•Choi Palace•

Why are you blaming Seungcheol for everything when it's just your karma that's hitting you?

Once you failed to protect your mom so now obviously, you deserve all this.

Worst son ever.

Just gained everyone's sympathy later on and today too, everyone is sympathizing with you.

Pathetic.

You just know how to use that pretty face of yours to depict how innocent you are.

But you yourself know how much of a loser and monster you actually are.
-

Jeonghan woke up while clutching his chest. He looked back to see Seungcheol sleeping peacefully beside him.

Jeonghan exhaled a deep breath as he grazed his fingers through his hair. He cautiously stood up from the bed and went into the bathroom.

He splashed water on his face after which he looked at himself in the mirror.

He let out a frustrated sigh, "Why can't I get some peace for once?! Can things stop bothering me at least in my sleep?"

Sleeping was itself a nightmare for him. Eight out of ten times he would just wake up after these kind of ridiculous dreams where he was painted as the worst person ever.

The outside world was cruel but definitely not more than his dreamland.

He sighed as he closed his eyes while his hands rested on the platform.

It was when he heard a knock on the door, "Jeonghan? Are you okay?"

Jeonghan flinched lightly, "Yeah."

He didn't get any response so he focused back on himself. After calming down for a while, he stepped out of the bathroom to witness Seungcheol sitting on the bed.

"Why are you not sleeping?" Jeonghan asked.

"Are you having trouble again?" Seungcheol questioned.

"No."

"Stop lying."

"How does that even matter to you?" Jeonghan scoffed.

"You won't believe me, anyways." Seungcheol sighed, "Let's go the Serenity Lake."

"Seungcheol, just sleep, I'll manage." Jeonghan muttered.

"I know you will." Seungcheol nodded, "But it's really not necessary for you to deal with everything alone."

"It is what I'm supposed to do." Jeonghan looked away.

"Is it? Then even I'm supposed to deal with everything alone." Seungcheol sternly stated, "Why did you take care of me when dad was sick? Why are you supporting and putting up with me, then? If you don't want me to look out for you then you shouldn't take care of me either."

Jeonghan felt his heart sink as he remained silent.

Seungcheol approached him and offered his hand, "Come with me, for once. I'm not your enemy, Jeonghan."

Jeonghan contemplated for a while after which he held the older's hand. Seungcheol chuckled as both of them soon reached the beautiful night of the Serenity Lake.

Seungcheol whistled as a white horse appeared in front of their eyes. It was majestic and ethereal, with well defined and glittery aura.

"Do you want to ride a horse? It will be fun." Seungcheol offered.

"Uh- Seungcheol-" Jeonghan scratched his forehead, "I don't know how to ride a horse."

"What, seriously?" Seungcheol gasped, "Finally found something you can't do. But how so? I've seen Joshua riding a horse which means dad would have taught him."

"There's an embarassing story behind it." Jeonghan stated, "First time I got onto a horse, I didn't know much about my powers. I thought I could play but it went wrong and the horse threw me off itself. Second time didn't go any better so I just cut ties with this activity. Horse riding seems fun but it's a no for me."

"It's alright." Seungcheol got onto his horse, controlling it's leash, "But since you tried, you deserve to experince horse riding at least once in your life."

Seungcheol guided the horse to were Jeonghan was standing. He let out his hand for the younger, "Come."

"What?"

"Yeah, what's wrong?"

Jeonghan stared at him for a while. Horse Riding beneath the beautiful starry night beside the lake seemed tempting. He nodded as he climbed onto the horse with the older's help.

Seungcheol held him in place as Jeonghan's back rested against his chest. Seungcheol clutched the leash as his hands brushed past the younger's waist.

Jeonghan turned his head slightly to look at the older as Seungcheol stared at him with starry eyes. He couldn't really measure how much power Jeonghan held on him. He couldn't understand how he was always drowning in the younger's eyes. He couldn't understand how he had grown so habitual to him in no time.

The horse's neigh pulled Seungcheol back to his senses as he cleared his throat.

Seungcheol started the ride as the horse gradually picked up its pace.

Jeonghan felt the strong but gentle breeze hitting his face as he looked around the beautiful lake and greenery. The shining moon and twinkling stars were showering blessings over him as he looked up.

Yeah, he noticed everything except for his husband who was admiring him from behind.

"Has the lake always been this beautiful?" Jeonghan wondered, "Wow!"

"Sometimes you get late to realise the beauty underlying right in front of your eyes." Seungcheol chuckled, "And then it becomes extremely special."

"That's true."

"I used to come here with my grandfather when I was the single child." Seungcheol revealed, "He was the one who taught me horse riding and then I taught Seokmin and Dino."

"You're too old." Jeonghan teased.

"Didn't expect to hear this from my own husband." Seungcheol whined.

"I'm pretty sure you've heard this several times from Joshua's husband though."

Seungcheol frowned for a second after which he realised, "Seokmin yeah. Both Seokmin and Dino bring this up once in a while. Brats."

After a while, both of them got off the horse and began to walk around the lake.

"But this lake is really precious to me." Seungcheol stated, "I have made many great memories here, with my grandfather. The majority of my childhood has been spent here."

"It must have been soulful." Jeonghan nodded.

"You see that mountain?" Seungcheol pointed at a far end, "I used to race with grandpa to climb up. He used to win every time."

Jeonghan stared at the older, "You must love your grandfather a lot."

"Yes." Seungcheol chuckled, "How do you know?"

"Your eyes are literally glowing while talking about him." Jeonghan retorted, "You seem really excited and happy while recalling him."

"He was one of a kind." Seungcheol smiled, "Anyways, I won't eat up your brain with my childhood stories."

"It's alright." Jeonghan nodded, "Thank you for all this."

"You don't need to thank me, Jeonghan." Seungcheol stated, "I want to say sorry. For bringing up her name that day. Trust me, I didn't mean to, I swear."

Jeonghan didn't say anything as he looked away.

"Jeonghan listen to me." Seungcheol held both of his hands as he knelt down in front of him.

"Seungcheol stop, what are you doing?" Jeonghan scrunched his brows, "The king is not supposed to bow to anyone. Your bow is equal to the entire Kingdom's bow."

"And you deserve it." Seungcheol looked up, "I've won every single place I've fought for. But this time, I don't want to win. I want YOU to claim all your rights on me as your very own territory.

Do I not deserve a place even in your fee-"

"Don't. Please don't." Jeonghan intervened, "Don't risk your esteem so low, Seungcheol."

"I don't care about it in front of you. I went so low while hurting you so I deserve it here." Seungcheol chuckled bitterly, "But you do care about my esteem. You don't want me to hate myself. You don't want me to repent for anything. Why? Why are you supporting me everywhere but not letting me stand with you?

Why do you want to take all the responsibilities on yourself? Leave it, that's not even the point right now. Jeonghan, I'm genuinely sorry for everything I did. I know you're too hurt but is there no room for even a slight chance?"

"Seungcheol, stand up." Jeonghan muttered.

"No, listen to me." Seungcheol gulped, "You've all the rights to hate me. I'm not forcing you to trust me all of a sudden. But don't push me away like this. Let me take care of you. I know you're very much self sufficient, you need no one but that doesn't mean you don't deserve anyone.

Yeah, I know, I'm definitely not someone you would want. But all I'm asking is for a small chance. A chance to prove myself, that's it. You don't have to trust me, I'll make you trust me.

I swear you mean much more to me than you think. I'll treat you right, Jeonghan. Allow me to repent for my sins. Allow me to be your-"

"Be my?"

"Husband. Rightfully." Seungcheol stated, "You don't trust your husband, right? But I'm sure you trust emperor Choi Seungcheol.

I swear on all of my powers and my existence, if a single drop of tear falls from your eyes because of me, the emperor of the Choi Empire will execute himself in the most brutal way possible. This is not a promise, it's a royal declaration."

Jeonghan remained silent.

Seungcheol gulped the lump in his throat and looked down. A tear escaped from his eyes as he knew exactly that he had failed once again.

It was when he felt a soft touch on his chin. He looked up to see Jeonghan sitting in front of him.

Jeonghan wiped the trace of moisture from his eyes, "You've vowed to not to make me cry and then you're going to cry because of me? How is that fair?"

"You-" Seungcheol chuckled, "Are you forgiving me?"

"No." Jeonghan nodded, "It's not that easy for me. But, I'm giving you the chance you've asked for. And before that, let me make one thing very clear, I'm not Kim Hari."

"You're not." Seungcheol intervened, "I know it very well. You are my present and my future, my husband, Yoon Jeonghan."

"And-" Jeonghan paused, "What if she comes back?"

"What?" Seungcheol frowned.

"What if Kim Hari comes back into your life, Seungcheol?" Jeonghan asked.

"What kind of question is that?"

"That's not a question. That's one of my concerns." Jeonghan averted his gaze, "It's very obvious Seungcheol, her value in your life is much more than mine. I want to know who am I? A substitute? Or what?"

"My husband. Isn't that enough to prove everything that you said, false?" Seungcheol squeezed the younger's hands gently, "I understand your concerns and I know it's not easy for you. But I told you Jeonghan, I won't hurt you, never.

I already declared it. It's done through words and from this moment, I'll prove it through my actions too. Let's not bring a third person's name between us anymore. You hold a very special place in my life, do you know why?

Because no one has ever done the things you've done for me. You knew I was wrong but still you tried to fix my relationship with my brothers. What did it had to do with you? Nothing. Still, you went to do that.

You defended me everywhere. You never let me hate myself for whatever I did. You always told me to be self confident. You didn't allow an outsider to mock me even though I was at fault. Subtle much? But I understood it all, Jeonghan.

You never complained to take all these responsibilities of this kingdom. You're taking care of everyone and their emotions, even mine.

And the most special of all was the day I was anxious about dad's health. Trust me, you don't even know how much peace you brought me that day. Looking back, I've realised, you've been there for me all the time.

Still, do you think I would not value you? You deserve to be valued the most, Jeonghan. No one can take your place in anyone's life. And don't trust my words, it's fine, I'll prove it, for sure."

"Stand up." Jeonghan held his shoulders as both of them stood up, "I'll try. I wish you're not giving me false hopes."

"Not at all." Seungcheol placed his hand on the older's cheek, "Don't push me away from yourself. I won't hurt you, I promise."

Jeonghan nodded, "Let's go back."

He had given a chance to Seungcheol. It was too hard to say no at that moment. Jeonghan saw genuineness and he fell for it but he didn't trust the older either.

Of course. It wasn't easy. His worries and concerns were still in his heart, sealed nicely.

He just hoped that he won't be left heart broken once again. Because he knew that he wouldn't be able to take it for the second time from the same person.

As they reached their room, Seungcheol immediately collapsed on the bed. Jeonghan also laid down, turning the other way.

After a while, Jeonghan turned around as he still could't sleep but this time for a different reason. He saw the older sleeping peacefully.

Jeonghan rested his head on his palm as he stared at Seungcheol. He raised his other hand to remove the strands of hair from the older's face.

He smiled to himself while looking at the older as he didn't realise when he himself fell asleep.

Seungcheol woke up and stretched a bit as he looked at Jeonghan sleeping peacefully. He chuckled as he caressed his cheeks and then stood up cautiously to not to wake him up.

He got ready after which he heard a knock on the door. He looked back to make sure that Jeonghan's sleep didn't get disturbed.

He opened the door slowly and peaked out to witness Joshua and Seokmin as they greeted each other.

"Where's Jeonghan?" Joshua asked.

"Shh, he's sleeping." Seungcheol whispered.

"Why is he sleeping till this late?" Joshua frowned.

"Calm down." Seungcheol got out of the room and closed the door, "He had trouble sleeping last night."

"Oh then we shouldn't disturb him, Shua." Seokmin stated.

"What happened?" Seungcheol asked.

"Nothing." Joshua shrugged, "We thought all of us could go out for a small tour around the palace and eat breakfast out. Dino is coming in a while. Mom and Dad had to go to see some relatives."

"It's okay, you all go. Let, Jeonghan rest." Seungcheol nodded, "We'll go together some other day."

"You're ready, you can come." Seokmin suggested.

"Uh- no it's fine. You go." Seungcheol replied.

Joshua and Seokmin laughed at his struggle, "Yeah, you stay with him, we'll go."

Seungcheol smacked Seokmin's arm as the couple left after joking around for a while.

Seungcheol got back into the room as he quitely sat on the sofa and began working on his laptop. In the middle of his work, he looked at Jeonghan who was still sleeping.

'I should do something to make him happy.' Seungcheol thought, 'Something simple yet special. But what?'

His thoughts were intervened by Jeonghan shuffling to wake up slowly.

"Good morning!" Seungcheol smiled.

"Mhmm good morning." Jeonghan stretched his hands, "Huh seems like I slept for years."

"Go get ready." Seungcheol chuckled.

Jeonghan nodded as he went to the bathroom. After a while, he came out while drying his hair. He took a few minutes to get ready while Seungcheol stayed focused on his work, stealing subtle glances of the younger.

"Ready?" Seungcheol stood up, "Let's go."

"Where?" Jeonghan asked.

"See, Mom and Dad are out to visit some relatives. Seokmin, Joshua and Dino went to have a mini tour." Seungcheol explained, "Remaining are both of us. So, I've called a special chef to cook brunch for us."

"Special?" Jeonghan frowned, "Huh?!"

"Just come, you'll know." Seungcheol opened the door as both of them walked out of the room. All the guards and staff bowed to them as they reached the royal kitchen.

The kitchen staff also bowed to them.

"Solitude." Seungcheol ordered as all the staff members left.

"Who's the special chef?" Jeonghan looked around the empty kitchen.

"Me." Seungcheol displayed himself with a wide grin.

"What?" Jeonghan scrunched his brows.

"Why? You think I can't cook?" Seungcheol raised a brow.

"No." Jeonghan sarcastically chuckled, "You can do anything."

"Very funny." Seungcheol imitated him, "Believe me or not, whatever I'll cook, that's all you'll get today."

"Oh lord please? What wrong have I done?" Jeonghan pretended to be really sad.

"You're making fun of me right now but you'll surely shut up after tasting the food." Seungcheol whined.

"We'll see." Jeonghan nodded.

"Challenge?"

"Challenge."

"Fine, you just wait and watch how your husband is the greatest chef of all times." Seungcheol picked up the apron to wear it.

"Hmm I know, my husband just knows how to boast and promote himself." Jeonghan muttered.

Seungcheol looked at him with a smile, "My husband."

Jeonghan realised his words, "You go and cook, I'm hungry."

"Sure." Seungcheol winked as he got back to work.

Seungcheol began to cook in a neat and organised way. Jeonghan tried to help him to get the work done quickly but the older didn't let him.

"Seungcheol!" Jeonghan slowly mumbled, "Can we get it done a bit faster?"

"Shh don't disturb me." Seungcheol focused on cooking.

"Fine." Jeonghan scoffed as he blankly stared at the older.

"And finally we're done!" Seungcheol announced after he was done.

Jeonghan clapped for him, "Now let's eat. I'm so freaking hungry right now."

"Yeah yeah." Seungcheol placed everything at a table by the window as both of them took their seats.

"You taste, first." Seungcheol stated.

Jeonghan nodded as he took a bite from the dishes.

"How's it?" Seungcheol asked nervously.

Jeonghan stayed silent for a while after which he gestured the older to lean forward. Jeonghan patted his head, "Well done!"

"Wow thanks!" Seungcheol sighed in relief, "So I won the challenge?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Jeonghan nodded.

"Then don't I deserve a reward too?"

"What do you want?" Jeonghan asked.

"My first bite, should be by your hands." Seungcheol chuckled.

Jeonghan broke into a small smile, "Sure you deserve a reward." He took a spoonful from his own plate and fed it to the older, "Here you go."

"It's actually good." Seungcheol gasped as chewed slowly.

"So you thought I was lying?" Jeonghan raised a brow, "Mr. Special Chef."

"I just didn't expect it to be this good." Seungcheol admitted.

"Don't worry."

"Of course!"

A/n : It crossed 3000 words lmao.

Anyways take care everyone!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo