Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months as Hyunjin and Yeon-mi found themselves bound by their longing for each other, their only solace the letters they exchanged in secret. Each night, Hyunjin would pen his thoughts and feelings on delicate parchment, pouring out his heart in the privacy of his room. He entrusted the letters to a loyal servant, who delivered them discreetly to Lady Hwa-yeong's estate.

Yeon-mi would receive the letters with trembling hands, her heart skipping a beat each time she saw the familiar handwriting. She would read them in the quiet of her small room, savoring each word and carefully crafting her responses. The letters were her only link to the man who had captured her heart, and she treasured them dearly.

My Dearest Yeon-mi,

The days feel unbearably long without the sight of you. Each moment we are apart only intensifies my longing. Your absence is a void that nothing else can fill. I dream of the day we can meet openly, without fear or constraint. Until then, these letters will have to suffice. Please take care of yourself.

Yours always, Hyunjin

Lord Hyunjin,

Your words bring me a comfort I can scarcely describe. I too dream of the day we can be together without hiding. Your letters are my solace in this time of separation. I pray you remain well and safe. My heart, belongs to you, always.

With deepest affection, Yeon-mi

Hyunjin would often stay up into the night, re-reading Yeon-mi's letters, his heart aching with the desire to be near her. The constraint of their situation weighed heavily on him, and he found it increasingly difficult to maintain the charade of normalcy.

Yeon-mi, on the other hand, carried out her duties with a distracted air. Her mind was often elsewhere, her thoughts consumed by Hyunjin. Lady Hwa-yeong noticed the change in her servant but chose not to comment, understanding the depth of Yeon-mi's feelings.

One evening, as Hyunjin sat by the window in his study, the moon casting a silvery glow on his surroundings, he made a decision. He could no longer endure the pain of their separation. The societal constraints and his family's expectations seemed insignificant compared to his love for Yeon-mi. He resolved to pursue his heart's desire, regardless of the consequences.

Hyunjin picked up his pen and began to write a letter to Yeon-mi, his determination clear in every stroke.

My Dearest Yeon-mi,

I can no longer bear to be apart from you. The constraints of our situation are a prison I can no longer accept. I have made up my mind to pursue my love for you, regardless of the repercussions. Please be ready, for soon I will come to you openly and without fear. Our love is worth any sacrifice.

With unwavering love, Hyunjin

Hyunjin sealed the letter with a sense of finality, knowing that the path he had chosen would be fraught with challenges. But his resolve was unshakable. He would pursue his love for Yeon-mi, no matter what it took.

As he handed the letter to his servant, Hyunjin felt a surge of determination. The time for longing and secrecy was over. He was ready to take a stand for his love, to defy the expectations of his family and society. The journey ahead would be difficult, but for Yeon-mi, it was a path he was willing to tread.