Things had been fine since the new regime of a new Seja. The kingdom was rising well; the economy rose up rapidly, thanks to some new ideas of expanding the demographics of trading with China. Products like silks, linen and claypots were in the high demand among the people in the kingdom.
All thanks to a good relationship built with trust and wisely by Min Jun and Soo Young. Both seja and sejabin of the kingdom work so hard for the prosperity of their people. Whatever benefits the kingdom, they will put their best into it without questions. They had been gaining the trust and fame quickly among the public; debuting as a loveable and caring royal couple of the century.
However, behind closed door, Soo Young and Min Jun live differently. Soo Young knew she just a coy wife for Min Jun, and there's no way the prince will loving her as much as Dan loved her. They were more like a pair of siblings; spending time reading and practicing pottery while discussing about the kingdom. Of course, all this happened with a present of Uk; the shadow husband for the Seja.
Ever since the couple solved their issue, the relationship had been growing strong. Min Jun even appointed Uk as his advisor aside of the man's army job. It seemed like an excuse to get closer, but everyone agreed that Uk was indeed doing good in his task. His love for Min Jun made him want to protect the Seja with all cost. Not only him, but his whole family as well.
Things also went well for the Governor Sun An and his beloved wife, Myung Yu. They got married and have two children; a prince and a princess. Myung Yu loved her new position as the wife of the Governor and also a mother, so much that Wangbi Ki kept complaining about her absence in some royal meetings. Wang Ki could only smile and explained to his queen that their princess has her own family to take care as well.
As for Asura and Indra; the sworn brothers also work hard for the safety of the kingdom. The threat seemed to like gone, but it was not a guarantee. Anything could happen and they were ready for that.
For Athea, losing a home was not really a heartbreaking matter. She quitely lived in a small town at the North; still receiving visitations from Myung Yu. Her princesses had grown to be wise and beautiful; one of them had already worked as a teacher at the local school.
***
Uk rest his palm at the window frame, looking at the view from the Red Ruby. He smiled, feeling at ease. Who could ever imagine, few years back, he decided to retire only to meet Min Jun– the love of his life– and suddenly the current changed.
And here he was, still working in army but with a little twist.
"How can you get up that early? I can't even stand up properly!" Min Jun whined. He was still in bed; knocking a sense out of him. Uk grinned as he walked towards the seja and crouched.
"Military men were born differently, wangjanim..."
"I can't even stretch my back when I'm bottoming!" Min Jun sighed.
"Did I hurt you so bad?" Uk felt concerned. He grabbed Min Jun's hand and kissed them softly. "I'm so sorry..."
"Can't blame you, though! I'm the one who ask for it!" Min Jun flashed a straight line on his lips.
"Just let me bottoming after this–"
"That's some ridiculous thoughts, sobangnim. There's no way I would let you hold the pain alone. Relationship is all about sharing. We have to share everything..." Min Jun winched while straighten up his body. "Even this painful sensation!"
Uk stood up after Min Jun, grabbing him tight in a warm embrace. He rubbed the Seja's hair with love as his lips kiss the broad shoulder softly.
"Sobangnim..."
"Yes?" asked Uk.
"I wish, in the other life, I will still be your man. If we can't be together at this lifetime, I hope, you can be my husband in the next reincarnation," Min Jun whispered to Uk. He pushed the man a bit farther so he could take a proper look at him.
"I hope things will get easier in the future. For the love's sake..." the seja started tearing. Uk wiped the droplet from his cheek and pinched Min Jun's chin with care.
"The world won't sit in the same position forever, wangjanim. Things will gradually grow, updated and change for the better. Don't worry, love will always win," Uk replied softly.
"Do you regret loving me, sobangnim?" asked Min Jun. Uk shook his head faintly, as he scoffed, his fingers playfully pinched the Seja's cheek.
"I won't dare saying no to a wangja! I don't want to lose my head–!"
"So now you tell me, you accept my proposal because you're afraid of your life? All this time, it's out of fear? Really?" Min Jun's voice laced with annoyance. He pushed Uk away from him and leaving the man alone.
"I was joking, wangjanim! Stop sulking–!"
"I don't want to hear anything from you anymore!"
"Wangjanim, please!"
So, that's how they start a new day; bickering until one of them giving in. In love, there's not always flowery and bubbly, as long as you enjoy it with your love ones, even a storm could get calmer.
Just trust the process.