Chunho watched as the elderly woman, Eunja, gently touched Jeoyoon's forehead, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. She seemed to be deep in thought before finally speaking, her voice soft but firm.
"The constitution Jeoyoon bears is a rare gift, bestowed by the dragon Yooshin," she began, her eyes meeting Chunho's. "In ancient times, those born with this bloodline were usually women, gifted with extraordinary abilities. But one day, Yooshin changed her mind. She decreed that the next Oshin, as we call those with this constitution, would be men. It was an incredulous decision, for men lack wombs or the ability to bear children. But Yooshin made it possible with Jeoyoon."
Chunho's eyes narrowed slightly as he listened, his mind racing to piece together what Eunja was saying.
"The children born to Oshins like Jeoyoon do not come into the world as human babies," Eunja continued, her tone grave. "Instead, they are born as eggs. The egg grows over time, eventually hatching into a child—just as dragons or some mammals do. This process is unlike anything most humans can imagine."
Chunho felt a chill run down his spine at her words. He knew that Jeoyoon was different, but this was beyond anything he had anticipated.
"But there is a curse," Eunja said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Yooshin, in her wisdom, placed a terrible curse on the new Oshins. If they conceive with someone who isn't their destined partner, the child will not survive. It will die moments after its death. Jeoyoon... he learned this the hard way. As she didn't reveal this piece of information until Jeoyoon had unfortunately become pregnant"
Eunja's hand gently caressed Jeoyoon's hair, her expression pained as she recalled the past.
Chunho's heart tightened at the revelation. The thought of Jeoyoon going through such a harrowing experience, and the implications it held for their future, weighed heavily on him. He hadn't considered the full depth of what it meant to be with Jeoyoon and the potentially conceive a child with him.
"Jeoyoon is strong," Eunja added softly, "but even he cannot escape the burden of his heritage. You must understand, young Sir, that his life—his very existence—is tied to his destined partner. Without that, his suffering will only continue."
Chunho remained silent for a moment, processing everything he had just heard. The desire to protect Jeoyoon, to shield him from further pain, warred with his own ambitions and uncertainties.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and controlled. "Then I need to know... how do we find out if I am his destined partner?"
"You'll have to speak to Yooshin.."
Chunho's eyes narrowed slightly as he processed Eunja's words. "So, you're saying the only way for me to know if I'm Jeoyoon's destined partner is to speak with Yooshin directly?"
Eunja nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, young sir. The only way to speak with Yooshin is through dreams. It's a method that requires a deep connection with the divine, and it's not something that can be done lightly."
Chunho's gaze flickered to Jeoyoon, still unconscious and resting in the bed, then back to Eunja. "And how would I go about doing that? This connection… is it something I can achieve?"
Eunja hesitated, clearly weighing her words carefully. "It's not something that can be forced, young sir. Yooshin may choose to visit you in a dream, but that's only if she wills it. Often, those seeking answers must enter a deep, meditative state before sleep, clearing their minds of all distractions. But even then, there's no guarantee she will come."
Chunho's jaw clenched as he absorbed this information. He wasn't one to rely on the whims of the divine, but if this was the only way to ensure Jeoyoon's safety, he had no choice. "And if she does come, what then?"
Eunja's eyes softened as she looked at Jeoyoon. "If she comes, she'll reveal whether or not you are Jeoyoon's destined partner. But be warned, young sir, the truth may not be what you expect. Yooshin's ways are mysterious, and her decisions are often beyond human understanding."
Chunho remained silent, his thoughts churning. The idea of depending on a dream to determine his fate—and Jeoyoon's—was unsettling, but he had no other options.
He also realized there were two parts to the story, which made him even more upset.
"I'll do what's necessary," Chunho finally said, his voice resolute. "For Jeoyoon's sake."
Eunja looked at Jeoyoon for a while and stood up, this was the fastest way she could think of to help them both.
Eunja looked at Chunho with a steady gaze, her voice calm but firm. "Young sir, take Jeoyoon to Yooshin's temple. There, he'll find the balance he needs, and he'll be fine if he stays there for a while."
Chunho's brow furrowed in confusion. "The temple? But what's causing all of this? Why is Jeoyoon suddenly so unwell?"
Eunja's expression softened as she explained, "What's happening to Jeoyoon is because of his cycle—his time of fertility. It's a delicate period for him, and his body is under a great deal of strain. This is also the time when his instincts will be strongest. He'll want to mate, and that urge will change his behavior."
Chunho's eyes widened slightly at this revelation and a bitter smile appeared on his lips. "You're saying his behavior will change? How so?"
Eunja nodded, her tone gentle but direct. "He may become more clingy, more emotional, or even more assertive. His instincts will drive him to seek out a partner—his destined one, if possible. So don't be surprised if he behaves differently after this. It's a natural part of his cycle, but it can be overwhelming for him."
"And taking him to the temple will help?"
"Yes," Eunja confirmed. "The temple is a sacred place where Yooshin's presence is strong. It will help him regain control and find peace during this difficult time. The temple's energy will soothe him, and it may also give you the opportunity to connect with Yooshin yourself. But above all, it will ensure Jeoyoon's well-being."
Chunho nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then that's what we'll do. We'll go to the temple and make sure Jeoyoon gets the help he needs."
Eunja smiled softly, relieved by Chunho's determination. "Good. The sooner you go, the better. The temple will guide you both."
Chunho glanced at Jeoyoon, his expression unreadable at least he didn't have to worry about catching feelings, after all once Jeoyoon was healed he would go back to his normal self.