Work Text:
Kai dipped a pen into a small jar of ink bringing it close to the paper resting on his lap. He sat on a hill among sand, yards away from the crashing ocean. The gentle breeze caused the paper to dance in soft ripples as he jotted down his thoughts. Pausing for a moment, he gazed into the sky, its emptiness allowing his mind to focus on a singular sweet memory that he dearly missed.
His long navy coat sat folded beneath shielding the sand from his inner clothes, a thin white long-sleeve shirt paired with black trousers. His dark ash hair fluttered against his forehead as he glanced from the paper to the vastness of the ocean. He longed to bring a friend here one day.
Amidst the beauty of the scene, Kai harbored exciting news meant for a dear friend. This marked another addition to the series of carefully packaged letters he had sent over the past couple of years. The recipient's name elegantly adorned the envelope: Prince Choi Beomgyu.
“Dearest Beomgyu,
Every day when I look into the blue skies
I see your smile I long miss. When the skies are
Empty it hard not to use them as a canvas for
Imaginations. Time near the Sea has been
Fulfilling and I still wish to bring you here one
Day. I send this letter to tell you of great news.
I plan to open a bookshop near the ocean. I've been
Able to fulfill my dream once longed for. I will bring
you here I promise."
On Kai's way back to his small dwelling not far from the ocean, he found a patch of white daisies. He hadn't seen these before so they must have recently bloomed. He plucked a few from the ground and held them close to his chest along with the letter in his hand. He'd press them to include in the letter.
Upon entering his home, he placed his belongings on the table. He threw his coat onto the jade armchair that sat in the corner where many stacks of books surrounded it. He grabbed a book that he'd just recently finished that lay on the table and expertly placed the daisies inside then closed it gently, so they could press overnight. He would have to make a mental note that this was the book he'd placed them in. He couldn't recall how many times he'd find a book with flowers in it from past times.
With the letter still in his hands he walked to his desk. A small lamp that sat upon a few books, and an old cup of coffee decorated the surface. He pulled his journal to the center but quickly shifted to a bookshelf to his left to grab a few essentials before settling down.
From his pocket emerged the small jar of ink and the pen he used earlier, and a wave of relief swept over him as he confirmed the absence of any ink leaks. The risk of writing by the beach had always left him wary, recalling the ink-stained pockets of some unfortunate pants.
He jotted a few notes down in his journal, recalling the intriguing sight of a seal peeking its head out from the ocean, and the dolphin he swore he saw, but also wasn't one hundred percent positive about.
Once he'd finished with that, he grabbed a pamphlet and book he'd brought from the shelf. The pamphlet was something he'd made himself, it was his way of promoting his bookstore as it was going to open soon. The front had a sketch of the bookstore and in large letters was the name, "Shorefront Books." His home had been close to the ocean, but his bookstore was along the beach. May have been a little uncreative, still nice, nonetheless.
Ever since he was young he'd always been drawn to reading, his favorite stories were the ones with knights and happy endings. But he also shared this interest with a friend, the prince, better known to him as Beomgyu. Someone who could be soft and kind, but also daring and strong. Someone he missed dearly. Someone whom he wished he could share this dream with, but their lives separated them and Kai wasn't so sure if he'd ever be able to go back to the city.
He'd noted a page in this book that had stood out to him. Something he'd wished for Beomgyu to see. He found the page and as much as it hurt like it did past times he ripped the page from its home. He took the pen once again and underlined the words. "He who once dreamed no longer dreamed, for he has found his treasure. A treasure he wishes to share with the people he adores." He whispered the words, "I wish to share my dream with you Beomgyu." as he folded the page and then aligned it with the letter.
He'd gather a few more pieces, and then send the letter out tomorrow along with the pressed flowers.
Kai had been making several trips from his home back to his bookstore. He'd also been collecting and curating books from around different cities to bring into his bookstore. It was only the fifth day since he started setting up and he wondered if Beomgyu might've received his letter yet. He also wondered if Beomgyu may visit, but he had little hope in that as the prince was probably too busy to visit the seaside. One day he hoped, one day he'd be able to share this bookstore with Beomgyu and show him around his hometown.
He was the sole owner of this shop, but he did have a friend whom he met here at the seaside who opted to help him a few times a week when he had time. His name was Taehyun, a fisherman who long lived on the seas most of his life. It was quite funny finding out that in the fisherman's spare time, he liked to pick up a book here and there.
Taehyun had been visiting extra days to help out with the opening of the store. He was also the only person who knew of Kai's connection with the prince.
"How does a boy from an artist's family become friends with the prince?" Taehyun had questioned as he was hanging up the bells on the entrance door.
Kai slid a book into place and then glanced over, "My mother was a great artist, she painted the king and queen's portraits. I came along because she couldn't leave me home alone. Beomgyu- I mean the prince he peaked at me from behind a column and made faces. Then at one point, he ran away and I followed." After that, his mother had to come a few more times to finish the portraits and by then it gave Kai and Beomgyu enough time to be acquainted. By their third encounter, he'd already considered the prince his friend. It wasn't hard to notice the budding relationship the two had fostered and the queen adored his mother's work that she was asked to come back and do more portraits. Eventually, Kai and Beomgyu were able to hang out no matter the excuse.
He recalled the time he and Beomgyu lay in the flower patch behind the castle, books splayed about, one in Kai's arms as he read aloud a story about fairies and dragons. He also recalled the year Beomgyu had turned 16 and the two celebrated near the small pond, a small cake, sparklers, and a special book Kai had given him, "The Whispering Meadows," about a fairy Knight that fought for its love for the king that indeed had a happy ending. He also couldn't forget the kiss Beomgyu gave him as a thanks. So tender and innocent. He wished they hadn't been separated so quickly after his 16th birthday. They were 21 and 22 now.
"Maybe he will pay a visit, I don't see why not?" Taehyun spoke as he walked to a box to grab some more books.
"I find it hard to wish that, I don't want to get my hopes up. I will have to save enough money to visit the city soon. I should see him if possible." Kai's voice was low, the memories splintering his heart.
After a week of meticulous preparations, the long-anticipated opening day for the bookshop had arrived. It was a beautiful morning, the skies were clear setting up the day for success. The first person at his door when he propped it open was Taehyun. His friend handed him a gift wrapped in cloth, seemingly some freshly prepared fish as congratulations. As much as he would have preferred some baked cookies he graciously accepted the fish, envisioning a delightful dinner later as a result of his generosity.
As he turned to walk with Taehyun back into the shop a few more people entered. Two young ladies and a small child. Kai welcomed them in and thanked them for considering his store.
"Do you happen to have children's books?" One of the ladies asked.
Kai nodded and then pointed them in the direction he'd made a small children's section in one corner of the store. He'd have to pay attention to his clientele because maybe he'd have to start collecting more children's books and novels.
After a moment Taehyun disappeared to the back of the store and returned not long after with a book in hand, "I was eyeing this one when I helped you prepare the other day," he spoke as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a few coins. "And don't you dare refuse my contribution, I want to be your first real customer." he smiled, Kai reluctantly taking the coins.
If anything Kai felt he owed Taehyun for the help, but he'd owe him for another occasion he promised to himself as he tucked the coins into his money case.
Taehyun tapped Kai's hand, "Well good luck my friend! I should be off to the docks. You will have to catch me up on details when I be back." then he waved a hand as he exited the store.
As Kai's gaze lingered on the open door out to the beach front his attention was caught by the two ladies and the child. The child held three books in their hand and handed them to Kai with a smile, " I'd like to buy these sir," they said softly.
Kai's heart pounded with happiness seeing the joy he could bring others with books, this was part of that dream. He spoke the total, and one of the ladies dug into their satchel retrieving the right amount of coins. "Thank you so much, I'm sure we will be back." the lady spoke before she turned the other two out of the store quietly books in hand.
As the day went on more and more people ventured into his store. Some out of curiosity left with nothing, which didn't bother Kai, while others came in with anticipation thanking him for opening a bookstore, since the next closest one was a few towns over. The small seaside town also attracted travelers, which would contribute to a steady flow of customers.
His bookstore closed at 5 pm and it was a bit after then. He did a bit of paperwork to note down important numbers and details. This was going to be his life going forward and it didn't sound too bad. If anything this sounded like the best life he could be living. As he gazed out the window the daylight dimming making it harder to see the waves crashing onto the shore, he couldn't help but feel that something was missing.
Once arriving back home just as it was to become nightfall, he grabbed the mail from the mailbox and continued inside. His breath hitched as he closed the door behind him. One of the letters he received in the mail was from the prince. From Beomgyu.
Beomgyu wrote back less often, he'd mentioned before how he had little time to send things back and he felt embarrassed that he wasn't able to return such beautiful letters. Even after Kai had continued to relay the message that simple responses were more than enough, Beomgyu still aimed for perfection. This time however it was a quick response with a simple letter.
Said simple letter made Kai's heart chase the waves.
"Dearest Kai
I miss your entirety, your smiles, jokes,
And beautiful stories. I write to you quickly
Because I am more than joyous to hear about
Your bookstore. You say you wish to bring me,
But what if I can't help but bring myself to you?
This is too much of a beautiful thing to keep
Waiting. Kai, I'll come soon. I promise."
And the waves he chased.
He tossed and turned all night because how was he supposed to deal with the fact that Beomgyu could show up at any time over the next several days?
As Kai shut the book resting on his desk, signaling the conclusion of the day, he shifted his focus to the tasks ahead—preparing to close up the shop and recording essential statistics for the day. His gaze briefly landed on the calendar hanging on the wall, noting that it was the fifth day since he had opened his bookstore.
Abruptly, the soft chime of the entrance bells filled the air, accompanied by a gentle gust of wind that reached Kai behind his desk. Without delving too deeply into thought, he turned to address the incoming visitor, prepared to convey that the shop was about to close. However, he wasn't able to get those words out as soon as he noticed who the visitor was.
It was the prince. Beomgyu had come.
He was beautiful, with similar features he'd remembered from when they were younger, but grown into and matured. Handsome and cute all at once. His hair was longer than before but not long enough to have let it grow since. His outfit was magnificent, clearly son to a kingdom. And that beautiful smile, whisker-like creases along his cheeks as he once remembered.
"I've come," he spoke, his voice a deep honey, nothing like Kai remembered but beautiful nonetheless.
Finally, something in Kai's body burst, and he made a swift step away and out from the desk straight toward the other. The two of them magnetically connected as they got mere centimeters away. Embracing each other deeply and immersing themselves in the warmth of each other taking in all the years they'd been separated.
"Beomgyu, I missed you greatly. I can't fathom you're actually here." Kai spoke desperately.
"As I missed you, always," Beomgyu spoke, the two finally moved away from the embrace, but still held each other's arms and wrists, "I'm so happy to see you now, and this place, it's fantastic," he spoke with excitement, "You must show me around."
Kai's hand slid down Beomgyu's arm taking the other's hand into his own, "I will show you the place, and then tomorrow I will show you the ocean." he spoke trying to keep his voice calm.
Kai could hardly believe he'd have the entire week to spend time with Beomgyu. Yet at the same time, he felt it was hardly enough.
Beomgyu must have had a long trip to the seaside because he'd passed out on Kai's bed only minutes after the two had made it to his home. He wasn't sure how he was going to be able to sleep tonight. Beomgyu was such a beautiful sleeper and there was no way he'd sleep next to the prince without permission, let alone be able to breathe sleeping next to his beauty.
Kai had fallen asleep on his jade armchair in the past, so he'd easily be able to handle that spot for the week.
When he woke up however he just about jumped out of the chair because Beomgyu had been gazing up at him as he kneeled on the floor resting his head on the arm of the chair.
"Why didn't you sleep on your bed?" he whined.
"How could I without your permission?" Kai spoke with uncertainty.
"As if you don't remember the days we fell asleep in the gardens in each other's arms or the nights you spent sleeping in my bed in the castle." Beomgyu finally pulled himself up from the ground, "I don't make you feel uncomfortable do I? I am no different than I was before, just a bit older and with a bit more knowledge." he crinkled his brows with a slight pout.
Kai sucked in a breath, it wasn't that he felt uncomfortable, never. They were older and they weren't kids anymore, things wouldn't be that simple anymore. "If you allow me, I'll share the bed with you. But we are older now, so we can't do such things as easily anymore," he spoke remembering the comfort they gave each other as kids. He wasn't sure he'd be able to handle those things as easily anymore without his body reacting against his will. He wasn't a pervert, that wasn't it. Kai would be lying if he hadn't held onto those feelings from before they separated. The year Beomgyu turned 16.
Seeing Beomgyu now, it was hard not to see his beauty, to want to want him, to want to care and adore him with his whole heart. To share his dreams and entire life with him like before but so much more than that.
Beomgyu was attached to Kai by the hip the entire day. Their arms linked as Kai showed Beomgyu around the seaside city. He closed the bookshop for the day just to be able to spend the entire day with Beomgyu. He wasn't so sure how he'd be able to spend the rest of the week with Beomgyu having to juggle the bookshop. Beomgyu insisted he was content with staying and watching Kai work all day at the shop.
They had come to the docks. Beomgyu curiously ran forward, then ran back to link arms with Kai once he'd ventured too close to the edge of the dock. Seagulls flew by, some stopping to yap at the two as they walked past boats and a few fishermen.
"Why did we come here?" Beomgyu questioned after the two walked for a while and Kai had not mentioned why they'd come.
"I want you to meet someone important to me, but I can't seem to find him," Kai admitted as he searched.
Before Kai could think to say anything else, he noticed a familiar boat coming in from out at sea, "he's here," he spoke.
Beomgyu perked up with anticipation, "Wait, you've written about him, Fish Legend Kang!" Beomgyu had been right, there had been a letter he'd once sent with a story about Taehyun. He'd named it, "Fish Legend Kang." About a friend he'd met in the seaside town, but with a few magical elements and a cool fisherman protagonist who became a legend. It was one of Beomgyu's favorite stories.
Taehyun waved from the seas, the two waving in return as he docked.
"No way, the prince is here!" Taehyun cheered as he pulled himself off his boat. He properly introduced himself to Beomgyu as did Beomgyu in return.
They chatted for a short while and Taehyun had some other duties to get to. But before they separated, Taehyun insisted he'd watch the shop for a few days, leaving Kai only having to handle the shop for two days while Beomgyu was under his wing. He couldn't be more thankful because now he'd be able to spend more time with Beomgyu before he'd have to head back home.
"I'm glad to have been able to meet Legend Kang," Beomgyu spoke as the two watched Taehyun leave in the distance.
The ocean seemed to be extra beautiful that day, or maybe it was Beomgyu running along the shore that made it seem so beautiful. He could hardly believe that this was Beomgyu's first time at the beach and it saddened him to know they couldn't have visited together as kids. But seeing him now, the wind brushing his hair back and the water splashing against his ankles, he shined so magnificently.
Kai wasn't so sure if he'd be able to go back to sending letters and not being able to see the prince with his own eyes again.
He stood and watched as the other laughed and skipped, he was content with this. He could be happy now, even when Beomgyu leaves, he'd be content. He wouldn't go beyond this feeling.
Except why did Beomgyu have to go and do that?
Beomgyu stopped and turned to face Kai with a striking smile, the waves crashing down in the distance. Beomgyu came running in his direction and when close enough he opened his arms and tackled Kai to the sand floor. Kai caught Beomgyu in his arms as he lay flat against the earth. Giggles and soft touches of warmth as Beomgyu's eyes met Kai's in slow motion.
Kai swallowed hard, feeling Beomgyu's weight on him, wanting so much to encircle his arms around the other into an embrace, hold him tight, and never let go. Because the last time he let go he wasn't able to see him for 5 years.
Beomgyu positioned himself up a bit so he could meet Kai's gaze. His smile faded instantly at the look in Kai's eyes. Pearls of water edged the corner of his eyes. Beomgyu immediately held the cuffs of his shirt to the corners of Kai's eyes wiping away the tears, "Kai-ah, did I hurt you? I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he spoke but was quickly pulled down, his body wrapped tightly by Kai's arms.
"I don't want you to see me like this, because happiness is all I feel. To see you, feel you, to be with you in the flesh is all I could ever ask for. I'm not hurt, physically or introspectively." He spoke into the embrace.
Beomgyu held himself into the warmth, his mind spinning at the speed of light.
Kai decided he wouldn’t hold himself back. He wasn’t going to push himself away from Beomgyu in the little time they had. He’d have no regrets, even if he let his heart wander a bit into the hands of the prince. In a sense, his heart was already in Beomgyu’s hands since they were 16 and it never truly left.
The next morning Kai had woke to the glow that was Beomgyu lying across his chest in the sunlight. His cheek squished with a cute pout as his breath matched Kai’s. It was hard not to want to touch or caress his sleeping face.
Kai unfortunately had to get to work soon, so he lightly brushed a few strands of Beomgyu’s hair back attempting to wake the other, “Beomgyu,” his breath soft against the crown of his ear, “It’s time to wake up.”
Beomgyu’s brows scrunched, then he held his hands to his eyes to rub them open, “It’s morning already?” He spoke deep yet velvety, his morning voice. Something Kai could easily get use to, he thought as he hummed in response to the other.
Beomgyu pulled himself up and off of Kai, letting him free. He sat up with his eyes half open with a slight pout, “You working the bookshop today?”
Kai stood up, “Yes, I’ll make breakfast, and then we will be off,” he spoke.
Beomgyu skipped ahead down the road, he looked extra small in the oversized coat he borrowed from Kai. It was a lot cooler along the coast, so Beomgyu hadn’t prepared the best clothes for the occasion.
When settled into the bookshop their two coats hung from the coat rack near the entrance of the store. Kai’s eyes lingered at the two coats for a second to long as Beomgyu made himself comfortable on a couch with a book on his lap.
“This book seems interesting, I’ll finish it before the end of the night.” He spoke with excitement.
The first customer came in only minutes after opening up the store. And as the day went on it turned out to be quite a busy day.
Kai found himself very occupied, chatting with customers, recommending books, and helping out with inquiries. Despite being distracted and busy he couldn’t help but feel as though eyes were on him all day. But concluded that it must have been due to the plethora of people going in and out of the shop.
And the day came and went quickly. He had one last customer who was also gracious enough to leave Kai a plate of freshly baked apple fritters. She thanked him dearly and talked about how all the older ladies in the town adored him and would spread the name of his bookshop.
And when she left the store became utterly silent.
Kai looked up from the plate of apple fritters and met Beomgyu’s gaze. The book on his lap had barely been flipped no more than a few pages and there was a glint in his eyes that Kai couldn’t quite understand. “I thought you said you’d finish the book,” Kai smiled.
Beomgyu opened his mouth in attempt to say something but nothing more than a few stuttering words came out, causing Kai to feel a bit worried.
“Are you okay?” Kai questioned.
“I- You are magnificent,” Beomgyu finally admitted as he stood up from the couch dropping the book on the textured material, “I couldn’t dare focus on the book when all I could focus on was you.” All day Beomgyu watched and admired Kai in his element. “Caring, passionate, charming. You’re wonderful. Everything I missed, Kai-ah.” Beomgyu spoke as he stepped closer, “Everything I longed for.”
Beomgyu was standing a few inches from Kai. Kai’s heart thundering in his chest. The moment he’d realized Beomgyu had been observing him all day he couldn’t help but he feel warmth pool in his stomach. And now with the other standing here after such compliments he wanted nothing more than to press his lips against Beomgyu’s and hold him tight.
But he didn’t feel he had the bravery to so.
“Such compliments from the prince, I couldn’t be anymore appreciative.” He smiled genuinely, but pushed back the slight sting to his heart to the deepest part of his mind. “Let us share these apple fritters on the way home.” He broke his gaze with Beomgyu but kept a smile so the other wouldn’t see through the falter of his emotions.
But it was also Kai who’d try to pretend he didn’t see the falter in Beomgyu’s smile when he’d changed the subject quickly.
Beomgyu became more clingy as the week went on. He also continuously told Kai compliments bordering on flirting at times. And Kai found it quite unfair if he were being honest.
It wasn’t fair when Beomgyu would run up from behind Kai on the beach wrapping his arms around his waist, laughing and smiling up at him with the most adoring eyes. It wasn’t fair when Beomgyu rested his head on Kai’s shoulder, and slipped his hand into his as the sun set across the horizon. It was really cruel when Beomgyu called Kai’s name to get his attention once the sun had finally disappeared beneath the sea pressing his lips onto his.
It was happening all over again. A kiss shouldn’t be a goodbye. It wasn’t fair. But Kai also didn’t have it in him to pull away, to tell Beomgyu how unfair this was. Instead he let himself melt into the kiss, try so utterly hard to memorize this feeling, so he’d never long for it once Beomgyu was gone.
The stars were out now, and the two didn’t have it in them to set out for home. Kai didn’t want it to be tomorrow yet and Beomgyu…Kai had no idea what could be going through Beomgyu’s mind. Because he couldn’t tell is he was just cruel, or thinking the same thing.
“Kai,” Beomgyu began, his voice more soft than ever, “I won't disappear.”
Kai shifted to get a good look at Beomgyu because he was a bit shocked, “You won't, but you’ll be gone. Away from here. Back home.”
Beomgyu shook his head, “Yes, I have to go back. But I’m not staying there.”
Kai let out a breath confused, trying to keep himself from shuttering from the cold and his emotions, “What are you on about?”
“I clearly didn’t pack correctly for the seaside, so I have to go home so I can really prepare much better. Plus I will be bringing a lot more over.”
“Beomgyu you aren’t making any sense, and you’re really getting my hopes up way to high right now,” Kai spoke desperately.
“Kai-ah. I’m going to live with you.” He began hesitantly, “If you let me of course, I assume you will.” His mouth in a slight pout.
“You’re crazy, how can the prince be away from the castle for long. You have to go back.” Kai spoke.
“My older brother is the one taking the throne when it comes time, I don’t have to stay in the castle. Not anymore. I found someone I want to spend the rest of my life with, so I don’t need to live there anymore.” Beomgyu spoke shyly at the end.
Kai’s mind was swirling, he’d dug a hand into the sand trying to comprehend everything and if he wasn’t going crazy, Beomgyu was telling him that they could be together, live together, love each other in the flesh. He shook his head taking breaths as he looked Beomgyu in the eyes in disbelief. But as soon as Beomgyu made a whining noise, he’s grabbed Beomgyu by the shoulder pulling him closer just enough so their heads could gently knock together. “I thought I was going to lose you again, why did you wait to tell me till now.”
“I was afraid it wouldn’t be the same, that maybe we couldn’t be as close as we once were once spending physical time together.” Beomgyu admitted, “I was a bit scared at first.”
“Nothing would’ve changed,” Kai spoke, a lot could have, but he found it hard to believe since they were able to keep a strong bond over the letters they exchanged, “You know I’ve had feelings for you since you turned 16,” Kai admitted, “I thought maybe you were just being cruel.”
“Never!” Beomgyu shouted, “I feel terrible, You’re right I should’ve told you. I did all that, making you think I’d be leaving. I’m sorry.” Tears began to form at the edge of his eyes.
Kai immediately whipped them away, “It’s okay, love. We’re okay now.”
Beomgyu sniffed, “Just so you know I’ve liked you since way before that day I turned 16.”