Chapter Text
Two years later.
“Open the gates!”
The heavy gates separating the Hwa Kingdom and the outside world were dragged open. From afar, tens of thousands of horses raced across the gates, kicking up clouds of dust as the imperial army returned home. The soldiers at the frontline held up flags of the Hwa Kingdom, signifying that the army had returned victorious. As the imperial army made their way to the capital of the kingdom, the commoners lining the streets cheered in jubilance, ecstatic that the Hwa Kingdom’s imperial army had finally conquered the Yoo Kingdom.
It had taken two whole years. Although the Yoo Kingdom was weakened after the loss of their general, it was difficult to wipe out black magic from the kingdom as it was so rooted in the ways of the people there. It had taken two whole years for the Hwa Kingdom to decimate black magic sorcerers who were harming innocent commoners in the Yoo Kingdom. The Hwa Kingdom had also worked on aiding the commoners who had been suffering under the rule of the black magic sorcerers in the Yoo Kingdom, hoping that they could finally be free from the grasping hands of evil and malice.
As the soldiers finally filed into the vast courtyard outside the main royal palace, the sun had risen completely, bathing the triumphant army with its warm rays. After the ceremony, the imperial army soldiers said their temporary farewells, ready to return to the arms of their parents, partners and children and to finally enjoy the warm meals and showers of their legitimate homes. It was absolutely unreal to return to such a familiar place after two years of travelling to and fro between two vastly different kingdoms. Though the Hwa Kingdom was far from a utopia, it truly felt like one at this moment.
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“It has finally come to an end.”
Seonghwa lay onto the bed, spent from the day’s activities.
“I’m so tiiiiiiired,” Hongjoong complained, throwing himself onto the bed beside Seonghwa. Seonghwa stretched out an arm, and Hongjoong immediately scooted in, pressing close to Seonghwa’s side.
“After this, I will personally ask the king for a small break for the two of us,” Seonghwa said, running his fingers through Hongjoong’s hair, which had now faded to a light pink. Hongjoong piped up, his eyes shining. “Really, really?”
Seonghwa laughed, wrapping his arms tighter around Hongjoong. “Yes, really.”
Hongjoong sighed happily, throwing a leg over Seonghwa. “I’m so happy, Seonghwa. It’s been a long time since I can say this safely. But I’m really, really happy.” His gaze met Seonghwa’s. Though Seonghwa’s eyes revealed his weariness from all the travelling they had done that day, they were soft with gentleness and love. Hongjoong’s eyes seemed to have regained the vigour from all those years ago - they were sparkling with genuine happiness. Seonghwa pushed Hongjoong’s fringe out of his eyes and pressed a kiss to his forehead. He murmured against Hongjoong’s forehead, “I love you. I really do.”
Hongjoong smiled. “I love you too.”
“How much?” Seonghwa joked, not expecting a reply from Hongjoong. Suddenly, Hongjoong got up into a sitting position. Drawing a huge circle with his arms, he replied, “Thiiiiiiiis much.”
Seonghwa laughed, getting up into a sitting position as well. “Well, I love you thiiiiiiiiis much.” He mimicked Hongjoong’s action. “And I have longer arms, so I win.”
Hongjoong frowned. “That’s not fair!” Then, he suddenly smiled smugly. “Well, I’m a better kisser, so I win.”
Seonghwa looked at him in shock. “What did you say?” Then, he scooted closer to him, his face coming awfully close to Hongjoong’s, causing Hongjoong’s heart to skip a beat. “Do you want to try?”
Hongjoong rolled his eyes, before yanking on Seonghwa’s shirt to press his lips against Seonghwa’s. He parted his lips, allowing Seonghwa’s tongue to slip into the warmth of his mouth. Seonghwa could tell Hongjoong was weary, as he made no attempt to deepen the kiss, only matching Seonghwa’s pace. The kiss was slow and languid, but yet intoxicating and breathtaking. As he moved his lips languorously against Hongjoong’s, Seonghwa thought that he could definitely get used to this.
Suddenly, a knocking came from outside the door.
“Hongjoong hyung, Seonghwa hyung! The king wants to meet us to discuss something!”
The two parted in surprise, their lips still red from the kiss. Hongjoong sighed, standing up and straightening his clothes.
“We’ve just gotten back. What is it again?” He muttered, before calling out, “What is it?”
From outside the door, Yunho let out a chuckle. “I’ve heard it’s something about a wedding. Hurry! I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
Hongjoong and Seonghwa looked at each other in surprise. Hongjoong and Seonghwa had planned for a wedding months later, but had not made any preparations for the ceremony. It seemed that the king was even more eager than they were.
Seonghwa shrugged. “Seems like we got to go, General Park.”
Hongjoong blinked. “Aren’t you a little too eager? Did I say I would take your surname?”
Seonghwa laughed, linking his arms with Hongjoong as he dragged him out of the room. “You can’t go back on your promise. You already promised me twenty years ago.”
“Hwa, we’re friends, aren’t we?” Five-year-old Hongjoong asked shyly.
Seonghwa shook his head, and Hongjoong’s face immediately fell. Seonghwa panicked and waved his hands in front of him. “No, no, I don’t mean that! I want to be...married.”
Hongjoong tilted his head to one side, not understanding Seonghwa. “Married? What’s that?”
Seonghwa’s cheeks flushed with a pretty pink, and Hongjoong thought he looked extremely adorable. “I...I’m not sure. But my mum says it means you love the person very very much and want to spend the rest of their lives with them.”
Hongjoong beamed, a wide, scintillating smile stretching over his lips. “I like that! We will be married!”
Seonghwa returned his smile. “Then, when that day comes, I will take your surname, and you’ll take mine!”
Hongjoong nodded eagerly, throwing his small arms around Seonghwa.
Back in the room, a pair of swords lay on the table. If one was to unsheath them, two words would stand out from the polished blades of the swords.
Seongjoong.
To be the centre of their own world, among the stars.