I Love You, Your Majesty 5/?
Title: I Love You, Your Majesty
Chapter: 5/?
>> Character List ||| Chp: 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Genre: AU, Romance, Various
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: 2min, Onew/OC, JongKey
Disclaimer: I only own the story. :D
Summary: Once upon a time, there lived two lovable princes; Prince Onew and Prince Taemin. Everyone respects and looks up to them, they were the perfect role models. But really, there's more to them than just being Princes. (Omfg I seriously fail at giving summary ._.)
A/N: Sorry for the wait! Enjoy (: Next update scheduled at Friday, 14 Jan 2011
C H A P T E R F I V E
“Am I allowed to talk to you now?”
Key glanced to his right and smiled inwardly at the sight of pouty Jonghyun next to him. The said male had given him the space he needed for three days and in all honesty, Key kind of missed him and his nonsense. Not that he would say it out loud though.
“Yeah. What’s up?”
“I miss you.” Jonghyun confessed as he sat next to Key.
“I don’t miss you.” Key countered. Jonghyun merely scoffed at his reply.
They were both sitting at the field, watching the horses running around freely. It was a nice day out; Key had taken the liberty to set all the horses in his private stable free to roam around the field. It wasn’t like they would run away since the horses were properly trained.
“When I first saw you, I thought that you’re a straightforward and charismatic person.” Jonghyun spoke out of the blue.
“When I first saw you, I thought you were a complete ass.”
“YAH! Kibummie, that hurts!”
“Whatever, Jjong. You fail at trying to flirt.”
“I’m not trying to flirt!” Jonghyun defended, his cheeks slightly flushed. “I was just saying, I think you’re an amazing person and it feels weird seeing you all depressed and troubled!”
Key did not retort straightaway. Instead, he chuckled and scooted closer towards Jonghyun.
“Well, I thought you were a complete ass. You’re not that bad, I guess.”
Jonghyun blinked innocently and stared at Key. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Did you just say something about my ass being not that bad?”
Key gaped at the older male before suddenly bursting out into laughter.
“Yah! Why are you laughing?!” Jonghyun yelped as Key used his fist to hit him repeatedly, a habit he always does whenever he’s laughing hysterically. “I know I have a very fine behind and I appreciate it when people say something good about my body, okay!”
“O-Oh my G-G-God… Y-You’re unbelievable… Ahahahahahaha!” Key guffawed.
Jonghyun sulked but dismissed the conversation. He could feel his lips tugged into a smile before laughing along. At least Key seems more cheerful now.
It took sometime before Key finally cooled down and stopped chortling. He took deep breaths to calm himself down before rubbing his stomach area.
“It’s been a while since I laughed that loud. My tummy hurts from all that.”
“You look better when you’re happy, you know.” Jonghyun stated.
“I always look good.”
“That I agree.”
“Shut up.”
Key leaned backwards until his back touched the grass. He lied facing the sky, enjoying the cool breeze and chirping of birds.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Key stiffened. “About what?”
“I’m not deaf you know, I’m practically living in the castle now. It’s been a week and no matter where I go, there will always be maids talking about Prince Key.”
“I’m not a prince.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why are you not a prince?”
Key closed his eyes. He never liked to talk about this, but Jonghyun would find out anyway. The whole castles are aware about what happened in the past. Key would rather Jonghyun knows the actual story than the exaggerated, modified stories the maids would tell him.
“Because I don’t want to be a prince. I don’t like that kind of lifestyle.” Key admitted, “And I don’t want to lose anyone anymore.”
“Please Kibum-ah, run!”
“Father! Father!”
“The prince-to-be is over there! Come on!”
“Go, Kibum!” Key’s father pushed his son harshly, “Go back to the castle now. Call for help, quick!”
He was afraid - so afraid. There were more than five men - his father would die for sure. The men were armed with knives and daggers. His father was already injured from trying to untie Key - this was bad.
“GO!”
Key sobbed as he ran as fast as he could. Luckily he wasn’t that far from the castle - at least he knew which direction to go to. He used every ounce of energy he could muster to knock on the heavy castle gate.
“Help! Help! Someone… Please!” Key cried as his small fists pounded on the thick metal.
The gate made a creaking, sharp sound as it was opened, revealing a young, teenage Kyuhyun.
“Key? Kibummie?” Kyuhyun was horrorstruck to find out that the prince was outside the castle, crying and looking horribly scared, “What happened?!”
“D-Daddy-in danger-kidnappers-I was sleeping-they came-quick save him-he’s over ther-“
Everything became dark and Key felt the whole world crashing as his knees buckled. Kyuhyun immediately rushed to catch the fainted prince.
“Hyung! Hyung!” Kyuhyun called out to the older soldier. “Duke Kim is in danger! Hurry, send people to help him!”
“Is that Prince Key? What is he doing outside? Is he alright?!”
“I’ll bring him into the castle, hurry up and send men to find the Duke!”
-
Key opened his eyes to find himself asleep on his own bed. His head ached and in a flash, the previous night’s memories came storming into his brain.
Someone had kidnapped him and carried him out of the castle. He had struggled and tried to escape but to no avail. His father had chased after him - he had no idea how his father knew about it - and saved him.
“You’re awake.”
“Kyuhyun hyung.” Key quickly got off his bed. “Where’s my dad?”
“… Kibum-ah…”
Key didn’t need Kyuhyun to answer his question verbally. His sad expression had explained everything.
“I am not ready to lose anyone. I don’t want people to die protecting me.” Key let out a deep breath, holding back his tears from falling. “After that incident… I just can’t help feeling afraid. Jinki hyung and Taemin were not there to witness the whole thing but they heard about the story from other people around the castle. I’m grateful they didn’t ask further.”
“A year after that Kyuhyun hyung became a general and he stopped talking to me altogether. I don’t know why.” Key bit his lower lip. “Ever since then, I refuse to be on friendly terms with anyone except Jinki hyung and Taemin. The two of them could not cut off ties with me since we are cousins - but that’s not the reason why I am comfortable with them.”
Jonghyun had been quiet throughout the whole time Key was telling his story. Curious, Key turned to his right.
To find that Jonghyun’s eyes were brimming with tears.
“YAH, WHAT THE-?”
“POOR KIBUMMIE…” Jonghyun sobbed as he pulled Key into a tight hug, “YOU MUST HAVE BEEN SO SAD… I’M HERE, YOU CAN CRY ON MY SHOULDER, IT’S OKAY…”
“YAH KIM JONGHYUN, LET ME GO AND WHAT THE HECK, YOU ARE THE ONE CRYING. WHY ARE YOU CRYING, YOU IDIOT?”
“IT’S SO SAD AND PAINFUL TO BE YOU.”
“I’M GOING TO SKIN YOU ALIVE.”
“IT’S OKAY TO CRY KIBUMMIE.”
“Y-You jerk.”
Key choked as the tears suddenly burst out of his eyes. Being in the same place with Jonghyun always irked him - because the older male always made him feel like opening up. It was as if Jonghyun would always be there to say out what he couldn’t say - like Jonghyun actually understood him.
“Shh.” Jonghyun whispered, his hand running up and down gently on Kibum’s back. “You’ll be fine. I got you Kibummie.”
Key couldn’t even manage a reply - so he just continued crying as his hands clutched onto Jonghyun’s clothes tightly.
“I’m here. I won’t leave you. I’ll never leave you.”
-*-
“Is Taemin all right?”
Yoonhae nodded at her prince politely. “He said he feels much better now.”
“What’s wrong with him?”
“I don’t think he’d like it if I told you.” Yoonhae gave a guilty grin. “But it’s something that none of us can fix. Only Prince Taemin himself, and may be, Minho, could fix it.”
Jinki simply gave a small nod in understanding. He was curious and worried about his brother - but he trusted Yoonhae’s judgment.
Jinki went back to reading his documents again, preparing for the meeting he was supposed to attend in less than an hour time. A princess from neighboring kingdom will be arriving tomorrow - which signaled another beginning of festival downtown. There were plenty of documents to take care of and preparations to be done. His head ached a little from all the pressures and stress - he barely had enough time to eat let alone sleep for the past few days.
A hand suddenly snatched the papers from his grip and Jinki was met at the sight of a determined Yoonhae.
“Wh-?”
Yoonhae soundlessly dragged Jinki onto the sofa placed at the corner of the room before sitting on it and pulling Jinki down - Jinki’s head ended up resting on her laps.
“Sleep.” Yoonhae spoke before the prince could protest. “You are really pale and I don’t want my prince to collapse during the meeting with the dukes. I’ll wake you up in twenty minutes.”
Jinki had wanted to protest but his heart was beating so fast it was rather suffocating - in a good way. A soft smile played on his lips as he closed his eyes.
“Thanks, Yoonhae-yah.” He mumbled.
Yoonhae’s hands gently caressed his temple, massaging them with care. It wasn’t long until drowsiness finally came to him - and Jinki fell asleep smelling Yoonhae’s calming perfume.
-*-
“Will you talk to me, please?”
Taemin raised his eyebrows. “I’m talking to you, hyung.”
“No, you’re not.” Minho pressed. “You’re all distant and… and I know something’s bothering you.”
“What makes you think so?”
“Listen, I got scolded by Yoonhae noona last night. She told me I was insensitive and all - I don’t get it but I know I did something wrong to you so I’m really sorry.”
Taemin stared at the carpet, refusing to look at Minho. After he broke down in front of Yoonhae yesterday, he was feeling better but still sad. It wasn’t Minho’s fault, really, but that doesn’t mean that Taemin feel well whenever Minho is around.
They were both inside Taemin’s bedroom - Minho had brought Taemin’s breakfast in. Jinki had gone to another meeting preparing for the carnival the following day again, and Key had informed the maids that he wouldn’t be having breakfast in the dining room.
“Prince Taemin.” Minho called, his tone begging. He was not used to Taemin not talking to him. The cold shoulder was killing him.
“I…” Taemin gulped, unsure. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“See? This is what I meant.” Minho took two strides forward and grabbed Taemin’s shoulders. “The usual you would have scolded me for calling you with honorifics when no one’s around. You’ve always hated me being formal to you.”
“M-Minho-“
“We’re friends, aren’t we?” Minho’s hands now moved to cup Taemin’s cheeks. “Despite the difference in our statuses… We’re still friends, right? So please tell me what did I do wrong.”
Taemin finally had the courage to look into Minho’s eyes. He saw mixture of anger and hurt in the black orbs - and his chest clenched painfully at the thought that he was the cause of it.
Minho was never expressive about his feelings. The past years Taemin had spent with him, he had seen Minho smile slightly, frown, but most of the time Minho was always composed. Which was why Taemin always loved discovering new emotions Minho displayed on his face - because Taemin would feel like he learns something new from his assistant. But seeing this emotion emitting from Minho’s face right now burns his heart.
He had made Minho angry. He hurt Minho’s feelings. Why couldn’t he do anything right?
“I’m a terrible person, aren’t I?” He breathed, voice shaking. “As a prince and as a friend… I’ve failed so badly, haven’t I?”
Minho’s eyes widened. “What on earth-“
“I’m sorry, Minho hyung, it must be hard on you because I’m so immature.” Taemin rambled. “I’m always hindering everyone around me because I’m so childish and useless. I can’t help Jinki hyung, I can’t do anything much and I can’t-“
What happened next shocked both Taemin and Minho because the latter had slammed his lips on Taemin’s to stop his babbles. Minho’s mind was racing - his body had acted without his brain’s command.
The milk is already spilled, no use crying over it. Minho thought as he closed his eyes and gently tilted Taemin’s head, deepening the kiss.
They separated after sometime - both blushing madly after sharing their first kiss.
Then Taemin snapped to his senses and started pushing Minho away. The assistant still had both his arms tightly wrapped around the prince’s small frame.
“You are an amazing prince. I wouldn’t want you to be any other way. You’re perfect the way you are.” Minho declared. “I’m sorry I spoke too harshly to you, Your Majesty.”
Taemin’s eyes got teary again. He struggled some more but it was obviously futile. He then gave up and buried his face into Minho’s chest.
“Please forgive me, Your Highness.”
“Don’t call me that.” Taemin’s voice was muffled. “It’s Taemin.”
“Okay, Taemin.” Minho tightened the hug. “Don’t ever do that to me again. Your brother and the people of this kingdom love you as who you are. Me too.”
Minho’s heart jolted as he realized he had practically, indirectly confessed to Taemin. The figure in his arms seemed to freeze as well.
What now?
-*-
Jonghyun stared at the angelic figure in his arms. Key had fallen asleep after crying for almost twenty minutes - his eyes were now swollen and puffy, tear tracks still visible on his cheeks, but to Jonghyun Key was still flawless and beautiful. He wiped the tear tracks carefully, trying not to wake the raven boy up.
“If only you knew how wonderful of a Prince you’d be.” Jonghyun murmured. He then recalled the scene he saw sometime ago - Taemin crying, feeling insecure about himself. It made Jonghyun feel bad for the young prince but at the same time he agreed that Key would have made a satisfying prince. Of course he could not be compared to Taemin or Jinki - after all everyone has different traits.
His memories then travelled back to when the three of them - Jonghyun, Minho and Yoonhae - were young. He remembered the mysterious man who had visited the three orphan children. It was he who gave them a mission after buying them.
“I am willing to give the three of you all the gold, money, jewelries and anything you all want in this world. But in exchange, it’ll be traded with your freedom.”
“From now onwards, the three of you will undergo special training to protect the princes-to-be in this kingdom. When the princes are of age to be declared a prince legally, you will then be assisting them as an official assistant. But being an assistant is dangerous so you will have to study and pick up all the basic skills - including fundamentals of martial arts.”
“Yoonhae, you will be assisting the oldest prince. Jonghyun, you will be assisting the second oldest of the three. And Minho, you are to be with the youngest prince.”
Something clicked in Jonghyun’s brain as he realized that Key and he were fated to meet after all. Whether Key become a prince or not, Jonghyun was supposed to be by Key’s side. How fitting.
“You can be a prince, you know?” Jonghyun whispered as he gently bent down and pecked Key’s cheek. “Because then I’ll be your assistant and I will never leave you, I won’t let anyone touch you. Cross my heart.”
-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
Teaser for chapter 6:
"Why don't you consider being a prince then?" Jonghyun suggested.
"I won't walk away from you, not now. Not ever." Minho tightened his hold on Taemin's wrist.
"Are you freaking kidding me?!" Jinki ruffled his own hair in frustration, "This isn't funny!"
"Your Highness, it'll be okay." Yoonhae tried to calm Jinki down, but her heart was beating furiously against her ribcage as well, "I'm sure Prince Taemin will be fine."
Chapter: 5/?
>> Character List ||| Chp: 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5
Genre: AU, Romance, Various
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: 2min, Onew/OC, JongKey
Disclaimer: I only own the story. :D
Summary: Once upon a time, there lived two lovable princes; Prince Onew and Prince Taemin. Everyone respects and looks up to them, they were the perfect role models. But really, there's more to them than just being Princes. (Omfg I seriously fail at giving summary ._.)
A/N: Sorry for the wait! Enjoy (: Next update scheduled at Friday, 14 Jan 2011
C H A P T E R F I V E
“Am I allowed to talk to you now?”
Key glanced to his right and smiled inwardly at the sight of pouty Jonghyun next to him. The said male had given him the space he needed for three days and in all honesty, Key kind of missed him and his nonsense. Not that he would say it out loud though.
“Yeah. What’s up?”
“I miss you.” Jonghyun confessed as he sat next to Key.
“I don’t miss you.” Key countered. Jonghyun merely scoffed at his reply.
They were both sitting at the field, watching the horses running around freely. It was a nice day out; Key had taken the liberty to set all the horses in his private stable free to roam around the field. It wasn’t like they would run away since the horses were properly trained.
“When I first saw you, I thought that you’re a straightforward and charismatic person.” Jonghyun spoke out of the blue.
“When I first saw you, I thought you were a complete ass.”
“YAH! Kibummie, that hurts!”
“Whatever, Jjong. You fail at trying to flirt.”
“I’m not trying to flirt!” Jonghyun defended, his cheeks slightly flushed. “I was just saying, I think you’re an amazing person and it feels weird seeing you all depressed and troubled!”
Key did not retort straightaway. Instead, he chuckled and scooted closer towards Jonghyun.
“Well, I thought you were a complete ass. You’re not that bad, I guess.”
Jonghyun blinked innocently and stared at Key. “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch that. Did you just say something about my ass being not that bad?”
Key gaped at the older male before suddenly bursting out into laughter.
“Yah! Why are you laughing?!” Jonghyun yelped as Key used his fist to hit him repeatedly, a habit he always does whenever he’s laughing hysterically. “I know I have a very fine behind and I appreciate it when people say something good about my body, okay!”
“O-Oh my G-G-God… Y-You’re unbelievable… Ahahahahahaha!” Key guffawed.
Jonghyun sulked but dismissed the conversation. He could feel his lips tugged into a smile before laughing along. At least Key seems more cheerful now.
It took sometime before Key finally cooled down and stopped chortling. He took deep breaths to calm himself down before rubbing his stomach area.
“It’s been a while since I laughed that loud. My tummy hurts from all that.”
“You look better when you’re happy, you know.” Jonghyun stated.
“I always look good.”
“That I agree.”
“Shut up.”
Key leaned backwards until his back touched the grass. He lied facing the sky, enjoying the cool breeze and chirping of birds.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
Key stiffened. “About what?”
“I’m not deaf you know, I’m practically living in the castle now. It’s been a week and no matter where I go, there will always be maids talking about Prince Key.”
“I’m not a prince.”
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why are you not a prince?”
Key closed his eyes. He never liked to talk about this, but Jonghyun would find out anyway. The whole castles are aware about what happened in the past. Key would rather Jonghyun knows the actual story than the exaggerated, modified stories the maids would tell him.
“Because I don’t want to be a prince. I don’t like that kind of lifestyle.” Key admitted, “And I don’t want to lose anyone anymore.”
“Please Kibum-ah, run!”
“Father! Father!”
“The prince-to-be is over there! Come on!”
“Go, Kibum!” Key’s father pushed his son harshly, “Go back to the castle now. Call for help, quick!”
He was afraid - so afraid. There were more than five men - his father would die for sure. The men were armed with knives and daggers. His father was already injured from trying to untie Key - this was bad.
“GO!”
Key sobbed as he ran as fast as he could. Luckily he wasn’t that far from the castle - at least he knew which direction to go to. He used every ounce of energy he could muster to knock on the heavy castle gate.
“Help! Help! Someone… Please!” Key cried as his small fists pounded on the thick metal.
The gate made a creaking, sharp sound as it was opened, revealing a young, teenage Kyuhyun.
“Key? Kibummie?” Kyuhyun was horrorstruck to find out that the prince was outside the castle, crying and looking horribly scared, “What happened?!”
“D-Daddy-in danger-kidnappers-I was sleeping-they came-quick save him-he’s over ther-“
Everything became dark and Key felt the whole world crashing as his knees buckled. Kyuhyun immediately rushed to catch the fainted prince.
“Hyung! Hyung!” Kyuhyun called out to the older soldier. “Duke Kim is in danger! Hurry, send people to help him!”
“Is that Prince Key? What is he doing outside? Is he alright?!”
“I’ll bring him into the castle, hurry up and send men to find the Duke!”
-
Key opened his eyes to find himself asleep on his own bed. His head ached and in a flash, the previous night’s memories came storming into his brain.
Someone had kidnapped him and carried him out of the castle. He had struggled and tried to escape but to no avail. His father had chased after him - he had no idea how his father knew about it - and saved him.
“You’re awake.”
“Kyuhyun hyung.” Key quickly got off his bed. “Where’s my dad?”
“… Kibum-ah…”
Key didn’t need Kyuhyun to answer his question verbally. His sad expression had explained everything.
“I am not ready to lose anyone. I don’t want people to die protecting me.” Key let out a deep breath, holding back his tears from falling. “After that incident… I just can’t help feeling afraid. Jinki hyung and Taemin were not there to witness the whole thing but they heard about the story from other people around the castle. I’m grateful they didn’t ask further.”
“A year after that Kyuhyun hyung became a general and he stopped talking to me altogether. I don’t know why.” Key bit his lower lip. “Ever since then, I refuse to be on friendly terms with anyone except Jinki hyung and Taemin. The two of them could not cut off ties with me since we are cousins - but that’s not the reason why I am comfortable with them.”
Jonghyun had been quiet throughout the whole time Key was telling his story. Curious, Key turned to his right.
To find that Jonghyun’s eyes were brimming with tears.
“YAH, WHAT THE-?”
“POOR KIBUMMIE…” Jonghyun sobbed as he pulled Key into a tight hug, “YOU MUST HAVE BEEN SO SAD… I’M HERE, YOU CAN CRY ON MY SHOULDER, IT’S OKAY…”
“YAH KIM JONGHYUN, LET ME GO AND WHAT THE HECK, YOU ARE THE ONE CRYING. WHY ARE YOU CRYING, YOU IDIOT?”
“IT’S SO SAD AND PAINFUL TO BE YOU.”
“I’M GOING TO SKIN YOU ALIVE.”
“IT’S OKAY TO CRY KIBUMMIE.”
“Y-You jerk.”
Key choked as the tears suddenly burst out of his eyes. Being in the same place with Jonghyun always irked him - because the older male always made him feel like opening up. It was as if Jonghyun would always be there to say out what he couldn’t say - like Jonghyun actually understood him.
“Shh.” Jonghyun whispered, his hand running up and down gently on Kibum’s back. “You’ll be fine. I got you Kibummie.”
Key couldn’t even manage a reply - so he just continued crying as his hands clutched onto Jonghyun’s clothes tightly.
“I’m here. I won’t leave you. I’ll never leave you.”
-*-
“Is Taemin all right?”
Yoonhae nodded at her prince politely. “He said he feels much better now.”
“What’s wrong with him?”
“I don’t think he’d like it if I told you.” Yoonhae gave a guilty grin. “But it’s something that none of us can fix. Only Prince Taemin himself, and may be, Minho, could fix it.”
Jinki simply gave a small nod in understanding. He was curious and worried about his brother - but he trusted Yoonhae’s judgment.
Jinki went back to reading his documents again, preparing for the meeting he was supposed to attend in less than an hour time. A princess from neighboring kingdom will be arriving tomorrow - which signaled another beginning of festival downtown. There were plenty of documents to take care of and preparations to be done. His head ached a little from all the pressures and stress - he barely had enough time to eat let alone sleep for the past few days.
A hand suddenly snatched the papers from his grip and Jinki was met at the sight of a determined Yoonhae.
“Wh-?”
Yoonhae soundlessly dragged Jinki onto the sofa placed at the corner of the room before sitting on it and pulling Jinki down - Jinki’s head ended up resting on her laps.
“Sleep.” Yoonhae spoke before the prince could protest. “You are really pale and I don’t want my prince to collapse during the meeting with the dukes. I’ll wake you up in twenty minutes.”
Jinki had wanted to protest but his heart was beating so fast it was rather suffocating - in a good way. A soft smile played on his lips as he closed his eyes.
“Thanks, Yoonhae-yah.” He mumbled.
Yoonhae’s hands gently caressed his temple, massaging them with care. It wasn’t long until drowsiness finally came to him - and Jinki fell asleep smelling Yoonhae’s calming perfume.
-*-
“Will you talk to me, please?”
Taemin raised his eyebrows. “I’m talking to you, hyung.”
“No, you’re not.” Minho pressed. “You’re all distant and… and I know something’s bothering you.”
“What makes you think so?”
“Listen, I got scolded by Yoonhae noona last night. She told me I was insensitive and all - I don’t get it but I know I did something wrong to you so I’m really sorry.”
Taemin stared at the carpet, refusing to look at Minho. After he broke down in front of Yoonhae yesterday, he was feeling better but still sad. It wasn’t Minho’s fault, really, but that doesn’t mean that Taemin feel well whenever Minho is around.
They were both inside Taemin’s bedroom - Minho had brought Taemin’s breakfast in. Jinki had gone to another meeting preparing for the carnival the following day again, and Key had informed the maids that he wouldn’t be having breakfast in the dining room.
“Prince Taemin.” Minho called, his tone begging. He was not used to Taemin not talking to him. The cold shoulder was killing him.
“I…” Taemin gulped, unsure. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“See? This is what I meant.” Minho took two strides forward and grabbed Taemin’s shoulders. “The usual you would have scolded me for calling you with honorifics when no one’s around. You’ve always hated me being formal to you.”
“M-Minho-“
“We’re friends, aren’t we?” Minho’s hands now moved to cup Taemin’s cheeks. “Despite the difference in our statuses… We’re still friends, right? So please tell me what did I do wrong.”
Taemin finally had the courage to look into Minho’s eyes. He saw mixture of anger and hurt in the black orbs - and his chest clenched painfully at the thought that he was the cause of it.
Minho was never expressive about his feelings. The past years Taemin had spent with him, he had seen Minho smile slightly, frown, but most of the time Minho was always composed. Which was why Taemin always loved discovering new emotions Minho displayed on his face - because Taemin would feel like he learns something new from his assistant. But seeing this emotion emitting from Minho’s face right now burns his heart.
He had made Minho angry. He hurt Minho’s feelings. Why couldn’t he do anything right?
“I’m a terrible person, aren’t I?” He breathed, voice shaking. “As a prince and as a friend… I’ve failed so badly, haven’t I?”
Minho’s eyes widened. “What on earth-“
“I’m sorry, Minho hyung, it must be hard on you because I’m so immature.” Taemin rambled. “I’m always hindering everyone around me because I’m so childish and useless. I can’t help Jinki hyung, I can’t do anything much and I can’t-“
What happened next shocked both Taemin and Minho because the latter had slammed his lips on Taemin’s to stop his babbles. Minho’s mind was racing - his body had acted without his brain’s command.
The milk is already spilled, no use crying over it. Minho thought as he closed his eyes and gently tilted Taemin’s head, deepening the kiss.
They separated after sometime - both blushing madly after sharing their first kiss.
Then Taemin snapped to his senses and started pushing Minho away. The assistant still had both his arms tightly wrapped around the prince’s small frame.
“You are an amazing prince. I wouldn’t want you to be any other way. You’re perfect the way you are.” Minho declared. “I’m sorry I spoke too harshly to you, Your Majesty.”
Taemin’s eyes got teary again. He struggled some more but it was obviously futile. He then gave up and buried his face into Minho’s chest.
“Please forgive me, Your Highness.”
“Don’t call me that.” Taemin’s voice was muffled. “It’s Taemin.”
“Okay, Taemin.” Minho tightened the hug. “Don’t ever do that to me again. Your brother and the people of this kingdom love you as who you are. Me too.”
Minho’s heart jolted as he realized he had practically, indirectly confessed to Taemin. The figure in his arms seemed to freeze as well.
What now?
-*-
Jonghyun stared at the angelic figure in his arms. Key had fallen asleep after crying for almost twenty minutes - his eyes were now swollen and puffy, tear tracks still visible on his cheeks, but to Jonghyun Key was still flawless and beautiful. He wiped the tear tracks carefully, trying not to wake the raven boy up.
“If only you knew how wonderful of a Prince you’d be.” Jonghyun murmured. He then recalled the scene he saw sometime ago - Taemin crying, feeling insecure about himself. It made Jonghyun feel bad for the young prince but at the same time he agreed that Key would have made a satisfying prince. Of course he could not be compared to Taemin or Jinki - after all everyone has different traits.
His memories then travelled back to when the three of them - Jonghyun, Minho and Yoonhae - were young. He remembered the mysterious man who had visited the three orphan children. It was he who gave them a mission after buying them.
“I am willing to give the three of you all the gold, money, jewelries and anything you all want in this world. But in exchange, it’ll be traded with your freedom.”
“From now onwards, the three of you will undergo special training to protect the princes-to-be in this kingdom. When the princes are of age to be declared a prince legally, you will then be assisting them as an official assistant. But being an assistant is dangerous so you will have to study and pick up all the basic skills - including fundamentals of martial arts.”
“Yoonhae, you will be assisting the oldest prince. Jonghyun, you will be assisting the second oldest of the three. And Minho, you are to be with the youngest prince.”
Something clicked in Jonghyun’s brain as he realized that Key and he were fated to meet after all. Whether Key become a prince or not, Jonghyun was supposed to be by Key’s side. How fitting.
“You can be a prince, you know?” Jonghyun whispered as he gently bent down and pecked Key’s cheek. “Because then I’ll be your assistant and I will never leave you, I won’t let anyone touch you. Cross my heart.”
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Teaser for chapter 6:
"Why don't you consider being a prince then?" Jonghyun suggested.
"I won't walk away from you, not now. Not ever." Minho tightened his hold on Taemin's wrist.
"Are you freaking kidding me?!" Jinki ruffled his own hair in frustration, "This isn't funny!"
"Your Highness, it'll be okay." Yoonhae tried to calm Jinki down, but her heart was beating furiously against her ribcage as well, "I'm sure Prince Taemin will be fine."