TYMIR Ch 22

A faint warmth was carried on the wind that blew again, crossing dozens of seasons. Around this time of year, Yoonyi would remember when he first met Hyowon, making him feel a little sad that winter was passing.

The sun had risen dimly overhead. Yoonyi’s steps, heading towards Master Choi’s residence, quickened in response. He had intended to return earlier, but he ended up being held up until noon, listening to the paper shop owner’s endless tales.

It was the moment Yoonyi, his arms full of drawing paper, had just passed the marketplace and was about to exit a quiet alley. The tip of his high-bridged nose twitched slightly. And then.

“Yoonyi.”

A familiar voice reached his ears. Far in the distance, in front of Master Choi’s main gate, a tall, handsome man, a head taller than others, was waving at him with a bright smile. Because the man had his back to the sun, his face wasn’t clearly visible, but they had already spent ten years together. There was no way Yoonyi wouldn’t recognize him.

“Young Master!”

His flimsy straw sandals stepped without hesitation on the ground, which was still covered in a thin layer of ice. With every step, a lingering chill flowed in. As Yoonyi’s pace quickened, Hyowon’s expression, who was watching him, crumpled slightly.

“You’ll get badly hurt if you fall like that.”

With long strides, his long legs closed the distance in an instant. Hyowon firmly grasped the stumbling Yoonyi’s arm and spoke in a rather firm tone, as if chiding a child.

“Young Master, you do know how old I am this year, don’t you?”

“How could I not know? Let’s see…”

Just a few years ago, they were at a similar eye level, but now that he had grown a whole head taller, Yoonyi had to crane his neck to look up as he asked. At this, Hyowon, with a slight tilt to his lips, pretended to think for a moment as he took the armful of drawing paper from Yoonyi’s arms into his own.

“It’s, it’s alright, Young Master. I can.”

“How can the younger brother make his hyungnim do the work?”

“…Pardon?”

As Yoonyi flailed his skinny arms in the air, Hyowon gently came closer and whispered in his ear. At the same time, Yoonyi’s lips parted silently, revealing the bright red mucous membrane.

“Isn’t that right? Yoonyi hyungnim.”

“Yo-Young Master! How can you say something so absurd?”

Yoonyi’s face instantly turned bright red, as if he had been standing under the midsummer sun all day.

“It’s a joke, a joke.”

As if facing his childhood, his handsome face still held a mischievous streak. His gentle eyes were now filled with strength, looking quite sharp.

“I’m sorry.”

Hyowon hesitantly drew his broad shoulders close. As if it had never happened, the corners of Yoonyi’s eyes curved softly.

“More importantly, Young Master, how long have you been out here? Why didn’t you go back first…”

Yoonyi’s gaze slowly scanned down from his neatly tied topknot. His skin, as white as jade, seemed to have been exposed to the wind for quite some time, as reddish patches had spread here and there, looking as if dye had been spilt.

“…How, how could I leave first when I was the one who sent you on an errand?”

Under the warm gaze, Hyowon’s cheeks turned red. He deliberately looked away into the distance, as if to ignore it.

“Still, your hands are so cold. What would you do if you caught a cold? You should have waited inside.”

“I suppose it was because I wanted to see you even a moment sooner.”

As Hyowon, who had been clearing his throat, whispered softly, Yoonyi couldn’t hold back and burst into a soft laugh.

“You’re always so good with your jokes.”

“Anyway, it seems the master is getting old too. He kept nagging me to go home, saying he’s tired.”

“Pardon? Master Choi?”

To think that Master Choi, who was always so thorough without a single flaw, would say such a thing. It was something he probably couldn’t have even imagined in the past. But it seemed he had grown a bit more lenient with age, as time had passed.

“Are you going to training alone tomorrow too?”

“Probably, it seems so. When I saw him today, he seemed to be coughing a bit too…”

“Then, can’t you take me with you?”

Yoonyi asked cautiously, swallowing dryly. At that, Hyowon even stopped walking and studied Yoonyi intently. He couldn’t answer readily, as if the memory of that time in their childhood still hadn’t faded.

“It’s still cold, and you might catch a chill, so let’s go together when the weather gets warmer.”

“Is that a promise?”

The hesitant Hyowon stared up at the sky. Then, he answered, gently stroking Yoonyi’s soft wrist.

“Do you like going to the mountains that much?”

The winter sunlight poured down, casting endlessly upon his fair skin. Seeing him so happy like an innocent child, Hyowon asked casually.

“It’s not the mountain; I want to see you shoot a bow, Young Master.”

Yoonyi replied, slowly shaking his head from side to side.

“…Wha-what’s so great about it? Anyway, what’s this?”

His thick eyebrows twitched. His wandering gaze suddenly landed on an envelope peeking out from between Yoonyi’s clothes. His neat eyes narrowed in an instant.

“Ah, Makgae hyungnim asked me to buy it for him on my way.”

Yoonyi shoved it deep into his clothes and smiled awkwardly.

“That fellow Makgae, it seems he sends you on an errand every time you go out.”

“He must be busy, so it’s understandable.”

“Busy? Who doesn’t know he’s the biggest slacker in the sarangchae?”

Hyowon immediately scrunched up his face and even pouted his lips. Seeing him like this, it felt like looking at his childhood self, and a faint smile spread across Yoonyi’s lips. It couldn’t exactly be called comfortable, but maybe because they had both grown up. The bullying wasn’t as bad as before, and he didn’t want to cause any more trouble. Yoonyi gently tugged on Hyowon’s sleeve.

“Don’t be like that, Young Master. Everyone is working hard.”

“Really, I can’t win against you.”

As they chatted, a great gate, which seemed to have lost its former prestige, came into view along a neatly arranged stone wall.

“Let’s go inside, Young Master.”

At that, Hyowon suddenly let out a sigh. White vapor quickly drifted into the sky like ash.

“What’s wrong?”

“It still feels suffocating whenever I try to cross the gate.”

To the cautious question, Hyowon replied with a bitter smile, whispering so faintly it was barely audible. Knowing his feelings, Yoonyi couldn’t bring himself to speak.

“Haha, what am I to do if you make a face like that too?”

A large hand reached out and gently swept across his eyes, which were full of tension.

“Let’s go, Yoonyi.”

Yoonyi cautiously stroked his eyes, where it felt like the warmth still lingered.

🎐⋆｡🍥

In the meantime, snowflakes were softly piling up on the smoothly spread courtyard. As the cold air had not yet subsided, there were no noticeable signs of people in the spacious house, other than a few male servants sweeping the yard.

“You’re just arriving now.”

It was when they were about to pass the narrow path leading to the small sarangchae. Their steps halted at the low, resonant voice. Lord Kim was standing on the main floor with his hands clasped behind his back. Lord Kim, who had recently celebrated his sixtieth birthday, had his back slightly bent forward.

“Yes.”

“Even though we live in the same house, it’s getting harder to see your face.”

Hyowon answered curtly, bowing his head. At his firmness, a deep sense of disappointment was infused in Lord Kim’s voice. At this, Yoonyi cautiously raised his face. The imposing figure who used to command the household with a vibrant spirit was gone, and now, a gaunt old man with white hair was guarding the main sarangchae.

“Yoonyi.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

When Hyowon showed no particular reaction, Lord Kim’s gaze suddenly shifted to Yoonyi, who was behind him.

“Is Hyowon that busy?”

“Every day, he studies books at Master Choi’s residence and never neglects his archery practice.”

Eyes so dark they had a bluish tint stared endlessly at Yoonyi. But rather than fear, he felt a sense of loneliness.

“Yes, I see. Well, he’s in his prime, unlike this old man in the back room. I worry that I truly won’t be able to see him if he gets married.”

Lord Kim smacked his lips and stroked his long, white beard with his wrinkled hand.

“If you have nothing else to say, I will take my leave now.”

Hyowon replied calmly, looking only at his father’s feet with an indifferent gaze.

“Let’s have dinner together later.”

“I will do so.”

Looking as if he might turn his back at any moment, Lord Kim, in his haste, added another casual remark. It seemed that his constant attempts to make conversation stemmed from a newfound longing for the affection between a father and son. However, it didn’t seem to reach Hyowon, as he heartlessly stepped back.

“…Young Master.”

Until they reached the small sarangchae, there was no sign of Hyowon’s cold expression softening. His face was always grim after meeting Lord Kim. At this, Yoonyi, looking worried, called out to stop him.

“It’s alright. He’ll cool down soon enough. Being called over like this is only for a moment.”

Hyowon replied with a smile so bright it put the cloudy sky to shame.

🎐⋆｡🍥

“Young Master, it is almost time for dinner.”

A neat shadow flickered across the well-pasted paper door. The straight bridge of his nose was particularly prominent. Yoonyi, who had been quietly gazing at the figure, spoke up.

“I’ll be out shortly.”

“Have you been reading books all this time?”

Hyowon’s attire as he crossed the threshold was no different from earlier in the day. As he sometimes forgot to even change his clothes when engrossed in a book, Yoonyi asked cautiously.

“It just happened that way…”

“You should take breaks.”

“I can’t do that. I must pass the state examination soon.”

Despite the concerned tone, Hyowon revealed a strange sense of urgency, as if he were being chased.

“Is there a reason why you are in such a hurry?”

“Mm, I’ll tell you later.”

He couldn’t understand why someone who had just come of age would act this way. As Yoonyi peeked his head out slightly to ask, Hyowon, who had been quietly looking at his slender face, curved his eyes into a bright smile and strode ahead.

“Why is he like that…”

At times like this, he still seemed like a child, and a smile formed on Yoonyi’s lips.

🎐⋆｡🍥

“hyungnim!”

As soon as the door to the main sarangbang opened, a warm sensation spread around his waist in an instant. At this, Hyowon’s gaze gently drifted downwards.

“Were you playing well today?”

“hyungnim, I was so bored because you weren’t here.”

To the affectionate question, the child replied, sucking the honey off his fingers, his voice quickly becoming tearful. Watching this, Madam Han repeatedly cleared her throat with a small cough.

“Mo-Mother? What’s wrong? Have you caught a cold?”

Seunghun asked innocently, blinking his round eyes. At the sight of her son, who was still like a fool, Madam Han swallowed a silent sigh.

“Hyowon.”

A low voice echoed in his ear. Hyowon slowly raised his head and once again faced the owner of the voice. Under the bright light, his former vibrant spirit was gone, and his white hair and the deeply etched wrinkles here and there stood out. Lord Kim had suddenly taken on the appearance of an old man who had lived through brilliant times.

“Yes.”

Hyowon, with his usual brief reply, took the hand of Seunghun, who was clinging to his waist like a cicada, and sat down on the cushion placed before him.

“How long will you act so stiffly? Treat me as you did before.”

A chiding voice abruptly reached his ears. As if he were truly hurt, Lord Kim only stroked his long, faded white beard. At this, Madam Han’s gaze twisted fiercely. Seunghun, instinctively frightened by her sharp anger, quickly settled himself between Hyowon’s legs.

“…I will try to fix it, bit by bit.”

“Yes, yes, everything takes time.”

Hyowon answered calmly, grinding his molars with a clench. As if even that was pleasing, a faint smile spread across Lord Kim’s wrinkled face.

“Seunghun, will you not come here at once?”

A husband weakened by old age and a fool for a son. It was truly a sight she couldn’t bear to watch. Unable to look on any longer, Madam Han’s voice naturally rose.

“Wife, why do you raise your voice so?”

“Raise my voice? My lady, I was just worried it might be difficult for Hyowon, that is all.”

Lord Kim’s eyebrows, which had been holding a pleasant smile all along, twitched noticeably. He turned his gaze as if to rebuke her. At that, Madam Han’s spirit broke, and she muttered weakly.

“It is not so. How could he possibly be bothered by his one and only younger brother?”

“Indeed, Hyowon, it truly pleases me to see you cherish Seunghun so.”

Hyowon continued speaking in a generous tone, stroking the child who was digging into his embrace. Lord Kim’s face was filled with a smile, as if he were thoroughly content with the situation.

“It is only right that I, as the elder brother, protect my younger brother.”

Seunghun, still in his arms, was merely sucking his fingers. As if he were a newborn baby. At this, Madam Han clenched her molars. Her clenched nails dug fiercely into her tender flesh, drawing blood.

“It sets my mind at ease to hear you say that. Yes, you must carry on our Kim family line. Who else is there?”

The dark pupils, set between wrinkled eyelids, still held Hyowon in their gaze. At Lord Kim’s words, Madam Han’s head snapped around. The frosty atmosphere made the expressions of the servants standing by change from moment to moment.

“My Lord, how can you say such a thing when our Seunghun is listening?”

Madam Han’s voice was not just filled with sorrow, but dripping with it.

“Wife, how much longer do you think I have to live? And Seunghun is…”

Lord Kim slowly turned his gaze. Even though they were talking about him, Seunghun was still just sucking his fingers. As if trying to ignore the bleak situation, Lord Kim could not continue his words.

“By the way, for what reason did you summon me?”

From Madam Han, who was hostile towards him, to Lord Kim, who was now trying to act like a father. Hyowon found this place so uncomfortable that it felt suffocating even to sit still. Thus, he cut off the conversation firmly.

“Ah, that’s right. I called you to have dinner together as a family after a long time. I’ve become so forgetful in my old age.”

Only then did Lord Kim give a bitter smile and pick up his spoon and chopsticks.

“How can you say such a thing? You are still so hale and hearty.”

“Hale and hearty? My body is different from yesterday to today.”

Madam Han naturally placed a piece of meat on his rice and smiled deeply. However, Lord Kim’s complexion remained dark.

“So, about that. Shouldn’t you, Hyowon, be thinking about getting married soon? To accomplish great things, a wife must come into the house to stabilize the family.”

Hyowon’s brow furrowed. The constant talk of marriage had become a great burden to him for some time now. At the same time, the eyes of Madam Han, who was watching, gleamed with a strange light.

“Did I not tell you before?”

“That was when you had just passed the age of fifteen. Now that you are twenty, isn’t it rather late for you to marry?”

“My wife has said what I intended to say.”

He had only intended to back down gracefully. But this time, with Madam Han also chiming in, it wasn’t easy to get away. Lord Kim’s dark complexion brightened as if it had never been so.

“Father.”