ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗬-𝗢𝗡𝗘
─◌✰್ 𝗋𝗂𝗌𝖾
❝𝗵𝗲'𝘀 𝗹𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂...❞

"This is so beautiful!" Riley broke the silence, as she stared into the top of the hot air balloon she and Christopher currently rode in.

"Uh... yeah, it's really nice!" Christopher replied, a light quake in his voice that he tried to conceal.

Riley studied the man, who was an uncomfortable three feet away from her. She had never been scared of heights, flying in an airplane, or anything like that. In fact, she'd always kind of wanted to ride in a hot air balloon. Or at least something thrilling.

And yet, here she was, feeling nervous standing next to the one man she hadn't been able to get over, ever since she was seven years old. Her, usually chatty in every social situation, reduced to making awkward small talk.

Was Christopher feeling the same way? Was that why he'd been stumbling over his words, and constantly rubbing his shaking hands together?

She doubted it. From what she could tell, he didn't really give a shit about what had happened back then. Even at the courting ball, when he wanted to talk, he had only asked her if she was mad at him.

She could never be mad at Christopher Bahng.

Christopher glanced over at her, catching her eye for the first time that day. He gritted out an uneasy smile, before turning back to stare out at the scenery.

Riley opened her mouth to say something again, but instead-

"A beautiful day, isn't it?" The hot air balloon attendant said casually, interrupting her thoughts. "No rain, and hardly any clouds!"

Riley barely concealed a frown at the man for cutting off her weak attempt at diffusing the tension. There was also a camera man a few feeet away from her, somehow shoved in the small basket with all of them. Weren't hot air balloon rides supposed to be romantic? Intimate, even? How could they be, with all these people breathing down her damn neck?

"Is something wrong?" she blurted, quite ungracefully.

Christopher slowly turned to look at her, his face drained of color. "Ah... yeah, sorry Riley." He laughed nervously. "You know me. I'm just still a little afraid of-"

"You're afraid of fire," Riley cut him off, realization dawning. How had she been so stupid as to forget that? He'd even shared that during the game of truth. Here she was, acting like an idiot, pretending that nothing was wrong, when the balloon was being held up by a giant ball of fire. "I'm sorry." She ducked her head. "I've been rude."

A smile ghosted over Christopher's lips, and he shook his head. "It's okay. You've actually helped me stay distracted. I'm still enjoying myself, I swear."

Riley frowned. "If I had remembered, I would've asked Soyeon to give us another date. I bet that rat Yeonjun planned this."

Christopher glanced at the cameras for a split second, before turning back to her. "It's okay, really. It takes me a minute to get used to the heat, that's all. Let's just have fun, yeah?" He extended a hand to her.

Riley stared down at it, unsure of how to react. It had been such a long time since she'd held his hand. And not for lack of trying. Well, on Christopher's side, that was. At the ball, he had tried to grab both her hands and hug her when she told him she wasn't angry at him. He'd tried to hold her hand the morning after the all-nighter, when he woke up. But she'd always seen a look of guilt in his eyes that had deterred her.

And when she gazed at him once more, she could still see it, lurking in those depths. It was behind a handsome, almost irresistible brown sheen, of course. But it was still there. And Riley didn't want him to touch her out of guilt.

So, once again, she denied him.

Christopher slowly lowered his arm, thinly veiled disappointment dimming his eyes.

No, she thought. Not yet. There was a lot they needed to talk about before she could get to that point.

————————————

"Wow, this is so beautiful!" Now it was Christopher's turn to fumble for words, as they entered the stunning building that was the restaurant he and Riley would be dining at this evening.

But he had to admit that Riley was looking even more beautiful. With that sapphire blue ballgown that went down past her ankles, and her hair done up in a messy but elegant bun that was so her, he couldn't stop staring. It was like his gaze was magnetized to her.

In all honesty, it always had been. But until the drawing, he hadn't really gotten a good look at her in years. Not since he was ten, and she was seven.

Of course, that was something he'd had no say in whatsoever.

"Wanna sit down?" Riley offered, leading them to the table in the back.

He followed, pulling the chair out for her, before taking a seat himself. As the water and alcohol was served, he once again found himself gazing at Riley, who was taking a gulp of champagne.

How she'd changed since they were both young. In fact, when he'd seen her head up onto the stage after her name was called, he'd hardly recognized her. What was once a daring, funny girl, had become a strong, proud young woman. Once again, he'd been captivated by her presence.

But along with that captivation came a mind-crushing sense of guilt. While his parents had forced him to stay away from Riley after the incident, he certainly hadn't gone out of his way to talk to her, either. Every time he'd caught a glimpse of her, whether it be at school, or when he'd joined his father during trade talks, he'd flee, face burning with embarrassment.

Right after the incident, he'd blamed himself for almost killing her that night.

He still blamed himself.

"You're thinking about it, aren't you?" Riley's voice cut through his thoughts.

"Uh... what?" Christopher replied dumbly, blinking back at her.

"The fire," Riley prompted, her voice lowering. "You were thinking about it, just now. I saw it in your eyes."

"You saw it?" His brow creased. How had she known?

"You looked like you'd been stabbed." Riley chanced a smile at him. "Or maybe constipated, I don't know."

He choked out a surprised laugh, before taking a quick sip of water, realizing his mouth had gone dry. "Ah. Yeah, you're right. About the first part, I mean." He ducked his head, guilt still coursing through him. "Every time I see you, I can't help but think about it."

Riley nodded in understanding. "Me too," she admitted. "I think- I think we should just talk about it. Even if we don't tell any of the others, I think we should just talk about it. With each other."

Christopher nodded stiffly. He'd been wanting to talk about this with her for so long, and now it was finally happening. He'd chickened out during the ball, when he had pulled her away to have a chat. He'd steeled himself to have the conversation all day, but when he was faced with those cool brown eyes of hers, he'd been rendered speechless. All he could choke out was something lame about her being mad at him. He'd thought about that every night for a week after.

"I think you're right," he finally said, shifting to get more comfortable. He hadn't realized how sweaty he was until now.

The waiter brought food for both of them, consisting of a chicken pot pie with vodka sauce, and sweet potato fries, before bowing and leaving them alone, once again.

Riley poked at her plate, before speaking. "I don't want you to blame yourself for what happened that night. I think I've spent enough time blaming myself, too. And I don't think it's worth it anymore."

Christopher wasn't going to question how she knew he'd spent most of his life berating himself for what happened, all those years ago. Of course she did. "You shouldn't blame yourself either, then," he responded softly. "Neither of us should."

Riley nodded in response. "After the fire, my parents made me promise not to see you ever again. They said that you were the one responsible for it, for taking me out into the woods that night, and if they or anyone else caught me talking to you, I would be homeschooled."

"Yeah, my parents did the same to me," he admitted, voice catching. "They blamed me. They said I was a bad influence on you, that since I was the boy I should have known better, and stopped it."

And just like that, Christopher was thrust back into that day. The terrible day that changed his life forever.

"That meeting was the most boring thing ever!" A seven year-old Riley cried, her hand in his as they ran down the hall and out of the Bahng mansion.

Christopher grinned, enjoying the sensation of her tiny hand in his bigger one. "Yeah, I hate when they talk that long, sometimes I just fall asleep. But this is way better."

Riley nodded furiously. "Oh yeah, wayy better," she agreed.

As they exited the mansion, they both glanced around. They didn't want to get caught by their parents and dragged back inside, but they also didn't want to miss dinner, which would be in about twenty minutes.

"Wanna go to the woods?" Christopher asked, pointing with his free hand to the copse of pines to their right. "I saw a family of squirrels there yesterday, maybe they're still there!"

Riley nodded eagerly. "Do you think we can make s'mores?" she asked.

Christopher wanted to tell her no, that he didn't have any marshmallows or chocolate, but he didn't want to disappoint her. After all, she was really pretty, and nice. And this was the first time they'd spent alone, just the two of them.

He'd noticed her a couple of weeks prior at school, walking down the hall with some of her Obsidian friends. They had been giggling over some girly magazine.

Christopher, who had been walking with his friend Han Jisung, nudged him in the ribs, noticing that he was staring.

"You think she's cute, dude?" Jisung snickered.

Christopher had punched him in the arm, claiming that of course not, he didn't like girls. They had cooties.

But now, holding Riley's hand snugly in his, he kind of understood. It was thrilling, wanting to impress a cute girl, make her laugh. It was that desire that made him reply, with utmost certainty,

"We can definitely make s'mores!"

Riley pumped her fist, a huge grin on her face that made his little lie entirely worth it.

They spent the next twenty minutes gathering twigs and wood. Riley even found a few pieces of cotton, and a flyer stuck to one of the trees for starter. Christopher had never met a duchess who was so willing to get her hands dirty. She was actually really fun.

The wind was beginning to pick up, but neither of them noticed. They were having too much fun. And seeing the beautiful young duchess laugh and smile made him even more determined to get this right. He wanted to make her happy.

Finally, they sat down on the ground, and Christopher pulled out a half-lighter half-pocketknife from his pocket. He always carried it in case he needed to cut through something. He lit the edge of the paper, and it immediately caught fire.

Riley glanced around her, just noticing the wind whipping her hair. "Should we be doing this?" she called.

Christopher nodded with a confidence he didn't feel. "Yeah, we'll be fine!" he shouted back. "Hand me some sticks."

Riley hesitated for a moment, before nodding, and the two continued to build the fire, up and up.

When the fire was finally high and cracking, after a few failed attempts due to the roaring wind, Riley smiled at him.

"I think I really like you," she said, reaching out and taking his hand again. "I'm having a lot of fun."

Christophers heart swelled at that. "I like you too," he replied, more definitively than he felt. "And I'm having fun."

Then, he reached out, not entirely sure of what he was doing, and kissed her on the cheek.

Riley flushed with happiness. Suddenly, she frowned, glancing around her.

"Where are the marshmallows??" she exclaimed, brandishing the long stick she'd found specially for roasting.

Christopher slumped his shoulders, embarrassed at getting caught in his lie. "I'll go get some. Wanna come with?"

Riley shook her head, warming her hands by the crackling flames. "No, I'm cold. I'll stay here. Hurry, I'm hungry!"

Christopher raced off as fast as he could towards the kitchens. (Oh how he wished now that he'd forced Riley to come with him.)

When he exited the mansion, marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers in tow, a billowing heat hit him. He knew, in that moment, something had gone terribly wrong.

Flames licked at the edge of the forest, the beautiful green pines turned black within seconds. He could hear animals scurrying for shelter, the wind whistling through his ears so loud he couldn't think.

Riley.

He threw the food down at his feet, and without questioning it, he raced straight towards the fire. He'd left her in there, all alone. And now, the where clearing she had once stood was coated in fire. He couldn't see Riley anywhere.

"Riley!" he screamed, trying to be heard over the howling of the fire, the breaking of tree branches, and the crying wind. "Riley, where are you??"

If he'd let her die- god, he couldn't bring himself to think about it. He needed to find her, now.

Standing mere feet away, he squinted into the flames. Where was she? Had she already died...? Swallowed up by the sweltering heat? No, she couldn't be, he thought desperately, sweat now dripping down his spine, along his forehead.

And then he saw her. Lying face down in the dirt mere yards away from the forest, passed out. Her clothes were burning, her shoes gone. Her hair was charred, and her hands were blistered.

"No!" Christopher cried, voice hoarse from breathing in too much smoke. He raced to her, ignoring his throbbing legs, the ache in his lungs. Was she still alive?

As he knelt by Riley, heart thudding so hard he thought he may also pass out, he rolled her over. Half her face was red, clearly burned. Her eyes were closed. Please, please don't let her be dead, he begged whoever might be listening.

Suddenly, Riley opened her eyes, and Christopher could breathe again. She tried to smile, but winced with pain.

"Christopher?" she whispered, voice hoarse.

He nodded, trying to be brave and not cry. "Riley?" He gazed down at her. "Are you- you're gonna be okay."

She smiled, and grabbed his hand in hers, squeezing. "Thank you for having fun with me!"

And then she passed out again.

For over ten year, Christopher didn't speak to her. Now, here he was, given the opportunity to tell her how sorry he was, how badly he'd fucked up, and still, he couldn't get the words past his lips.

Riley broke the silence. "I'm sorry," she said. "I'm sorry I never tried to talk to you."

Christopher shook his head. "No, I'm the one who's sorry. I insisted on making the fire, and then I left you alone in the forest. I never should have done that."

"We were young," Riley murmured. "We were stupid."

Christopher's chest ached at her words. It was now or never, he supposed. "But the way I felt for you wasn't stupid."

Riley looked up, cautiously meeting his gaze. "And how did you feel for me?"

Christopher swallowed hard. "I liked you. I never stopped thinking about you, even after my parents forced me to stay away. I wanted to find you, sneak out and see you. But I felt too guilty. I knew I had been the reason you got hurt, why you almost got killed! I couldn't look you in the eye without blaming myself. And that was wrong of me."

Riley smiled, and Christopher's heart warmed at the sight. Apparently , that was a constant. "I liked- like you too. I wish I'd had the courage to talk to you, but I felt bad. If I hadn't suggested we make s'mores in the first place, we would have been safe. And I felt guilty that you had to save me. I would be dead without you, and I didn't know how to repay you for that. I still don't."

"Give us another chance." Christopher blushed at the words, but didn't take them back. It was how he felt, wasn't it? "I know we never really had one to begin with, but let me prove that I can protect you. It's been over ten years, and I don't care if my parents won't approve. I want to be with you."

Riley's eyes filled with tears, but she held them back, nodding. "I want to be with you too. And... I never stopped thinking about you, either. You're the only guy I've ever thought about, even after all these years. It's kind of annoying, actually."

Christopher chuckled, reaching across the table and grabbing her hand. Then, with the other, he held up his glass of champagne. "To having fun?"

Riley smiled, recognition lighting her gaze. "To having fun."

————————————

Back at home, you, Mya, and Jeongin were finally getting ready. It was evening turning to night, and you were all finally packed up. You would be leaving first thing in the morning.

Minho stood by, watching. He wanted badly to say goodbye, wish you good luck on bringing your friend home. But of course, he had no idea how to say that.

Jisung nudged him in the side. "Dude, go say goodbye to your wife, what are you doing??" He muttered under his breath. "You might not have a chance tomorrow."

"Yeah, are you just gonna let her leave??" Renee demanded on his other side.

Minho sighed, but he knew they were right. What kind of husband was he, if he couldn't even speak to you? Besides, he wanted to, didn't he?

Right as he made a move to talk to you, and figure out exactly what he wanted to say as he went, you turned around to face him, eyes full of determination.

"Can we talk real quick?" you asked. "Alone, please?"

Minho's breath caught in his throat, but he nodded, leading you into the lounge.

You both sat down on the loveseat, and you pierced him with fierce look.

"I know we haven't talked in awhile," you began, cheeks reddening. "And part of that is my fault. I've been embarrassed about what happened during the all-nighter, and I haven't wanted to face you. In case you think I'm... dumb, or irresponsible. In case you don't want to be married to me anymore." You ducked your head in embarrassment.

Minho stared at you, dumbfounded. Was that why you'd been avoiding him, all these days? Not because you were upset at him? Had there been a complete misunderstanding? Was he really that stupid?

"I would never think you're dumb or irresponsible," Minho blurted, instinctively reaching out and grabbing your hand. His whole body filled with warmth from your touch. It had been far too long since he'd been in contact with you. He couldn't let that happen again.

You smiled at him, squeezing his hand tight. "Thank you, Minho," you sighed, relief filling your gaze. "I should never have avoided you, I missed you." You blushed.

Minho smiled down at you, but that lump of guilt still pressed hard against his throat. You had just expressed your true feelings to him, and he knew he needed to do the same to you. It was only right. Plus, he actually wanted to. Fuck Yeonjun, and fuck his own anxiety about how you would react. You needed to know.

"Tess, there's something you should-"

"I love you Minho."

Minho stared at you, shocked out of his thoughts. "I- you what?" he gaped, blinking stupidly at you.

You bit your bottom lip. "I said... I love you," you repeated, gazing at him in sheepish confidence. "You're always there for me, and you accept me for who I am. I know you might not feel the same, since this marriage wasn't your decision either, but I've always cared so much for you, and now-"

"I love you too, Tessa."

Minho met your gaze sincerely, his thumb caressing the back of your hand. He leaned down, and pressed his lips to yours in a tender, heartfelt kiss. It lasted a couple seconds, you reciprocating the pressure, before you pulled back.

You grinned up at him with a goofy smile that caused his heart to expand tenfold. God, just seeing that look of pure happiness was so worth the vulnerability.

Wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling yourself over so you were practically in his lap, you asked, "you were going to say something earlier, and I interrupted. What's up?"

He smiled at you, pressing a kiss to your cheek. "Oh, I just wanted to tell you how gorgeous you look today. But I guess you had something even better, didn't you?"

You winked, not even questioning his deflection. "I always gotta one-up you, ya know?"

Standing up, you waved, blowing a kiss at him, before heading out the door. "I'm gonna go to bed. I'll see you when I get back, right?" you called.

He chuckled. "Yeah, I'll see you then, Princess."

But the next morning, after you'd disappeared in the car with Mya and Jeongin, Minho couldn't stop thinking that he should have told you the truth, "I love yous" bedamned. He'd blown this life-changing secret even further out of proportion, if that was possible.

And he was sure to pay for it, sooner or later.

laska's note —
wowww this chapter had so much stuff going on! i apologize for the length, but it was all necessary, and i had to fit it in one chapter! i will admit, i'm very proud of how this chapter turned out! tessho has finally said i love you to each other, and i think they both meant it! but there's still that looming secret that minho hadn't gotten the courage to tell her. he was so close!! and riley and christopher have also exposed their secrets, to us at least! we love to see them talking to each other for once. after all the mystery, it's kind of nice. next chapter, tessa, mya, and jeongin will be back in moonstone! wonder how they'll get jj back, and what else they'll get up to...

𝖭𝖤𝖷𝖳 𝖴𝖯：
𝟰𝟮 - 𝘂𝗽,
┊ ⇄ ◁◁ II ▷▷ ↻ ┊