Chapter Text
“So I heard you and Taehyun went on a walk in the gardens last night,” Yeonjun said, wiggling his eyebrows and leaning over the desk.
“Yes we did,” Beaomgyu said looking at his papers, trying to ignore his brother.
“Come on, tell me what happened,” Yeonjun whined, “Did you kiss?”
“Wha- Why are you in my study? Get out!” Beomgyu shouted, smacking the older with his papers.
“So you did kiss.”
“NO!,” Beomgyu smacked Yeonjun again, “While it would be very nice to kiss him all we did was talk, and he apologized for being mean.”
Yeonjun pouted, “That’s boring. See if it was me and let’s say, Soobin, I’d take him an-”
Beomgyu shrieked, cutting Yeonjun off, “I do not want to hear about you trying to seduce your guard.”
Yeonjun stuck out his tongue, “Just admit you’re jealous I get lai-”
“Shut up!” Beomgyu shouted, smacking the older, forgoing the paper.
Yeonjun cackled in response. Beomgyu hid his face in his hands, silently cursing out his brother. He did not want to hear Yeonjun talk about his Soobin fantasies.
“Hey,” Yeonjun said softly, “You’ll get your man.”
And with some comical timing, a knock came from the door and Hueingkai’s head poked in after being allowed to.
“Ah, are you busy, your Highnesses?” Kai said with a small smile.
Yeonjun gave Beomgyu a knowing smirk before turning to Kai, “Not at all, in fact, I was just leaving.” With that, the older got up and walked out the door, but not before winking at
If Kai wasn’t standing in front of him, he would’ve gone and strangled his brother. Instead, he smiled and turned his focus to Kai.
“How are you doing, Hueningkai?” Beomgyu asked.
“Very good, Your Highness!” Kai chirped, “I’m here because Prince Taehyun has sent an invitation to have tea.”
“Tea?” Beomgyu perked up, “When will this be happening?”
“He’s hoping you will be able to meet him by 4.”
“Tell him I’ll be there,” Beomgyu said, mentally going through all the things he’d need to push back.
Kai bowed and left. However, not five seconds later Yeonjun came back, pushing the door open so hard that Beomgyu felt the ground shake.
“Tea? With Taehyun?” Yeonjun asked excitedly, slamming his hands down on Beomgyu’s desk, causing papers to go flying.
“I thought you said you were leaving!?” Beomgyu shouted as he tried to pick up all the papers up, “And you made a mess!”
“I only said that so you could have your conversation,” Yeonjun smirked, “So tea, with Taehyun?”
“Yeah?” Beomgyu said questioningly, “What about it?”
“You’re having tea with Taehyun! Only a week ago you couldn’t even get Taehyun to walk with you,” Yeonjun said, pretending to wipe away tears, “You’ve grown so much.”
Beomgyu stood up to strangle Yeonjun but was stopped by Soobin walking in.
“Soobinie!” Yeonjun said, throwing himself at the guard, “Beomie has tea with Taehyun!”
“That’s great,” Soobin smiled as he easily caught Yeonjun, “When is it?”
“At 4.”
“You should be getting ready then,” Soobin said, as Yeonjun basically snuggled into his chest.
“I guess I should,” Beomgyu responded, moving to leave, “And don’t do that in my study!” He pointed at his brother, who just stuck out his tongue.
Beomgyu flipped off the older before walking to his room. Tea was normally a casual, one-on-one, or small group event. In Beomgyu’s experience, they were always an excuse to talk or gossip. He had heard of stories that involved getting invited for tea, only for it to be a cover for rivals meeting or something. He wasn’t too sure.
Beomgyu looked over himself in the mirror, simple blouse, simple two-colored tailcoat, and simple hair. He always liked dressing up for Taehyun so it felt weird dressing down. He brushed his bangs to the side, watching as the gold trimming on his sleeve reflected back at him.
Sometimes he felt like the embodiment of summer. Yeonjun was more like the changing of seasons, always moving, while Beomgyu had often felt stagnant. Maybe it was his summer heat that melted the cold Prince Taehyun. Wouldn’t that be romantic.
Beomgyu giggled as he checked himself one more time before walking out the door. He was met by Kai waiting for him.
“Good Afternoon, Your Highness,” Kai said with a small bow, “I have been asked by Prince Taehyun to escort you.” Kai smiled brightly at Beomgyu.
“Good Afternoon to you too,” Beomgyu replied as started following Kai.
There was some silence before Kai started speaking, “You have an interesting effect on Taehyun Your Highness.”
“What?” Beomgyu asked, deciding to ignore the lack of ‘Prince’ in front of Taehyun’s name.
“Last night he came back and started planning,” Kai giggled, “Though I think he had this idea for a while.”
“A while? What makes you think that?”
“Well, he was able to pull all this together within a short amount of time.” Kai answered, “I think he put a lot of thought into it. I hope you enjoy it.”
Kai bowed as he opened the door for Beomgyu.
It was one of the rooms that was basically a greenhouse. Half the wall was glass, facing outside to the lakeside of the garden, the other half was a normal wall covered in plants. In the center was a table with two chairs, Beomgyu assumed Taehyun moved the other chairs that were normally there as well. A nice off-white tablecloth was covering the table, with a stack of sweets and tea on top.
Taehyun was also there, getting up from his seat to greet Beomgyu. Taehyun was dressed in a simple white blouse and black pants, though Beomgyu could see a coat draped over the seat he was just sitting in. Taehyun’s blonde hair had also been left relatively unstyled, allowing his bangs to fluff in front of his face.
Taehyun bowed slightly in front of Beomgyu, holding out both his hands and offering one to Beomgyu, all while maintaining eye contact.
Beomgyu shyly placed his hand in Taehyun’s out stretched one. He felt his face heat up as he watched (and felt) Taehyun’s lips on his knuckles. It wasn’t quite a kiss, but it wasn’t a traditional hand-kiss greeting either. Taehyun raised his head and remade eye contact with the other, a small smile appeared on his face.
“Thank you for coming, Prince Beomgyu,” Taehyun said, still slightly lowered, “Especially on a short notice.”
Beomgyu really hoped he didn’t look as red as he felt, “Of course, it was kind of you to extend the invitation.” Beomgyu would have come regardless of the time he wanted to meet. He couldn’t say that, of course, etiquette and all that. Plus, he worried that saying something like that would scare off Taehyun once again.
Taehyun smile turned slightly bigger as he stood up, still holding the older prince’s hand, and led him to a seat. He let go of his hand to pull out the chair and gestured for him to sit. Beomgyu is so done for. He thought he had already fallen for the younger prince, but clearly there was more to fall for.
Beomgyu smiles at Taehyun and takes a seat. It only when Taehyun pours some tea that he notices the lack of maids or other aids in the room. And while Taehyun poured the very beautifully — it some of the most elegant tea pouring he’s ever seen — he couldn’t help but be nervous at the thought of him and Taehyun alone together. Beomgyu turned his attention back to the tea. An oolong tea with pleasant smoky aroma. It had a deep fruit like flavor with a hint of the smokiness. The aftertaste was sweet as well.
“Is the tea to your liking?” Taehyun asked before bringing his own cup up.
“It is,” Beomgyu answered, “You chose an expensive tea.”
Everything Taehyun chose was far more luxurious than Beomgyu would have expected for a tea party. Careful arrangements of foreign flowers, the dessert stack being filled with desserts Beomgyu’s only tried a handful of times, the stack itself was painted a rich blue with bits of white details, and a beautifully made tea set. A glass set with golden handles and blue flowers decorating both the cup and pot. Beomgyu didn’t even think any of this was owned by his family.
“Of course,” Taehyun gave a small smile, “I brewed it just for you.”
Beomgyu almost choked on the fluffy dessert he took a bite out of, “I’m sorry?”
“I brewed the tea myself,” Taehyun said, “I had learned some when I was back in my kingdom.”
“I- This is really good Prince Taehyun,” Beomgyu complimented, “I’ve heard this tea is hard to acquire and even harder to brew.”
“I had a few mess-ups,” Taehyun explained, clearing his throat and looking away in embarrassment, “And it was an engagement gift from a noble family.”
Beomgyu chuckled softly, “I see. Well, I think your hard work paid off. This is very lovely.”
“Thank you.”
There was a peaceful quiet between them before Beomgyu spoke again, “Is this tea set yours? I don’t think my family owns something like it.”
“Ah! Yes, it is mine,” Taehyun said, sitting up straighter as Beomgyu addressed him again, “It was another gift.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“Just like you.”
Beomgyu nearly choked on his drink. That lack of a reaction from Taehyun made him believe he wasn’t meant to hear that. There was some silence before a small conversation about how their day went picked up. Beomgyu liked it. It was peaceful, it was cozy, and it was doing nothing to stop the fluttering in his heart.
♛˚ʚ♡ɞ˚♕
Beomgyu looked himself in the mirror once again. He pulled down on his coat collar to adjust it. He always felt like he had to look perfect for these, Beomgyu didn’t spend this much time preparing for parties. With a satisfied nod, Beomgyu made his way to the stables, where he saw Taehyun waiting for him. This happened a lot. Taehyun would ask to hang out and do activities that felt like dates to Beomgyu, and Beomgyu would daydream that they actually were dates. He knows they agreed to start over, but Beomgyu was rational enough to know that didn’t mean they’d start falling in love.
Maybe one day that would change.
Taehyun bowed, “You look gorgeous today, my Prince,” Taehyun praised. Beomgyu was very glad Taehyun had his head down as he felt his face heat up.
“Thank you, you look stunning as well, Prince Taehyun,” Beomgyu replied as Taehyun stood up. He offered his hand to Beomgyu to help him on to his horse. Beomgyu took it.
The scenery was beautiful. The trees provided shade as the light shone between the leaves. Beomgyu could hear a small stream somewhere in the distance and the occasional rabbit who run across their path. Their ride was mostly silent, as Beomgyu found it hard to talk to Taehyun while they rode. Until Taehyun spoke up.
"I know this whole marriage was an arrangement," Taehyun started, he sounded more nervous than Beomgyu had ever heard him being before, "But I was wondering if we could really try."
"What?" Beomgyu's head snapped to look at Taehyun. He was looking down at his horse, but Beomgyu could see the red tips of his ears. How cute.
"I was wondering if you would like to try to marry me with real feelings" Taehyun made shy eye contact from his bangs, "I know this is sudden, and I definitely wasn’t the nicest when we met. We’re getting married by the end of this but, we could go on dates?”
Beomgyu stopped and blinked. Then blinked again. What?
Taehyun continued rambling, “There’s still about a year till the wedding is supposed to happen, and I’ve been trying my best to make up for my rude behavior, but I-” Taehyun cut himself when he noticed Beomgyu smiling at him.
“You’re cute when you ramble,” Beomgyu said with an endeared smile.
Taehyun’s expression didn’t change much, but Beomgyu could see the slight hint of blush, “I’d love to at romance to this relationship.”
Beomgyu swears he could’ve died from how Taehyun smiled after he said that.
♛˚ʚ♡ɞ˚♕
Taehyun became slightly more open with Beomgyu after that. He started noticing things about the younger prince. Like when he’s embarrassed, he smiles and rambles. Or how he likes spending time with Beomgyu and giving him gifts.
“I got this for you,” Taehyun says shyly as he hands Beomgyu some flowers and a piece of cloth.
Beomgyu gently takes them, looking at the flowers and the cloth, which he realizes has embroidery on it.
"I uhm did the embroidery myself," Taehyun says, still shy, "With the help of Kai of course. I just wanted to give you something."
Beomgyu feels enchanted. The embroidery is simple but cute. A bear sitting next to a tree with a squirrel. Looking closer he can see little mistakes here and there, it doesn't bother him though. In fact, he thinks it adds to the charm of the gift.
"Thank you," Beomgyu says, "I love it. It's so cute." He smiles happily at Taehyun, which the younger one returns a small smile back. God, he’s so cute.
Taehyun doesn’t need to know how much he stared at the cloth in bed that night. Taehyun doesn't need to know the effect this small gift had on him. Taehyun doesn’t need to know that Beomgyu keeps the cloth as a handkerchief and will look at it when he feels sad. And Taehyun definitely doesn’t need to know how head over heels he is for him.
♛˚ʚ♡ɞ˚♕
Beomgyu was proud to say that he and Taehyun had gotten very close. He practically ignored Yeonjun and Soobin to send time with Taehyun instead. This brother complained about it constantly, and Beomgyu ignored him some more. Sure, he was also neglecting some of his duties as well, but anything to spend some more time with Taehyun.
Today, Beomgyu had brought Taehyun out to one of the gazebos in the garden to have tea. He watched as Taehyun passionately talked about a book he finished reading. Admiring the way his eyes seemed to sparkle and when he smiled his teeth poked out, seeming as if he had fangs.
“Have you read anything recently, Prince Beomgyu?”
“I’m not one for reading,” Beomgyu responds, “The only thing I have read recently has been work documents.”
Taehyun giggled, “I’m sure there’s a book out there for you. Is there anything you particularly like?”
The younger prince stared talking about various book genres he had read and his favorite books from them, occasionally asking questions. Though, something bothered him about how Taehyun addressed him.
“You can call me hyung.” Beomgyu said abruptly.
Taheyun paused his ramblings to stare at Beomgyu, wide-eyed and mouth slightly opened. He blinked, as if not sure if he heard was correct.
“Are…are you sure?” Taehyun stuttered.
“I’m very sure,” Beomgyu nodded, “Come on.” He started grinning, slightly teasing the younger as his face turned a slight pink.
“I- You-,” Taehyun begins stammering before looking away and collecting his thoughts. Beomgyu waits as Taehyun mutters something that was almost unintelligible, “You… You can call me causally, too, Beomgyu hyung.”
“Sure!” Beomgyu agreed happily, laugh a little as Taehyun sputtered in surprised.
“Is my silver prince surprised?”
Taehyun sputters even more. It makes Beomgyu happy that Taehyun allowed himself to be less formal around the older. More valuable than what he was most likely taught to act around his arranged fiancé.
Beomgyu takes a sip of his tea in order to hide is increasingly growing smile, as Taehyun attempts to deny that he’s embarrassed. Upon realizing that he’s not helping himself, Taehyun lets out a huff and turns his head to the side to avoid looking at Beomgyu.
♛˚ʚ♡ɞ˚♕
Beomgyu liked banquets and parties. He wasn’t the most sociable, but the food was nice, and often he was able to sneak away while everyone crowed his brother instead. Today was no different, as he stood on one of the many balconies, swirling some wine he had picked up, and looking at the stars.
“Hyung?” A voice called from behind, causing Beomgyu to jump a little.
He turned around to see Taehyun, smiling, ducking under the curtain wall, and holding his own wine glass.
“Hi, Taehyun,” Beomgyu said, returning the smile, “What brings you here?”
“You,” Taehyun responds bluntly, taking a sip of his wine and sliding up next to the older, “Soobin hyung said you were most likely to be hiding on one of the balconies. He was right.”
“Well yeah,” Beomgyu pouted, “All the nobles try to suck up to me, or convince me to challenge Yeonjun to the throne.”
“You know you’re going to basically be a king of my kingdom when we get married, right?”
Well, yeah, but Beomgyu hadn’t thought about it that much. Since they were spending their engagement time in Beomgyu’s kingdom, nothing had changed for him. But Taehyun was right. The wedding would be in Taehyun’s kingdom, and they’d spend the rest of their life there as kings.
“Would I really, though?”
Taehyun gave Beomgyu a deadpan look, “You are not making me do all of the work.”
“I can try,” Beomgyu laughed.
Taehyun lightly smacked him, “I will banish you from the kingdom.”
Beomgyu laughed some more, “You can’t do that. What if I get killed by bandits or rebels while I wait for you to let me back in.”
Beomgyu noticed how Taehyun froze slightly, his hand gripping his glass a little harder before he downed it all at once. There was a pause as Beomgyu felt the air go tense, before Taehyun turned to stare at Beomgyu, his gaze intense and face a little flushed from the alcohol.
“Taehyun?”
“You won’t die.”
“Well, yeah, it was just an exaggeration-”
Beomgyu is cut off as Taehyun harshly grabs his shoulders, spilling some of his wine. The youngers breathing was heavy as he seemed to be gaining his thoughts.
“I won’t let you die.”
“I won’t die, Taehyun,” Beomgyu said softly, he gently pried Taehyun’s off his shoulder.
“You don’t understand,” Taehyun’s voice was shaky, “You don’t… You.”
Suddenly he grabbed the other’s wine glass, downing that one, and using the now empty glass to point at Beomgyu.
“You can’t die,” Taehyun said again, voice shifting to being more slurred than shaky. “Not- not again.”
The younger stumbled forward, causing Beomgyu to have to catch him. Beomgyu blinked in confusion, staring down at the prince in his arms, who started snuggling into him.
“T-Taehyun?”
“I won’t let you go again,” Taehyun slurred, tears gathering in his eyes. He snuggled his face a little into Beomgyu’s neck.
Beomgyu didn’t realize Taehyun was such a lightweight. His face flushed, muttering incoherently, and snuggling closer. He looked around frantically, before his eyes landed on the only way out, the door back into the party. Beomgyu looks back down at Taehyun, who has taken to muttering words into his neck.
This was not a good position to be in.
.
.
.
Beomgyu stares down at Taehyun who is currently sprawled out on the bed. Getting him here was a whole situation Beomgyu would rather no think about. Having to drag the younger out of the balcony and past everyone in a banquet hall, plus he knows Yeonjun’s eyes were on him, probably smirking.
Beomgyu huffed, getting ready to leave Taehyun to Kai when he is tugged back by the wrist.
“Stay?” Taehyun asks. He sounds much more sober now, his eyes were also more focused. His eyes wide, almost sparkling, giving Beomgyu the impression this was Taehyun’s version of puppy eyes.
And Beomgyu is nothing if not a weak weak man. Especially for Princes who are younger than him, have pretty eyes that are big, and whose name is Taehyun.
“Okay,” Beomgyu responds, letting himself be dragged into the bed with Taehyun.
The younger wriggled around until his head was laying on Beomgyu’s chest, humming in satisfaction as he made himself comfortable. Taehyun had essentially trapped him. Beomgyu slowly reached out his hand to comb through Taehyun’s hair. He let out another hum, this one quieter and more sleepy than the last.
Taehyun muttered something, into his chest, only hearing the word ‘heart beat’. Beomgyu could only assume Taehyun was talking about how his heart beat was incredibly fast. And it was faster than normal. It left Beomgyu kind of embarrassed, his only saving grace being Taehyun had been drunk and was now asleep.
Asleep on top of him. Binding him to the bed. Beomgyu mentally sighed. He might as well get comfortable, this is where he’ll be spending his night.
In the morning, Beomgyu found himself still in Taehyun’s bed, however said prince was nowhere to be found. Getting up, he realized two things, the first being that he had been tucked into bed. The second being that there was a note on the beside. Beomgyu (a little too eagerly) picked it up, his delusions being answered as he read the handwritten note by Taehyun.
Hyung,
I apologize for last night. I was not in the right mind and the wine did not help. I woke up a bit earlier than you, so I tried to make your sleep a little more comfortable. Make sure to eat food. I’’ll be in the library if you need me.
Yours Taehyun
Beomgyu was keeping this note forever.
And he thought that would be the end of it. A one night thing spurred on by alcohol. Until Beomgyu heard a knock on his door. Opening it revealed a shy Taehyun, who asked to sleep in the same bed once again.
Beomgyu was more than happy to comply. Opening his arms for Taehyun to slide into as they laid down.
♛˚ʚ♡ɞ˚♕
Beomgyu let out a small giggle, “Is my silver prince tired?” he asked, going to pat Taehyun’s head.
Beomgyu was definitely proud of the fact he managed to become close enough Taehyun would cuddle with him. Currently, Taehyun was resting his head on the older’s chest, his favorite position to be in.
“So what if I am,” Taehyun grumbled, “I was writing letters all day.”
Beomgyu laughed before wrapping his arms around the other, “Goodnight, my Silver Prince.”
“You always call me Silver Prince. I thought it was a teasing thing at first, but it’s not,” Taehyun said as he snuggled closer, “So why?”
“Your eyes.”
“What?”
“Your eyes are like moons, and they sparkle like stars when you’re happy,” Beomgyu elaborated in a small whisper, “And you’re always wearing silver.”
There was a pause before Taehyun responded, “Well, then you’re my golden prince.”
“Because I wear gold?”
“Well yes,” Taehyun wiggles his way into looking Beomgyu in the eyes, “But if I’m the moon then you’re like the sun, you know?”
“I am?”
“Yeah, you’re so warm and bright.” Taehyun explained, “I always want to bask in your light, and I need you to shine.”
“You don’t need me to shine,” Beomgyu says, brushing some hair out off Taehyun’s face, “You’re shining perfectly fine without me.”
Taehyun gave Beomgyu a confused look, so he continued, “I remember when we first met, remember the dinner? You were so ethereal in my eyes that day, even if you didn’t look at me.”
“Sorry, about that.”
“It’s okay,” Beomgyu continued, “And there was that time you were giving an introductory speech to the people, you were definitely shinning then too.”
“You’re very shiny yourself, you know.”
“I don’t.”
“Like your smile, it’s so warm and bright, and you give it too everyone,” Taehyun started smiling, “Which is why you’re the sun.”
They stayed like that for a bit as Taehyun started to drift off, “....love you hyung.”
“What?’
Sleepily, Taehyun lifted his head to stare at the other, “I love you, hyung.”
“I- I love you too, Taehyun.”
The younger smiled before putting his head back down on Beomgyu’s chest. Just as Beomgyu believes he’s asleep and starts drifting off himself, he hears a small mutter.
“Don’t you ever forget it.”
♛˚ʚ♡ɞ˚♕
Beomgyu has noticed something. Something that worries him.
Taehyun was starting to be skittish, almost nervous about something. He would believe the younger is nervous about the parade they have to go through, but Taehyun had been avoiding him, so when he can corner the other he swears up and down he’s not nervous.
Beomgyu sighs into his hands, he hadn’t gotten much work done today, too busy worrying about Taehyun. Yeonjun was probably going to scold him later or tease him, depended on the mood his brother was in.
Beomgyu looks out the window, the sky had gone dark a while ago. He groaned as he stood up, deciding to leave all his work for tomorrow and go to sleep. The palace was just as dark as the outside, with only a few servants moving about. Beomgyu gave a nod of acknowledgment to anyone passing.
Before he made it to his room, Beomgyu paused in front of Taehyun’s door. There was a light coming from underneath, meaning he was still awake. Beomgyu glances around before knocking on the door.
“Come in.”
Beomgyu sticks his head through the door, seeing Taehyun sitting at the desk in his room with a few candles around. He was focused on writing something down.
“If it’s not a bother, can I sleep with you?”
Taehyun’s hand paused as he turned to look at Beomgyu in surprise, clearly not expecting the older. His expression of shock quickly became one of warmth.
“Of course you can, hyung. I was just finishing up anyway.”
The older could tell Taehyun was not just finishing up, but didn’t say anything as he shoved all his papers into a drawer and sat down on the bed. Beomgyu frowned slightly as he walked over, Taehyun was pretty tense, even shaking slightly.
“My silver prince, what’s wrong,” Beomgyu said, sitting next to Taehyun on the bed, “You’ve been distant lately, and Kai tells me you’ve also been on edge.”
“I- It’s nothing Hyung,” Taehyun said
Beomgyu frowned, “It’s clearly not nothing,” he said, “You seem more and more nervous these days.”
Taehyun opens his mouth but doesn’t say anything. Beomgyu waits patiently, bringing a hand up to rub Taehyun on the back to offer some comfort.
“You’re not going to believe me,” Taehyun mutters, looking away from Beomgyu at the floor.
“I’ll believe anything you tell me,” Beomgyu firmly said, moving his hands so he’s grabbing Taehyun’s. The younger looks at him after this action, “You can tell me anything.” Bepmgyu hopes Taehyun can tell how honest he’s being.
Taehyun bites the bottom of his lip, breaking eye contact for a second before sighing. He wraps his arms around Beomgyu, much to the older’s surprise, and pulls him down so they're both laying down on the bed.
“This is going to be a long story.”