#nuest au

“No, you’re right; it’s not that bad, it’s worse! I cannot believe I left you in charge of watching over it. What was I thinking?!”

“That your boyfriend is trustworthy?” he offered and then sighed when you narrowed your gaze on him. “Okay, so I got hungry and left the sculpture unattended for maybe five minutes. That’s all I was away for and-”

“It took five minutes for this type of destruction?!”

You had been constructing a cathedral template for an upcoming presentation at work. It wasn’t something you had just slapped together with a bit of paper and glue. No, you had painstakingly been layering it up bit by bit, spending so far four days on the project.

And just like that, it was in ruins much like the fallen cathedral the corporation you worked for wished to rebuild. You almost laughed at the irony, but the bitterness in your chest trapped it within, the finger now being pointed at yourself.

You had only yourself to blame for this.

Dropping to crouch beside the chewed up beams, you willed yourself not to cry. Aaron sat beside you. “I didn’t think Kkotsunie would do anything to it. Normally that’s Noah and he was with me watching me make some food.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“Well, no, it’s Kkot-”

“It’s mine for being stupid enough to leave it on this table,” you concluded tearfully. You were exhausted. It had been a long four days and knowing you’d have to reconstruct the whole thing almost from scratch again made you wonder why you were even bothering with the visual. You already had drawn up the 3D computer image. You wondered if that would be enough, even though you knew the opposing team had tasked Minki with their proposal. He was always your biggest competitor, and you could only imagine what amazing concept he was going for.

You were close to defeat before the race had even begun.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Aaron’s fingers had something on them. Lifting your head up, you then noticed the repaired wall on the east side of your structure. You reached out to take his hand. “Did you… did you try to repair it?”

“Yeah,” he mentioned softly. “I mean, I don’t know how you did this for as long as you did. The glue gets everywhere and-”

Moving to kiss him gently, you then smiled gratefully. “I take it back.”

“Which part?” he mused, angling his face in hopes of another kiss.

“The part where I said it was worse.”

“Can I make it better?” he offered and you waited for Aaron to continue. He grinned. “I’ll help you fix it. If we both work on it together, it won’t take nearly as long, right?”

You nodded happily. “You know, you really are a trustworthy boyfriend to have.”

“You acknowledge it now, huh?” He laughed and then picked up the pieces that were salvageable. “Shall we get cracking?”

You knew with Aaron’s help, you wouldn’t go down in ruins after all.

_________________

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“i’m fine,” you stressed. 

your phone was pressed to your check with your shoulder as you placed some of the carrots you selected into a plastic bag, throwing it into your shopping cart once you finished. 

“i’m not sure i believe that,” your long-time bestfriend, kim jaehwan, said from the other side. 

you rolled your eyes at his comment. it’s been about two months since minhyun’s sudden break-up and you were doing just fine. well, at least that’s what you told everyone. 

switching the phone to the other ear, you lazily pushed the shopping cart forwards. it was currently two in the morning and here you were, dressed in nothing but an oversized shirt and a pair of shorts on a friday night, grocery shopping. 

“you’ve barely been out since the two of you broke up!” jaehwan pointed out. 

“i’m grocery shopping right now!” you argued back, turning your cart down the juices and drink aisle. jaehwan had a habit of stealing your precious ice yea. “i’m buying vegetables and all of that adult shit.” 

“dude, we both know that you’re only grocery shopping because your mom has been nagging you for weeks and you need to have physical proof that you’re a fully-functioning adult, which i might have to add, you’re not.” 

“shut up,” you muttered, eyes scanning for your favorite drink. “whose fault is it that i have completely bare cabinets and fridge? you practically inhale all of my food.” 

“it’s payment for keeping your depressing ass company when i can do better things with my time.” 

“excuse you, i am not depressing, i’m merely sweating from my eyes every night,” you replied back. picking up a pack of your sweetened ice tea, you placed it into the shopping cart. “did you want anything? might as well buy your fat ass something while i’m here.” 

“booze.” was jaehwan’s replied. “get the good shit, not the one that tastes like donkey piss.” 

“fine, you fucking alcoholic,” you sighed. sadly the alcohol aisle was in another area despite it also being a beverage, which meant that you had to walk even further. 

“anyways, how do you feel about going back into the scene again?” 

“no,” you quickly replied. “i’m not doing that shit again” 

“i’m not talking about being in a serious relationship.” 

“what do you mean then?” 

“i think it’s time for y/n to return to the hoe life,” jaehwan said. “i’ve been missing my thotty bestie.” 

“you really think it’s a good time for me to get blackout drunk every staturday night again?” 

“hey, you were the one that said you’re doing fine,” jaehwan countered with your own words. “i think we need to transition out of the i’m-so-sad-i-miss-him phase and into lets-get-fucking-hammered.”  

“we?” 

“you act like you’ve been going through a breakup alone. this has been a team effort, it's like i’ve been dumped too,” he replied as if if made sense. and according to jaehwan logic, it did. 

a small smile picked up the corners of your lips, typical jaehwan.

he was a friend that's been with you through everything little up and down since middle school. despite his blunt words, jaehwan was the first person that you called after the breakup and watch as you went through three pints of strawberry cheesecake ice cream and ten thousand boxes of tissues. not to mention, he even offered to beat your ex-boyfriend up in multiple violent ways. 

jaehwan was the best bestfriend you could possibly ask for. 

turning the cart into the alcohol aisle, you asked, “what type of booze do you want? the sweet type or the sophisticated one?” 

“the one we can pregame with for the party tomorrow” your friend stated. 

you opened your mouth to argue, but the words got trapped in your throat once your eyes laid upon a familiar figure debating between two bottles of wine. 

“i’m taking your sudden silence as a yes to the party-” 

he didn’t seem to notice you yet as he was heavily invested in making a decision between two bottles of wine, so you quickly turned around and stopped in another aisle.

“holy shit,” you breathed out. 

“why? did something happen?” 

“he’s fucking here right now,” you spilled out. 

“who?” 

“you know who!” you whispered aggressively in fear that he could hear you. “i just saw hwang minhyun in the alcohol aisle!” 

“oh.” he said. “that’s not good.” 

“fuck your alcohol jaehwan, i’m going home,” you said, not wanting to return to the aisle next to you in fear of facing the last person you wanted to see right now. 

“wait! hold on,” jaehwan argued. “we need the booze so stop being a pussy and listen to me. if he’s buying alcohol at two in the morning, it doesn’t really show that he’s in the best of shape right now so just go for it.” 

“jaehwan, did you forget that i’m also going to buy alcohol at two in the morning?” you pointed out. “doesn’t exactly say i’m-doing-perfectly-fine-without-you to me either” 

“at least you have a shopping cart full of vegetables to back you up,” jaehwan try to reason. “and the other adult shit you bought.” 

“i have a total of two vegetables in my cart, jaehwan.” you said. “not a fucking farmers’ market.” 

“just go for it. he’s not someone in your life anymore so it shouldn’t matter what he thinks,” jaehwan reminded you. “i have an essay due at like six so i’m gonna go bs it, but you really need to grow a pair and buy my booze. i’ll see you tomorrow night and you better pull out that one hoe-y dress of yours.” 

and the called ended with a small beep. 

fuck, you thought to yourself. you contemplated on whether or not you really wanted to face minhyun right now. 

maybe you were lying a tad bit when you told everyone that you were okay and that you were doing just peachy without him. maybe it was a small white lie that you told to reassure everyone around you and maybe yourself. maybe you were still in love with him. maybe. 

biting on your lip, you finally made the decision to just suck it up and do it. if anything, you could just drown yourself in alcohol tomorrow. a perfect back-up plan, kinda. 

when you looked back to the aisle, minhyun was still there, except there was another bottle replacing one of the others you saw in his hands earlier. minhyun had always been particular with his food from what you could recall. actually, from what you know. 

perhaps you could just shimmy your way past him (who was standing straight in the middle of the aisle) and perhaps he wouldn’t even notice it. so with some resolve, you charged (not really) forward to get past him to get to where the tequila was. 

except, minhyun was a very hypersensitive person that becomes ten times alert once someone enters his little personal bubble. it was something that you once that was endearing and unique, now, it was the bane of your existence. 

as you tried to pass by behind him quietly, his head whipped and made eye contact with you. 

you froze as minhyun’s eyes widened once he registered who you were. 

he opened his mouth to say something, but you muttered a quick excuse me before passing by him. you ignored his stares and the heavy silence as you beelined towards the tequila section. 

you quickly placed in two bottles (and maybe a third) and prepared to leave when you heard his small voice you missed so much. 

“how are you?” 

you bit the inside of your cheek, should you respond? 

you did anyways. 

“i’m fine.”

you pushed your cart away to quickly escape, wondering exactly who you were saying it too. minhyun? or yourself?

"Yes, the muscles and the skin where the bruises should be look like normal skin, yet when you touch those areas, it's like a strong mass of muscles, a human steel wall protecting its inner walls." I heard a Pen tapping on a Notepad next to me. "Like those Androids we used in the War but, better, less metal and more Human. She would be a good prove that we as Human's can  modify ourselves enough to become a living and breathing weapon ourselves without really giving up on our life first."

Human weapon? Is this what they are trying to turn me into?

"If she wakes up and is a complete Success, then we can make more like her and we can keep her under control for ourselves." Besides the loud chatter of the people talking about revolutionary human projects, I had heard a female sigh.

"No. She is just a child. We shouldn't make our own kind into something we usually tried to avoid all these years. The pact we made to live peacefully throughout these Decades, was to give up on winning over the war and throw our weapons away so we could focus on restoring our Human kind and find a cure to save all the infected ones." Heels klicking on the ground could be heard before the hissing of a mechanical door sliding open interrupted the protests of the People inside the room.

"When she wakes up, I want her to be moved to Room X091. This is an Order."

Just, who are those people and why did they do this to me?

The silent whispering along with the loud heavy footsteps of multiple people left the room.

"Hey sweetie. I  know you can hear me. I need you to try and open your eyes, I wont harm you." The Voice I recognised as the man which had carried me into the Van came back into my senses.

He uncuffed my arms and cradled me into his chest. "C'mon. I know you can do it! I can see your eyelids moving." I felt him swiping my fringe away from my face and I sighed, it felt like I was being held by my own father.

Father. Mother. Siblings. Family and Friends. Where are they and how are they? Did they survive? I really wanted to know.

My Vision was blurry and the lights shining into my sensitive eyes weren't helping either.

"Is it too bright? Wait, here."

I felt him place something on my face and I slowly opened my eyes again, afraid of hurting them with the bright light.

Sunglasses.

"This should be helping you with the overall brightness. You are finally fully awake, welcome to your new home." The way he spoke to me and held me was that of a father holding and talking to his beloved child. Just who was he and who am I?

마지막으로 나를 구해 줘 最後に私を救ってくれて。 最后请救我。 Спаси меня в последний раз. Enfin, tu m'as sauvé la vie. Por último, ayúdame. Akhirnya selamatkan aku. Cuối cùng hãy cứu tôi. สุดท้ายช่วยหาฉันหน่อย. Save me for the last time. Rette mich für ein letztes mal.

So many languages, so many voices, so many whispers, yet what they say is all the same, it had the same meaning, yet the emotions and the way they said it was always different for everyone. They were all in my head and they were all talking to me.

Just who and what am I now? Am I still Human? What happened over the time I was asleep? And why can't I talk?

"You will be under my care for now. Everything which is directed towards you will also be directed towards me. If anything happens, come back to me. I am you Guardian now."

I looked at the man, the light still too bright even with the Sunglasses on. I slowly nodded my head, still unsure about this whole situation I am in. I feel like I have woken up at the wrong time and the wrong place, yet I am gratefull that I did, or else I wouldn't have met this Man infront of me.

"You can rest here for a while, after you have finally recovered, I will tell you everything. For now, rest some more and feel free to roam this apartment but please, do not get out, for now." He laid me down on a soft bed. The way to the Apartment was so fast that I didn't even realize that we had arrived there already until he laid me down on the soft sheets of the bed.

He patted my head and waved me goodbye, he had left a device for me to talk into if I needed him or something else.

The bedroom was modern yet simple. Everything about this Apartment was modern, yet simple and it made everything boring. This is how an unoccupied Aparment looks like, not homey and cold.

I tried my best to regain my strenght in my legs, my toes finally moving after an hour of trying and my legs swaying from left to right in a sluggish manner. I still had a lot of work with myself to do and I knew it wasn't limited to just this hour.

It was dark outside and I could feel my hunger for food increasing. My mouth dry and my stomach grumbling, yet all I could do is to try and crawl into the kitchen. I had no strenght in my legs yet.

If it wasnt for the heavy double doors of the fridge, then I would have easily pried them open amd started to devour all the things inside it but laying on the ground, trying to open up a metal door with heavy contents on it might have been opened better if I would have stood upright.

I sighed. I cursed at my limp legs, only the toes moved to my endless complaints.

I dont really know for how long I have been on the floor, staring at my legs and my moving toes but I definitely got startled by the loud knock on the Apartment door and a single 'I am sorry for intruding.'

Someone was comming into my Apartment and it was a male, judging by the voice.

"Hey, are you okay?" I looked up at the voice. A young Male, probably around my age walked up to me, his face expression showed that he was in a panic.

I nodded my head and pointed at my limp legs.

"Here. I'll help you." He reached out for me to take his hands and I took a hold of them. He was strong, he pulled me up with one single tug of his arms and I was literally flying into his open arms. He looked down at me and I gave him a shy smile.

After looking at him more closely, had I realised that he was more than just a simple handsome face walking around checking up on a weird criple like me.

"I am so sorry. I haven't introduced myself yet." He helped me walk to the couch nearby and I sat on it, with him kneeling infront of me, staring up into my eyes with a smile. "I am Hwang Minhyun. I will be in your Unit from now on. I heard that you just came out from the Sleeping Capsule and the Commander told me to take care of you since you are still very weak after just waking up from that long slumber. I will be caring for you until you can walk and talk on your own again, after that I will be under your care, Leader."

Leader? Did he just called me his Leader? What kind of Unit am I in? What is this man infront of me talking about and why is he here in the first place? I have so many questions yet I can't speak them out loud.

.....

Back then I didn't know that I had to search for an answer to most of my question, myself.

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With the exception of Prince Hwang Minhyun, Jonghyun was considered the odd one out by the royals of his age, often looking down on him for attending school with the commoners instead of hiring a tutor to teach him. Jonghyun preferred it this way though, for it helped him gain a new perspective and an understanding of how his people lived and he swore when he’d be king, he’d make the kingdom a much better place. 

As he grew up, the young prince partook in many activities, eventually befriending Kang Dongho, his future knight and Choi Minki, future tailor for the elite (on Jonghyun’s recommendation of course.)

Because the Hwangs and Kims were neighbors in the vast land, they met regularly, the kings quietly discussing the financial crisis while the queens bonded over tea. Jonghyun, Minhyun and his sister princess eventually learned to sneak out of the castles and wander into the town where they met Aron Kwak, a free spirit whose heart never stayed in one place until Minhyun offered him a job working around the castle. But even once Minhyun’s younger sister reached a certain age, she stopped hanging around, instead spending her days on practicing becoming a queen for potential suitors and learning her duties should she accept to rule alone.

Jonghyun never stopped learning, never stopped caring, never stopped being curious of anyone who resided in either kingdom which made him particularly familiar with a lot of people and fairly popular at that. He didn’t mind; it made him proud that he could be someone to other people.

And although he knew he would one day get married to become king, he wasn’t in a hurry to settle down...yet.  

*

“Son of a bitch,” Jonghyun swore as he knocked the glass of water over. He stood up before the water could fall into his lap and wet his clothes. 

“I told you not to leave it so close,” Minhyun commented before raising his own glass to his lips, pinkie out and drinking slowly so the coldness of the ice wouldn’t rush to his brain.

Jonghyun took out his handkerchief to dry up the water that managed to seep into his pants and onto his shirt. How that happened, he didn’t know but let it go. “Do you have an extra one?”

“No need, Hyung. Y/N!” 

In the blink of an eye, his newest servant appeared with a polite smile and a curtsey, ready for his orders. “Your Highness.” You turned to Jonghyun. “Your Highness.”

“Y/N, can you take Prince Charming here to my room? He, uh, had an accident,” he snickered. “There should be some clothes lying around somewhere. And tell Aron to bring us lunch if he isn’t busy.”

“Yes, sir.” You bowed at Minhyun. “Right this way your Highness.” You led him quietly out of the garden and into the castle, greeting a few of the nobles visiting the kingdom, and politely instructing Aron of the princes’ meals when they stopped in the kitchen.

“You don’t talk much, do you?” Jonghyun asked, trying to make conversation. He had been walking with his hands in his pockets, whistling loudly to fill the silence, but his lungs quit on him. He had seen you over the years in passing by in Minhyun’s village, sometimes getting bread or dropping off dresses with a seamstress, but never gave it a second thought. It could’ve been anyone serving Minhyun. But this was his first time alone with you.

You offered him an apologetic smile. “I’m still trying to get used to everything and everyone first. It’s quite overwhelming going from being a delivery person to serving royalty overnight...although it’s been almost a month.”

“Do you like it?”

“Everyone’s been very kind to me, and I seem to be doing a good job. I hope the Hwangs will have complete faith in me serving them. It’s a real honor.” You’d heard the story of their last servant stealing from them and how many things needed to be replaced and how much gold managed to get smuggled out. The kingdom had taken a hit and the poverty rate was slowly increasing, making you extremely lucky to have a job right now. 

“Have they caught the person responsible for the hardship of the kingdom?” When you shook your head, he sighed and excused himself to change into something drier, only to groan when he felt itchy in the attire. He needed to get Ren to design something for Minhyun, maybe for a birthday present or something and then maybe he’d see.

You were long gone when he stepped out so he made his way into the courtyard when he overheard the two kings in the library in a heated discussion. “Forgive me if I overstep any boundaries,” Minhyun’s father said, “but you are overstaffed and it’s only a matter of time before they figure that out. We’ve had to let some of our own people go for the same reason.”

“I know. But what else can we do? These people have entrusted us to look after them and it’d feel like we’re turning our backs on them. We’ve looked deep in the coal mines in search of more gold but everything’s empty. Many have left us as it is, but we’re still struggling. We are grateful for everything you’ve done for us. Thank you. Our only hope will be to merge the kingdoms.”

“Your Highness?” You tapped Jonghyun’s shoulder lightly, making him jump. “Lunch is ready.”

“Thank you Y/N,” he said quickly composing himself. 

“Is everything okay? You’re looking a little pale. Shall I send for a doctor?”

He shook his head. “I’m fine, thank you. Just a little jittery from probably not having lunch yet.” He extended his arm. “After you.”

*

Later that night, Jonghyun locked himself in the study room in hopes of finding a quick solution for the time being. He advised his servants not to bother him unless it was important. He unrolled a map that took up the entire table space and studied the blueprint. He dipped his quill in the inkwell, the tip lightly scritch-scratching on the paper. He circled the locations where he could probably find something, crossed out the places where the king said he searched and turned up with nothing, and making notes on where he could explore for himself just to make sure. He needed a better plan, he knew, but he wanted to help as much as he could. He couldn’t let his people down like this, not when they needed him. He paused when he heard a soft knock on the door. “Yeah?” he said rubbing his eyes.

“The queen would like to know if you’re okay Your Highness. You’ve been up here for hours and she’s worried,” Dongho said, holding a tray. “I told her you’d be having your meal up here.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that. Just put it down anywhere. I just need to finish this.” The scent of food finally reached his nostrils. “That smells good. What is it?”

“I’m not sure Your Highness. It actually came from the Hwang kingdom.” Dongo set the tray on one of the chairs closest to Jonghyun.

“That’s nice of them,” he said. He took off the silver lid that held its contents, inhaling the smell of the bibimbap. He frowned a little at a note folded up neatly on the side. “Dongho, can you bring me some chopsticks. I don’t see anything here.” Once he was alone, he unfolded the note, not recognizing the handwriting but smiling when he saw who it was from. 

Prince Minhyun said you didn’t eat much at lunch, so I sent you this. Enjoy. -Y/N.

*

“Did you find what you were looking for Your Highness?” Dongho asked once they were in familiar territory again. He couldn’t believe he had been talked into nearly getting lost in the woods.

“No, but if we could just go a little further out next time, then I’m sure we would.” He petted his horse gently, offering him an apple slice. “I feel it Dongho! I know that we can at least fix the water problem; we just have to keep going.”

“Your Highness, I admire your perseverance, but we’re not prepared for something like this.”

“Listen to me though. Finding water means our people won’t die of thirst and if we can find a body of water, we can catch fish and if we catch fish, they won’t die of hunger.”

“But they will die if they’re allergic to fish,” Baekho mumbled to himself and Jonghyun whacked him.

“Not the point.”

“I know you want to save the people hyung, I get it. What I don’t understand is how you’re putting pressure on yourself to do this when it isn’t even your responsibility. The king is still alive, and there’s pressure to find a princess to marry. So why are you doing it?”

“Just as you said. I want to save the people. But I also want to feel like a competent leader when I’m king. I don’t want them to have doubts. And if I can save my people, Minhyun’s people will have a chance too.”

“There are always gonna be problems and there will always be people who doubt you. Your mind is in the right place and that’s all that matters.” He fed his own horse a carrot and he whinnied happily. 

They rode the rest of the way in silence, JR trying to remember everything on the map and Baekho watching the area carefully to make sure nothing seemed out of place. Thankfully not many people held a grudge against the innocent prince but one could never be too sure. He heard about a fellow knight who had accidentally eaten some poisoned strawberries meant for the princess he was supposed to be protecting, and how the princess never left his side until he recovered. They were married now, so at least they had a happy ending. 

The pair stopped in the town to do a checkup since neither seemed in a rush to get back to the castle. Jonghyun may have been a strong person but he had a fragile heart and it hurt him to see his kingdom falling apart. Many shops were boarded up shut from the families who couldn’t live there anymore and instead moved somewhere they could afford to live. The king had taken a great risk moving some of them into the castle but he supposed he’d rather have Minki there than anywhere else. Still, he saw his reflection on the glass of his parents’ tailor shop and Jonghyun turned away, feeling partially responsible even though it had nothing to do with him. 

He got off his high horse (literally), and picked up all the trash he saw, surprised that no one bothered to clean up. Once his people recognized him, they bowed respectfully and offered to take the trash he collected which he obliged. Not noticing his knight had left, Dongho returned with a bowl of porridge since they hadn’t eaten since leaving and Jonghyun refrained from shoveling the whole thing in his mouth, despite the lack of flavor. The people used the opportunity to bombard him with questions and concerns of the town, as they made a circle around him, overwhelming him and getting nervous. He answered as honestly as he could but it didn’t seem to be enough. And just as quickly, a small fire flown over their heads and near one of the stands made them disperse and turn their focus on that.

He felt someone grab his hand and run straight for the castle. It didn’t take him long to figure out that it was you but he was still astounded. You yelled for the guard to open the gates and laughing once you made it safely inside. Dongho headed straight for the stables, letting Jonghyun compose himself.

“Your Highness,” you said in between breaths, “what brings you out of the castle so late in the afternoon?”

“Exploring,” he admitted. “I wanted to see something but we got lost and turned around.” He stared at you wondering what was so out of place. “Why are you here roaming the kingdom?”

“The queen swears the vegetables here are the best in the land, so she sent me on an errand.” You frowned. “Only...I dropped them saving you.”

“That’s something I can repay fairly quickly. Follow me.” 

You walked inside, admiring the place. Much like the family you worked for, it was neat and seemed busy, with pages and squires and noblemen walking throughout the halls, charming anyone willing to listen. The portraits scattered along the walls, the past rulers keeping an eye around and pictures of the young prince growing up adorned the opposite side. You smiled at the humanity radiating off of him, enchanted at how his people loved him. “Did you really go to school with us commoners?” You asked in awe, stopping in front of one. 

“Yeah,” he said humbly. “I grew up with the servants here and a lot of them had kids my age. My parents were kind enough to let them in the castle so when they started school, I thought it’d be a good idea to follow them there. I met my two best friends there, no offense to your Prince Charming.”

“Prince Minhyun did say you were an odd one,” you commented. “Your Highness-”

“Please call me JR or Jonghyun.”

“JR,” you cleared your throat to hide your embarrassment at dropping the formality, “these people mean a lot to you, don’t they?” 

He nodded. “They’ve always had so much faith in us, and to feel like we’re not giving them our all, it feels like treason. I went out with Dongho because I was so sure we’d find a river or something and that would help with some of our problems. My people are starving or dying of thirst and a lot of them are leaving. I want to make my kingdom a better place.”

“Your Highness, I don’t know you that well, but I think you’re going to be a great king.” You patted his shoulder. “From the way I see you treat not just your own people, but Prince Minhyun’s too. I hear them speak highly of you in our village.”

*

From then on, a quiet friendship blossomed between you and Jonghyun, whether he met you at Minhyun’s castle or in either of the villages, he always greeted you with a smile and a promise of an adventure, no matter how short of a time you had together. You played harmless pranks on Minhyun like getting him to clap three times at a lamp so a “genie” would come out and often had Aron running around the castle because you’d tell him you lost Jonghyun. The Hwangs also started to have you send messages to the Kims for official business. If it got too late for Jonghyun to send you back (even with Dongho), he had you stay in a guest room, despite you being a servant. Both parties trusted you not to open the letters so you took this job very seriously. 

Jonghyun’s favorite pastime was reading quietly in the courtyard where no one could bother him unless it was to bring him his meals. He often raised his glass as a toast when he saw you roaming with his parents.

He also enjoyed tending to the gardens, something didn’t think he’d like because of the patience he lacked. You found him there many times talking to the plants, praising them and encouraging them to be the most beautiful in all the land. He had the habit of cutting off a flower and offering it to you if he saw you and pouting whenever you rejected it...which didn’t happen often.

He seemed happiest taking his flute lessons outside too because he swore music made the flowers grow faster. He enjoyed your company, fleeting as it was, so whenever your paths crossed, he made sure to keep a smile on your face with his own song for you as a goodbye if he couldn’t walk you to the gate.

He used these distractions to keep himself occupied from the kingdom’s troubles. His dreams, or rather, nightmares began plaguing him late into the night from not finding the source of water to the day of the coronation when his people decided to start a revolution and their first order of business was to overthrow him. They kept him up late at night and sometimes carried on into the morning. They seemed to get especially worse when you stopped coming by and he wondered what could’ve stopped.

*

“I’m sorry, what?” Jonghyun stuck his finger in his ear, cleaning it to make sure he heard right. “Let me get this straight...you want me to marry Minhyun’s sister.” The chicken is his mouth no longer tasted good to him.

“Are you really that surprised?” The king asked. “What do you think we’ve been doing all this time?”

“Trying to figure out what we’re gonna do about the kingdom.”

“My boy, this marriage is the only way to save our people. My time is coming to an end and soon it will be time for you to be crowned king. Now, wipe that look off your face. They’ll be by shortly and we can discuss everything.”

The servants had just finished clearing their plates when the page announced the Hwangs’ arrival. The King and Queen came into view first, regal and elegant as ever, followed by the prince and princess, admiring the place as if they’d never set foot there, and finally, you, head down and fingers laced together in front of you. 

“Your Majesties,” you curtsied. “Your Highness.” 

“Y/N, always a pleasure to see you,” the Queen greeted you kindly. “I trust you’ve been well.” 

“Very, thank you. I’m sorry I haven’t been in some time. They’ve kept me busy with all the wedding preparations.” You turned your attention briefly to Jonghyun. “Congratulations, Your Highness. It will be my honor to serve you in the future.”

“I look forward to having you.” At least a good thing that would come out of the marriage would be getting to see you more often. He missed you a lot more than he thought he did, but he was a bit surprised when he didn’t see you smile back at him.

The princess looped her arm through his, bringing back to the present moment. “I can’t believe this is happening!”

“Me neither.” He didn’t know why the idea didn’t excite him. The loyalties between the Kims and the Hwangs dated back as early as the first monarchs, complete with treaties swearing to never declare war on each other and even splitting riches among each other. This was a first in uniting the two families. 

“Okay, Y/N, since you will also become part of this family, allow me to take you to the best tailor in all the land and one the only person JR will allow to make his clothes,” his mother continued. “Choi Minki is simply an artist in what he makes.”

“Thank you,” you smiled at her. “It’ll be good to make sure he knows how the princess likes her dresses and I’ll have some familiarity in how Prince Jonghyun likes his clothes folded and all the like.”

Jonghyun followed the queens and you, with his bride to be right next to him, painting a picture of the wedding she imagined. He had to admit that the idea didn’t sound bad but he just couldn’t see himself in her vision or her in his. He nodded along to everyone talking until they reached Minki’s private corner of the castle and you two were introduced, getting straight to work on the dress and the suit fit for the future king and queen.

It pleased JR to know how easily you got along but a little later when he went back to tell Ren about a hole in favorite shirt, he saw you holding onto his shoulder, gasping for air and Minki egging you on, his heart stopped. He felt foolish for thinking he had been the only one to make you laugh that hard. He backed away slowly unnoticed.

*

You could hear Jonghyun moaning from the stomach pain but you couldn’t go in yet. The engagement party had ended abruptly once the prince ate a piece of rotten beef and came down with flu-like symptoms almost immediately after. The Kings and Queens rushed you and the servants to apologize to everyone attending and had you come straight back. The clock, funnily enough, struck midnight as you entered the room. Somehow someone managed to calm everyone down and assured everyone that Jonghyun wasn’t gonna die, but it’d be awhile until he felt well again. You volunteered to stay with him so everyone could get some rest. While you didn’t have experience watching over this particular prince, someone had to do it and everyone had a full day come morning. You wiped the sweat from his forehead which you swore he blushed from embarrassment. You got him to sit up slowly so he could drink water so he wouldn’t dehydrate, but it didn’t help him too much, so you disappeared for a few minutes and reappeared.

“I need you to drink this,” you said quietly when he wrinkled his nose at the smell and looked for the bucket.

“What is it?” 

“It’s tea with mint from the garden. It should settle your stomach.” You poured the tea into a small cup and blew on it until he could drink without scalding his tongue.

He shook his head. “I don’t wanna. It smells gross.”

“Your Highness, please. If you stop throwing up, we can try feeding you soup or bananas, or something just so you can feel better.” The cold sweat hadn’t subsided yet and you hoped this would do the trick. “Just a little bit. You don’t even have to finish it.”

“Promise?”

You held out your pinkie. “Promise.”

The series of events that happened next involved him throwing up on you and the bedsheets the moment he tried swallowing the tea and him apologizing for it and you running to get changed and bringing extra sets of clothes just in case with you reassuring him that you expected that. You convinced him to take a warm bath while you changed the sheets and threw the dirty ones outside the room. He tried falling asleep to no avail so he kept downing water which made him go to the bathroom every few minutes but he was too weak so you had to grab hold of him so he’d be able to walk without falling over. The food poisoning finally wore off a little before sunrise and he was finally able to eat again, but only after making sure he could stomach the mint tea. He ended up falling asleep with the spoonful of soup in his hand and you removed it so he’d be able to sleep in peace. You cleaned up his little area from his messes, tossing the other dirty dresses he managed to throw up on along with the bedsheets. 

You took one look at him once you finished, relieved at the color finally back on his cheeks and brushed the hair from his forehead, smiling sadly. Why did it have to be him? *

JR’s first order of business once he fully recovered was convincing his parents he didn’t wanna marry Minhyun’s sister. It didn’t feel right and it wouldn’t solve any problems. (His days of bedrest led him to obsessively look up the finances of both families and deducing that it wouldn’t help anyone.) When that didn’t work out, he packed a light backpack and headed out to clear his head without telling anyone he’d be gone. He climbed on his horse and together the rode off unnoticed into the forest, Jonghyun confiding his troubles to the white stallion and enjoying the fresh air, the temperature falling steadily the further they rode out. He had just wrapped a blanket around himself when he found himself toppling to the floor and Aesop on his hind legs, the fight or flight instinct kicking in. Jonghyun managed to roll to his side when Aesop kicked before taking off and leaving him stranded. Not far from him, he heard a rattle and he quickly got to his feet, looking for his stallion.

He felt like he walked in every direction, but everywhere looked the same. He could see the darkness start to kiss the sky and he at least hoped he’d find shelter soon. He’d read stories about ghosts and wolves coming out at night and he didn’t wanna be outside to find out. He was about to give up when he found a mine and went inside without a second thought. Inside, Jonghyun lit a small fire to keep warm and view his surroundings. He didn’t know how long he’d be in here, but he hoped someone would find him soon, seeing as though he didn’t have enough food to last him. He panicked a little when it started raining, the wind whistling and the water falling where it pleased made him start hearing things. He sat down in a ball, covering his ears with his hands when the thunder started. He just had to survive the night and then it’d be over.

“Your Highness!” A voice called out loud enough for him to uncover his ears momentarily. “Prince Jonghyun...JR! Make some noise so I know where you’re at? Your Highness!”

A moment later, you found him in that position, inside with no protection. “Jonghyun, there you are!” Wet as you were from the rain, you rushed to him and gave him a hug, surprised when he wrapped his arms around you.

“Don’t go away,” he whispered, unsure as to how you found him to begin with, but not wanting to ruin the moment that he wasn’t alone. You were there with him and that’s all that mattered.

*

It seemed like forever when you were dry again but the bigger problem was the cold you knew you’d get once this was over. The rain wasn’t letting up anytime soon but at least the thunder had stopped. “Your Highness, what are you doing so far away from home? We were all worried sick.”

“How did you find me?”

“I asked first.”

“I...got into a fight with my father and I wanted to get away for a little while.” Out of the corner of his eye, he swore something gleamed, but when he wiped the water away, it was gone. “Now you.”

“Aesop showed up startled. He wouldn’t stop neighing or shaking until we followed him and Mocha got your scent. He left as soon as I found you but they won’t look for us until daylight, probably.” You had never been more thankful for a guard dog than in that moment. “Are you okay?”

He nodded. “I will be now.” He stared at the flames intently as if hoping they’d give him a sign. “I wasn’t running away.” He felt the need to explain what’s been on his mind, even if he couldn’t quite get it out. “I just...Y/N, friend to friend, can I ask you something?”

Your heart flip flopped around your chest when you nodded. “Seeing as we’re gonna be here awhile, why not?”

“Do you think I’m making the right decision marrying the princess? I know they’re your family to serve, but I can’t help but wonder.”

“Your Highness-”

“Jonghyun.”

“Jonghyun,” you tried again, “the Hwangs are wonderful people, as wonderful as your family. I’m indebted to them for keeping me with them as they let more of their servants and other staff go.”

He nodded, expecting this answer. “But is it something I should do? For my people, her people even if nothing else adds up? Is it worth becoming king? Could you do it if you were the princess? Answer me honestly.”

You looked at him next to you, the warmth on your cheeks having nothing to do with the fire. “Yo-Jonghyun, what’s this about?”

“I’m in love with someone who isn’t the princess.” You watched him clasp his fingers together and unclasp them, playing with them. “She’s helped me through so much and I couldn’t help but fall. I want nothing more than to marry her and make her as happy as she’s made me.”

You didn’t know what to say to that, but then again you didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t that. “What are you gonna do then? What do you wanna do?”

He didn’t answer since something distracted him again. He stood up and walked toward the shine, scratching the surface of the wall. When that didn’t work, he rummaged through his backpack until he found a spoon and tried again. He dug really slowly so the silverware wouldn’t bend or break, scratching away patiently.

Meanwhile, you stared at the flames, enjoying the way they changed color. Eventually, it’d die down until nothing but the embers remained, and then go off completely until the cool ashes provided the only proof branches and twigs burned there. But for now, they burned brightly and beautifully, providing enough warmth, light and protection for you to close your eyes and fall asleep. You didn’t know how faraway daybreak was, but you found the prince (spooked but safe and intact), so you earned your nap. You jumped when Jonghyun tapped your shoulder, expecting him to still be stuck to the rocks, but still your eyes stayed closed. “Yes Your Highness?” you mumbled. 

You heard him chuckle, but nothing else, but you felt him drape something over you. “It’s nothing. Sleep now. I’ll show you later. Good night.”

*

The cave ended up being a mine full of diamonds, much to everyone’s dismay and relief which helped the Hwangs and the Kims with the poverty problem. It brought back their old people who were, after many years, finally able to reopen their shops and with that, brought more people to visit. Jonghyun solved the water problem by providing jobs to his people to dig from his kingdom to the nearest water source so they’d be able to have water closer to home. With that, the crops flourished, enabling farmers to settle down there too.

His heart felt full at seeing Minki back where he belonged and Dongho in an armor suit that protected him the way it was supposed to be. Minhyun sent the page often telling him of the growth of his own kingdom which focused more on education than anything else which kept him content. 

At seeing the boy’s success, the king knew he reached the end of the line. Jonghyun did everything he wanted for his people: give them a better life and thrive. So he relinquished his position and stepped down proudly. Jonghyun on the other hand, wanted to accomplish one more thing before he could be crowned king, and he needed your help. He paid a visit to the Hwangs, mumbling his apologies but it was important for him to see you. He found you helping Aron clearing a table in one of their libraries to prep the prince and princess for a lesson. After Jonghyun successfully threw a crumpled piece of paper, you excused yourself, greeting JR with a bow and a shy smile, while wiping your hands on your apron. He licked the tip of his thumb and wiped a smudge of ink off your cheek. 

“How can I help you, Your Highness?” you asked, trying to ignore your reddening cheeks. 

“Walk with me, Y/N. I have a lot of things to talk to you about before my coronation.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You have my word. I’ll be there.” You paused. “I’m sorry you’re not marrying our princess.”

“In a way, I am too, but I know she’s more of a lone wolf. Ruling with her would’ve been somewhat difficult. But since I also grew up with her, I don’t think I could’ve ever fallen in love with her either.” He smiled at you, letting you take the lead.

“It’s beautiful outside today. Would you like to see the gardens? The carnations are lovely this time of year.”

“Wherever you’d like. I have all day.”

“You most certainly do not. You probably canceled a big important meeting because of me.”

“Actually, you’re the most important meeting I have all day.”

“Your Highness, you’re making me nervous.”

“Okay, I’ll get to the point...you care about me, right?” You nodded quickly but didn’t say anything. “And if I need something, I can count on you, right?” He dug into his pocket when you nodded again. “So can I ask you a question that could change both of our lives?”

“Your Highness, I don’t think I can just up and be your servant. My loyalties lie here.”

“I’m here because I’m looking for my bride. Rumor has it, she lives here.”

“Who’s the lucky girl?” you asked after a moment of silence, your heart deflating a little. 

He met your gaze, unwavering and as confident as you’ve ever heard from the future king. “You.” He held out his hands out to you and you gingerly moved the top hand, letting you see a diamond he had taken out. It wasn’t big or flashy but it still rendered you speechless. “I found this the night you found me.”  He took your hand and dropped it in. When you closed your hand over it, he covered yours with his. “Do me the greatest honor and marry me.”

“Your Highness-”

“You bring riches to everyone around you and you don’t even know how bright you shine...you’re a diamond in the rough. You care for everyone around you...why would the people outside the kingdom be any different?”

*

You could feel everyone’s eyes on you and you tried to breathe normally, but you could feel the thin veil suffocate you. The only thing that kept you going was Jonghyun waving at you and the crowd laughing. It was a public event, the regals and the commoners coming together to celebrate the occasion. The coronation happened moments ago, but Jonghyun didn’t care too much for it. He had been dreaming of becoming king his whole life. Spending the rest of his life you, however, he couldn’t wait. Even though you were finally at arm’s length, he couldn’t help but take your hand and hold it tightly, rushing you to get started. 

Then grin never left his face, not when the clergy started his sermon, not when you said your vows or even exchanged rings, and especially not when the clergy said, “By the power vested in me, you may kiss the bride,” and he lifted the veil from your face and gave you a kiss so passionate, so raw, so much love and adoration, you couldn’t help but cry tears of joy and wrapped your arms him, and kissed him back.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I happily present King Kim Jonghyun and Queen Kim Y/N.”

And you lived happily ever after.

cuddling dongho makes you feel safe

he likes to wrap his big arms around you and hold you close

he giggles a lot and is overall happier with you that close to him

he likes to cuddle after stressful days

he likes to leave little kisses on your cheeks and neck and likes to listen to you talk abt your day

your heartbeat calms him

who falls asleep first could really go either way

sometimes your voice is just so soothing and having you cuddled up against him makes him sleepy

other times he likes to sing a song he’s been experimenting with or a song that reminds him of you

he’s okay if you fall asleep first bc then he can look at your peaceful figure and it just brings him so much joy that your his and one day he’ll get to wake up to a similar picture everyday