I see you

Magnolia Boy

Chapter 27 : I see you

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Little orbs of light were floating around, illuminating the whole city of a gentle, soft yellow. They reminded Taemin of Jongin, making him smile fondly as he walked through the gardens to reach the place behind the castle, where a small crowd was already gathering. Quiet, faint whispers came to him from all around, greeting him, wishing him happiness, blessing him, but they didn't completely cover the music playing further away. Taemin could still hear the harp and violin, along with the delicate and warm voice singing under the decorated arches.

All of Melalhil had come to celebrate the northward equinox, dancing, singing, eating, laughing as they twirled beneath breathtaking flowery decorations. Minseok had grown beautiful anemones, hellebores and daffodils in his gardens, that had been brought to the celebration, to honor the arrival of spring.

"All those lights, all those flowers, they fade and pale next to you, my prince."

Taemin blinked in surprise and turned around to find Jonghyun, looking mischievously at him as he extended one hand. The mountain prince couldn't help but bit his lips to contain his laughter as he laid his fingers on top of Jonghyun's.

"Why do you always have to go to such lengths when we're in public?" Taemin whispered when Jonghyun stepped closer to him.

"So I can enjoy your confused pout," Jonghyun immediately answered, with a satisfied grin.

Taemin rolled his eyes at him, and took the time to observe his fiancé. His hair was styled away from his forehead, decorated with bright white flowers, that Taemin knew as Columbine. He had spent so much time in Jongin's arms, reading botanic books, that he was starting to have a deeper knowledge about flowers than about kentaur. The elegant shape of those blossoms fitted Jonghyun really well. They were drawn, in a soft pink color, all over the prince's white dress.

"You look exceptionally handsome," Taemin noted.

He seemed to realize what he had been saying only when Jonghyun raised an amused eyebrow at him. It made him blush and clear his throat.

"I've heard that flowers were the key to your heart, so I did my best," Jonghyun answered, with a little scrunch of his nose.

"Oh, stop it," Taemin mumbled.

Jonghyun laughed, drawing even more eyes to them, before he bowed gently to Taemin.

"Would you dance with me?"

Taemin tightened his hold on Jonghyun's fingers, and nodded, keeping quiet as his fiancé brought him further away on the little area were a few elves were already dancing. They made place for the two princes, and Taemin did his best not to look at anyone else than Jonghyun. He knew he would feel embarrassed if he were to notice their happy, contented smile. It was easier for him to ignore them, ignore how Jonghyun and him were playing all of those people, who had been nothing but kind and welcoming to him.

The music softened into a new, slow dance, as they turned and twirled together. Jonghyun brought his stare from Taemin's face, to their intertwined fingers, and smiled.

"When do you plan to come back, tomorrow?" he asked in a whisper, only for Taemin to hear.

Taemin blinked a couple of times. He could feel his heart suddenly race in his chest, as he was reminded of what was awaiting him, later in the evening.

"I don't know," he answered in the same tone. "What would be best for you?"

Jonghyun chuckled at that and gave him a pointed look.

"I feel like it would be meaningless to give you a curfew, wouldn't it? When was the last time you were on time to come back home after seeing your nymph?"

Taemin glanced at the ground sheepishly, feeling his ears redden with shame.

"Well...," he muttered, but Jonghyun interrupted him before he could pretend to find an acceptable excuse to his behavior.

"It's alright. I get it, really. Just try not to come back too late in the evening or so. And take the passage leading to my room, so they can see you getting out of it. It will be easier to pretend that we were together and talked all night, leading you to be exhausted and sleeping all day, than just saying you're sick in your room. All maids would want to come give you medicine."

Jonghyun's voice was low, and calm, as he stated the situation, and Taemin nodded once more, unable to find anything to say.

"Thank you," he simply sighed.

Jonghyun hugged him closer, pressing the side of his face against Taemin's, his eyes lowering to the other's shoulder.

"So...," he said even quieter, "you're going to meet Jongin's friends... right?"

Taemin held out his breath for a second, frowning.

"Yes."

"You'll meet Kibum."

Taemin wasn't sure if it was a question or not, but he still agreed softly, and he felt Jonghyun tense in his arms. He suddenly realized that the prince might have held him tighter just so he wouldn't see his face at that moment. He was reminded of Jonghyun's hurt and disoriented expression a few days ago when Minho had admitted knowing Kibum as well.

"I didn't know it would make you uncomfortable when I agreed to meet Jongin's friends," Taemin gently whispered. "I didn't know his best friend would be the nymph you met. I'm very sorry. I've thought about it, but I feel like going back on my word now would make things awkward, wouldn't it? If I have to explain to Jongin why..."

He left his sentence unsaid when he felt Jonghyun grow even stiffer against him.

"It's not-...," Jonghyun tried to articulate. "You just-... It's alright. I have no right to say anything. There's nothing to explain to Jongin."

Taemin brought one of his hand to Jonghyun's neck, his skin to appease him as he drew back just enough to look at him.

"Don't feel bad," he murmured. "I would have been disheartened and heartbroken for reasons I wouldn't have wanted to understand, had you met Jongin a few months ago through some unexpected turn of events."

Jonghyun couldn't meet his gaze as he nodded slowly and Taemin drew him closer again, as they continued to dance to the warm voice resonating around.

Jonghyun fidgeted a bit, his fingers gripping Taemin's shirt awkwardly before he sighed.

"Can you-...?" he started, but stopped himself as he closed his eyes.

"Yes?" Taemin encouraged him.

"Can you tell him I said hi?" he asked, his voice even lower than it had been until that point. "To Kibum, I mean."

Taemin smiled and hold himself back from letting out some witty comment.

"I will."

"And also...," Jonghyun took a long inhale. "Tell him I finished."

Taemin frowned, turning his head a bit, but Jonghyun held him in such a way that he couldn't completely look at his face anymore.

"Finished what?"

"The thing I had to finish. He will understand."

Taemin bit his lips to stop his smirk.

"I'll tell him, then."

"Also, that I hope he's doing fine."

Taemin finally let out a chuckle and wiggled his way a bit further away from Jonghyun, but the forest prince pointedly avoided his heavy stare.

"I could deliver a letter, if you prefer."

Jonghyun rolled his eyes, his cheeks growing red.

"That'd be pointless, he wouldn't be able to read it."

Taemin blinked in surprise, and frowned.

"Right."

"I thought about it already, but it's futile," Jonghyun mumbled, before he straightened up. "Anyway, just say that, please?"

"Promise," Taemin sing-songed happily.

It seemed to him that Jonghyun had relaxed a bit. They moved more swiftly all around, as more and more elves joined them. The quiet, humble atmosphere of the celebration seemed a lot more meaningful to Taemin than the endless, solemn feast that they threw in the mountains, each equinox. Still, as time slowly flew by, he found himself unable to enjoy anything anymore, as all he could think about was his nymph, waiting for him patiently, deep in the forest surrounding Melalhil.

 

Jonghyun had done his best to make them escape the jubilee as soon as it was acceptable, considering their status. He had pulled Taemin away, under the pretext of taking a walk in the gardens to give him a chance to leave. The forest prince had brought him as far as he could down the east limit of the elven city, and let him flee into the night.

Everything was silent and dark, and after stumbling a couple of time over roots and bushes, Taemin brought his hands together over his chest. He tried to calm himself as much as he could, but his heart wouldn't stop racing with excitation. He still managed to connect his energy to the ground, siphoning enough magic from the forest to create little orbs of light to illuminate the way before his eyes.

Feeling a little bit safer in his run, Taemin flew forward, a grin blooming on his lips as he rushed straight ahead. They were supposed to meet in Nowhere, and Jongin had already explained him that all he had to do to get there, was to get lost. The task wasn't that hard for him, who didn't know the forest quite well, and in that darkness, it was even easier. His mind was filled with thoughts of his nymph as he finally slowed down, having to climb up a hill that he recognized only when he was on top.

There was the sound of a river nearby; one that he had never seen. But the ripples of the water always calmed him down. And as he turned around, his heart soared in his chest. Down below stood the small, round, humble house that he now considered his home. A low light was coming from the windows, and smoke was escaping from the chimney.

Taemin took a deep breath, and went down the hill, trotting along the path leading to the house. He slowly opened the door and smiled as his nose was immediately assaulted with a sweet scent of flowers. It was quiet, the only noticeable sound being the soft creaks of the fire burning logs. Taemin took down his shoes and moved forward on his tip toes. As he turned around the kitchen, he finally noticed his nymph, curled up on the loveseat near one window, sound asleep.

He had no idea what time it was, and bit his lips as he started to imagine Jongin waiting for him here for hours, pouting. Taemin drew nearer, and kneeled in front of his lovely spirit. There was a book, still open on Jongin's lap, dangling dangerously, ready to drop on the floor any moment, and the elf took it gently. It was one of the herbarium, and Taemin closed it, before laying it on the ground. He held out his hand, his fingers coming to Jongin's strands of hair away from his forehead. He hadn't seen his nymph in a few days, and his dark grey hair had faded. It was now of a shiny brown, like chestnuts. The light of the fire gave it some brighter shades, and Taemin couldn't help the smile that broke his lips. Brown fitted him so well.

Taemin's fingers fell to caress Jongin's cheek, and nose.

"Nini?" he called softly.

The nymph didn't bat an eyelid. It took a few more calls, and gentle over his head for the spirit to finally scrunch his nose and wake up, with much difficulty. As he blinked his sleep away, Jongin looked grumpy and pouty; it made Taemin smile even wider.

"Hello there," he said in a soft tone, "my adorable sleepy nymph."

At the sound of Taemin's voice, Jongin moved, fluttering his eyelids completely open to look at him properly.

"Taem-..."

His throat tightened, rendering him speechless as his eyes widened. His mouth fell open into a round, and Taemin wondered what was happening for Jongin to look at him this way.

"Nini?" he asked, a tiny bit worried.

He saw the nymph staring at him shamelessly, his cheeks growing a bit rosy as he finally managed to close his mouth.

His Taemin was splendid. Even more beautiful than any other day before that. So gorgeous that he didn't know any words in elvish to describe him. There were yellow flowers in his white hair, beautiful Jessamine blossoms; and pieces of gold falling from his ears. Jongin straightened up on his seat and looked down at him in disbelief, detailing his whole bright white shirt and green pants. He held out one hand, timidly pressing his fingers against golden and green embroideries of flowers. It felt soft, and precious.

"Taemin..."

Taemin smiled at him, a bit timid.

"Yes?"

"You are very beautiful," Jongin whispered, his voice tight with emotions.

Jongin's hair was sticking straight up on his head from his previous sleeping position, and he kept blinking at him drowsily. To Taemin's eyes, there was nothing more precious than his spirit looking like this.

"Thank you," he said, with a cheeky smile.

"What is the elvish word more than beautiful?" Jongin asked.

Taemin chuckled and got up to come sit next to the nymph. Jongin kept staring at him, touching the jewelry on his ears and the fabrics of his shirt.

"Humm, there are a lot of them. Like, 'stunning', for example. Or 'gorgeous'."

Jongin nodded, and smiled gently at him.

"You are all the word more than beautiful."

"Thank you. You're very handsome too, with your brown hair."

Jongin looked particularly pleased with the compliment as he scooted closer to Taemin. The nymph rubbed his face against the small hand that cupped his cheek once more.

"I'm sorry I made you wait that long," Taemin apologized, his thumb coming to Jongin's lips.

"It's okay," Jongin grinned. "I have a dream with you."

"Oh, really?"

Jongin nodded sharply, a mischievous smile playing on his lips, before he leaned closer, his face hovering above Taemin's.

"Taemin?" he asked, as sweetly as he could.

His elf only hummed, getting himself lost in Jongin's hazel eyes.

"Kiss me, please," the nymph demanded, in a slightly commanding tone.

Taemin immediately reached out to press his lips against Jongin's. And he felt his whole body relax with relief. He cupped the nymph's face with both of his hands as they pecked each other relentlessly, almost urgently.

"I've missed you," Taemin breathed out, between two kisses.

Jongin crawled on the elf's lap, sitting on Taemin's thighs as put his arms behind him to hug him tightly. He teared himself away from Taemin's lips to leave small pressing kisses all over his face. And Taemin smiled through it.

When their lips met again, it was calmer, more tender. Taemin felt buds and petals under the pulp of his fingers as he Jongin's hair.

The nymph pressed his forehead against Taemin's as they breathed on each others lips. His eyes fluttered close and the elf smiled gently.

"Should we sleep, now?"

Jongin pouted and he withdrew himself a bit, to look at Taemin better.

"I want kiss you more."

"We can kiss a lot tomorrow."

The nymph scrunched his nose in protestation, but kept quiet. He seemed to be debating the idea in his head, and blinked lazily through it.

"We could at least get in bed," Taemin offered. "There, you can hug me, and I'll kiss you until you fall asleep."

Jongin's eyes widened with interest, shining brightly at the prospect of such an excellent idea, and he grinned.

"Yes!"

Taemin's hands tumbled down Jongin's body all the way to his lower back, and he patted him gently.

"You have to get up first."

Jongin obeyed, albeit reluctantly, and didn't comment on it. He turned around and trotted to the bed, the roots hiding his disappearing all of a sudden, and Taemin lifted his eyes to the ceiling with a sharp gasp. He heard Jongin get under the sheets, and looked back at him shyly, to see the nymph staring at him, confused.

"Come," Jongin whined.

Taemin got up in turn, and approached the bed. He stopped next to the coffee table in front of the fireplace and took off all his jewelry, then his pants. He could feel Jongin's attentive stare on each of his moves as he undressed slowly. When he turned back to him, wearing only his underwear and shirt, he saw the nymph tilt his head.

"Why you keep?" Jongin asked, holding out his hand to grip at Taemin's shirt.

Taemin took Jongin's hand in his and hugged it gently.

"I feel better this way, for now...," he tried to explain, in a whisper. "Is it okay?"

Jongin looked a bit lost for a second, but then nodded.

He wasn't sure why Taemin even asked if it was okay. Maybe it was something elves did. Jongin had been curious, because he thought it must be quite uncomfortable for his lover to sleep this way, but if Taemin actually felt better with those things on, then it was all good for him.

Taemin joined him under the covers, and snuggled up to his chest. Jongin immediately took him in his arms. They moved around for a few seconds, trying to find the best position to sleep and hug at the same time, until Jongin pushed Taemin's jaw gently with his nose.

"More kiss," he murmured, a sneaky smile on his full lips.

"I'm yours to command," Taemin whispered back.

And before Jongin could ask what it meant, Taemin kissed him lazily.

Jongin tried to fight sleep as much as he could, wanting to kiss his elf so much more than what he had done for now, but he failed. His lips moved more and more slowly, jerking just a bit when Taemin withdrew too early, until he fell asleep. Taemin heard his breath slow down as Jongin's body relaxed completely in his hold. He brushed his fingers against the nymph's cheekbone, and left one last kiss on his nose.

"I love you."

Taemin pressed his face against Jongin's warm chest, and breathed out deeply. He closed his eyes, and waited for sleep to come for him as well.

 

Taemin had moved during the night, and when Jongin woke up, he realized his elf had broke free from his tight embrace. The nymph rubbed his eyes sleepily and stretched against the mattress before he looked on his right. Taemin was sprawled next to him, one of his arm hanging out of the bed, his hair fluffed in a mess around his face. He was extremely adorable. The morning sun was bathing him in gold light, making him shine to Jongin's eyes even more than usual.

Jongin let himself fall back on his pillow and crawled closer, climbing over Taemin to cuddle him. His lover sighed in his hair but didn't move, and Jongin couldn't help but smile. He straightened his head and tipped his face closer to his elf, before he pressed a long kiss on his chin.

Taemin didn't react in the slightest, and Jongin sniffed, his eyebrows twitching. He left another kiss, lower on his jaw. And then another one. It seemed to the nymph that in his sleep, Taemin's scent was different. Softer. His skin was mellow, in a way. And warm. He liked it a lot. Suddenly giddy with affection, his mind still half asleep, Jongin set a myriads of kisses on Taemin's jaw, and neck. He fell up to the elf's collarbone, peeking from underneath his shirt. He kissed him there, and it seemed that he was waking himself up a bit more with every peck he left on Taemin.

He felt light-headed. Warm in a way that he wasn't used to.

Jongin leaned on his forearms, and moved the blanket away from them. His eyes fell on Taemin's arm, thrown over the elf's chest, and he kissed his wrist, and forearm, up to the sensitive skin of the crook of his elbow. He didn't even notice Taemin shivering under his ministrations.

Jongin held out one hand, his fingers gently Taemin's ribs and chest, over his shirt. And he lowered himself to place one more tender kiss on the soft skin left without any attention, between the hem of Taemin's shirt and his underwear. He saw Taemin's skin shudder under his lips, encouraging him to repeat his action.

"Nini?"

Jongin perked up, wide eyes looking innocently at Taemin as his lover fluttered his eyelashes to stare back at him. Taemin blinked a couple of times. The sight of Jongin leaning over him, his face above his hips, made his heart stutter and his cheeks blush.

"What are you doing?" Taemin asked, his gaze blurry and voice hoarse.

"I kiss you," Jongin immediately answered, with a smile.

He lowered his face, and left another kiss on Taemin's sensitive skin, before he looked back at him. Taemin was even redder. He huffed and rolled on the bed, pressing his face against his pillow as he tried to calm his ragged breath.

He felt Jongin collapse gently on him, hugging him tightly and kissing the tip of his ear.

"Good morning, Taemin," Jongin chirped.

Taemin mumbled something against the pillow, but it was too muffled for Jongin to understand anything.

"Why you hide?" Jongin complained, as he pushed his face in Taemin's neck to make him move. "Taemin?"

Taemin shyly moved, just enough to peek at the nymph with one timid eye. And Jongin grinned at him.

"Good morning," Taemin whimpered.

He wiggled once more, snuggling back between Jongin's arms with a happy sigh.

The smile dancing on Jongin's lips was both content and playful. One of his hand had crawled up Taemin's back, slipping underneath his shirt to his skin gently.

"You slep' well?" Jongin sing-songed, leaning over the curled up form of Taemin to leave yet another kiss on his temple.

It made the elf chuckle as he perked up, stealing a glance at his lover.

"Yes, I did."

"Me too," Jongin sighed, before Taemin could even ask. "I want always sleep with you."

Taemin kept silent, biting his lips and closing his eyes, his face hidden in Jongin's neck. His fingers playing in Jongin's neck brushed over a petal as soft as silk.

"Taemin," Jongin continued, in a small confused tone. "I want see my friend' but I want stay like this with you too."

This time, it made the prince elf snort.

"Let's stay like this just a bit more," he offered, tightening his hold on Jongin slightly. "Then we'll eat. Then we'll go see your friends, okay?"

Jongin nodded, pressing his face against Taemin's hair.

"Okay," he said, "but can we kiss too?"

"You can kiss me anytime you want," Taemin simpered, and smiled as he saw Jongin's eyes widen with surprise and contentment.

Jongin was reverent, every time he pressed his lips on Taemin. It made the prince feel worshiped, as if he was the holy spirit between the two of them. And Jongin truly treasured him all morning.

It felt so pleasant, to take his time and not worry just yet about the time, knowing they had all day together. They could be lazy, they could be slow, they could enjoy being next to each other without the usual dread that never failed to fall on their shoulders.

As they waited for their cups of green tea to brew, both sitting on the ground, their legs intertwined, Jongin brought one hand between them, and let a flower bloom from his palm. It was a pink rose, and before Taemin could rhapsodize over its beauty, Jongin gently took off its petals.

"Why-...?" Taemin wondered in a whisper.

Jongin turned to him with a little smile, before he let the precious leaves fall into their tea.

"It is sweet, like this."

Another flower bloomed, and Jongin slipped it behind Taemin's ear. The scent of fresh rose lingered in the small space between the two of them for a while.

Taemin was careful with his little present, as he dressed himself, a little later. He kept brushing his fingers against it, to make sure it hadn't fall. As they left their home, holding hands, Jongin leading the way, similar flowers started to appear all over the nymph's head. As his eyes danced over his lover's shoulders, and neck, peering up to the drops of yellow and pink in brown hair, Taemin grinned. He trotted a little faster, to walk closer to Jongin, and hugged the nymph's arm against his chest.

Jongin turned to him, with a tilt of his head, and relaxed as he saw Taemin's eyes shine brightly at him.

"I'm extremely happy today," Taemin whispered, as if he was telling him a secret that must never be repeated.

It was almost silly, how each others happiness made their own soar until they felt like flying. And Jongin wished the night would never come.

They walked through the forest, not meeting any creature, nor animal, and it seemed a bit unusual to Taemin, to not even pass a singing bird. But Jongin had promised, times and times again, that the forest would protect them, and hide them from any view, because he wished so. And it did; better than Taemin could have imagined.

"We almost arrive," Jongin chirped, as he saw, a bit further away, the branches that hid the entrance to his clearing and home. "I hope you like my friend'."

"I'm sure I will."

Jongin suddenly stopped, and pouted.

"But not more than Nini," he whined, half-joking, half-serious.

Taemin rolled his eyes and pressed his finger on Jongin's button nose.

"That would be impossible, even if I tried."

Jongin pinched his lips, squinting his eyes for a second, before he nodded. He held out his hand in front of him, and brushed away the curtain of leaves and flowers next to them, walking in and pulling on Taemin's fingers.

Taemin took a brief, surprised breath, as he looked over his head and around them, admiring the flowery arches above them, that made a little path ahead. It opened up to a vast clearing, and Taemin gasped, his jaw falling in disbelief as he stood frozen, unable to take in the beauty of the area.

It felt as if he had just stumbled upon a dream, a soothing, delicate fantasy. His eyes couldn't follow the hundred little sparks of grace coming from everywhere around. There was a pond, with a water so clean and transparent, that it reflected the whole clearing, shining with the rays of sunshine that peeked up through the foliage of the trees around.

When he caught sight of an old Willow tree, Taemin felt his heart thunder in his chest. Its leaves were of a vivid, bright green, falling over roots tangled on the ground.

"This is magnificent," Taemin murmured, his voice tight and hands trembling.

This was the home of two nymphs, and no matter all the images that Taemin had created in his head to try to imagine what it would look like, nothing he had thought of could come close to the reality in front of him.

"Welcome," Jongin said.

Taemin finally turned back to him, blinking slowly, and smiled.

"Good afternoon," a voice sputtered next to them.

Jongin shifted, and grinned at the little fairy flying around.

"Hi, Kyungsoo. Thank you for coming."

Kyungsoo shook his head happily as an answer, before he bowed softly to Taemin.

"Do you remember me, perhaps, Prince Lee?"

Taemin squinted his eyes for a second, before he nodded.

"Yes, yes, I do. You were at the ball when I first arrived, weren't you? I can't remember your name though, I'm sorry."

"Yes, I was, your Majesty. I am Kyungsoo, at your service."

The fairy swaggered proudly, making Jongin chuckle, before he looked over the clearing once more.

"Where are Chanyeol and Kibum?" he asked in a pout.

"Ah?" Kyungsoo blinked, looking around himself in turn, "Well, Kibum went over the waterfall to swim, but Chanyeol was there just a moment ago... Where did he go? Chanyeol?"

Taemin kept looking between Jongin and Kyungsoo, trying desperately to understand the few words of faerish that he was hearing, but couldn't. He still clung to his nymph, stealing glances around, before his eyes got caught up by a sparkle of red. He stiffened, opening his mouth in surprise as he saw two black orbs widen in fear, and a tuft of hair disappear behind a tree.

The scene seemed familiar, in a way that made him smile. After a couple of seconds, he noticed the tip of a long, droopy ear appearing again, followed by red strands, and those curious, uncanny eyes. They disappeared just as quickly, as soon as they saw him staring back. Smiling softly, Taemin tapped on Jongin's arm, cutting the nymph's conversation with Kyungsoo short, before he pointed at the olive tree a bit further away.

"What is it?" Jongin asked, confused.

The creature peeked once more, and suddenly blushed, as he saw two more pairs of eyes looking right at him. Taemin saw him hiccup as he jumped behind the tree yet again.

"Oh! Chanyeol! Chanyeol, it's me, come closer! Taemin is here!" Jongin happily invited, before he looked back at Taemin with a grin. "It is my friend, Chanyeol, the fau'."

"Faun," Kyungsoo gently corrected him.

Jongin nodded at his input, and Taemin glanced over the spirit who was very slowly coming from behind his tree.

"Is he shy too?"

"Not really," Kyungsoo snorted. "It's the first time he sees an elf though... But once he'll be accustomed to you, you'll wish he was shy."

"Oh, I see."

It was the first time Taemin had seen a faun, as well. The few sketches he had found in books hadn't given the spirit any justice. He was a strange sight, truly. Precious, and cute in a way, yet odd, and eerie. He wasn't radiating the same warmth and gentleness as Jongin; there was a peculiar feeling floating around him, a mischievousness, a small sense of danger that made Taemin feel vulnerable. It was awkward, to get this feeling creeping up his spine when the faun was looking at him with evident kindness in his black, big eyes.

Chanyeol hesitantly came closer; but as he took a few steps forward, the slight shyness on his face faded into awe. And he stopped himself a couple of steps away from the three others, his mouth open in incredulity.

Jongin was smiling brightly at him, talking to him words that Chanyeol didn't pay attention to. Instead, he tilted his head, frowning a bit.

"You're-...," he whispered, but didn't finish his sentence.

Taemin felt his throat get dry, and his grip on Jongin's arm tightened a bit. He could tell that Kyungsoo had turned to him in surprise, but he couldn't blink his eyes away from the faun looking at him so strangely.

"Chanyeol?" Jongin asked quietly, furrowing his eyebrows as well.

"Ah! You arrived!"

Jongin turned around, breaking Taemin's and Chanyeol's heavy eye contact with his chest, and the elf shuddered, shaking his head slightly before he looked over the pond, where another spirit was coming from.

"Kibum! Yes, we're here," Jongin sing-songed, wiggling on his feet.

Taemin had long wondered how he would react to seeing another nymph. Would he experience the same kind of admiration he had had for Jongin when they first met? Would he feel that slight obsession all over again? Or was it, in the end, something that was purely about Jongin?

The nymph went out from his pond and cheerfully came forward to them, only to stop himself a few meters away, with a blank face.

He emitted the same kind of gentle, comforting aura as Jongin. And although Taemin wouldn't have tried to deny his obvious celestial grace and beauty, it felt nothing like the first time his eyes had met Jongin's. Somehow, it reassured him. Something deep inside of him calmed down, as if he had needed some confirmation that what he had felt for his nymph all along, was genuine. He was so relieved and happy in that moment, that he didn't realize that Kibum was watching him with the same curious look that Chanyeol had thrown at him.

But Jongin did. It made his heart clench inside his chest as he glanced over both of his friends staring oddly at his elf.

"What is happening?" Kyungsoo whispered, stealing glances around to try to understand the situation that felt so awkward to him.

"I don't know," Jongin murmured. "What is it with you two?"

His tone was wary and he suddenly moved in front of Taemin, as if shielding him from the unsettling eyes of his friends. He brought his arms behind him, catching Taemin's wrists to bring him closer.

There was something in Kibum's eyes that he had never seen before. Something that he wasn't sure he could even describe. Something like shock, and incredulity.

"It's-...," Kibum breathed out, but couldn't voice it.

Chanyeol slowly came closer, smiling gently to show Jongin that he meant no harm to his lover.

"It's your colors," he said, as if bewitched. "I've never seen-... You're so beautiful... next to each other."

Those words left Kyungsoo in an even deeper confusion. But Jongin's whole face and being suddenly lightened up.

"You see it?" he asked, excited. "You see it too?"

Kibum broke into a small chuckle as he nodded, and Taemin realized that something important had to be happening, because a dozen of poppies, daisies and dandelions popped up everywhere on Jongin's head.

Jongin turned up to Taemin with a broad smile that resembled the sun, and took his hands in his, hugging them close.

"We are beautiful," he laughed.

"Oh?" Taemin hiccuped. "Okay."

Kibum came closer, and the three spirits started chirping in that language that Kyungsoo couldn't comprehend, and Taemin couldn't hear. The prince elf saw them look at him with shining eyes and bright grins, and he wondered what all of this was about.

"I feel so very lost right now," Kyungsoo sighed.

Taemin blinked a couple of times, turning to him with a sheepish smile.

"Me as well..."

"I told you," Jongin whined, glancing at his fairy. "I told you he looked like my flowers! They can see it too!"

Kyungsoo frowned, his lips pinched in a tight line.

"What do you mean?" the fairy asked. "What can they-...?"

His stopped himself, his eyes slowly widening, as realization dawned on him; and his mouth fell open. He seemed to only now recall that day, when Jongin had tried to tell him why he had been unable to look away from Taemin, despite his fear.

"That's what you meant...," he breathed out.

Taemin bit his bottom lip as he looked from Jongin, to Kyungsoo's incredulous face.

"He's mine," Jongin said, with a convinced little nod. "He's like my flowers. That's what I told you."

Kyungsoo dropped a bit, his wings flapping irregularly, and Kibum held out his hand to catch him. The fairy sat in shock on the nymph's palm, and shook his head.

"Kyungsoo?" Taemin murmured. "Is everything alright?"

Kyungsoo nodded with a little sigh.

"I hadn't realized-... I just-... Oh."

He looked up to the prince elf, and smiled weakly at him.

"I don't really know how to explain to you what is going on...," he excused himself. "It's a bit complicated..."

Taemin couldn't help the little pout that appeared on his face, but Jongin leaned closer to him, brushing his face in his elf's hair happily.

"I tell Taemin already," he said. "I tell his colors are beautiful."

Taemin straightened up at that and looked over Jongin, then to Kyungsoo, with pleading eyes.

"Is it about that? I didn't quite understand! Jongin tried to explain me... but I didn't understand. What is it? What can he see?"

Jongin puffed his cheeks and pouted as he heard Kibum's light giggle.

"Did you really explain to him?" the water nymph simpered, and Jongin pulled out his tongue at him.

Kyungsoo scratched his forehead, and pinched his lips, before he glanced at Taemin.

"Could you give me a minute, Majesty? I'll talk to them for details in faerish, and then I'll explain to you in elvish. Is that alright?"

Taemin's whole face lightened up and he blinked rapidly in delight.

"Yes, yes of course. Thank you a lot!"

Kyungsoo made a little gesture to tell him it was nothing, and turned to talk to Jongin. His voice in faerish sounded really deep, a lot calmer than any other spirit Taemin heard speaking.

Jongin pulled him forward, as they walked through the clearing, to sit together next to the pond, and Taemin jumped a bit when he saw Chanyeol dash forward to take the spot next to him. As the three other were speaking, the faun kept quiet, his large eyes never leaving Taemin. He was so close to him, that the elf could count all the little freckles scattered over his cheeks and flat nose. He blinked in surprise when he saw the faun smile at him, with a grin that was all teeth.

"Hi," Taemin whispered.

Chanyeol tilted his head, but kept silent. Whenever he moved, his ears flopped down around his head in such a cute way that Taemin couldn't help but smile.

The elf let his eyes roam over the spirit, from his cryptic eyes to his broad shoulders, ending up of his furry legs and hooves. Then he saw one big hand being held out towards him, hovering for a moment over his own, before Chanyeol took his fingers in his. The faun was smaller than him, but his hands were a lot bigger than Taemin's; all of his body seemed a little disproportionate, yet graceful. He drew out Taemin's arm, until the elf's fingers could brush over the horns on his head. And the spirit gave him another large grin, with a little scrunch of his nose.

Unsure about what to do, Taemin patted his horns gently, until he felt Jongin's lips press a kiss on his cheek. He turned slightly, to see his nymph looking at him.

"Chanyeol can't speak elfish," he said.

"I thought so..."

Jongin nodded slightly, looking over his friend.

"But he is proud of... this...," Jongin continued, pointing at the horn that Taemin was still holding.

Taemin widened his eyes, looking over the faun who was wiggling his head a bit under his fingers.

"Oh really?" Taemin smiled. "Well, those are beautiful horns, indeed!"

Jongin translated his little praise to Chanyeol, and Taemin saw the spirit swagger in contentment.

"Your Majesty?"

Taemin reported his attention to Kyungsoo, who was now sitting cross-legged on Jongin's knee.

"Yes?"

"What did you understand about those colors Jongin spoke about?" he asked kindly.

Taemin released Chanyeol's horn, much to the faun's disappointment, and kept quiet for a few seconds, as he tried to recall everything.

"I feel like he can see something, around me, that I am not aware of. I tried to ask Jongdae about it, but he told me that he wasn't sure what it was all about. He said that spirits must be seeing the world differently than elves, but he didn't know to which extend. He said I should ask Junmyeon."

Kyungsoo nodded softly.

"I'm not surprised that Jongdae doesn't know about it yet. Maybe if he had paid more attention to his education...," the fairy grumbled, but then coughed. "Anyway. What I know, is that all creatures in the forest have a different sensitivity to magic. You, elves, are one of the most perceptive specie from all the non-spirits. As we stand between common species and spirits, fairies are even more susceptible to perceive magic. We can feel a lot more than you, we can sense auras, and feelings, emotions... It makes us very empathetic."

Taemin frowned, crossing his arms over his chest as he tried to follow everything, while Jongin leaned over Kibum with a pout. But the water nymph couldn't understand all of those elvish words either, no matter how hard he tried.

"Nymphs are different," Kyungsoo continued. "They can see all of that, clearly, around someone. It isn't just a sixth sense in their stomachs, like it is for me... they see auras like colors, like little sparkles twinkling around you. But they also see deeper than that, Kibum says it forms like a soft halo around you. They see your core, the color of your soul, if I may say. Your very unique color, the one that is purely and solely yours. And it has a meaning, it speaks to them."

Taemin felt his heart thundering inside his chest, as Kyungsoo's words resonated in the clearing. He felt Jongin's hand his, his fingers tracing random patterns on his palm, bringing warmth to his whole body. And he gasped.

He turned his face slowly to the nymph, who was looking at him, ever so tenderly.

"When he first saw you," Kyungsoo said, his voice turning light, almost delighted, "Jongin was enchanted by the color of your soul, and all those sparkles of your feelings."

Taemin's heart clenched, and he pinched his lips together, trying to contain the sudden rush of emotions that was shaking him. Jongin held out a hand, to his hair.

"I wish I could see his," Taemin whispered.

"It's golden," Kyungsoo answered.

Taemin blinked, and chuckled softly, glancing at the fairy, who was smiling back.

"Oh. It seems obvious."

"Kibum tried to describe both of your colors... It's a bit difficult for him to explain in faerish, and harder for me to translate in elvish. Jongin's color is bright gold. It's luminous... Is that the word? Very, very bright."

"I see..."

"Yours is harder to explain. Jongin said it's a very soft yellow. Pale, clear, and almost white."

Taemin tried to picture a halo around his hand, of that shade that Jongin seemed to like so much.

"What troubled Kibum and Chanyeol, just earlier, is how similar your colors are," Kyungsoo sighed.

It made Taemin blink, and frown. The two colors that Kyungsoo had described didn't sound that much alike.

"That's also what I didn't understand when Jongin said that you reminded him of his flowers. The flowers that he creates... they get this soft halo of his, that's how he can see his own core the better. So, you felt like his own. You are both bright, in a sense that apparently, makes you almost the same. Kibum said that seeing you next to each other is blinding... You melt, and harmonize perfectly."

The fairy quieted down, and flew away from Jongin, to land on Kibum instead.

Taemin was frozen, eyes staring at his own trembling hands, until his nymph took them in his. He felt overwhelmed, his emotions and feelings all swirling and twirling inside his chest as he tried to take in what he had just learned.

Two spirits had been taken aback by the way Jongin and him blended together. A soft giggle escaped his lips, and Jongin tapped on his chin lightly to make him look back at him.

"You understand, now?" Jongin asked sweetly, the shadow of a pout on his lips. "You are mine."

Taemin couldn't trust his voice at the moment, so he nodded, still shaken by a light, nervous laugh. It sounded different to his ears. Maybe it wasn't just a romantic way of saying that they loved each other. Maybe Jongin really belonged to him. Maybe he was really meant to find his nymph.

Jongin cupped Taemin's face in his hands, and pressed their noses together.

"My Taemin," he whispered.

Then, he kissed him. Softly, at first, then deeply. As if he was trying to pour all of his love for him in between Taemin's lips.

They didn't pay attention to the three others around them, who quietly moved further away as Taemin climbed over Jongin's lap to hug him close.

"I love you so much, Jongin."

Taemin's voice was tight, and muffled against the nymph's neck. It made Jongin close his eyes in happiness.

"Taemin?"

"Mhmm?"

Taemin left a small kiss on the nymph's jaw.

"You dance with me?"

"Can I watch you dance first?" Taemin pleaded, with a flutter of his eyelashes. "Then, we'll dance together."

Jongin frowned, but eventually nodded, and got up to ask Chanyeol to play his harp.

Taemin hadn't been sure what to expect, because all of the dances he knew of, were elven traditions. And he wondered how Jongin would move to the music, and what was awaited of him.

The sounds that the faun was able to draw from his harp were enchanting, and Taemin had no doubt that he played with magic in his fingers. They filled the little clearing with sweetness, and a melody that the elf had never heard. To his utmost surprise, he heard a voice soon accompanying the harp, and turned around to see that Kyungsoo had started to sing, in faerish. The fairy was sitting on Chanyeol's thigh, his eyes fixed on Jongin.

The way the nymph moved, shifted, and danced around, took Taemin's breath away. He wasn't sure anymore if the melody he heard was coming from Chanyeol's instrument, or Jongin's body. He whirled and spun with such grace that he seemed made of water. There was a finesse to his movements, and elegance that was even more precise than usual, and the prince elf, already affected by all the events of the day, felt a sob rise in his throat.

He felt Kibum get up from beside him, joining Jongin as they swung in unison, yet differently. Their moves, albeit coordinated, were completely distinct.

Taemin wished for all of his days to be filled with Jongin's dancing.

The nymph waltzed closer to him, extending a hand with a pleading, adorable look on his face, and Taemin took his fingers, getting up in turn as Kyungsoo and Chanyeol started a new song. He felt a bit nervous, feeling awkward to even stand next to the two spirits in such a moment, but Jongin didn't let go of him. He guided him, so gently that Taemin could barely feel his push and pull, until his body relaxed.

"I just saw you... Beyond the course of time... I gently held out my hand... And in that perfect moment... You disappeared I lost you over again..."

They swayed together, to the rhythm of Kyungsoo's warm voice and Chanyeol's soft harp, holding each other's fingers, and Taemin saw white and yellow dahlia flowers bloom on Jongin's head.

"In a shallow sleep I dreamt I was seeing you... Just how I remembered... B with tenderness... And somewhere in the calm... A feeling that nothing had ever changed... Your presence close beside me till I wake..."

Taemin's gaze turned distant, as the magic flowing in Chanyeol's music seemed to seep through his body. His movements were more fluid, more graceful as he twirled around Jongin, who looked at him with loving eyes.

"I just saw you... A moment far too brief... Before the daylight came... But my heart is beating fast... Perhaps we'll meet again..."

The wind carried the rich, sweet scent of all the flowers blooming on and around Jongin. The nymph came closer, his arms embracing Taemin's waist as they swung against each other. Jongin pressed his cheek against Taemin's hair, whispering the next few lyrics in his ear.

"I see you until I wake from shallow sleep... Without you here there is no colour... A colourless landscape... In a shallow sleep I dreamt I was seeing you... Just how I remembered... B with tenderness..."

Taemin turned in his arms, to peck at his lips, before he waltzed away as Chanyeol started yet another song. He laughed as he saw Jongin's pout, and the nymph tip toed closer, chasing him across the clearing as they danced around Kibum.

Taemin lost count of how many songs they danced to. At some point, Kyungsoo had stopped singing, and Kibum had taken over. But Jongin never let him sat back, always bringing him into another dance, one last. And then another one. Just a few more steps, just a few more turns in his arms. Until, finally, Chanyeol put the clearing into silence and let his harp on the ground.

"Are you okay?"

Kibum's soft voice brought Kyungsoo out of his reveries, as he turned to look at him. There were tears in the fairy's eyes, as he smiled.

"I've never seen Jongin so happy," he said.

The water nymph ruffled his hair with one finger, but said nothing.

"Next time," Chanyeol blurted out, "I'll play for you and your elf, Kibum! It's very fun."

Kibum jumped and straightened up, looking back at the faun with big, wide eyes and blushing cheeks.

"Oh, will you?"

"Of course! Call me whenever you want!"

Kibum mumbled something inaudible, clasping his hands on his face to hide himself as his mind started to imagine such a pleasant afternoon with Jonghyun.

Jongin walked up to them, Taemin right behind him, and sighed.

"Taemin has to leave soon," he murmured painfully. "I will say goodbye now... Can you wait here a bit?"

They all nodded silently as Jongin couldn't even meet their eyes. He dragged his feet to his willow tree, bringing Taemin with him before he showed him the hole, hidden in between large roots.

"This is my home," he said, a bit shyly.

Taemin looked curiously, twisting himself to glance down at it. Jongin crouched on the ground, and Taemin mimicked him. He saw the nymph let himself fall through it, and heard a little sound immediately after. It didn't seem too deep.

"Come, please..."

Taemin brought his legs in the hole, swinging his feet a little before he closed his eyes and threw himself into the hollow. It took only a second for him to feel Jongin's arms around his waist; the nymph had waited for him, and he opened his eyelids with a smile.

"Thank you."

Jongin left a kiss on his nose, before he kneeled next to him, showing off his shelter to his elf.

Taemin looked around curiously, smiling at the strong scent of earth and flowers lingering around. The night was slowly falling outside, but it was still luminous in there. A soft, dim light was coming from Jongin himself.

"Is this where you sleep?" Taemin asked, pointing at the little round of leaves and flowers that seemed even more comfortable than the rest of the small burrow.

"Yes."

Taemin approached it, kneeling in front of what might be Jongin's pillow, letting his hand brush over it.

"Can we hug?" Jongin asked, in a tiny voice that broke Taemin's heart.

He pinched his lips, and nodded, laying on the soft flowers and letting the nymph come close against him. He held him tight, his shoulders and back.

"It's really pretty, in here," Taemin said gently, as his fingers brushed over the nymph's hair. "And your friends are so kind."

He felt Jongin's happy smile stretch, as the nymph's face was pressed against his neck.

"It was one of the happiest day of my life," Taemin sing-songed, leaving a kiss on Jongin's forehead.

"Really?"

"All my happiest days are with you."

Jongin hugged him even tighter.

"My days too," he murmured.

Taemin cupped his face and forced him to look back at him, before he kissed him. It was a bit urgent, with that desperation that they didn't want to voice, and the sadness that they tried to push away. Jongin's hands tightened in Taemin's shirt, squeezing it so hard that his fists tensed, as if it could prevent his lover from going away again.

When their lips parted, Taemin kept Jongin's face against his, his eyes closed firmly.

"I love you," he said. "I love you, I love you, I love you."

"Come back soon," Jongin pleaded. "Please. You can come here when you want. Or call me."

Taemin nodded with a sheepish smile, and pushed his face against Jongin's chest one last time. He inhaled deeply, enjoying the nymph's soft scent before his hold around him loosened.

When they crawled back to the clearing, Kibum, Chanyeol and Kyungsoo were chatting, laughing quietly to themselves. As Taemin's eyes fell on the water nymph, he suddenly perked up, and came closer.

"Kibum?"

The nymph looked at him in surprise, but smiled gently.

"Yes?"

"Hum... Do you remember Prince Jonghyun, perhaps?"

Taemin didn't notice the sudden curious looks that Kyungsoo and Jongin gave each other. He didn't hear Chanyeol asking what was going on. He only saw Kibum stiffen in front of him, and widen his eyes.

"Yes! Yes, Prince Jeon-gyun..."

"He asked me to greet you," Taemin continued. "To say hi."

The nymph bit his lips, barely able to contain the squeal that threatened to leave his mouth.

"Really?" he squeaked, his voice acute.

"Mhmm. And he asked me to tell you that he's finished. With the thing he was doing."

Kibum frowned, blinking a couple of times as he wondered if he understood correctly.

"Finish'? What is finish'?"

Taemin rubbed his hand on his neck in discomfort.

"He said that you would understand, actually. He was doing something, and he's done now."

Kibum sighed, deflating a bit as his eyes lowered on the ground. But he suddenly gasped, straightening up as realization dawned on him. Jonghyun had been writing a song. The song that was about him. It had to be this. It had to. He couldn't tell Taemin, because it was their secret. Jonghyun made it their secret.

A soft mist rose between them, making the elf furrow his eyebrows as he took a step back.

"I understand," Kibum simpered. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Oh, he also hopes that you're okay."

Kibum felt himself blush all over again and he cowered a bit under the knowing, happy looks that his three friends were giving him behind Taemin.

"Oh...," he stammered. "Okay. Taemi-n tell Jeon-gyun I am okay, please? Is he okay too? Jeon-gyun..."

Taemin smirked, and nodded.

"I'll tell him. He's alright, yes. He misses you a bit, though..."

"Ah..."

The mist thickened and Taemin finally realized it actually came from the blushing nymph. He wondered if he went too far, when Kibum grinned at him.

"Please tell I come soon and see Jeon-gyun."

"I will."

"Thank you, Taemi-n."

The water nymph seemed giddy as he bid him goodbye, before turning to the fairy and the faun. Leaving that clearing felt uncomfortable, and Taemin was sure that in some way, a part of him stayed behind.

His grip on Jongin's hand tightened, as they went away. He didn't pay attention to the paths they were taking, too focused on stealing glances at his lover. He tried to carve the sight of Jongin's blinding smile into his heart, hoping it would be enough to ease the sadness of leaving him.

"Taemin?"

"Mhmm?"

Jongin took him into his arms, and smiled down at him.

"Don't forget that I love you."

.

.

.

Hello everyone ♥
I hope you're doing well, I hope this chapter found you at a right time & put a smile on your face. Some very soft Taekai for Nini's birthday uhu.
I feel a bit sorry for taking so long to upload in the past few months... I used to post every two weeks, but that feels like such a long time ago. Unfortunately, I can't keep up such a rhythm anymore, but I truly hope it isn't too bothersome for you to still follow the plot. I hope you still enjoy to read this story as much as I adore writing it.
Thank you for your constant support. Thank you for meeting me in our forest. Please take care of you.

Note: the song played by Chanyeol and sung by Kyungsoo, that Jongin & Taemin are dancing to, is "Shallow Sleep" by Hyde (from one of the most soothing and beautiful album ever made (*´꒳`*)♥ "Roentgen")

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Moonyki
15 subscribers away from 100 ...... ... ಥ_ಥ i'm shook. if this story reach 100, i'll probably start crying. thank you a lot everyone for your support ♥♥

Comments

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SHIN33ee
#1
Chapter 48: Now, just seeing the title makes me smile XD
Totyfroty #2
Chapter 48: Thank you so much, really thank u, you did an incredible work moony. I loved this fic so much cause it makes me happy & forget about my world a little. you’re the best author out there. wish you all the best…
yuuram #3
Chapter 48: Hello!!
First of all, thank you so much for this amazing journey , this was my favorite fanfic to read since the very beginning and I have the pleasure of finishing and experience so many emotions while reading it today...
I'm looking forward to continue reading your stories
bye 😬
Fan4manga #4
Chapter 48: Thank you for the great story, I had a great time reading it ! Thanks again :)
Fan4manga #5
Chapter 47: Thank you so much for this chapter, I am a little sad this story is coming to an end but I can't wait for the next chapter ! Thanks again for the lovely story :)
gwiboonivy
#6
Chapter 1: omg, it's only the first chapter and it already sounds so magical,,, cant wait to read further!!!
iluvbubbles_yay #7
Chapter 44: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ every chapter you write, I swear you do it under the influence of fairy dust. gorgeous. And you know the soft jongkey gets me every time, makes me feel so content. Last chapter them finally getting together absolutely ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ so very wholesome. and the colours thing I cry ;-; so lovely and Kibum’s reaction I just ;-;. As for jongdae’s plan, how I hope it can work. My brain vaguely considered something of the sort previously, lol, but got hung up on how general people aren’t really allowed to have contact with nymphs so I lost my train of thought lol. I also love reading about all the occasions jongin has his flowers bloom for. Thank you for every beautiful chapter you write!
DarkaNoir
#8
Chapter 43: I've been floating throughout the whole chapter. I'm still floating. Everything about this story is so precious and the jongkey deeply warms my heart in ways I can't even describe. It's safe to say this update made my day, if not my whole month. Thank you as always for sharing your stories with us! ♡
iluvbubbles_yay #9
Chapter 42: It did make me so very happy, very happy indeed ❤️ I truly adored this chapter from start to finish (not that you’ve ever written a subpar one) and I’m sorry I haven’t commented in way too long ;-;

To finally see Jonghyun understand the extent of his magic (and! realising! he! can! hear!) with Kibum and Minho his most important people, being the ones to communicate It to him? I feel so very soft inside. And also, the small snippets of Minho being reassured that he’s still very important in Jonghyun’s life? Ahhhh it really hit me like a sledgehammer. And also, of course, Kibum’s pure enthusiasm to communicate in Elvish to kick the chapter off, a fantastic and lovely way to begin ;-; Moving through to Kibum’s cheeky ‘A elf can help?’ Gosh, I really loved this first half.

And then! We move onto the Taekai! And this was really lovely, the whole concept and execution of this scene? Great job.

Thanks so much for every update, they’re all excellent, and I love seeing every development ❤️ Take care!