ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗥𝗧𝗬-𝗧𝗪𝗢
─◌✰್ 𝖺𝗋𝖾
❝𝗶 𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝘂𝗻...❞

Hyperhidrosis. That was Minho's word of the day.

What did that mean? Excessive sweating. Or so a quick Google search had told him a few minutes ago, as his phone slipped around annoyingly in his hand.

"Abnormally excessive sweating involving the extremities, underarms, and face, usually unrelated to body temperature or exercise."

Although in all honesty, Minho knew that was not what was afflicting him today. Because his body had been absolutely burning up all night, and morning. He hadn't been able to sleep, tossing and turning until he had to run to the bathroom and splash cold water on his face. He'd also been pacing all morning, despite being exhausted from total lack of sleep. He could barely force down half a piece of toast and part of a boiled egg for breakfast.

He knew why.

As much as he hated to admit it, he was nervous. He was terrified to finally be going on a first date with you.

Embarrassingly, he'd never really thought about going on a date with you before he arrived at the mansion. He'd been so fucking obsessed with Alaska, he had never thought about anyone else.

But ever since that day in the kitchen, his mind had run wild with fantasies of being with you. Nothing exciting, persay. Just mundane things, like cooking while holding your waist, or going to the grocery store, window shopping, or even going horseback riding. Anything he was to do with you, no matter how boring, you would make it fun. Just being near you was the experience. And now that it was happening - not to mention the fact you were having your first date as a married couple - it was a lot of pressure.

"You ready to go, Minho?" Yeonjun appeared at the door of his bedroom. For some reason, it felt wrong, having this man intrude on his personal space. It was that uneasy feeling that pushed Minho to stand up, and exit.

As he approached the car that idled outside, he saw found you already there, waiting. His breath caught in his throat, while in contrast, his heart lurched forward, suddenly beating so hard his chest hurt.

You stood by the right side back door, feet and fingers tapping impatiently, as your eyes flickered back and forth from the car to the mansion. You wore a comfortable, yet incredibly revealing beige halter top paired with baggy low-rise cargo pants. It was just so you, somehow able to pull off the sexy-casual look. He couldn't stop staring. You were breathtaking.

The moment you spotted him, your semi-annoyed, testy expression transformed into a silly smile that turned his heart to mush. Why had he hated you, again? Maybe he never did, because how could he?

"You ready, Princess?" he grinned, striding over and taking both your hands in his.

You nodded eagerly, squeezing them. "Hell yeah. Do you have any idea what we're gonna be doing? Yeonjun didn't tell me shit."

Minho shrugged, opening the car door for you, before going to his own side and getting in. "No idea. There's no way he would say anything. I think he hates me."

You raised a brow, as the car started moving. "I think Yeonjun hates all of us, you're not special."

He rolled his eyes, pinching your arm lightly. "Watch your words, Princess. You're gorgeous, but that'll only get you so far."

You grinned wickedly at him. "You think I'm gorgeous?"

He shrugged, trying to play off the compliment. "Doesn't everyone?"

You smiled, linking your arm through his and holding. "Yeah, but your opinion matters most."

He chuckled, leaning over and resting his chin on top of your head. "Well then, you look absolutely stunning today. And everyday. How about that?"

You sneakily took your seatbelt off, scooting over and placing your head on his bicep. He could feel you smiling against him. "I like the sound of that," you replied quietly.

The rest of the drive was silent, just the two of you soaking in each other's presence. He, unlike everyone else in your life, knew that you were more introverted than you seemed. You craved alone time, space to ponder your thoughts without anyone else interrupting. The two of you used to sit together, not speaking, for hours. He'd always liked that about you, how you didn't feel the need to fill the void with meaningless gibberish. The two of you had always been comfortable with each other, just being.

The car pulled up to a beautiful ranch, and Minho jumped out immediately so he could open the door for you. He glanced behind him, and saw the camera crew getting out of another car.

Let the show begin, he thought bitterly. He hated that your first date would be filmed for the world to see, but he supposed he didn't have room to complain. He'd agreed to this, after all.

The assistant producer, Soyeon, exited the same car as the cameramen, and approached the two of them. She carried a clipboard in short-nailed hands, a headset over her messy bun-clad head.

"Now, I'm sure the two of you have already guessed what you'll be doing today?" she queried as the group of producers and cameramen followed them to the entrance of a large barn.

"Yeonjun didn't tell us what we're doing," Minho responded, as Soyeon opened the door.

He was immediately hit by a strong scent, one that was familiar to Minho, but he couldn't quite place.

You started snuffling around like a rabbit, your nose practically wiggling. "Oh my gosh!" you exclaimed, covering your mouth, eyes wide. Minho hadn't seen you this excited since the cooks brought out egg rolls for dinner three nights ago. "Are we riding horses??"

Soyeon shot you a knowing smile. "Why don't you go inside and see for yourself?"

You bounded ahead, reaching out at the last second to snatch up Minho's hand, pulling him along with you.

You were met with a dozen or so stalls, all filled with horses of different breeds, sizes, and colors. A few were snoozing, their eyes fluttering open and shut, while a couple others were snorting and kicking lightly, restless and waiting for a ride. The rest just eyed you carefully, interested in the newcomers.

"We are riding horses!!" You squeezed Minho's hand so tight he lost feeling in his fingers, but his heart had never felt so full. It had been such a long time since he'd spent quality time with anyone, and seeing you so excited made him physically hurt with contentment.

"Can we get them saddled now?" you begged, absentmindedly stroking the coat of a chocolate brown horse standing next to you. "He looks just like Minnie, back home!"

Minnie? Minho scrutinized the horse in front of him. It gazed back with tar-black eyes. Was it just a coincidence that your horse shared the same nickname that you'd once given him, all those years ago?

It must be. He shook himself inwardly. Or else, that would mean... well, it would mean what he'd been both scared and hopeful of for a while now.

"Yes, each of you, please choose a horse and get them saddled up!" Soyeon interrupted Minho's thoughts. "I'm sure you both know how to do that?"

Minho nodded, unable to hide his smile as you scrambled to choose the brown horse in front of you.

"His name is Egg Roll!" you declared as you began saddling him up. "What yours?" You turned to Minho.

"Does he need a name?" he asked, amused.

"Uhm, yes, obviously!!"

"Okay... then I guess his name is George."

"That's such a lame name. Pick something better!"

"He told me his name is George, do you want me to ignore him?"

"Fine." You rolled your eyes. "Only because George said so."

You led your horses out into the field, before climbing on. Minho was about to ask if you needed help, but he thought better of it when he watched you swing yourself up onto Egg Roll's back like a pro, and start wandering off at a fast clip around the corral.

Minho grinned, watching you gently dig your heels into the horses sides to speed up. Seeing you so comfortable and having so much fun doing something that you loved back at home made him feel like you were letting him into your world, just a little.

"Hurry up!" you urged, glancing back at him. Your cheeks were already flushed with pleasure. Glancing back at Soyeon, who was still by the barn, while the two cameramen behind her on theirs, she called, "can we go into the forest?"

Minho climbed onto George's back, patting him lightly on the side before kicking him into a trot, so he could catch up with you. There was a small copse of trees in front of them, and there was a perfect opening in the dark red fence that led right through it.

"It would be a lot more fun than riding around here," Minho agreed, and you beamed.

Soyeon nodded. "That's fine, but please stay close so they can capture some of this on camera." She glanced at the two men, who were getting their cameras set up.

You smiled agreeably. "Sure! You ready, Minho?"

"Yeah, of course, Princess."

With that, you took off into the trees, like you'd done this a million times. He let you take the lead, following you through groups of pine and aspens, kicking up dirt and leaves in your wake. They rode at a comfortable speed, allowing the two cameramen to keep pace.

You slowed a bit, allowing him to ride next to you. "This is so beautiful, isn't it?" You smiled, staring up at the towering trees. "I didn't realize how much I missed riding."

"You ride a lot?" he asked as they settled into a slow saunter. Back when you were kids, you had been interested in horses, and kept begging your parents for one. Clearly, they had listened, and your love had only grown.

"Yeah, I try to ride every day, or at least a couple times a week." You bobbed your head. "It's just so much more peaceful than staying inside. You know what I mean."

He dipped his head in agreement. He did know. Dealing with his family, who had such high expectations for him, was exhausting. But he'd gone the route of least resistance, always following his parents orders. He knew you had it harder. You'd chosen to rebel against them, especially your mom. Every time he saw you around her, she was either yelling, or giving you glares that were so vitriolic, it even made him uncomfortable.

"You wanna get down and hang out for a bit?" he asked, after you had been riding for another ten minutes. "I think those trees over there look like a comfortable spot to sit, and I bet the horses could use some water."

You smiled in agreement, before leading Egg Roll over to the small pond Minho had seen. Unsaddling him, you allowed the horse to take a few long drinks, before going to sit against the towering pine.

Minho did the same with George, while the cameramen followed with their horses. He took the spot next to you, moving close enough that your arms brushed.

Of course, the cameramen zoomed in on the peaceful moment.

You turned to him, choosing to ignore their invasive actions. "It really is like back home, isn't it? The tall trees, the quiet."

"So pretty much the opposite of the mansion?" Minho chuckled.

You grinned in response. "Yeah, it's pretty crazy, isn't it? Everyone's so fucking loud."

"So are you," he reminded, nudging you. "You never shut up."

"Okay, rude!" you pouted, but he saw you struggling not to smile. "I like the quiet, thank you very much."

"Mhm, I know you do." He hummed in response. "I'm glad we got to go on a date like this. Seems right up your alley."

"When I get overwhelmed, I usually just like being alone," you said quietly, a small smile whispering across your lips. "Sometimes it can all get too much, and I'll just go on a walk, or take a ride, or go read a book by the lake. Even when Kai would try to follow me, I would tell him to go away. Nicely, of course. Usually."

Minho's brows knitted. "Would you like me to leave you alone for a bit?" he asked, suddenly feeling nervous. He sure as hell didn't want to separate himself from you, let alone remove his arm from its spot against yours, but he would if you asked. And he would understand, too. Being an introvert, he enjoyed his own company more than pretty much anyone else's.

"No!" you exclaimed, almost too quickly.

Your wide eyes and panicked expression caused a surprised laugh to burst forth from him.

"What??" you demanded, crossing your arms. "Is it so wrong for me to want my husband to hang out with me??"

He laughed a while longer, unable to control himself. "No, no of course not." He tried to be serious again, but he couldn't help grinning at you. "It's just, you're really cute when you're clingy."

"I am not clingy!" you protested. "I'm an independent woman, thank you very much. I'm going to be queen!" You turned your nose up stubbornly.

He shook his head, reaching his arms out and drawing you close to him. "Yes you are. You'll be my queen."

Sighing dramatically, you let your arms fall down at your sides, your face buried in his chest. "Did our parents ever work that out? Will we be ruling Moonstone, or Obsidian? Or both?"

Minho shrugged. "I'm sure we can ask them. They always have all the answers about our futures, don't they?"

"Ugh, don't remind me," you groaned, as he released you. You placed your head on his shoulder again, and his heart stuttered at the small act of affection. He knew you weren't usually big on physical touch, unless it involved more... nefarious acts. So something so innocent, especially in front of the cameras, meant even more to him coming from you. He leaned down and kissed the top of your head, a silent acknowledgement of the vulnerability it must have taken you.

The two of you just sat like that for a few minutes, silent once more. He occasionally took peeks over at you to make sure you were doing okay. Your eyes kept fluttering open and closed, like you were fighting exhaustion.

"You can sleep, you know," he murmured, one arm snaking around your waist to hold you closer.

"Mm, no," you grumbled back, turning your face up to look at him. Those bleary brown eyes stared up at him, and his ever-melting heart thawed even further.

And as scary as it was, he certainly didn't mind.

"I feel so comfortable around you," you broke the silence, a blush creeping up your cheeks. "What I was saying earlier was... I don't want you to leave, because when I'm with you, it's like being alone, but better. I never thought I'd ever get comfortable around you, or any guy, again, but... here we are." You smiled faintly. "I missed you."

His breaths quickened at your words, and he squeezed your side so tight you winced. He loosened his grip, but leaned closer to you, brushing a stray lock of hair that had fallen onto your face. "Ever since we had our falling out, I've been so lonely," he admitted. "I thought that I would never find someone who just got me as well as you did, as you do. It was always so easy between us, but it hasn't been like that with anyone else. I thought maybe it was me, being an asshole, or cold, or whatever."

"You could never be cold," you whispered, a hand coming up to cup his cheek. "I pushed you away, not the other way around."

He leaned against you for support as he continued. "No, you didn't. And I know that now, because of you. I don't need to be the perfect prince, or the perfect son, or listen to everything my parents say. I've always admired you for that, you know. Doing whatever the hell you want, even if it gets you into trouble. I wish I could be like that."

You blushed, your hand falling back into your lap. "It's more of a hassle than it's worth. Sometimes I would wish I could be like you. Ruling seems to come so easy to you, like you were made for it. I can't do that."

"Well, now we're in it together, so we can help each other." His eyes traveled from your soft gaze, down the soft skin of your cheeks and perfect nose, to your lips. Full and stained with a color that reminded him of ripe raspberries, he stopped and stared. God, what he wouldn't give to just lean in and-

"Kiss me Minho."

His breath caught in his throat at your words. Did you just say what he thought you said?

"Please. Kiss me?" you repeated, suddenly nervous.

"I was hoping youd say that," he murmured, sliding a hand under your chin, his thumb pressing against your lower lip, causing your mouth to open just the slightest bit.

And as your lips met his, he knew that as long as he had you, he would never be alone again.

laska's note —
omgg, my babies!!! 🤭🤭😍😍 did we just get their first kiss???? i know i kinda ended it right in the middle but... don't worry, there will definitely be a lot more in the next chapter, i won't leave you hanging like that!!! as i've mentioned before, i'm not the best with fluff so... i hope this lived up to your expectations 🤣 of course, this book is far from over, so you probably know what that means. sorry y'all, i make my characters suffer before they have a chance at a happy ending! so get ready for that. do you have any predictions as to what could happen? tell me them in the comments 😏

𝖭𝖤𝖷𝖳 𝖴𝖯：
𝟯𝟯 - 𝗼𝗻𝗲
┊ ⇄ ◁◁ II ▷▷ ↻ ┊