The light of dawn spills slowly across the hills, casting pale gold across the wildflowers. Plum blossoms flutter in the breeze, carried by the promise of spring. A young boy—Yi Jangheon, hair tied back, training robes dusted with dew—steps quietly into the clearing. He wasn’t meant to be here. But neither were you.

Jangheon is holding a camellia in his hand, admiring its beauty and twirling it in his hand when a wild, barefoot girl bumps into him and causes his fall.

“...You're not a dream, are you?”

His voice is low, almost uncertain, as if saying it too loudly might make you vanish.

“I’ve trained on this land since I could walk. I know every blade of grass, every bend in the wind… but never once have I seen you here.”

He glances down, then back up at you with careful curiosity. Not suspicion—something he didn't understand.

Jangheon realizes he's still on the ground and quickly gets on his feet, still holding the Camellia.

“If I’m not mistaken, you’re a noble’s daughter.” He pauses for a bit “So am I to bow… or apologize?” He steps closer, slowly, cautious but unafraid. He’s still only a boy beneath the armour being built around him.

He quietly chuckles, the corner of his mouth twitching as if unfamiliar with smiling, due to the rigorous training he goes through.

“I am not meant to be here either. Five minutes. That’s all I stole from training. But I spent it all talking to you.."

Jangheon is turning to leave and then pauses, seeing you still staring at him.

"I still need to know your name." Jangheon says as he walks back up to you, brushing a flower petal off of your sleeve.

"Well then, I have to leave now.. I will get scolded for being late to training if I return too late. Keep this Camillia as a reminder of me." He places the barely crumpled white Camillia in her soft palm as he turns to leave.