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Once upon a time…
Wait…
Let’s not start there…
Let’s start with the prince, his name is Yoon Jeonghan and he is currently in his twenties. Now despite being the prince of Korea, he’s only second in line to the throne. Although Jeonghan sometimes wishes he wasn’t part of the royal family, he always dreamed of wanting to live a normal life and do things for himself but sadly he can’t. Anyways, enough about that Jeonghan is just the prince of Korea, which he finds ridiculous that there’s still a royal family because it’s the 21st century.
Jeonghan sighed, he was tired of studying about things he already knew. Despite being in his twenties, he was still forced to study so he could learn how to be a good king to the country. “This is useless.” He whined, closing the book that was in front of him and looking at his brother who rolled his eyes. “Don’t be a brat.” His brother said, looking at his younger brother who was just staring out the window.
“It’s so useless, what are we even going to do? It’s the twenty-first century.” The younger man mumbled, as he then faced his older brother. “Not even Shua is like this.” His brother said, sighing as he then gently looked over at his brother. “How about we take a break and you can go back to your room and rest.” He said, watching as his brother got up and left the library already. “Thanks Minjun!” Jeonghan called out, laughing as he then walked to his room and immediately saw his twin brother sitting on his bed.
“What are you doing here?” He jokingly asked before joining his brother on the bed. “I got bored and I finished everything.” Jisoo mumbled, laying on his back and staring at the ceiling. “Why don’t you text Seokmin?” Jeonghan asked, grabbing his phone from the nightstand and seeing pointless notifications. “He’s busy…” His brother responded, looking over at his twin brother. “We got a new gardener…” Jisoo said, making the older twin look up from his phone and tilt his head a little. “Since when?” Jeonghan asked, getting up from his bed and looking at his brother.
The younger twin shrugged as he didn’t know when exactly they had gotten a new gardener. “He’s Mrs. Choi’s grandson.” He said, sitting back up and looking at his brother who seemed confused, “Yes she has a grandson you dimwit.” Jisoo told him, getting up and telling his brother to follow him. “He’s out working today, so you’ll be able to see him.” The younger male told him, taking his older brother to the main room to where the garden was located. “Look out the window and you’ll see the new gardener.” Jisoo told him, and watched as his brother walked up to the window and saw the new gardener working on the flowers.
“D-Do you know his name?” Jeonghan asked, clearing his throat and turned to face his brother who just shrugged. “I don’t know his name.” Jisoo responded, before then watching as a few maids and butlers were starting to clean around the place. “Excuse me, do you know the new gardener’s name?” The younger one asked them, watching a maid smile at the prince and nodded, “His name is Choi Seungcheol.” She responded before going back to cleaning and trying to finish up before the King and Queen arrived. As both of the boys continued to stand there, Jeonghan noticed their parents and older brother coming towards them.
“Oh great! You two are here!” The Queen said, smiling as she then faced her twin sons. “Why are you two even here?” Minjun asked, looking at his younger siblings who just shrugged as they always wandered around the palace. “Anyways Jeonghan, have you finished your studies?” The King asked, looking at his son who huffed and pouted as he hated the whole study session. “No.” He mumbled, looking down a little knowing he was going to get in trouble for ditching his work again.
“Father, I let Jeonghan have a break as he had been studying since this morning.” Minjun told their father while bowing as a way to be apologetic. “Doesn't matter right now.” The King told him, noticing how Jeonghan had looked back out the window and shook his head gently.
The three boys looked at the King and were concerned about what was happening, “It’s nothing bad.” The Queen reassured as she then smiled at her sons, “The media is talking about who is going to be the new King between the three of you.” The King told them, before looking at the eldest who smiled softly, “I am guessing you are prepared enough to become the king?” He asked, watching as Minjun nodded and bowed again. “Alright then, that settles that.” The King told them before looking at his wife who smiled softly.
“Is that all father?” Jisoo asked his father who nodded and let everyone go do their own thing for the moment. “Jeonghan, you need to get back to studying.” Minjun told his younger brother who huffed and groaned, the older chuckled as he then directed his brother back to the library. “ At least I saw that cute gardener. ” Jeonghan thought to himself before going into the library and sitting in his little cozy spot that he made for himself earlier. “I’ll be back later.” His brother said, leaving his younger brother in the library since had some other duties to go do. Jeonghan sighed as he then thought back to the gardener he saw.
The young prince then bit his lip as he thought back to the gardener and remembered how his shirt had clung on to his body, showing his back muscles. Jeonghan giggled as he then took out his phone from his pocket and decided to go through his instagram before giving up and looking at the book placed right in front of him. “This is boring though.” He whined, moving the book and looking at his notes of things he had written down that were important.
Jeonghan sighed as he then moved his notes and got up from the table he was studying at. He decided to walk over to the window and look at the flowers that had been planted, “Watcha looking at?” A familiar voice said, scaring the young prince and looking back to see Jihoon standing there. “When did you get here?” The older man asked, looking at the younger who smiled like he didn’t scare the living wits out of the prince. “Like three minutes ago, what were you looking at?” Jihoon asked, setting his bag down and taking a seat in the elder’s favorite spot.
“Just looking at the flowers that were planted there.” Jeonghan responded, turning back to look at the flowers. “Ah, Seungcheol really puts care into the flowers and their meanings.” The shorter said, watching as the prince turned to look at him with a raised brow. “You know Seungcheol-ssi?” He asked, watching as his friend nodded and smiled a little. “We go to the same university, he’s really friendly.” Jihoon said, looking back at the older man who just nodded and turned back to the window.
“Although, his grandmother has been feeling sick lately and so he’s taking over her job here.” The shorter male told him, looking back at the table and seeing books and notes scattered around. “You know…his grandmother talks about you and Shua, says how both of you are so kind.” He told the older male who just looked at him in confusion. “She loves telling us about the royal family.” Jihoon smiled, watching as the older male chuckled and shook his head.
Jeonghan sighed as he then went back to the table and sat on one of the chairs. “She doesn’t say anything about Minjun?” He asked, the shorter male who just shook his head and grabbed his phone. “She says she has never seen him around, since he’s preparing to be king.” Jihoon responded, putting his phone down once after he finished texting his boyfriend.
“How are you and Soonyoung?” The older asked, giggling a little as he saw the small blush on his friend's face. “We’re doing fine…we just moved into an apartment together.” The younger responded, blushing as he then smiled lightly.
—
Two hours had passed by and so far, Jeonghan was finally freed from studying and allowed to do whatever he wanted to do. So what did he decide to do? He decided to go out to the garden to look at the flowers since they captured his attention earlier. “These are so pretty.” Jeonghan mumbled to himself, crouching down to look at the beautiful flowers. “Enjoying them, your highness?” An unknown voice said, scaring the prince a little as he turned back and saw the gardener standing there.
“Mhm, although I don’t know much about flowers…” The prince admitted as he then watched as the gardener also crouched down and smiled lightly, showing his dimples. “These pink tulips mean well wishes, happiness, and love in a platonic sense.” Seungcheol told him, watching as the prince nodded in amusement. “What does the pink rose mean?” Jeonghan softly asked, turning his attention to the roses that were blooming beautifully.
Seungcheol smiled again, as he gently touched the flower, “They mean grace, happiness, and gentleness.” He responded, turning to the prince who nodded as he continued to look at the other flowers. “How come you know so much about flowers?” Jeonghan asked, turning his attention to the young gardener. “My grandmother would tell me about them and she would also tell me what flowers to give to my significant other, if I had one.” Seungcheol said, chuckling as he then got up and helped the younger male.
“Since you know a lot about flowers, what do yellow roses mean?” Jeonghan asked, facing the young gardener who seemed to be around the same age as him. “They mean a few different things like friendship, joy and happiness, jealousy, trying to care, and gladness.” Seungcheol told him, walking towards where the yellow flowers were and showing the young prince. “Wow, flower language is complicated.” Jeonghan mumbled, making the other laugh as he nodded.
“Jeonghan.” Another voice called out, making both boys turn and see Jisoo coming up to them. “Come to a store with me.” The younger twin said, grabbing his brother by the arm before looking at Seungcheol and bowing. “Sorry, I’m gonna take him away from you for a while.” Jisoo said, watching as the gardener laughed and nodded. “Let’s go.” Jisoo told his brother, dragging him away from the little garden.
—
A week had passed by and Jeonghan sighed as he walked around the garden again. “Welcome back your highness.” Seungcheol said, chuckling as he watched the prince smile and nod. “Any new flowers today?” Jeonghan asked, walking up to the young gardener and looking at the flowers. “Sadly no, but if you’re ever curious about any flowers you can ask me.” The gardener responded, grabbing his stuff and looking at the prince again.
“What do tiger lilies mean?” The young prince asked, turning to face Seungcheol who motioned to follow him. “They mean wealth and good fortune, but in Greek mythology it represents motherhood and fertility.” Seungcheol told him, chuckling as he then placed his stuff down and started to work on the flowers again. “Then what flowers represent hatred?” The younger male asked, crouching down with the elder.
“Well…there’s a lot that represents hatred but one of the most common flowers that are used are orange lilies.” Seungcheol told him, fixing the dirt in one of the flowers. “So…do you always stop by the garden?” The older man suddenly asked, looking at the prince with curious eyes. “Uhh…not always just when I get frustrated with these stupid studies I’m supposed to be doing.” Jeonghan explained, giving a small smile as he then got up.
Seungcheol nodded as he also got up and took off his gloves. “Seungcheol…” Jeonghan mumbled, capturing the elder’s attention, “Uhm…Do you mind if I get your number?” He asked, looking down as he was slightly nervous. “Yeah.” Seungcheol responded, taking out his phone and letting the younger male place his number. “Oh shit, I gotta go.” The older male said, looking at the time and handing the younger’s phone back to him.
Jeonghan nodded and watched as Seungcheol started putting his stuff and waved a bye to the younger. “I’ll see you next week…I think.” He said, making the younger giggle as he nodded and continued to watch the older male leave. “I think someone has a crush.” A familiar voice said, making the young prince jump and turn to see his two brother’s standing there.
“When did you two get here?” He asked, looking at his twin brother who smirked softly. “Like five minutes ago, when you asked for Seungcheol’s number.” Jisoo responded, giggling as he watched his brother blush and turn away. “You know he’s just a gardener right?” Minjun asked, looking at his younger brother who nodded and looked at him. “Yeah…so what?” He asked, turning to looking at his phone and seeing different notifications pop up. “You don’t think it will ruin your image of what the public thinks of you?” The eldest asked, before being hit by the youngest sibling.
“You do realize that I do not care about my image, right?” Jeonghan asked, looking at his older brother with seriousness in his eyes. Minjun sighed as he then shook his head while rubbing his arm due to Jisoo hitting him way too hard. “Jeonghan, you’re part of this royal family.” The older man tried to reason but watched as his brother rolled his eyes, “So I can get shit on for liking someone who’s not a prince or whatever while my own twin gets to like whoever he wants?” Jeonghan asked, scoffing as he watched his older brother try to make an excuse.
“Cool, glad to know that no one but Jisoo supports whoever the hell I like.” He mumbled, walking off into the palace and going to his room. Once he had entered his room, Jeonghan laid on his bed and hugged his My Melody plush that was laying in his bed. “Hannie…” A soft voice called out, making the young prince look and see his twin brother standing there, “There’s nothing to talk about Shua…” Jeonghan mumbled, watching as his brother sighed as he entered his room. “Why do you always let hyung bring you down like this?” The younger asked, sitting at his brother's desk and watching as his brother sighed and sat up.
“It’s not like I can fight him, mother and father always tell me I need to grow the fuck up.” The older boy told him, laying back down on his bed and pointing to the door, “Now leave me alone.” Jeonghan told him, watching as his brother rolled his eyes and left the room.
—
Two days later
Seungcheol huffed as he wiped his sweat off his forehead; it was really hot outside and working in the garden always meant that he would sweat. He was working on the flowers again, since the queen had asked him to redo them due to some of the flowers already dying because of the heat. “Seungcheol-ssi.” An unfamiliar voice called out, making the young gardener turn and look to see Prince Minjun come up to him.
“How may I help you, your highness?” Seungcheol asked, bowing once the prince had come up to him. “I need you to stay away from Jeonghan.” Minjun straight up told the young gardener who stood there confused. “I’m confused…” The gardener told him, not understanding why he has to stay away from the young prince. “I don’t want him to be associating with people like you.” The older man told him, walking away as he didn’t want to continue listening to the gardener.
Seungcheol stared at the older prince walking away before turning back to work on the flowers that needed to be redone. “Snob.” He mumbled, crouching down and to fix the soil on the flowers. “You know insulting the eldest prince will get you in trouble right?” A somewhat familiar voice said, scaring the young gardener and making him turn back and see Jisoo standing there.
“Yeah I know.” Seungcheol said, getting up and bowing to Jisoo who just shook his head. “Don’t listen to hyung and if he does try anything, just text hannie or me.” The younger said, smiling a little as he then noticed certain white flowers. “Hannie said he likes these flowers.” Jisoo said, looking at the gardener who smiled softly as he thought of the second prince. “They’re called jasmine flowers.” Seungcheol told him, bending down a little to fix the soil before standing back up.
Jisoo nodded as he then took out his phone and looked at the time. “I should get going, I have some stupid ass duties to be doing.” He said, turning to leave but stopped when he remembered something that his brother told him. “Oh yeah Seungcheol, can you meet Jeonghan near the Carat cafe?” Jisoo carefully asked, making sure his older brother wasn’t around.
“Uh yeah…what time?” Seungcheol asked, taking off his gloves and putting them away in his bag of tools. “Around midnight.” The youngest prince said, smiling as he then bowed and started to walk away so that he won’t get in trouble. “Alright then.” The gardener mumbled to himself, grabbing his stuff and getting ready to put them away.
—
A few hours had passed by and as of right now, Seungcheol sighed as he helped his grandmother get to her bed and then helped his mother in the kitchen to make some food for the next day. He was already tired from working in the garden earlier but he couldn’t just stop and not do anything around the house.
Once everything was set, Seungcheol wished his mother a goodnight and watched her go off to bed. He had to turn off all the lights in the house and then go to his car and get ready to meet Jeonghan at the cafe that Jisoo mentioned earlier. After a few minutes of driving to the cafe, Seungcheol had parked in the parking lot and turned off his car before grabbing his phone to text the young prince that he had arrived.
After sending a message,the young gardener sighed as he then looked out the window and noticed how pretty the moon had looked. As he continued to look, a soft knock on his passenger window was heard, making the male look and see Jeonghan standing there. Seungcheol chuckled gently as he then unlocked his car and watched as the younger male entered the car.
“Hey.” The elder said, chuckling as he watched the younger shut the door and pull down the mask he was wearing. “Glad your windows are tinted.” Jeonghan mumbled, looking at the older man who just turned his car on and immediately started driving around the city. “I’m sorry if my brother said to stay away from me…” The younger immediately apologized, making the older confused as he shook his head.
“There’s no need to apologize.” Seungcheol told him, chuckling as he then made a right turn. “Yeah, but Minjun hyung is just so…you know.” Jeonghan mumbled, looking out the window as he watched the buildings pass by. “A typical snob who only cares about public appearances.” The older man mumbled, hearing the young prince giggle as he then turned to face the other.
“You never told me why you work in the garden.” Jeonghan quietly said, looking at the older male who finally stopped at a place. “My grandmother is sick and didn’t want to quit her job…so because she did everything for me and my mother, I decided to take her job for her until she gets better,” Seungcheol told the younger who gently tilted his head and knew that wasn’t the full story.
“But?” Jeonghan asked, worried for the elder who gently chuckled as he then turned to face the younger. “She’s not getting better…my mom and I are struggling with money too.” Jeonghan frowned as he heard the struggles that the Choi family were going through. “And your dad?” He quietly asked, watching as Seungcheol’s facial expression had changed.
The younger then reached over and grabbed the older’s hand. “He left when I was five.” Seungcheol said, looking at Jeonghan who’s eyes were widened from the sudden information he received. “O-Oh I’m sorry for asking that.” The younger apologized, turning his head away as he was embarrassed for asking such a personal question.
“It’s alright Jeonghan, you didn’t know.” Seungcheol reassured as he then gently turned the younger’s head with his hand. “Still though…we’ve known each other for a week and you answered my question that you didn’t have to answer.” The younger said, looking at the older’s eyes and smiled softly.
The younger gardener smiled back as he then removed his hand from the younger’s face. “I trust you enough.” He said, making the younger one so surprised with what he had said. Jeonghan blushed as he then turned away again so that the older male didn’t see how flustered he looked. As the two boys continued to talk, they didn’t notice how someone was watching them from afar and took some pictures to post.
—
Jeonghan stared at his parents as he then turned to look at his brother, who seemed more angry than their parents. “Care to explain about the pictures going around?” The King asked, watching as his son turned to look at him. “So it’s a crime to hang out with my friends?” The young prince asked, getting tired that he can’t do anything he wants to do.
“It’s not a crime, but this is our personal gardener.” The King told him, watching as his son was starting to get angered. “And yet he’s the same age as me and Shua.” Jeonghan responded, rolling his eyes as he then looked at his older brother. “You did this, didn't you? Because no one else knew he worked for us.” The younger said, watching as his brother scoffed at the accusations.
“I told him to stay away from you.” Minjun said, making his brother even more angry than what he already was. “Yet, I was the one who wanted to meet with him near Carat cafe and drive around.” Jeonghan told him, putting his hands into fists as he was trying to control his anger. “I don't need you controlling my life. I’m not a fucking kid anymore.” He said, turning to walk away but stopped when he saw his twin brother standing there with Seungcheol.
Jeonghan then turned around and looked at his parents and older brother, “Why is he here?” Jeonghan asked, watching as his older brother walked up to him and smirked lightly. “He’s here because he’s no longer allowed to work with us.” Minjun told his younger brother, chuckling as he watched his brother's reaction. “What?” The young prince asked, turning back to look at the young gardener who had nodded and looked down.
“Why are you so fucking pressed about this!?” Jeonghan asked, raising his voice as he then looked at his parents. “Don’t you dare start cursing at me and raising your voice.” Minjun warned his brother, who had his eyes closed and just walked away from everything. “I can never live my life happily.” Jeonghan grumbled to himself, wiping his tears away as he then managed to enter his room and shut the door harshly before laying on his bed.
Meanwhile Seungcheol looked at Jisoo who was worried for his twin brother, “Seungcheol-ssi…You may leave now.” Minjun told the young gardener who nodded and started to leave the palace but was stopped by Jisoo. “Hyung, you need to stop acting like a snob. You care so much more about our appearances than anything else.” Jisoo told him, gripping the elder's arm to stop him from walking away.
“Mother…Father, did you even care if Jeonghan was hanging out with Seungcheol?” The youngest prince asked his parents, while struggling to hold the gardener’s wrist due to the elder trying to move away. “We did not.” The Queen answered, looking at her youngest son with a small smile. “Minjun…go apologize to your brother and Seungcheol, you can still have your job as a gardener.” The King told the young man who smiled softly and bowed to the king as a thank you.
—
Next day
Jeonghan grumbled as he sat down at the dining table and across his older brother who was not looking at him. “Morning Hannie.” Jisoo greeted, smiling as he then thanked the chef before looking back at his brother. “Morning.” The older boy mumbled, thanking the chef before picking up his fork and stabbing the food that he was served. “You do know it’s disrespectful to eat before mother and father, correct?” Minjun asked, looking at his younger brother who just glared at him
“I do not recall wanting to speak to you.” Jeonghan said, looking at his brother while putting his fork down. “Did you apologize like I told you to?” The King asked, looking at his oldest son who nodded. “I don’t care if he apologizes, he never means them in the first place.” The second prince said, taking a bite out of his food before excusing himself to go back to his room.
As he was walking back, a hand grabbed his wrist making the prince turn back and see his twin brother. “Seungcheol is waiting for you there, so he can tell you more about the flowers.” Jisoo said, smiling as he then let go of his brother's wrist and walked back to the dining room to finish eating his food. Jeonghan looked at his brother suspiciously before doing what he was told and walked to the garden to see his favorite gardener working on the flowers again.
“Watcha doing?” Jeonghan asked, scaring the poor gardener. “Holy shit!” Seungcheol said, putting his hand over his chest and watching as the young prince was giggling a little. “My bad.” He said, smiling as he crouched down and looked at the flowers, “Shua said these are Jasmines.” Jeonghan said, looking at the white flower and gently touching it. “What do they symbolize?” Jeonghan asked, looking back at the gardener who smiled as he went close to the prince.
“They symbolize; love, purity, and sensuality.” Seungcheol said, looking at the flower before turning to face the younger who had a small smile on his face. “ Wow…” The younger said, giggling as he then booped the gardener’s nose with his finger making the older chuckle as he then stood up and took off his gloves. Jeonghan also got up and squealed when he was pulled into a hug. “What’s this for?” Jeonghan asked, wrapping his arms around the older’s neck.
Seungcheol hugged tighter as he then let out a soft sigh, “Just felt like hugging you.” He said, smiling as he then felt a pair of hands through his hair. “Is your grandmother okay?” The prince asked, worried for the elder’s grandmother who was still sick. “She’s fine, my mom and her are having mother-daughter time.” The older responded, backing from the hug but still kept his hands placed on the younger’s waist.
“Go out on a date with me…” Seungcheol said, watching as the younger male smiled as he then nodded. “I shall.” Jeonghan said, kissing the elder’s cheek as he watched the older blush from a small little peck on the cheek.
[The End]
Just kidding
—
5 years later
Jeonghan giggled as he watched his boyfriend of 5 years run around the garden chasing his nephew. “Heeseung, come on!” He called out, laughing as he watched the three year old get caught by his boyfriend. “No!” The three year old exclaimed, gigging away as he tried to escape Seungcheol’s grip. “Is Appa here?” Heeseung asked, getting comfortable in his uncle's arms as he was walking through the garden.
“Not yet, him and your dad are arriving in five minutes.” Jeonghan responded, taking the young boy from his boyfriend. “Will you and Uncle Cheol ever get married one day?” The three year old asked, looking at his uncle who smiled softly, “One day.” Jeonghan said, smiling as he then felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist. “One day we will get married.” Seungcheol said, poking the young boy's cheek while also gently pinching it.
“Will you ever adopt a kid like me?” Heeseung asked, giggling as his uncle Cheol tickled his sides a little. “Of course we will.” Seungcheol said, chuckling as he watched the three year old’s smile widen. “I think Jisoo and Seokmin are here.” The older male said, moving from his boyfriend and going inside the house to meet up with his brother in law.
Jeonghan smiled as he then put Heeseung down and walked with him towards the house. “Appa! Dad!” The three year old exclaimed, running towards his parents who immediately caught him. “Did you have fun?” Jisoo asked, picking up his son while Seokmin moved his hair from his face. “Mhm! Uncle Cheollie taught me more about flowers!” The little boy excitedly said, giggling as his father tickled his sides.
Now you may be wondering why Jeonghan and Seungcheol live in a house together instead of the palace. Well as their relationship had continued to progress, the young former prince had made a huge decision that he longer wanted to be in the fame and just wanted to live with his boyfriend in a house where they have their own garden, that they both can both work together on.
During this whole decision, Minjun had told his brother that if he makes this choice then he longer can be a prince, to which Jeonghan didn’t give a single fuck about, but while in the mist of this happening Jisoo had decided to be a prince because he just wanted to be with his now husband, Lee Seokmin.
“Say bye to your uncles.” Seokmin said, watching as his son hugged his uncles. Once the three year old had finished, Jeonghan winced as his brother slapped his shoulder before running out laughing. “Crazy.” Seungcheol said, chuckling as he then shut the door once Seokmin and Heeseung left. “He’s a piece of shit.” Jeonghan mumbled, rubbing his shoulder before walking to the kitchen to grab something to drink.
“Do you want anything for dinner?” Seungcheol asked, going behind his lover and wrapping his arms around his waist. “Hmm…I’m fine with anything.” Jeonghan responded, leaning back and smiling when his boyfriend left small soft kisses on his neck. “Cool because I actually feel like ordering in instead of making something.” The elder admitted, making his lover laugh as he shook his head.
Jeonghan then turned around in his boyfriend’s arms and smiled. “Love you.” He said, watching as his lover’s smile widened, showing his dimples. “Love you too angel.” Seungcheol said, pressing his lips against his boyfriend’s.
[THE END]