By Zephyria 
“Even while trapped in the barrier, even while Jeolgon was mocking me, I nearly died because I missed you so much.”
“Is that true?”
“Yes. He said he would make a toy out of me…”
“Not that—I mean the barrier.”
Biryoo asked how he had escaped Jeolgon’s barrier. Thus, Young-pa answered truthfully.
It was a substance as dense as a finely woven cloth, but there was a single thread missing. I kept striking that spot and pouring in my spiritual energy, and it gradually opened until it became a hole I could work with.”
Biryoo looked impressed by the story. Young-pa gave him a beaming smile.
“I did well, didn’t I?”
“It was wrong of you to act rashly without waiting for me, but…”
A smile spread across Biryoo’s face.
“Since you saved Cheongsimi, you did well.”
Something surged up inside Young-pa’s chest. Without even trying to figure out what that feeling was, he couldn’t resist and kissed Biryoo. Biryoo stiffened in surprise for a moment, then soon wrapped his arms around Young-pa’s waist.
Young-pa wanted Biryoo to devour his lips and ravage the inside of his mouth with his tongue. However, Biryoo acted moderately and pulled away quickly. Young-pa was left in a state of longing, his bubbling desires completely unsatisfied.
Then, the woman standing a short distance away caught his eye. Seo-o was pointedly looking elsewhere. Biryoo cleared his throat and spoke.
“Seo-o. From now on, follow Jeolgon and keep a close eye on him. If he does anything strange, let me know.”
“Yes, Master.”
Seo-o transformed into a blue bird and flew off in the direction Jeolgon had disappeared.
“Let us return to our quarters,” Biryoo said, reaching out his hand. Young-pa snatched the hand and smiled brightly.
≋ ≋ ≋
The first thing Young-pa did upon returning to the cave was to lay Cheongsim in a well-ventilated spot. And the first thing Biryoo did was wait for Young-pa to set Cheongsim down and then devour his lips.
Biryoo laid Young-pa down on a blanket and licked every corner of his body, smelling him. He sucked and bit at the nape of his neck, chest, waist, arms, and inner thighs, leaving red marks. Young-pa realized that Biryoo had missed him while they were apart—or at least, that he had craved his body.
“You said Jeolgon mocked you?”
“Yes…”
Young-pa had long since been stripped naked. When Biryoo kissed his calf, Young-pa tried to ask if he had missed him. However, his body jolted from the foreplay, leaving him unable to speak.
“Since long ago, he has coveted everything that is mine, yet he has never once been able to steal it.”
As Young-pa twisted his waist, Biryoo’s fingers slid down along the concave curve. Young-pa let out a low, unconscious moan. “Ah…”
“What did he say to mock you?”
“That I… was overflowing with… eroticism…”
“He didn’t make things up, then. What else?”
“That he would… let me taste… his phallus…”
“That is a problem. That would be your favorite taste in the world.”
Biryoo, who had softly pressed his lips to the top of Young-pa’s foot, raised his upper body and covered him. A large hand enveloped Young-pa’s palm. As his legs were parted, Young-pa closed his eyes, intertwining his own parts with Biryoo’s fingers.
“I don’t… like it. What I like is… Ah!”
Gokdo, who had become accustomed to erotic affairs with men, skillfully sucked the penis. Just as it had been the first time, Young-pa endured the moment where his vision went white and breathing became difficult.
“What you… like?”
“You… yours… Ah! Eung!”
Biryoo asked only to make it impossible for him to answer. Young-pa clung to Biryoo’s interlaced fingers and pulled at his hair with his other hand. He could feel Biryoo’s center panting like his own heart. It was growing, pushing through the flesh inside his body.
“Whose are you?”
A flushed voice whispered. His appearance was as noble as flowing water, but his black pupils were submerged in vulgar lust. Biryoo’s weight and presence felt particularly overwhelming today, making it hard for Young-pa to breathe.
As soon as Young-pa barely managed to gasp, “I am yours,” the stiff genital pushed in to the very end. Young-pa threw his head back and gripped Biryoo’s shoulders.
“Ugh! Ah, Biryoo…”
As soon as Biryoo entered Young-pa’s body, he began to drive into him as if he had intended to from the start. He hugged Young-pa’s waist and acted with a haste that felt as if he would snap the body in two.
As if striking Young-pa’s internal organs wasn’t enough, he frantically sucked and bit at the nape of his neck. The relentless thrusting could only be described as beastly. The sight of a noble man voluntarily descending into depravity excited Young-pa to the peak.
“Ah, ah! Ugh! Ng! Ha-ah…”
Young-pa tightly entwined his arms and legs around Biryoo. Just as he had stripped him of the status of a deity and dragged him into the mire, he wanted him to cast aside the dignity he wore like air and drown in carnal desire.
He shook his hips to accept him deep inside. So that those clear eyes would look only at him and desire him. So that he would be unable to move, trapped in filthy thoughts. So that the fragrant skin would be drenched in bodily fluids.
As if rewarding Young-pa’s wish, Biryoo gripped his wrists and thrust his hips violently. Every time the genital was shoved in, a slapping sound echoed through the cave. The man, with dilated pupils and sweat dripping from the tip of his nose, looked like the incarnation of sensuality. Reflected in those eyes was Young-pa, gasping for breath in sheer ecstasy.
“Ah, ah! It feels good. Heugh, ah, Biryoo, ng! Biryoo…”
Young-pa called his name tearfully. Biryoo’s lips quirked as if he had something to say, but in the end, he drove his pelvis in without answering, an attitude that only made Young-pa more desperate.
It was hot and overwhelming. His thighs trembled violently and tears flowed from the pouring pleasure. The sensual moans, sounding almost like wailing, were far from gentle sighs.
“Ugh, heugh, please, please… h-heugh!”
Ten fingernails dug into Biryoo’s back as if pleading. Young-pa let out a scream and pulled at his wet hair. Just when he felt he could no longer endure it, Biryoo drove the phallus in up to the root.
The moment the expanded tension suddenly subsided. Young-pa thought he might have gone blind or that his veins had snapped. He clung to Biryoo’s lips and poured bodily fluids in spurts onto his stomach.
“Heugh… hugh…”
Young-pa gasped for air and wiped away his tears. Instead of pulling away, Biryoo hugged him even tighter.
‘What on earth does that crazy dragon eat to be so proficient in erotic affairs?’
Young-pa loved him so much his heart felt full. At the same time, he felt he was cruel and hateful.
“Are you alright?”
“I… nearly died.”
“Now you’re joking.”
That irritating face was smiling faintly. Young-pa felt a surge of irritation at the sight of the man, who remained largely composed even after such rough coupling. He pulled Biryoo’s face toward him and kissed him deeply.
Even after they reached climax together, the spring-like passion showed no sign of cooling, so the radiant energy continued.
“There is still plenty of night left. What do you think?”
Biryoo asked, lifting one of Young-pa’s legs over his shoulder. Young-pa answered as if he had been waiting.
“Why are you even asking? You must not stop until this hole is worn to shreds.”
Biryoo pretended not to hear him even as he pushed the phallus back into Young-pa’s body.
Just because they had been apart for half a day, the elegant man acted with particular persistence that day. He gazed at Young-pa with eyes dripping with honey and left marks on his body with his lips.
As if he would never let him go again, he trapped Young-pa in his arms and moved his body violently. He only pulled away after ejaculating inside him three more times.
The two lay side by side on the blanket, catching their breath. Young-pa lay on his side, using Biryoo’s arm as a pillow. The smell of sweat, which was hard to believe came from Biryoo’s body, immersed him in a sense of satisfaction.
Young-pa wanted to fall asleep just like that, but Biryoo got up shortly after. As he headed toward the water, Young-pa followed as a matter of course.
On the western ridge, there was a high waterfall. It was a secluded valley where the falling water gathered in a wide pool before flowing through the gorge into the mountains. The pool was convenient for bathing, and the surrounding wildflowers in full bloom made it a beautiful sight.
The two stopped bathing to kiss beneath the fluttering willow branches. The moon, surrounded by cumulus clouds, illuminated them in the darkness. Biryoo’s hair, drenched in the deep dawn, shimmered in silver. Young-pa hugged his waist and buried his cheek against his chest.
“Azure Dragon.”
“Hmm?”
“While you were away… did you miss me?”
“What do you think?”
“I don’t know. I thought you might have been frantically busy…”
“Thoughts of you did not leave my mind.”
It was rare for him to answer so candidly. Excited, Young-pa stood on his tiptoes and kissed Biryoo’s cheek. Biryoo smiled and playfully pushed Young-pa into the water. Young-pa pulled Biryoo’s arm, and the two played in the water for a while.
After bathing, the two dressed and sat by the water. Young-pa summoned a gentle breeze to dry his hair and lay with his cheek against Biryoo’s thigh. Biryoo toyed with Young-pa’s ear with an indifferent air, but his touch was soft and tender.
“Right, I bought this in Seorabeol…”
Biryoo murmured in an awkward tone. Young-pa bolted upright at words that made him doubt his ears.
Biryoo searched his robes and pulled out a wooden comb and two hair ribbons. He tried his best to avoid eye contact; Young-pa guessed he was embarrassed to have bought such trivial items.
“Did you buy a gift for me?”
“I thought they would suit you.”
Only then did Biryoo meet his gaze and smile slightly. Unless one was a child, would they be happy over a mere comb or ribbon? Yet, the mere fact that Biryoo had remembered him while far away made Young-pa’s heart beat violently.
“I will tie it for you now, so choose one. Which one do you like?”
One was blue and the other had a greenish tint. Young-pa was not interested in the color of the ribbon. What mattered was that Biryoo had bought something for him.
“Please do both.”
Young-pa turned around and settled himself between Biryoo’s legs.
“Who goes around wearing two ribbons?”
“I do. Stop complaining and just tie them.”
Biryoo gave up and gently grasped his hair. As he combed through the hair, Young-pa closed his eyes in pleasure.
Like a part of the scenery, they were immersed in the sound of trickling water, the chirping of insects, and heavenly thunder.
“Azure Dragon, why was Jeolgon cast out of the heavenly realm?”
“He committed an unforgivable sin and fought with me. The scar you were curious about before was also made by him.”
Young-pa turned his back and slid his hand inside his jacket, where the ties were not yet fastened. He felt the scar crossing his chest with his fingertips. Though he had never said it aloud, Young-pa liked this rough mark that didn’t seem to suit Biryoo’s body.
“Look forward.”
“Yes.”
As Young-pa sat up straight, Biryoo set down the comb and ran his fingers through the parting of the hair.
“Then has Jeolgon lived in the mortal realm ever since he lost to you?”
“Yes.”
“I heard you call his name earlier.”
Young-pa recalled the power Biryoo had put into calling Jeolgon’s name. Upon hearing that voice, he had felt the sensation of hard iron being smoothly cut, the smell of burning earth, and a solid wall that could not be overcome no matter what one did; it was no ordinary calling.
“Is it the language of dragons?”
“It is the way we call one another.”
Biryoo explained that when dragons name their hatchlings, they infuse the name with meaning. So that the precious dragon can live and unfold its purpose according to its innate nature.
He also mentioned that because a dragon’s name holds great power, the way to call a name is only taught to those in close, trusting relationships.
“I want to try it too. Please teach me how. Jeolgon. Jeolgon? Is this how it’s done?”
The fingers parting Young-pa’s hair stopped. As Young-pa leaned back, the crown of his head touched Biryoo’s chest. Narrowed eyes looked down at him.
“You have a lot of interest in Jeolgon.”
“Are you jealous?”
“How could that be?”
Biryoo answered bluntly, then added,
“Originally, the names of other dragons cannot be taught. But since his name became known throughout the heavenly realm upon his exile, there is no reason it cannot be.”
Biryoo opened his mouth and called Jeolgon’s name in the dragon’s way. The sound coalesced and shimmered in the ear like a bell.
Carved metal, a fate bound to the earth, chain-like shackles. He hadn’t misheard before. That call smelled of earth and felt severed and blocked.
“Jeolgon.”
Young-pa tried to imitate him. The voice that flowed from his own mouth sounded surprisingly plausible. Biryoo seemed a bit surprised, but soon smiled and stroked Young-pa’s head.
“You learn everything so quickly.”
“How do I call your name, Azure Dragon?”
Biryoo’s expression stiffened noticeably. He answered without any attempt to hide his unpleasantness.
“It has been a long time since I was called by that name. No one calls me that anymore.”
“I still want to try calling it. What use is knowing a name like Jeolgon’s? Your name is what’s important. I want to know how to call it properly, so please teach me.”
“I cannot.”
“You said you tell people who are close to you. Do you perhaps not trust me?”
Young-pa asked playfully, but whether some part of those words offended him, Biryoo’s expression grew even darker.
“I said I cannot.”
He drove the point home in a cold tone.
Young-pa knew that in the past, Biryoo had not trusted him in the slightest. To him, Young-pa had been nothing more than a shameless person who lied as naturally as breathing. Since it was true that he had deceived Biryoo many times, it was his own doing.
However, Young-pa, who had come to show his sincerity while spending time with him on asadal mountain, had changed. Now, he didn’t want to tell Biryoo any lies. If possible, he even wanted to become a straight and truthful person like Biryoo.
‘I thought the way you looked at me would have changed too.’
A heavy silence flowed while Young-pa was lost in bitter thoughts.
His heart ached terribly, but he knew that if he revealed such thoughts, it would look like childish whining. He put on a face of indifference and spoke brightly.
“Who gave you that name?”
“The benefactor who took in both me and Jeolgon gave it to me.”
Biryoo’s gaze seemed to look toward a place far away. The man before him had lived for a duration of time that humans could not even fathom. Young-pa often forgot that even he must have been a young dragon once.
As Young-pa sat up straight, Biryoo began braiding his hair again.
“When I was a hatchling, my oldest memories were of hunger and fear.”
Since Biryoo had unexpectedly started telling his own story first, Young-pa listened with bated breath.
“My benefactor rescued me while I was wandering alone in the mountains. He gave me a name and raised me.”
The story reminded him of the anecdote where Biryoo had rescued Seo-o, who had lost her mother. And the story that he was raising three young dragons in the heavenly realm. Young-pa murmured with a smile.
“You didn’t have parents either, just like me.”
“Dragons do not form family groups as easily as humans do. There are occasionally female dragons who raise their eggs themselves, but far more leave immediately after birth.”
Biryoo’s benefactor already had one dragon he was raising, and that was Jeolgon. Since the two were similar in age and size, they quickly became close like brothers.
“The place where we grew up… was a quiet and peaceful riverside. It was a bountiful place where acorns filled every knot of the oak trees, and in autumn, the branches bowed under the weight of persimmons. I remember the blue pebbles filling the area, and when the sun set, the west was dyed in purple.”
“That sounds like the childhood everyone dreams of.”
“Yes. It was a dreamlike time.”
Biryoo murmured softly. Recalling Seo-o’s words that Biryoo liked persimmon punch, Young-pa made a mental note that they must go pick persimmons when autumn came.
“When you regain your divine power… will you take me there?”
“Perhaps.”
Later. Perhaps. These were words that guaranteed nothing.
Couldn’t he have just said yes, even as a hollow promise? That uncertain answer pulled Young-pa out of his sweet reverie and pushed him toward a cold future.
If Biryoo regained his divine power, Young-pa would not be idling in Biryoo’s hometown, but would be pushed back toward his sole objective. There was no room for sweet affection, hot carnal desire, or a peaceful daily life in that matter.
But perhaps there was another way.
‘He told me to prepare a room for a new guest coming to the palace.’
‘Really? Who is it?’
‘He only told me to decorate it with the finest materials, but he didn’t say who it was for. I thought it was you. Did he not mention it?’
Young-pa’s heart hammered wildly. If Seo-o’s guess was true. If Biryoo took him to the heavenly realm. If he never had to part from him.
Revenge was no longer his everything. During his time on Asadal Mountain, Young-pa’s world had expanded significantly. He now had a daily routine he enjoyed. He had Cheongsimi. He had the night sky and wind flowers, meat and honey cakes, fruit and wild greens, bathing and splashing in the water. And above all, he had Biryoo. Every heart-pounding, trembling, and joyful moment spent with him.
The difference between before and after knowing what happiness was felt like the difference between heaven and earth. Young-pa felt a sharp pain just at the thought of losing all of this.
But for now, he still held it in his grasp. The touch of the hand that repeatedly parted his hair and brushed against his neck was proof of that.
Wishing for time to flow slowly, Young-pa asked.
“Did you obtain the bloodstone?”
“I did.”
Inwardly, Young-pa hoped Biryoo had failed. Then perhaps the time they spent together would be extended by even a single day.
“Now only one material remains. Where should I look for the light feather?”
“It refers to the feather of the Bonghwang. It is the easiest material to find, so you should be able to obtain it without much trouble, right?”
The Bonghwang was a rare bird, but gentle and wise. As long as he could encounter one, obtaining a single feather would not be difficult. Moreover, if he truly couldn’t find one, Young-pa had a final method.
“I could do it… but Seo-o and Jeolgon are here now. Wouldn’t it be more advantageous for the same kind of bird to bring it?”
“You bring it.”
“Why?”
“Jeolgon cannot be trusted, and Seo-o has his own role. You promised to help me.”
Biryoo’s tone was soft yet firm. Young-pa hesitated for a moment before speaking playfully.
“What if I never bring it?”
“Living like this wouldn’t be so bad.”
Biryoo answered nonchalantly, but Young-pa didn’t believe him. He had heard about Biryoo’s fastidious palate and elegant tastes from Seo-o. How much longer could a noble being endure a life of eating grass in a cave?
“Now, I’ve tied two ribbons in your hair; are you satisfied?”
Young-pa pulled at his braided hair, confirmed that both ribbons were indeed attached, and smiled.
“I shall give you a reward for tying two ribbons for me.”
He turned around, wrapped his arms around Biryoo’s neck, and kissed him deeply. As Biryoo pulled him by the waist, they became as close as one body. In that state, the kiss continued for a long time.
‘I don’t want to be apart for a single moment, yet I must go find the feather.’
Young-pa felt dissatisfied, but then changed his mind. Perhaps this task was a test to see if he was worthy of living in the heavenly realm. Since Biryoo valued promises and loyalty, it would be good to show him how trustworthy he was.
Their lips parted softly. Sitting on Biryoo’s lap, Young-pa hugged his neck.
“I shall bring you the Bonghwang’s feather soon.”
As Young-pa spoke with conviction, Biryoo smiled. Behind his fluttering hair, nameless flower petals flew like white snow.
On the way back, Young-pa walked with a great deal of excitement, holding Biryoo’s hand and swinging it. Biryoo let him do as he pleased.
In the cave, Young-pa pushed aside the damp blanket and spread a clean mat on the flooring. When Young-pa lay on his side, Biryoo lay facing him and pulled him closer by the back. While embraced by Biryoo, Young-pa touched his long fingers one by one. Meanwhile, Biryoo toyed with Young-pa’s braided hair.
Biryoo had said his childhood felt like a dream, but for Young-pa, it was the present moment, lying side by side with him. If this were a dream, he never wanted to wake up.
‘If you thought I only desired survival and safety, you were gravely mistaken. There is only one thing I want. To catch and kill that bastard of a Northern Black Tortoise.’
‘Just as your birth was noble, I am a being made this way. Revenge is my everything. No matter how much you threaten me, I am a wretched human who cannot give up revenge.’
The moments he had spoken so boldly felt like they happened a very long time ago.
Suddenly, Young-pa no longer cared about things like revenge. Brilliant and precious memories had newly covered the memories of being ravaged by Ji Seo-gu, and he no longer wished to recall those days. If Biryoo told him to give up revenge forever, he could do so.
Even if that meant submission. Even if he had to spend his life hiding from Ji Seo-gu, having discarded his anger toward the four symbols.
Now, there was only one thing he wanted. To leave the desperate and painful past behind and live happily with Biryoo, just as they were now.
Young-pa’s lips opened on their own.
“I love you, Azure Dragon.”
Biryoo’s hand stopped. His black eyes, as always, gave no hint of what he was thinking.
Ji Seo-gu had stripped away every good emotion from Young-pa. But if this wasn’t love, how else could it be explained?
The aching desire to be together even when they were already touching. The longing to live as a partner to one person. Young-pa widened his eyes, suppressing emotions that felt as if they would burst into tears.
“Even if I must be a servant or a toy, please take me to the heavenly realm.”
The more he spoke, the stronger the feeling grew that something was wrong.
It would be wonderful to be as composed and calm in all things as Biryoo. But their positions were different. Since Biryoo held his heart, Young-pa had no choice but to be anxious, clinging, and resentful.
“I wonder.”
Biryoo answered casually.
“I suppose the heavenly realm does need servants who work like oxen by day and swivel their hips by night.”
Young-pa loved Biryoo’s playful, joking side. But right now, he didn’t want to hear such words.
As someone who lied as naturally as breathing, his claim that he would be fine as a servant or toy was not sincere. What Young-pa wanted was Biryoo’s heart. Just as Biryoo had taken what belonged to him, Young-pa hoped to possess a significant part of Biryoo. In fact, inwardly, he believed he already did.
“…Do you love me too?”
Young-pa asked softly. It was a question thrown out in the hope of an immediate answer, just as when he had asked if Biryoo had missed him.
No matter how long he waited, no answer came. Biryoo was a man who would rather avoid a difficult question than answer it with a lie.
‘Is it a question that difficult to answer?’
Until now, he had thought they were looking at each other. He had imagined a life living like a married couple with Biryoo and dreamed of the new room built in the heavenly realm.
If all of it had been a delusion.
The excited and fluttering feeling that had filled his chest until now crumbled like dry sand.
Even in that moment, Biryoo watched him with inscrutable eyes. Young-pa wanted to pretend to be composed, but his face would not obey. He lowered his head and burrowed into Biryoo’s embrace.
“Actually, it was all a joke. I’ve had all those emotions stolen from me, so I have none.”
Tears streamed down his cheeks.
Biryoo silently stroked Young-pa’s hair again. The touch was soft and the embrace was warm, but his indifference left a wound. Young-pa fell asleep while weeping silently.
Light Feather
Young-pa woke from a restless dream. Seeing that the outside was still shrouded in twilight, it seemed he hadn’t slept much.
‘Does Biryoo simply enjoy the act of pounding the mortar, without any love for me?’
As soon as he opened his eyes, the thoughts that had tormented him the previous day returned.
The hateful man was sleeping peacefully beside him. Young-pa looked at him with resentful eyes before carefully getting up.
After confirming that Cheongsim was sleeping well at the cave entrance, Young-pa checked his wounds. Not even a day had passed, but the area bitten by Jeolgon had not only stopped bleeding but had begun to heal. Young-pa lightly stroked his head and went outside.
The lakeside at dawn sparkled with damp moisture. Watching the eastern dawn break in the distance, Young-pa collected dew in a water jar. When shaking the surrounding leaves yielded nothing more, he entered the forest.
Jeolgon was there. He was in human form, carrying two roe deer on his shoulders. He looked flustered upon seeing Young-pa.
“Where are you wandering around at the crack of dawn… No, why are you wearing two ribbons?”
“Just go your own way.”
Young-pa replied sharply and continued collecting dew. However, that annoying man set down his burden and began following him. He examined Young-pa from this angle and that, then chuckled, pointing at his neck.
“Looks like you had a fantastic night?”
“I’m in a foul mood, so don’t talk to me.”
“To think the great Azure Dragon is into men, I’ve lived long enough to see everything!”
Irritated, Young-pa turned his back and walked in the opposite direction. Jeolgon quickly caught up to him and blocked his path.
“Spread your legs for me too. I’ll fill you up with cum until it overflows.”
He boasted, gripping his crotch with one hand. Young-pa wanted to throw the water jar at that face, but he barely restrained himself, remembering it was water for Biryoo to drink.
“Or maybe the three of us doing it would be good. I’ve been curious about how well the great Azure Dragon handles his fucking.”
“Shut up before I turn you into minced meat, Jeolgon.”
As Young-pa growled low, Jeolgon stepped back.
“What’s with you? You’re not even a dragon, but you’ve got some spirit.”
It seemed Jeolgon had become even more interested in Young-pa, so things didn’t go as intended. Young-pa decided to ignore him and silently collected the dew. Jeolgon followed him persistently with his hands behind his back.
“Maybe it’s because I’m an old friend of the Azure Dragon, but our tastes are similar. Because of that, I have a habit of wanting everything the Azure Dragon has touched. Wow, looking closely, your eyes are big and your nose is sharp. It’s not like it’ll wear down, can’t I touch it just once? You’re more boring than you look. Is it okay to be bound to the Azure Dragon for your whole life and never know the taste of other men? Don’t you realize you’re the only one losing out? Ha! If you played with me, your mind would change, but I can’t exactly show you…”
Jeolgon continued to be noisy, following Young-pa until the water jar was full. Finally unable to endure it, Young-pa grabbed him by the collar.
“You’re incredibly persistent. Just so you know, there’s no way I’ll be receiving your rotten cum!”
When Young-pa pushed him, he fell flat on the ground.
“What a temper…”
Even then, Jeolgon didn’t seem offended; rather, he looked like he enjoyed it. Young-pa growled low.
“I’m warning you, don’t even think about getting between me and Biryoo.”
“Ha! You don’t even know your husband’s name properly. This is how you call him. Biryoo.”
Young-pa stood still and blinked. The image of flowing water and wide-spread wings swept over him.
A swirling current. A pouring waterfall. A surging torrent rising violently. From Biryoo’s name, he felt a strongly surging, cool sensation.
“Biryoo.”
Young-pa whispered it carefully. His name, flowing through his own voice, sounded both strange and familiar. Biryoo’s name resembled him very much.
Watching this, Jeolgon clicked his tongue.
“You’ve just been fucking this whole time, and he hasn’t even taught you how to call his name? Typical of that bloodless, tearless bastard.”
Young-pa had no words to answer. The scratch in his chest opened, and blood flowed. His grip tightened on the water jar.
Jeolgon observed Young-pa’s expression and gave a smirk.
“You didn’t actually think the Azure Dragon was your husband, did you? Did you expect him to dress you in a winged garment and carry you in one arm to the heavenly realm? Pfft! Humans are so stupid.”
Every word Jeolgon spat pierced painfully into his chest. His lips trembled, and his breath grew ragged. Young-pa felt as if he would collapse if he heard any more, so he walked quickly toward the cave.
“You know nothing about Biryoo. What that secretive bastard is preparing, what he has hidden in the heavenly realm…”
Jeolgon murmured meaningfully from behind.
“What… is he hiding in the heavenly realm?”
When Young-pa looked back, Jeolgon smiled, lifting one corner of his mouth.
“Biryoo may look like that, but he’s a man of unwavering devotion. How could a human who doesn’t even live a hundred years understand that long, long wait and pure love?”
“Pure love? What do you mean?”
“If you get curious, come find me at my hut. You know what you have to be prepared for, right? My thing is probably bigger than Biryoo’s. Probably…”
Young-pa returned to his dwelling without looking back. His back was soaked in sweat, and his jacket clung to him. His heart, which had been pounding for a while, was still acting up. Young-pa gulped down water and set the jar down.
“It’s all lies.”
He muttered emphatically.
He saw Jeolgon strolling over and dropping the two roe deer at the cave entrance. Jeolgon looked around with a curious gaze. He couldn’t see inside the cave, but Young-pa glared at him with wide eyes.
‘I must not be swayed by that bastard.’
His tightly clenched fist trembled slightly. Even after Jeolgon left, Young-pa did not take his eyes off the spot where he had stood.
‘You’ve just been fucking this whole time, and he hasn’t even taught you how to call his name? Typical of that bloodless, tearless bastard.’
‘You didn’t actually think the Azure Dragon was your husband, did you? Did you expect him to dress you in a winged garment and carry you in one arm to the heavenly realm?’
‘You know nothing about Biryoo. What that secretive bastard is preparing, what he has hidden in the heavenly realm.’
‘Biryoo may look like that, but he’s a man of unwavering devotion. How could a human who doesn’t even live a hundred years understand that long, long wait and pure love?’
Every word Jeolgon babbled targeted his vulnerabilities. Although Young-pa considered it all nonsense, he felt deeply uncomfortable. His head ached, and he felt dizzy.
He slowly lay down beside Biryoo and curled up. Even though he was right next to him, it felt as if they were separated by the ends of the earth. This kind of alienation was not a feeling he was experiencing for the first time.
When Young-pa pulled Biryoo’s arm to lean his head on, Biryoo opened his eyes.
“You woke up early.”
His heart crumbled at the affectionate gaze. Young-pa closed his eyes silently. Biryoo’s fingers entered between his bangs, and a warm palm touched his forehead.
‘You’ve just been fucking this whole time, and he hasn’t even taught you how to call his name?’
The loathsome voice buzzed in his ears.
Why did Biryoo do that? What is a mere name that he wouldn’t teach him how to call it?
‘Because a dragon’s name holds power, he does not teach the way to call it unless the person truly believes.’
Then does that mean I am not one who truly believes? You are still longing for a woman who died long ago. Then what am I to you? If you have no love for me, why do you hold me, desire me, and treat me with kindness?
“You have a fever.”
The gentle man murmured worriedly. Young-pa deliberately kept his eyes closed. He felt that if he did, he might burst into tears, throw himself at him, and scream. Young-pa let Biryoo’s hand grope his eyelids and cheeks.
“Do nothing today and get some deep rest.”
As he tried to leave, Young-pa grabbed his wrist.
“Don’t go.”
Biryoo looked down at Young-pa and lowered his upper body back onto the blanket. Young-pa used his arm as a pillow and hugged his waist to prevent him from leaving.
“Don’t go. Anywhere.”
Biryoo patted Young-pa’s back. The cracked wound of his heart gulped down the meaningless kindness.
Telling himself it was okay, that there was no problem, Young-pa relaxed while clinging to the warmth that promised nothing.
Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. Since he was hugging someone who already had a high body temperature, it was natural that the heat wouldn’t subside. Nevertheless, Young-pa hugged Biryoo even tighter. And he fell asleep, anxious that he might disappear.
≋ ≋ ≋
When Young-pa opened his eyes again, the sun was high in the sky. The spot beside him was empty, and Cheongsim, who had been lying at the entrance, was gone. From outside, he could hear the smell of food and noisy voices.
“Hey, that son of a bitch is stealing it! No!”
“He only just woke up, leave him be. The poor thing must be starving.”
“This is meat for our elder brother. Do you know how much he eats? If he says it’s not enough, are you going to take responsibility? You bird-brain.”
“I told you not to call me that! Would you like it if I called you a snake-brain?”
“I told you I’m not a snake!”
“Same here. I’m not a bird-brain!”
“But you are a bird, aren’t you?”
Listening to the bickering voices, one was Lee Shim and the other was Seo-o. Young-pa sat up and went outside. Despite having slept deeply, his head throbbed and he felt drained of energy.
“Brother! I heard you were ill, are you alright?”