Here's a Noble x Servant AU between Jo and Maki. It is a mix of longing, forbidden love, and breaking the rules for something that feels right. 💖✨

*****
"We shouldn't be doing this."
"Why not?"
*****

Jo had always known his place.

Born a servant, raised among the staff of the grand estate, he was meant to be invisible. A shadow moving through the halls, tending to the needs of the noble family he served.

But there was one person he could never be invisible to.

Lord Maki.

And that—that was dangerous.

"Maki— I mean, my lord," Jo corrected himself, exhaling as he quickly bowed. "You shouldn't be here."

Maki rolled his eyes. "I've told you a thousand times, you don't have to call me that."

Jo straightened, lips pressed into a thin line. "And I've told you a thousand times that I do."

Maki crossed his arms, stepping closer. His deep blue coat, embroidered with gold thread, stood in sharp contrast to Jo's plain servant uniform.

They came from two different worlds.

And yet, somehow, they always found their way back to each other.

Maki sighed. "You're avoiding me."

Jo's fingers twitched at his side. "I'm working."

Maki huffed. "That's not an answer."

Jo clenched his jaw. This wasn't fair.

The way Maki spoke to him so casually. The way he looked at him, like he was something more than just a servant.

It made Jo's heart ache.

Because it wasn't true.

It could never be true.

"My lord," Jo said carefully, voice quieter now. "If anyone sees us together like this..."

Maki held his gaze. "Then let them see."

Jo's breath caught. How could he say things like that so easily?

"Maki." His voice wavered, barely above a whisper.

Maki's gaze softened. "Jo."

For a moment, just a moment, Jo let himself pretend.

Pretend that this wasn't dangerous. Pretend that he wasn't just another servant destined to fade into the background.

Pretend that he could want this.

That he could want Maki.

The ball was in full swing.

Elegant figures twirled across the grand ballroom floor, laughter and music filling the golden-lit space. Jo stood at the edge of it all, a tray in hand, watching from the shadows like he always did.

And then, Maki found him.

Not in the way a noble should find a servant.

Not in passing, not with a fleeting glance.

With intention.

With purpose.

"Come with me," Maki murmured as he passed by, his fingers brushing against Jo's for the briefest second.

Jo froze.

But before he could protest, Maki was already moving.

And Jo—like the fool he was—followed.

The gardens were quiet, the night air cool against Jo's skin. The noise of the ball felt like another world—a world where Maki belonged, and Jo did not.

Maki exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I couldn't stand another second in there."

Jo swallowed. "Then you should go back before they notice you're gone."

Maki scoffed. "And let them bore me to death? No thanks."

Jo sighed, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

Maki smiled. "And yet, you're still here."

Jo looked away. That was the problem, wasn't it?

He was always still here.

Waiting. Wanting.

"I shouldn't be." His voice was quieter now. "We shouldn't be doing this."

Maki's expression shifted. "Why not?"

Jo let out a bitter laugh. "You know why."

Maki stepped closer. "Then tell me."

Jo's chest tightened. Maki was too close now. Close enough that Jo could see the faint crease in his brow, the way his lips parted slightly, the way his eyes—always so unreadable to others—held nothing but sincerity.

"Because I can't be what you want me to be," Jo whispered.

Maki's breath hitched.

"Because I'll always be a servant." Jo clenched his fists. "And you'll always be—"

Maki cut him off.

With a kiss.

Jo froze.

Maki's lips were warm, soft—desperate in a way Jo had never felt before.

This wasn't just a reckless whim.

This was Maki choosing him.

And that—that was terrifying.

Jo pulled back, breathless. "You shouldn't have done that."

Maki searched his gaze. "Tell me to stop."

Jo opened his mouth—but nothing came out.

Because he didn't want Maki to stop.

Not now. Not ever.

Maki smiled softly. "That's what I thought."

Jo swallowed hard. "You're a fool."

Maki laughed. "Then be a fool with me."

Jo stared at him—this impossible, stubborn, infuriating noble—and for the first time, he let himself wonder.

Could he?

Could he let himself have this?

Could he let himself have Maki?

And as Maki laced their fingers together, pulling Jo even closer, the answer became clear.

Yes.

Yes, he could.