•Choi Palace•

"The crowning ceremony will be next week." Sunwoo declared, "I don't want to wait anymore."

The Choi brothers and the Yoon brothers were present in the meeting room along with the Emperor and Empress.

"The highness will transfer the crown to Seungcheol and I'll transfer my crown to Jeonghan." Ara stated, "Seokmin, Joshua and Dino will also be crowned as the supreme chiefs, having almost equal power as the kings."

"And the others will be given the responsibilities on the same day." Sunwoo referred to the rest of the eight friends, "Send the official letters to them and invite them here before the ceremony to have discussions."

"It's already sent." Ara nodded, "Everything is sorted."

"Jeonghan, son? How's your health now?" Sunwoo gently asked.

"I'm fine dad." Jeonghan chuckled.

"Take good care of him, that's your mom's order." Ara looked at Seungcheol.

"Yeah." Seungcheol nodded.

"And Joshua? Are you settling well here?" Sunwoo asked.

"Yes dad, don't worry." Joshua smiled as Seokmin patted his back.

"Let's go to have lunch." Ara stood up.

"Finally." Dino sighed in relief.

Everyone left the meeting room as they reached the royal dining room and attained their seats.

"Seokmin, pass the rice." Seungcheol mumbled slowly.

Seokmin gave the rice bowl to Dino who passed it to Seungcheol.

Seungcheol sighed to himself. They were still not talking to each other. Seokmin was too sensitive at that moment so Seungcheol had decided to give him some time to calm down so that he could talk with a cool mind.

Jeonghan observed whatever was going on. It wasn't a custom or something, right? That you can't pass the bowls to someone sitting in your front blah blah. Or probably Seokmin wasn't fond of passing things? Ridiculous much?

"Uh Seokmin, can you pass me that plate." Jeonghan asked.

"Here you go." Seokmin chuckled lightly.

"Everyone gather up and eat me alive." Seungcheol muttered to himself while eating.

Jeonghan looked at the two brothers and the tension between them was pretty obvious. He then looked at Dino who seemed to be a bit uneasy.

Jeonghan gestured to Joshua through his eyes, asking if something was wrong but Joshua assured him that there was nothing to worry about. And there was no way Jeonghan was taking it.

There was definitely something wrong. He knew it, he just had to learn the context of it.

It was when a staff member appeared after they were done eating, "Greetings to the highness. Rose Quartz is ready to showcase their talent for today's evening."

"We're coming. Dismiss." Sunwoo declared.

"Jeonghan, Joshua, you might not be aware of this but Rose Quartz is a group of supreme performers who are appointed by the royalty." Ara explained, "They're great at depicting stories through music and dance. Today's performance is specially organised for your welcome. I'm eager to know what they've prepared."

The royal family reached the hall and settled there after which the Rose Quartz team made their elegant entrance.

The show began. Why did it have to be on love? The story they depicted was simple yet beautiful. It was about Sunwoo and Ara themselves. How they were arranged to each other by their parents but later fell in love and stayed by each other for the rest of their life.

How they had immense trust on each other and they were relying on one another. How they were simply perfect for each other.

It was when Jeonghan's gaze landed on Seokmin who was staring at Joshua as if he was his entire world. And he was. Jeonghan chuckled as both of them looked adorable together.

Then he looked at Sunwoo and Ara who were enjoying their own story and occassionally stealing glances of each other. They had this trust, admiration and love, alive between them even after so many years of marriage.

All the couples around him were adorable. Their love might not be perfect but they complemented each other's imperfections. That mutual understanding and trust made their bond stronger than ever.

Jeonghan appreciated all of them. Just because he wasn't blessed with that kind of love didn't mean that it didn't exist at all. He knew it was a beautiful feeling and there was no way it didn't exist. It did. The proof was in front of his eyes.

"May god bless them, forever." Jeonghan wished with the bottom of his heart.

"Wish something for yourself as well." Seungcheol whispered to him as he heard Jeonghan's words.

"I don't want anything." Jeonghan didn't look at the older as he focused on the performance.

Or probably he had just lost the hope and will to gain anything. He had accepted that his entire life was just going to be dedicated to the kingdom, that's it. Earlier he was contributing in the defence system only but now he was going to serve as the second king as well. And it was enough for him.

Better cherish whatever you have rather than grieving on what you don't.

"Then should I wish something for you?" Seungcheol suggested.

"Spare me from your blessings." Jeonghan chuckled bitterly, "You already wished a lot for me and trust me, that's enough favor you've done."

Seungcheol stared him for a while after which he looked down, "I wish I'll be able to make you smile some day."

"Why are you trying to imply that you're suffering so much?" Jeonghan muttered.

"Am I supposed to be happy after making you cry?" Seungcheol turned back to the younger.

"Yes?" Jeonghan mocked, "That's why you did everything right? To be happy? So why can't you just be happy now? You've got your mark then what's bothering you now?"

"Stop calling yourself a mark." Seungcheol's gaze intensified.

"Oh? So now your own ideology is hurting your pride?" Jeonghan raised a brow, "What do you even want Seungcheol? Why is every single thing a problem for you? Or probably you yourself are the problem."

"That's true. I'm definitely the damn problem." Seungcheol scoffed, "A useless thorn in everyone's life. A hopeless human who learnt nothing but to fight wars. I clearly have nothing to feel proud of. Thank you for reminding me how bad of a person I am."

Jeonghan stared at the older in disbelief. Were those words a sign of self hatred? Jeonghan knew it, because he had once been there. The stage where he used to blame himself for every single thing, specially his mother's demise.

And that nightmare had never left him even if he had worked on his self confidence. Now, he was seeing those dejected feelings in Seungcheol's eyes.

"Self degradation doesn't suit the future emperor of the Choi Empire." Jeonghan nodded, "It may feel like a burden but you can't look down on the person at whom the whole kingdom looks up to. No one would respect you if you won't respect yourself."

"Are you really saying that to me? The person who ruined your life?"

"That's my life. I hate you doesn't mean everyone else has to hate you." Jeonghan sighed, "I'm not supposed to shake one of the pillars of this empire by pushing you in self doubt."

Seungcheol smiled to himself. Unknowingly or maybe unintentionally too, Jeonghan was being his strength in some aspects. The strength he had never recieved from his previous so called love.

Jeonghan and Hari were indeed very different, very much.

"Don't hate yourself." Jeonghan didn't look at the older.

"True." Seungcheol nodded, "Let's preserve that right for Yoon Jeonghan only."

"Thanks I guess?"

Seungcheol laughed subtly, "Welcome, your highness."

•Choi Palace•

Jeonghan sighed to himself as he stood in front of the mirror in his room, trying to remove the thin accessories hanging around his neck.

But he couldn't unclasp it. He scrunched his eyes as his body was still weak due to the previous mishap that had happened to him on the first night of his wedding.

That day he had decided to never ignore the words of a priest, no matter what.

It was when he felt a cold touch on his neck. He flinched a bit as he immediately opened his eyes. He looked up in the mirror to see Seungcheol focused on unclasping the locket.

And Jeonghan was way too exhausted and worn out to stop him.

Seungcheol looked up into the mirror as their eyes met. And as a matter of fact, Jeonghan was really gorgeous.

For a moment, Seungcheol forgot what he was doing but Jeonghan quickly averted his gaze and cleared his throat.

Seungcheol focused back on his work as he removed the chain from the younger's neck.

"Thanks." Jeonghan muttered as he began to organise his stuff.

Seungcheol nodded as he left to go into the bathroom.

"Didn't he say he has changed for good?" Jeonghan frowned, "And still didn't even bother to ask about my health. Liar."

Soon enough Seungcheol came out of the bathroom, "Jeonghan? I've prepared a warm bath with the prescribed medication in it, for you, it will help to reduce the pain."

Jeonghan halted in whatever he was doing to look at the older. Did he really hit his head somewhere?

"Go fast." Seungcheol gestured him the way, "Don't say no. I know you're still recovering."

"Uh- yeah." Jeonghan immediately rushed into the bathroom without sparing a glance to the older.

After taking the soothing bath, he came out in loose clothes, only to find the room empty. He rolled his eyes as he sat on the edge of the bed while massaging his shoulder.

It was when, Seungcheol came back into the room as he closed the door shut, "Oh are you done? Did it help?"

Jeonghan simply nodded without saying anything.

Seungcheol strolled towards him and knelt down in front of him on the ground. He held the younger's feet and removed his slippers.

"What are you doing?" Jeonghan held his hand to stop him.

"Just wait." Seungcheol assured as he continued.

"Stop-"

"Shh." Seungcheol gently held his left foot to press his thumbs over a few points over the joints and ankle, "I went to ask mom about this. She taught me a few tricks to apply on your feet, shoulders and spine to treat your pain."

"Seungcheol, leave it, I'm fine." Jeonghan slowly mumbled.

"You are not." Seungcheol focused on his task.

"Get up from the floor, first of all." Jeonghan stated.

"Can you just take some rest and let me do my work peacefully?" Seungcheol looked up at him.

"Stop this drama of yours." Jeonghan frowned, "I'm fine by myself. You don't need to be concerned about me."

"Fine you think it's a drama of mine, right? Then let it be like that but let me treat you." Seungcheol looked down again as he continued to massage his feet.

"Let me just sleep, will you?" Jeonghan retracted his legs cautiously.

"Why are you so stubborn over your own health?" Seungcheol stood up, "I know you hate me but why are you torturing yourself for it? I deserve the punishment not you."

Jeonghan looked away as he sighed.

"Okay fine, ignore me all you want but after you're cured." Seungcheol insisted.

"I'm very much okay, don't worry about me. I'll appreciate it." Jeonghan laid down on the bed and pulled the blanket over himself after which he shut his eyes.

Seungcheol massaged his temples as he scoffed. Well, his tests had already begun now and it didn't look easy at all.

He walked around the bed as he grabbed the separate blanket for himself and laid down to sleep as well.
-
-
-
-

"Jeonghan run!! Go away from here!!"

"No mom!" The six year old cried while holding his younger brother close to himself, "I can't leave you."

"No son! Take your brother's responsibility first. I love you, I'll come back to you." The lady used her powers to shield her sons.

"You're lying!"

"Close your eyes." The fierce woman muttered when she saw the enemy troops flooding in.

"No- MOM!! Please!" Jeonghan cried as he saw her mother getting stabbed multiple times right in front of his eyes. Gladly, the enemies couldn't see him or Joshua due to the shield. And gladly, Joshua couldn't understand anything either.

Jeonghan collapsed on the floor while holding his brother against his chest, "M-mom. I- I couldn't save you- MOM PLEASE WAKE UP I BEG YOU PLEASE!!"
-

Jeonghan woke up with a jerk. He sat up on the bed while clutching his test and panting heavily. His eyes had slight tears which might have come during the dream and his forehead was sweaty.

He wanted to reach out to get some water but his hands were trembling so hard that he couldn't even think of it.

"Jeonghan?" Seungcheol called from behind as he woke up as well. He turned on the lights and sat up, "What happened?"

"Nothing." Jeonghan mumbled, trying to hide his anxiety.

"You're shivering." Seungcheol moved towards him to look at his face, "Wha- what's wrong, Jeonghan?"

"Just sleep, Seungcheol." Jeonghan closed his eyes to inhale a deep breath but nothing seemed to help.

Seungcheol immediately stood up from the bed and poured him a glass of water. Jeonghan looked at the glass for a while after which he accepted it.

Seungcheol took the empty glass from him and kept it away. He held the younger's trembling hand to rub it.

"Don't." Jeonghan retracted his hands.

Seungcheol sat in front of him while caressing the back of his head, "I know you don't trust me but this is not the time. Let me calm you."

"The people who love me could never calm me, you think you can?" Jeonghan muttered after which he clutched on his chest tightly to prevent that anxious feeling.

"I can try to." Seungcheol nodded as he went to sit up on the bed, his back resting against the headboard.

He gently pulled the younger's arms to bring him closer.

"I don't need your help." Jeonghan restrained.

"You do." Seungcheol tried again, "Come here, Jeonghan."

"Stop bothering me Seungcheol, I'm already-" Jeonghan tried to take deep breaths.

Seungcheol didn't say anything as he pulled Jeonghan into his embrace. The younger wriggled to escape his grip for a while but Seungcheol tamed him by patting his back and head.

"Argh leave me." Jeonghan frowned.

"Do you think, I will?"

"Seungcheol, stop acting like you care because-"

"Shh, just sleep, okay?" Seungcheol began to caress his back while patting his head.

Gradually, Jeonghan's head slipped down to Seungcheol's lap who kept sitting there while caressing his hair and shoulder while the younger drifted to sleep.

And with that, morning arrived.

Seungcheol was the first to wake up and the first thing he saw was half of Jeonghan's body over his lap, who was sleeping peacefully.

Seungcheol chuckled to himself as he removed the few strands of hair from his face and tucked them behind is earlobe, "Perfect."

He stared at the younger while getting lost in him. This was probably the first time he was this close to him and probably the first time when Seungcheol realised how enchantingly gorgeous he was.

Yeah, earlier he was too blind to figure that out.

Suddenly, the guilt struck him. People could go to any extent to get Jeonghan as their husband and on the other hand, Seungcheol had tried to play with his emotions in such a ridiculous way.

"I shouldn't have done that." Seungcheol caressed his cheek, "You deserve the entire world but I- I'm sorry."

Seungcheol looked away, "I should get up but how?" He looked down at the younger hugging his waist tightly. While sleeping, he didn't look like the person who could literally slice everyone's tongues either physically or verbally.

"Guess what? My husband needs to sleep more." Seungcheol sighed to himself as he decided to sit there until Jeonghan wakes up.

"Mhm go away, I hate you." Jeonghan mumbled in his sleep.

"Is it supposed to be cute or alarming that he hates me even in his sleep?" Seungcheol got concerned. He shrugged it off as he patted the younger's head to put him to sleep again, "Shh calm down baby."

He immediately slapped his mouth, "The fuck did I just say? Thank god he's sleeping or else he would have been clasping my throat by now."

Jeonghan shifted in his sleep while frowning. He couldn't get his comfort as he snuggled more into the older. Soon enough, Jeonghan was over Seungcheol's lap while digging his head into the crook of the older's neck, sniffling his scent.

On the other hand, Seungcheol froze on his spot. He didn't know where to keep his hands as he almost stopped breathing while Jeonghan's soft breaths kept lingering over his neck.

Moreover, his main concern was if Jeonghan wakes up right now, how was he going to react? He won't kill him, right? Things were already the worst between them, now this awkwardness wasn't required.

Seungcheol immediately decided to get rid of this situation. He thought of many scenarios and in each of them he saw himself getting beaten up by his own husband. So the easiest was he could decide was to pretend to fall asleep so he did.

After a while, Jeonghan finally woke up. He squinted his brows after which he gasped. He looked at Seungcheol's face which was extremely close to him. He instantly got off the older and sat on the bed as he recalled how they had ended up like that.

"I'm so embarassed right now." Jeonghan squeezed his eyes while growling in adorable voices, "Thank god he's asleep. How the fuck did I not realise?"

He turned around to look at Seungcheol and point a finger at him as he whispered at his sleeping figure, "You- Choi Seungcheol! I hate you!"

He touched his own cheeks, "So I'm actually really embarrassed huh. I shouldn't have accepted his help in the first place. He's so annoying argh." He sighed as he rushed into the washroom.

Seungcheol opened his eyes and chuckled, "You're not that tough as you showcase yourself, Yoon Jeonghan. I know you're hurt because of me but I promise, I'll make it right."

A/n : So much is going on in this book lmao. I'm short of drafts for both of my ongoing books😭😭

Anyways take care everyone!
-Jeonghanneyonghaseyo