#nuest fic

“min, here you are! i’ve been looking for you! it’s so cold here, why won’t you close the window?” you asked, voice filled with excitement.

he let his eyelids drop again.

“don’t… wanna… move…” minhyun mumbled and heard you walk up and close the window.

“i stopped by a nearby cafe and brought you and staff some food! i might be broke now but at least everyone’s stomach is full” you hummed happily and the sound of your energetic footsteps reached his ears.

he couldn’t control the smile that creeped on his lips: your presence and the energy you emitted was contagious, whether he liked it or not.

“yah, mr hwang! wakey wakey!” you grinned and suddenly there were cold hands on his cheeks.

letting out a gasp, minhyun’s body jolts and eyes open wide.

“your hands…!” minhyun groaned but broke into a bigger smile upon seeing your face up close.

“are they cold? sorry… i left my gloves at your place… anyway, wake up! i brought you some coffee, warm one! and bunch of snacks – sweet bread, milk bread, chocolate croissant, muffins…” your voice was so pleasant to listen to that he zoned out, losing control over his body once again.

“…but the cashier said that they can throw in some discounts so obviously i agreed…”

just for a second. his eyelids weighed like a ton, unable to keep open. neck giving up and letting his head drop down.

“…and then a tiger ran into me…”

one more minute. he was just resting his eyes, totally listening to you and keeping track of–

“…the aliens kidnapped me but i did a flip and escaped their ship!”

minhyun slowly rose his head up and you observed his tired face. a glowing smile adorned your lips as he visibly processed what you just said.

“what?” minhyun blinked slowly and a bubbly laugh escaped your mouth.

“you weren’t listening, huh? don’t worry. here, have some coffee” you hummed and after handing him the warm paper cup, you pecked his temple.

he was just trying to keep up with the story but gave up as soon as he felt your lips brush against his skin.

the coffee was tasty, just as he liked it. while he was sipping on it and munching on the sweets, he listened to you. to attempt on keeping him awake, you decided to talk to him: starting from how your day was and finishing on the fact that you just found out the difference between chipmunks, eurasian squirrels and american squirrels.

a knock on the door interrupted your rant about hamsters (“they are just squirrels without tails!”) and all of the energy that was back in him started to flow out again.

“minhyun, we’re waiting. whenever you’re ready” one of the staff members called and he just whined, putting his food away.

“come on, baby. you can do it! let’s just get it done and we’ll go home” you encouraged him and started planting kisses on every single spot your lips could reach.

his soft cheeks, perfectly shaped nose, cheekbones, forehead… even his jaw and chin. minhyun started giggling, feeling a bit ticklish.

his battery was about 99% charged.

“i think you missed a spot” your boyfriend teased playfully and you grinned, cupping his face.

landing a tender kiss on his soft lips, you could taste the sweetness of snacks he ate. minhyun melted into the kiss, pulling you closer. you felt him smile just before he backed away suddenly.

“100%. i’ll try to be quick, baby” he hummed and stood up. you weren’t sure what he meant but minhyun’s face was glowing with excitement again.

masterlist <3

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All the days he had waited patiently for you at this very bus stop never left his memory. The bus you took was number 27— and it didn’t matter where you needed to go for the day, you would always come back to Minhyun on that particular bus. He would wait for you to step off and run into his arms. No matter the weather or how busy he was that day, he would always be there waiting for your return.

The day wasn’t complete until you were back in his arms and he was lifting you slightly off your feet and spinning you around amidst laughter and the elated feeling in both of your hearts at seeing each other again. He would carry your bag in his left hand and lace the fingers of his right hand with yours, swinging gently back and forth as you both walked back to his apartment. You liked to plant small kisses on his cheek, even just for the satisfying reaction of seeing them flush a soft pink. 

This was your routine every night for years— from back when you were both in highschool, to when you moved in together, all the way until Minhyun proposed to you 2 years ago. You were sure that the precious moment you reunited every night would last for years and years to come; yet you were never able to step off that bus and be able to call Minhyun your husband.

A road accident— a case of drunk driving on dangerous road conditions due to snow caused a serious collision in the middle of the road. Most passengers were injured and rushed to the hospital, including you. 

Though Minhyun had hoped and prayed for your recovery every night and day, you eventually left him and took your spot amongst the stars. The night of December 14th was when Minhyun lost the love of his life.

He couldn’t bring himself to break the routine he had kept up for over a decade. Minhyun knew in the back of his mind that it was impossible for you to ever step off that bus and into his arms again. You were gone, yet your memory remained in the bus stop, and, as such, Minhyun would always come back to it. 

As soon as Minhyun stepped out of his apartment and felt the cold chill of the wind, he reached for the coat rack without thinking. It was only when he was halfway to the bus stop that he remembered that there was no need for him to bring your coat with him. He wasn’t sure if ghosts could even feel the cold. Or, perhaps, they were cold all the time? The latter thought brought a frown to his face, and a quick glance up at the sky as if to check to see if you were cold or not. Despite not getting an answer, he still felt a little more at ease by the action.

The bus stop was deserted, as always, and Minhyun took his usual seat without wasting a second. It took a few minutes for him to realize he was glad he had accidentally brought your coat along with him. As he hugged it a little close to his face, the faint scent of your old perfume reached his nose. It wasn’t very strong— having significantly faded over the years, but still definitely recognizable. 

Minhyun closed his eyes and breathed it in, letting each inhale and exhale fade away with the wind as his brain brought up his favourite memories of you. Your first kiss in high school, late night walks around the city, early mornings waking up next to each other, and the evenings you spent planning for your wedding were amongst the best.

He settled on the last thought a little closer, letting his mind drift to when you took him with you for wedding dress shopping. It wasn’t traditional for the groom to see the dress before the wedding, but you valued his opinion so much that you wanted to bring him along nonetheless. You had never told him which dress you had decided on after the day of shopping was over, but he was pretty sure it was one of the 3 he liked the most.

You had looked ethereal in all of them— so pretty that Minhyun almost forgot how to breathe. The excitement and happiness you had both felt at that time was unmeasurable. Truly, the best moments of his life were all spent with you.

There were times where Minhyun felt lost and confused. He knew you would want him to be happy. You were always watching over him, and so he tried his best to smile and laugh and move forward with his life for you. But he wasn’t sure how he was ever supposed to experience the same fulfilment in his life when such a large piece of it was so obviously missing.

No matter how empty he felt, he knew you were waiting for him patiently. He would wait for you as well, for however long it took for you both to reunite. But until then, he would continue to cherish your memories— the scent of your perfume, the lost feeling of your lips against his or the warmth of your body in his hold, the sound of your laughter echoing in the walls of his apartment, and the framed photos of you he had carefully arranged. 

With the revving of the bus engine as it lumbered along past the bus stop, Minhyun stood up again. He let out a breath and clutched your coat closer to his chest, adjusting the ring on his left ring finger to be back in its place. He hummed a soft tune he had been working on for some time since you had passed. Every time he repeated the melody in his head, he could only look forward to when he would be able to sing it to you, as all the lyrics were for you, anyway.

He would wait until that day— until you could hear his lullaby.

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.

Their first meeting was at a the heart Cheongdamdong in a famous sushi restaurant. She wore an empty smile on her face and it bothered him a little bit because he knew it was fake. 

“Our parents are engaging us to each other for the company.” He was not going to beat around the bush. Those were his first words. 

“You’re Hwang Minhyun, right?” She continued to smile and then introduced herself. “Although, you’re probably aware of my name-”

“I don’t, actually.” Anything to get her to stop smiling.

She let out a small laugh. “Good thing I introduced my self first.”

She already guessed Hwang Minhyun’s personality. He just needed to smile at someone and they were already at his feet. One visit to her future father-in-law’s company and the employee’s reaction to her confirmed everything. 

Workaholic. Wealthy. Womanizer. 

Whatever she thought didn’t matter, nor did she matter to anyone.

Minhyun had his own deductions from seeing her picture. They weren’t as accurate as her’s because she was not surprised at his distant attitude. Maybe she was on the same page as him.

This was merely business and he was going to live the way he wanted despite what she did. 

Her smile and his expressionless face, that was their first meeting and also the beginning of the long downpour.

minhyun took off his helmet and ruffled his hair, the corners of his lips going up in a teasing manner.

“so? it wasn’t that bad, pretty?” he hummed, taking off yours. you pouted, looking at his handsome face.

“mhm” you mumbled.

the place where minhyun took you was a beach. he parked his motorcycle at the parking that had a view of the seashore, the waves crushing with a soothing sound.

“it’s beautiful here” you sighed, lips slowly turning into a smile.

“not as you, though” he grinned and his gloved hand cupped your cheeks gently. “a kiss for your badass boyfriend?”

“ah, don’t be so cocky now” you giggled and nodded, letting him know that he can kiss you.

minhyun’s lips landed on you softly, letting himself enjoy the moment. he tasted like vanilla and smelled like it too – his cologne filled your nose due to the proximity. your boyfriend kissed away the remains of the stress that the night ride caused. but with that prize at the end of the road, you were willing to go to such trips more often.

masterlist <3

because of that you had to restrict going out to public and doing the usual lovey-dovey stuff. at times, you envied the other couples.

but for most of the time, you didn’t mind. it was minhyun after all.

he adored wearing matching hanboks with you. “accidentally” bumping onto each other in the streets only to see that he wore a purple hanbok, just like you, made your heart flatter. sometimes, it’d be not on purpose and you’d snicker upon seeing his eyes widen in shock. another time, minhyun would send you a letter saying that you two should wear a hanbok in for example, green color. it seemed like such a small thing but you adored that.

that’s why you two found yourself tucked in the safety of your garden.

at first, you would just hang out there to keep hidden from the public eye. then, minhyun got involved with the way you take care of the flowers.

you treated them so gently, as if made out of the finest china. dozing water so they don’t have too little but also! not too much. trimming the leaves with precision left him speechless… or even when you weren’t afraid of dirt and got on your knees to pull out weeds.

eventually, he got invested too. you taught him all the basics and you two studied the language of flowers together.

“it’s just so beautiful today, isn’t it? the breeze is fresh and the sun is warm” you said, taking a deep breath. the mixture of flowers’ scents filled your lungs.

“mhm” minhyun hummed lazily, putting down his book and resting it on his chest. he was laying down on the ground, next to where you watered the peonies. he let the sunlight shine on his face, soaking his skin. squinting his eyes a bit, his ebony gaze found you and a smile subconsciously creeped on his lips.

“i just hope the flowers won’t dry. i shouldn’t be watering them in such weather but it’s not that awful” you continued your small ramble and noticed a small, yellow butterfly skipping over the petals. halting your movements, you followed its route.

the birds chirping in the background were even more beautiful than the sounds of haegum, your heart feeling at ease. it was so peaceful.

“we should plant some forget-me-nots in your garden, darling” you announced and turned around, the breeze tickling your skin. eyes meeting with dozing off minhyun, you snickered.

suddenly, the butterfly approached him. first, it circled around his book only to end up resting on his nose.

you gasped softly at the cute sight. you wished you could capture this moment somehow yet you were sure that this sight will be engraved in your memories forever.

minhyun scrunched his brows.

“it’s ticklish…” he muttered and opened his eyes. letting out a confused mph? when his eyes met with the butterfly, he just rested his eyelids again and began to fall back into slumber.

“let me just finish this bush and i shall nap with you, dear” you whispered, more to yourself than your significant other.

now minhyun’s soft snores added another chorus to the bird choir but you didn’t mind. listening to the tender melody you enjoyed the sun on your skin, breeze in your hair, the sweet smell of flowers and the feeling of warmth spreading in your heart.

masterlist <3