Chapter Text
Los Angeles, 1986,
Four years ago, Hyunjin really did not foresee how his passion would merely be undermined as “an additional charm for an elite omega". Right now, come to think of it, of course his parents wouldn't have paid that much for his art degree in the United States for nothing, and he couldn't escape their social network..
Hwang Hyunjin would consider his admission into UCLA's art department as one of his most successful rebellious acts against his parents. They had always thought that an omega son should not put too much effort into higher education, yet a good sense of aesthetic might help him win over the hearts of some respectable alphas. Ironically, his only successful rebellious act was the one supported by Mr. and Mrs. Hwang.
Ever since he presented as an omega, Hwang Hyunjin has known for sure that, no matter what he did, no matter who he really is, he would not be expected of anything but a perfect, pliant omega.
—
He had been aware of his parents' intention to marry him off to a reputable family since he reached fourteen. His appearance throughout his earlier ages implied that he wouldn’t present as any other secondary gender than omega. One of the few things he is truly grateful for his parents is that they are traditionalists who think that a mere thin piece of hymen values more than his personality, so throughout his adolescence and early adulthood, he is protected from those creepy glances and shady intentions. He understood that they did that for the sake of their family's reputation, but still, he clearly benefited from this.
Oh how loving his family was.
He knew they would reach out to some Yangban families to consolidate their family's status. The Hwangs are rising business tycoons based in the United States, and they would accept offers from any reputable family who need their money in exchange for respect in South Korean society.
So when he's informed that they have to come back to Korea after the years spent in the US, he finally accepts his fate, as long as his art exhibition plan is left alone. Initially, it was just attending some private parties of the South Korean aristocratic society. Little did he know, these were a series of events specially arranged by the royal family, serving as subtle assessment of his suitability as a future consort.
The marriage arrangement to the crown prince was still surprising to him. He had always known that his parents would aim for the most profitable opportunity possible through his marriage, but the crown prince of Korea was quite unexpected. Hyunjin wondered, what exactly had this man done to be so hastily married off to him.
—
“I heard some rumours about him in Britain, you know.” Kim Seungmin, a beta, also one of the few friends (as if not the only one) he could make in the States, says while pouring him another glass of sparkling wine.
“You really are an excellent journalist, aren't you?” Lazily sipping the wine, he continues “So, what did you hear? The crown prince accidentally knocked up some omegas or something.”
“Well, quite the other direction actually.” Seungmin gives him a knowing look,
“What?! You're telling me that he's knocked up?! So the myths about some enigmas are, in fact, real?”
“No you dummy! Honestly, how could you think of that?”
“Then what do you want me to think?! Now, tell this dummy what’s the rumour of my soon-to-be fiancé?”
"Come here," Seungmin said, closing the distance between them. "People are suggesting... his current rendezvous, well, he might be in a homosexual relationship."
“You mean… he might be snogging and shagging with an alpha man?” Hyunjin finally comes to some realisation.
“That's just what I heard from my sister, and believe me, it's really confidential, she just happened to be in London during that incident.”
Despite being considered close within our social circle, Seungmin's Gimhae Kim clan is, in reality, true aristocrats. This grants him access to information unknown to many.
Well, this might still be better than being married to some patriarchal alphas.
And now he understands why the royal family were so desperate for him.
What an interesting fiancé he has.
"Seungmin, you know what. No matter what has happened or will happen, neither I nor he can escape this deal." Hyunjin said, staring at the sunset in Marina del Rey, couldn't help but think that it was magnificent.
Strangely, it reminded him of the sunlight rays, like gentle fingers, caressing the delicate petals of the flowers, illuminating them with a warm, ethereal glow. The royal garden in the Gyeongbokgung Palace, once vibrant with life at 3 p.m., now seemed to hold its breath. Hwang Hyunjin also held his breath.
From his first private afternoon tea with His Majesty, he had been certain of this.
—
Eventually, the royal wedding was postponed to 1987, out of respect for Mr. and Mrs. Hwang who tragically lost their lives in an accident.