Work Text:
past the end of this winter's cold
until the spring day comes again
until the flowers bloom again
please stay, stay there a little longer
-spring day
playlist :
winter flower
back to december
fallin' flower
to my youth
have we met before
spring day
❅
Soft crunches reverberated through the porch of an abandoned temple. The wooden floors were painted white by the season's first snow. A chilly wind swept past the isolated area save for a sole person that seemed to have made the very temple their dwelling.
With hair as blue as ice and lips a beautiful contrasting red against the cold white background, the man cleared the entrance of the shrine of any snow with his feeble fingers clutching the shovel in practiced movements.
It was that time of the year again.
A huff slipped past his lips, fog manifesting itself in front of him. The man looked up at the clear sky, watching how the sun shone bright like a crystal studded deep in the brilliant blue duvet over the earth, the color almost resembling the shade of his own hair.
It felt nice to feel himself in a physical embodiment, after having the prism of his body float around like a weightless feather driven by the wind for the rest of the year. He always looked forward to it— the moment autumn turned the earth into beautiful colors of muted reds, yellows and browns, the moment the cold winds made their way into the city that had once been filled with boyish memories, signaling the arrival of winter. Taehyun found his heart skipping beats in anticipation.
He couldn't wait to see him .
The streets that used to echo with the carefree giggles of two boys playing around, eyes shut tightly with the contagious happiness that surged through them spread across the neighborhood had turned into a place unknown. Everyone who knew the pair had learned that one would never appear without the other.
Eons had passed ever since then. Not a single trance now remained of their memories except for the whispers of the wind that carried the sentiments of the people who'd passed and the people to come and everything in between— the hushed gossip of the women by the street to the chatter of the men laughing out loud at the taverns at the day's end, from the first cry of a newly born to the final gasp of the one surrounded by flowers and their loved ones— secrets that only the wind knew now.
Taehyun should be used to it. Well, he was used to it but somewhere in his heart, he yearned to hear that familiar ring of a laugh, wished that he could be the cause behind it.
The decades had probably done him good in some form, he assumed. Like sandpaper that smoothes out the rough edges, time was kind enough to brush off his pain into a dull ache that transformed into satisfaction every winter, accepting his destiny the way it was presented to him.
Putting away the shovel back into its respective place, Taehyun looked around the shrine for any spots that he'd missed.
When he was first presented with the chance to materialize himself, the Gods, the angels, guardians and dwellers of the afterlife above laughed at him for the fruitless labor at the temple, completely disregarding his intentions and reasoning.
Falling down in little flakes of snow before that and decorating the temple barely visited, that was all he could do. With the limited abilities that he had as a soul stuck in the nature's prism, he'd poured all the love that he could into creating the prettiest snowflakes that ever fell on the planet.
Not that Taehyun felt the need to explain his actions, because to him if there was even one person who'd be able to catch hold of the feelings he was trying to get across, there was nothing else that he wished for.
But as the decades passed, even the Gods that had once laughed at the man started to feel sorry for the poor soul that had his entire life turned around with a curse that had cast itself upon him, an undeserving human.
His love had translated through the lands as years passed by and the temple had earned a legend to its name; whenever winter announced her arrival, the temple grew to be the talk of the town with the most scenic beauty of the season.
The pure dedication that the man held within his heart even after decades that passed made the angels pity on him and altered the curse with whatever authority that they held.
Never had Taehyun been more grateful for a moment as that one— he'd been finally allowed to materialize in the form of a human who could interact with the people of the city. But every coin had two sides; he would be forgotten from the memories of the people like one would a dream if he were to interact with any of the dwellers of the earth.
Taehyun, however, didn't pay heed to the other aspects of his newly altered curse. If the pure love that he held within his soul was able to translate through the intricacies of the snowflakes he'd made, then surely his dedication that was as pure as snow would surely get across the town again.
The legend had remained a legend, still a common chatter amongst the dwellers and the visitors. And Taehyun had made sure that the shrine looked presentable and lived up to the earned name. Even years of the same mundane activity hadn't taken away from the love that oozed through every action.
That was the reason for his existence. He did it for him .
He yearned for him; he dreamed of meeting him.
Somehow, he wished that the mundaneness of his actions could act like a charm to call his lover if it were possible.
❅
The dull ache returned again.
He'd lost count by then.
Another season passed by.
Autumn signaled his arrival; on the first snowfall of the season, the first snowflake that fell right across the threshold of the shrine— there he stood once again, materialized, letting out a huffed breath, white smoke formed in front of his face.
He was used to it but he was also resilient.
His love wasn't so weak that it would lose to a few mere decades that had separated him from his love so cruelly in the past. The trust that he had in his loyalty and dedication toward his love was the only drive he needed to battle fate.
He'd waited for centuries; what's another year added to it? He'd already dedicated his entire existence to the love that he harbored.
And so he did. He waited.
Even if he had earned the ability to interact with the dwellers of the Earth, he preferred to remain solitary.
If he were to ever talk to anyone, he prayed it would be him .
How long would destiny go against him? There would be a time when it has to loosen its shackles on him. He had faith in that.
Taehyun walked towards the tree that grew in the vicinity of the temple, each footstep that he left behind distorted and disappeared into the white snow just as quickly as it had formed like it never existed in the first place.
You'll disappear from memories like dreams.
There was a particular solace that the man found under the shade of the tree despite it being covered in snow all around. Even if the snow pricked at his skin despite being a part of the very ice that was now his origins, he felt drawn towards the warmth that the tree radiated; to him, the tree was a silent companion who always listened to his worries without prejudice who also brought along the wind to be their audience.
It had almost become a ritual to him.
Each year, he'd spend his snowy afternoon in the company of the tree for the entirety of winter. Loneliness seemed to drive itself away when he opened his heart up to the soul that remained encapsulated within the trunk of the mighty tree.
"We meet again," he spoke upon reaching the tree and gently caressed its long roots that grew from its branches into the ground, firm and stable amidst the snow.
A particular root that was shaped like a swing hanging from its branches. The man took a seat on it— a warm embrace.
"An eternity has passed. Do you think my prayers will ever be answered?" Taehyun sighed, leaning onto the root as he started to talk. "I believe I've lost the essence of what the term means anymore— eternity."
If you'd ask one about what eternity means to them, many would tell you it meant forever. Imperishable and very few would tell you the meanings that the realities of their life had shown them.
Whilst that is the fundamental meaning of whatever was the true intention of creating the word, Taehyun preferred to add his personal little significance to it.
Eternity, to him, couldn't be defined in simple words that last forever. To him, it didn't exist just by the meaning that it was known with. Eternity was more; a collection of depth and fragileness that held it together.
Like the roots of the tree that grew from up above descended and set themselves deep into the ground, promising eternal faith and support to its lover. Tearing itself into smaller parts and spreading across and around it to protect the tree, if anything were to harm it, it would have to go through the roots to reach the tree. Such was the promise it made when the tree’s first root made itself firm.
Then, a second root affirmed itself with another vow.
And a third.
With many more affirmations and as many vows. The roots dedicated their life to giving the tree everything that they could find for the one they cherished, nurtured, protected and loved them.
That was the true meaning of eternity for him. Nothing in the world that exists is imperishable, not people, not the plants, not the objects, not the water, not the sun, nothing.
But strong affirmations from a million little perishable entities were what truly defined eternity for him. While emotions and feelings were amongst the entities that could be diminished, with true faith and devotion, these very emotions could be the thread that sews the fabric of perpetual promises to form an eternity.
A single stitch could be ripped apart but if there were a million little stitches on the same fabric, it could be much stronger to create the facade of eternity that the world believed in.
Through all this, Taehyun only hoped that this perception of eternity that he had created for himself didn’t go on to add more ache to the already burnt soul that resided within him.
A low rustle of the branches with a silent whisper of the winds crossed his hearing as if the tree was responding to him with its own language that Taehyun had yet to master.
The man decided to stay there for a little while longer, aimlessly awaiting a visitor who could pass by.
Taehyun remembered as clear as day how he first felt when he got to meet his love for the first time in a long time; before he could manifest himself into the human form. When his life had been cruelly stripped off and shortened, taking him away from the tall boy that he'd grown up loving; even when Taehyun faced the most excruciating moment of his life, his breath only uttered the faint sound of the boy and his long life.
The man ended up with a second life that trapped him within the shackles of ice and realized that he had only gained proper consciousness after decades had passed— the first time he set his eyes on Choi Soobin in his second life, he was too, reborn as the same beautiful man that he had been in his previous life.
Taehyun wished to talk, to take him in his arms again— fate as cruel as it was, froze him from any action that affected the lives of the dwellers.
Taehyun was merely a little snowflake that appeared in the winter with no other means to communicate with his love other than to create the most eye-catching snowflakes that Soobin would admire.
He poured every ounce of love from his constraints, the intention of adding himself as a catalyst for Soobin's happiness.
The said boy had been reborn as a Prince to his kingdom and Taehyun couldn't help but feel immense pride and happiness when he first learned.
Leaning against the cold bark of the tree, Taehyun reminisced about the first time that he'd first made his lover smile because of him. He had waited for several winters for him to appear before his eyes- the man to whom he’d dedicated his entire life (twice).
❅
That one winter morning when had Taehyun made his first arrival of the season, dusting off any expectations that he’d had but still lingered on the flicker of forgotten hope- he still remembers as clear as ice that moment that he’d sat atop a warm palm.
The warmth of innocence and a dimpled smile had greeted him and the sweet chimes of giggles echoed in the air.
Soobin jumped around in glee at having caught a snowflake for the first time in his life, impatient to show the people around him about his little achievement. The adults around him celebrated little Soobin’s joy as if it was theirs too.
He was well-loved even in his second life.
The snowflake, just sat there against the warmth of his skin, awaiting his slow disappearance. After all, he was still frozen water that would disappear once met with warmth. But if it meant that he would disappear with the warmth of his very lover who had been reborn into the world with absolutely no memories of him, so be it.
He was content with just seeing Soobin smile.
❅
The next time he got the chance to meet his love, Taehyun remembers falling on a saddlebag that had been cast away at a corner. And from there, he’d watched as Soobin learned to wield his sword to perfection.
Taehyun felt a sense of warmth spread through him as the admiration that he held for the man grew tantamount. He was growing up well with care all around him- it had to be, he was born a Prince in his second life. But that didn’t take away from the fact that the boy always had the charm to attract anyone around him and make them want to take care of him.
He had always been a special kid.
Taehyun kept watching him from a distance until his body had finally dissipated into a clear liquid and he felt his soul return like someone hit the reset button.
As much as he’d hoped that he would be able to watch his lover go through his teens and hear how his voice had grown and deepened; fate had always been cruel to him.
❅
Finally, the angels had granted him the boon of transforming into a human instead of traveling across the town like a weightless prism with varying shapes.
For years, Taehyun had only watched the world from afar through the perspective of a fallen snowflake and not a single one of the moments that he’d gotten, lasted longer than a few minutes. He was lucky if the temperature had dropped a little lower on some days— he got to himself a few more moments to appreciate the beauty around him.
Being able to walk around on his own feet had taken him a while to get used to but he loved it. He'd almost forgotten how it felt like to walk but after a few exercises, he found himself back like his old self.
The only difference was that people wouldn't remember him anymore— he'd fade away from the memories of the people just like one forgets a dream. However, he'd get to live there for the entirety of the season, unlike a few mere minutes like he had before.
Taehyun didn't complain. He was still grateful.
He had descended over the shrine, the place that he'd grown so familiar with in a few years' time.
At least he had found solace in the warm silence that greeted him each winter.
In the beginning, Taehyun felt like a delicate piece of snow; still not used to having a human body in this life.
With the time that he'd spent trying to get used to it, he mastered the skill to manifest the prettiest snowflakes, and not long after, the place had come to be known for its scenic views and the everlasting snow during the winters. However, that soon died down into murmurs of forgotten legends. Everything about Taehyun had existed in the real world like a dream.
If by chance, stranded travelers seemed to have crossed paths with Taehyun close to the shrine, those were the only human interactions that he’d gotten to experience. On the back of his head, he always wondered about the kind of life that Soobin had been leading; surely it was a good one for Soobin had never been one to hold even a sliver of discontentment or anger within him.
And on a particular encounter with a few dwellers, Taehyun heard excited murmurs just a few yards away from the shrine. His feet dragged him out of the shrine’s vicinity to the place where he could hear the chatter.
“His Highness has announced his arrival to our village,” one of the women spoke to the rest of the group. “People are speculating it is to uplift the lower class and find ways to uplift our accommodations…”
Taehyun felt his heart beat faster than ever before. He remained frozen in place as the words slowly registered in his mind. His lips trembled and his chest tightened with giddiness surging through his veins.
Any voice that he tried to pay attention to had faded into the background with the overwhelming emotions that he felt at that moment. There were so many things that the man had on his mind and so many more that he was grateful for.
What would he look like? How much did he grow in the last few years? Would he have the chance to satiate his yearning heart by talking to him even as a mere subject?
Heck, he didn’t care if Soobin didn’t remember him, all he knew was that he wanted to look at Soobin for a fulfilling moment and not like in the past where his moments lasted only as long as the snow melted when it came in contact with the surface.
Although Taehyun was sure he was deceiving his own heart by saying those words— he had dedicated his entire existence to the man. Oh, how dearly had he wished to receive even a minuscule amount of attention from him.
These emotions just swirled about him like a raging tempest within the cavity of his chest.
He wanted to see his love again.
❅
The morning soon fused into the evening. The sky was painted with beautiful shades of blue, white, and orange, enveloped by the chilly wind that brought itself forth along with a small troop toward the village.
Taehyun hid behind the trees waiting for the village grounds to be filled with the dwellers so he could blend in with the crowd without grabbing anyone’s attention (not that anyone would notice him because to them, he was still a dream after all).
Soon enough there were enough people around and Taehyun finally got out of hiding and mingled in with the crowd who were being controlled by the soldiers who’d come.
“Please keep calm everyone. His Highness will be arriving shortly.”
Taehyun felt his hands go cold at the realization. He might finally be able to meet his love after so long. His heart began its ministrations and warmth spread throughout his body as his ears caught the subtle clopping of a horse in their direction.
And with the numerous thoughts clouded his mind, Taehyun hadn’t even realized when the Prince had made it to where they were waiting for him.
As excited as the crowd was, with Taehyun’s damned curse, Taehyun was gradually pushed farther away from the troops.
That was okay. Taehyun was used to it- he had only watched people and the world from afar all this time. He would gladly repeat the same thing as long as he got to meet his love again.
Taehyun felt his soul leave his body the moment he set his eyes on the man before him. His body, built, and shoulders so wide but his face still remained as kind as it had always been. His sharp eyes and arched lips; the strength of a warrior but still reflected the gentleness of a dove.
He felt his vision turn blurry the longer he stood there, away from the commotion as the people showered him with chants glorifying his name and cheers of happiness.
Just as he’d known, Soobin would be well-loved in every life that he lives.
Taehyun had remained stunned in his place, still unable to believe that he was able to look at the love of his life, the reason for his entire existence right in front of him.
He saw the way he interacted with his subjects, taking his time to listen to each one of their worries without any prejudice. His voice, firm and reassuring, yet gentle.
He missed him so much.
A single tear trailed down his cheek, standing there for heaven knows how long for everyone had already made their way back home and the Prince was nowhere to be seen— only a trail of horse hooves imprinted on the snow left behind.
Maybe, Taehyun really wanted his love back like a lover.
❅
Another lonely day at the shrine passed by. The days progressively got warmer signaling the arrival of spring.
Taehyun sat with his back leaning against the tree, letting out a deep sigh— the fog not so visible anymore. He might disappear for another year anytime this week.
The man reminisced about his time this winter— it had been far more eventful than any other winter that he’d spent in his human form. While there was no one to remember him, Taehyun kept his desire of being perceived by his love buried in his heart for touching its ground even by a little only brought him grief.
For the many years that Taehyun had spent the winters on the Earth, he hadn’t felt the dull ache that adorned his heart until the current winter.
He hadn’t expected he would meet his love at close proximity such as that day and the overflowing love that he had tamed all this time had reignited in his heart, pulling at its shackles, wanting more.
Taehyun felt all the progress that he’d made wither away like the autumn leaves in winter.
He wanted Soobin. He needed Soobin.
He desired to be held by him. He wished to be looked at with the same warm gaze that he had taken for granted in his previous life. Oh, how wrong he was when he thought that Soobin would be his forever.
Look at him now, he is a Prince of each one of the people’s hearts.
And Taehyun was nowhere near the love and respect that the people received from him.
Perhaps, altering his curse and the angels taking pity on him had only backfired on him because now, he felt the pain come back to him in plentitude.
He felt helpless in every state that he was in, trying to come to terms with the fact that he would probably crumple and disintegrate in his endless misery and pain.
“Excuse me?”
The all-so-familiar ring of his voice jerked him awake from the cacophony of his mind.
His heartbeat suddenly picked up its pace faster than he could avert his gaze from the random spot on the ground to the tall man that stood before him.
Not a single breath left past Taehyun’s lips when he finally looked at the man that he had spent years dreaming, wondering, and thinking about.
It really was him.
Soobin.
“Huh?”
“I apologize to have made my appearance so abruptly at a holy place such as this.” The man spoke, bowing slightly in apology.
“M-may I ask why you’re here?” Taehyun asked, trying his best to hide the emotions that felt threateningly heavy in his throat but failing miserably just as his voice cracked. “Not many come to visit this insignificant place.”
“If I may be honest with you by setting aside my status as royalty,” Soobin looked at him with an earnest look, waiting for Taehyun to respond.
It took him a while to understand that Soobin wanted his approval before he could proceed further with his words. Nodding quickly, Soobin finally gave him a warm smile that so strongly resembled the boyish expression that the man used to wear on his face in his previous life.
The smile that he had grown to love, the smile that always made all his worries go away.
“Thank you. I honestly do not know the true reason why my feet have dragged me to this shrine. I’ve always found this particular place really enchanting. I am unsure of whether it had been you the other day while I visited the town, away from the crowd. Because ever since then, I’ve been having dreams with flickering images of a place where I am nothing but a commoner just like the others with my own circle of comrades, no wait— friends.”
With each word that emanated out of Soobin, Taehyun felt like a layer of the wall that he’d built around his heart to hide away from the pain seemed to have been peeling off.
He simply couldn’t fathom the fact that it was indeed Soobin who was standing before him, talking to him without any other presence around him. The familiar warm gaze that he’d yearned for had been finally directed towards him and Taehyun felt like he was a snowflake again, this time, eternal.
“I snuck out of the palace because the dreams just seemed to have been pointing out to one thing. I just knew I had to be here.”
With the whole reasoning that the Prince had presented to him, Taehyun could only feel his body tremble with tears threatening to spill.
He had only one question to ask. And one answer to receive.
“Do you remember me?” From that day or your previous life, he wanted to add. But he assumed it would have given rise to the hope that was so used to getting crushed, he decided against it.
He looked into Soobin’s eyes, searching for the answer that he was seeking.
If the unsaid feelings that lingered within his heart had any truth to them, then the previous life that had been spent loving this man would be put to the test, if he was able to figure it out.
It was as if something shifted between them. The wind that blew around them grew warmer. The remains of snow that adorned the shrine slowly began to melt. Taehyun felt his material being slowly start to turn transparent, ready to fade away.
It was almost time.
How could fate be so cruel yet again, bringing forth spring right when the reason for his entire existence stood before him?
But again, Taehyun had held back in his words, still afraid that the utopia (or close to it) that he had created in his mind and had been the sole anchor that kept him from being driven to insanity would disintegrate by a mere reply.
Perhaps Taehyun would still like to live his life at the onset of winter and exist until the first sprout of spring— that way he wouldn’t have to be hurt and he could live by himself the way he always had. He wouldn’t have to lose anything.
He knew he was being a coward. Right when he had the chance in front of him, he chose not to take it. But could one really blame the man who had lived that way for eons?
Soobin answered his question from earlier, taking a seat on the branch that Taehyun had been sitting on just a few moments ago, patting the empty space next to him for the latter. “I saw you by the tree in the village, alone. I was hoping I could run into you.”
The said man felt the tips of his ears turn hot. He looked on as the Prince kept looking at him waiting for Taehyun to sit next to him with the prettiest eyes that he always had a hard time denying.
To Taehyun, this whole situation had started to seem like the game that he had adored playing with his lover in his past life— jenga. He still remembered how they doubled over in frustration whenever the tower broke apart and the screams that just ended with them falling over each other with laughter.
It was merely a simple game; just do not let the tower drop or you lose— except in this game, Taehyun wasn’t playing against Soobin. He was simply playing against time that kept resetting each winter. And there he was again in the last stages of the round, the pieces lying haphazardly over one another on the brink of tipping over and down.
But then again, this was Taehyun's round and he had to make moves. He couldn't just sit right when the pieces were on his side, waiting to be taken by him.
Taehyun had to take the risk. He needed to take that one chance that fate had offered to him and try to get over his fear.
It wasn't the easiest thing that he'd done for the only thing that he had left with him was the hope that Soobin was living his life well and that was the one thing that he might lose, might never see again.
And if he disappeared this winter and reincarnates the next time, what were the chances that he would be able to have the pieces of jenga in his favor again?
Sucking in a sharp breath, Taehyun mustered up the courage to stomp on the insecurity that had resurfaced and take the risk.
After all, his love was worth every risk he’d taken and would take.
He finally sat beside the man on the swing that had suddenly appeared to have become a little wider; enough to accommodate the two of them on its roots.
He felt the warmth from the man radiating from him; another memory resurfaced.
Having always been the clingy type, Taehyun always found some reason to cling to the arms of his hyung. It never made sense to Soobin why Taehyun liked to stick so close to him and whenever he answered, "Hyungie, you're just really warm and cozy, like a home," it only got him more confused. But Taehyun was the most adorable whenever he was around him when he always found some reason to touch his boyfriend.
“So are you going to hand onto my arm like this everywhere around the town?” the taller male asked with a small, endeared smile adorning his face. He already knew what he would respond with.
Taehyun only brought his head closer to his chest as they walked through the marketplace in the town, least bothered by the looks that the ajummas threw in their direction. The sound of the man’s heartbeat echoed in his ears— like the sound of the sea from a seashell, that’s the joy it gave him every time he listened to his lover’s heartbeat.
And again, eons later, Taehyun was there again. He sat next to his love yet again, painfully close that his body had almost forgotten what it had felt like to feel the touch of his hand against his own.
He shivered a little at the overwhelming emotions that had washed over him in that single moment.
But even this time, the music of his beating heart didn’t give him butterflies as one spoke of in the books. This was the song that he had listened to from his early teens for heavens knew how long.
He felt like the harp in his heart was strummed with each heartbeat of Soobin’s in a magical symphony. Little blooms of joy, warmth and happiness grew in his chest and Taehyun had always known he would be safe with him.
That was his home.
And he had finally had the chance to visit his home again.
Oh, how much had he loved Soobin.
He hadn’t realized when he had started to shake so much from the threatening unshed tears. The Prince became alarmed after noticing the man and quickly got up from the swing and kneeled down in front of him, worry painting his face. He subconsciously took his hands in his, gently brushing over his cold knuckles in soothing circles.
“Are you alright?”
Taehyun took in deep breathes in an attempt to calm himself down. He hadn’t meant to let his emotions take over him right in front of him . He nodded in response and gave the man a small smile of reassurance.
Everything about him was still the same. The gentleness and concern that he had in his previous life had carried over to this present life; whether he knew them or not, he always remained the sweetest human there was.
He had already witnessed his displays of concern in the village but experiencing it firsthand after so long had sent him into another wave of emotions.
Soobin looked uncertain with Taehyun’s response but accepted it regardless. After all, how much did he know the man to be able to question him any deeper?
Taking his coat off, the Prince draped it over the shivering man to protect him from the cold, completely unaware that he was a manifestation from the snow.
Taehyun slowly felt the dam of love within him slowly start to open up and overflow. All his attempts at trying to keep his emotions at bay going futile. He wanted Soobin so bad— all the resistance he had built up slowly drifting away like sand in a desert.
“I- I’m alright,” he managed to speak up, looking everywhere but at the Prince. His cheeks were dusted a subtle shade of pink. Perhaps the cold really got to him after all the years (no). “Your Highness, please get up,” he begged, reminding himself of where he stood in front of Soobin and made him sit on the swing yet again. He was still royalty despite all his memories.
“It’s truly fine if you wish to talk comfortably with me.” Soobin reassured him, sensing the tense aura that had surrounded the smaller man.
Taehyun couldn't make up his mind anymore. He hadn't a clue what he was supposed to do, all the memories coming crashing down on him. An endless ocean of questions continued to flow through him and he didn't know what would be the best way to articulate his words.
The sand in the hourglass slowly fell down to the other side— he was running out of time. He looked at his hands that flickered between the fine line of transparency and opaque. His turn in the game of jenga was running out.
As much as he would have preferred to bask in the presence of his love, the rational part of his brain knew that he had to take a step even if it didn't seem like it would be in his favor.
His heart began to beat faster than ever. "Your Highness, if you don't mind me asking, would you tell me about what led you here?"
Soobin looked at him, confused. "Huh?"
Before Taehyun could even think about being able to backtrack his question, Soobin cut him to it, "You mean my dreams?"
Taehyun flushed a deep red, the action having consumed a lot of his courage. He nodded.
Soobin was surprised. He looked at Taehyun for a moment trying to come to terms with the fact that Taehyun wanted to know more about him.
"No one's ever asked me about my dreams before." He admitted.
Taehyun remained perplexed, high on emotions. There were too many things going on at once and he didn't have enough faith in his voice that he'd be able to keep himself from making a fool out of himself.
"I'm glad you're the first one."
"Why?"
"I don't know. It just feels right."
"Feels just right." Taehyun giggled again as he fell back into the arms of his beloved, hiding his flushed face and redder than normal lips in Soobin's chest.
The taller boy just looked at him with bright eyes filled with admiration and love for him. This was indeed the man that he would love for eternity.
Eternity.
If only he knew.
Soobin cupped his cheeks once again, letting his emotions control his actions and closed the gap between them, sealing their lips in a kiss.
Taehyun gasped in surprise, taken aback by the elder's initiation, but giving in to the kiss nevertheless. Soft warm lips that were all his to kiss for the rest of his life.
Just him and his love, his Soobin— forever.
Taehyun cleared his throat, tapping himself back to the present. He couldn't get carried away so carelessly anymore.
"Were there any significant signs in your dreams that made your feet drag you here?"
Taehyun didn't know where all the words were coming from. He knew that his brain had turned static with little to no capability to think straight in that moment.
The Prince looked up at the clear sky, letting out a sigh and he began to speak. "Well, how do I put this?"
"Whichever way you deem it fits. I can listen." Taehyun said, warmth radiating from his voice.
Soobin nodded gratefully. His face held contemplation, "They're not the most vivid of memories but each of the dreams seemed to leave behind a lingering feeling. I don't remember when it exactly started but I know they started to go berserk after I saw you in the village."
"It was just a younger me with someone else. I know I was happy. I felt complete. It had seemed like there was nothing else that I ever needed anymore. But then I woke up with a hollow feeling in my chest and the face that I tried to remember seemed to have been taken further and further away from me."
"I just remember that there was nothing else that I'd craved when I lived in the dream. Each image seemed to have been interlinked to one another. The feeling hadn't ever been as strong as now, the current winter after seeing you— the images seemed to have gotten more vibrant, more colorful. And the next thing I knew was that my feet dragged me here to this shrine. I believe there was some reason behind this."
Taehyun felt his hands begin to shake from the words that had just spilled from Soobin's mouth.
So there had been a force all along that kept a part of his previous life alive within his soul.
That didn't mean that he would remember Taehyun suddenly but he did have a chance, didn't he?
Taehyun felt like had finally moved the piece of jenga from the shuddering tower that seemed hopeful.
He could now peacefully wait for another season to bring him back to his love as nature played its turn in the game. Taehyun felt a cool breeze of relief brush past him.
He let out a silent hum and looked into the distance as the wind around him slowly began to turn a little warmer. Taking another glance at his disappearing limbs and body, he let himself smile for the first time in a long while.
He was ready. He wanted Soobin but he would wait for him. Another season, another year, another eternity could pass but Taehyun knew that despite all this, there was only one man he was capable of loving and he was lucky that fate still hadn't severed the red string between them.
Soobin watched as the snow around the shrine suddenly began to dissipate, the white path slowly starting to turn green with lush grass underneath preparing to grow. And he said—
“I remember you like a distant dream that asks to remain unforgotten.”
As a tiny leaf sprouted on the branch that hovered over them, Taehyun’s body which had turned faint to the eyes became more defined.
"Y-your Highness…are you sure these are the right words to be used with a commoner such as me?"
Taehyun stood there in disbelief as he watched his body mortalize itself once again, but at the onset of spring and not winter. What was happening?
"I apologize for my possibly rash words but I believe I have to make up for the eternity that I've made you wait, don't I?"
❅
fin.