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Taehyun’s mornings were a practiced ritual of annoyance and resignation. His alarm clock blared at precisely 6:30 a.m., shattering his dreams with a shrill buzz that never failed to irritate him. He rolled over, smacked the snooze button with more force than necessary, and buried his face in his pillow for exactly seven more minutes of peace. When the second alarm sounded, he groaned and dragged himself out of bed, muttering curses at whoever had invented mornings in the first place.
His morning ritual was a precarious balance of routine and irritation. His coffee machine, a hand-me-down relic from a former roommate, spluttered and gurgled like it was on its last legs. Its once-white exterior was now a faded yellow, the glass carafe stained from years of neglect. Taehyun scowled at it as he pressed the buttons in the correct order—three short presses, one long, and a final short tap to seal the deal. The machine gurgled ominously before spurting out a weak stream of coffee.
“Stupid thing,” he muttered, leaning against the counter as the carafe filled at a glacial pace. “One of these days, I’m tossing you in the dumpster.”
The machine hissed in defiance, as if daring him to follow through on his threat.
With a now cup of lukewarm coffee in hand, Taehyun scarfed down a piece of toast, shrugged into his jacket, and grabbed his keys. The flower shop where he worked was only a few blocks away, and he usually enjoyed the walk. The streets were quiet this early, the usual chaos of city life still subdued.
He rounded the corner to the flower shop, its green awning and cheerful display of blooms a welcome burst of color against the drab concrete buildings. He loved this place despite the sometimes tedious work of arranging bouquets and watering plants. The shop smelled of earth and blossoms, a fragrant escape from the city’s exhaust fumes.
As he put down his coffee on the bench near the entrance, he fished his keys out of his pocketbut as he was trying to unlock the door of the flower shop, he felt a strange sensation prickled the back of his neck. The air felt… charged, like the moments before a summer storm. He glanced up, scanning the sky. It was clear, the morning sun casting soft shadows across the pavement.
Then it happened.
A flash of light so bright it left spots in his vision, accompanied by a deafening crack of thunder that reverberated through the street. Taehyun stumbled back, heart racing. For a moment, he thought a transformer had blown, but the light wasn’t coming from above—it was coming from the alley beside the shop.
“The fuck?”
He hesitated, torn between the sensible urge to walk away and the nagging curiosity that always got him into trouble. With a sigh, he edged toward the alley, peeking around the corner.
At first, he thought he was hallucinating. A swirling vortex of light shimmered in the alley, casting strange, dancing shadows on the walls. From its center, a figure emerged, stumbling forward like someone stepping off a spinning carnival ride.
The man he saw was utterly out of place. His attire was the first giveaway: a long, richly embroidered tunic of deep navy velvet adorned with intricate golden patterns. A heavy cloak draped over his shoulders, fastened with a clasp shaped like a phoenix. His boots, polished to a mirror shine, crunched against the gritty alley floor.
Taehyun’s brain short-circuited. “What in the—”
Before he could finish, the stranger staggered toward him, eyes wide and unfocused. He was handsome, almost absurdly so, with sharp cheekbones, full lips, and eyes that seemed to glow faintly under the sunlight. His dark hair was slightly disheveled, adding an oddly endearing touch to his otherwise princely appearance.
“You there,” the man said, his voice rich and commanding. “Where am I?”
Taehyun blinked. “Uh… Seoul?”
The man’s brows furrowed, and he swayed on his feet. “Seoul? What realm is this?”
Taehyun opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the man crumpled like a marionette with its strings cut. Taehyun barely managed to catch him before he hit the ground, the weight of his ornate cloak and heavy clothes nearly dragging them both down.
“Okay, great,” Taehyun muttered, adjusting his grip on the unconscious stranger. “Just what I needed today. A cosplayer with a heatstroke or… whatever this is.”
He glanced around, half-expecting someone to appear and explain the situation. But the alley was empty, save for him and his mysterious new problem. So he doesn't have any choice but to bring the man to his apartment, just a little walk.
Back in his tiny studio apartment, Taehyun groaned as he lowered the unconscious man—prince?—onto the worn-out couch. The stranger was heavier than he looked, and by the time Taehyun straightened up, his arms were trembling and his back protested loudly. He glared down at the man who had just upended his morning.
“You’d better not be dying,” Taehyun muttered, brushing his bangs out of his face.
For a moment, Taehyun considered calling an ambulance. That seemed like the logical thing to do when someone fainted in front of you. But then he looked at the man’s absurdly out-of-place outfit, the glittering jewels on his belt, and the faintly glowing clasp on his cloak.
The thought of explaining this to emergency responders made him cringe. “Yeah, so this guy just… appeared in a ball of light, and I think he’s a prince? Maybe?” That would definitely land him in a psych ward.
That left one option: taking him back to his apartment.
So he stands there, hovering beside the still passed-out prince? He doesn't even know.
Taehyun took a moment to really take in the guy’s ridiculous outfit. Who wore gold embroidery and cloaks in the 21st century? It looked like something ripped straight out of a fantasy novel.
He grabbed a damp towel and placed it on the man’s forehead, half-expecting him to wake up gasping like in some cheesy drama. But no, the prince just lay there, perfectly composed even in unconsciousness.
Taehyun sighed, debating his next move. Should he call someone? But who? He doesn't even have any idea who this guy he brought to his apartment. And for sure when he told his friend about it, he'll smack him on the head for bringing a complete stranger dressed in a royalty like he's from the Game of Thrones. Honestly, he doesn't have any idea why he did brought him in his place in the first place.
He was still deliberating when the man stirred, his eyes fluttering open.
The room suddenly felt too small.
The stranger’s gaze darted around the apartment, his brow furrowing at the sight of Taehyun standing over him with a towel in hand. His eyes—strangely piercing, like they could see straight through someone—narrowed.
“Who are you?” the man demanded, his voice rich and commanding despite the situation. He sat up abruptly, the cloak slipping from his shoulders, and gestured regally toward Taehyun. “Where am I? What vile sorcery has brought me to this… peculiar chamber?”
Taehyun blinked. “Uh, first of all, you fainted in an alley. You’re welcome for saving you, by the way.”
“Fainted?” The man scoffed, looking deeply offended by the suggestion. “I do not faint. Royals of the Kingdom of Edeloria do not succumb to such trivialities.”
Taehyun folded his arms, incredulous. “Well, tell that to the ground, because you definitely did. You practically fell on top of me.”
The man ignored him, his focus shifting to the apartment’s interior. He frowned at the chipped coffee table, the mismatched furniture, and the crooked shelf precariously holding Taehyun’s collection of books and DVDs.
“Where have you brought me, peasant? This… establishment lacks refinement.”
“Peasant?” Taehyun echoed, his disbelief quickly morphing into irritation. “This establishment is my home, Your Majesty.” He rolled his eyes. “Sorry it’s not up to your royal standards.
The man’s frown deepened. “You dare speak with such insolence to the Crowned Prince of Edeloria?”
“Crowned Prince?” Taehyun repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
The prince stood, brushing invisible dust off his velvet tunic and adjusting the golden clasp on his cloak. He stood tall, shoulders back, radiating an air of authority that was both impressive and a little absurd considering the setting.
“Yes,” he said, his tone imperious. “I am Crowned Prince Choi Beomgyu of the Kingdom of Edeloria, heir to the throne and protector of the realm. And you are…?”
“Taehyun,” he snorted, unable to help himself. “Seriously? Protector of the realm? You sound like you stepped out of a video game.”
Beomgyu’s lips pressed into a thin line. “You dare mock me?”
“I dare because you’re talking like someone cosplaying a character at a convention,” Taehyun shot back. “Who even says ‘dare’ like that in real life?”
Beomgyu’s eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms, looking every bit the offended royal. “You are uncouth. Clearly a commoner of low breeding.”
Taehyun threw his hands up. “Okay, that’s it. You’re crazy. I should’ve left you in the alley.”
Beomgyu sniffed disdainfully, looking around the apartment once more. His gaze landed on the coffee machine sitting on the counter, its beige exterior looking positively ancient under the morning light.
“What manner of contraption is that?” he asked, gesturing toward it.
“It’s a coffee machine,” Taehyun said, exasperated. “You know, for making coffee? Do you even know what coffee is?”
“Of course I do,” Beomgyu said haughtily. “It is a bitter brew enjoyed by the peasants in my kingdom. I have no need for such crude refreshments.”
“Wow,” Taehyun deadpanned. “You really are a ray of sunshine, huh?”
Beomgyu ignored the jab, stepping closer to inspect the machine. He prodded it cautiously, as though expecting it to spring to life and attack him.
Taehyun sighed. “It’s not going to bite you.”
“And yet it hums ominously,” Beomgyu replied, his voice dripping with suspicion.
“That’s just how it works!” Taehyun said, throwing his hands up. “What kind of medieval bubble have you been living in?”
Beomgyu straightened, looking affronted. “I assure you, my kingdom is anything but primitive. We are a realm of great magic and splendor.”
“Magic?” Taehyun repeated, incredulous. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“Do I look as though I jest?” Beomgyu asked, his expression utterly serious.
Taehyun opened his mouth to retort but stopped himself. The guy’s entire demeanor—his fancy clothes, his weirdly regal way of talking—didn’t exactly scream “practical joker.”
“You’re actually serious,” Taehyun muttered, rubbing his temples. “This is insane.”
“I am serious,” Beomgyu said. “And I demand that you assist me in returning to my kingdom. I cannot linger in this barbaric land any longer.”
“Barbaric?” Taehyun repeated, staring at him in disbelief. “Okay, listen, Your Highness, I don’t know how you got here or what kind of delusions you’re working with, but I’m not some royal servant who’s gonna drop everything to help you.”
Beomgyu raised an eyebrow, as if genuinely baffled by Taehyun’s refusal. “But you must. It is your duty.”
“Yeah, no,” Taehyun said, shaking his head. “Not my duty. Not even close.”
Beomgyu sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Very well. If you refuse to assist me willingly, then I shall have to—”
He paused, looking slightly lost. “What is the term? Ah, compensate you.”
Taehyun crossed his arms. “With what? Magic beans?”
Beomgyu looked offended. “With gold, of course.”
“Sure,” Taehyun said sarcastically. “Let me just pop by the local currency exchange and see if they take medieval coins.”
For the first time, Beomgyu’s confident façade wavered. “Your tone suggests you do not believe me.”
“Gee, what gave it away?”
Beomgyu sighed dramatically and sank back onto the couch, looking utterly dejected. “I see I have no choice but to endure this indignity for now.”
“Great,” Taehyun muttered. “That makes two of us.”
He turned to grab his phone, wondering if there was a hotline for dealing with delusional royals. Meanwhile, Beomgyu gazed around the apartment with a mixture of curiosity and disdain, muttering something about “barbaric conditions” under his breath.
Taehyun glanced over his shoulder. “For the record, if you start calling me your loyal subject, I’m kicking you out.”
Beomgyu tilted his head, his lips twitching into a faint, mischievous smile. “Would you prefer ‘peasant’ instead?”
Taehyun groaned as he reached for his phone, glaring at Beomgyu, who was now poking at the remote control on the coffee table like it might explode. The man had all the curiosity of a cat with none of the charm to back it up.
“Don’t touch that,” Taehyun barked, snatching the remote away before Beomgyu could press a button.
Beomgyu narrowed his eyes, looking affronted. “You dare reprimand me?”
“In case you haven’t noticed, this is my apartment, not your castle. So, sit down and stay put.” Taehyun said, rolling his eyes.
Beomgyu huffed but didn’t argue further, opting to lean back against the couch with the air of someone who had just been gravely insulted.
Shaking his head, Taehyun tapped Hueningkai’s contact on his phone and brought it to his ear. Hueningkai is his co-worker and full-time bestie. He'll be calling sick for work today because apparently, he took home a crowned prince.
The line rang twice before Hueningkai's chipper voice answered.
“Morning, Taehyunie! What’s up?”
“Hey, Kai,” Taehyun began, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Listen, I’m feeling a bit under the weather today. I won’t be able to come in.”
Hueningkai gasped dramatically. “You’re calling in sick? Kang Taehyun? The guy who came to work with a sprained wrist and a fever last year?”
Taehyun sighed. “Yeah, well, even I need a day off sometimes.”
“Are you okay? Do you need me to bring you anything?” Kai asked, his voice full of concern.
Taehyun glanced at Beomgyu, who was now staring intently at the toaster as if it held the secrets of the universe. “No, I’m good. Just need to rest.”
“Alright,” the other said, though his tone was still skeptical. “Feel better, okay? I’ll handle the shop today. Don’t worry about a thing!”
“Thanks, Kai-ah,” Taehyun replied before hanging up. He set the phone down and turned back to Beomgyu, who is now looking at him, his brows furrowing as he stared.
“Who are you talking to? Were you... speaking to that tiny black slab?!” he shrieked while pointing at Taehyun's phone in his hand.
Taehyun blinked. “You mean my phone?”
“Phone?” Beomgyu repeated, his voice dripping with incredulity. He leaned closer to the device as if it might spring to life. “Who—or what—were you speaking to? Is there someone trapped inside it? Do you need to release them?”
Taehyun stared at him, then burst into laughter. “Oh my god, Beomgyu. No one’s trapped in it. It’s a device. It lets me talk to people who aren’t here.”
Beomgyu frowned, clearly unconvinced. “That doesn’t make any sense! You were speaking, but there was no one else here! Are you sure you haven’t lost your mind?”
Taehyun grabbed his phone, unlocking it with a swipe. “Look, it’s not magic. It’s technology. Phones connect to other phones so we can talk even when we’re far away.”
Beomgyu’s jaw dropped. “Far away? So... you were speaking to someone miles from here? Without shouting?!”
“Exactly,” Taehyun said, amused by Beomgyu’s dramatics.
Beomgyu leaned back, crossing his arms. “Impossible. How can your voice travel through this tiny thing? Is there a... a messenger living inside it? Or perhaps a spell?”
Taehyun shook his head, trying not to laugh. “No messengers. No spells. It works through signals and towers and... you know what? Never mind the specifics.”
But Beomgyu wasn’t done. “What if it doesn’t like you and refuses to send your message? Or worse, what if it listens to your secrets and tells everyone?” His expression turned deadly serious. “Can it betray you?”
Taehyun nearly dropped the phone, laughing so hard his stomach hurt. “It’s a phone, Beomgyu, not a spy.”
Beomgyu squinted suspiciously at the device. “Hmm... And what’s this ‘Kai’? A soldier? An advisor?”
“Kai is my coworker and friend,” Taehyun said, still chuckling.
“Coworker? So, this... phone lets you speak to your comrades when there's some things happened?”
“Yeah,” Taehyun replied, wiping a tear from his eye.
Beomgyu tapped his chin, a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Can I try it?”
Taehyun hesitated. “Uh, sure, but who would you even call?”
Beomgyu gasped, grabbing the phone. “Your ruler! I must warn them of the dangers of this... ‘technology.’ It could be used against the kingdom!”
Taehyun snatched the phone back before Beomgyu could start dialing random numbers. “Absolutely not.”
Beomgyu huffed, pouting like a child denied candy. “Fine. But you should know, if this ‘phone’ betrays us, I will destroy it.”
“Fantastic. Now, while you’re being so generous, maybe you can tell me how you ended up here.”
Beomgyu’s expression turned somber, and for the first time, he looked genuinely troubled. “I… am uncertain. One moment, I was riding through the royal gardens on my steed. The next, there was a blinding light, and I saw you.”
“Uh-huh,” Taehyun said, not bothering to hide his skepticism. “And you don’t remember anything else?”
Beomgyu shook his head, his face catching the sunlight streaming through the window. “Nothing. It is as if the very fabric of reality shifted around me.”
Taehyun stared at him, trying to decide whether this guy was genuinely confused or just an incredibly dedicated actor. Either way, he couldn’t exactly kick him out now.
“Okay,” Taehyun said with a sigh. “Well, until we figure out what’s going on, you’re stuck here. But you’d better not touch anything without asking first, got it?”
Beomgyu tilted his head, regarding Taehyun with an amused expression. “You are quite bold for a commoner.”
“Yeah, well, you’re stuck with me,” Taehyun shot back. “So get used to it, Your Highness.”
Beomgyu’s lips quirked into a faint smirk. “Very well, peasant. I shall endeavor to tolerate your presence.”
Taehyun groaned. “This is going to be a nightmare.”
He leaned back against the counter, arms crossed as he stared at Beomgyu who was sitting looking regal and proper with back straight and his hands on his lap looking back at him. The reality of the situation was beginning to sink in: Beomgyu had no home, no money, and no grasp of the modern world. He was stranded in every sense of the word.
He didn’t even know where Beomgyu would go. It wasn’t like he could check into a hotel with no money and an outfit that screamed “medieval costume party reject.”
As Taehyun was spiraling into this existential crisis, Beomgyu’s imperious voice cut through his thoughts.
“Peasant! I require sustenance!”
Taehyun blinked, snapping out of his daze. “Excuse me?”
“Sustenance,” Beomgyu repeated, sitting up straight and looking at him like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Food. The kind befitting a prince. Roasted pheasant, honeyed figs, perhaps a fine wine to accompany the meal?”
Taehyun’s jaw dropped. “Roasted—are you kidding me? Do I look like a royal chef to you?”
Beomgyu frowned, clearly unimpressed by Taehyun’s reaction. “Surely you must have a kitchen staff or, at the very least, provisions to prepare a proper meal. What kind of host are you?”
Taehyun gestured helplessly at the fridge. “You think I’ve got pheasant and figs lying around? I don’t even have leftovers!”
Beomgyu stood, crossing his arms. “Then you shall procure them.”
"Procure them?” Taehyun repeated, incredulous. “You think I can just waltz into the nearest grocery store and find a roasted pheasant? Newsflash, Your Highness—this is the 21st century. We eat normal food. Like sandwiches.”
Beomgyu’s nose wrinkled. “Sandwiches? How… quaint.”
Taehyun let out a groan, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Okay, fine. Let’s just eat out. I can’t deal with this right now.”
Beomgyu perked up slightly, though his expression remained imperious. “Very well. Lead the way, commoner.”
“Not so fast,” Taehyun said, eyeing Beomgyu’s outfit. “You can’t go out dressed like that. You’ll draw every eye in the city.”
The other glanced down at his ornate tunic and embroidered cape, looking mildly offended. “What’s wrong with my attire? This is the finest craftsmanship in my kingdom!”
“It’s extra, that’s what it is,” Taehyun shot back. “You’ll stick out like a sore thumb.” He stalked over to his caabinet, yanked out a plain sweatshirt and baggy sweatpants, and tossed them at Beomgyu. “Here. Wear these.”
Beomgyu held the clothes at arm’s length, his face twisted in disgust. “What… is this?”
“Clothes,” Taehyun said flatly. “Modern clothes. You want to eat, you wear them.”
“This—this fabric!” Beomgyu exclaimed, rubbing the sweatshirt between his fingers. “It’s coarse and plain. Is this what commoners consider acceptable attire?”
“Yep,” Taehyun said, arms crossed. “Now hurry up and put it on. We don’t have all day.”
Beomgyu shook his head, tossing the sweatshirt aside. “Absolutely not. I refuse to sully my dignity with such rags.”
Taehyun’s eye twitched. “Listen here, Your Majesty. Either you wear the clothes, or you’re staying here and starve. Your choice.”
Beomgyu opened his mouth to argue, but Taehyun silenced him with a glare. Grumbling under his breath, Beomgyu finally grabbed the sweatshirt and jeans looking at Taehyun like he's waiting for something.
Taehyun raised his eyebrows, "What?"
"Well, are you not going out to give me privacy?" And Taehyun is really close at choking Beomgyu.
So he just pushed the other inside his room and closing the door, Beomgyu might be the reason he'll die early.
A few minutes later, he emerged, looking thoroughly miserable. The sweatshirt hung awkwardly on his slender frame, and a baggy sweatpants that he's trying so hard to tie. He looked like a dejected model forced to wear last season’s bargain bin collection.
Taehyun smirked despite himself. “See? Not so bad.”
Beomgyu glared at him, tugging at the hem of the sweatshirt. “I look like a peasant.”
“Exactly the point,” Taehyun said, grabbing his keys. “Now, let’s go. I’m not about to wait while you throw another tantrum.”
With a dramatic sigh, Beomgyu followed him out the door, muttering about the indignities of commoner life. Taehyun couldn’t help but roll his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips.
As they walk towards the diner he knew which is near his place, he can feel his blood pressure reaching its limits with Beomgyu's wonder of the things he see and asking him absurd questions that Taehyun just wanted to leave him on the sidewalk.
When they finally approached the diner, Taehyun let out a sigh of relief, only for Beomgyu to stop dead in his tracks.
“What now?” Taehyun snapped.
Beomgyu was staring at the neon Diner sign with wide eyes. “The letters are glowing! Is it a spell? Does this establishment serve enchanted food?”
“It’s a sign,” Taehyun ground out, resisting the urge to scream. “And no, the food isn’t enchanted—it’s just greasy and edible. Now, get inside before I leave you here.”
Despite Beomgyu’s grumbles about Taehyun’s lack of decorum, he followed him in, only to immediately start gawking at the interior.
“Everything here is so bright,” Beomgyu marveled, his eyes flitting between the laminated menus, the overhead lights, and the jukebox in the corner. “And what is that contraption? Does it sing?”
“That’s a jukebox,” Taehyun muttered, grabbing a booth and slumping into the seat.
Beomgyu leaned down to examine it, his fingers hovering over the buttons. “Can I command it to play something?”
“No,” Taehyun barked, dragging Beomgyu to sit across from him. "Just please stop talking."
He waved a waitress and start placing his order. He ordered a simple large burger with fries and milkshake for Beomgyu and just a milkshake for him. When the waitress leaves Beomgyu curiously followed the waitress with his gaze.
"Is that your servant?"
"No. Please be quiet." He deadpanned.
Beomgyu pouted a little but kept quiet and start observing his surroundings again. Taehyun watched him for a moment, absently taking in Beomgyu’s princely appearance. His face, almost otherworldly, had the kind of refined beauty that could have only been chiseled by gods—or a team of royal artists, judging by how perfectly his features were sculpted. High cheekbones, sharp jawline, lips that looked like they belonged in a painting, and eyes that shimmered with a strange intensity, like they held an entire universe within them.
It was almost laughable how out of place he looked, but Taehyun couldn’t help but admire the beauty of his features—despite the absolute chaos he was causing. For a brief moment, Taehyun was lost in thought, wondering how someone so… out-of-place could look so right in his apartment. Or in this diner, for that matter.
Before he could get lost in the allure of Beomgyu’s princely presence any longer, the waitress appeared at their table with a small clink of dishes. She set down one large plate with massive burger stacked high with all sorts of toppings, fries crisped to golden perfection, and two milkshake that looked like it had been whipped up with too much enthusiasm.
Beomgyu’s eyes widened in awe as he stared at the food placed in front of him. “What is this?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine wonder, as though this was the first time he’d ever laid eyes on such a thing. “Is this... edible?”
Taehyun, feeling like he was about to have a meltdown, forced a tight-lipped smile. “Yes. It's food. Go ahead and taste it.” He was doing his best not to yell—he really was—but every inch of his patience was being tested.
Beomgyu leaned over the table, eyeing the burger with a mix of wariness and curiosity. He lifted it carefully, inspecting the layers with the kind of scrutiny one might apply to an ancient manuscript. After a moment of hesitation, he took a cautious bite, chewing thoughtfully.
Taehyun waited, his nerves on edge. What if Beomgyu hated it? What if he started throwing a tantrum over a burger?
Beomgyu paused, mid-bite, his eyes lighting up as the flavors seemed to settle in. He chewed for a moment longer, then looked up at Taehyun with a surprised expression. “Hmm… This is like... commoner food from my realm. We have something similar, but not as... grand. But this...” He gestured at the burger, the fries, the milkshake with the kind of reverence Taehyun had only seen in epic poetry. “This is quite delightful!”
Taehyun blinked, a little taken aback. He had expected some kind of complaint, maybe Beomgyu throwing the food off the table in disgust, but instead, the royal prince seemed genuinely pleased.
“You like it?” Taehyun asked, barely able to contain his surprise.
“Yes,” Beomgyu confirmed, his princely demeanor not entirely lost, but softened by his new fondness for the food. “It’s... hearty. Satisfying.” He took another bite, this time with more gusto, practically devouring the burger like it was the most delectable thing he’d ever encountered. The milkshake soon followed, and Taehyun couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief wash over him.
Taehyun let out a shaky breath, feeling some of the tension leave his body. He glanced over at Beomgyu, who was now happily devouring the fries, seemingly lost in the bliss of their crispy perfection. For the first time, he realized Beomgyu wasn’t all bad. Sure, he was royally annoying and out of place, but... Taehyun had to admit, seeing him in such a rare moment of satisfaction made him feel oddly proud—protective, even.
“Glad you like it,” Taehyun muttered, taking a sip of his own milkshake. It was thick and cold, just the way he liked it. "But don't expect me to do this often."
Beomgyu, momentarily distracted by the fries, looked up at him, his eyes shining with an unspoken challenge. “Do you think I would ask for such extravagant things every time, peasant?” He smirked, that charming arrogance coming back to the surface, but there was no malice in it. In fact, there was a strange kind of warmth in his expression as he turned his attention back to the food, clearly still reveling in the taste.
Taehyun couldn’t help but smile, despite himself. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. If he could survive Beomgyu’s never-ending questions and ridiculous comments, then perhaps—just perhaps—he could get through this day without pulling his hair out. But only just.
Still, as he sat back and took in the sight of Beomgyu enjoying his meal, Taehyun couldn’t help but wonder how long this strange, chaotic arrangement would last. Would Beomgyu be content with his Earthly burger, or would he demand a banquet fit for a king by the end of the week? And how exactly was he supposed to deal with a royal in his apartment, asking about magic phones and portals? He really had lost his mind.
After eating at the diner, Taehyun led them back to his apartment opting to think and ask Beomgyu about his whereabouts and probably research more about this phenomenon and how Beomgyu had ended in their realm.
When the evening rolled around, after their dinner which consists of pasta and Beomgyu's incessant complaints about his commoner food but still eats since he doesn't exactly have a choice, the other problem came with the form of how they would sleep.
There's only one bed meant for one person only and the couch isn't exactly a comfortable place to sleep on. Knowing Beomgyu though, and even though not knowing exactly about his lifestyle from his kingdom, he knew that Beomgyu won't sleep on the couch. So with a resigned sigh, he takes it upon himself to sleep on the couch.
“Alright,” Taehyun started, rubbing the back of his neck, “you take the bed. I’ll sleep here on the couch.”
Beomgyu’s head snapped up. “The couch?” He looked genuinely scandalized. “You, the esteemed host, intend to sleep on this pitiful excuse for a resting place? Absolutely not!”
Taehyun blinked. “I mean, yeah. It’s fine. You’re the guest—”
“I am no mere guest,” Beomgyu declared, rising from the couch with all the dramatic flair of a stage actor. “I am your responsibility. A host should never sacrifice his comfort for his charge. I shall take the couch!”
“Okay, then. Goodnight.”
Taehyun turned on his heel, cutting Beomgyu off mid-sentence as he headed toward his bedroom.
“Wha—wait!” Beomgyu’s indignant voice rang out.
Taehyun paused in the doorway, smirking. “What? You just said you’d sleep on the couch. Problem?”
Beomgyu hesitated, clearly not expecting Taehyun to give in so quickly. His mouth opened and closed a few times before he crossed his arms, leaning against the back of the couch. “I... I didn’t mean it!”
Taehyun sighed, rubbing his temples. “Of course you didn’t. Look, just take the bed, Beomgyu. It’s not a big deal.”
But Beomgyu’s eyes narrowed, a mischievous glint lighting up his face. “No. I’ve changed my mind. We will share the bed.”
Taehyun froze, his expression instantly morphing into one of horror. “What? No! Absolutely not!”
“Why not?” Beomgyu asked, feigning innocence. “You’ll be more comfortable.”
“I’m not sharing a bed with you,” Taehyun deadpanned.
Beomgyu gasped, clutching his chest. “Are you implying I am not good enough to share your sacred sleeping quarters?”
“Yes,” Taehyun replied flatly.
“Cruel,” Beomgyu muttered, shaking his head as though Taehyun had deeply wronged him. “Fine. I’ll sleep on the couch again.”
Taehyun sighed in relief, but before he could retreat to his room, Beomgyu called out, “But only if you tuck me in!”
Taehyun groaned, turning back to glare at him. “You’re insufferable.”
“And you’re far too serious,” Beomgyu shot back, flopping dramatically onto the couch like it was a royal throne. “Now, come along. I require fluffing of the pillows.”
“You’re lucky I don’t throw you out of the apartment,” Taehyun muttered, stomping over to toss a blanket at Beomgyu.
Beomgyu caught the blanket, his grin widening as he watched Taehyun’s annoyed expression. “You know,” he said, his voice softer now, “you could always sleep here too. I wouldn’t mind.”
Taehyun rolled his eyes but felt his cheeks warm. “Goodnight, Beomgyu.”
“Goodnight, Taehyun,” Beomgyu called out, his voice sing-song and teasing. As Taehyun retreated to the bedroom, Beomgyu smirked, already plotting how to annoy him again tomorrow.
The next day, when Taehyun gets ready for work, he contemplates whether to bring Beomgyu along to work or leave him in his apartment. But since he doesn't trust Beomgyu enough with his apartment, bringing him along is the best option.
When they both arrived at Taehyun's workplace with more grumbling from Beomgyu by waking him up so early in the morning, he decided to ignore the other and went to arrange flowers and the shop.
A few minutes more, the bell above the flower shop door jingled softly as Hueningkai walked in, rubbing his hands together to ward off the cold. His eyes immediately landed on Taehyun, who was arranging a fresh batch of daisies.
“Morning!” Hueningkai chirped, strolling over to the counter. “Glad you're feeling better now, Taehyunie. I got worried when you called in sick yesterday because that is so not you.”
Taehyun just rolled his eyes, focusing on his task. If only Hueningkai knew what he'd been through yesterday. “Yeah, yeah. Thanks.”
Before Hueningkai could respond, a loud gasp echoed through the shop. Both of them turned to see Beomgyu crouched near a display of tulips, staring at them with wide, sparkling eyes as if he’d just discovered buried treasure.
“Taehyun!” Beomgyu called out, his voice filled with wonder. “These... these flowers are arranged like soldiers standing in formation! Such discipline in their posture! Are they trained?”
Hueningkai blinked, then turned back to Taehyun. “And... who’s that?”
Taehyun groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “That’s Beomgyu. Don’t ask.”
“Too late. I’m already asking,” Hueningkai said, smirking. “What’s his deal? Is he your... you know... boyfriend?”
“What? No!” Taehyun hissed, his cheeks heating. “He’s just... staying with me for now. He’s... not from around here.”
“Clearly,” Hueningkai said, watching as Beomgyu moved on to a pot of sunflowers, his face lighting up like a child seeing candy for the first time.
Beomgyu turned to Taehyun again, holding up a sunflower. “Taehyun, what is this glorious golden wheel? Does it generate light for your world?”
Taehyun pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering under his breath before shouting back, “It’s just a sunflower, Beomgyu! A flower.”
Beomgyu tilted his head, unconvinced. “A ‘sunflower,’ you say? Such simplicity for something so magnificent...” He trailed off, turning back to the sunflower with a reverence that made Hueningkai stifle a laugh.
“So,” Hueningkai whispered, leaning on the counter, “you’re telling me you brought home a flower-obsessed alien?”
“He’s not an alien!” Taehyun snapped. “He’s... a prince. From another realm. And he’s—ugh, it’s a long story, okay?”
Hueningkai’s jaw dropped. “A prince? Oh, this is golden. Does he, like, sleep in a crown? Or command armies of talking squirrels?”
Taehyun glared at him. “He’s not that ridiculous. He’s just... weird. And he keeps asking the most absurd questions about everything.”
Beomgyu wandered over to the counter, holding a small potted cactus. He placed it down carefully, staring at it like it might come alive at any moment. “Taehyun, this one... it bristles with hostility. Is it a warrior of your world?”
“It’s a cactus,” Taehyun said flatly.
Beomgyu nodded sagely. “A cactus. A plant of great fortitude. I respect it.”
Hueningkai was practically shaking with laughter now. “Oh, he’s a keeper. You’ve gotta tell me everything.”
Taehyun groaned, slumping against the counter. “There’s nothing to tell. He just... showed up, and now I’m stuck with him. He doesn’t even know what a phone is, Kai. Do you have any idea how hard it is to explain everything to someone who acts like flowers are magical relics?”
“Excuse me,” Beomgyu interjected, his tone haughty. “Flowers are magical relics. They embody life and beauty, unmatched in their ability to captivate the soul.”
Hueningkai snorted. “Okay, I officially love him. You should definitely keep him around.”
Taehyun shot him a look. “I hate you.”
Beomgyu, oblivious to the teasing, smiled proudly and turned back to the flowers, muttering something about their “unyielding charm.”
As Hueningkai continued to pepper Taehyun with questions, Beomgyu roamed the shop like an explorer in a foreign land, pausing every few moments to ask Taehyun about yet another plant. By the time the day ended, Taehyun’s patience was hanging by a thread, but Hueningkai seemed thoroughly entertained—and maybe a little smitten with the chaos Beomgyu brought to Taehyun’s life.
------
As the days passed with Beomgyu started adapting the modern world with Taehyun constantly teaching him things and how it works, and Taehyun trusted Beomgyu enough to leave him on his own.
Come with it is how Taehyun couldn’t deny that something was changing in Beomgyu. It wasn’t as obvious at first, just a few small gestures that seemed to come out of nowhere. Beomgyu, who once couldn’t care less about the mundane details of human life, was suddenly paying attention. He started showing up at the flower shop during Taehyun's shifts, sometimes just standing at the counter, observing the flowers with that intense gaze of his. Other times, he would pop in with some random object in hand, offering it with the same earnestness he had when he'd given Taehyun a tiny flower from the park one morning.
"This reminded me of you," Beomgyu had said the first time, holding up a colorful stone he’d found on the sidewalk. "It’s the same shade as your eyes, I think."
Taehyun didn’t know how to respond. It wasn’t exactly a compliment he was used to, but something about the way Beomgyu said it made him blush anyway.
And it didn’t stop there. Beomgyu seemed to have taken it upon himself to make Taehyun's days easier. He would show up with takeout lunches from the diner they had eaten at that first time—he even started picking up snacks from there, casually mentioning, "I thought you might like these." Sometimes, he'd just appear with a mysterious bag in hand, declaring, "I saw these and thought of you."
It was sweet, sure, but Taehyun wasn’t sure what to make of it. Beomgyu was a prince—quite literally—and the things he said were often bizarrely charming, but still... absurd. Compliments that made Taehyun laugh awkwardly, like, "You’re like the sun on a rainy day, Taehyun. Bright, but a little too much to look at directly," or "You're like the moon, always so quiet, but there's something so... captivating about you."
What was he even supposed to say to that? Every time Beomgyu dropped a strange, yet sweet remark, Taehyun felt like he was caught in some bizarre daydream, unsure if he should laugh it off or blush. Sometimes, when Beomgyu was particularly bold, he’d drop one of those compliments in front of Hueningkai whenever he visited Taehyun to his workplace, who’d immediately start teasing Taehyun with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.
"I see someone has a special admirer," Kai would say, nudging Taehyun with his elbow, which only made him want to sink into the floor in embarrassment.
"Stop," Taehyun would mutter, trying to avoid eye contact with both of them. The more Beomgyu showed up at the flower shop, the more Taehyun found himself tangled in this confusing web of his own feelings. He was starting to look forward to seeing Beomgyu, even though it often left him feeling flustered and confused.
One afternoon, as Beomgyu walked into the shop with yet another small trinket in his hand, Taehyun found himself sighing in frustration. "What now?" he asked, trying to sound annoyed but failing miserably.
Beomgyu beamed at him, holding up a tiny silver keychain with a butterfly on it. "I saw this, and it made me think of you," he said, his voice light and happy. "It’s delicate, but it stands out. Like you."
Taehyun blinked at him, flustered. "Beomgyu, what... are you doing?"
Beomgyu just shrugged nonchalantly, a playful gleam in his eyes. "I’m just letting you know you’re special, Taehyun. Can’t let a guy forget that."
Taehyun’s heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, he stood there, staring at Beomgyu as if the words had completely caught him off guard. He wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do with all of this attention—especially with Hueningkai lurking in the background, practically wiggling his eyebrows at him, clearly enjoying his discomfort.
"I... uh, I don’t know what to say," Taehyun finally muttered, avoiding Beomgyu's eyes.
"You don’t have to say anything," Beomgyu replied, his voice softening. "I just thought you should know."
It was moments like these that made Taehyun realize that he had no idea how to handle this situation. He wasn’t sure if Beomgyu was just being overly kind or if there was something more to his actions.
He glanced up at Beomgyu, meeting his eyes for a moment longer than usual, before quickly looking away. "Thanks, Beomgyu," he said quietly, his heart racing.
Beomgyu’s grin widened, and Taehyun felt that familiar warmth fill his chest. Despite everything—the confusion, the absurd compliments, the strange gifts—Taehyun couldn’t help but feel like maybe, he was starting to understand Beomgyu better than he thought.
But with this came the realization of Beomgyu needing to go back to his original realm. So he takes it upon himself to find a way to send Beomgyu back to his kingdom.
“Portal to another realm,” Taehyun muttered, typing the words into the search bar. Unsurprisingly, the results were a mix of fantasy novels, conspiracy theories, and overly dramatic blogs. He sighed, scrolling aimlessly through the pages. “This is ridiculous...”
“Taehyun!” Beomgyu’s voice rang out, followed by the sound of him tripping over something. “Why does this rectangular artifact control moving images on your magic screen? It’s sorcery!”
“It’s not sorcery; it’s a remote,” Taehyun called back, not bothering to look up.
Beomgyu appeared in the doorway, holding the remote like it was a fragile treasure. His brows furrowed as he observed Taehyun. “You’ve been staring at that glowing box for hours. What could possibly be so fascinating?”
Taehyun hesitated, glancing up at him. Beomgyu was dressed in oversized sweatshirts and a pair of shorts that he bought to him when he realized that Beomgyu has no other clothes with him. It looked hilariously out of place on someone who usually carried himself with regal poise. Yet, despite the odd outfit, there was an undeniable warmth in his presence that Taehyun had grown far too used to.
“I’m trying to find a way to send you back,” Taehyun admitted, his voice quiet.
Beomgyu froze, his playful demeanor vanishing in an instant. “Back?”
“Yeah,” Taehyun said, meeting his gaze. “You’ve got a family, a kingdom, and responsibilities. I can’t keep you here forever, no matter how much—” He stopped himself, his chest tightening. “No matter how much you’re getting used to this world."
Beomgyu stared at him, his expression unreadable. For a moment, Taehyun thought he might argue, but instead, Beomgyu stepped closer, placing the remote on the table.
“And what if I don’t wish to return?” Beomgyu said softly, his voice carrying a weight Taehyun wasn’t prepared for.
Taehyun swallowed hard. “You don’t mean that. You’re a prince, Beomgyu. Your kingdom needs you. Your family needs you.”
Beomgyu’s lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes held a sadness Taehyun couldn’t ignore. “But what if I need this?” He gestured around the apartment. “What if I need... you?”
Taehyun’s breath hitched, his heart thudding painfully against his ribs. He tore his gaze away, forcing himself to focus on the laptop screen. “You can’t just abandon everything for... for this life. It’s not fair to your people.”
Beomgyu sighed, pulling out the chair across from Taehyun and sitting down. “You speak as though the decision lies entirely with me. My realm is my duty, yes. But Taehyun...” He leaned forward, his voice softening. “Do you truly wish for me to leave?”
Taehyun opened his mouth to respond but found himself at a loss for words. Did he? The thought of Beomgyu leaving made his chest ache, but the thought of keeping him here, away from everything he was meant for, felt just as wrong.
“You don’t belong here,” Taehyun said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.
Beomgyu tilted his head, his gaze searching Taehyun’s face. “And yet, I feel more at home here than I ever have in the grand halls of my kingdom.”
The words hit Taehyun harder than he wanted to admit. He closed his laptop with a soft thud, leaning back in his chair. “It doesn’t matter what I want, Beomgyu. You have a life to return to. And I...” He hesitated, then forced a small smile. “I’ll be fine.”
Taehyun pulled his hand away, standing abruptly. “I’m just doing what’s right. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to finish this research.” He grabbed his laptop and disappeared into his room before Beomgyu could say another word.
As he shut the door behind him, Taehyun leaned against it, his eyes burning with unshed tears. He knew he was doing the right thing, but it didn’t make it any easier.
After that night, Beomgyu seems to be in a lot of thinking and often spaced out which Taehyun noticed. But he just let him be, he doesn't want anything to form between them when it's clear that Beomgyu needs to return.
One evening where it had settled into a quiet stillness when Taehyun locked the flower shop doors and turned to head home. Hueningkai had already gone, and the owner had left hours ago, leaving Taehyun to finish up the little tasks that were left.
As he was about to head out, something strange caught his eye—a familiar bright light, shining through the alley just beside the shop. His heart skipped a beat, the sudden flash reminding him of that otherworldly moment when Beomgyu had stumbled into their world.
"Not again..." Taehyun muttered under his breath, panic creeping in as he glanced toward the alley, wondering if Beomgyu had somehow found his way back—though that didn’t make sense. Wasn’t Beomgyu still here? Was this something else?
His curiosity pushed him forward, heart pounding with both dread and hope. He made his way cautiously to the alley, his footsteps quickening when he saw it—the portal.
It was the same. Bright, swirling, and opening into an expanse of unfamiliar stars. Taehyun’s breath hitched, but as he took a few more steps into the alley, his eyes locked onto a figure emerging from the light.
The person looked confused, scanning the area as if they were unfamiliar with their surroundings. His posture was regal—straight-backed, with a kind of deliberate grace. But it was the sight of the bright phoenix belt around his waist that caught Taehyun's attention, and instinctively, he thought, from Beomgyu's kingdom?
The figure turned slowly as Taehyun approached, and when their eyes met, Taehyun felt a chill rush through him. The man raised a sword toward him, and Taehyun froze, terror settling in his chest.
“Who are you?” the man demanded, his voice rich with authority and that same foreign accent Taehyun had heard from Beomgyu. “Have you seen a man with the same crest as this?” He asked, lifting his hand to let Taehyun see the crest he's holding.
Taehyun's heart was hammering in his chest. He swallowed hard, terrified but also desperate to not make the situation worse. “I'm T-Taehyun... I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he stammered, his hands raised in a gesture of peace. “I’m just—just someone who works here. I... uh, don’t know who you’re looking for.”
The man’s eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on the sword. “Then you are not of the kingdom?”
“N-no, I’m not,” Taehyun stuttered, feeling his stomach twist. He had no idea what was going on, but one thing was clear—he was in deep trouble. This man wasn’t just some stranger; he was connected to Beomgyu, and Taehyun had no idea if he was friend or foe.
The figure’s expression softened slightly, though his stance remained tense. “I see. Forgive my actions.” He lowered the sword slowly. “I am Choi Soobin, cousin of Choi Beomgyu. He is the one I seek. His duties await him, and he must return.”
Taehyun blinked, the pieces slowly clicking together. Beomgyu had a cousin, and this was him? And—duties? “Wait, Beomgyu?” Taehyun’s mind raced. “You’re looking for Beomgyu? He’s… he’s here.”
Soobin nodded, still scrutinizing Taehyun with an unreadable expression. “I must find him. It is urgent. Where is he?”
Taehyun, still processing the situation, let out a slow breath. He felt the weight of the conversation and the rising tension, but he had no idea how to explain the chaos that had unfolded since Beomgyu arrived. Finally, he made a decision. “I can take you to him,” Taehyun said. “But, uh, please put the sword down. We don’t really do… sword fights where I’m from.”
Soobin hesitated, his gaze flickering toward the sword before he slowly sheathed it, though his eyes still held that focused intensity. “Lead the way,” he said shortly.
Taehyun, heart still racing but relieved, nodded and began walking back to his apartment, keeping an eye on Soobin, who followed closely behind, his presence looming in the dark alley.
When they reached Taehyun’s apartment, he pushed the door open and called out, “Beomgyu, you’ve got company!”
From the couch, Beomgyu shot up, a piece of toast hanging from his mouth. He froze when he saw Soobin, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Soobin?!”
Soobin’s face lit up in recognition, though it quickly turned into a scowl. “Beomgyu! What in the name of our ancestors are you wearing?”
Beomgyu glanced down at his hoodie and sweatpants, then back at Soobin. “Uh... clothes?”
“Commoner clothes,” Soobin said, his tone filled with distaste. “Is this how you’ve been living? In... squalor?”
Beomgyu rolled his eyes, stepping closer. “It’s not squalor. It’s... comfortable. And you can stop looking at Taehyun’s place like it’s going to infect you with something.”
Taehyun crossed his arms, leaning against the wall as he watched the two cousins interact. “He’s been adjusting pretty well, actually. Though he still has no idea how a phone works.”
“Phones?” Soobin echoed, his confusion mirroring Beomgyu’s when he first arrived.
“I’ll explain later,” Beomgyu said quickly, waving his hand dismissively. “What are you doing here, Soobin? Did Father send you?”
“Yes,” Soobin said, his expression softening slightly. “He’s worried about you. We all are. You disappeared without a word and left all of your duties to live in this establishment.”
Beomgyu’s jaw tightened, and he looked away, avoiding both Soobin’s and Taehyun’s eyes. “I’m not ready yet.”
“Soobin,” Taehyun interjected, surprising himself with the firmness in his voice. “Why don’t you sit down? You’ve traveled a long way, and it’s probably best if we talk this out calmly.”
Soobin hesitated, glancing at Beomgyu, who gave a slight nod. With a sigh, Soobin sat down on the armchair, his regal posture somehow making the modest furniture look like a throne.
Taehyun moved to the kitchen, grabbing three glasses of water. As he handed one to Soobin, he caught Beomgyu’s eye. There was a flicker of gratitude in his expression, but also something deeper—something that made Taehyun’s chest tighten.
“So,” Taehyun said, breaking the silence as he sat on the couch beside Beomgyu. “Let’s hear it. What’s the plan?”
Soobin’s gaze shifted between them, his brows furrowing slightly. “The plan, Taehyun, is to bring Beomgyu back where he belongs.”
Taehyun’s grip on his glass tightened, but he forced himself to stay calm. “And what if he doesn’t want to go?”
Soobin looked at Beomgyu, his expression unreadable. “Then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
The air in the apartment became thick with tension.
“So that’s it?” Beomgyu’s voice was sharp, laced with disbelief. “You’re threatening me now?”
Soobin didn’t flinch. His posture was as straight as a blade, and his eyes locked onto Beomgyu’s with unyielding resolve. “It’s not a threat, Beomgyu. It’s reality. If you don’t return, your father will send others to retrieve you—and they won’t care who gets caught in the crossfire.”
Taehyun blinked, startled. “Wait. What does that mean? Who else would get involved?”
Beomgyu’s head snapped toward Soobin, his voice rising. “You wouldn’t. You wouldn’t dare drag Taehyun into this.”
Soobin’s gaze shifted to Taehyun, softening just slightly, but the edge in his tone remained. “It’s not me you have to worry about. Do you think your father won’t look into why you’ve been here so long? Who you’ve been spending your time with? If he even suspects Taehyun has influenced your decision, he’ll use him against you. You know how ruthless he can be.”
Beomgyu’s fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. “Taehyun has nothing to do with this!”
“Beomgyu—” Taehyun started, his voice hesitant.
“No,” Beomgyu cut him off, his voice trembling with barely restrained anger. “This isn’t fair. Taehyun didn’t ask for any of this.”
“And neither did the kingdom,” Soobin shot back, his tone sharpening. “You’re the heir, Beomgyu. Whether you like it or not, you have responsibilities. Running away doesn’t make them disappear—it only makes things worse for everyone else. If you don’t go back and sort this out, you’ll drag him down with you.”
The room fell silent, the weight of Soobin’s words settling heavily over all three of them. Taehyun’s throat felt dry, his heart pounding in his chest. He didn’t want to be the reason Beomgyu was forced into something he didn’t want.
Beomgyu’s shoulders slumped, his anger melting into something quieter, more vulnerable. “So what’s the plan, then?” he asked bitterly. “I go back, do what Father wants, and what? I stay there forever, pretending this life never happened?”
“That’s up to you,” Soobin said, his voice softening. “But first, you have to return. If you don’t, Taehyun will never be safe.”
Taehyun finally stood, his voice breaking through the tense silence. “Beomgyu... maybe you should go.”
Beomgyu turned to him, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Taehyun—”
“No, listen,” Taehyun interrupted, forcing himself to meet Beomgyu’s gaze despite the ache in his chest. “He’s right. You have a duty to your kingdom, to your family. And if staying here puts me or anyone in danger...” He swallowed hard, his voice trembling.
Beomgyu stared at Taehyun, something unspoken between them. Taehyun wasn’t sure what it was, but his chest tightened at the sight. Whatever was happening, Beomgyu was caught between two worlds—one that called for him to return, and one that seemed to be slowly pulling him in.
“But whatever you decide, Beomgyu... I’ll be here.” Taehyun said, getting bold and holding Beomgyu's hand which was immediately squeezed by the latter.
For a brief moment, Beomgyu’s eyes flickered with something—gratitude, or perhaps something deeper. But before Taehyun could read too much into it, Beomgyu’s shoulders squared.
“Fine, let’s go,” Beomgyu said to Soobin, his voice steady despite the conflict swirling within him. “But don’t expect me to make it easy.”
They both pull away with each other when Soobin stands up, heading to the door. "Thank you for your service and taking care of Beomgyu, Taehyun. The kingdom of Edeloria will be forever grateful to you."
Taehyun forced a smile not knowing what to reply because as much as he wanted to deny, there's still a part of him that wanted to be selfish and keep Beomgyu. But he can't. And as Beomgyu and Soobin finally left, Taehyun stood in the silence of his apartment, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. The door clicked shut behind him, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Taehyun was truly alone. Beomgyu didn't even say his farewell or if he's going back.
The apartment felt even smaller now. The sound of his own breathing seemed louder, almost too loud. He stared out of the window at the night sky, the city lights stretching out before him, and the loneliness settled in deeper. It wasn’t the same, and it never would be.
In the years of living here, Taehyun never realized how alone he’d been. How much he’d shut himself off from everything around him. But now, with Beomgyu gone, he couldn’t ignore it anymore. The silence was deafening.
------
The days passed with agonizing slowness, each one bleeding into the next. Taehyun busied himself at the flower shop, filling orders, arranging bouquets, and helping customers choose the perfect flowers for their loved ones. To anyone who saw him, he looked the same—efficient, composed, and unshaken. But inside, a storm raged.
Every evening, after the shop closed and the streets grew quiet, Taehyun found himself sitting by the window in his apartment. The small butterfly-shaped trinket Beomgyu had gifted him were neatly arranged on the sill. Their delicate designs glimmered faintly under the light of the streetlamp outside, and Taehyun’s fingers often traced their intricate details.
“Idiot,” he muttered under his breath, though he wasn’t sure if he meant Beomgyu or himself.
Beomgyu hadn’t promised to return, and Taehyun had no right to expect him to. But no matter how much he told himself that Beomgyu was probably busy with royal duties, a small, stubborn part of him clung to hope.
Every time he glanced at the butterfly trinket, memories flooded back—Beomgyu’s wide-eyed wonder as he explored the flower shop, his annoying but endearing questions about how things worked in this world, the way he’d laugh at his own bad jokes, and, most of all, the way he’d look at Taehyun with that soft, almost reverent gaze.
He sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Get it together,” he told himself. “He’s a prince, for crying out loud. He has a kingdom to run. You’re just... nobody.”
But the words felt hollow, even to him.
He picked up the trinket, a small butterfly with delicate wings that seemed almost ready to flutter. Beomgyu had insisted it was a charm for good luck, and though Taehyun didn’t believe in such things, he couldn’t bring himself to part with it. It was the only tangible reminder he had of the prince.
The truth was, he didn’t just miss Beomgyu’s presence; he missed the version of himself he’d become when Beomgyu was around. For the first time in years, he’d allowed himself to hope, to feel something more than the monotony of his daily life. And now that Beomgyu is gone, everything feels dull again.
But even as he tried to push Beomgyu out of his mind, Taehyun found himself holding onto that slim chance. The chance that one day, Beomgyu might walk through the door again, with his infuriating smirk and his endless curiosity.
And if that day ever came, Taehyun promised himself, he wouldn’t hold back. He’d tell Beomgyu everything—how much he missed him, how much he meant to him, and how, against all odds, he’d fallen in love with the prince who didn’t belong to his world.
-----
One day when Taehyun is alone at the shop since Hueningkai has some errands to run, he couldn't help but let his mind wander to Beomgyu and how the prince is doing right now.
It was a rainy day and Taehyun wondered if it was also raining in Beomgyu's realm. He sighed, he just missed him.
The rain tapped softly against the windows of the flower shop, filling the quiet space with a soothing rhythm. Taehyun sat behind the counter, arranging a bouquet with mechanical precision. The vibrant colors of the flowers couldn’t brighten his mood; they only served as a stark contrast to the dull ache that had settled in his chest.
A month. It had been a whole month, and there was still no sign of Beomgyu. No portals, no glowing lights, no sarcastic quips or infuriating questions about his world.
He’d held onto hope for so long, but it was starting to feel like a fool’s errand. Maybe Beomgyu had returned to his duties, forgotten about the strange human world he’d stumbled into, and moved on. Taehyun told himself it was for the best, even as the weight of unspoken feelings pressed heavily on his heart.
The doorbell chimed softly, signaling someone entering the shop. Taehyun barely glanced up, assuming it was another customer seeking refuge from the rain. “Welcome. Let me know if you need help,” he said, his voice devoid of its usual warmth.
“Taehyun.”
The sound of his name froze him in place. It wasn’t the soft, hesitant tone of a customer. It was familiar—velvety and rich, with a hint of that regal accent Taehyun had heard so many times in his dreams.
He looked up, and his breath caught in his throat.
There, standing in the doorway, was Beomgyu. His usually wild hair was slightly damp from the rain, and he was dressed in modern clothes—jeans, a simple white tee and flannel—but his presence was anything but ordinary. In his hands, he held a glowing flower that seemed to pulse with a soft, ethereal light, its petals shimmering like a tiny galaxy. In his other hand was a box, ornate and gilded, the kind that only royalty would own.
But it wasn’t the flower or the box that made Taehyun’s knees weaken—it was Beomgyu’s expression. His dark eyes glistened with unshed tears, and his lips curled into a small, tender smile.
“Taehyun,” Beomgyu repeated, his voice thick with emotion.
Taehyun’s vision blurred as tears filled his eyes. All the pain and longing of the past month came crashing down on him, and before he knew it, he was sobbing. His legs moved on their own, carrying him toward Beomgyu.
“You—” Taehyun choked out between sobs. “You’re really here. I thought—I thought you’d never—”
Beomgyu dropped the flower and the box gently onto the counter and closed the distance between them in a few quick strides. His arms opened just as Taehyun stumbled into him, clutching at his flannel as if afraid he might disappear.
“I’m here,” Beomgyu whispered, his voice trembling as he wrapped his arms tightly around Taehyun. “I’m so sorry it took me so long, but I’m here now.”
Taehyun buried his face in Beomgyu’s chest, his tears soaking into the soft fabric. “You idiot,” he muttered shakily. “I waited. I waited for so long. I thought I’d never get to tell you—”
Beomgyu pulled back just enough to cup Taehyun’s face, his thumbs brushing away the tears that streaked down his cheeks. His smile was still there, soft and fond, but his own tears had started to fall. “Tell me now,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “I’m here, Taehyun. Say what you need to.”
Taehyun let out a shaky laugh, tears still spilling from his eyes. “I missed you, Beomgyu. I missed you so much it hurt. And I—” He hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest. “I love you. I didn’t realize it at first, but I do. I love you, and I hated not knowing if I’d ever see you again.”
Beomgyu’s teary smile widened into a grin. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear that,” he said, his voice breaking slightly. “I love you too, Taehyun. I loved you before I even knew what love felt like. And I’m not leaving you again.”
Before Taehyun could respond, Beomgyu leaned down, pressing his forehead against Taehyun’s. His eyes searched Taehyun’s as if committing every detail to memory.
“I brought these,” Beomgyu said softly, gesturing toward the glowing flower and the ornate box. “The flower is from my realm—a symbol of eternal devotion. And this...” He opened the box, revealing a delicate necklace with a pendant shaped like a phoenix, its wings encrusted with tiny gemstones. “In my world, it’s a promise. To love, to protect, and to cherish the one you give it to.”
Taehyun’s tears started anew as Beomgyu carefully placed the necklace around his neck. “You didn’t have to,” Taehyun murmured, his voice trembling.
“I did,” Beomgyu replied, his hands lingering on the pendant. “Because I want you to know I mean every word.”
Taehyun pulled him back into a tight embrace, his heart overflowing with emotions he could no longer hold back. “You better not leave again,” he whispered.
The warmth of Beomgyu’s embrace grounded Taehyun, but his mind raced with doubts, uncertainties clashing with the overwhelming relief of seeing him again. He pulled back slightly, just enough to meet Beomgyu’s gaze. His voice, though soft, carried a weight that made Beomgyu pause.
“Do you really mean it?” Taehyun asked, his hands clutching at Beomgyu’s sweater as if afraid of the answer. “You’re staying here? For good?”
Beomgyu’s brows furrowed in confusion. “Of course I mean it. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t—”
“No, you don’t understand.” Taehyun shook his head, his grip tightening. “I’m just… I’m nobody, Beomgyu. I’m not from some royal family. I don’t have a title or a grand life. You’re a prince—an heir to a throne. Your world needs you. How can you just leave all of that behind for me?”
Beomgyu’s expression softened, his eyes glistening as he reached up to gently cup Taehyun’s face. “Taehyun,” he said, his tone steady yet tender, “you’re not nobody. You’re the person who showed me what it’s like to be seen—not as a prince, but as me. You’re the person who made me laugh when I felt like a stranger in this world, who cared about me even when I was insufferable. You’re the person I love.”
Taehyun blinked back fresh tears, his voice barely above a whisper. “But what about your kingdom? What happened after you left?”
Beomgyu exhaled, his thumb tracing gentle circles on Taehyun’s cheek. “When Soobin dragged me back, things were a mess. My absence caused more chaos than I expected—rival houses tried to seize power, my parents were furious, and Soobin wouldn’t stop nagging me about my responsibilities. I spent weeks sorting it all out, making sure everything was stable again.”
“And now?” Taehyun pressed, his eyes searching Beomgyu’s. “Is everything really okay? Are you sure you’re not running away from your duties?”
Beomgyu smiled softly, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “I’m not running away. I made arrangements before I left this time. My parents understand that I can’t live my life just for the crown. Soobin’s overseeing things until I figure out what’s next, and honestly? He’s better at it than I ever was.”
Taehyun’s lips parted in disbelief. “So you… you’re really here for me?”
“For you,” Beomgyu confirmed, his voice firm yet filled with affection. “And for me. I love my kingdom, but I realized that my world doesn’t feel complete without you in it.”
Taehyun bit his lip, the weight of Beomgyu’s words settling over him. “But how did you even get back here? I thought the portal was a one-time thing.”
Beomgyu chuckled, a glint of humor returning to his gaze. “The same way Soobin did. Turns out, the portal’s tied to intent and emotion—cheesy, I know. Soobin showed me how to reopen it. All I had to do was focus on where I wanted to be, and I ended up here.” He paused, his smile turning sheepish. “Although it did take me a few tries. I might’ve accidentally opened a portal to the wrong place once or twice.”
Taehyun couldn’t help but laugh at the image of Beomgyu stumbling through unfamiliar realms. “You’re unbelievable.”
“I am,” Beomgyu agreed with a smirk, “but I’m your unbelievable.”
Taehyun rolled his eyes, but the warmth in his chest was undeniable. “You’re really staying?” he asked one last time, his voice quieter, almost afraid to hope.
Beomgyu leaned closer, their foreheads nearly touching. “I’m staying,” he whispered. "For you.”
Taehyun closed the gap between them again, wrapping his arms tightly around Beomgyu’s neck. “You’re such an idiot,” he murmured, his voice cracking. “But you’re my idiot.”
Beomgyu laughed softly, his arms encircling Taehyun’s waist. “And you’re my stubborn, infuriating florist,” he replied, his tone laced with fondness.
Their gazes locked, and for a moment, the world around them faded. Beomgyu’s eyes softened as he leaned in, capturing Taehyun’s lips in a kiss that was as tender as it was intense.
Taehyun melted into it, his hands threading through Beomgyu’s hair as months of longing and unspoken emotions poured into the kiss. It was desperate and sweet, a silent promise of the love they both had but been too afraid to voice before.
When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, their breaths mingling. Beomgyu smiled, his voice barely above a whisper. “I love you, Taehyun. And I’m never letting you go again.”
Taehyun’s heart swelled, his lips curving into a small, shy smile. “I love you too, Beomgyu. And I’m holding you to that promise.”
The rain outside continued to fall, but inside the flower shop, the world felt a little brighter.
Afterwards:
After Beomgyu left his kingdom to stay in Taehyun’s realm, life took on a blend of adjustment and quiet bliss for the two of them. Beomgyu initially struggled to adapt to the mundane, responsibility-free lifestyle. For someone used to royal duties, political intrigues, and commanding attention, the simplicity of Taehyun’s world felt like both a relief and a challenge.
Determined to find purpose in his new life, Beomgyu discovered an unexpected passion for painting. What started as a way to pass the time in Taehyun's small apartment quickly turned into something more. With Taehyun’s encouragement, he began experimenting with modern techniques, often inspired by the flowers in Taehyun’s shop or the bustling life of the town. Taehyun, ever the practical one, suggested Beomgyu try selling his art, and to both their surprise, his unique style—vivid, almost ethereal depictions of both realms—quickly garnered attention.
Beomgyu soon became a part-time artist, selling his work at local galleries and online. Though he still carried himself with the air of someone who once held great power, he adapted well to his new role, thriving on the freedom it gave him. Taehyun couldn’t help but feel proud, especially when Beomgyu’s pieces gained recognition, with some customers even comparing his work to legendary artists.
Their life together was far from dull. Beomgyu’s antics, whether attempting to "improve" Taehyun’s cooking or creating overly dramatic reenactments of his life as a prince for Hueningkai’s amusement, kept things lively. Taehyun, though still the reserved and practical one, found himself more open, more willing to embrace the unexpected chaos Beomgyu brought into his world.
Eventually, Beomgyu and Taehyun decided to move into a new apartment together. Taehyun’s old place, while filled with memories, was far too small and cramped for two people—especially with Beomgyu’s growing collection of painting supplies, canvases, and his insatiable need to rearrange furniture to create his “perfect creative space.”
Their new apartment wasn’t extravagant but was a significant upgrade. It had plenty of natural light for Beomgyu’s painting and a cozy, modern kitchen where Taehyun could experiment with recipes (often with Beomgyu taste-testing and dramatically critiquing every dish). The space felt like a blend of both their personalities—practical and organized in some areas thanks to Taehyun, but vibrant and full of life due to Beomgyu’s touches, like his paintings displayed on the walls and small trinkets he’d brought from his realm.
They spent their first weeks in the new apartment arguing playfully over furniture placement, colors, and decorations. Taehyun insisted on keeping things minimal, while Beomgyu pushed for more flair, even attempting to smuggle in a gold-framed mirror reminiscent of his royal days. Despite their differences, they compromised, creating a home that felt uniquely theirs.
They kept a routine of working together in the flower shop during weekends, where Beomgyu enthusiastically renamed every flower with absurd titles like “Phoenix’s Grace” or “Knight’s Farewell.” Despite Taehyun’s eye rolls, he secretly loved how Beomgyu brought a spark of life into the otherwise quiet shop.
Evenings were their sanctuary. Beomgyu often painted while Taehyun read or worked on shop plans. Sometimes they would sit on the balcony, sharing quiet conversations under the stars. On particularly nostalgic nights, Beomgyu would talk about his kingdom—not with regret but with fondness—sharing stories of his upbringing, his family, and the life he left behind.
Though their lives were no fairy tale, they made their own version of one, rooted in love, trust, and a willingness to embrace each other’s flaws. Beomgyu’s decision to stay was no longer just about love; it was about building a life worth living, side by side with Taehyun.