[ Having traveled through several provinces with just Inha, he's gotten used to her sole company and how some days are quiet. At times, it reminds him of his childhood, following after his father that hopped province to province for trade. It isn't like his original troupe, but it isn't bad, either.
This is the life he set for himself now. Every night he tells himself that before he closes his eyes, desperately trying to quell his nerves. No rumors follow him now yet he can still hear them in his dreams. They only get worse on the day before a performance. They tell him that he doesn't deserve to play for an audience, common or royal. It seems like Inha could tell Doyoon is more rattled than their previous shows—"It's 'cause this is your home, right? And we gotta put on a show for the king. I get it."
While she isn't completely right, he doesn't correct her. He accepts whatever comfort she provides to him, ever so grateful that at least she's on his side. He's not alone.
Then on the day of the concert, they play for the ruling gentry as promised to the reigning lord. The king's palace is vast, the specific venue within it still large, too. They are only but two performers and Inha keeps trying to make conversation with him to settle herself down, though some of her quiet comments displayed dissent to the royal clan. Of course, only when the guards leave them to open the two gates.
The performance goes smoothly and Doyoon remembers why he does this... The fulfillment that comes from a song well played and the applause that comes from the king's court and the scholars that were invited to watch. The smile that creeps on his lips is genuine and he forgets entirely of all the thoughts that haunted him in his sleep the night prior. It's worth it. It's worth it. What isn't worth it is entertaining nobles with small talk... His father taught him how to interact with them, having had some ties and connections, though not enough status to earn a clan name. However, he...
Just isn't cut out for this. Inha, despite her bright personality and beauty gaining the attention of these rich pockets, ditches him to "handle her bowels." He knows she wants him to handle this and wrap it up, so that by the time she returns they can book it with their heavy pocket of coins. God. He wants to head home and get out of this restrictive garb. This gat is also making him sweat more than usual even if his hair is in a bun hidden inside.
He answers their questions, mentioning maybe he'll come to play at their estates one day, and that he's honored to be here... Doyoon is trying his best since he. Doesn't want to offend anyone (or possibly die due to perceived insolence). They mention how he seems shy? No need to be so humble! Oh, where did you get that beautiful ornament hanging from your ear? All of this makes him even more embarrassed.
[ It's Kyuhyuk's mother (step-mother, to be more precise) who encourages for a show after the confirmation of two families joining together. Though both he and Juyoung had little choice in the decision -- each having their own reasons -- they sat there with practiced smiles and bowed their heads with immense appreciation that she would want to celebrate such a wonderful day in their lives. To be engaged and soon wedded, though there were a few complications that needed to be neatly brushed aside before they could ever see a proper wedding day.
And, for the most part, he certainly hopes that the day is far from approaching them. Juyoung is a woman of elegance, that much is certain, but the two of them together are only a match made perfect on the surface; they are only ever complimented on their appearance, but rarely are they ever seen properly together. It makes for a disappointing tale of love, but Kyuhyuk has never been a person born into this world as anything but. Though rather than engage in any conflict and reject the offer of marriage, he simply holds out her hand, poised, and watches as Juyoung's head lowers and her eyes cast elsewhere as she hovers her palm over his own.
It's like that now, even, as they watch the performance. Their relationship completely feigned, only so close to give off the impression that they're undoubtedly happy with one another -- but if anyone were to pay close enough attention, they'd see the sudden burnish of disbelief and realization in both their eyes. Like they had just stepped out of a dark cave, greeted by an unrelenting sun shining down upon them, Kyuhyuk especially appears as if he's seen a ghost come back to life. And, perhaps, that's exactly what he sees.
It's hard to misplace someone with features like Doyoon. With a mole under his eye, a gaze that appears far off, and the treasured item he had gifted him so many years ago, just before he had disappeared from his life entirely.
The first step is heavy, like stepping into freshly made snow. And for a moment Kyuhyuk hesitates at the idea of approaching him entirely, swarmed by the guests his mother had invited to watch the event at their estate. His first thought is that he could possibly be ruining a chance for him to find more work if he came any closer -- but the other half of him, the half that wins, encourages him to not let him simply vanish before his eyes again.
His presence is made quickly, with guests previously speaking to Doyoon with excitement checking over their shoulders. His back is straight, though his expression doesn't hide a single ounce of his surprise. ] Doyoon-ssi? [ And the people around quickly show their shock, hushed whispers already beginning to spread "Are they familiar with each other?" "Has this man performed here before?" "Perhaps the young lord is seeing things..."
[ Relief washes over when the attention is pulled off from him, leaving him with a dissonant feeling of listlessness mixed in. He likes the praise, the compliments, the offers, but he also felt suffocated. With only a little curiosity, Doyoon cranes his neck to try to get a peek before the noblemen make a path.
Blinking slowly, he doesn’t recognize the face or the voice that calls his name immediately. It takes him a moment, lips twitching from nerves alight—then it hits him. It’s the familiar, warm color of Kyuhyuk’s eyes that almost coaxes his name from Doyoon’s mouth.
But he catches himself. To talk to royalty casually in front of the council and noble families would mean the end of him. Lips press tighter before he answers in practiced tone and a bow. ]
... My lord.
[ Doyoon reels himself back, squashing those memories of the past. The man before him is no longer the weepy boy he would protect. Instead, Kyuhyuk has grown—even reigning a couple of centimeters taller... Then carrying the title of lord.
Doyoon never knew. He only ever saw Kyuhyuk as a commoner child just like him and wanted a playmate. ]
It’s good to see you’re well.
[ This is So Awkward. The questions are still coming—“So you two know each other! How?” Doyoon frowns, hesitating to answer because he knows there can be consequences to what he chooses to say and not say. ]
It's normal, and yet those words leaving Doyoon's mouth sound so foreign to him; accompanied by a deeper voice, and yet still familiar enough to make Kyuhyuk even more certain that it's him. Heart skipping a pathetic beat as finally being able to see the top of the other's head makes his skin threaten to flush. Having to steel himself to save face, but to especially keep from embarrassing Doyoon after having already called out to him so informally.
He hesitates, eyes burrowing into them both with curiosity. He's familiarized himself enough with the people surrounding them -- wanting to dig into every little detail of another person's life for the chance of ruining their reputation. Kyuhyuk holds so little trust with all these people that he instinctively reverts back to the withdrawn lord they've come to expect. ]
You as well. [ He begins, taking steps closer before he gestures toward elsewhere -- it's no where special, but it's a private corner in the estate leading out to the gardens. ] Would you follow me for a moment? There's something I'd like to discuss.
[ Doyoon nods and says his goodbyes to all of his possible sponsors, excusing himself with polite words, deep bows, and throwing Inha under the bus as someone they can inquire when she returns as he tapers back to Kyuhyuk's trail. Finally, he can relax, but those nerves reverb again as he assesses this new situation. Yes, he knows Kyuhyuk personally. Yes, he only has had fond memories of their childhood, but... That boy isn't the same as the man walking in front of him.
He keeps his eyes on the ground, chasing after the other man's heels, rather than taking in the sights of the royal gardens. Once he musters enough courage, he ends the silence and lifts his head. ]
... What is it you would like to discuss, your highness?
[ His heart is beating fast and, if anything, he feels like he's sweating even more than before. The crowd of strangers is one thing, but he's stuck between thinking Kyuhyuk wanted some privacy so they can catch up or... This is just business.
Or did he offend him somehow? He doesn't know??? Stay calm, Doyoon. ]
[ They're on their own, away from the crowds, and he's certain no one with a curious ear is trying to listen in on their conversation -- at least he hopes not.
Kyuhyuk lifts a hand, and then realizes of just how distant that seems. Like a true lord speaking to a commoner, silencing him them from saying any more, even if it is just Doyoon asking a question. ]
There's no need to speak so formally. We're alone now, Doyoon-ssi...
[ Sorry if that sounds ominous he's really not trying to come off that way. ]
[ Doyoon straightens up even more when Kyuhyuk raises his hand, staying quiet like a good commoner as his lord speaks to him. His lips press together as he scans the other man's expression—it's a genuine ask and pulls at him not to disobey, higher status or not.
For a second, he tilts his head to see if maybe a different angle would make him think differently. No, no. He can't mistake the hue of those eyes and the way his lashes frame them. Quietly, like he's scared of being wrong: ]
... Kyuhyuk?
[ No honorifics, just his name like they were kids. Please, ancestors, help him. ]
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This is the life he set for himself now. Every night he tells himself that before he closes his eyes, desperately trying to quell his nerves. No rumors follow him now yet he can still hear them in his dreams. They only get worse on the day before a performance. They tell him that he doesn't deserve to play for an audience, common or royal. It seems like Inha could tell Doyoon is more rattled than their previous shows—"It's 'cause this is your home, right? And we gotta put on a show for the king. I get it."
While she isn't completely right, he doesn't correct her. He accepts whatever comfort she provides to him, ever so grateful that at least she's on his side. He's not alone.
Then on the day of the concert, they play for the ruling gentry as promised to the reigning lord. The king's palace is vast, the specific venue within it still large, too. They are only but two performers and Inha keeps trying to make conversation with him to settle herself down, though some of her quiet comments displayed dissent to the royal clan. Of course, only when the guards leave them to open the two gates.
The performance goes smoothly and Doyoon remembers why he does this... The fulfillment that comes from a song well played and the applause that comes from the king's court and the scholars that were invited to watch. The smile that creeps on his lips is genuine and he forgets entirely of all the thoughts that haunted him in his sleep the night prior. It's worth it. It's worth it. What isn't worth it is entertaining nobles with small talk... His father taught him how to interact with them, having had some ties and connections, though not enough status to earn a clan name. However, he...
Just isn't cut out for this. Inha, despite her bright personality and beauty gaining the attention of these rich pockets, ditches him to "handle her bowels." He knows she wants him to handle this and wrap it up, so that by the time she returns they can book it with their heavy pocket of coins. God. He wants to head home and get out of this restrictive garb. This gat is also making him sweat more than usual even if his hair is in a bun hidden inside.
He answers their questions, mentioning maybe he'll come to play at their estates one day, and that he's honored to be here... Doyoon is trying his best since he. Doesn't want to offend anyone (or possibly die due to perceived insolence). They mention how he seems shy? No need to be so humble! Oh, where did you get that beautiful ornament hanging from your ear? All of this makes him even more embarrassed.
Help him.
Save him. ]
no subject
And, for the most part, he certainly hopes that the day is far from approaching them. Juyoung is a woman of elegance, that much is certain, but the two of them together are only a match made perfect on the surface; they are only ever complimented on their appearance, but rarely are they ever seen properly together. It makes for a disappointing tale of love, but Kyuhyuk has never been a person born into this world as anything but. Though rather than engage in any conflict and reject the offer of marriage, he simply holds out her hand, poised, and watches as Juyoung's head lowers and her eyes cast elsewhere as she hovers her palm over his own.
It's like that now, even, as they watch the performance. Their relationship completely feigned, only so close to give off the impression that they're undoubtedly happy with one another -- but if anyone were to pay close enough attention, they'd see the sudden burnish of disbelief and realization in both their eyes. Like they had just stepped out of a dark cave, greeted by an unrelenting sun shining down upon them, Kyuhyuk especially appears as if he's seen a ghost come back to life. And, perhaps, that's exactly what he sees.
It's hard to misplace someone with features like Doyoon. With a mole under his eye, a gaze that appears far off, and the treasured item he had gifted him so many years ago, just before he had disappeared from his life entirely.
The first step is heavy, like stepping into freshly made snow. And for a moment Kyuhyuk hesitates at the idea of approaching him entirely, swarmed by the guests his mother had invited to watch the event at their estate. His first thought is that he could possibly be ruining a chance for him to find more work if he came any closer -- but the other half of him, the half that wins, encourages him to not let him simply vanish before his eyes again.
His presence is made quickly, with guests previously speaking to Doyoon with excitement checking over their shoulders. His back is straight, though his expression doesn't hide a single ounce of his surprise. ] Doyoon-ssi? [ And the people around quickly show their shock, hushed whispers already beginning to spread "Are they familiar with each other?" "Has this man performed here before?" "Perhaps the young lord is seeing things..."
Well this isn't awkward. ]
no subject
Blinking slowly, he doesn’t recognize the face or the voice that calls his name immediately. It takes him a moment, lips twitching from nerves alight—then it hits him. It’s the familiar, warm color of Kyuhyuk’s eyes that almost coaxes his name from Doyoon’s mouth.
But he catches himself. To talk to royalty casually in front of the council and noble families would mean the end of him. Lips press tighter before he answers in practiced tone and a bow. ]
... My lord.
[ Doyoon reels himself back, squashing those memories of the past. The man before him is no longer the weepy boy he would protect. Instead, Kyuhyuk has grown—even reigning a couple of centimeters taller... Then carrying the title of lord.
Doyoon never knew. He only ever saw Kyuhyuk as a commoner child just like him and wanted a playmate. ]
It’s good to see you’re well.
[ This is So Awkward. The questions are still coming—“So you two know each other! How?” Doyoon frowns, hesitating to answer because he knows there can be consequences to what he chooses to say and not say. ]
no subject
It's normal, and yet those words leaving Doyoon's mouth sound so foreign to him; accompanied by a deeper voice, and yet still familiar enough to make Kyuhyuk even more certain that it's him. Heart skipping a pathetic beat as finally being able to see the top of the other's head makes his skin threaten to flush. Having to steel himself to save face, but to especially keep from embarrassing Doyoon after having already called out to him so informally.
He hesitates, eyes burrowing into them both with curiosity. He's familiarized himself enough with the people surrounding them -- wanting to dig into every little detail of another person's life for the chance of ruining their reputation. Kyuhyuk holds so little trust with all these people that he instinctively reverts back to the withdrawn lord they've come to expect. ]
You as well. [ He begins, taking steps closer before he gestures toward elsewhere -- it's no where special, but it's a private corner in the estate leading out to the gardens. ] Would you follow me for a moment? There's something I'd like to discuss.
[ Ugh... business... ]
no subject
He keeps his eyes on the ground, chasing after the other man's heels, rather than taking in the sights of the royal gardens. Once he musters enough courage, he ends the silence and lifts his head. ]
... What is it you would like to discuss, your highness?
[ His heart is beating fast and, if anything, he feels like he's sweating even more than before. The crowd of strangers is one thing, but he's stuck between thinking Kyuhyuk wanted some privacy so they can catch up or... This is just business.
Or did he offend him somehow? He doesn't know??? Stay calm, Doyoon. ]
no subject
Kyuhyuk lifts a hand, and then realizes of just how distant that seems. Like a true lord speaking to a commoner, silencing him them from saying any more, even if it is just Doyoon asking a question. ]
There's no need to speak so formally. We're alone now, Doyoon-ssi...
[ Sorry if that sounds ominous he's really not trying to come off that way. ]
Do you... happen to remember who I am?
no subject
For a second, he tilts his head to see if maybe a different angle would make him think differently. No, no. He can't mistake the hue of those eyes and the way his lashes frame them. Quietly, like he's scared of being wrong: ]
... Kyuhyuk?
[ No honorifics, just his name like they were kids. Please, ancestors, help him. ]