a rather muscular physique that compliments it.
There’s however unsurprisingly an air of defeat weighing him down, Seonghwa finds. His shoulders are rounded forward, and there’s a dullness to his skin.
Mourning can have that effect on someone. He also moves with a limp.
The fact that the girls didn’t even stay to greet him as is proper custom, is neither mentioned or corrected.
Mr. Choi makes his way over to Seonghwa, bowing deeply.
“The young Mr. Park I presume, I’ve heard so much about you.” Seonghwa gulps.
“Only very good things, don’t worry,” there’s a glimmer of something friendly in Mr. Choi’s eyes.
“Oh, well then, I’m happy to meet you Mr. Choi,” Seonghwa bows, immediately feeling comfortable in the alpha’s presence.
“Please, call me San, at least when we’re not surrounded by prim and proper people. Mr. Choi sounds too much like my father,” San scrunches his nose, and Seonghwa can’t help but giggle—the awkward atmosphere has dissipated.
A whiff of coffee, caramel and mahogany is in the air. It’s a heavy musk, but not overwhelming.
“You can call me Seonghwa as well.” San gives a broad smile to Seonghwa.
He realises that the Quartermaster seems way more familiar with him than he had expected. He’s instantly curious about what Hongjoong has said about him—how can it only be good things?
Then San turns to Wooyoung, and it’s as if the air is sucked out of the room.
“Pardon me, mister, but I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you yet, I’d surely remember it,”
Seonghwa can see the tips of Wooyoung’s ears go pink—a very rare occurrence indeed for such a confident person.
“The pleasure is all mine Mr. Choi. My name is Jung Wooyoung, you can call me by my first name, if you want.” Wooyoung flutters his long lashes, and it’s working.
San can’t take his eyes off of him, and seems to have forgotten his words.
“Do you want a tour of the house, Mr. Choi?” Wooyoung proposes, pulling San out of his daze.
“San, please. And yes, I would love a tour Wooyoung,”
Seonghwa is a third wheel, but he should play chaperone for a little while, as is only proper. He can’t help but find the immediate chemistry between his long time friend and the sweet but a little sad Quartermaster an amusing distraction.
The pair walk ahead of him up the stairs, Wooyoung instinctively slowing down as San takes his time, using his cane to help a rather stiff leg traverse the staircase.
His friend is unstoppable now, yapping eagerly about the house and the area, asking how familiar San is, but still going into every detail.
Seonghwa tries to read San’s face, just in case he finds Wooyoung a bit overwhelming, but there’s only a fond smile plastered across it.
As he trails behind them, he feels his shoulders relax.
Hongjoong is here. He’s likely to pick one of his young cousin’s, and there’s nothing unnatural or illogical about it. It makes perfect sense.
Seonghwa needs to focus on his own prospects. It’s likely there’s no inheritance to speak of, nor marrying prospects, so he needs to find an occupation to support himself.
Could he become a tailor perhaps? How hard could it be to cut and sow garments?
“How about you Seonghwa, do you also enjoy dancing?” He’s pulled out of his rather stressful daydream by San’s question.
“Oh! Yes, very much so, Wooyoung has really expanded my repertoire this summer.” San still smiles, “well I’ll make sure to tell the Captain that we should have a ball then, there’s room for a small one in Kim manor, I’m convinced.”
Wooyoung lights up, “That’s a wonderful idea San, please convince him!”
“Only if you promise me the first dance.”
Wooyoung can’t even reply in words, he only nods and squeals in excitement.
Seonghwa can’t help but roll his eyes at the saccharine sweet exchange happening in front of him, but his inner, never-dying hopeless romantic loves every second of it.
“Seonghwa! Dinner!” The older Mr. Park yells from downstairs, as if Seonghwa was a little boy playing in the attic, and not a man in his late 20s.
The long dining table is already mostly occupied, with Hongjoong strategically placed between the older Mr. Park and Hana.
Seonghwa takes a seat at the end of the table. An hour of polite talk flies by, everyone going through the usual script. He realises that he’s in a glum mood, and chooses to only participate to the bare minimum.
Luckily, Wooyoung carries most of the small talk on their side of the table, San listening attentively and rumbling with a genuine laugh at Wooyoung’s jokes and antics. There’s no hiding from the pleasant tones of each their scents, flooding the air.
“...It might be too late, but I need someone to pick Seonghwa. I’d have one less worry, that’s for sure.” Mr. Park’s voice cuts through the air.
The bile is back deep in Seonghwa’s throat. The bile of shame.
He casts his eyes down on his half-full glass of wine, white knuckling around it. He knows they’re looking at him, waiting for a reaction. His father, his cousins, probably Wooyoung and worst of all—the captain. There’s no reply, until San clears his throat.
“Mr. Park here is lovely though, it must be coincidence and bad luck that there’s not been anyone suitable around. He might even find his fortune in other ways, being young and bright.”
Seonghwa exhales at San’s defense. He dares to look up, meeting his father’s eyes. He only hums in agreement, seemingly ready to let the topic go. Daring to look to the right, his eyes land on Hongjoong.
He’s keeping his gaze fixed on the fork in his hands, which he seems to fidget restlessly.
The reminder of the dinner party continues without any further humiliations, other than watching the younger omegas fawn over the captain, who seems somewhat content entertaining their whims.
When the party ends, Seonghwa situates himself as far back in the hall as possible, nodding his goodbyes to the two seafarers, feeling utterly spent from maintaining a facade for hours.
When he and Wooyoung go to bed that night, he lets Wooyoung go on and on about San, relieved that he can push his complicated feelings to the back of his mind.
──୨ৎ────
A couple of days later, a letter arrives at breakfast. It’s a rare enough occurrence to get the full attention of the four omegas gathered around the table with Mr. Park.
“Oh yes, most excellent,” he says as he’s reading.
Hana is almost completely out of her seat now, “most excellent what uncle!”. Mr. Park chuckles. “It’s from Captain Kim. He’s inviting us all to a ball up at Kim Manor, only a week from now actually.”
A cacophony of squeals fills the room, as Hana, Nari and Wooyoung almost bounce off the walls. Seonghwa feels something bubbling in his chest.
It’s neither something especially good or bad—maybe a form of cautious excitement?
Even though he’s got an awkward dynamic with the captain, he does actually love an opportunity to dress up and dance.
It doesn’t happen that often in this rather remote part of the county, and it’s a welcome respite from his worries about the state of his father’s finances and the house.
“Well, it’s a good opportunity for the four of you to find mates, and not burden your poor parents' nerves and bank accounts any longer.”
Even in a rather happy moment, his father’s off hand comments manage to sting, but Seonghwa has become an expert in letting it go in through one ear and out the other.
“Hwa, we need to start on our outfits right away, we’re already stressed on time!” Wooyoung is utterly endearing, and undoubtedly excited to see more of his incredibly charming sailor.
──୨ৎ────
It’s only an hour until their carriage leaves for the ball, and the boys are situated in front of the full-length mirror, doing their finishing touches.
Seonghwa is dressed in a sharply tailored pair of black silk pants, with a cream colored silk blouse draped across his broad shoulders and narrow waist.
A blouse that belonged to his mother, with her lingering scent still in the fine threads. It’s supposed to be a woman’s blouse, but it fits him perfectly.
Wooyoung has styled Seonghwa’s dark curls with little pearls and silver beads, accentuating the sparkle in his delicate silver jewelry.
“You look like an angel Hwa, but also utterly irresistible.” He swats Wooyoung’s shoulder, but can’t help but preen at the genuine compliments.
“Hwa… how do you feel about going back to the captain’s manor after all these years?”. Wooyoung rarely touches on the topic, knowing how deep the hurt runs for Seonghwa.
“I’m okay. It’s a decade ago now, it’s in the past.”
His friend doesn’t look convinced.
“It’s okay to be emotional about it, you know. I know the significance that place must carry for you.”
The Kim manor garden. A warm summer night. A young alpha and a young omega all sweaty and happy from dancing with each other the entire evening, surrounded by whispers and smiles from their onlookers.
There were a few exceptions in the merry crowd though. Seonghwa’s grandmother, for one. Insinuations that a young captain was below Seonghwa’s prospects.
“The Park family is in higher esteem than for you to settle with someone like that.” It still echoes in the back of Seonghwa’s mind.
“Don’t you want to secure the best doctors in the country for your mother? They’re very expensive, Seonghwa dear.”
The persuading tone. The pressure of making his family content. Back to the gardens in his mind. A young captain standing in front of him, full of hope.
But suddenly Seonghwa’s life was ripping fast at the seams, only saved by a bright, shining light appearing at his school a few years later.
“Hey, where did you go?” Wooyoung pulls Seonghwa out from his spiraling thoughts.
“Sorry, I’m here. Let’s go and have fun, right?” He smiles at Wooyoung, and the air of excitement is back. As Wooyoung pulls him out in the hallway, barreling down the stairs, they abruptly stop to admire the young cousin’s new outfits.
Well, it’s more a morbid fascination than admiration, as the girls seem to have secured themselves every frill, bow and lace available in the county, and plastered them all over their bright gowns.
After an hour of non-stop yapping in their carriage, they pour out in front of the rather lavish Kim Manor.
The manor originally belonged to Hongjoong’s older cousin—a reckless gambler of a gentleman who had no intentions of sharing his fortune with his younger cousin.
The tables did however turn when cousin Kim lost all his money in card games, and Hongjoong got an opportunity to buy the estate. It looked even more beautiful now, and Seonghwa stopped in his tracks to take it all in.
Two tall figures approached the four omegas, flanking them on both sides.
“Going off on descriptions alone, this lovely bunch must be the Parks?” One of the men commented. “Oh yes, without any doubt,” the other man winked, and beamed at them.
“We sail with the captain. I’m Mr. Song and this is Mr. Jeong, but please — call us Mingi and Yunho.”
The cackle of omegas were positively swooning in-between the statuesque men, but Wooyoung managed to snap out of it and take the lead, as usual.
“Evening gentlemen, this is indeed the Parks, well I’m Jung Wooyoung, but I do live with the Parks.”
“Oh Mr. Jung, we have a friend that just can’t shut up about you, you better go find him and calm him down.” Seonghwa couldn’t suppress a chuckle, with Mingi and Yunho joining in.
Hana and Nari had already disappeared ahead, most likely looking on a hunt.
“Park Seonghwa I presume? Welcome back to Kim Manor,” Yunho took his hand and kissed his knuckles gently. The intimacy felt foreign, but not unwelcome.
Wooyoung only smirked by his friend’s side, knowing he was the evening’s shining star, bound to enthrall everyone around him.
Seonghwa, in his usual denial about how beautiful he really was, disappeared for a second into Yunho’s warm eyes and mumbled a polite thank you.
“We’ll escort you inside, follow us.” Mingi took the lead, and they filtered through the crowd, into the large ballroom.
A quartet was playing music, and the most enthusiastic couples were already on the floor with onlookers scattered around clutching champagne flutes.
A presence suddenly appeared besides them—his dimples instantly recognisable. “Good evening gentlemen, you both look absolutely stunning tonight, I must say.”
San’s praise went straight to both Wooyoung and Seonghwa’s chests—their omegas keening at the attention.
“San, can you help me find a glass of champagne please?” Wooyoung threaded his arm into the loop of San’s elbow, leaning into him as he whined.
San was already a puddle, giving Wooyoung reassurances that he would get him anything he wanted. They drifted off, leaving Seonghwa navigating the rooms by himself, trying not to let old ghosts in the walls overwhelm him.
He stopped in one of the larger drawing rooms, decked in a midnight blue wallpaper with a starry sky painted in the ceilings. He always loved Kim Manor and all its quirks and subtle details.
He got lost in trailing the constellations, until there was a sudden tingle in his nape.
Was someone watching him? When he turned around, he could only see the tail of a long coat disappear in the doorway. At a deep inhale, salt water, warm wood and lavender filled his nose.
“Park Seonghwa, there you are! I’ve been looking all over for you.” It could only be one person screeching like that. His older cousin Yeji.
“Everyone’s dancing now, and I want you on that floor so I can live vicariously through you, my Mr. Lee has already strategically disappeared, leaving me stranded as usual.” She shook her head, looking at Seonghwa with an air of urgency.
He let himself be pulled along, back into the bustling ballroom. He tried to keep his back against a wall, taking stock of the situation.
Hongjoong’s tall friends, Mingi and Yunho, were easily dominating the dancefloor as they sailed across it in each other’s arms. He couldn’t help but stare at the couple.
They looked so safe and happy, maybe relieved to have solid ground underneath their feet after years on the sea. In the corner of his eye, Nari’s big gown stuck out. But that wasn’t everything.
She reached for a hand, pulling her onto the floor. Hongjoong. In his memories, he saw Hongjoong’s broad smile. The alpha now however, looked controlled and composed as he placed his palm against the small of the dainty omega’s back.
It would be easy to believe that he was having the time of his life. Successful in every aspect. Being highly desired and respected. But something felt off—Seonghwa couldn’t pinpoint it.
The man on the floor gently guiding his companion was wearing a mask. It’s not Seonghwa’s Hongjoong out there.
His eyes stayed on the captain, oblivious of how several of his friends in the room now looked at him, all with love and compassion.
“I knew it, one of the girls would land the captain.” Yeji squeals next to him. His father has also materialised, looking rather pleased as he watches the couple on the floor.
Seonghwa doesn’t want to dignify their speculations with any replies, and tries to blend into the background as the dancing continues on. When the music ends, Hongjoong lets go of Nari, only to pick up Hana.
Yeji squeals even louder next to Seonghwa. He can’t take it anymore. He turns around, ready to exit the room to find some fresh air, when he’s abruptly stopped by an older gentleman.
“Mr. Park, will you dance with me?”. Seonghwa is stunned, as he recognizes Sir Hong. The older man is renowned for his riches, but also for his proud and cocky attitude, only able to keep friends who leech off of his abundance.
To put it mildly, Seonghwa is not interested.
His father does unfortunately catch what’s happening, and lightly kicks his son’s shin, sending him a clear message.
Against all instincts, Seonghwa accepts. He finds himself yet again weighed down by his family’s troubles, with a possible solution presented to him and him only.
And maybe, his father will leave him alone if it seems like he’s trying. As Sir Hong’s rough hand grabs Seonghwa’s delicate wrist, Yeji looks absolutely elated, nodding enthusiastically at her younger cousin.
His chest feels tight as he becomes visible with the older man in the centre of the room. The walls start to close in. Sir Hong’s sour breath hits Seonghwa’s nostrils, and he tries to lean away from his face.
Halfway, he meets Wooyoung’s sympathetic gaze, giving him strength to hold on for a bit longer. He can feel his own sour scent start to leak, fighting to keep his composure until the dance is done.
He could swear he’s catching something acrid in the air, and it’s not him. As they move across the shining parquet, there’s a sudden commotion.
Hongjoong has let go of Hana in the middle of the floor, and he’s storming off towards one of the exits.
The crowd is silent at first, but then the chatter restarts, and Nari pulls Hana back from the floor and into her arms.
“Hah! The captain clearly can’t hold his liquor," Sir Hong states with disdain, but according to Seonghwa’s memory, Hongjoong was never a big drinker.
As he’s swung around, he yet again meets Wooyoung and San’s gaze. There’s something knowing in them, but he’s not quite sure how to interpret any of it.
He also catches Yunho raising his eyebrows at Mingi, and they shake their heads in unison as they keep on dancing.
When the music yet again ends, Sir Hong reluctantly lets go of Seonghwa. “I hope I get to see more of you tonight, Mr. Park?”.
Seonghwa cringes as he exhales a weak reassurance to the elderly alpha in front of him.
He can already feel Wooyoung trying to chase him down to talk, but he needs that air he didn’t get prior to Sir Hong’s intrusion. He rushes off of the floor, finding a balcony door hidden behind heavy curtains.
It must be a memory. He steps outside into the somewhat chilly night, inhaling the fresh air deeply. There’s only a faint buzz of the party inside now, with the moon hanging serenely in the sky above.
He walks down the balcony stairs onto the gravel, trying to lose the old alpha’s nauseating scent that has stuck in his silk blouse. That’s when he sees an unmistakable silhouette against the low moon.
It’s Hongjoong, standing further into the gardens. His back against the house and his arms crossed. His body language reads as rigid and strained.
Seonghwa has a choice. To approach or to sneak away. But knowing Hongjoong, he’s already caught on to his scent. They were always sensitive to each other.
They can continue to evade each other awkwardly, or one of them can start the peace process. Maybe they even can become friendly, and Seonghwa can exist in the captain’s presence without feeling like his shoulders are up to his ears.
There is a high likelihood their families will merge after all.
In an attempt to not startle the alpha, he slowly walks up by his side. Hongjoong is breathing through his nose, staring at the moon.
Hongjoong doesn’t look at him.
They stick to their titles—their past intimacy kept at bay.
Before Seonghwa can follow with some sort of polite and generic conversation, Hongjoong takes the lead.
“Your dance partner seems… well-suited.”
If Seonghwa was unfamiliar with the man beside him, he wouldn’t hear the tone of disapproval laced in the words. His heart had to make a choice now. Should he choose honesty or continue beating around the bush with empty politeness?
“It was only for my father. I can’t get the stench out of my clothes.”
Hongjoong growled. It’s silent. The reaction surprised them both. Seonghwa’s surprise quickly shifted into something fragile however. His eyes are welling, it’s impossible to fight the wave of emotions drowning him. .
Hongjoong still felt possessive over him.
The air was terribly charged between them now, and it felt like anything could happen.
“I hope you find what you seek.” Before Seonghwa could reply, Hongjoong had turned on his heel.
He couldn’t move as he watched him walk away. Suddenly stuck to the ground like a statue.
Seonghwa wasn’t sure of how much time had passed, when he heard a familiar voice in the distance.
“Don’t even think about it Sannie, I don’t give a rat’s ass that you can’t dance!”
Wooyoung sounded like he had drunk enough champagne.
“But Wooyoungie, you deserve someone able and ready, not a limping and useless alpha like me,”
San was in the same predicament, by the sound of his slurred words.
“You don’t get to decide that for me, you know! How dare you call yourself useless.”
Seonghwa snapped out of his dazed state at the rather comical display in front of him, Wooyoung being carried bridal style in San’s broad arms, squirming dramatically and making a scene.
“Seonghwa! There you are. What the hell happened back there? You managed to escape Sir Hong then?”.
He combed his hands through his damp curls, shaking his head in frustration.
“It was disgusting Woo, but maybe it will keep my father quiet for a while.”
Wooyoung rolled his eyes, clearly tired of the older Mr. Park’s nagging.
“And uh, Hongjoong? He just stranded Hana on the floor, you’d think he was angry about something, or someone.”
Wooyoung’s attempt at being subtle failed miserably.
Seonghwa just shrugged, not taking the bait.
“He still loves you.”
San’s low voice chimed in, and it went quiet.
Wooyoung looked at Seonghwa expectantly. They wanted a confession from him. A confession that he knew what Hongjoong actually wanted.
That it wasn’t a naive omega suffocating in lace and frills. It was only one person, and it always would be. But Seonghwa couldn’t entertain it.
There was too much to mend. Where would he even start? He could only imagine the hurt Hongjoong still carried, and it was all because of him. He led him on.
He didn’t let him in on the full truth and how dire his situation actually was. It was Seonghwa’s fault that Hongjoong chose solitude.
They were still an open wound, with an ugly, unhealed scar. Remorse was Seonghwa’s reality now.
As the night came to a close, Yunho and Mingi found the trio and ushered them into a small but cozy sitting room. It was lit up by dozens of candles.
A young but very charming alpha handed out warm cups of Irish Coffee.
“Thank you Jongho, one for Seonghwa as well please”, Yunho requested, and Jongho nodded, side-eyeing his older crewmate subtly.
Seonghwa settled next to Wooyoung on a velvet sofa, leaning against his shoulder feeling rather spent, while Wooyoung was tucked under San’s shoulder.
Jongho brought him a cup, and he nursed his now rather cold extremities around the hot beverage.
A new character appeared in the doorway. His hair fell in blonde waves, framing the most exquisite features Seonghwa had seen. A tone of omega hit Seonghwa’s senses.
The rest of the men seemed familiar with him.
“Yeosang, have you seen the captain?”, Mingi asked him, but he only shook his head.
“I’m rather disappointed he didn’t come and greet you two properly,” Yunho eyed Seonghwa and Wooyoung, “he’s usually not inconsiderate like that.”
“I know.” Seonghwa whispered, and he could feel himself get wrapped in the comforting scents of the captain’s crew.
A shared understanding.
Intermission: The Last Ball
Seonghwa had stepped away from the dancers and the noise, standing in the corner just observing them all.
He held a glass idly and let himself breathe. His shoulders finally dropped a little. Then he felt it—someone close behind him. Warm breath touched his neck, and lips grazed his skin so lightly. His eyes closed on instinct.
Hongjoong’s familiar scent wrapped around him. “Meet me in the garden?” He said in a whisper, close to his ear. ”Yes”. When he turned, Hongjoong was already gone.
The garden air was cooler than the ballroom, smelling of earth and cut grass. Lamps lined the path. Seonghwa waited there, hands folded in front of him, trying to steady himself.
Hongjoong walked toward him, boots on gravel, expression serious in a way Seonghwa had rarely seen. He didn’t waste time.
“My star, I’ve been given another assignment,” he said. “Under an admiral. It’s a good posting. We leave in the morning.” He paused, then went on because he had to.
“This is my last chance to ask you.” Seonghwa’s heart hammered in his chest.
“I’ve known it since the first night we met.” His voice didn’t shake, but just like Seonghwa’s, his hands did. “Park Seonghwa, I love you. Will you marry me?”.
Seonghwa’s eyes filled before he could answer. He turned his face away for a second, trying to catch his breath. He could feel Hongjoong’s gaze fixed on him, waiting.
“I’m sorry.”
The word hung between them. The alpha gave him a chance to continue, but realised that Seonghwa had no more words for him.
Hongjoong nodded once, slow and pained. Then he disappeared into the night.
It would take a decade until they saw each other again.
