I have nothing to say for once. Lol, you're probably glad that you can start reading right away. Anyway, I'm going to stop rambling since I did say I didn't have much to say. I hope that you enjoy chapter seven!

"There are safe houses in place along every street that our people seem to frequent during their visits to the human world," Seungcheol says, "If any of the vampires happen to be in an area where there is no safe house nearby, we set up a hotline that will put them in direct contact with one of our human allies." The King nods as his son gives his report regarding the completion of the project. "All that needs to be done is to let the people know of these resources being supplied to them," Seungcheol says, "Advisor Soonyoung believes the best way to do that would be through a direct message from the King. Would you be willing to do this?"

The King nods, "Yes, yes, I will work with my advisors to come up with a proper message to send out to the people. Other than that, I am rather impressed, Seungcheol. You did acceptable."

"Thank you, Father," Seungcheol states.

"I will be honest I didn't expect such from you," The King says.

Seungcheol flashes him a forced smile, "Well, you gave me a second chance. I would be a fool to have messed up again when you were so gracious to grant me that."

"Don't expect it again," The King states.

"I wouldn't dream of it, father," Seungcheol says.

"Good," The King says, "You may leave now. Go see your mother. She is in her room and wishes to speak with you."

"About?" Seungcheol asks.

"I believe your mate," The King answers, "Don't keep her waiting." Seungcheol bows before leaving his father's study. His blood boils at the vampire king's words. His mate. After years of pushing, it seems like his parents are finally going to force him to propose. He's hated the idea since the beginning, but now even more so. He can't be mates with Jeonghan. It's just not possible. He doesn't want to be with him for all of eternity. Jeonghan is his best friend, but nothing more. They can't be anything more. Seungcheol sighs as he makes his way down the hall. Even if he doesn't want it, his parents will force it onto him. He'll have to propose. And he knows that Jeonghan will say no, but that will not make the situation any better. Proposing to your mate should be special. Seungcheol wondered about it when he was younger and there's still a part of him that finds it magical. To tie yourself to another vampire. To create a bond that will last even after the vampires are long gone. It's supposed to be special. Seungcheol wants to ask someone to be his mate on his own accord. He wants to ask someone he truly loves. Not someone his parents force on him. Seungcheol comes to a stop in front of his mother's room. He knocks on the door and waits until he hears his mother say enter. Seungcheol opens the door and makes his way into his mother's room. It's about the same size of Seungcheol's own, but the tapestry is more feminine. The shade of red curtains and bedspread more of a deep mahogany. The furniture in a more curly shape and a walk-in-closet meant for a Queen. The chandelier on the ceiling is more intricate with gold and rose petals lining it. The Queen is sitting on a large plush couch that is near the window with a small box sitting beside her. Seungcheol approaches her and bows. "Hello, my child," The Queen says as Seungcheol rises.

"Mother," Seungcheol states, trying to keep his emotions in check, "Father said you wished to speak with me."

The Queen nods, "Yes. Seungcheol, you have been alive for many years now. You are coming to be at that age where you should find a mate. A suitable partner to rule the vampire kingdom by your side."

"I am not yet King, Mother," Seungcheol says, "Wouldn't it be a bit hasty to find a mate now?"

"Of course not," The Queen states, "Your father proposed to me ages before he became King. It gave me time to prepare for my position by his side. The same will be said for your mate."

"I do not have anyone in mind that would make a suitable mate for me," Seungcheol says, "But, I will begin searching for one if you believe I should marry."

"Nonsense," The Queen says, "Why go through the unnecessary trouble? Lord Yoon's child Jeonghan would be the perfect mate. Don't you think?"

Seungcheol grits his teeth, "Jeonghan is a friend, mother. I couldn't possibly marry him."

"Your partner is your best friend," The Queen smiles, "It is perfect."

"Mother, I don't wish to marry Jeonghan," Seungcheol states.

"Seungcheol, please, don't be ridiculous," The Queen says, "Your father and I worked hard to find the perfect mate for you. Jeonghan is of vampire nobility. He is loved by our people for his looks and kind-heart. He is the ideal mate."

"Jeonghan is amazing. I won't deny that, but that doesn't mean I want to marry him. I'm thankful for what you and father have done, but I didn't ask you to," Seungcheol exclaims, "I want to find my mate on my own and not be handed one by my parents."

The Queen huffs, "I swear Seungcheol. I do not know what has gotten into you, but you have recently been speaking back to both your father and me. We never raised you to be this way. I am very disappointed."

"Mother, you need to understand my situation," Seungcheol says, "You're asking me to spend the rest of my life with a vampire I don't love in that way."

"It doesn't matter," The Queen states, "You are doing this as a duty to your kingdom. You are the crown prince, Seungcheol. Your emotions don't matter compared to what our people need the most. They need strong rulers. They need you to have a mate like Jeonghan." Seungcheol frowns at his mother's words. He knows she is right. His feelings don't matter. He needs to do what he has to do for their society. He hates it. There's a part of him that wants to be selfish. To think of only what he wants and ignore the needs of his people. There's another part of him that wants to keep arguing, but he knows it's useless. In the end, his mother will tear him to shreds until he agrees to propose to Jeonghan. "Fine," Seungcheol states.

His mother beams, "Wonderful. I've already prepared a ring." The Queen reaches beside her and passes the small box to her son. Seungcheol sighs as he takes it from her hand, "Of course you did."

≫ ──── ≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫ ──── ≪

"No," Jeonghan states as Seungcheol starts to get down on his knee. The vampire prince quickly stands back up and looks at his friend in exasperation. "I haven't even proposed yet," Seungcheol says.

"And now you don't have to," Jeonghan says, "The answer would have been the same either way."

"Thanks, Jeonghan," Seungcheol says, actually thankful that he didn't get completely down on one knee.

Jeonghan nods, "No problem. I know you have this big thing about proposing to your one true love and all."

"I wish my parents understood that as much as you do," Seungcheol murmurs. The two friends are taking a stroll around the private gardens. Immediately after his meeting with his mother, Seungcheol was told to go propose in the gardens immediately. The same place that the current King had years ago. It's filled with large trees, some cut into interesting shapes and others simple drooping willows. There are a wide assortment of flowers, courtesy of Hansol's parents who have an affinity for floral plants. The vampires walk along an old stone walkway that looks new even though it's been around for decades. "How will your parents react when they find out that I've turned down your request?" Jeonghan asks.

"Probably urge me to ask you again," Seungcheol says, "Thinking that I probably messed up when proposing."

"And if you do it again and I still say no," Jeonghan says, "Which I will...what then?"

"Then, they go to your parents," Seungcheol says, "Who I know won't force you into anything, even if it's with the crown prince. After that, mother and father will probably retreat in pure shame and try to bury the fact that I ever proposed in the first place so news doesn't get out about the crown prince's rejected proposal. Oh, but not before blaming the entire fiasco on me."

Jeonghan sighs, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Seungcheol says, "I'm glad you said no. I can deal with my parents. I've been for years. What's another more?"

"Let's talk about something else," Jeonghan says, "This topic upsets me."

"What do you want to talk about?" Seungcheol asks.

Jeonghan shrugs, "Maybe about how you went to go visit Jihoon after you finished up the project."

Seungcheol scoffs, "Mingyu doesn't shut up. Does he?"

"You should be used to it. There's no secrets among us. So, what happened?" Jeonghan asks, his facial expression eager.

"You're too excited about this," Seungcheol says, "I just went over to see him. Nothing really happened."

"Nothing?" Jeonghan asks.

Seungcheol sighs, "His younger brothers were over and they were teasing Jihoon about me...I guess."

"Teasing? As in the way we were when you first told us about Jihoon?" Jeonghan asks.

Seungcheol shrugs, "I guess so."

"That means Jihoon likes you," Jeonghan states. Seungcheol sputters, shocked at his friend's words. Where did he come up with that assumption? It's not possible. They had just met. They don't know each other. Jihoon doesn't know him. "How in the world did you come up with that ridiculous notion?" Seungcheol questions.

"Why else would they tease him about liking you if he didn't like you?" Jeonghan asks.

"Well, you guys all tease me about liking Jihoon, but I don't," Seungcheol says.

Jeonghan scoffs, "Please. It's as clear as day, Seungcheol. Why else would you have gone back to see him even when you could have just left and went back home? I bet you were thinking about him the entire time you were in the human world."

"N-no," Seungcheol stutters, "I wasn't."

"Real convincing," Jeonghan says in a sarcastic tone, "I bet that you want to rush back to the human world right now.

"What? That's ridiculous? Why would I want to go back there?" Seungcheol says, "It's not like I have anything to do there."

"Except see Jihoon," Jeonghan states. Seungcheol doesn't say anything after that. There is a part of him that wishes to go back even though he doesn't belong there. Just to finish their conversation. Just to see Jihoon again. But, that can't be because he likes the human. It's just cause he's interesting. It's because he's the first human he's met in a long time. Yeah, that's it. It has nothing to do with him liking him. Jeonghan and his friends are crazy. They're trying to make something out of nothing. "You're in denial," Jeonghan says, "Don't worry. I was there too, once upon a time."

"Denial about what?" Seungcheol asks, "My love for Jihoon? I just met him. Love at first sight doesn't exist."

"No, it doesn't. I'm not saying that you love Jihoon," Jeonghan says, "I just think that you may be developing a crush on him. Let me ask you this. When you were told about the proposal, did Jihoon cross your mind?"

"What? He's human. He can't. Why would he-?" Seungcheol starts only to be cut off by his friend.

"I wasn't done talking," Jeonghan says, "Tell me...even for just a split second, did you see him being the one that you proposed to. Did you say to yourself that Jihoon would probably be a good mate? Cause if you did...I can say that without a doubt...you like Jihoon." Seungcheol stares at Jeonghan in disbelief, not knowing what to say. Now that he thinks about it, there's some truth in his friend's words. He did think of Jihoon. It was a fleeting thought, but it was a thought. And if it was a thought...does that mean that he actually does like the human? No...it's not possible. How can thinking about someone like that determine if you have a crush in them? It's silly. Seungcheol doesn't like Jihoon. He really doesn't.

Don't we love it when the main character denies their feelings for the other? It's so infuriating but also satisfying at the same time. Or maybe I just think it that way because I know how this sorry is going to end. You will too, you just need to keep reading. I hope that you all enjoyed this story and are looking forward to the next chapter! If you could, please take a minute to comment, vote, follow me, add this story to your library and check out my Kpop One-Shots. Thank you again for reading and I will see you all soon.