Chansung inclined his head at the man raising a drink to him across the room, a polite smile on his face. The night was young and the chatter of the room didn't drown out the string quartet playing unobtrusively in the corner of the ballroom. 

Chansung slowly made the rounds, complimenting a pretty lady here and there as she giggled demurely into her glove and greeting an influential ally every now and then.

He knew the volume would raise as the evening went on, as more fine wine and whiskey was imbibed, as his men and the guests got a bit more boisterous, and the music would turn into a quickstep and laughter would bounce off the arched ceilings. 

For now, at least, his company seemed the most refined.

He was nursing his glass of wine an hour or so into the ball when he spotted a man he didn't recognise across the room, lowering his lips to a lady's hand, eyes crinkled in a charming smile.

He didn't quite fit, Chansung thought.

He was dressed well, but nowhere near as well as the rest of the attendees, and his hair wasn't carefully styled.

'Ricky,' Chansung said softly, waving over his right-hand man, 'Who is that gentleman over there?'

Ricky craned his head to try looking over the crowd and Chansung spared a moment to chuckle at the height difference.

'The one dancing with your sister,' Chansung clarified and Ricky puffed up a moment before looking again.

'I've never seen him before,' Ricky said, 'Perhaps he came with someone?'

'Mmm,' Chansung hummed noncommittally, 'Maybe. Tell Hyunyoung to come to me.'

He watched as Ricky moved across the dancefloor and bowed to the stranger, saying a few words with an innocent smile and leading Hyunyoung into a short dance, before Hyunyoung moved towards Chansung.

'He said his name was Junho,' she said without preamble and Chansung smiled. Many of the family questioned him making her head of security, but she'd never let him down. 'No affiliations, as far as I can tell.'

'How did he get in?' Chansung asked, smiling at an old partner well on his way to being intoxicated.

'He dodged that line of query quite efficiently.' Hyunyoung snagged another glass of champagne as it was offered. 'But he doesn't seem to pose any threat. He's been quite focussed on charming the ladies, and didn't seem to know who I am.'

Chansung laughed. 'No one ever does, darling,' he teased, leaning down to kiss her on the cheek, and she rolled her eyes.

'Go charm someone who's susceptible,' she laughed. 'Would you like me to keep an eye on him?'

'No need,' Chansung answered, his eyes scanning the room and catching the man's gaze. 'I'll take care of it.'

Hyunyoung dipped into a shallow curtsey as Junho inclined his head across the room, tipping an imaginary hat and starting to move towards the exit.

Chansung stepped out of the door just after Junho did, and called after him just before the other man disappeared into the shadows of the hallway.

'Excuse me, sir!' he called and the retreating footsteps halted.

'I mean no harm,' a voice said gently and Chansung chuckled.

'I'm sure you don't. Would you step into the light? I'd like to have a few words.'

Junho stepped into the light, candles casting shadows on his face.

'I'm Hwang Chansung, owner of this estate,' he introduced, and a smile flitted over Junho's lips.

'You have a beautiful estate,' he said and Chansung inclined his head.

'Even more so in the daylight.'

Junho's laugh rang through the hallways. 'Lee Junho,' he said, 'Nomad. I apologise for gatecrashing, but I saw lights and I've never been one to pass up a celebration.'

'Is that your only reason for dropping in? I'm sorry for seeming so nosy, but there are some people who are very concerned with their privacy here. I'm sure you understand.'

Junho nodded. 'Of course. I was on my way out, I won't disturb you.'

'Wait,' Chansung said suddenly as Junho turned to go. 'Stay. Enjoy the party. You don't seem to be a threat. You said you're a nomad? Where are you staying now?'

Junho approached him, looking equal parts surprised and curious. 'Nowhere. I thought I'd go on to the nearest town and find an inn for the night.'

'The nearest town is miles away,' Chansung dismissed, 'I'll have the maids set up one of the guest rooms.'

'I can stay here?' Junho asked in surprise and Chansung nodded, not quite sure where this sudden idea had come from himself.

'I haven't had opportunity to travel much,' he covered, 'And I'd like to hear your stories. As a nomad, I'm sure you've seen many places.'

Junho laughed. 'More than my fair share, and yet never enough.'

'Then it's settled. You can stay here tonight,' Chansung declared.

'You're not going to feed me to the fishes come morning, are you?' Junho joked and Chansung chuckled.

'Of course not. That judgment usually lies in the hands of the lovely young lady you were dancing with earlier, and then only if she feels it's necessary.'

Chansung turned back to head towards the ballroom, hiding the amusement on his face at Junho's eyes widening at his words.

--

Junho was stifling a yawn as Hyunyoung led him into the dining room the next morning, weak morning sunlight just reaching through the windows and Chansung’s lips quirked into a small smile.

‘Not accustomed to being awake this early?’ he asked as a servant pulled out a chair for Junho. Junho looked vaguely startled, before giving a small smile and nod and sitting down with a small laugh as he turned his attention to Chansung.

‘I tend not to be an early to bed, early to rise type,’ he conceded, the wooden chair legs scraping against the floor as he scooted closer to the table.

‘Apologies, we tend to have break fast fairly early in the day here,’ Chansung said with a smile and Hyunyoung let out a tiny sigh from her seat next to Ricky.

‘Oh, not to worry, it’s not a bother, after you so kindly let me stay the- night.’ The last word was swallowed by a yawn Junho hastily tried to cover with the back of his hand, shaking his head as if to clear the last vestiges of sleep from it afterwards. ‘Dreadfully sorry.’

‘Long travel yesterday?’ Chansung asked, reaching for the coffee.

‘A bit,’ Junho replied.

‘Where did you come from?’ Ricky piped up.

‘Inland,’ Junho said and Hyunyoung eyed him, and Chansung chuckled at the suspicion on her face. She was never good with people being deliberately evasive. ‘Paris,’ he added hastily, glancing at Hyunyoung and focussing on her food and Chansung couldn’t help but smile as his words from the night before drifted through his head- it seemed Junho had heeded them and was wary of upsetting Hyunyoung.

Breakfast was a relatively casual affair, pastries and coffee, and was over soon.

‘I thought I’d show you the grounds, if you’d like,’ Chansung said to Junho as the plates were cleared.

‘See them in the daylight. Thank you.’ Junho’s smile was genuine, but Chansung couldn’t help but feel like it didn’t quite meet his eyes.

‘I’m sure I can spare the time. Ricky, am I needed urgently this morning?’

Ricky shook his head. ‘Not at all. I’m sure we can manage until lunchtime.’

‘Oh, I’m sure it won’t take that long,’ Chansung said dismissively as he stood up, Junho following suit.

--

‘So how was Paris?’ Chansung asked as they meandered through the grounds, the sky still pale in its demeanour, clouds casting mottled barely noticeable shadows at their feet. 

‘Oh, it was lovely. The lights, the colours, the people, the music, the sights, the smell-’ Junho paused. ‘Well, it was hit and miss with the smell. As it always is. But it was wonderful. La Folie Bergere, the Moulin Rouge…’ The smile curling at Junho’s lips was positively devilish. ‘So very wonderful.’

Chansung laughed; he’d heard about the cabaret’s of Paris. ‘Sounds like you enjoyed it there.’

‘I did,’ Junho agreed, ‘It’s hard not to. The atmosphere is addicting.’

‘Then- pardon me for asking, but why did you leave?’ Chansung’s eyes slid uninterestedly over the flower bed, flowers of all colours peeking out- as Spring was wont to incite.

Junho shrugged. ‘Because that’s what I do. I never stay in one place for long.’

‘Why not?’ Chansung asked, curious. 

‘I get restless. I need to move on after a bit.’

Chansung nodded uncomprehendingly as they walked in silence for a bit, Junho reaching out to brush his fingers through the leaves.

Chansung wasn’t paying much attention. It was a sight he’d seen for most days of his life. Nothing exciting.

‘What about your friends? Family?’ 

Junho laughed again at Chansung’s query. ‘I don’t have any ties. Nothing lasting. I prefer to be on my own.’

Chansung opened his mouth to say something but Junho’s attention was arrested.

‘Are those stables?’ he asked and Chansung looked where he was pointing, at the groom brushing down a handsome stallion.

‘Yes. We don’t have many horses- Hyunyoung rides the most. Do you ride?’

Junho shook his head. ‘I have done, but I’ve yet to find a horse that hasn’t taken an instant disliking towards me. Magnificent beasts, though.’

Chansung watched the weak light glisten off the glossy coat mildly. ‘Yes, I suppose they are.’

They wound through the gardens and navigated the old stone stairs down to the beach, Chansung’s eyes fixed at his feet for fear of falling.

‘It’s beautiful here,’ Junho said, hands in pockets, staring out over the waves.

‘It is,’ Chansung agreed in the tone of someone who knows this to be a fact.

Junho nudged a pebble in the sand with his boot. ‘Thank you for allowing me to spend the night here. Do you have any inns in town you could recommend?’

‘None of them,’ Chansung replied. ‘Stay here for as long as you like.’

Junho looked at him sharply. ‘Here?’

Chansung turned to flash him a grin. ‘I won’t even ask a fee.’

‘Why would you make such an offer?’

Chansung shrugged. ‘I’m not sure. It might be nice to speak with someone not involved in work.’

‘Are you sure?’

Chansung nodded. ‘Do you have any particular reason to be staying in town?’ Junho shook his head. ‘Then it’s settled. I’ll tell Kwon you’ll be staying for as long as you like.’

--

‘What exactly is it you do?’ Junho inquired over dinner that night and Hyunyoung paused in eating to eye him. Next to her, Ricky rolled his eyes.

‘Family business,’ Chansung answered with a smile. 

‘Which is?’ Junho prompted and Chansung just smiled, returning his attention to his food. Junho laughed. ‘Alright. I won’t interfere.’

‘Do understand, it’s a bit of a sensitive matter,’ Ricky explained and Junho nodded.

‘Of course. You’re entitled to your privacy, after all.’

--

Chansung ventured out after lunch the next day to see Junho leaning against the fence of the paddock, posture relaxed.

‘Would you like to ride?’ he said and Junho started before his eyes crinkled into crescent moons.

‘Horses don’t like me,’ he reminded him and Chansung laughed. 

‘We have a very docile mare,’ Chansung said, and looked over at the groom exercising the horse. ‘Jackson!’ he called, waving him over when he looked up.

‘Oh, it’s really not necessary-’ Junho started as Jackson lead the palomino towards them. 

Chansung nodded at Jackson and patted the horse’s neck. ‘This is Junho, our guest,’ he introduced, ‘He admires horses greatly.’

‘Do you ride?’ Jackson asked eagerly and Junho shook his head.

‘I know how, but horses aren’t too fond of me, so never smoothly.’

‘Our stables have very placid beasts- well, and one temperamental stallion. You can’t be hated by the whole equine family.’

‘Oh, but I am,’ Junho assured him and Chansung slipped away, hearing Jackson’s wheedling tone beginning to come out.

--

‘We don’t know him,’ Hyunyoung said quietly the next evening, glancing over to where Junho was talking to Ricky. ‘He wasn’t introduced.’

‘He’s not in need of being introduced,’ Chansung replied, ‘He’s not in a family.’

‘Then how can we trust him?’

Chansung smiled at her. ‘We have nothing to hide. He’s seen nothing and he’s not being nosy. He spends most of his time looking at sea, or the horses.’

‘Yes, I’ve noticed,’ Hyunyoung remarked dryly.

‘We don’t have to trust him, but I don’t think he’s a threat. But of course, use your discretion, keep an eye on him if you feel uneasy.’

Hyunyoung looked over at Junho again. ‘It’s not that I feel uneasy, it’s just that he’s a stranger.’

‘It’ll be fine. I promise not to give too much away.’ Chansung patted her cheek. ‘Thank you for worrying.’

‘It’s my job,’ Hyunyoung replied.

‘And you’re the best at it. I have complete faith in your instincts.’

Hyunyoung paused, looking gratified, and glanced at Junho again. ‘I think he’s fine.’ Chansung laughed. ‘But don’t go getting too relaxed,’ she warned and Chansung kissed her on the cheek. 

‘Of course not, my dear,’ he said warmly, and headed across the room to join Junho and Ricky.

--

Chansung watched Junho reach out and pluck a flower, bringing it to his nose, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath before adding it to the two he already held in his hands.

‘What are you doing?’ Chansung asked and Junho started, almost dropping the flowers he held.

‘Sorry, do you not like the flowers being picked?’ Junho said with a laugh.

‘Not at all, feel free. I was just wondering why,’ Chansung replied with a smile.

Junho looked down at the flowers in his hand, pale blue and white and orange, and glanced around at the blossoms in the beds. ‘I thought I’d pick a bunch for the house. Brighten up the place.’

Chansung raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you calling my house dreary?’

‘Not at all,’ Junho replied with a cheeky grin, ‘Perhaps a tad bland, but not dreary.’ He laughed. ‘It’s spring, I thought bringing some of the colours into the house would be nice. A small token of my appreciation for you letting me stay here.’

‘You’re giving me flowers. From my garden.’

‘Thoughtful, aren’t I?’ Junho laughed and Chansung’s lips quirked into a smile.

‘It’s a nice thought. Thank you.’

Junho waved it off. ‘Not at all. I’m surprised you don’t do it already, you have a beautiful garden.’

‘Sometimes,’ Chansung corrects, ‘We do sometimes. I suppose it’s not really something I think about.’

‘I like flowers in the house,’ Junho continued, leaning down to pluck a violet edged iris to add to his bunch. ‘They’re soft and bright, and just add life to the house. They’re remarkably resilient in their delicacy.’

Chansung strolled along next to him as he plucked multicoloured blossoms and added them to the ever-growing bunch in his hands, the occasional hiss punctuating his idle chatter when a thorn pricked the inside of his fingers. 

‘The colour is so lovely, but the blossoms are so small,’ Junho sighed as he trailed his fingers through the rosemary bush, rubbing a thumb over one of the lilac flowers.

‘It makes a wonderful seasoning,’ Chansung commented and Junho laughed.

‘It is a great addition to the kitchen.’

‘And the lavender,’ Chansung said, reaching out to pluck a plumed blossom from the lavender bush, smelling it before nibbling on the soft petals.

Junho seemed momentarily surprised before laughing and moving on to add more colours to the rainbow in his hands, stopping and looking at it when flowers began falling from his fingers. ‘Hmm. It looks like I’ve reached my quota.’

Chansung chuckled. ‘Come, let’s find Seungah. She’ll know where the vases are.’

--

It had been a week, and yet Chansung felt it had been simultaneously longer and shorter.

‘Where to now?’ he asked mildly, and Junho shrugged.

‘I’m thinking probably Bordeaux.’

Chansung nodded. ‘It’s nice there, I’ve heard.’

‘Yes, I’ve heard so too. I’m looking forward to sampling their speciality.’ Junho flashed a bright grin and Chansung laughed. ‘Thank you for showing me such hospitality, I’m sorry if I imposed too long.’

‘Not at all, it was a pleasure. Should you ever find yourself back here, the doors are open,’ Chansung offered sincerely, and Junho blinked in faint surprise.

‘Thank you,’ he said and Chansung gave a short nod.

And then Junho was walking down the the path and Chansung stood there briefly before turning and heading back inside.

He thought he had some work that needed doing.

--

Chansung swirled the wine around in his glass as he looked out the window, the sun just setting and shooting orange tendrils over the waves, clouds catching pinks in their bellies and Chansung picked up the bottle standing on the side table, running a finger over the label and Junho flitted across his mind. 

Taking a sip from his wine, he leant against the window sill, thinking about Junho and where he might be, what he might be seeing. 

What did the Bordeaux vineyards look like, what was the atmosphere of the city, how did the sunset look there, when it wasn't glittering over gently lapping waves.

For the first time, Chansung thought it might be nice to see.

--

The summer sun was high in the sky and Chansung glanced up at it slightly irritably, outside only because he’d had to see a business associate off. 

Now that the man was gone, Chansung felt like it was perfectly acceptable for him to take his jacket off- which he did, breathing a sigh of relief and resisting the urge to flap his arms to cool himself down.

‘Suffocating?’ a voice called and Chansung whipped around, on high alert despite the bells ringing at the voice being more in recognition than alarm. He relaxed when he saw the figure strolling down the path, grin wide and eyes creased.

‘I didn’t expect to see you again,’ he commented as Junho neared, and he laughed.

‘Does the offer of a room still stand?’ Junho asked and Chansung’s lips quirked up.

‘Of course. How was Bordeaux?’ 

‘Bordeaux? Oh, lovely. The wine flowed like water. I wasn’t there very long, though,’ Junho told him and Chansung gave a slight nod.

‘Ah, well, let’s get out of the sun, you must be tired from travelling.’

Junho waved him off. ‘I spent the night in town, I didn’t want to disturb you so late last night.’

‘Oh? I’ll ask Seungah to fix us something to drink regardless. Hyunyoung’s out for a ride, but I’ll get Ricky to join us and you can fill us in with the details of your travels.’ Chansung grinned and Junho laughed.

--

There were less flowers than the first time they walked the garden, but Chansung wondered if the shades of green had always been so varied, shimmering emerald to jade, with lowlights of tourmaline and highlights of peridot as sunlight washed the garden.

'So where did you go, aside from Bordeaux?' Chansung asked. 

'I went down to Spain,' Junho replied, 'Spent some time in Barcelona. Considered going through to Portugal, but tensions are running high in Spain right now, so I thought I'd not risk it.' 

'Spain? How did you find Barcelona?' 

Junho shrugged. 'It's a city, much the same as others. Beautiful. Bustling. I enjoyed myself.' Junho flashed a smile that Chansung couldn't help but mirror. 

'Have you never found a place you wanted to stay?' It was a question that had been floating at the corner of Chansung's mind for a while now, dancing unformed as he moved around his daily routine. 

'No,' Junho answered, 'That isn't to say that each place doesn't have its charms- but every place has its charms, I would feel remiss in choosing just one. Why would one want to be tied down to one place when there is so much out there?' 

'But what about the human companionship?' 

'I get plenty of human companionship,' Junho said with a roguish grin and Chansung inclined his head in acknowledgement. 

'I don't doubt that. But long-lasting relationships? Constantly moving about as you do, you can't have many opportunities to form meaningful bonds.' 

Junho was silent and Chansung watched a ladybird crawl along a leaf, glittering ruby red in the sunlight.
--

The string quartet was drumming up a lively rhythm, and some of Chansung’s guests had taken to the floor- including Junho, whirling a pretty woman around with a large smile on his face.

Chansung was leaning at the side of the room, taking a break, Ricky standing next to him.

‘It was nice of you to host this soiree,’ Ricky commented and Chansung huffed lightly in amusement. 

‘It’s been planned for months, and you did half the work,’ he reminded and Ricky shrugged with a grin.

‘It was nice of us, then.’

‘Tonight’s not for business, you should be dancing,’ Chansung urged him.

‘I was, but I got thirsty,’ Ricky explained, holding up his wine, smile innocent.

Chansung chuckled and turned his attention back to the room.

‘Have you thought about marriage?’ Ricky asked suddenly and Chansung almost sputtered into his drink.

‘I’m not courting anyone,’ he pointed out and Ricky rolled his eyes.

‘I know that, I was just wondering if you thought you might soon. Start a family, leave a legacy. You’re of an age to do so.’

‘You’re not much younger than me,’ Chansung rejoined, ‘Have you been thinking about it?’

Ricky gave a half shrug. ‘Maybe.’

Chansung narrowed his eyes at Ricky’s deliberate avoidance of his gaze. ‘You’re interested in someone.’

‘I find myself quite charmed by Miss Jisook,’ Ricky admitted and Chansung scanned the room for the lady in question.

‘And does she return your affections?’ he asked.

‘I don’t know,’ Ricky said with a laugh.

‘She doesn’t have a dance partner right now,’ Chansung observed, picking her out from the crowd. ‘Go dance with her.’

‘Oh, no, I-’ Ricky said hurriedly and Chansung plucked the wine from his hands, nudging him forward with his elbow.

‘I insist.’

--

Chansung’s forehead creased as he mulled things over and looked around.

‘Hyunyoung!’ he called- Ricky had said she’d headed to this part of the house. ‘Hyunyoung!’

He huffed and looked around in mild frustration, before he heard some scuffling and turned to see her hurrying down the passage, messing with her skirts.

‘Sorry, I was- you were calling?’ she asked sweetly, her hand fluttering to pat down her hair and Chansung tilted his head at the pink smattering on her cheeks. 

‘Yes,’ he said, ‘I need you to check up on something. Some things aren’t adding up.’

Hyunyoung nodded. ‘Of course. Who’s the problem?’

But Chansung was distracted by a figure slipping surreptitiously out a room behind her, smoothing down his hair. Chansung’s eyes darted between Hyunyoung and him and the corners of his mouth twitched up.

‘Isn’t that the groom?’ he asked innocently and Hyunyoung’s cheeks reddened.

‘What, no, who, no,’ she said quickly and Chansung bit back a laugh.

‘Jackson’s a very respectful young man,’ he commented instead.

‘Uh, I suppose he is, yes,’ Hyunyoung almost stuttered. ‘You wanted to talk business.’

Chansung laughed and let it drop. ‘Yes, I did.’

--

Chansung was staring out at the sea while Junho sat on the beach, drawing patterns in the sand with his fingers.

‘Have you ever thought about marriage?’ Chansung said idly and saw Junho start in his peripheral vision.

‘Marriage,’ Junho repeated.

Chansung looked down at him. ‘Settling down. Marriage, children. How would you manage that with your wandering lifestyle?’

Junho was silent for a few beats, sand slipping through his fingers. ‘I’ve never really thought of it. Considering I’ve never really made enough of a connection with a woman to even start to think about anything to do with marriage, I think it’s safe to say it’s not a priority of mine.’

Chansung hummed non committedly and looked back out over the waves. There was silence for a beat or two and then Junho cleared his throat.

‘What brought this on?’

Chansung shrugged. ‘I’m of an age where I should be thinking about marriage and children. It’s almost expected.’

‘Do you have a young lady in mind?’ Junho asked and Chansung sighed.

‘No, I’ve not really been thinking about it. But It wouldn’t be hard for me to find someone suitable,’ he said carelessly.

Junho blinked. ‘So you’d marry without love?’

Chansung laughed. ‘It’s not uncommon.’

‘Would you be happy with marrying for convenience?’

Chansung hesitated.

‘Just because it’s expected of you.’

Chansung huffed and lowered himself to the sand. ‘Hyunyoung is having a dalliance with the groom.’

‘Jackson? That explains a lot of furtive looks. Is that a problem?’ Junho asked and Chansung waved a hand.

‘I don’t see any need to interfere, she’s entitled to do what she wants. It’s just that combined with Ricky asking if I’d been thinking about it that made me- well, think about it.’ 

‘About marriage.’

‘About settling down.’

Junho laughed. ‘In my eyes, a wife and child can’t make you any more settled down than you already are.
--

'I think I might return to this part of the world again,' Junho commented idly, 'I like it here.' 

'I think you like the food,' Chansung commented with a laugh. 

'Kwon runs a masterful kitchen,' Junho conceded and Chansung laughed. 

'I don't know when, though .' 

Chansung nodded. 'The room is yours whenever you find yourself here again .' 

'Thank you.' Junho said quietly. 

Junho looked around at the gardens, dropping his head back and soaking up the sun with a sigh. 'This stretch has been one of the longest periods of time I've stayed in one place for a while,' he said softly, and Chansung raised an eyebrow in surprise. 

He'd been there sixteen days.

--

Chansung stared at the leaves scattered through the grounds , deep yellows and pale oranges painting the garden, the grey green of the lavender and deep green of the rosemary poking through. 

He'd gone outside to get some fresh air when Ricky had tried to get his attention three times unsuccessfully when he zoned out while staring out a window. 

He was spending more time outside, despite the rapid cooling of the weather, spending more time pacing the halls, feeling... as if he were waiting for something to happen, but he couldn't put his finger on what. 

Invariably, his mind turned to Junho- not necessarily because of the man, but because of where he'd been, what he'd seen, the freedom he seemed to embody. 

Chansung watched as the wind chased the leaves in a circle, a flurry of fire and he shook his head, clearing such thoughts from it. 

He had work to do.

--

They were eating dinner when there was a faint banging on the door and Chansung exchanged a glance with Hyunyoung and Ricky craned his neck as if he’d somehow be able to see out the door.

Chansung’s fingers curled slightly around his knife at the slight commotion he heard when the door appeared to be open- but when he identified Kwon’s tone as concerned and not threatened, he relaxed, instead putting down his cutlery and shunting his chair back in curiousity.

Soon enough, Kwon herded a dripping Junho into the dining room, Seungah hurrying in moments later with a blanket she threw over his shoulders, pushing him in front of the fireplace.

‘Quite an entrance you make,’ Chansung laughed and Junho chuckled, inclining his head at the table.

‘Terribly sorry for the interruption, and good evening. I hope you’ll excuse me from joining you immediately, but it’s raining quite heavily and I’m wet and this fire is lovely and warm,’ Junho said with a grin, wiping a drop of water from his nose.

‘You can stay there,’ Ricky assured him.

‘You need to get out of those wet clothes,’ Kwon fussed and Junho looked startled.

‘Not right here, that would be highly inappropriate!’ he exclaimed, shooting a glance at Hyunyoung, who pretended not to notice. 

‘Then in the next room, but if you don’t get changed now, you’re going to catch a cold,’ Kwon insisted and Junho relented.

‘Excuse me for a moment.’

‘I was going to say good thing he missed the snow,’ Hyunyoung said once Junho had left the room, ‘But the rain is probably worse.’

--


It was still raining the next day, and Chansung came across Junho standing by one of the top windows, watching the waves crash against the side of the house, high tide bringing spray up to the windows. 'How was Germany?' Chansung asked and Junho glanced at him. 

'Icy,' he replied, 'I don't know why I decided to spend most of my winter between Germany and Switzerland. Stunningly beautiful, there's no doubt about that, and playing in the snow is fun, but it's icy.' 

'Find anyone to warm you up?' Chansung asked, in an attempt to lift the strangely heavy mood. 

Junho flashed a grin. 'Numerous.' 

'Still nothing nearing on long term,' Chansung commented quietly, almost a question and Junho's smile slipped. 

'No. That's not what I do,' Junho reminded him and Chansung nodded. 

'Of course not.' He smiled at him. 'Free as a bird.' 

'Who migrated in the wrong direction this season,' Junho chuckled, rubbing his arms to try warm himself up.

--

'Well, don't you feel trapped?' Junho asked as they walked along the beach- the rain had dissipated, even if the sky was still grey and the sea choppy. 

'Trapped? No, why would I feel trapped,' Chansung said, the wind whipping his scarf. 

'Tied down by the house and staff that you are in charge of. You have people relying on you, a business enterprise to run- doesn't that responsibility weigh you down? It's your anchor to this place,' Junho explained and Chansung shook his head. 

'Absolutely not. Even if it were, as you say, an anchor, there is nothing wrong or out of the ordinary about stability.' 

'But is it stability, or is it a cage?' Junho posited and Chansung fell silent. 

'Is running around as you do not irresponsible to yourself?' he countered, 'Depriving yourself of relationships that last, a circle of friends, the possibility of a family? You just wander around, with no ties, making you completely alone.' 

Junho seemed to tense next to him and Chansung let out a sigh. 

'The house and business aren't anchors or cages, they're my duty and don't restrain me in any way.' 

'Then why do you never leave?' Junho asked, 'Can you honestly say you don't want to?' 

Chansung couldn't. 

'I have some work to do,' he said instead, 'I'll head inside.' 

Junho nodded. 'I'll stay here for a bit longer,' he said. 

Chansung looked back just before he went into the house, to see Junho sitting on the pebbles of the beach, sand, sea and sky monochromatic around him as he stared out over the grey waves.

Junho's words ran around his head as he made his way upstairs- he didn't feel tied down, his routine had never seemed unsatisfactory until Junho had arrived, and he didn't envy the solitude of his friend's lifestyle at all.

Once upstairs, he glanced out the window at the beach, his brow furrowing at the incongruously small darker patch on the beach until he noticed a figure wading into the waves and a panic whipped through his veins.

He let out an unintelligible yell and ran, his heart pounding in his ears and he clattered down the stairs, almost skidding around the corners and it felt like far too long before he broke out into the cloud cloaked sunlight, running like he hadn't for a very long time.

Junho's jacket and shoes lay in a neat pile on the sand, but Chansung spared them barely a glance as he splashed into the waves, the icy cold of the water a shock his his system, Junho sputtering as water splashed over his face as he attempted to float on his back, buffeted by the waves. The sea was seeping through his pants at the knee as he grabbed Junho's arm and bodily hauled him from the water, Junho coughing as some water got into his throat.

Seungah and Kwon were waiting at the threshold as Chansung dragged Junho inside, his heart hammering in his chest and his blood pumping in his veins.

'I just wanted a swim!' Junho protested, but the adrenaline deafened Chansung.

--

'And how is the patient?' Chansung asked Seungah genially and she laughed. 

'Back to his cheeky self. I think he's well on the way to recovery. I suppose a three days in bed with the flu will teach him his lesson about swimming in winter.' She shook her head in disbelief and hurried off, and Chansung opened the door to Junho's room. 

'Am I off bed rest?' Junho asked as soon as he saw him and Chansung shrugged. 

'If you've stopped sleeping all the time, then I don't see why not. Not that it was ever enforced.' 

'It wasn't?' Junho asked innocently, 'I could have sworn I was threatened with bodily harm if I tried to leave the bed.' 

'The fever's made you delirious,' Chansung declared.

Junho dropped his head. 'I suppose that wasn't the best idea I've ever had,' he admitted.

Chansung shook his head. 

'But you did overreact,' Junho added and Chansung shrugged.

'If you say so.' Chansung paused. 'Why did you do it?'

Junho lay back with a sigh. 'I felt like it. The sea is a cleansing force like no other and I just- I wanted a swim.'

Chansung nodded, leaving the question unspoken. What did you want to cleanse?

Perhaps both of them had things they weren't admitting.

(Pride can be a dangerous thing.) 

--

Spring had well and truly sprung when Junho declared he was going to head off again, the garden a riot of colours. 

'You won't stay?' Chansung asked again. 

'I can't live off you forever,' Junho replied and Chansung shrugged. 

'I could always use another hand, whether it be in the organisation or around the house and gardens.' 

'None of which are jobs I think I'd be particularly good at,' Junho remarked dryly. 

'You'd be surprised. So you're adamant not to settle down,' Chansung said and Junho chewed in his lip hesitant. Chansung nodded. 'Where to now?' he asked, his own new found curiosity fueling the question. 'Austria? Belgium?' 

Junho scratched at his head. 'Lyon, at first,' he said, 'I have no definite plans for out of France right now.'

When Junho left, amidst promises to return at some point, Chansung had the strangest urge to follow him.

--

As summer came on in full force, Chansung was struck by a sudden restlessness. Things which he had sat through genially before bored him terribly and he was craving excitement where he'd never had it previously. 

The walls of the house seemed suffocating, the gardens overly familiar, the crashing waves nauseating, colours were brighter than ever and not bright enough, and his imagination wasn't big enough for what he craved to see, to experience. 

His restlessness did not go unnoticed. 

He was prowling in the stables one day, hoping the horses would somehow sooth him, when Jackson and Hyunyoung came back from a ride. Chansung inclined his head in acknowledgement, But Hyunyoung still took one look at him, laid a hand on Jackson's arm, said a few quiet words and made her way too Chansung's side. 

'What has been bothering you?' she asked, and Chansung shook his head. 

'Nothing.' 

She snorted and Chansung raised an eyebrow at the unladylike mannerism. 'I've known you for most of my life, Chansung, don't try to fool me.'

'Have you ever wanted to see the world, Hyunyoung?' he asked suddenly and she blinked.

'A passing fancy, but I suppose I've been preoccupied with other things,' she replied.

Chansung nodded. 'I'm struck with an intense desire to explore and discover, and I'm distracted by the ideas of what else is out there, what other experiences there are, and this existence suddenly seems too small. But I have my responsibilities, and I will not ever abandon them.'

Hyunyoung paused, seemingly considering this. 'Is this because of Junho?'

Chansung shrugged. 'Perhaps. He seems so independent, so free to do what he wants, go where he wants...'

'He's lonely,' Hyunyoung said quietly and Chansung looked at her in surprise. She gave a small smile. 'Call it woman's intuition, but I think he's far more unhappy than he lets on. I think you befriending him has made him see that- or at least contributed.'

Chansung was silent, his mind processing this information, an idea he hadn't even considered, so wrapped up in his growing restlessness and desire to see what Junho had seen.

'And as for your responsibilities,' Hyunyoung continued, 'I think you give yourself far too much credit.' She flashed him a pretty smile. 'You may be the backbone, but I daresay we'd be able to act as a perfectly sufficient corset, without thinking you're shirking your responsibilities.'

Chansung couldn't help a small smile. 'I don't think that's a comforting metaphor,' he teased and she raised an eyebrow.

'You've never worn a corset,' she remarked dryly.

--

The leaves were starting to turn, and Chansung breathed in the crisp autumn air. 

'The word in the town is that you're leaving,' 

Chansung turned at the voice, smiling to see Junho standing there. 'Next week. It's not forever, but I want to see more than I have.' 

Junho smiled, one that actually reached his eyes. 

'And you go to town before you come here now?' Chansung teased and Junho laughed. 

'I won't be staying here this time,' he replied and Chansung blinked in surprise. 'I've found lodgings in town.' 

'Not happy with my hospitality?' Chansung asked, curious. 

'More than anything,' Junho said, 'I was just looking for something a little more permanent.'

Chansung raised his eyebrows in surprise, and Junho's lips curled up.

'I'm putting down roots,' Junho explained.

'And you chose here?' Chansung asked, a warmth growing in his chest. Junho chuckled, and ducked his head bashfully.

'I like it here. I have friends here-' Junho nodded at Chansung. '-and other aspects are in its favour. There's a potential young lady.'

'Already? How long have you been in town, exactly?' Chansung inquired and Junho laughed.

'Day before yesterday- she's the daughter of the owner of the inn.'

Chansung nodded, remembering swirling skirts as a string quartet played. 'Jaekyung.'

Junho nodded. 'I've met her on a few instances the times I've stayed here, and if she's open to it, I'd quite like to court her.'

'The decision seems a bit sudden,' Chansung admitted and Junho shook his head.

'I've been thinking about it for a while. The life of a solitary nomad can get very lonely.'

Chansung nodded.

'So. Where are you headed to?' Junho asked and Chansung's lips curled into a smile.

'Italy, to start.' 

--

Dear Chansung,

It’s been a year and while we are still managing fine, as I assure you every month, I do think perhaps you should consider coming back, even if only for a visit. 

You might be missed.

But also, Junho is married, as I told you was to happen last month, and we have just been informed Jaekyung is expecting. Also, Jackson approached me last week to ask my permission for Hyunyoung’s hand, and she’d be dreadfully upset if you were to miss it. 

Otherwise, everything is well, and you have perhaps five months before you miss events you will never be forgiven for.

Yours,
Ricky