Moon's Whisper, Heart's Echo

14.The Elephant

Nandi nearly stumbled on a loose stone, but Tae-young's hand caught her elbow—quick, steady, gone before propriety could object. The touch lingered on her skin even after he stepped away.

"When you do fall in love with Ji-ah," she said, more to break the strange tension than anything else, "I trust you'll let me know. For my records, of course."

"Records?" His mouth curved slightly. "How methodical of you." He paused a moment before turning to her. "Tell me, do you document everything so meticulously? The exact moment affection takes root?"

"Only the important details."

"And what details would those be?" He turned slightly toward her, close enough that she had to tilt her head back to meet his gaze. "The first smile? The flutter of a heart? The moment someone stops being simply... suitable?"

"You don't think you could? Fall in love?"

His voice softened. "I find myself... particular in my tastes. When it comes to the idea of love. I prefer those who challenge me." He adjusted his sleeve again. "Who keep meticulous records."

The last words remained between them, weighted with something that made her pulse quicken.

"And Ji-ah?" Nandi managed, her voice steadier than she felt. "Does she challenge you?"

"Ji-ah is exactly who she appears to be." His eyes held hers. "Unlike some."

"I don't know what you—"

"Don't you?" He stepped closer, just enough to make her aware of how easily he could close the distance between them. "For someone so observant, Matchmaker, you can be remarkably—"

The way he looked at her made her throat tight. Before he could finish, Min-joon burst from the courtyard, nearly tripping over his own feet in excitement.

"Eomma! Uncle Park! Master Song says my aim is improving! I hit the inner ring three times and—" He broke off, noticing the wrapped bundle in Tae-young's hands. "Is that...?"

"For a young warrior who's been mastering his forms," Tae-young answered, his usual sharp tone softening as he handed over the package. His fingers brushed her sleeve as he stepped back, so lightly...

Young-ah appeared at the gate, slightly breathless.

"My lady, you have a visitor. She's been waiting in the receiving room."

"Who—"

"Who else? Lady Nam. Again." Ji-soo's voice carried from the doorway, rich with irony. "Though this time she brought rather impressive gifts. The servants have been struggling with the boxes since she arrived."

Nandi's eyebrows rose. "Lady Nam? Has she even acknowledged my existence since her daughter's wedding?"

"Apparently success breeds selective memory," Tae-young observed, his voice carrying that edge of amusement that always made her want to look at him longer than she should. "Though perhaps you shouldn't keep her waiting."

Min-joon, who had been examining his package with barely contained curiosity, looked up. "Is she the one who brought the persimmon sweets? Aunt Young-ah said I couldn't have any until—"

"Until your mother approved," Ji-soo finished firmly. "And speaking of approval, young master, those characters won't practice themselves."

"I'll take my leave then." Tae-young bowed, the movement elegant yet somehow intimate. His eyes met hers briefly. "Lady Matchmaker."