#(jae-ha)

Hak

The wind shrieks around you, a relentless force that makes your every step feel like a battle. Snow pelts your face, tiny shards of ice biting into your exposed and icy skin. Your breaths come out in short, ragged puffs, visible in the freezing air. You can barely see Hak through the wall of white, his broad frame just a dark outline against the snowstorm.

How did the two of you end up here? You were supposed to collect a few logs of wood for princess Yona who felt cold in the castle, a pretty standard task both of you normally complete within two hours.

Normally, when there isn’t a snow storm brushing against your body so harshly that you’re barely able to stand. 

Your legs are growing heavy, the snow swallowing your steps, but Hak moves with determined ease, his hand gripping yours tightly in order for you to keep his track. Every time you stumble, he steadies you with a firm pull.

“Don’t slow down,” he grumbles, his voice rising above the roar of the storm.

“We can’t stop out here.”

Oh, you surely try. But at this point, it feels impossible. The cold is gnawing at you, your fingers and toes numb despite your gloves and boots. Another gust of wind pushes you sideways, and your legs buckle. Faster than your muscles are able to react, your knees give in and race towards the even colder snow underneath.

 Before you hit the ground, Hak’s arms are around you, strong and unwavering.

“Hey,” he says, crouching slightly to meet your eyes, his face barely visible beneath the snow clinging to his hair and cloak.

“You okay?”

You nod weakly, even though your body screams otherwise. You’ve never seen this much worry in his eyes, not when it comes to you. As one of Yona’s servants and the best female swordswoman walking this country, he never really had to concern about you. But now, with your lips turning blue, your teeth shivering uncontrollably and that emptiness that starts to fill your gaze, he can’t help but pull you closer. Why did you decide to wear that stupid dress for a stroll outside mid-December anyway?

“Just… cold,” you manage to press out.

“Cold?” he echoes with mock amazement.

“You don’t say. And here I thought you were just taking a nap in the middle of a blizzard.”

His teasing grin doesn’t quite reach his eyes, though. They’re scanning you, sharp and assessing. Are you still well enough to carry on? What will he do if you faint right here and now?

Without waiting for an answer, he scoops you up in his arms. Almost instantly, a new-found wave of heat rushes straight into your cheeks when his hand squeezes your waist, his arms almost swallowing you whole. Fuck, you hate that he does that to you, you hate the effect Son Hak has on your otherwise strong body. You never thought you’d fall for a man, never turned your head for a single male individual that came to the kingdom in order to propose to you. But Hak?

You gasp in protest, but he doesn’t even flinch at the weight of your body inside his arms.

“Stop arguing. You’re not walking in this condition. And no, you’re not heavy.”

“I can walk,” you grumble, though your trembling limbs betray you.

“Sure you can,” he replies, sarcasm dripping from his tone.

“Right into hypothermia. Let me handle this, alright?”

Hak strides forward, the storm battering against him as if it’s trying to force him back. And him? He’s solid, his body a barrier between you and the worst of the cold. Every step is deliberate, each movement steady despite the snowdrifts reaching up to his knees. You hate that you can’t help but admire that bastard who managed to get stronger than you when you were only 6.

Finally, he spots a massive tree with low, snow-covered branches forming a natural canopy.

“That’ll do,” he mutters, adjusting his grip on you as he pushes forward.

When he reaches the tree, he sets you down gently against the trunk, brushing snow off the spot before you sit. His coat is off in an instant, and before you can protest, he wraps it around your shoulders.

“Hak, no,” you mutter, your teeth chattering.

“You’ll freeze-”

He silences you with a look, one eyebrow quirking upward in that signature way of his.

“Don’t start. I’ve survived worse than this. You? Not so much. Just stay put. Or do you want to keep me warm?”

You open your mouth to argue, but the look in his eyes, steady and serious, stops you. Instead, you huddle deeper into his coat, the lingering warmth from his body spreading through the fabric.

“I’d rather die”, you lie gruffly.

Hak raises an eyebrow, his grin spreading slowly, almost devilishly.

“Oh, really?” he teases, his tone dripping with amusement.

“Is that so? Because from where I’m sitting, you’re practically burrowing into my coat like a squirrel getting ready for hibernation.”

Hak kneels in front of you, his hands working quickly to untangle a scarf from his bag while that dirty grin is still plastered onto his face. He wraps it carefully around your neck, his calloused fingers brushing against your chilled skin. The contact sends a spark of warmth through you, awakens that heat inside your body you never fail to miss whenever he touches you by accident.

“There. Better?”

You nod, but your shivering doesn’t want to stop. He clicks his tongue, clearly unhappy with the situation, and without warning, sits down beside you. His arm wraps around your shoulders, pulling you firmly against his side.

“Maybe there’s no way around me keeping you warm, brat”, he comments with a sly grin his whole side pressing against yours.

“What are you doing?” you shriek, even as you instinctively lean into his warmth.

When was the last time you were this close to Hak? Were you ever this close to him?

“Keeping you alive,” he replies simply, his tone matter-of-fact.

“It’s kind of my job.”

“You’re not my babysitter but princess Yona’s,” you mumble, though you don’t pull away.

He chuckles, the sound low and comforting despite the raging storm.

“Oh, really? Could’ve fooled me.”

For a while, the two of you sit in silence, the storm howling around the tree but not quite reaching the small pocket of shelter you’ve found. His body is solid and warm against yours, his cloak spreading out to cover you both. Every so often, he adjusts it, ensuring not even a sliver of cold air gets in.

“Look,” he announces eventually, nodding toward the horizon. The wind shifts slightly, and you catch a glimpse of the snow-covered landscape beyond the tree. It’s bleak, but there’s a strange beauty in the endless expanse of white.

“It’s kind of peaceful,” you admit, your voice quieter now, the cold stealing your energy.

“Peaceful,” Hak repeats, snorting.

“Only you would find peace in a blizzard.”

You glance up at him, noticing the way his eyes soften as he looks at you. There’s a fondness there, mingled with his usual exasperation. Is this…affection? You’ve seen the way he looks at Yona while your eyes were glued onto him a thousand times and never failed to wonder if he’ll ever look at you the same way. With those almost soft eyes, his mouth slightly opened, his face only inches away from yours…Are you dreaming?

“You’re unbelievable, you know that?”, he murmurs into the wind.

“I try,” you reply, managing a small smile.

Hak shifts, pulling you closer as another gust of wind shakes the branches above.

“Stay awake. No nodding off. You do that, and I’ll start telling bad jokes to keep you conscious. Your call.”

You groan, burying your face in his shoulder despite your heart almost skipping a beat.

“Anything but that.”

He laughs, the sound rich and warm despite the cold.

“Thought so.”

The warmth of Hak’s laugh lingers in the air, curling around you like the faintest hint of spring within the frozen storm. He shifts slightly, his arm still securely around your shoulders, and leans in just a little closer - close enough that you can see the snowflakes melting in his dark hair, the faint smirk playing on his lips while you forget to breathe.

“You know,” he begins, his tone taking on that familiar teasing lilt that always makes you both want to smack him and listen intently.

 “I think I deserve a thank-you for saving your life. Again.”

You snort softly, your breath visible in the cold air.

“A thank-you? For saving me again? I can’t remember a single time you’ve had to save me. Don’t push it, thunder beast.”

He arches an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed with your lack of gratitude.

“Thunder beast, huh? You’re lucky I’m too much of a gentleman to leave you here for the storm to chew on.”

“Gentleman?” you echo, scoffing.

“Since when?”

“Since the moment I decided not to make you walk in that ridiculous excuse for winter gear,” he quips, nudging you lightly with his shoulder.

“Seriously, were you planning to duel the snowstorm with that dress? Or were you just hoping to look so pathetic I’d have no choice but to save you? Or…did you hope I’ll take it off for you?”

Your cheeks flush—not entirely from the cold—as you glare up at him. Did he really just say that?

“I don’t need you to save me. And I don’t need you to take off my clothes”, you retort stubbornly.

“Sure, you don’t,” he agrees easily, his grin widening.

“But you do need me to keep you warm.”

He shifts again, pulling you even closer until your sides are flush against each other.

“Not that I’m complaining. I could get used to this.”

You roll your eyes, but the warmth of his body and the teasing tone of his voice make it hard to stay annoyed, let alone calm down your thundering heart.

“If you’re so warm, why don’t you go out there and finish gathering the wood?” you challenge.

“Oh, I could. But then who would you snuggle up to when the storm gets worse?”

“I’m not snuggling!” you protest, pulling back slightly, only for another gust of wind to blow through, forcing you right back into the shelter of his side.

“Uh-huh,” he replies, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. It’ll be our little secret. To be honest, I’d love to be your little secret.”

“Hak-” you start, intending to argue, but he cuts you off with a sly grin.

“Relax. If you wanted to be close to me, all you had to do was ask. No need to freeze half to death for an excuse.”

Your jaw drops, heat rushing to your face as his words sink in. You sputter, trying to come up with a comeback, but he just chuckles, his voice rich and warm, as if he’s already won.

“See? Speechless,” he teases, leaning back against the tree as if this entire situation was the most natural thing in the world.

“Guess I really do have that effect on you. Not that I didn’t notice the way you’re looking at me already.”

You narrow your eyes at him, trying to muster some semblance of control over your expression, but his grin is too infectious, his presence too comforting despite the storm raging around you. Finally, you let out a resigned sigh.

“You’re insufferable,” you mutter, leaning your head against his shoulder despite yourself.

“And you love it,” he shoots back without missing a beat.

You don’t reply, but the small smile tugging at your lips while you snuggle even closer to him says enough.

Shin-Ah

The blizzard roars with a cruelty that shakes the trees lining the mountainside. Shin-Ah sits quietly near the entrance of his cave, his dragon eyes piercing the white chaos outside. Snow swirls violently, carried by the howling wind, blanketing the landscape in an unrelenting storm. He’s used to the solitude of this place, the stillness that comes with living so far removed from others, but tonight the storm feels… different.

A nagging feeling tugs at his chest, a restlessness that keeps his gaze fixed on the swirling snow. Something is out there. Or rather, someone.

Then, through the blinding white, he sees it: a faint, staggering figure. At first, he wonders if it’s his imagination, a trick of the storm his mind plays on him all over again. But as the figure stumbles closer, barely a shadow against the blizzard, he knows it’s real. He watches, heart pounding as the figure collapses into the snow and stops moving entirely.

Shin-Ah doesn’t hesitate. Without a second thought, he grabs his thick fur cloak and bolts out into the storm. The snowdrifts are deep, the wind nearly throwing him off balance, but he presses forward. His boots crunch against the ice, his cloak flapping violently behind him as he approaches the fallen figure.

When he reaches you, his breath catches in his throat. Your body is half-buried in the snow, your skin pale and lips an alarming shade of blue. Your clothes are soaked and unsuitable for weather this extreme, offering little protection against the icy cold. You murmur something faint, your voice so weak it’s swallowed by the wind.

You’re…you’re a woman, the most beautiful creature he ever laid his eyes on.

Shin-Ah drops to his knees, his arms sliding under your limp body as he lifts you effortlessly. You’re lighter than he expected, your frame alarmingly cold to the touch. His grip tightens instinctively, his heartbeat thundering in his chest.

“You’re safe now,” he whispers, even though you can’t hear him.

He turns and strides back toward the cave, his body shielding you from the worst of the wind. Snow clings to his cloak, to his hair, but he doesn’t stop until you’re both inside, away from the storm’s wrath.

Who are you? And how did you end up here?

When you’re senses slowly but surely become yours again, the world feels… muffled. Warmth wraps around you like a cocoon, chasing away the bone-deep chill that had consumed you. What happened last? Weren’t you out frantically looking for a shelter in the cold? But why? Why did you leave the safety of your house? Because your brother, your father…Your father…

It takes effort to open your eyes, your body still heavy with exhaustion. Because something horrible happened back home, because you were supposed to die next. You had no choice but to leave everything you knew and loved behind.

The flickering glow of a fire dances against the rocky walls of a cave, casting long shadows. How did you end up here?

It’s then you notice the weight against you. No - around you.

A strong arm encircles your back, pulling you gently against a broad chest. The heat radiating from him is overwhelming, but it’s the only thing keeping you from freezing again. You shift slightly, your head tilting up to see the person who saved you.

A man, to be exact.

His golden eyes meet yours, wide with worry and a hint of relief and shock. His face is partially obscured by a mask, but the parts you can see - his pale blue hair, the soft curve of his jaw, the glint of his eyes from behind that mask - are striking. He looks… ethereal.

“You’re awake,” he declares, his voice quiet but filled with unmistakable concern.

Your lips part, but no words come out at first. Your throat feels dry like the desert, and your mind is sluggish as you try to piece together what happened. Memories of the storm surface -its cruelty, your body failing against the cold, and then… this man. He saved you, right?

“Where am I?” you manage to whisper, your voice raspy.

“My cave,” he answers simply, his words hesitant, as if unsure how much to say.

“You were in the snow. I… found you.”

You shift slightly, wincing at the ache in your limbs. The fur cloak wrapped around you smells faintly of the woods, and its warmth is comforting. As your body continues to defrost, the reality of your situation sets in. You were alone in the storm, and without this stranger’s intervention, you might not have survived.

“You saved me,” you mutter softly, your voice tinged with awe.

He nods, but his gaze drops, as though he’s embarrassed by the admission. A complete stranger around your age just saved you?

You shiver involuntarily, the cold still clinging to your edges. Without thinking, you press closer to him, seeking out the warmth he offers with the chaos that occupies your mind. His body stiffens slightly, his golden eyes flickering with something you can’t quite name, but he doesn’t pull away. Instead, he adjusts his hold on you, his arm tightening around your shoulders as he pulls the cloak more securely around you both.

“Don’t let go,” you whisper, your voice barely audible.

His eyes widen, surprise flashing across his features. For a moment, he looks as though he might speak, but instead, he nods, his grip on you firm and steady.

Did you…just ask him to hold you? You, that foreign but stunning girl he just met? To be honest, he didn’t have the chance to greet a lot of females those past years.

But none of them were as stunning as you. None of them made him take off his mask, let alone force him to stare for hours.

“You’re still cold,” he murmurs, his voice soft, almost shy.

You don’t answer, instead nestling deeper into his warmth by instinct. The steady beat of his heart beneath your cheek is soothing, a rhythm you didn’t realize you needed until now. You haven’t felt this safe in a long time.

As the minutes stretch on, the tension in his body begins to ease. His hands, large and calloused, adjust the cloak again, and his movements are careful, almost tender.

“Thank you. For saving me.”

He meets your gaze, and for a moment, you think you see a faint blush dust his cheeks, though it’s hard to tell in the dim firelight.

“You… shouldn’t have been out there,” he replies, his tone laced with quiet worry.

“I didn’t expect the storm,” you admit.

“I was trying to make it to shelter.”

His brows furrow slightly, and he glances toward the cave entrance, as though still wary of the storm beyond.

“You’re safe now,” he mumbles, his golden eyes meeting yours again.

The warmth of his arms, the gentle crackling of the fire, and the safety of the cave create a bubble of peace you hadn’t thought possible after the chaos of the storm. Slowly, your eyelids grow heavy again, but this time, the exhaustion feels manageable – bearable, even tolerable with his warmth wrapping around you like a blanket.

“Stay,” you murmur, your voice tinged with sleepiness as you clutch the edge of his cloak.

His eyes soften, and though he says nothing, his arm around you tightens ever so slightly.

“I’ll stay,” he whispers after a moment, his voice so quiet it’s almost lost in the crackling of the fire.

And as you drift off, warm and secure in the arms of this stranger, you can’t help but feel like you’ve found something more than just shelter from the storm.

Jae-Ha

The storm hits hard, the sea turning into a thrashing beast of dark waves and biting wind. Snow whirls through the air, sticking to the decks and the sails of the pirate ship as it rocks and creaks against the violent ocean. Jae-Ha stands near the prow, his sharp emerald eyes scanning the endless horizon of white and grey. Huh, what an unpleasant surprise. He was never able to enjoy the gashing wind of white, especially while being out on the dark sea.  

The captain barks orders to the crew, their voices rising above the howling wind as they secure the rigging and steer the ship away from the worst of the waves. But Jae-Ha’s focus is elsewhere. Something feels off today, the way the shore in the distance moves feels so foreign.

It’s then he sees something - or rather someone. A small, fragile figure hovering unsteadily on a drifting piece of wreckage, bobbing dangerously close to the jagged rocks.

“Captain!” Jae-Ha calls, his voice slicing through the storm like a blade.

The captain turns, her face grim.

“What is it, brat?”

“Someone’s out there,” Jae-Ha replies, pointing toward the figure.

The captain hesitates, glancing at the churning sea and the relentless storm.

“The waves are too rough. It’s suicide to go out now. Even for you.”

Jae-Ha’s smile is sharp and determined as he steps toward the ship’s edge.

“Fortunately for them, I’m not particularly afraid of a little danger.”

Without waiting for permission, he leaps into the air, his dragon’s leg propelling him high above the waves. The cold wind cuts through him, but he doesn’t falter, his gaze locked on you.

You’re barely clinging to the broken plank of wood, your fingers numb and stiff from the freezing spray. Your body is drenched, the cold seeping into your bones, and your strength is fading fast. Each wave threatens to drag you under, and you’re starting to think this is it.

Oh, you definitely didn’t expect your life to end like this. Just yesterday, you knocked on that door asking for work before ending up as a prisoner ready to get sold.

Is this really how your life ends now? In that cold sea you normally love so much looking at, the ocean you long for each and every night, now your ice cold grave?

Then, out of nowhere, a shadow appears above you. A man descends from the sky like a vision, his green hair flowing wildly in the wind, his piercing gaze locked onto you. Before you can process what’s happening, strong arms wrap around you, lifting you effortlessly from the icy grip of the sea.

“Got you,” he comments, his voice warm and steady despite the chaos around you.

You barely manage to look up at him, your vision blurry and your lips too cold to form words. He holds you securely, his body radiating warmth, and you can’t help but lean into him as your consciousness fades, forcing you straight into sweet nothingness.

When you wake, the first thing you notice is the warmth. Soft blankets are wrapped around you, and a flickering lantern casts a warm glow over the small cabin you’re in. The sound of muffled voices and the creaking of a ship’s hull reaches your ears, and the faint smell of salt and damp wood lingers in the air.

“Ah, so you’re finally awake,” a smooth, teasing voice declares.

You turn your head and see a man – without any doubt, the one who saved you from that cold sea. He’s sitting beside the bed you’re lying in, his long legs crossed gracefully, his chin resting on one hand as he watches you with a playful smile.

“Where…?” you croak, your throat dry and your voice weak.

You’re still feeling too weak to even think properly, the cold still sitting in your core.

 “You’re on the Sea Dragon,” he replies, leaning back slightly.

“A pirate ship, if that doesn’t scare you too much. Though I’d say you’ve been through scarier things lately.”

The memories come rushing back - the storm, the waves, the freezing cold. You shiver at the thought, and his smile softens.

“Easy there,” he coos, leaning forward to tuck the blankets more securely around you.

His hands are warm, his touch surprisingly gentle for someone with such a commanding presence and piercing gaze.

“You’re safe now.”

You blink up at him, taking in his striking features. His green hair falls loosely around his shoulders, and his violet eyes are both sharp and kind. There’s a mischievous glint to him, but beneath it lies something deeper, something steady and reassuring.

“Thank you,” you manage to say, your voice barely above a whisper.

He chuckles softly, the sound rich and comforting in your still echoing ears.

“No need to thank me. It’s not every day I get to play the hero. Though I must say, you certainly know how to make an entrance - floating out there like some tragic damsel in distress.”

His tone is light, teasing, but there’s genuine concern in his gaze as he reaches out to brush a strand of damp hair from your face.

“You’ve been through a lot. Just focus on warming up for now”, he continues with a soft tone lacing his seductive voice.

As he speaks, he pours a steaming cup of tea from a kettle on the small table beside the bed. He holds it out to you, his movements graceful but deliberate.

“Here. This should help.”

You take the cup with trembling hands, the heat seeping into your fingers. He doesn’t look away, his watchful eyes ensuring you’re steady before he releases the cup.

For a while, the two of you sit in silence, the storm still raging outside but feeling a world away within the cozy cabin.

“Why… did you save me?” you ask eventually, your voice small.

Back in your hometown, nobody really cared for something apart from your looks. You were always expected to marry one of those stinky officers, the most disturbing man living on this earth. To be honest, you would’ve rather died on there on the sea than marrying a man who beats a woman just for the fun of it. But that man sitting next to you…Does the sparkle in his eyes mean that he genuinely cares?

Jae-Ha’s smile softens, and he leans forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees.

“Because I could,” he replies simply.

“And because no one deserves to be left alone out there.”

There’s a sincerity in his voice that catches you off guard, a vulnerability beneath his teasing exterior.

“Dying out there on the sea would have been better than getting sold to one of those disgusting officers”, you blurt out before you can stop yourself.

Jae-Ha’s eyes widen slightly at your outburst, the corners of his teasing smile faltering. For a moment, his playful demeanor slips, revealing a flicker of anger - not directed at you, but at the cruel fate you narrowly escaped. He heard rumors about beautiful girls getting kidnapped and sold, how they got ripped out of their homes straight into slavery and old men’s beds. How much he hates them, how badly he wants to hunt them down and kill them for doing…

His gaze meets your still haunted eyes, your empty expression. No, this isn’t the time to think about something like that.

Then, just as quickly, his grin returns, though softer and less sharp this time.

“Is that so?” he muses, his voice warm and low.

“Then I suppose I’ve done more than save your life - I’ve rescued you from a fate far worse than the sea’s cold embrace.”

He leans closer, his intense gaze locking with yours.

“You’ve certainly had quite the adventure, haven’t you?”

His words carry a touch of humor, but there’s no denying the genuine concern in his tone. He reaches out again, his fingertips brushing a damp strand of hair from your cheek. Oh, if he only knew what a mess your life was until now.

Until now? Your eyes lock with his out of instinct, take in that easy grin that rests on his face. Even though you don’t even know that stranger’s name, he surely feels better than that miserable fate that was ahead of you. Maybe, just maybe…

You’re safe now.

You find yourself sinking deeper into the warm cocoon of the blankets, the heat from the tea in your hands finally reaching your core. Despite the lingering fatigue and the faint tremor in your limbs, you feel safer here than you ever did back home.

Jae-Ha studies your expression, his smile taking on a softer, almost fond quality.

“You’re quite the mystery, you know. And I’d love to hear the full story someday. But for now, let’s focus on getting you back to feeling human again.”

You nod weakly, your eyelids growing heavier by the second. The warmth, his soothing voice, and the rhythmic creaking of the ship are lulling you into a much-needed rest. As your grip on the tea cup slackens, Jae-Ha deftly takes it from you, setting it aside with practiced ease.

“Don’t fight it,” he murmurs, his tone softening even further.

“You need rest. And I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“Promised?”, you mutter.

“Totally promised, fine lady.”

You barely register his words as sleep overtakes you. Your body shifts slightly, instinctively seeking out the closest source of warmth. Before either of you realizes it, your hand finds his, your fingers curling weakly around his as you drift off. Your head tilts, leaning toward him, and before long, you’re nestled against his arm.

Jae-Ha freezes for a moment, caught off guard by your unconscious closeness. His expression softens further, a mix of amusement and tenderness playing across his features.

“Well, aren’t you full of surprises,” he murmurs to himself, his voice barely audible above the muffled storm outside.

Carefully, he adjusts his position, allowing you to lean against him more comfortably. He pulls the blankets higher, tucking them securely around you, his movements uncharacteristically cautious. As your breathing evens out, Jae-Ha leans back slightly, watching you with an expression that’s unusually serious for him.

“Rest easy,” he whispers, his voice almost lost in the gentle creak of the ship.

“No one’s going to hurt you now.”

And despite the storm raging outside, the cabin feels like the calmest place in the world.

Kija

The snowstorm came down on you with an almost vengeful fury, battering your body with icy wind and stinging flakes of snow when you only went out to find medicine for your mother. Each step is a struggle, your limbs growing heavier by the second. The forest path is long gone, erased by the blizzard’s wrath, and all you can do is press forward in the hope of finding shelter. A warm place, maybe even a fire…

Your cloak is soaked through, its weak protection no match for the elements. Every breath leaves a sharp sting against your throat, and your vision blurs as exhaustion sinks deeper into your bones.

“Just… a little further,” you whisper to yourself, though the words barely reach your ears over the roar of the storm.

You don’t know how much longer you can last. But just when you’re about to lose hope, faintly, through the swirling snow, you see a light - a small, warm glow flickering against the white chaos.

Desperate, you stumble toward it, your legs barely holding you upright. Is it a cave, a little village, even? The glow grows brighter, steadier, and soon you see its source: a man holding a lantern at the edge of an enormous rock. His white hair gleams in the dim light, and his piercing blue eyes widen in alarm as they lock onto you.

What a strangely beautiful man, something you’re never seen before. Maybe he’ll be able to help you, maybe he knows a place where both of you can stay-

Before you can call out to him, your strength gives out, and you collapse into the snow.

“Hey!”

His voice is sharp with concern, and within moments, he’s at your side, kneeling in the snow.

You distantly feel his hands on your shoulders, warm and strong, as he lifts you into his arms. Normally, you’d protest vehemently against a stranger picking you up and carrying you like a bag of rice. But under this conditions, with your fingertips already numb from the nagging cold, you can’t help but nuzzle against his neck.

“You’re freezing,” he murmurs, his voice laced with worry.

“Hold on - I’ll get you somewhere safe.”

Somewhere safe, huh? While darkness stretches over you like a veil, you can’t help but imagine a warm bed near a fireplace with that stranger lying beside you…

When you come to, the first thing you notice is the crackling of a fire and the soft scent of pine. Warmth envelopes you, the biting cold a distant memory now. Your eyelids flutter open, and you find yourself lying on a bed of soft furs, a thick blanket tucked snugly around you.

“Awake at last,” a gentle voice says.

You turn your head to see the man from the storm. He’s seated beside the fire, his elegant features illuminated by its glow. His white hair cascades over his shoulders, and the faint markings on his pale skin catch the light, giving him an otherworldly appearance.

You fainted. When did you lose consciousness? How did you end up here?

“You gave me quite the scare,” he continues, his tone light but tinged with genuine relief.

“Where…?”

 Your voice comes out hoarse, barely above a whisper.

“You’re safe,” he assures you.

“We’re in my residence, not far from where I found you. The storm hasn’t let up, but this place will keep you warm and dry until it passes.”

His words are reassuring, but your thoughts are still sluggish, the events of the blizzard a hazy blur in your mind. Your gaze wanders around the well-decorated room without a real aim, taking in the gorgeous sight of white dragons engraved into the ceiling above.

“You saved me,” you say softly, the realization dawning on you.

He smiles faintly, his gaze steady and kind.

“I couldn’t leave you out there. You were half-buried in snow by the time I reached you.”

He reaches for a steaming cup beside the fire and offers it to you.

“Here. It’s a medicinal tea. It should help warm you from the inside.”

You accept it gratefully, your trembling hands barely able to hold the cup steady. His fingers briefly brush against yours as he steadies it, the contact sending a strange warmth through you that most definitely has nothing to do with the tea.

“Thank you,” you mutter after taking a cautious sip.

He inclines his head, a soft flush coloring his cheeks.

“There’s no need for thanks. Helping others is… important to me.”

The minutes stretch into hours as the two of you wait out the storm. He tends to the fireplace with practiced care, occasionally glancing over to check on you. Despite the fierce wind howling outside, the well-decorated room feels like a sanctuary, the warmth of the fire and his quiet presence a balm to your frayed nerves.

Eventually, you find your voice again.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Kija,” he replies, his tone gentle but measured.

“I was passing through the area when the storm hit.”

He hesitates, his gaze dropping to the fire.

“I didn’t expect to find anyone else out in such conditions. But I watched you from the window and couldn’t leave you out there alone.”

You nod, still trying to piece together how you ended up here.

“I was gathering herbs. I thought I could make it back before the weather turned, but…”

A small, wry smile tugs at his lips.

“The mountains are unpredictable. You’re fortunate my village is nearby.”

His words aren’t boastful - they’re simply true. Still, you can’t help but feel a pang of gratitude for this kind stranger who had risked the storm to save you.

As the fire crackles on, the two of you fall into an easy rhythm of conversation. Kija’s calm demeanor and soft-spoken nature put you at ease, and you find yourself opening up in ways you hadn’t expected.

When another gust of wind rattles the small cracks underneath the window, you shiver involuntarily, the memory of the storm still fresh in your mind.

“Are you still cold?” Kija asks, his brow furrowing with concern.

“A little,” you admit, though you try to downplay it.

After all, Kija just opened up about him successor of something that is called the white dragon, a droplet of dragon blood that gave him the power of a dragon’s claw. He’s like a king in this village, a god to the people who look up to him. How did you never hear about the four dragons before?

Without a word, he shifts closer to you, wrapping the edges of the blanket more securely around your shoulders. His hand lingers for a moment, warm and steady against your arm.

“You’re shaking. Come closer to the fire.”

You hesitate, but the genuine worry in his eyes convinces you. He adjusts his position, leaving just enough space for you to sit beside him.

As you settle near the fire, his proximity sends a new kind of warmth through you - one that has nothing to do with the flames. You glance at him, taking in the way his features soften as he watches the firelight dance.

“Thank you,” you mumble again, the words feeling inadequate for the depth of your gratitude.

He turns to you, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

“You don’t have to keep thanking me.”

“I mean it,” you insist, your voice trembling slightly.

“If you hadn’t found me…”

Kija’s smile fades, and he looks down, his expression turning serious.

“You don’t need to think about that. You’re here now. Safe. That’s all that matters.”

Something in his voice - a quiet resolve, a protective instinct - makes your heart ache in the best way. Despite the storm raging outside, you feel more at peace than you have in days, maybe weeks.

For a moment, the two of you simply sit there, the silence between you filled with unspoken understanding. The fire crackles on, and outside, the storm slowly begins to ease.

Just like the storm inside you.