“I know, I know. You were such a stick in the mud, Muheon. Who would marry someone so detached from personal feelings? I misspoke.”
Dokgojin’s words, though an apology, carried a hint of playful teasing, a long-standing familiarity between the two ancient beings.
He had finished his brief, intrusive exploration of the kitchen, turning back to the growling Muheon, whose displeasure was evident in the low rumble emanating from him.
Dokgojin’s sharp gaze then shifted, sweeping through the spacious dwelling, a silent quest for the elusive partner of the West Sea Imugi.
A deep curiosity seemed to settle upon him, wondering why Muheon, the usually fastidious lord of his domain, was receiving guests, particularly an old friend, alone without the presence of his chosen companion.
It was an unusual deviation from the expected customs and protocol for such significant figures, leaving Dokgojin to ponder the absence of the other half of this formidable duo.
Despite Dokgojin’s implied desire for him to reveal his partner, Muheon stood firm, his expression unwavering.
He had no intention of bending to Dokgojin’s unspoken demands.
As much as he could, Muheon wished for this moment, this brief, intrusive visit, to simply end. He desired for Dokgojin to leave, for the quiet solitude of his home to return.
The desire for Dokgojin to depart was a palpable force within him, a silent plea for an end to the casual intrusion on his personal space and the privacy he meticulously maintained.
Dokgojin’s amusement was clear as he observed Muheon’s attempts to conceal something.
A soft chuckle escaped him, betraying his awareness.
It was glaringly obvious that Muheon was desperately trying to keep something, or someone, hidden from Dokgojin’s probing gaze.
The pretense was thin, almost transparent, making Muheon’s feigned indifference all the more amusing to his discerning friend.
The effort to act as if nothing was amiss was quite transparent, revealing more than it concealed.
A discovery indeed. Dokgojin, after centuries of acquaintance, found himself observing a genuinely endearing, almost “cute,” side to his stern and often impassive friend.
This newfound aspect was a delightful surprise, prompting Dokgojin to close the distance between them, stepping closer with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
His approach was deliberate, a confident advance born of long-standing camaraderie and a desire to uncover the secret that Muheon so transparently wished to keep.
These Imugis, powerful and ancient as they were, shared a fundamental trait: possessiveness over their partners.
It was an unspoken rule among their kind.
There was simply no way they would be content with their significant other out of sight, especially when an unexpected guest arrived.
This deeply ingrained characteristic strongly suggested that Muheon’s partner, whoever they might be, was undoubtedly close by, within the immediate vicinity of the building.
The proximity was a given, an almost instinctive understanding between their kind.
Dokgojin’s initial assessment of the immediate area revealed no other significant presences. The space felt clear, devoid of any obvious foreign energy.
With a casual, almost leisurely stride, Dokgojin began his descent downstairs, his senses attuned to the subtle shifts in his environment.
As he moved, the distinctive and familiar scent of sea merfolk permeated the air, a unique aroma that clung to every part of the building.
However, amidst this pervasive ocean scent, a peculiar and alien fragrance cut through, distinct and undeniably out of place.
“Hmm…?”
A soft, questioning hum escaped Dokgojin’s lips.
It was an earthy smell, a scent strongly reminiscent of freshwater, completely distinct from the briny tang of the sea.
The unfamiliar, slightly fishy scent of mud, a smell he hadn’t encountered in a very long time, caused Dokgojin’s brow to furrow slightly in contemplation.
He paused, turning around, his gaze now searching for the source of this unexpected aroma.
“Did you take in a land creature too?”
The question hung in the air, a direct and probing inquiry that challenged Muheon’s usual reticence.
Muheon, typically a being of few words, offered no discernible response.
His silence was a hallmark of his nature, making his current taciturnity even more pronounced.
Just as Dokgojin began to ponder the unusual quietness of his friend, a small, unassuming cap suddenly popped into view from seemingly nowhere, drawing his attention.
“Boss!”
A voice, clear and enthusiastic, accompanied the appearance of the cap.
The cap, personifying the speaker, naturally linked arms with Muheon, an action of easy intimacy.
A wide, bright smile bloomed on its wearer’s face, radiating warmth and uninhibited affection.
This simple gesture, the linking of arms and the joyous smile, immediately conveyed a relationship of significant closeness and familiarity between the two, undeniable to any observer.
Muheon, in return, exhibited a surprising tenderness.
His eyes softened, a gentle warmth replacing their usual sternness, as he delicately stroked the shoulder of the person wearing the cap.
Furthermore, he firmly gripped the hand that was linked to his arm, his fingers lightly kneading and caressing it.
Even without any prior knowledge or context, these tender, unselfconscious actions unequivocally communicated a deep affection and intimate connection between them.
It was a clear demonstration of their bond, evident in every subtle movement and glance.
However, a perplexing detail lingered: the faint yet persistent earthy smell of land that emanated from the small figure beside Muheon.
It was an oddity, a scent that hinted at a terrestrial origin for someone so intimately linked with a sea deity.
Could it be that the one chosen as his partner was…
The thought, half-formed and somewhat disbelieving, began to solidify in Dokgojin’s mind.
“A land creature…?”
Dokgojin’s muttered thought was more an astonished realization than a question, articulated softly to himself.
At the word, Hakyung’s brow subtly furrowed, a flicker of irritation crossing his face.
While he fully acknowledged his identity as a land river dolphin merfolk, he saw no reason to be referred to as a “creature,” especially upon their very first meeting.
The term felt demeaning, an unwarranted dismissal of his being.
The pleasant mood that Hakyung had enjoyed from seeing Muheon’s face while working had completely dissipated, replaced by a swift wave of annoyance.
His other colleagues, the older brothers he worked alongside, never once uttered even the slightest discriminatory remark.
This unknown individual, however, had managed to make a terrible first impression.
He was, to Hakyung, utterly displeasing.
Muheon observed Hakyung’s emotions, transparently displayed on his face, and let out a brief sigh.
He had suspected that their temperaments might not align perfectly, but this initial encounter was proving to be even more disagreeable than he had anticipated.
The immediate clash was undeniable.
“Say hello. This is Kang Hakyung, who I’m marrying. And you say hello, East Sea Imugi Dokgojin.”
Cutting through the sudden, chilled tension in the air, Muheon introduced them, his voice firm and clear. Hakyung, who had been glaring at Dokgojin with an unyielding, almost impertinent gaze, quickly softened his expression, smoothing the sharpness from his eyes.
Considering that an Imugi, like his boss, would undoubtedly be ancient and venerable, Hakyung understood that it was proper for a younger being like himself to bow first.
His grandmother had always instilled in him the fundamental importance of respecting elders, repeatedly emphasizing that he should never, under any circumstances, act like a rude river dolphin, no matter where he went.
This ingrained teaching guided his immediate reaction.
“Hello. I am Kang Hakyung, a river dolphin merfolk.”
Hakyung bowed deeply, pressing down firmly on his cap to ensure it remained in place.
Seeing Hakyung’s swift transformation into a picture of deference, Dokgojin found himself at a loss for words, unable to articulate any further criticism.
Moreover, he knew he couldn’t arbitrarily disrespect someone who was marrying Muheon, the formidable ruler of the West Sea.
With a large, outstretched hand, Dokgojin delivered a hearty slap to Hakyung’s back.
The force was uneven, lacking a consistent rhythm, causing Hakyung’s body to sway back and forth in response.
He noted Hakyung’s apparent lack of physical strength, worrying slightly as the younger man swayed like seaweed even from a simple, welcoming gesture.
However, he quickly dismissed the concern with a boisterous laugh, assuming that Muheon, being Muheon, would naturally ensure his partner was well-fed and taken care of.
There was no doubt in Dokgojin’s mind that Muheon would handle such practicalities with his characteristic thoroughness.
“Yes, I am Dokgojin. The Imugi in charge of the East Sea. Congratulations on your marriage to Muheon.”
Dokgojin’s voice boomed with cordiality, sealing the formal introduction.
“Thank you.”
Hakyung bowed once more, this time with Muheon’s hand gently holding his cap in place.
Dokgojin let out a soft breath, a ticklish sensation creeping up on him as he caught a fleeting glimpse of the intimate, almost effervescent atmosphere between the two.
Did that guy wake up and eat something wrong?
He’s completely unhesitant with such embarrassing acts!
Dokgojin’s internal monologue was a mix of surprise and amazement at Muheon’s uncharacteristic public display of affection.
Regardless of Dokgojin’s eyes narrowing in observation, Muheon’s primary concern was Hakyung’s comfort.
He worried that Hakyung’s back might begin to ache from repeatedly bowing.
His desire for Dokgojin to leave, now that he had seen Hakyung’s face, was palpable and immediate.
Muheon voiced his true feelings without bothering to conceal them, his intention clear.
“You’ve seen enough, right?”
The remark hung in the air, sounding vividly like an explicit command to “get out immediately.” Dokgojin’s expression soured, a frown deepening on his face at the overt display of annoyance.
A sigh escaped him, an involuntary expression of his dismay at his old friend’s profound indifference.
To not even offer a glass of water, let alone a grand feast, to a long-standing companion after such an extended period apart felt genuinely thoughtless.
Marriage, it seemed, did not alter one’s fundamental lack of courtesy.
The age-old adage about not being able to “fix” a person proved true, even for beings as ancient and powerful as Imugis.
Their core nature remained immutable.
Instead, it was Hakyung, who had been listening intently to their terse exchange, who began to fret.
He anxiously tried to intervene, gently tugging at Muheon’s broad shoulder and whispering softly.
“We just said hello, why are you telling him to leave?”
Hakyung’s voice was laced with a hint of confusion and concern, barely audible.
“He’s probably busy, right?”
Muheon, completely ignorant of Dokgojin’s actual schedule, offered his arbitrary answer, a dismissive tone in his voice.
Dokgojin, however, watched their brief exchange with growing interest, finding the dynamics of their relationship far more entertaining than he had initially expected.
It was quite absurd, even trivial, yet undeniably cute, to observe this young, seemingly fresh-faced creature, whose youth was evident in the faint downy fuzz (implying youth or softness), lecturing Muheon.
It struck Dokgojin as endearing.
His own partner, in stark contrast, was primarily interested in cultivating coral and caring for fish, rarely uttering more than ten words a day.
If someone clung to him and chattered so freely, Dokgojin mused, he would undoubtedly grant them anything, simply out of sheer affection. The idea was surprisingly appealing.
The pungent, earthy smell that had initially irritated his nostrils began to feel oddly comforting, like a sweet, familiar scent, the more he was exposed to it.
As he observed the pair, Dokgojin’s eyes, initially filled with mere curiosity, slowly began to register a distinct undercurrent of envy.
Even in Muheon’s typical silence, his partner seemed perfectly accustomed to it, expressing whatever was on his mind without needing explicit permission or encouragement.
He truly appeared to be the ideal match for Muheon, that notoriously taciturn individual.
Their dynamic was effortless and perfectly suited.
“So… have you had lunch? It’s lunchtime now, would you like to eat together?”
Hakyung’s voice, hesitant yet hopeful, broke the silence.
“Oh, with me?”
Dokgojin’s response was a surprised, slightly amused question.
“Yes, yes.”
Hakyung confirmed, his tone eager and inviting.
***
“Is Kang Hakyung going to make it himself? I noticed a delicious smell still wafting from the kitchen.”
Dokgojin’s subtle proposition carried a thinly veiled curiosity.
Hakyung’s expression immediately shifted to one of difficulty.
He had naturally assumed they would dine out, but the sudden prospect of having to prepare and serve a meal presented an unexpected challenge.
He felt compelled to seek Muheon’s opinion on the matter.
The very act of Hakyung asking for Muheon’s opinion on such a minor detail sparked a renewed sense of envy in Dokgojin.
That blessed son of a gun, Lee Muheon…
The long-held prejudice in Dokgojin’s mind, that Kang Hakyung, not being born of the sea, was somehow undesirable, had long since vanished.
It was an outdated notion, replaced by a growing admiration for the easy intimacy he witnessed.
“What about you, Boss?”
Hakyung’s question was directed at Muheon, seeking his preference.
“If it’s not too much trouble, just make some kimchi stew.”
Muheon’s response was characteristically concise, a simple request that implied consent for Hakyung to take the lead.
“Oh… it’s not trouble… just a moment. I’ll go check what’s in the fridge then. You and the boss can take your time coming!”
Hakyung’s words tumbled out, a mixture of politeness and eagerness.
His mind already racing, he quickly ascended the stairs, recalling the contents of the refrigerator from that morning.
Dokgojin chuckled softly, amused by Hakyung’s swift and nimble movements.
“He’s definitely cute. Surely he’s not still a minor, right?”
Dokgojin’s question was casual, yet probing, betraying a deeper curiosity about Hakyung’s age.
“What are you talking about? He’s been an adult for ages.”
Muheon’s reply was sharp, a subtle protectiveness in his tone.
“Ages? What year was he born?” Dokgojin pressed, sensing a discrepancy.
“20XX.”
The immediate, straightforward answer of Kang Hakyung’s birth year caused Dokgojin to react with a surge of indignation.
“20XX? He’s barely been an adult for five years!”
Dokgojin exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief.
“That’s long enough.”
Muheon’s retort was delivered with unwavering conviction, a matter-of-fact statement that defied Dokgojin’s perceived outrage.
“Bah! You whale thief!”
Dokgojin roared, stomping his foot in frustration, chastising Muheon’s brazenness.
Regardless of Dokgojin’s theatrical display, Muheon calmly ascended the stairs, intent on assisting Hakyung, who now, by a stroke of unexpected circumstance, was preparing both breakfast and lunch.
It was fortunate that Hakyung had not only proposed the meal but also genuinely enjoyed cooking.
Otherwise, Muheon might have unwittingly proven himself to be a completely oblivious husband, lacking in foresight and consideration.
The averted crisis was a testament to Hakyung’s proactive nature.
As Muheon abruptly left the room, Dokgojin wasted no time, quickly falling into step behind him.
He was determined to witness firsthand, with his own two eyes, just how capable that “whale thief” truly was in the kitchen.
His skepticism and curiosity were at an all-time high.
Somehow, with two formidable Imugis trailing behind him, Hakyung moved with remarkable speed and efficiency through the kitchen.
Indeed, when it came to quickness in freshwater, no one could truly surpass a river dolphin.
His movements were a blur of purposeful activity.
One moment, he appeared to be expertly peeling potatoes on the right side of the counter, and in a blink, he was on the far left, diligently washing clams.
Moments later, he effortlessly retrieved thick cuts of meat from the refrigerator, skillfully preparing them with practiced movements.
The fluidity and speed of his actions were mesmerizing.
Having spent his entire life being served meals prepared by others, witnessing the entire process firsthand was a novel and intriguing experience for Dokgojin.
A mischievous thought crossed his mind: if he were to go home and casually ask his own wife to prepare a meal, he’d likely end up with sea urchins embedded in his body as a painful reminder of his impudence.
The sheer impracticality of such a request made him chuckle inwardly.
Tsk, Dokgojin smacked his lips in regret, a wistful expression clouding his face.
His eyes, now filled with a newfound focus, shifted to follow Muheon’s movements.
Muheon, in his own way, was busily assisting his partner.
He meticulously picked up potato peels, ensuring they were properly discarded in the trash.
He diligently changed the water for the clams as they purged themselves of impurities, and carefully stacked the prepared meat, organizing it neatly.
His actions, though simple, demonstrated a surprising attentiveness.
“Well, I’ll be… living long enough to see this.”
Dokgojin couldn’t help but let out a disbelieving laugh, directed at Muheon, who had transformed into a surprisingly adept homemaker.
Of course, Dokgojin knew Muheon wouldn’t even bat an eye if he were to perform a backflip behind him.
His friend was far too indifferent to such theatrics.
Dokgojin felt a pang of undeserved sadness.
He, too, had a wife, yet he couldn’t shake the persistent feeling of coldness at his side, a loneliness he hadn’t anticipated.
Thus, while the couple on the cusp of marriage savored their sweet, tender moments, the Imugi who had been married for over two hundred years experienced a bittersweet period of reflection.
Finally, a table laden with an array of appetizing dishes, each promising a delightful culinary experience, awaited them.
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