༺Masterpiece༻

XXVII :: Storms

"How does Love speak?
In the faint flush upon the tell-tale cheek,
And in the pallor that succeeds it; by
The quivering lid of an averted eye,
The smile that proves the parent to a sigh–
Thus does Love speak.

How does Love speak?
In the avoidance of that which we seek,
The sudden silence and reserve when near;
The eye that glistens with a tear–
The joy that seems the counterpart of fear,
As the alarmed heart leaps in the breast,
And knows, and names, and greets its god-like guest:
Thus doth Love speak."

⊱ ───ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ─── ⊰

Beneath the sprawling branches of the weathered tree in the orphanage yard, Mai and Cheon Seok sought refuge from the hardships of 1950. The autumn air carried the weight of uncertainty, yet amidst the chill, a warmth lingered in the air.

Cheon Seok's voice, a soothing balm, spoke of love amid the prevailing misery. "My love, in this world of strife, we've carved a sanctuary within each other. Our love, a beacon of light amid the shadows."

Mai's gaze, resilient and reflective, met his. "In these shared laughters and silent moments, we've found blessings in the midst of hardship—a haven in each other."

As the amber hues of the evening painted the sky, Cheon Seok, with a graceful gesture, knelt on one knee. In his hand, a delicate peony ring—the symbol of their enduring love and the life burgeoning within.

"Mai," he whispered, his words carrying the weight of promises, "will you share this life with me? Through war and peace, storms and sunshine, let us navigate this journey together."

Tears welled in Mai's eyes as she nodded, a radiant smile breaking through. Cheon Seok gently slid the ring onto her finger, sealing a covenant that transcended the desolation around.

Amid the autumn warmth, Mai, with a soft chuckle, broke the stillness. "Cheon Seok, when you return from the war, paint me a picture. Paint us—a canvas of our shared moments, our love, and the little one growing within."

Cheon Seok's eyes sparkled with a promise. "I will, my love. Each stroke will echo our laughter, whisper our dreams, and honor those who helped us be together."

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a golden glow as Mai and Cheon Seok stood beneath the wise branches of the giant tree. A vow, not just between them, but a commitment to the uncertain future waiting to be painted.

In 1950, with the world in turmoil, Mai and Cheon Seok, hand in hand, embraced the certainty of an uncertain future. Love, an unwavering compass, would guide them through the war-torn landscapes, and the promise of a painted masterpiece would keep their hearts connected across the distance that fate had chosen to weave.

⊱ ───ஓ๑♡๑ஓ ─── ⊰

"In the haunting aftermath of my tempestuous outburst, Y/n stood amidst the emotional wreckage, her eyes reflecting the jagged remnants of fear. The echo of my own unbridled frenzy reverberated in her gaze, and I could feel the weight of uncertainty pressing down on us." I deeply sighed as a tear rolled down the corner of my eyes.

As the dust settled, I saw the fractured lines etched across her expression, a delicate portrait of trust disrupted. My heart ached, knowing that the tempest within me had inadvertently cast shadows on the tranquility we once shared. And no one but I was to blame.

"I could sense her concern, a silent plea for the return of the Jungkook she knew—the one who danced with joy in her eyes. Yet, the fear loomed large, the fear that my momentary loss of control might have irreversibly damaged the connection we held so dear."