•°|cheong myeong|°•

You were heading towards the Mount Hua Sect to meet your husband after visiting your mother. The path felt longer than usual, perhaps because of the anticipation growing in your chest with each step. You knew what he was like: proud, unbearable, impossible to read. But you also knew something else: he had missed you.

The disciples greeted you at the entrance with immediate respect, bowing politely upon recognizing you. Their faces showed a mixture of admiration and relief at your return. After all, you were someone important there.

You returned a gentle smile before continuing your journey through the sect's wide corridors. The sound of clashing swords and firm footsteps guided you to the training grounds.

And there he was.

Cheong Myeong stood in the center, surrounded by disciples who were clearly being pushed to their limits. His voice was firm and sharp—more than instructing, he seemed to be enjoying making them suffer.

Her dark hair fell with elegant carelessness across her face, and her robes swayed with each of her precise movements. Her sharp eyes scanned each student as if assessing their worth… or their worthlessness.

“…Slower than that and you’d better put the sword down.”

He muttered disdainfully, easily deflecting the attack of one of his disciples.

But then it stopped, it was just a moment. So subtle that no one else seemed to notice. But you did.

Her gaze lifted… and found you.

The world didn't change. Training didn't stop.

But something in his expression… he did.

Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she couldn't quite believe what she was seeing. Then, that almost imperceptible gesture appeared on her lips—not a smile, not quite… but close enough.

"Tch."

She looked away for a second, as if it were nothing important.

“…Five more laps. All of you.”

He ordered without emotion, slowly turning his sword before sheathing it, then walked towards you.