molten silver ─ hyunjeong ✓

nine

hyunjin moved to clasp jeongin's hand tightly before squeezing in reassurance. that was the only warning jeongin received before hyunjin tugged him forward.

jeongin could have tried to seem dignified, but of course, a loose rock decided to give away under his feet as he was pulled after hyunjin, and the noise that escaped him as he tripped forward — and nearly faceplanted — into the water was a strange sort of strangled screech.

embarrassment would come later, however. right now, he could only focus on holding air in his lungs as hyunjin pulled them under the water.

jeongin nearly sucked a breath when, where the bottom of the lake should have reached to meet him, his feet touched... nothing. water stretched in all directions, the ground disappearing from around to give way to water and more water.

jeongin's cheeks were puffed out as he held his breath, and jeongin could tell hyunjin was cooing at the view. glaring at him, hyunjin got the hint and gave a sheepish smile before he quickly squeezed his eyes shut in concentration.

the prospect of running out of air, of suffocating as the water crushed against him from all sides was too similar to the feeling of being suffocated at his home, of the walls caving in on him.

the thought in itself was terrifying enough that jeongin shifted his eyes to the only thing that knew could truly bring him a sense of calm. hyunjin.

hyunjin's hair floated around his head, a dark halo that framed his face, highlighting his gods-carved features. jeongin raised his brows at the sight of hyunjin's ears, they were just as beautiful as hyunjin— well, as beautiful as ears could be, he supposed.

it was the way, instead of rounding at the top, they met at points that had jeongin blinking in surprise.

well, if he hadn't been convinced of hyunjin's... nymphdom before, his ears certainly sealed the deal.

jeongin's lungs were slowly starting to burn, and he suddenly realized just how much trust he was putting in the nymph. he thought back to what hyunjin had said about the wisps... 'they tend to guide humans to... well... it's not pleasant...'

his limited breath caught in his throat, but he then shook his head.

he watched the way hyunjin's brows furrowed in concentration, his delicate fingers curled tightly around his, as though scared that if he let go, jeongin would float away. he thought of the dance across the lake, the way those delicate fingers had brushed his tears away.

no, he trusted hyunjin.

and hyunjin trusted him.

jeongin was distracted enough that he didn't notice the water steadily grow warmer around them. so when hyunjin's eyes opened, he startled and let out a little glub of surprise, a few bubbles escaping his mouth before he hurriedly clamped it shut.

hyunjin immediately pressed a hand over his mouth, trying to hold in a laugh and he quickly kicked to pull them up. as they broke the surface, jeongin gulped down the fresh air. hyunjin was also panting slightly as pulled them toward where jeongin could finally feel the ground rising up to meet them.

gratefully, he regained his footing and dragged himself onto the shore before flopping onto his back. hyunjin seemed unfazed, waiting until jeongin finally heaved a sigh and stood up. his hair and clothing was plastered to his face and body, showing off a lithe physique that jeongin tried to pretend he wasn't gawking at.

jeongin blinked against a drop of water that dripped from his eyelash, "you are really damn lucky i trust you, otherwise i would definitely have thought you were trying to murder me."

"i am offended that you would think me capable of that, jeongin." hyunjin gaped, before wiping a fake tear, "and to think i brought you to my village, where no human has been before, and this is how you thank me."

"what..." jeongin's eyes widened. "your village?"

hyunjin winked at him again and jeongin frowned. he really had to stop doing that. looking around, however, showed that they were in yet another clearing.

honestly, jeongin would have just assumed they were still at the same lake if it weren't for the soft breeze that kissed his cheeks tenderly. the air was balmy, fresh and just... different... in a way that jeongin knew hyunjin was telling the truth.

"you nearly drowned me just to bring me to another forest?" jeongin asked teasingly.

hyunjin glared at him before shaking his head like a wet dog, spraying water all over jeongin, who sputtered and let out a loud, loud laugh.

when jeongin opened his eyes after the onslaught of water, he saw hyunjin watching him, his eyes shimmering with barely restrained excitement, and under that, contentment. jeongin couldn't help but feel that elation was because him.

"that's the first time i've heard you laugh properly," hyunjin said softly. droplets of water rolled down his face, some collecting on his eyelashes and shimmering in the moonlight like stardust. he smiled, "i'm definitely going to want to hear that more."

jeongin rolled his eyes, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a while. hyunjin offered his hand, "come on. let me show you the village."

jeongin gave him a genuine smile, one he himself had forgotten he was capable of, and placed his hand atop hyunjin's. he interlaced their fingers as hyunjin pulled him toward the forest, and away from the lake.

─ author's note 🌌

happy new years everyone !! 2020 was... something... so let's hope 2021 is good to all of us <3

i just wanted to add that, i've been getting some incredibly sweet messages on this book, and i wanted to thank all of you who have taken the time to read my writing :(( i appreciate you all so so much and :D yeah :D iloveyou :D

but yes, happy new years, and remember to stay safe !

─ mel out of the building :D