dt; loved ones

“Since when were palace maids held to such standards? It’s not like the royal family actually cares about them. They’re easily replaceable in their eyes,” you say. 

“Y/n.” Your father took a hold of you by your shoulders. “The royal family can’t have a hair out of place. That applies to anything associated with them as well, so please mind your image.” He looks you dead in your eyes. 

“You promise I can be a musketeer after all this?” The only reason you agreed to posing as a maid to protect the prince was because your father promised that afterwards you would be able to become a musketeer, just like you always dreamed of. 

“As long as you keep the prince safe, yes. I promise you will become a musketeer.” 

“Ok then, I shalln't have a hair out of place,” you state, smoothing over the fabric of your maid outfit. 

“Good.” He released his hold on your shoulders and stood up straight. “Now remember you must heid to his every command, that goes for any member of the royal family too. If your cover gets blown then so does the cover that we’re ignorant to the assisnation attempt.” There’s the reason your dad asked you to pose as a palace maid, specifically the prince’s personal maid. To protect him from the assignation attempt that’s planned to take place before the prince’s upcoming coronation. 

“I know, once I enter those doors I’m essentially a palace slave,” you say, sounding less than thrilled. 

“Not a slave, a…servant,” your father corrects. 

“You took a moment. Which means you know those two words are quite on par with one another,” you remarked. Your father’s eyes narrowed at you. 

“Not another peep out of you. Stand up straight, shoulders back, hands folded politely in front of you. You won’t speak unless spoken too,” you father instructs. He leads you out of your house and to the carriage that awaits outside to take you to the palace. 

The ride to the palace is quiet, other than the sounds of the carriage wheels spinning against the path and the sound of the horses' feet trotting. 

When the palace came into sight you felt a blob of feelings stirring inside of you. The weight of the prince’s safety sinking deeper into your hands. Knowing you’ll have to push your pride aside to follow royal orders. Followed by a contradicting feeling of not knowing what all you’ll be subjected to do. But more importantly you feel like your dream is right at your fingertips. In a matter of months you could be a musketeer. 

👑

“Seeun this is your newly appointed personal maid.” His mother, the queen, introduced you to him. You stood with your back straight, shoulder back, head high and with your hands folded politely in front of you. 

Prince Seeun doesn’t seem very impressed by your appearance. He looks you up and down with his face holding a neutral expression.

“Go to the library and fetch me The Art Of Calligraphy and bring me a cup of tea while you’re at it. I’ll be in my study.” He walked away without another word. You watched his back as he disappeared around a corner. 

“The library is located in the east wing.” The queen gestures in the direction of the east wing. “And he drinks chamomile tea with one teaspoon of honey and two lumps of dark sugar,” she advised you. 

“Thank you, your royal highness,” you say with a bow of your head. You give a full ninety degree bow to the queen as you excused yourself to the library. You notice how huge the palace feels when you're walking its halls alone. You almost feel like a mouse scurrying around. 

The library’s doors are huge and heavy. They make a creak much too loud for a library when you push them open. Fortunately no one else appears to be inside. You found the library catalog and looked for the card for The Art Of Calligraphy. You found the card and pulled it. The old worn paper felt rough between your fingers. You found the location number, quickly memorized it and put the card back. Then you proceeded to walk through the shelves till you found the location number and pulled the book from the shelf. The Art Of Calligraphy was written across the cover in gold lettering. You tucked the book under your arm and exited the library. Doors making that same high pitched creak as you left.

From there you hurried to the kitchen to make the prince his tea. Fortunately the kitchen keeps hot water on hand so you don't have to wait for water to boil. You grabbed a tray, a saucer and a cup. You place the saucer of the tray followed by the cup neatly placed in the center of the saucer. Then you placed the bag of chamomile tea in the cup and poured the water. While it steeped you added the teaspoon of honey and two lumps of brown sugar. Afterwards you picked up a spoon and mixed the contents of the cup till the sugar dissolved. You waited a few minutes more and removed the tea bag, throwing it in the trash.

Carrying the tray, the book under your arm and opening doors on your own was quite the feat to say the least, but alas you made it to the prince’s study, knocking on the door twice before entering. 

“You took your time,” Prince Seeun remarked upon you entering. You wanted to scoff, did he expect you to snap your fingers and have everything he wanted?

“Apologize your highness,” you force yourself to say instead, walking further into the room. You place the tray down on his desk and set the book beside it. From there you tried to quietly take your leave, but the prince spoke. 

“You need to grind my ink,” he tells you. Of course you did. Because why would the prince grind his own ink?

You add the drops of water onto the inkstone and pick up the solid inkstick. Carefully you began to grind the ink in gentle circular movements of the ink stick against the ink stone.

When there was enough ink Prince Seeun picked up his quill pen and dipped it into the ink.

“Can you read?” he asked you. 

You failed to contain your scoff. Of course you could read. It’s not like you were a poor peasant.

“Did my question offend you?” Seeun looks up at you from where he is seated at his desk. It looks like he’s trying to look at you with some kind of foe concern, but rather he simply looks annoyed at you.

“My apologies your highness. My throat had a tickle. No, your question didn’t offend me.” you answered. 

“Then answer it,” he told you. Your grind of the inkstick against the inkstone became a bit firmer as you tried to keep your composure. 

“Yes, I can read,” you informed him.

“Read for me then.” He ordered, opening The Art Of Calligraphy and tapping at the text using the back of his quill. You take a brief composing breath before beginning to read the text on the page.

“The pen angle can be as steep as 85° to the horizontal for the thin vertical strokes. This angle is relaxed to nearer 45° for the foot serifs and diagonal strokes. Therefore, from the top of the stem to the beginning of the foot, the pen must twist as much as 40°, and this transition is the key to well executed Rustic Capitals.”

“You read surprisingly well,” he voiced, but he doesn’t look up from the page he’s practicing rustic capitals on. 

“Thank you, your highness.” You have to say despite his words not feeling like a compliment at all. Did he think you lacked proper reading skills? And if so then why did he ask you to read? Did he want to make a jest of you?

“Keep reading and mind the ink,” he reminds you of your hand that was still moving in circular motions against the inkstone. 

You continued to read from the book while simultaneously keeping an eye on the ink. Temporarily stopping your motions when more than enough ink was ground and began your movements again when more ink was needed. This went on until dinner.

👑

“How are you holding up?” One of the other palace maids checks on you when you return to the maids quarters while the royal family is eating.

“Well I suppose, but I’ve only had to fetch him a book from the library, make him a cup of tea, grind his ink and read to him,” you went on to say. 

“Read to him? I haven’t heard any of his previous maids mention that,” she tells you. 

“Oh I have. He ask her to read a passage from one of his books and totally jested her when she stumbled over the word cumulo-cumuloni-nim-”

“Cumulonimbus?” you inferred the word the maid who cut into the conversation was trying to say.

“You’re educated,” the first maid says, looking at you with a hint of awe. 

“Yes, I was fortunate enough to receive one,” you said. 

“Then why are you here? I mean no offense by that, it's just maids don’t usually have such high literacy skills,” they explained themself. 

“My father…had a change of jobs,” you lied, looking down at your lap.

“Oh,” the two maids chorused and looked at you sympathetically.

“It’s fine.” You continued your act. “At least I get to work in the palace now.”

“And be close to the prince…though he’s not the nicest person to be around.”

A chortle rumbled through your lungs. “No, he isn’t,” you agreed, but was he so un-nice to be around that he deserved death?

After dinner was over you followed the price back to his room. 

“Run me a bath,” he ordered you. 

“Yes, your highness,” you obliged, making your way to the bathroom that was attached to the prince’s room. You reached the bath that was in the center of the room and turned on the facet, allowing the water to begin filling the tub. After adjusting the water’s temperature you looked at the array of different bath salts and soaps. You pick up the bath salt jar that looked half way used, probably the one the prince uses most you inferred since the other bath salts jars were mainly full. You pull off the cork and smell the salts. Different scents hit your nose, but the one that sticks with you the most is hemlock, poison hemlock. It’s hidden under the gardenia scent, but it’s there. It concerns you because it can cause respiratory paralysis.

“Your highness your bath salt has gone stale,” you inform the prince, walking over to the doorway where his room meets the bathroom. 

“Gone stale?” he looked at you puzzledly. 

“Yes, gone stale. It shouldn’t be used anymore,” you tell him. 

“Then throw it away. Use one of the others.” He speaks to you like he doesn’t know why you’re talking to him.

“Will do your highness.” You went back into the bathroom and looked at the salts again. This time you picked a jar that looks like it hasn’t been touched in a while. When you take a sniff you don’t smell any poisonous plants lurking around with the other scents of the salt. Now knowing that it’s safe to use you pour an amount of it into the tub and mix it into the warm water. 

“Your bath is ready.” Once more you walked to the doorway to notify the prince. He nods and gets up from where he was lounging on a couch and makes his way into the bathroom. He proceeds to stand in front of you. You give him a confused look. 

“Undress me,” he told you. 

“Undress you?” Your eyebrows rose every so slightly, not being able to fully contain your shock. 

“Yes, undress me, it's your job as my maid.” Of course it is.

“Right.” You swallowed the salvia that was sitting in your mouth. Ever so carefully you reached for his jacket and pushed it off his shoulders. Once it was off you folded it and set it aside on the counter that held all the salts and soaps. From there your fingers tentatively found the buttons on his collar, beginning to undo them one by one. You hyper fixate on the buttons, doing your best to ignore the prince’s skin that became more and more exposed with each button that you undid. When your fingers undid the last one you repeated the same motion you did with his jacket and pushed the silky material off his shoulders. After the shirt was folded your hands found his belt buckle. Again you attached your focus to the piece of clothing that you're removing, not daring to look at the body that lies underneath them. 

When you reach for the button of his pants the prince’s finger hooks under your chin, lifting your gaze to meet his. 

“You’re different from other maids,” he states. 

“Pardon?” you asked. 

“I mean what I said. You’re different from other maids. I’ve never had a maid that reads as eloquently as you do and I’ve never had a maid that undressed me so casually either. His voice drops when he says the second part. 

“I’m only doing my job.” You drop your gaze from his and return to undoing the button of his pants. Once the button is undone your fingers sink around the fabric of the waistband to pull the pants down, but the prince places his hands over your, preventing you from doing so. 

“Yes, your highness?” you asked, looking up at him. 

“Fetch me the book from my nightstand,” he ordered. 

“Of course, your highness.” Your hands release the fabric of his waistband and you bow slightly, turning to head out of the bathroom to grab his book. You walk the distance over to his nightstand and grab the book. 

Upon returning back to the bathroom you see that the prince is already in the tub, leaning against the porcelain with his arms resting on either side of it. His pants and underwear are sitting in a pile on the floor beside the tub. 

“Your book, your highness,” you say, handing the book over to him. After handing him the book you reached down and picked his clothes off of the floor, folding them and adding them to the pile of his other clothes on the counter. 

“Bathe me,” he said with nonchalance as he flipped open his book. Meanwhile your heart lurched into your throat. Though you suppose you should have expected him to give you this order. He can’t even lift a finger to grind his own ink.

Wordlessly you grabbed a washing rag and dipped it into the bath water. Then you chose a soap (smelling it first to ensure that it was safe.) You applied the soap to the rag and walked around to the back of the tub, coming down onto your knees and started to wipe down the top of the prince’s shoulders. 

“You can rub harder,” he tells you. You put a bit more force into your rubbing.

He naturally leaned forwards for you as you ran the rag past his shoulder to his upper back. As you cleaned down his back the more your heart sped against your chest because that meant you would have to wash his front side soon

After rinsing his back side free of suds you moved around to the side of the tub to scrub his chest. Your grip on the rag was slightly tighter as you tried to ground yourself. Your eyes hyperfixated on the rag, especially when you felt the prince’s eyes shift from his book to you. Even more so when you heard him set the book down all together. His gaze fully fixated on you now.

You ignored it as you brought the rag down his arm. When you reached his hand he captured your hand in his. The soap soaked rag, dripping down into the tub water below.

“You’re truly different,” he voices. 

You cleared your throat, finding a stable voice. “Yes, you mentioned that earlier, your highness.” 

“I was talking about your behavior then…” His thumb runs along the back of your damp hand. “However now, I mean that I fancy having you beside me,” he reveals. 

“We’ve only met today. Haven’t even known one another for a full day.” You didn’t look him in the eye. You feared you would lose your composure if you did.

“It’s been long enough.” His fingers wrapped more firmly around your hand, causing the rag to drip more. Droplets sounding in little splashes as they met the bath water. “Look at me,” he requested when you kept your gaze averted from his. 

Upon bringing your eyes to meet his your heart sputters in your chest. Why is he looking at you so thoughtfully? 

“I’ve never felt so at peace around someone before. Everything feels less loud. With my coronation approaching I’ve felt like I couldn’t breathe properly in months, yet right now.” He tugged you closer. “Breathing has never felt easier.”

“I should finish bathing you. The bath water will get cold.” You weren’t trying to dismiss him, but how were you supposed to respond to what he was telling you. It was practically a confession.

He allowed you to continue bathing him, but his eyes never leave you as you do so.

You changed him into his sleep clothes and pulled the blankets over him in his bed. 

“Have a goodnight, your highness.” You bowed, beginning to back out of the room.

“Stay,” he says. “Read to me.” He glances over to the book that is sitting on his nightstand. 

“As you wish, your highness.” You made your way over to the nightstand and picked up the book. 

“Sit.” He gestured to the empty space next to him on the edge of the bed. You obeyed and perched on the edge of his bed.

“Where were you?” You asked for his place in the book. 

“Just read,” he tells you. 

“Okay.” You opened the book and began to read. The prince closes his eyes, relaxing to the sound of your voice. It didn’t take long for him to drift off to sleep. When you took note of his sleeping form you quietly shut the book, returning it to its place on his nightstand. Then you proceeded to make your way out of his room as silently as possible, pausing to turn off the lights before closing the door behind yourself with a soft, gentle click. 

👑

“There was hemlock in the prince’s bath salt,” you notified your father when you were finally able to meet him privately. 

“Hemlock?” Your father repeated. 

“Yes, hemlock. Don’t worry I threw it out. Made a fib about it being stale, but I’d look into who provides the royal family with their bathing salts.”

“Naturally I will do that. Did you notice anything else that was off?” your father asked you. 

“No,” you simply stated. “But I’ll keep my eyes out.” 

“Good. How’s the prince? Not too insufferable?” He questioned with a hint of humour. 

“Surprisingly not,” you disclosed. 

“Really?” Your father seemed intrigued by your answer. “In the past I’ve heard gossip from his other personal maids about how…not so kind he could be.” Your father chose his words carefully. 

“He can be blunt, but he hasn’t been outwardly rude. At least not yet.” A small, almost imperceptible laugh rumbled through your chest.

“Pleasant news to hear. Though I suppose the more peace you keep with him the more willing he may be to grant you your musketeer title.”

A smile tugged at your lips. “I can only hope.”

👑

“Good morning, your highness,” you greeted the prince as you opened the curtain in his bedroom to allow the sunlight to pour in.

The prince groans from his bed, making his detest clear about getting up.

“Come on, I’ve got to get you changed for breakfast. Then after you’ve eaten you have your painting lesson in the great room,” you let him know his schedule for the morning. 

Prince Seeun reluctantly sits up, blanket pooling around his waist before he swings his legs out of bed. Meanwhile you fetched his clothes. When you return with his clothes he is still sitting on his bed, posture far less than perfect. A very light chuckle blew through you, seeing the prince in such a groggy state. You set his clothes beside him on the bed and started to remove his silk sleepwear top. One by one your fingers nimbly undid each button till you reached the last one. As you push the soft fabric off of his shoulder he lifts his head to look at you. His more than tired eyes meeting yours. You finished slipping the shirt off of his arms and reached for the new one, but you froze in your spot when you felt his long arms circling around your waist. 

“Oh-what are you?”

“Your apron is crooked,” he mumbled out as he pulled the knot of the back of your apron. 

“I’ll fix-” You went to take the strings of your apron from him.

“Let me.” He adjusted your apron around your waist. Your breath hitches in your throat when he leans closer to you. Peering around your back to tie your apron and after he tied the knot he let his hands graze down your sides. His touch only lasted for a second or two, but the intimate touch had your heart racing.

You cleared your throat, collecting yourself. “Thank you.” 

This time as you button up his shirt you're less cautious with your touches. Instead of strictly only touching the fabric adorning his body, you allow your fingers to ghost against his skin ever so slightly.

Prince Seeun notices this subtle change. An almost imperceptible smile gracing his lips at the feeling of your hands, dusting across his skin. 

“May you stand why I change your pants, your highness?” You asked after your fingers fell from fastening the last button. 

He nods, letting out a slight hum and rising from the bed to stand. His full height is now looming over you, but you pay no mind to it (try not to.) Your hands sink into the waist band of his silk pants and pull them down. Once they pool at his ankles the prince steps out of them. You grab the new pair of pants and prepare them for him to easily step into. After he does you pull them up his long legs and fasten them closed. Proceeding to reach for his belt and sliding it through the loops before tightening it and latching it closed. Finally you reach for his jacket, sliding it up his arms and coming around in front of him once more to do up the buttons. 

“Brush my hair for me too,” he told you. 

“Of course your highness.” You went to grab his hair brush. He takes a seat on his couch while you do so. You brought the hairbrush with you back over to the couch, standing behind it and beginning to brush the bristles through his hair. 

“Come around in front of me,” he says. You do as he says and come around to stand in front of where he sat on the couch.

Apparently Prince Seeun didn’t like the distance you were keeping between you two, because his hands landed on either side of your waist and pulled you closer to him, in the space between his legs. 

“Oh,” you gasp gently. 

“It’s nice to have you close,” he stated while looking up at you, his hands still on either side of your waist. 

After breakfast you’re assisting Prince Seeun during his painting lesson. Mixing colors for him on the palette, holding the palette for him, changing out and handing him different brushes and other painting tools. 

You fail to notice since you’re too preoccupied with the painting tools and keeping an eye out for anything that could impair the prince’s safety, but anytime you walk “too” far away Prince Seeun’s eyes glance towards you like magnets. You’re supposed to be the one watching him and yet here he is watching you. 

Promptly after finishing his painting lesson Prince Seeun's presence was needed in the courtyard for his archery lesson.

From the moment you stepped into the courtyard your gut was telling you that something was off. Your eyes scanned the surrounding area looking for anything that seemed out of place. Your ears pricked at every rustle of leaves that blew in the gentle breeze. Your ears stayed on high alert as you placed the prince’s hand guard and arm guard on him.

Just when you began to think that it was simply due to the fact that the prince was exposed in a more open area that was causing your paranoia you heard it. The distinctive crack of a bow snapping.

Without a split second of thinking you shoved the prince to the ground.

“You better have a-”

The arrow flies by, right in front of your face, landing in one of the pillar structures in the courtyard.

“Protect the prince!” A guard shouts. The rest of the guards hastily pull out their swords while they surround the prince, pushing you out of their way and to the ground as they do so.

You land on the ground with a firm thud, feeling the ground scratch against your palms.

“My maid already did!” Prince Seeun seethed, pushing his way past the guards that were surrounding him. “And why are none of you going to look for whoever shot that arrow at me!” He yelled at them. “Good for nothing insolent fools! I should have you all fired!”

However his rage falters for a mere moment when he sees you on the ground. His eyes soften with a flash of concern. A flash that came back to stay when he saw the streak of crimson red across your cheek. You had gotten hurt. Upon that realization his face hardens, jaw clenching. He bends down and pulls you up from the ground by your elbows. Once you’re on your feet one of his hands slips down to your wrist, pulling you along with him as he makes his way back inside the palace. Guards following right on your guys’ tails of course. 

“Leave us!” Prince Seeun barked at the guards when you two were back inside the palace walls. Upon passing a maid in the hall he shouted an order at her to bring a first aid kit to his room.

His livid demeanor faded away once the two of you were back in the seclusion of his room.

“Let me see.” His voice was soft now. His touch gentle and caring as he cupped your face in his hands to better inspect the wound on your cheek. 

“It’s alright your highness. It’s only a minor graze wound.” You tried to move your face out of his hands, but he held you more firmly, still keeping gentleness to his touch though. His finger slid from your cheeks to the resting on the side of your neck just under your jaw. His thumb came to wipe away the blood that was dripping down your cheek. 

“You shouldn’t be dirtying your hand,” you say softly. Though you didn’t really care about the prince dirtying his hand with your blood. No it was the way he was caring for you so gently that was affecting you. His delicate touch surrounding your face made it hard for you to fight off the crimson colored blush that wanted to take over your face.

A knock on the door becomes your saving grace.

“I have the first aid kit you wanted your royal highness.” The maid’s voice sounds from the other side of the door.

Prince Seeun walked over to the door and opened it, taking the first aid kit from the maid without any words. He comes back over to you. 

“Sit down.” He leads you over to the couch and gently pushes you down onto the plush cushions.

“You don’t have to, your highness,” you tell him when he sits down beside you and opens the first aid kit. 

“Shush, any wound of any size can get infected if left untreated. Just let me take care of you.” He damps a cotton ball with disinfectant.

“Come here.” He angled your body to face his and cupped your cheek again with his hand that wasn’t holding the cotton ball.

Despite him tapping the cotton ball gently against your wound you felt the sting instantly as the disinfected burned against your broken open skin. You winced ever so slightly, but it still made the prince pause.

“Sorry,” Prince Seeun apologized. Before resuming his action of dabbing the cotton ball against your injury, somehow even more gently than he did before. When he was done applying the disinfected he adjusted his hold on your face and pulled you in closer. Your heart lurches in your chest and he softly blows on the deep scratch on your to put out the burning the disinfectant caused.

“Seeun! Seeun! Are you alright!?” The queen came bursting into his room frantically. Of course it didn’t take long for her to hear about the news of the arrow that was aimed at the prince. “Oh-” She froze when she saw the sight of you and her son.

Now you feel your heart lurch into your throat along with some bile at being caught so intimately close with the prince. 

“I’m alright mother. Thanks to her. She got injured while saving me too.” Prince Seeun used his hand that was still holding your cheek to turn your face, so that his mother could see the injury you sustained. 

“Oh, oh I see…well should I call the royal physician to have a look at that?” She asked you, looking at your split open cheek. 

You shook your head. “There’s no need, your majesty. It’s only a small graze wound, nothing serious. I appreciate your offer though,” you tell her. 

“Thank you for saving my son.” She bowed her head at you, showing her appreciation. 

“Of course, your majesty.” It was what you were assigned to do anyway, technically speaking.

“You should fire those guards,” Prince Seeun tells the queen. “They failed to protect me and even pushed the one who did protect me to the ground when they finally decided to do their job.” Prince Seeun glances at you. The queen doesn’t miss it.

“Seeun, I understand you being upset with them, but your coronation is right around the corner. We can't afford to fire so many guards right now,” she told him. 

“With the way they failed to do their job today you still trust them to protect me? The palace? Call in the musketeers if you're so worried for my safety, because those guards don’t seem to know how to protect it.” He spoke with clear malice in his voice.

“I will discuss this further with your father alright. And I will cancel the rest of the lessons you had scheduled for today. Use the free time to recoup. I’m sure almost getting hit with an arrow must have startled you.” With that the queen takes her leave. 

After his mother leaves Prince Seeun instantly shifts his attention back to you. (Not that it fully averted from you anyway.) He picks up a bandage from the first aid kit and opens it.

“Face me. We shouldn’t leave your wound uncovered.” You obeyed and turned your head to face him. He delicately places the bandage over your wound. 

“I knew you were different from other maids,” He says, taking your hands in his. 

“Yes, your highness you’ve mentioned that,” you said. 

“Yes, I have, however then I was referring to your behavior.” 

“What are you referring to now then, your highness?” you asked. 

“The only way you could have pushed me out of the way in time for that arrow to miss me was if you heard the snap of the bow that the arrow was shot from. No normal maid’s ear would be trained to hear that.”

“I suppose not.” You weren’t sure what to say. The prince was right. No normal maid would have been able to hear the snap of the bow like you did. If you were a normal maid Prince Seeun would be gravely injured right now, but you’re not supposed to reveal your identity either.

“Who are you?” he questioned. He doesn’t look like he’s mad at you for pretending to be a maid.

“I’m your maid.” Technically that’s true.

Prince Seeun felt his heart soar. Something about hearing you say that you’re his made him feel warm inside. Though he can’t revel in that feeling as long as he wishes because you also didn’t really answer his question. 

“Are you not allowed to say?” he followed. 

“You’re right, I’m not a normal maid, but I am also your maid, so can we just leave it at that, your highness?” you asked. Prince Seeun takes a breath. He really wants to know more about your true identity, but he supposes right now he can simply be happy with the fact that you’re his (maid.)

“If you stop referring to me as ‘your highness’ we can. Please call me Seeun or Prince Seeun if you must call me a title.”

“Ok, Prince Seeun,” you smiled. He smiled back instantly. He loves the way his name sounds leaving your mouth. 

👑

Prince Seeun and you have gotten closer. It’s noticeable, so noticeable that they are whispers about you two floating around the palace halls. 

“How did she manage to seduce him?”

“I heard that he fancied her first actually.”

“I saw the way he dragged her into the palace that day. Let me tell you that boy is in love.”

“Why has the King and Queen not kicked her out yet? I mean a maid fooling around with their son, the prince.”

“Do you think they’re serious?”

“He won’t be foolish enough to try and make her his queen right?”

You didn’t pay any mind to the whispers. Seriously going as far as to claim that Seeun was in love with you because you walked alongside him in the halls rather than two steps behind? People simply loved to talk nonsense.

Except maybe it wasn’t nonsense at all.

“Prince Seeun, your coronation outfit has arrived. I need you to try it on, so we can see if any adjustments are needed,” you tell him as you enter his room with the box containing his coronation outfit.

Prince Seeun doesn't appear to be too pleased about the news of his coronation outfit arriving. Apparent in the way he gets up with a reluctant sigh.

“Not happy about your coronation?” you asked, setting the box aside.

“I don’t believe I’m ready to ascend the throne,” he voices. You approached him and took his hands in yours. Prince Seeun feels his heart stutter in his chest at your touch. 

“There are some things that we never feel ready for,” you tell him looking up at him. 

“Come with me to the coronation.” Even if he doesn’t feel ready. Prince Seeun knows he would feel a lot more at peace with you by his side. 

“I’ll be there. Granted, more in the background as a maid,” you say.

“No.” Prince Seeun brings your linked hands up to his chest. “I mean come with me.” He repeats the words with more intention. “Remain by my side the whole night.”

“I think having a maid by your side the entire night would be less than appropriate, Prince Seeun. Plus there are already plentiful amounts of whispers about us. That would only add to them,” you politely declined. 

“I got you something,” he tells you instead of trying to say something else that would say your mind. 

“You got me something?” You give him a surprised look. He chuckles at your expression. 

“Yes.” He lets go of your hands and walks over to the other side of his bed. He bends down and when he stands back up he’s holding a box. He came back over to where you stood and held the box out to you. “Take a look.”

You hesitated for a moment before removing the lid of the box. When you look inside you see an outrageously beautiful purple gown.

“For the night you won’t be my maid.” Speechlessly you look back and forth between him and the dress. 

“Prince Seeun I couldn’t possibly-”

“Try it on.” He pays no mind to your refusal.

“I shouldn’t,” you insisted. 

“You will.” He set the box down and before you knew it was unbuttoning the top buttons of your maid uniform.

“Prince Seeun, this is highly inappropriate." Yet instead of pushing his hands away to prevent him from undressing you any further, you look towards his bedroom door feeling paranoid that it would fly open at any second. 

“You undress me all the time,” he dismissed, continuing his way down your top.

“Because it’s my job,” you reasoned. 

He stopped undoing your buttons to look you dead in your eyes. “Undressing you can be my job,” he smirks. 

Your cheeks burn instantly. A deep red hue taking over your face. “Seeun!” You pushed him in his chest. 

“Finally got you to drop the ‘Prince’.” He smiled and went back to finish undoing the last set of buttons. He pushes the dress off of your shoulders, letting it pool around your feet. You feel exposed as Prince Seeun’s eyes roam over your body.

“You’re beautiful,” he tells you, placing his hands on your bare waist. His thumb swipes back and forth over your ribs.

“Seeun~” you complained, feeling hot all over. 

“What?” he asked you with a playful glint. 

“Get the dress.” You nodded over to where the dress box sat. He looks over you a few seconds more before going to grab the box. You step out of your maid uniform while he does so. He helps you into the gown then proceeds to lead you over to the mirror. 

“Absolutley breathtaking,” he states. His hands then move to your hair bun and removes the tie keeping it in place. Allowing for your hair to fall over your shoulders. “No one will even think for a second that you’re a maid.” His hands find their way back to your waist, resting on either side of it. He pulls you back against his chest.

“But what if someone asks for my title?” Prince Seeun moves his arms to rest around your middle. One of his hands then goes to meet yours. He lifts it to his lips, pressing a kiss against your knuckles. 

“I’ll take care of it. All you have to do is be by my side, the whole night. Won’t that make your job easier too?” he added.

You turn your head back to look up at him. “What are you implying?”

“We established that you’re not a normal maid. Based on the fact that you saved me from that arrow I can infer that your real duty more than likely has something to do with protecting me, so won’t it be easier to protect me when I’m right beside you?” He slightly raised a brow as he looked down at where you were in his arms. 

“People will still talk. Even if the guests don’t recognize me. Other palace staff will,” you said.

He leaned in to whisper in your ear. “And we both know that their whispers aren’t far off from the truth.”

“Prince Seeun.”

“If saying my name is the only rebuttal you have. Then it’s safe to say you’re accompanying me to my coronation.” He kisses your knuckles again. Letting his lips brush reverently against your skin.

You didn’t have any other rebuttal. 

👑

It was the day of Prince Seeun’s coronation and you were on high alert. You doubt whoever was behind wanting to assassinate Prince Seeun would simply give up after their arrow missed their target. Certainly they were planning something bigger. 

“You look more nervous than I do,” Prince Seeun remarked as you did up the last button on his coronation jacket. 

“I’m not nervous,” you refuted, hands taking a hold of his jacket lapels. “I just…” Know something is going to happen tonight. 

“You just?” His hands came to rest on either side of your hips.

“Want tonight to go smoothly.” But you know it’s not going to.

“As do I.” he grabbed your hands that were holding onto the lapels of his jacket and brought them to his mouth, pressing kisses against your knuckles. “I have something for you,” he told you, gently letting go of your hands.

“Last time you said that you pulled out this more than extravagant gown,” you say, looking down at the gown that hangs over your body. 

“And this time it’s the finishing touches,” he tells you. 

“What?” you asked. He answers your question by opening up a jewelry box, displaying a necklace with the sparkliest amethyst you’ve ever seen with matching earrings. 

“Prince Seeun, this is too much,” you state, looking at the jewelry that is shining back at you.

“No, it’s the bare minimum,” he articulated. He retrieves the necklace from the box and walks around behind you to put it on for you. He sweeps your hair out of the way, letting his fingers brush leisurely against the side of your neck. He sets the necklace around your neck and secures it. He then turns you around to face him, admiring how you look in the necklace. Allowing his fingers to run across the cool metal and your collarbones. He proceeds to put the earrings on you as well.

“You make the jewelry look beautiful,” he tells you, sweeping your hair behind your shoulder. 

You laugh. “Now you’re talking nonsense, my prince. The jewelry is beautiful on its own.” Prince Seeun has to act like his heart didn’t explode in his chest upon hearing you call him your prince. 

“It is, but it looks even more beautiful on you.” His arms found their way around your waist, pulling you into him. 

Your hands landed on his chest. “So what will my title be tonight?”

A smile graced Prince Seeun’s lips. He let go of your waist with one of his hands and reached into the pocket of his dress pants. He pulled out a ring box. Your heart stuttered in your chest at the sight of it. 

“Prince Seeun,” you say. He removes his other hand from your waist, so that he can open the box.

“My betrothed.” He opens the box, revealing a marquise style diamond ring. 

“Seeun, you can’t be serious,” you remark, looking at the ring in shock. Prince Seeun only chuckles, taking the ring out of the box. He grabs your hands and slides the ring onto your ring finger. 

“I’m dead serious.” He looked at you directly in the eyes. “Mother already agreed to it as well.” You look at the ring sitting on your finger. “I don’t know if I want to ask if this is just for tonight or if you’re being serious?” you voice. Prince Seeun simply takes your hand in his. 

“You can find out after tonight.”

All eyes were on you and Prince Seeun, granted this was his coronation, but the attention was definitely stemming from the news of you being announced as his betrothed. The gasps you heard from the guest when the announcement was made still rung through your ears. 

Prince Seeun didn’t appear to mind any of the attention though. He kept his arm linked with yours, walking around the room like he didn’t just shock everyone in the room. 

“Prince Seeun, you always did know how to get a room's attention.” Some guy, who you can only assume is of some high status, approached you and Seeun.

Prince Seeun laughed formally. “Well, yes, I supposed that’s true. Though honestly I wanted to announce my engagement the second she accepted my proposal, but my mother thought it would be best to share the news after my coronation. I bargained for the same night.” He leaned down to press a kiss to the crown of your head. 

The guy smiles fakely at the affection. “I’m surprised myself is all. I don’t recall ever hearing that you were courting someone, let alone planning on proposing.”

“I like to keep the matters of the heart private for the most part. It would be horribly embarrassing if I ran around singing about my love for someone only to have them reject me. I wanted things to be set in stone before sharing,” Prince Seeun responded with ease. 

“Indeed it would be,” the guy mused. “Well, enjoy your evening, soon to be king.”

Something irked you about that man. He clearly had a distaste for Prince Seeun, but was that distaste enough for him to want to assassinate him? You weren’t sure.

Throughout the evening you stayed latched to Seeun’s side. Encounter various kinds of people. However, they all essentially wanted to know the same thing: yours and Prince Seeun’s love story. One woman was even bold enough to question if you were carrying his child.

The crowning ceremony was about to start, which meant you found a way to be on even more high alert than you already were. Any one and every one was a suspect in your eyes. Even more so when a part of the ceremony included Seeun walking through a path of knights, who have their swords lifting, creating a tunnel for him to walk under. All holding very real swords that could be used to harm Seeun in an instant. 

“Seeun.” You stopped him right before he had to get in place for the ceremony to start. 

“What is it?” He asked you. 

“Don’t walk by a knight until I walk past them,” you instruct him. 

“Are you suspecting them?” He looked at you with concern. 

“I’d just rather be safe than sorry,” you tell him. 

“Okay,” he nodded. “I trust you. You’ll keep me safe.” 

This time you nod at him. “Of course I will, my prince.” That name has his heart sputtering in his chest again. He leaned down and pressed a chaste kiss to your cheek. He walked to his position as you walked parallel to it on the other side of the row of knights. 

You began your walk, thoroughly inspecting each knight with your eyes, looking for any signs of intentions of harming the prince. Prince Seeun kept pace a couple steps behind you. Only passing by each knight once you’ve walked by them like you instructed him to do. 

That’s when you notice something strange. A knight on the opposite side of the ones you're walking behind. He keeps glancing somewhere. At someone rather. You follow the knight’s gaze and that’s when you see him. The guy that approached you and Seeun earlier. The one who harbored a clear distaste for the prince. 

Prince Seeun noticed that you stopped walking. He makes eye contact with you, you shoot your gaze over the knight. He gets the idea and nods very subtly. He continues on walking and right when he passes that knight they lunge forwards. As do you, pushing your way through the knights that blocked your path.

It appears like you're too late. The knight’s sword had already pierced into Seeun’s side. Easily going through the material of his jacket. Sinking in deeper, until it hits something, armor.

“Is this really necessary?” Prince Seeun asked you attached the pieces of armor to his body. When you were getting him ready for his coronation.

“Yes, because I’d rather be safe, you be safe than sorry.” You pat the armor in place. 

“So you care about me?” He asks it like it’s a question, but he means it like a statement.

“Let’s finish getting you dressed.” You looked down to hide your blushing cheeks as you reached for his shirt. Of course you cared about him. 

Quickly you kick the knight away from Seeun and subdue him, tossing his sword aside and trapping him on his knees with his arms behind his back. Other knights urgently moved to help you contain the attempted murderer. 

“Somebody get him while you're at it.” You pointed to the man, who was trying to quietly, although promptly leave the scene. Upon seeing that his knight pond had failed to kill Prince Seeun. 

👑

“So how do you feel, King?” You asked him after the ceremony finally ended. You were back in his room. 

“Like the armor was a good call,” he says humorously. “But more than anything else.” He pulled you in close to him. “I want to know who you really are?” he asked. 

“My name is y/n and before becoming your maid I was in training to become a musketeer.” You clasped your hands together behind his neck. 

“No wonder you subdued that knight so easily,” he commented, hands falling to rest on your lower back. 

“Only the best to protect the King,” you remark. 

“Why do you want to be a musketeer?” he asked. 

“My dad is a palace knight.” Seeun’s eyes widened so much they looked like they could pop out of his head. You couldn’t help but laugh. 

“He wasn’t the one who wanted to kill me, was he?” he jested. Again you laugh. 

“He might want to when he finds out if you’re serious about taking my hand in marriage,” you jested back. “Anyway one day some musketeers had some business to discuss with my dad. I remember watching them ride up to our house on the horses and from that moment I just knew I wanted to be one,” you shared. 

“I am serious,” he tells you. 

“What?” You looked up at him. 

“I’m serious. About this.” He moves one of his hands to grab your left one. His thumb rubs over the ring sitting on your finger. “I know it may seem like it’s too soon, but I also know my heart has never yearned, never cared, for someone the way it does for you. I love you,” he confesses, leaning his forehead against yours. “I understand if you need more time, but I really want you to be my queen.”

“I think I’d like to be your musketeer first, but I’d also like to be your queen.” You linked your hand together with his, keeping your forehead pressed against his. Prince Seeun smiles the brightest he has ever smiled and presses his lips against yours in a much awaited kiss.

You nervously laughed in an attempt to lighten the situation, but as you tried to sidestep him, he easily blocked your path.

"I can count the times you've looked at me this week on one hand. It's almost like you're avoiding me,” He folded his arms across his chest as his eyes narrowed at your demeanor.

“What do you mean? Why would I be avoiding you?”, You laughed awkwardly before trying to escape again.

He rolled his eyes at your awkward laugh, clearly unconvinced. As you tried to dash past him, he easily stepped in front of you again, this time placing his hand on the wall to trap you.

“What are you doing?”, You felt your breath hitching at the sudden proximity as your heart started to race.

He stepped closer until there was barely any space between you and him, sending flutters through your stomach. He didn't look very pleased with your decision to avoid him like the plague.

"Are you blind or something?”, He asked, making you blink in confusion.

You had never seen Geonwoo this pissed at you, and you would be lying if you said that you secretly didn't find it hot.

"Blind? I mean, my eyesight is pretty bad," You stammered nervously, making him scoff at your answer in disbelief.

"Yeah, your eyesight must be pretty terrible," He retorted, "Because you're clearly not seeing what's right in front of you.”

"But lucky for you, I am not blind and I can see the reason why you have been avoiding me," He said bitterly, secretly enjoying your nervous demeanour around him.

"You think I haven't noticed how you've been playing matchmaker, trying to set me up with your friend?", He chuckled with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"But then something happened, and suddenly it wasn't just about your friend anymore. Somewhere along the way, you started falling for me, too,” Your face burned redder than a strawberry, shocked that he actually found out.

Of course, he found out. Kim Geonwoo is observant and sharp as heck.

He waited for you to deny it, a part of him expecting you to do just that, to laugh it off and say it was all in his head. But the way you froze, your eyes widened, told him everything he needed to know.

“It doesn't matter. She would look better with you,” You sighed, avoiding eye contact with him as he rolled his eyes at your words.

"You think she would look better with me? After all the time you spent trying to push us together? We don't even have anything in common," He scoffed bitterly at your audacity. "I don’t want her. I never did. I want you.”

Your heart skipped a beat as you took in his words, your mind racing with the implications of what he just said. You tried to maintain your composure, but you couldn't ignore the fluttering feeling in your chest.

"You really are something else. Give me one good reason why I should choose her over you?", He said flatly, crossing his arms across his chest.

"You're her type?", You answered sheepishly, making him sigh in disbelief.

"Her type?", He repeated, as if he was making sure he heard you correctly, “So tell me, why did she start dating Xinlong all of a sudden if I am her type?”

She is dating Xinlong?

Your eyes widened in realization as you processed his words, the puzzle pieces suddenly clicking into place.

All this time, you had been so focused on trying to push her and Geonwoo together that you hadn’t even noticed your friend was already with someone else. And worse? You had completely overlooked how obvious it was. He never wanted her. He wanted you.

"So are you going to make a move like your friend did or not?", He had been mid-sentence and about to make another sarcastic remark, when your lips suddenly slammed against his soft and pillowy lips after you yanked him closer towards you by the collar of his shirt.

He froze in surprise for a few seconds before his lips started moving against yours as he wrapped an arm around your waist and pulled you against him, trapping you between the wall and himself.

When you finally pulled back for air, he was panting slightly with a stunned look on his face. He clearly didn't expect you to do that.

“That was some way to make a move,” He breathed out, chuckling softly at the way you stared at the ground in embarrassment as if you didn't pull that bold move on him a few minutes ago.

His hands were still gripping your waist firmly, keeping you flushed against him, and with his lips just inches away from yours, you found it a little hard to concentrate. He smiled with amusement as your lips slightly parted in anticipation.

"Oh? So you get to be bold like that and then act all shy after avoiding me?", He teased as he leaned in again.

He didn’t give you a chance to respond, capturing your lips in another kiss as he pushed you back against the wall. His tongue swiped across your lower lip, demanding entry which you quickly gave in to, letting him explore your warm mouth.

When he finally pulled away, both of you were breathing heavily. He let out a small chuckle, tracing his finger against your swollen lips as he took in your flushed face.

"You look so cute like this,” He murmured teasingly, earning him a small playful smack on the arm.

“Shut up,” You smiled softly as he rubbed the spot on his arm with a grin.

"So are you finally going to start shipping me with yourself now?", He was about to lean in for another kiss when a scream made you two break apart from each other.

You two looked over to the doorway to see Xinlong and your friend standing there with amused looks, making you hide your face in embarrassment.

“I like Geonwoo for you, she said. I knew he was your type from far away, she said,” Your friend teased.

“Shut up, I have bad eyesight,” You mumbled as all three of them chuckled.

©sxmmerberries

more ald1 fics

networks: @k-films @kstrucknet @kflixnet

yunah just rolls her eyes and replies, “why’re you so whipped for him? i mean— i get he’s cute ‘n allat, but he’s so oblivious!”

“that’s what makes him cuter!” you exclaim, sighing as you open the door to the café. there he was. your boyfriend who didn’t know he was your boyfriend yet.

he’s getting someones order— a girl. it makes you slightly jealous but then, he locks eyes with you and he smiles, giving a wave. you light up and wave back.

“you look like an absolute dork.” yunah mutters out, dragging you to the line.

once you’re in front of him, you just stare.

his hair, his eyes, those lips, his baby face—

“hey, y/n.”

his soft voice snaps you out of your little observation.

“sangwon.” you say back, smiling at him. he smiles back, already putting in your order on the ipad. “the usual, right?” sangwon asks, looking at you again.

you nod, unable to hide the blush on your face. yunah watches you two, a silent scoff escaping her lips. when you two sit down, she slams the table, making a few people look over.

“what’s wrong?” you ask, tilting your head in confusion. “he’s so into you!” yunah yell-whispers at you and you can’t help but laugh.

“i wish.” you say flatly. “you are the dumbest person i know.” she says, rubbing her temple with two fingers. “he looks at you the same way you look at him!”

you pout and say, “don’t get my hopes up.” then, sangwon comes up behind you, yunah looking at him, and before you could turn your head to look at what she was looking at, sangwon kisses your cheek.

you froze, turning red as a tomato as he places your drink down on the table along with another one. sangwon walks away and you hesitantly take the drinks and there’s a note on yours it had his number on it and some words. it read; “y/n, be mine?”

on the other drink was a note that said, “another one on the house since i know you love this drink.” you glance at where he went and he’s already staring at you, smiling.

you smile back and nod. then, you get up and walk to him, hugging him. sangwon happily hugs you back, burying his face in your hair.

the scene earns some looks from his co-worker, mostly leo who was squealing with anxin. “i thought you were clueless.” you mumble into his chest.

Rival Seeun who grows a habit of knocking his leg against yours. 

“Would you quit that?” you snapped, feeling overly annoyed. Even more so as you watch the smirk that pulls at his lips. “Maybe if you didn’t sit so close to me it wouldn’t happen.” You scoff. “If I sit any farther away from you I'll fall off of my seat.” 

“Do it.” he challenged.

Rival Seeun who’s more than happy to point out a mistake you made while working on an assignment. 

“You messed up.” He tapped his pencil against your paper. Resulting in you rereading the question and noticing that you did indeed mess up. “Oh…thanks,” you say as you begrudgingly erase your previous answer. 

Rival Seeun who feels oddly concerned when you show up to class sick.

He feels a bit uneasy about the feelings stirring in his chest when he sees you lying with your head on your desk. Feeling too ill to even bother with doing your work. “Are you ok?” Why does he care?

Rival Seeun who trails behind you as you walk to your next class making sure that you get there ok.

Rival Seeun who grows a new habit of resting his arm behind you on your chair. 

“Can you stop invading my personal space?” You grab his arm and haphazardly toss it from your chair as you take your seat. Only for him to place it back as he leans in closer to you. “No, I like it.” 

Rival Seeun who leaves you with feelings stirring in your chest. 

The teacher didn’t print enough of the handouts resulting in you having to share with the person next to you. You leaned forward to look at the handout, hair falling in your face, but you paid no mind to it. Seeun did though. He reached across with hand and tucked your hair behind your ear, causing you to look up and make eye contact with him. Why was your heartrate picking up?

Rival Seeun who didn’t gloat like he usually did after scoring one mark higher than you on a test.

“Maybe next time.” Being all that he said. 

Rival Seeun who finds himself wanting to see you outside of class too. 

“Midterms are coming up, do you want to study at the library?” You’re stunned by his question. “With you?” Though you’d be lying if you say the butterflies weren’t dancing in your stomach at the thought. “Yeah, who else? You know I’m the only one who can match your smarts.”

Rival Seeun who still sits next to you at the library instead of across the table.

“What are you doing?” You question his seating choice. “Relax, I just like this chair.” He uses the same excuse, but there seems to be something different about it. 

Rival Seeun who finds you on the morning before exams to propose a proposition.

“If I score higher than you on exams you have to go on a date with me,” he says. Instead of rejecting his proposal you find yourself saying. “What if I score higher?” That smirk you had grown accustomed to pulls over his lips. He leaned in closer to whisper against your ear, “Then I’ll go out with you.”

You and Seeun worked together in a little coffee shop tucked away in the heart of your college town. From the moment you met, it was clear you were like oil and water. His cocky demeanor clashed violently with your straightforward attitude. Every shift was like a battleground, filled with sarcastic remarks and heated glares. To customers, you were known as a comedic duo. 

One night, as the clock struck ten, signaling the end of another long day, the last customer just left. You and Seeun began your closing routine. The air was thick with usual tension, your mutual disdain evident in every word and gesture. 

‘’Seeun, did you forget to clean the espresso machine again?’’ You asked, your voice raised with annoyance as you cited down the counter. 

He rolled his eyes, his lips curling into a smirk. ‘’Oh, I’m sorry, princess. Did you forget to restock the sugar packets like you were supposed to?’’ 

You shot him a whitening glare. ‘’It’s not my job to clean up after your mess.’’ 

‘’And it’s not mine to remind you of yours,’’ he retorted, leaning casually against the counter you just wiped. 

You huffed and turned away, focusing on your tasks. You reach up to grab a box from a high shelf when suddenly, you felt a sharp pain shoot through your ankle. You let out a yelp and stumbled, dropping the box with a loud thud. 

‘’Great, just great,’’ you muttered, through gritted teeth, catching your ankle. 

Seeun’s smoke faded instantly. He rushed over, concern flashing in his eyes. ‘’What did you do now?’’ He asked, his tone sharp but worried. 

You winced, trying to stand up but failing. ‘’I think I twisted my ankle,’’ you admitted, your voice strained with pain. 

‘’Sit down,’’ he ordered, a bit more gently this time. He helped you to a chair, his touch surprisingly gentle despite his usual harsh demeanor. 

You watched in disbelief as he knelt in front of you, carefully examining your ankle. ‘’What are you doing?’’ You asked, your voice a mix of confusion and curiosity. 

‘’Helping you, obviously,’’ he replied, his tone brusque. ‘’Do you always have to question everything?’’ 

‘’Why are you helping me?’’ You asked, wincing as he prodded your ankle. 

‘’Because I don’t want to be the one explaining to our boss why you’re limping around,’’ je said, but there was an undertone of genuine concern in his voice you caught up on. 

He stood up and fetched a first aid kit from behind the counter. He returned with a tube of cream and a bandage. ‘’This might sting a bit,’’ he warned, applying the cream to your swollen ankle. 

You hissed at the cold sensation but didn’t pull away. ‘’You know you're not half bad at this,’’ you remarked, trying to lighten the mood. 

‘’Don’t get used to it,’’ he replied, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips as he began wrapping your ankle with the bandage. ‘’Just stay still and let me finish.’’ 

You watched him work, a strange mix of emotions swirling inside you. ‘’Why do you have to be so infuriating all the time?’’ You muttered. 

‘’Because someone had to keep you on your toes,’’ he shot back, securing the bandage with a final tug. ‘’And clearly, you need someone to watch out for you. 

You couldn't help but chuckle despite the pain. "You know, for someone who supposedly hates me, you're pretty decent when it counts.’’

Seeun met your eyes, a severe expression on his face. "Just because we don't get along doesn't mean I want to see you hurt," he said quietly. "Now, try to stay off that ankle for a bit.’’

You nodded, touched by his unexpected kindness. "Thanks, Seeun. I appreciate it.’’

"Don't mention it," he replied, standing up. »But if you ever tell anyone about this, I'll deny it.’’

"Deal," you said, taking his hand and pulling yourself up. "But I might remind you every now and then, just to annoy you.’’

"I wouldn't expect anything less," he said with a grin. You tried to get up from the chair but he stopped you in your tracks. ‘’What do you think you’re doing?’’

‘’I need to finish closing up,’’ you said, looking at him in disbelief. 

"Do you want to make it worse?" Seeun shot back, his eyes narrowing. "Just sit. I'll handle the rest.’’

Frustrated but knowing he was right, you reluctantly sank back into the chair. You watched as Seeun efficiently went about the closing tasks, moving with surprising grace for someone you always thought of as infuriatingly arrogant. He wiped down tables, mopped the floors, and even took out the trash—all the while glancing at you to make sure you were staying put.

"You really don't have to do all this,’’ you said, a touch of guilt in your voice. "I can at least help with the counters.’’

"No, you can't," Seeun replied firmly. "The last thing we need is for you to fall again and break something else.’’

You huffed, crossing your arms. "You're so bossy, you know that?’’

"And you're so stubborn," he retorted, though his tone lacked its usual bite.

Finally, they were done. Seeun locked the front door, and they both stepped outside into the cool night air. You glanced at your watch and groaned. "Great. I missed my last bus,’’ you muttered to yourself.

Seeun raised an eyebrow. "How far do you live?’’

"About thirty minutes away," you muttered. ‘’Walking.’’

"With a sprained ankle? Not happening," he said, shaking his head. "Come on, I'll give you a ride.’’

You blinked in surprise. "You don't have to do that.’’

"And you don't have to walk home injured," he shot back, leading you to his car parked a few steps away. "Just get in."

You hesitated but then relented, hobbling to the passenger side and sliding into the seat. Seeun started the engine, and they pulled out of the parking lot.

"You know, you're not as bad as I thought,’’ you said after a few minutes of silence, glancing at him.

"Gee, thanks," Seeun replied sarcastically, though he couldn't hide a small smile. "You're not exactly a walk in the park either.’’

You chuckled. "I guess we both have our moments.’’

The drive continued with your usual banter, though it felt lighter, less hostile. You couldn't help but notice how different Seeun looked behind the wheel. The streetlights cast a soft glow on his face, highlighting his sharp features. He had a relaxed, confident air about him, one hand casually resting on the gearshift, the other on the steering wheel. He looked, for lack of a better word, incredibly hot.

"Stop staring,’’ Seeun said suddenly, breaking your reverie.

You felt your cheeks flush. "I wasn't staring.’’

"Right," he said, smirking. "Just like I wasn't scolding you earlier.’’

"Okay, fine. Maybe I was staring," you admitted. "But only because you look weirdly competent for once.’’

‘’Competent?’’ he echoed, raising an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a compliment, I guess.’’

You both laughed, the tension between you dissolving into something almost comfortable. As you approached your neighborhood, you realized you were actually enjoying his company. It was a strange, unexpected feeling.

"Thanks for the ride," you said as you pulled up in front of your house. "And for helping me with my ankle.’’

"Don't mention it," Seeun replied, his expression softening. "Just try not to hurt yourself again, okay? I don't want to have to play nursemaid every shift.’’

As you opened the front door, you glanced at the staircase leading to your apartment on the third floor. You sighed, realizing how difficult it would be to climb with your sprained ankle. Seeun, still standing by his car, noticed your hesitation.

"You're not seriously thinking about climbing those stairs, are you?" he called out, his tone half-scolding, half-concerned.

You shrugged, trying to play it off. "It's just a few steps. I'll manage.’’

"No way," Seeun said, striding up to you. "I'm not letting you hurt yourself even more.’’

Before you could protest, he bent down and scooped you into his arms.

"Seeun! Put me down!" You exclaimed, your face flushing with a mix of embarrassment and surprise.

"Not a chance," he replied, carrying you effortlessly up the stairs. "You're stubborn, but I'm more stubborn.’’

You grumbled but couldn't help feeling a bit touched by his gesture. "You know, for someone who acts like he hates me, you're pretty decent when you want to be.’’

"Don't get used to it," he said with a smirk, reaching the top of the stairs. "I still think you're a pain in the ass."

When they reached your door, you fumbled with her your, finally managing to unlock it. Seeun gently set you down just inside the apartment. You turned to him, an awkward silence hanging in the air for a moment.

"Um, do you want to come in for a drink or something?’’ You asked, surprising yourself with the invitation. "It's the least I can do after you carried me up here.’’

Seeun looked at you for a moment, then shrugged. "Sure, why not. Just a quick drink, though.’’

You led him into the small living room and gestured for him to sit while you hobbled to the kitchen. "Make yourself at home. What do you want? Water, soda, tea?’’

"Water's fine," he said, looking around the cozy apartment. "Nice place.’’

"Thanks," you replied, pouring two glasses of water and carefully bringing them to the living room, limping a little because of your ankle. You handed him a glass and sat down across from him at the kitchen counter.

"So," Seeun started, taking a sip of his water, "why do you insist on doing everything yourself even when you're hurt?’’

"Why do you insist on being so infuriating?" You shot back, though there was no real anger in your voice.

He chuckled. "I guess it's easier to argue than to admit that we might actually get along if we tried.’’

"Maybe," you admitted, feeling a strange pull between you. You noticed the way his eyes flickered over you, a mix of frustration and something else you wouldn’t dare describe.

As Seeun glanced around your apartment, his eyes fell on a framed poster of Liverpool's Anfield stadium hanging on the wall. Next to it was a shelf lined with memorabilia: scarves, miniature jerseys, and a few of your photos at various matches.

"Wait a minute," Seeun said, his tone shifting from casual to surprised. "You like Liverpool?’’

You looked up from your drink, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up your eyes. "Like? I love Liverpool! I've been a fan since I was a kid.’’

A wide grin spread across Seeun's face. "You're kidding! I'm a huge Liverpool fan too. Did you see the match against Manchester City last month? What a game!’’

Your eyes widened with excitement. "Are you serious? That match was incredible! Salah's goal was absolutely insane!’’

"Right?" Seeun exclaimed, leaning forward in his seat. "I couldn't believe the way he weaved through your defense. It's like he was playing with kids out there.’’

You laughed, the animosity between you momentarily forgotten. "I know! And Alisson's saves were phenomenal. That guy is a wall.’’

You continued chatting animatedly about your favorite team, each game, and player, exchanging stories and experiences. For the first time, you found yourselves on the same wavelength, your shared passion bridging the gap that usually separated you.

"Have you ever been to Anfield?" Seeun asked, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Twice," you replied proudly. "The atmosphere is unreal. There's nothing like singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with thousands of your fans.’’

"I'm so jealous," Seeun said, shaking his head. "I've been dying to go. It's on my bucket list for sure.’’

"Maybe you should stop being so arrogant and save up for a trip," you teased, a playful glint in your eye.

Seeun smirked. "And maybe you should stop being so stubborn and let people help you once in a while.’’

You rolled your eyes, but there was no real heat behind it. "I don't need help. Especially not from you.’’

"Right, because hobbling up the stairs on a sprained ankle is a sign of independence," Seeun shot back, though he was smiling.

"At least I don't act like I know everything," you retorted, crossing your arms.

"That's because I do know everything," he said with a wink.

You both laughed, the earlier tension easing into a more comfortable rhythm. It was strange, you thought, how easily you slipped back into your usual banter, yet it felt different now—less hostile, more... familiar.

"You know, it's weird," you said, after a moment of comfortable silence. "I never would have guessed we had something in common.’’

"Yeah, it's almost like there's more to people than meets the eye," Seeun replied a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Who knew?’’

"Maybe if you weren't so busy being insufferable, you might have figured that out sooner," you teased.

"Or maybe if you weren't so determined to be difficult, we could have had this conversation months ago," he countered.

You shook your head, smiling. "You really can't help yourself, can you?’’

"Nope," Seeun said, grinning. "It's part of my charm.’’

"Charm? Is that what you call it?" you asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Absolutely," he said confidently. "And it seems to be working, doesn't it?’’

Y/n laughed again, shaking her head. ‘’Only in your dreams.’’

As your conversation lulled, he glanced down at your ankle. ‘’So, how’s your ankle holding up?’’ 

You waved a hand dismissively. ‘’It’s okay now. Just a little sore, that’s all. 

Seeun raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Yeah, right. Let me see.’’

You started to protest, but Seeun was already kneeling in front of you, gently lifting your leg to inspect the injury. "Seeun, it's really—‘’

"Shut up for a second," he interrupted, his eyes widening as he looked at your ankle. ‘’Y/n, this is not fine.’’

You ankle was swollen and turning a deep shade of blue, the bruising spreading across your skin. It had definitely tripled in size since you first injured it. Seeun's jaw tightened with concern.

"Why didn't you say it was this bad?" he demanded, though his touch was gentle as he carefully removed the makeshift bandage he had applied earlier.

"I didn't want to make a big deal out of it," you admitted, wincing slightly as he applied some fresh cream to the bruised area.

"This is a big deal, y/n," he said, his voice softening. "You need to take better care of yourself.’’

You watched him work, surprised by the care and attention he was giving you. "I didn't think you'd care this much," you said quietly.

He glanced up at you, his expression serious. "Just because we bicker all the time doesn't mean I want to see you hurt. You really need to learn to ask for help when you need it.’’

"I know," you admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed. "I'm just not used to relying on others.’’

"Well, get used to it," he replied, rewrapping your ankle with a clean bandage. "At least when it comes to me.’’

"Is that an offer?" you asked, a small smile playing on your lips.

"It's more of a statement," he said, finishing the bandage and standing up. "And don't argue with me about it.’’

You laughed softly. "Fine, I won't argue. This time.’’

‘’Come on, let's get you more comfortable," he said, offering you a hand so you could stand. 

You took his hand, but as you tried to stand, a sharp pain shot through you ankle, causing you to stumble forward. Seeun quickly caught you, your bodies pressed close together. Your faces were just inches apart, and you could feel his breath on your skin.

"Easy there," he said softly, his eyes locking onto yours. "You okay?’’

You nodded, but the pain was evident on your face. "Yeah, just hurts a bit.’’

As he steadied you, his gaze flickered from your eyes to your lips and back again. The air between you seemed to crackle with tension, and your heart raced.

"You know," you mumbled, your voice barely above a whisper, "you could kiss me if you wanted to.’’

Seeun's eyes widened slightly, his expression unreadable. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice husky.

You swallowed, feeling the heat of the moment. "Yes," you whispered back, your breath catching in uyour throat.

Slowly, as if giving you a chance to back out, Seeun leaned in. His lips brushed against yours softly at first, testing, before pressing more firmly. Your eyes fluttered closed as ou melted into the kiss, your hands gripping his shirt for balance.

His hand cupped your cheek gently, mindful of your injured ankle. The kiss deepened, growing more heated as your pent-up emotions finally found release. You felt a shiver run down your spine as his other hand slipped around your waist, pulling you closer.

You broke apart for a moment, both breathing heavily. He rested his forehead against yours, his voice a low murmur. "I didn't expect this.’’

"Neither did I," you admitted, your fingers still tangled in his shirt. 

Your eyes locked, and he took a deep breath before again breaking the distance against you. You kissed again, this time slower, savoring the moment. As you lost balance again, seeun reluctantly broke the kiss, chuckling slightly. ‘’You should probably sit down,’’ 

You nodded as he helped you to the couch, ensuring you were comfortable before sitting beside you. Your faces were flushed, the lingering heat of your kiss still evident. 

“So,” Seeun said, his usual cocky smirk returning, “does this mean you’re going to stop being so stubborn and listen to me now?’’

You rolled your eyes, a small smile playing on your lips. “In your dreams. Just because we kissed doesn’t mean you get to boss me around.’’

He raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying this. “Oh, come on. You know you like it when I take charge.’’

You scoffed, crossing your arms. “Please, you’re only good for reaching high stuff and being annoying.’’

“Annoying?” he repeated, leaning in closer. “I seem to remember you enjoying our little moment just now.’’

Your cheeks flushed deeper. “It was a moment of weakness.’’

“Is that what we’re calling it?” he teased, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Yes,” you said firmly, though your smile betrayed you. “And don’t get any ideas that this means I’ll be going easy on you at work.’’

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Seeun replied, grinning. “I like our little arguments. Keeps things interesting.’’

“Interesting isn’t the word I’d use,” you shot back, though there was no real malice in your voice. “Exasperating, maybe.’’

“Admit it,” he said, leaning back with a satisfied look. “You’d miss me if I wasn’t around.”

“Miss you?” You laughed. “More like I’d finally get some peace and quiet.’’

He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re impossible, y/n.’’

“And you’re insufferable, Seeun,” you replied, but your tone was light, almost affectionate.

You tossed and turned in your bed, staring at the ceiling as the soft sounds of your roommates’ snores filled the room. You were exhausted, but sleep refused to come. You sighed and picked up your phone to check the time—2:56 a.m. Just as you were about to put it down, your screen lit up with a message. 

[Seeun-ie] You awake? 

You blinked at the message, your heart flipping. You and Seeun weren’t an item but weren’t just friends. You were in a weird in-between. You met through mutual friends, and even if he was younger than you by a couple of years, you still got along excellent. You typed an answer quickly. 

[You] Yeah. Can’t sleep. 

[Seeun-ie] Come outside. 

Your eyebrows shot in surprise. You hopped out of bed and tiptoed to the windows. You peeked through and saw Seeun in a thin blue button-up and a black jacket looking at you. When he saw you, he smiled and waved. You shook your head, a small smile tugging at your lips. 

[You] What are you doing here ??? It’s almost 3 am. 

[Seeun-ie] Wanted to see you. Now come down. 

Sighing, you threw on a hoodie and sweatpants and quietly slipped, careful not to wake your roommates. As you stepped outside, the cool night air greeted you, and you walked toward Seeun, who greeted you with his signature smirk. He slipped his headphones around his neck and waved at you. 

‘’You know it’s almost 3 in the morning, right?’’ You said as you put your hands in your pockets. 

‘’Of course I do,’’ he shrugged nonchalantly. ‘’I wanted to see you. And I was hungry. Let’s go to the convenience store.’’ 

You rolled your eyes but followed him as he walked towards the convenience store down the street from your apartment. You couldn’t help the sale spreading across your face as you looked at him. Even under the street lights, he was breathtaking. 

‘’You’re unbelievable,’’ you said, shaking your head. 

‘’I know,’’ he smirked, turning his face to look at you. ‘’But you love it.’’ 

You fell into an easy rhythm of banter and jokes, defining your relationship. He was confident, arrogant, and cocky, but that was part of his charms. 

‘’Did you really just wake up and think, ‘Oh, I should see y/n right now?’’’ You asked, eyebrows raised. 

‘’Nope,’’ he replied, pushing open the convenience store door. ‘’I haven’t slept yet. Too busy thinking about you.’’  

You snorted, giving him a look. ‘’Oh, please. How many girls did you use that line on?’’ 

He held up his hands in mock offense. ‘’Just you, I swear. I’m a changed man.’’ 

You shook your head again. You wandered the aisles, grabbing snacks and drinks. As you made your way to the register, you reached for your wallet in your hoodie pocket to pay, but Seeun swiftly blocked your hand. ‘’No way. I’m paying.’’ 

‘’I’m older, I should pay.’’ You argued, tilting your head to look at him. 

He shook his head and handed cash to the cashier. ‘’I dragged you here. The least I should do is pay.’’ 

You rolled your eyes again but let him have this one. You sat at one of the small tables outside, digging into your snacks. The city was quiet, and the night was cool. 

‘’Remember that time you thought you could out-eat me in spicy ramen?’’ Seeun said as he bit into his sandwich. 

You laughed. ‘’I could I forgot. I still can’t believe you didn’t shed a single tear.’’ 

‘’I told you, I’m immune to spice.’’ He said a cocky grin on his face. ‘’Unlike some people.’’ 

‘’Ya, I can handle spice.’’ You protested, pointing a chip at him. 

‘’Sure you can,’’ he chuckled. ‘’That’s why you drank an entire gallon of milk after.’’ 

You both bursted out laughing. That’s what you loved with Seeun. It was easy. You continued to talk and joke, the banter flowing easily. As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky pink and orange, you shivered slightly. The early morning chill was starting to creep in. Seeun noticed, and, with a dramatic sigh, he shrugged off his jacket. 

‘’Here, take this.’’ He said, draping it over your shoulders before you could protest. 

‘’I’m fine, really,’’ you started to say, but he held up a hand, silencing you. 

‘’Just accept my chivalry for once, will you?’’ He said, smirking. ‘’Besides, I can’t have you catching a cold and blaming it on me. My reputation will be ruined.’’ 

You rolled your eyes but pulled the jacket tighter around you, appreciating the warmth. The jacket still had a feigned cologne scent, and a smile tugged at your lips. You leaned back in your chair, sighing. ‘’You know, I really needed this. Thanks for dragging me out.’’ 

Seeun smiled. It wasn’t his usual smirk, though. It was a sincere and honest smile. He loved knowing he was useful and made you feel better. He knew you had been stressed recently with school and everything and that you couldn’t sleep when you were stressed. 

‘’Anytime,’’ he said, taking a sip of his lemonade. ‘’I mean, I am pretty great company.’’ 

‘’There he is,’’ you smiled. ‘’The arrogant Park Seeun I know.’’

‘’Admit it, you love it,’’ he said, gently squeezing your arm. 

‘’Maybe,’’ you admitted, turning your head to look at him, a playful smile on your lips. ‘’Just a little, though.’’ 

Your phone rang with the alarm you set the day before. It was already late or early morning, so you needed to head back to your apartment to prepare for class. You sighed and stood up, stretching and gathering your things. You looked at him as he threw away all of your trash, clinging to his jacket you still had. 

‘’I guess I have to go back.’’ 

‘’Yeah, you should probably start getting ready for class.’’ He said, a hint of reluctance in his voice. 

You started walking back to your apartment. As you reached your building, he stopped and turned to face you, his usual confident smirk in place. 

‘’Thanks for the jacket,’’ you said, looking up at him. 

‘’No problem,’’ he said, leaning casually against the wall next to your building door. ‘’I can’t have you freeze to death. Who would I bother in the middle of the night?’’ 

You laughed, shaking your head. There was a brief pause, and his expression softened slightly, though his confidence remained. ‘’Hey, next time you’re feeling stressed about finals and exams, even if it’s late at night, you can call me.’’ 

You blinked in surprise, taken aback. ‘’How did you know I was stressed about that? I didn’t say anything.’’

He shrugged and bent down to be eye level with you, his eyes locking with yours. There was a sincerity in his eyes you hadn’t seen before. ‘’I know you, y/n. I know that when you’re stressed, you can’t sleep. And you haven’t been sleeping well, have you?’’ He said, brushing a hair of you bang to the side. 

Your heart flutters at his words. His noticing something so personal and caring enough to act on it made your heart swell. You blushed and quickly looked away, taking a step back. ‘’I…’’ 

‘’Don’t get all emotional on me now,’’ he interrupted, straightening himself with a teasing grin. ‘’I’m just saying, if you need to talk or need a distraction, I’m here. Not only at night.’’ 

You smiled. ‘’Thank you, Seeun. It means a lot.’’ 

‘’I know,’’ he said arrogantly, but his eyes were soft. ‘’After all, who else would put up with me at 3 am.’’ 

You laughed, nodding slightly. ‘’You’re right, no one else would.’’ 

He chuckled and stepped closer once again, lowering his voice slightly. ‘’Seriously though, I don’t want you to stress all alone. If you need anything, call me. I mean it.’’

Your heart skipped a beat at the sincerity in his voice, and for a moment, you wondered where your relationship was going and if there was more than just a situationship. But you quickly pushed your thoughts aside, focusing on the present. 

‘’I will,’’ you promised, looking up at him. ‘’And thanks again for tonight.’’ 

‘’Anytime,’’ he replied. 

There was a brief pause, where you just stared into each other’s eyes. But you quickly cleared your throat, looking at the time on your phone. You sighed. ‘’I should probably get ready for class.’’ 

‘’Yeah, you probably should,’’  he agreed, though he made no move to leave. ‘’We don’t want you to fall asleep in the middle of a lecture.’’ 

‘’I’ll try not to,’’ you said, rolling your eyes.

‘’I’ll see you on campus, I guess.’’ He said, his eyes hopeful. 

‘’Of course.’’