Precious ◈ | Seongjoong/Yungi ✓

Episode 8: Dazzling Light in the Wind ◈ Part 1

Mingi exits the secret vault and pushes the painting back in place. By the grace of God, nobody came by while he was inside. The last thing he needs is for his mother to learn that he found where the Pirate King's Crown is. She'll definitely move it then.

He feels better about himself, still melancholy, but better. He doesn't want to die anymore, at least not before his mother is dealt with. Walking slowly through the hall of the Two Kings, he can vaguely hear commotion from the windows on the other side.

Peeking through the glass, he sees tons of soldiers running across the courtyard. "What's their problem?"

Mingi's not allowed outside, but he doesn't care anymore. Picking up his pace, he turns into the next hallway. Then, another one. Through all of the windows, he can hear guards fussing about something. Before he can get any further, he finally understands. Streaks of light shoot into the sky and explode.

Fireworks.

"In the daytime is crazy," Mingi murmurs in awe.

And yet he's enthralled by the illegal spectacle. The different colors are dazzling even against the bright sky. How are they so vibrant? His excitement dies out when he remembers that the culprit will meet a dark fate if they're caught. Even if they're not, someone will end up taking the blame.

He hopes their festival is worth it.

Still intending to break rules of his own and visit the courtyard, Mingi freezes just as he steps forward. At the opposite end of the hallway, a special swordsman runs in. They stop and stare at each other, not believing their eyes—at least Mingi isn't.

"Yunho?"

The gray-haired man is sweating, and he sighs in relief. "Mingi..."

Mingi runs to him and stops just a foot away. After swimming with souls all week, he's almost afraid that this is nothing but an illusion. Maybe he's imagining things because he misses him so much. Maybe, and he hates this possibility, maybe Yunho is dead, and his ghost is visiting him.

"What are you doing here? Are you real?" Mingi furrows his brows uncertainly.

Before he can get an answer, they turn at the sound of someone walking through the halls. If they don't move now, they'll be spotted. The prince impulsively grabs his swordsman's arm and pivots on his heel. Sprinting the other way, he pulls Yunho up the grand staircase.

They run all the way to the fifth floor and take refuge in the prince's room. Slamming the door and locking it, Mingi huffs happily. It's really him. Yunho is here in the palace. He throws himself into the slightly taller male.

Yunho returns the hug passionately until he hears Mingi hiss in pain. He leans back and asks softly, "Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah." Mingi grips the other's elbows and presses, "How did you get in?"

"We scaled the wall."

"'We'?"

"Me and Yeosang."

Mingi perks up, bewildered. "Yeosang's here, too?"

Fireworks continue to pop outside, visible through the balcony doors. Figures. Only The Wonderland would be crazy enough to do that. Mingi can't help but smile.

Yunho glances around curiously. He's always wondered what Mingi's room in the palace looked like. It's much bigger than their room on the ship, and much colder. Lonely and desolate. Extravagant and luxurious decorations mean nothing if there's no love. The ship's rooms are much cozier and full of personality.