#czsl

It was then I felt hands around my waist, flinching and my breath hitched. With eyes wide open, my head turned to my right to meet hot breath fanning my cheek.

“You’re beautiful.” He whispered oh so sweetly into my ear. I smirked and bit my lip, turning around to meet this man.

He was breathtaking. Black hair shaggy paired with such small face with chocolate eyes, plump lips, and a pretty nose. He was looking down at me intently with his hands still on my waist.

“You’re not bad yourself.” I breathed and he chuckled deeply.

The spotlight overhead shone so brightly, showcasing his features well and he was beautiful. My mouth was slightly open as I continued to stare at him. His index finger went under my chin, slightly lifting it to land his lips on mine.

He kisses me softly and carefully, pulling away with slight amusement in his eyes. “Something was gonna get in your mouth.” He teased and I rolled my eyes as a response.

Impulsively, I grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the crowd. He laughed, “Where are we going, miss?” He asked and I smirked, “Somewhere quiet.”

We arrived in the hallway that led to the bathroom. I pushed him against the wall and he looked at me in awe, “Baby, just one promise now.” I looked up at him, my hands placed on his chest as his finger started to tangle themselves on the tip of my hair.

“Hm?” He looked at my lips, flickering back to my eyes. “Don't ask for my name. I like it this way.”

“Alright then.” He cupped my cheeks and pulled me into a kiss. We melt into each other’s touch, fading out in the music in each other’s arms.

His hands went down to hug my waist as my hands went up to get lost in his bushy charcoal hair.

A strange sound emitted from me when he took my bottom lip in his teeth and he chuckled, inserting his tongue to find mine. Our tongues interlocked and it sent butterflies to my stomach.

He then managed to step to the front a bit, holding my waist to change our positions. I was the one against the wall now.

Not minding the people that passed by, there was only us and everything felt surreal.

He pulled my body to him as if there was more space left. Our bodies’ heat goes up to the atmosphere, making the moment feel more intense than it already is.

We pulled away breathless, our lips were swollen as my dark lipstick got messed up and stuck on his lips. His head was buried in my neck, trailing and planting kisses from my collarbone to my jaw. A shaky breath emitted from my mouth as he continued to do what he wanted.

He pulled away, his eyes looking at mines once again, and said, “I can’t believe I finally get to be this close to you.” His hand went up to my hair to tuck it behind my ear.

I was in shock as soon as my name fell from his rosy lips. My crush for 6 years, “Park Jongseong?”

Not long after, I then found myself under the rain holding hands with someone. He was looking at me with apologetic eyes that made me confused. The little hairs on his forehead sticking onto his skin because of the rain while my eyes blinked the drops away.

His hand goes up to my face, caressing it so softly like I was going to break just by a more slightly forceful movement. He leans in closer and planted a chaste kiss on my forehead. He pulls away with a tear visibly streaming down his cheek along with the other raindrops that fell down on his face.

“I’m sorry”, he said, walking away and left me cold, drenched…alone. I couldn’t process the sudden events, sinking down to my knees and cried harshly that anyone can hear but I couldn’t care less.

yuta.

The movie was already rolling down the credits before I even knew it. I sighed, putting my hands in the air to stretch until I felt weight on my shoulder. I look over to my side to hear her snoring. The corner of my lips pulled up thinking how just precious and peaceful she looked in her slumber.

I grabbed the remote and turned the television off. Carefully, I wrapped my arm around her back to assist her followed by my other arm carrying her body. I brought us to an open door leading to our shared room. Closing it my foot, I took a few more steps to place her on the bed gently. I brought the covers up below her neck to keep her warm.

I was gonna walk towards the closet to change when I felt her grab my arm. I looked back at her to see tears running down her cheeks.

“Y-Yuta wh-why did you leave me?”, she said in-between hiccups and it made my heart melt. Another bad dream.

I sneaked up beside her, getting under the covers and wrapping my arm around her waist. She turns to face me, hugging me tighter as she continued to sob on my chest. I hummed a tune to help her calm down as I soothed her back up and down.

Her tears had soon stopped. Her breath was even and still against my neck. She snored quietly as I let out a chuckle. I kissed her forehead and said, “I ought to take you out of those nightmares and give you a good dream to remember. Even if it means risking my life. I love you”.

In reality, I could never leave her alone in the cold. I will always be by her side to warm her up despite the strong rain outside our home. Our love.

I huffed, getting bored with the tv and so I grabbed the remote from the small wooden table in front of me and flipped through the channels. A little while later, the doorbell rang and my head snapped towards the door. I put down the remote beside me on the couch and stood up, jogging towards the door.

My hand landed on the knob, feeling the cold metal under it, and turned it to reveal Aunt Seyoung with her son, Na Jaemin. Both smiling so brightly and they were so contagious I flashed a smile as well.

“Good evening Y/N! How have you been?” She spoke cheerily and I answered, “I’ve been the best. Please come in.” I stepped aside and made way for them, they stepped inside as Aunt Seyoung gave me a hug followed by Jaemin who smiled and raised his eyebrows at me and I did as well.

“Mom Dad, they’re here!” I announced and brisk-walked to the dining room where it was already set up with so much food just for 5 people but there was a big space in the middle.

My mom popped up in the dining room from the kitchen, bringing the ham into the celebration and filling the middle spot. “Hey, Seyoung! Jaemin! Handsome as always.” My mom complimented which made Jaemin reply with a small thank you.

My dad came down the stairs and smiled, “Welcome!”

They chatted a bit while Jaemin and I stood on the side awkwardly, waiting for them to let us eat.

I turned my head and looked up at him, we met eyes and looked away laughing. “Hey, kids! Quit laughing now let’s eat.” We immediately stood up straight and pursed our lips.

“Coming!”

The adults were now talking about things Jaemin and I couldn’t relate to. We sat there silently as my eyes wandered around the house, landing on the Christmas tree that looked quite a bit odd.

I excused myself and stood up, walking towards the living room where the tree was. I admired its height, the fake green leaves that supported the ornaments, and that’s when I saw that the mistletoe was hanging awkwardly there. My hand reached up to fix it. I exhaled when it looked better but I felt a towering figure in front of me, I looked up to see Jaemin his eyes looking down at me so softly and I now realized...we were under the mistletoe.

His eyes flickered to lips and back to my eyes. He leaned closer and his lips landed on mine so fast before I could even blink. I didn’t move, neither was I planning to. When he felt that I wasn’t gonna kiss back any minute now he pulled away and looked into my eyes again, now looking very disappointed.

“I understand why you did that but I just want you to know that I love you so much and I hope you feel the same”. I couldn’t reply and looked down. My mind went blank and I felt like I lost the ability to speak. He was making me feel confused now.

Have I been hiding my feelings from myself?

“Jaemin honey! We’re going home now.” He broke eye contact with me and walked away with a sigh as I watched him do so. “Y/N! Come here and say goodbye. What are you standing there for?” My mom called and I snapped out of my thoughts.

“Coming!” I shook my head and followed Jaemin to the front door. They thanked each other but Jaemin never tried to make his eyes meet with mine anymore.

“Goodbye..” I trailed off and the door closed.

It has been a year ever since that incident under the mistletoe. We didn’t walk together to school anymore, he barely interacted with me, he found a new group of friends, and he left me alone. It’s not like I was nothing without him but rather, I grew feelings of love and at the same time anger that he left me out of nowhere.

I want time to go back to where we were happy and innocent. Times when he was still with me.

It was December 23rd, just 2 days more until Christmas. I was setting up the Christmas tree in my jogging pants and t-shirt. I hung up the colorful ornaments on the green plastic tree.

I have hung up everything and the only thing left in the box was the mistletoe. I sighed, remembering the time he stole my first kiss. I still remember how his lips felt against mine and now I feel so stupid and it’s like everything was too late.

I felt hands on my shoulders and it immediately brought me back to my senses as I let out a gasp. I looked behind me to see my mother smiling widely, “Aren’t you excited for Christmas sweetie?”. I forced a smile and said, “Yeah. Of course, I am.” I replied as I grabbed the mistletoe from the box and hung it up.

”Great! I’ll just go finish the cookies for 25th.” She patted me on my back and left. I smiled back and averted my gaze to the Christmas tree. I let out another sigh. “I miss him so much.”

I took one last look in the mirror, fixing some little things before I exhaled and smiled at myself. I walk towards my bed to get my phone and left my room. Walking down the flight of stairs, the door was opened by my father to reveal Aunt Seyoung again and him, Jaemin. I continued to go down the stairs quietly, waiting for someone to acknowledge my presence.

Jaemin was smiling behind his mother being the polite one he is. Aunt Seyoung was talking to my parents and it didn’t seem like they were stopping any time sooner. It was then while she was telling them a story, her eyes landed on me who was awkwardly standing at the bottom of the stairs.

“Y/N my dear! You look beautiful as always.” She praised as she let herself in the house and her hands reaching out to cup my cheeks and lean in to let out cheeks touch, letting out a smacking sound from her lips as if she gave me a peck. I smiled, “Thank you, auntie. You look gorgeous tonight too!” I gave back the compliment and she let out a chuckle.

My mom clapped her hands together and announced dinner, “Alright everyone! Let’s head to the table.” She said, pointing to the table and everyone sat. It was the usual arrangement. My dad sat at the end, my mom on his right, and my aunt on his left. Beside aunt was Jaemin and I was in front of him who sat beside my mother. Everyone started digging in, the sound of the metal utensils clanking against the glass plates along with satisfied mouths spewing praises of how good the food was.

The adults laughing and exchanging conversations made it feel more awkward for the two of us. Jaemin coughed and cleared his throat, earning everyone’s attention just to excuse himself from the table, “May I go out to the playground?”

His mom looked at him in confusion but let him anyway, “Okay sweetie, bring Y/N with you.”

My eyes widened as I didn’t know how I’ll be able to handle the coldness between us, “Oh no it’s alrig-“

I wanted to refuse her order but he cut me off, “Okay then.” He looked at me and nodded. I felt surprised but I stood up as well, walking towards the door with him. He opened the door for me and I bowed and muttered a small ‘thank you’ before going out with him following as well.

We were so awkward and the ice between us was so hard to break. My mind wandered and kept making up questions I could ask him. I did try to ask them, but my mouth couldn’t seem to make up words so I kept quiet.

He had his hands in his pockets, looking straight ahead with no emotions on his face at all. The playground was in sight and he jogged towards it with me following behind him. He sat on one of the swings and I chose to stand up.

I leaned myself onto the slide that was just next to the swings and I felt his gaze on me, “Aren’t you gonna sit?” He asked and I was quite taken aback by his tone and question.

I shook my head, “N-no.”

He shrugged and opened his phone. I stood there, looking at nowhere while my mind still thought of so many things.

‘Is our friendship really over?’

‘Should I confess?’

I quickly took a glance at Jaemin to see him still occupied with his phone and I let out a huff.

‘I can do this.’

“Jaemin?” She called, earning a hum from him. He didn’t look up from his phone and it only made her quite irritated. “Do you remember? Just a year ago, you confessed and kissed me?”

He sighed, hiding the embarrassment and annoyance he was feeling. “That was a year ago. Don’t bring it up.”

She scoffed at his attitude and crossed her arms against her chest, “Since when did you sound like a jerk?”

He finally looked up from his phone, turning it off and shoving it into his pocket. “Since the day I realized the one I only love doesn’t like me back. When I thought her actions of kindness were of love. I hoped onto something that never existed”.

Her breath hitched to his confession once again and she was speechless. The confidence she had all faded away. She felt bad. Her silence was making him impatient and quite angry at himself for confessing again when it’ll only lead him to rejection.

“I’m going back home.” He stood up but before he could walk away, she grabbed his hand, making him turn around only to be met with the lips he wanted to own. The kiss was long and their emotions were expressed through the kiss as the older pushed his lips to hers and deepened it.

Her hands went up to his hair while Jaemin snaked his arm around her waist and there were no gaps found.

They both pulled away breathless, “J-jaemin...I’m so sorry.” Y/N apologized as she caught her breath. She gulped and continued, “Jaemin, I thought of you as just a friend and that’s something I tell myself every day and I only kept hiding my feelings from myself. I was in denial. I realized I love you.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.”

“No. You don’t. You only say this because I stole your first kiss even under the mistletoe and after we didn’t talk and you just want us to get back together. To save the friendship we lost.” He argued and it didn’t make sense that he’s dismissing her feelings.

“You don’t know what I feel, Jaemin. I truly love you and every day felt like something was missing without you.” She hugged him tightly and buried her face into his chest.

She mumbled in his shirt, “I love you Na Jaemin.” She looked up at him and met his eyes that seemed so perfect. The brown orbs that hold so many riches. Yet he pushed her away and turned around.

“I can’t have you. I’m sorry.” And without a proper goodbye, he left and walked away.

To this day I feel embarrassed. Kissing my longtime crush under the mistletoe but there was no response. Was I rushing her? Did I do it without consent? Did it make her feel uncomfortable? I don’t know. I wanted to fix this and put this all in the past, approach her and say sorry. That should do it, right?

Speaking of the devil, I saw her walking in my direction and that’s when I thought I should go and talk to her. I quickly closed my locker as I hugged my books and I started to walk, only to be blocked by a figure quite smaller than me.

“Jaemin-ah!” Haechan waved and flashed his cute smile, I knew he was gonna ask me a favor. “Haechan not now I have to do somethin-“ I tried to gently push him away but he stops me once again, “Jaemin, I need your help.” He sternly said, as if it was such an urgent request.

I rolled my eyes and sighed, “I need help. I like this girl in my class her name is Y/N and I know you’re close with her so please help me.” He pleaded with his hands clasped together and I was speechless.

My mind went black as soon as I heard her name fall out of his lips. My best friend, liking the same girl as I do. “Jaemin please!” He begged, his knees were close to landing on the floor just to get my permission but I only felt pressure and discouragement. Can I be selfish?

“Let me think about it.” Will I? I can’t just easily give up on someone I love, but somehow I might. Maybe we just weren’t meant to be.

“Thank you Jaemin!” He walked away, beaming in joy and excitement but I stood there with mixed feelings. The school bell then rang, an indication I’ll be late for class. “Shit.” I cursed under my breath before I ran to my class.

Days have passed by and I have been helping Haechan with his crush. Giving him advice, guiding him, but I couldn’t help but feel jealous every time he was close to her as I watched from afar. She blushed at his every action, tucking her hair behind her ear before showing off her adorable smile. Why can’t I man up and fight for my love?

I saw him running back to me and I forced a smile, “How was it?” He was love-struck, smiling like an idiot. “She’s so beautiful.” He looked down and I felt the grin in his words.

“Good to see you happy, dude.” I patted him but deep inside I wanted to hide him from her and have her all to myself, but who am I to claim her? She isn’t even mine. Never will be.

I was getting ready for the Christmas dinner with Y/N’s family. Of course, she’ll be there. I sighed as I closed the last button of my shirt and I fixed my collar after. I grabbed my cologne from the table beside my mirror before spraying enough scent all over me.

I placed it back on the table and looked at myself once again, do I have to be such a coward? I can’t betray my best friend like this too.

“Jaemin! Let’s go!” My mom yelled from downstairs and I replied, “Coming!” I cleared my throat and walked to my bed to grab my phone.

I walked out of my room and went downstairs to my mom, “Let’s go, sweetie?” I nodded and we went outside, not forgetting to lock the door.

Jaemin and her mom had arrived at the Park’s house. They rang the doorbell and soon it was opened by Y/N’s father who was smiling brightly and greeting them warmly. They exchanged chatter and laughs before Mrs. Na had noticed

Y/N by the staircase. Jaemin had felt her presence but he acted cold and as if she wasn’t there, he continued to smile at her mother and her friend who were happy to see each other.

As Mrs. Na was telling a story, her eyes caught onto the girl who was awkwardly standing there, gasping as she reached out to her with arms open, “Y/N my dear! You look beautiful as always.” She praised as she cupped the young girl’s cheek and let their cheeks meet letting out a smacking sound, mimicking a sound of a kiss.

The girl smiled politely, “Thank you aunt. You look gorgeous tonight too!” She complimented back as she let out a chuckle.

It was then Mr.s Park clapped her hands, earning everyone’s attention as she announced dinner, “Alright everyone! Let’s head to the table.” She said, pointing to the table and everyone sat. Mr. Park sat at the end with his wife on his right and Mrs. Na on his left. The two youngsters sat across each other beside their mothers.

The adults have moved onto a topic somehow serious, leaving their children out of the conversation as they sat there quietly. Jaemin turned impatient and so he coughed and cleared his throat, “May I go out to the playground?”

His mom looked at him in confusion but et him anyway, “Okay sweetie, bring Y/N with you.” The said girl’s eyes widened and she wanted to turn down the offer “Oh no it’s alrig-“

To her surprise, he said, “Okay then.” His eyes turned to the girl and nodded. To say she wasn’t surprised was an understatement. They stood up and walked towards the door, it was opened by Jaemin as he held it until the girl had stepped outside.

She walked, followed by Jaemin behind her. The atmosphere was tense and awkward, so hard to break the ice between them but they chose to keep silent. The playground was quite nearing and so the boy jogged towards the place, outrunning the girl who trailed behind him.

He sat on one of the swings and she chose to stand up. She leaned onto the slide just next to the swings as the boy looked at her figure judgingly, “Aren’t you gonna sit?” He asked quite coldly. She shook her head and stuttered, “N-no.”

He shrugged and opened his phone, texting another person. She only stood there watching him do shit on his phone instead of making a conversation with her nevertheless, her mind had wandered and questioned herself.

She looked at him once again and let out a huff before she called his name, “Jaemin?”

He only hummed and didn’t even spare a glance at her, making her irritated but she continued, “Do you remember? Just a year ago, you confessed and kissed me?”

He sighed, hiding the embarrassment and annoyance he was feeling. “That was a year ago. Don’t bring it up.”

She scoffed at his attitude and crossed her arms against her chest, “Since when did you sound like a jerk?”

He finally looked up from his phone, turning it off and shoving it into his pocket. “Since the day I realized the one I only love doesn’t like me back. When I thought she was being obvious and it gave me hope. And until now, I can’t get over you.”

Her breath hitched to his confession once again and she was speechless. The confidence she had all faded away. Her silence was making him impatient and quite angry at himself for confessing again when it’ll only lead him to rejection.

“I’m going back home.” He stood up but before he could walk away, she grabbed his hand, making him turn around only to be met with her lips he wanted to own.

The kiss was long and their emotions were expressed through the kiss as the older pushed his lips to hers and deepened it. Her hands went up to his hair while Jaemin snaked his arm around her waist and there were no gaps found.

They both pulled away breathless, “J-jaemin..I’m so sorry.” She apologized as she caught her breath.

She gulped and continued, “Jaemin, I thought of you just as a friend and that’s something I tell myself every day so I can go to sleep peacefully. I was in denial. I realized I love you.”

“No, you don’t.”

“Yes, I do.”

“No Y/N. You don’t. You only say this because I stole your first kiss even under the mistletoe and after we didn’t talk and you just want us to get back together. To save the friendship we lost.” He argued and it didn’t make sense that he’s dismissing her feelings.

“You don’t know what I feel, Jaemin. I truly love you and everyday felt like something was missing without you.” She hugged him tightly and buried her face into his chest.

She mumbled in his shirt, “I love you Na Jaemin.” She looked up at him and met his eyes that seemed so perfect. The brown orbs that hold so many riches. Yet he pushed her away and turned around.

“I can’t have you. I’m sorry.” And without a proper goodbye, he left and walked away.

Without a proper goodbye, a proper ending to their friendship, neither a word had fallen out of his lips. He left.

She couldn’t do anything as she had frozen on her spot, not knowing what to do. Run for him? Chase him? Let him be? Instead, she had fallen on her knees as his hands caught her face, and tears started to flow. There was nothing she felt other than the pain and the loss of someone she realized she loved.

From afar, he watched her weep alone but he knew it was for the best when he was an approaching figure he knew too well. Someone he helped all this time and the reason why he never approached her. The figure bent down to her level, asking what was wrong and the girl was surprised. She knew this voice as well and so she looked up to the figure to see the tanned boy worriedly looking at her, “Haechan?”

She was glad to see him, though they weren’t as close, he was always there. He gave her thing she liked, and those actions made her slightly fall in love. She enveloped his figure into her arms, her head buried on her shoulder as Haechan caressed her back and hair to comfort her.

“There there, it’ll all be alright.” He leaned his head onto hers and closed his eyes, singing a song in an attempt to comfort her.

Jaemin heard his heart shatter as he completely turned and ran away to his home, away from the scene that was causing him pain. He couldn’t help but let a tear slip from his eyes, “Loving someone is sometimes letting them go.”

Walking towards a bench I was familiar with, I sat down and relaxed. The wind caressing my face and messed with my white hair. Watching the autumn leaves swaying side-to-side until it met the cold ground. My eyes darting towards my finger, a ring so special catching my eye. I smiled, my other hand caressing the silver material as it goes up to mee the diamond perked up elegantly.

Tears were running down my cheeks, it was fate maybe but I never wanted to let her go. Memories of the past running in my mind. We were walking here peacefully when she decided to speak up,

‘Jungwoo I need to tell you something.’

It had me feeling anxiou and my heart beat fast as if I ran a mile. We were happy, but I didn’t know what went wrong. But then, she suddenly leans all of her weight to me as shue screams in pain. Her little hands squeezing my arm as her nails dug into my skin. Her breath was uneven, fanning my chest. I scoop her knees to carry her bridal style, my other hand for her head to rest on.

“You’re gonna be okay, Love. Don’t worry.” I pressed a kiss on her forehead and held her hand tightly, never in this lifetime will I let go of it.

flashback.

I felt tears pool in my eyes and my heart pierced right in the center of it. I felt hurt but I couldn’t be mad at someone who was already gone.

“I’m sorry. I thought you already knew.”

I shook my head as my eyes were focused on the floor, “She never told me she had leukemia”.

The doctor gives me a pat on my back, “My condolences, sir.”

“Thank you.”

I look back to the cold and still body, beautiful as she is. Even if she does turn into ashes.

timeskip.

“Peek-a-boo! Caught you daddy!” She laughed, her tiny hands wrapped around my leg as she smiles up at me. As soon as I heard her sweet laugh, I quickly wipe my tears away.

“Hello princess.” Her smile was contagious, I couldn’t help but do the same. I wrap her in my embrace and carry her to sit on my shoulders. I stand up from my seat and continue to walk.

I feel her place her chin on the top of my head, “Daddy, I miss mommy.” I sigh, a feeling so mutual and couldn’t hide.

“I do too.” I walk and hold her legs to prevent her from falling, “But know she’s always watching you and Daddy from above.”

“Mhm! Mommy, if you can hear me, Daddy misses you a lot and I’ve been taking great care of him!” I chuckle at her words, she truly took after her mom. Unique and special.

“Excuse me, shouldn’t I be saying that Nari?” I raise an eyebrow even though she couldn’t see. She laughs instead. I’d do anything to hear our daughter’s laugh.

I may have failed to protect the girl I love and I can’t bear to do that again. Nari was a gift from our love. A love never-ending until ashes. Our love, it wasn’t in vain.

She was beautiful. He wanted to see her, right before his chocolate eyes. He was astonished by the carves and the work of the gods. An exaggeration, but she must be.

Splashing the right color to match her skin tone, he started filling the outlines of her face. Her drawn eyes were dead yet they felt alive. He stared right into them as they looked back into his own. He remembered it vividly, the way her slender fingers were placed under his chin. Her lips were a few centimeters away from him. Before they could even meet, he woke up. As disappointed as he was, he quickly got up from his bed. Rushing past the guards and the maids that yelled for him, he wanted to reach his studio right away and here we are.

He finishes everything, except for the lips. He gulped as he looks down on the plump lips he had drawn with his own very hands and skill. He grabs the smallest paintbrush he had, dipping it in crimson red and his eyes never left the colorless outline.

He leans closer to the canvas, bringing up his hand shakily handling the brush. Finally, the brush comes in contact with the canvas as he gently colors the lips in a swaying manner.

Finally, accomplishing his painting. His brush meets the ground in struck, a slight gasp leaving his lips. When his mind had the image printed on its own, he thought it was beautiful. He was an artist, and he broke the most forbidden rule. Never fall in love with your pieces.

“Your majesty?” A maid comes knocking on his door, interrupting his moment of wonder.

“Y-yes?” He stuttered, straightening his clothes before the maid came in.

“You have visitors coming in a bit your majesty.” His eyes widened, never aware of this meeting.

“How come I never knew of this? From what kingdom?” He stomps out of his studio to meet the maid and talk with her properly.

“My apologies Your Highness, I never knew of this as well. The news gave me a fright as well.” The maid explains, putting a hand on her chest to add more expression to the words. They start walking side-by-side to his room.

“It’s fine. Is everything in the castle looking alright?” Renjun watches his way as he continues to converse with the maid.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Good. I’ll get changed and out of these clothes. My apologies, you’re gonna have a hard time removing all this paint.” He cracks a joke, looking down on his color-stained white linen. His eye whiskers revealing as his eyes formed moon-like crescents, chuckling at his statement.

“Oh don’t you worry about that Your Majesty we have just the right thing for that. Now go and get changed”, she swats him into his room as Renjun laughed at the action.

“Are you giving the prince orders?” He raised his eyebrows but it didn’t give the maid even the slightest bit of intimidation.

“Yes, I am.” With that, she gives him one last look before closing the door of his room.

“Nice to see you, Your Highness.” The royals have met and bowed down, showing their respect to each other.

“We have brought our dear daughter with us but I’m afraid she is currently occupied by the beautiful garden you have”, the queen says rather in an embarrassed tone.

The prince mouthed an ‘Ah’ as he nods to the queen’s bashful words. “No worries. I don’t blame her for that.” He strikes another one of his charming smiles that anyone would fall for.

They talked away over their tea. Discussion about the prince’s future agenda, other kingdoms, and marriage. Right, marriage. ‘Til this day there was no princess that caught his attention. He hasn’t ever felt a spark and a swarm of butterflies inside him upon seeing a princess.

Not yet.

Rushing footsteps were coming in their direction, making them turn their heads as their conversation was interrupted. “Mother! Have you seen the carnations in their garden? And the butterflies. Oh, they’re lovely.” Her voice was soft and dazzled as if you could picture her eyes sparkling and her smile beaming.

He froze in his seat, his eyes landing on a familiar figure. Too familiar. Perhaps was it fate, destiny, it was a sign of the gods. He never knew it would come true. His dream would be real. His mouth hanging open, his eyes open wide.

“Y-you-“ Renjun couldn’t help but intervene in her moment of rambling about the castle’s garden.

“Oh, my apologies Your Highness. It is rude of me not to introduce myself. I am Princess…” And by that, it was as if he was struck by cupid’s arrow and by realization. He never knew what had gotten into him but he gathered up all the courage to take her hand and lead her to see his studio.

Everyone was surprised by his actions, they gasped and the princess was no exception. “Your Highness where are you leading me? I’m afraid this doesn’t feel right.” She managed to say in between her breaths as she followed his fast steps.

“Trust me. You wouldn’t believe it either.”

Finally, he arrives at the studio, opening the doors with such urgency they met the walls with a loud thud. the painting stood in the center of the room. He couldn’t believe it. She was real.

“Your Highness, I don’t unders- Is that…” She felt her heart thumping heavily, her mind in turmoil. “This is beautiful.” She approaches the piece slowly, her heels clicking on the floor. “As far as I remember, I have only met you today. How have you captured such a perfect image of me?”

He swallowed the lump in his throat, “You were in my dreams. A princess I may have longed for without knowing. Beautiful as she is in my dreams, on this canvas, but never would I have thought I’d see you here standing before me. Even better.” Renjun’s tracks follow his every word as he steps closer to the princess.

His hand going up to her cheek but before it made contact on her soft skin, “May I?”, he asked. She nodded hesitantly, but his touch made her weak on her knees. Her eyes closed, feeling his gentle touch over her skin.

“Please meet me on the hill on the east every Saturday. I’d love to get to know you more. Would you be alright with that, princess?” He stares right into her eyes, even when they were closed. When they opened, her hazel eyes meeting his.

“I’d love that.”