snowflake ☆ k.dy ☆ ayakashi series | ✔

doyoung [thirty-three]

Trudging up the mountain, you were tempted to call Doyoung. It had only been a day since you'd last seen him, but for the past nine days the longest you'd gone without him was a few hours. The trek up to the shrine was long, you were bored, and you missed him. But you doubted that he'd get the call, and even if he did, he'd most likely be too busy to take it. With a sigh that heaved your aching chest, you continued your trek.

Finally, the shrine appeared in front of you. The sudden appearance of the giant stone structure from you crossing the cloaking charm surprised you, and you looked around the clearing trying to find any sign of life. You'd only taken couple steps when a familiar figure came around from the back, pleasant smile already on his features.

"Welcome back, Lady Onmyoji," Jungwoo greeted you, a woven basket on one arm as he reached his other hand out towards you. "Congratulations on gaining your powers."

"Thank you, Jungwoo," you accepted his hand, which he gently squeezed. "I'm sorry that I haven't been back to visit at all."

"It is quite alright; I understand that we do not know each other very well." He let go of your hand to walk around the shrine beside you. "So why have you returned, specifically?"

"My powers. I was told that you could help me, you know, figure them out."

"By whom? Johnny? Another Onmyoji?"

"Doyoung, actually, my boyfriend."

A serene smile played across Jungwoo's lips, "I see. I am constantly amazed by the passage of time, that the little Prince is so grown up."

"He's back in Erethulia now, trying to save the kingdom or something."

"And he recommended me over Master Chanshik to train you?"

"Yes. And I'd rather train now when I'm home, rather than train when I go visit Erethulia."

"Well I am still honored. Wait here while I put my herbs up and grab some supplies."

Jungwoo left you on the back patio area. You looked at the peaceful nature around you, fingers once more itching to grab your phone and at least text Doyoung. Instead, you shoved your hands in your pockets and took a deep breath of the fresh air. Spring was almost in full force, and you imagined just how beautiful the mountain shrine and surrounding landscape would look soon. Beautiful, definitely, but you couldn't shake the absolute etherealness of the icy lands of Erethulia. Thankfully, the soft padding of Jungwoo's feet returning took you out of your bittersweet circling thoughts.

He came back with a tea set atop a serving tray, setting it down on the short tea table. You settled on one of the pillows around the wooden table as he did, quiet as he went to pour your tea.

"May I ask what you were thinking about, Lady Onmyoji? You looked... pensive."

You sighed, fidgeting with the placemat in front of you, "Just... Doyoung, and Erethulia. I only spent nine days there but I miss it like its home or something."

"Perhaps Erethulia is not the home you are missing," Jungwoo mused, dropping some sugar cubes into both your cups. "Have you not contacted him?"

"He probably wouldn't get a text or a call."

"That shall be our first lesson, then. After the basics, of course."

"What'll be after the basics?"

"Flying notes," the Tsukumo-gami informed you plainly. "But first, drink your tea."

You obliged, lifting your mug to your lips, feeling the warm air rising off it and across your skin. Jungwoo continued speaking as you took your first sip.