The Art of Villainy (SEVENTEEN)
The General’s Son
Jisoo sat beneath the largest tree, his hanbok soft and pale against the deepening twilight. The falling petals clung to his sleeves, to his hair, as if nature itself couldn’t help but adorn him. In the fading light, his features looked almost unreal—gentle, distant, like a spirit caught between worlds.
He closed his eyes, breathing in the evening stillness, the quiet lull of wind through branches.
Unknown
(strictly) Who are you?
The voice cut through the hush of the evening like a soft bell. Joshua blinked and turned his head slowly, eyes wide, lips parting just slightly as he looked up.
The boy standing at the edge of the courtyard looked no older than fifteen. Tall for his age, his posture was straight and shoulders squared like someone who’d been raised under the weight of duty. He wore a deep navy robe lined with silver—simple yet noble. His dark eyes studied Joshua with sharp curiosity, though his tone had not been unkind—just guarded.
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Tilted his head softly) Me?
Unknown
(strictly) yes,you
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
I… I’m Jisoo
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
And you are...
Choi Seungcheol
(cold) Choi Seungcheol
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Blinked, as if filing the name away like a delicate secret) It suits you.
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Nodded innocently)
Choi Seungcheol
(Narrowed his eyes) You didn’t answer why you're here.
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Fingers clutched the edge of his sleeve in a nervous fidget) I was told this courtyard was peaceful. And it is. Very much so.
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
I didn’t think anyone would be here.
Unknown’s expression remained unreadable. He stepped forward into the pink glow of the courtyard, the cherry blossoms rustling faintly above them.
Choi Seungcheol
This is a private courtyard
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
Oh—I'm sorry
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(stood up quickly, brushing off his robes with both hands) I didn’t know… it was just so quiet, and the petals were falling so nicely…
The unknown blinked. He hadn’t expected the stranger to be this… delicate. And sincere.
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Bowed slightly) Should I leave?
For a moment, Seungcheol didn’t respond. Then, in a rare flicker of softness, he shook his head.
Choi Seungcheol
You’re not from here
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Tilted his head) I came with aunty Jin.
Choi Seungcheol
(Raised an eyebrow and whispered) mom....?
As if summoned, the sliding doors to the veranda creaked softly. Lady Jin—Seungcheol’s mother—stepped out, graceful as always, her brows lifting in surprise when she saw the two boys together.
Choi seokjin
There you are
Choi seokjin
(Voice gentle but amused) I was looking for you, Jisoo.
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Turned quickly and bowed again)
I’m sorry, aunty Jin. I just—
Choi seokjin
(teased with affection) You wandered
Choi seokjin
(Patting his hair) This one always finds the quietest corners.
Jin's gaze shifted from Jisoo to Seungcheol. Her expression softened into something amused and fond.
Choi seokjin
I see you've met my son.
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Blinked) Your son?
Choi seokjin
(Warmly) Seungcheol, this is Jisoo. He’s minister Ho-seok omega son.
Seungcheol's posture straightened subtly. He nodded in greeting,
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Jisoo's hands tugged at the hem of his sleeve blowing properly) It’s very nice to meet you properly.
Choi Seungcheol
(replied formally) Likewise
Choi seokjin
(Gently touched Jisoo’s shoulder) Come now. Grandmother wants you to help with the lanterns.
Jung Jisoo/Joshua
(Bowed once more, this time a bit lower) Maybe we can talk again later
Choi Seungcheol
I’d like that.
Seungcheol didn’t answer right away. Something about Jisoo’s voice lingered, settling under his skin like falling petals. He merely watched as the boy turned and followed Jin, his soft, graceful movements framed by the golden glow of the courtyard lanterns. The cherry blossoms overhead released another quiet shower of petals, drifting down in slow spirals around them.
The sky behind them was painted in twilight’s palette—dusky rose and lavender blue—casting Jisoo in a light that made him look like a figure from a dream. Seungcheol stood still long after they disappeared, hands behind his back, spine straight, but his eyes remained on the path where the omega had walked.
Something about him tugged at Seungcheol’s thoughts, subtle and unshakable.
Seungcheol had been trained to notice details, to measure people beneath their words and smiles. And right now, his instincts whispered that Jisoo wasn’t merely different—he was hiding something
And for the first time in a long while, Seungcheol felt curiosity stir like a blade being drawn.
He didn’t just want to see Jisoo again.
He wanted to understand him.
Choi Seungcheol
(cold) Let's see what game you’re playing Jisoo !
"I think he watched too long. But maybe he’s just curious. Curiosity fades."
Comments
*@workofgod*
thank you for the update 🥰 the plot is so good 😊 keep working and please try to update more
2025-05-23
2
*@workofgod*
they met 🥰💕
2025-05-23
2