Archive of Our Own

1.

The royal palace is one of the most secure places in Korea. The impressive building has been fortified and guarded for hundreds of years together with its complex build and many twists and turns, guards stationed at every perimeter so no one gets in or out without being seen.

That being said, the royal family is always safely inside and watched at all times– the prince is not supposed to be limping in the courtyard. Out in the open. At night.

Changbin frowns from his stationed post at the west end wall, squinting in the dark– what the fuck? is that actually him?

The person limps closer, and his suspicions immediately get confirmed; he'd recognize prince Hwang Hyunjin in the darkest of nights, although he'd never admit to how many hours he'd spent staring at the prince while they were both doing their respective duties.

His long hair is done up in a half ponytail, strands framing his face that contorts with every step. He's wearing a brown vest over white silk, black pants caged with mud and his cape torn and draping off his shoulders– he falters with every step, clearly in pain.

That's… he's not supposed to be in pain. He's not even supposed to be out, should Changbin alert the others? Maybe something bad happened, was someone after the prince?

Before he can think further Hyunjin suddenly freezes, startling like a deer in headlights when he's close enough to spot Changbin. His face flits through shock to panic to confusion back to panic so fast it's almost comical, and Changbin would've laughed if he wasn't utterly confused himself right now.

"Your highness–"

"What the fuck?" Hyunjin blurts, and the use of language immediately has Changbin rearing back. "Normally no one is at the west end wall– who put you here?"

"…The commanding knight?"

"Why? You're not supposed to be here!"

Changbin knits his eyebrows, feeling a little lost. "Your highness, if I may– I don't think you're supposed to be here either."

He didn't mean for it to sound pointed but the prince immediately colors a little red, spluttering. "Well I– I'm not supposed to, but–" His arms flail and it's honestly a little endearing, the flush high on his cheeks highlighting him prettily even in the dark. "I just wanted to go out… please don't tell my parents." He pleads, eyes wide.

Isn't that his job? Changbin fishmouths a little at the request, but Hyunjin grows more desperate with each passing second– his eyes are so brown and so pleading as he fiddles with his hands, twisting his rings and staring at Changbin anxiously.

"Can you do that for me, pretty please? They'd get really mad if they knew– but I just need my space, sometimes." He cocks his head, with a pout, and maybe Changbin isn't as strong as he thinks he is.

He sighs, resolve crumbling. "I suppose it's fine as long as you update me on your whereabouts to be safe, prince Hyunjin."

Hyunjin breathes a sigh of relief, limping closer with a grateful smile. "Thank you, ah…"

"Changbin." He helpfully supplies. "Seo Changbin."

He grins. "Pretty name for a pretty face. Come here often?"

Changbin feels himself heat up, choosing to ignore the terrible pick-up line and clearing his throat. "If I may, your highness–"

"Stop with that," Hyunjin waves him away, "You literally look older than me, just call me Hyunjin."

"But I can't, it'd be disrespectful–"

"I'm commanding you to." He teases, raising an eyebrow. Changbin just sighs.

"If I may, prince Hyunjin… why are you injured?"

Hyunjin rolls his eyes, but instead of arguing further he looks down at his torn pant leg and sighs. "I was out exploring the woods nearby– I fell off a tree branch and tore some of my clothes on it. I think the impact hurt my leg, not sure though."

He wiggles the limb in front of them. Changbin stares at the red scratches and how there's already a bruise blooming. "I think so too, prince."

Hyunjin grins. "You're funny. I like you."

Changbin shakes his head exasperated, arching a brow. "Why were you on a tree branch?"

"I tried to chase an owl." Hyunjin answers, not elaborating further.

Changbin blinks at him. "Right."

"It was a really cool owl." Hyunjin shrugs as if that explains it. "You'd understand if you were there."

"…Right." He doesn't really wanna ask further.

(But he also somehow does? The prince is more confusing than he thought.)

(He's also kinda cute. Maybe Changbin shouldn't think that.)

(He definitely shouldn't.)

(Right.)

"You can't go back to your room like this." He responds belatedly, clearing his throat. "They'll definitely know something is up."

Hyunjin turns a little sheepish, as if he hadn't considered that. "I hadn't thought about that, unfortunately."

Changbin resists a laugh at his impish face, pursing his lips. "Respectfully, what did you think of?"

"The owl!" Hyunjin's face brightens again, as if the mere thought of this bird is enough to undo the injury.

He can't help a chuckle this time, shaking his head with a twinge of fondness. "I'm sure it was magnificent. What will you do about your leg, prince Hyunjin?"

"…Sleep outside?"

He sighs, holding out an arm for support. "Come, I know a medical thing or two. I'll escort you to your room afterwards."

"Such a gentleman," Hyunjin smirks, grabbing his bicep to lean on while they walk. "Maybe I just need a big strong companion to protect me next time, hmm?" He squeezes his arm appreciatively, and Changbin feels himself heat up– he should not have liked that as much as he did.

The prince snickers at his red cheeks but doesn't comment on it further, trudging along in silence as they try to avoid the other guards; he knows the palace like the back of his hand by now, leading them towards a side entrance and entering the castle quietly. The infirmary isn't far from this side, and they reach the double doors in no time. He helps Hyunjin sit on one of the blue cots, lifting his leg and grabbing some disinfectants.

"Where'd you learn to do this? Do all guards know this?" He wonders, leaning his cheek on his good leg as he watches Changbin work.

He grabs some ointment for the bruise, throwing him a small smile. "It's apart of our basic training, your highness."

Hyunjin pouts. "I told you to stop calling me that. It feels weird."

"How so?" He wraps bandages around Hyunjin's legs, searching the cabinets for a spare set of clothes for him to wear. "All guards are required to call the royal family by their respective titles."

"I know," he laments, playing with a loose thread on his pants. "But aren't we like… more than that?"

Changbin turns back to him, raising his eyebrows. "Like what?"

Hyunjin shrugs. "Dunno. Aren't we friends?"

He blinks, a warm feeling settling in is gut. "We are?"

"I only tell friends about my cool owl." Hyunjin nods seriously, and it's enough to draw out a laugh of the elder, one he immediately muffles with his hand but has Hyunjin's face brightening like the sun.

"It's the same owl every time?"

"Yes!" Hyunjin throws his hands up like this is a very pressing manner, "It has grey feathers with a huge white spot on its wings– I've named it nunsongi but he just won't let me touch him."

Changbin hides his smile behind the back of his hand, and Hyunjin's eyes shine at the action. "Well then… I'm very honored to know about nunsongi."

"Good. You should be." He nods solemnly, but after a few seconds of silence cracks into fit of giggles. Up close the prince is even prettier, his dimples popping with his smile and eyes crinkling like the moon overhead. He kinda looks like a dumpling. Changbin wants to bite him.

(He definitely should not think that. What the fuck?)

"Thank you, Changbin-ssi." Hyunjin bows politely once he sobers up, voice softer.

Changbin smiles gently. "It's my duty, dear prince."

Hyunjin cocks his head. "I like that one." He delights, smiling satisfied to himself.

I like you. Changbin secretly thinks.

2.

Hyunjin's expeditions turn out to be a regular thing, Changbin finds.

Before he'd been stationed the prince always used the west end wall to slip away, visiting the village nearby to stroll and buy books during the day or choosing to explore the woods at night, wandering the moonlit trails and chasing nunsongi whenever he'd spot the bird.

They've established a routine, by now. Hyunjin finds Changbin in a quiet corner and whispers where he wants to disappear off to, and when it's time the guard covers for him while he climbs out of his window expertly and uses the trees as coverage. Hyunjin always stops to turn around, grinning while he mimes zipping his mouth closed and saluting. Changbin always returns the gesture with hidden fondness before the prince is off.

Another fact he's found out about the prince– one that's worse for his well-being– is that Hyunjin is really cute. Fatally cute, even. Changbin-could-lose-his-job cute.

He'd probably get blacklisted from the kingdom if the king and queen knew about his attraction to their son; and yet he can't tear his eyes away from Hyunjin at any passing moment, staring in wonder when he rattles off about his trip to the village or how he'd managed to scratch himself on a tree bark again. He talks so animatedly and he's so clumsy, Changbin finds himself totally enamoured.

It doesn't help that Hyunjin is relentless, even during the day. Every time the prince spots him, he makes sure to send a flirty wink or a smile bright enough to have him weak in the knees.

He's a royal knight, for heaven's sake– Changbin should compose himself, a crush on the prince won't do him any good!

He sighs, rubbing his temples. He's up in his head again. He's been stationed by the prince's chambers this time, upon Hyunjin's insistence for Changbin to be his new personal guard, replacing the previous one because– in Hyunjin's words– he was too old to chase after Hyunjin if he got kidnapped.

Hyunjin is weird, sometimes. Changbin shouldn't feel as endeared as he does.

The prince is out at the village today while it's nearing dusk, and he knows Hyunjin can handle himself– he'd always returned (mostly) unscathed, but a small part of him can't help but worry that something is bound to go wrong.

In his restlessness he can't stand still, shifting from foot to foot with his eyes flitting. What if someone recognizes Hyunjin and tries to hurt him? What if he ends up talking to the wrong person and gets himself in trouble? What if–

"You're gonna grow up ugly if your face keeps twisting like that, Bin."

He snaps out of his reverie and blinks, eyes focusing on the face of a grinning Minho. He's dressed in his usual attire, a cropped red coat with short sleeves and gold buttoning, dark formal pants adorning his legs.

Changbin sighs. "Prince Minho. Can I help you with anything?"

Despite the tone he's smiling, relaxing his shoulders a little. Minho was the king's eldest son and heir to the throne, but had demanded for his parents to let him go to university, and there Changbin had befriended him even before realizing who he was. He never needed to be too formal with him because of that.

Minho slips his hands in his pockets, shrugging. "Just wanted to see what my little brother is up to. Is Hyunjin in there?" He nods to the doors behind him, questioning.

"Prince Hyunjin is resting at the moment– he requested not to be disturbed."

Minho narrows his eyes slightly, before he raises his eyebrows with a knowing grin. "He's out, isn't he?"

Changbin blanks. "I–"

"It's okay, I won't tell mom and dad," Minho laughs. "Is he at the village?"

"How– how'd you know?" He stammers, but Minho only smirks.

"Who do you think taught him how to sneak out?"

Changbin doesn't know how to respond, blinking with a stupefied expression at the older.

"Just make sure he's safe for me– my brother's quite oblivious when he's out. He never knows when people are flirting with him or wanna kill him." He pats him on the shoulder as if that doesn't raise a whole wave of new questions, smiling easily. "Since he's not here anyway, just lock the door and take time off until he's back. Find something fun to do."

"I feel like that's not very… safe?"

Minho shrugs. "Your call– I'm going to Jisung." He turns around and walks off, leaving Changbin with a dozen questions.

Who the hell tried to kill Hyunjin? Who the hell flirted with him?

He shakes his head– one is definitely more important than the other. He also decidedly does not think of the fact that Minho has a secret relationship with the son of the royal gardener, and what that could imply about him and Hyunjin. He doesn't.

Instead, he starts shifting in place again, and it takes him a few minutes of nervous pacing before he decides to listen to Minho's proposition. He probably shouldn't, but he locks Hyunjin's door anyway, starting the trek towards the royal blacksmith.

Just a quick detour, he promises himself. He only has a simple request– hopefully the blacksmith is fast.

Once he gets to the blacksmiths' forge outside it's immediately hot, flames high in the ovens and an iron sword sizzling while Chan dunks it in the cold water.

His face brightens as he spots him. "Changbinnie! I haven't seen you in forever!"

"Hi, hyung. What are you making?" He greets, watching as the blacksmith's son puts the item on the stone table and sets about attaching the handle.

"A new type of sword– I'm just experimenting. What brings you here?"

Changbin swallows. "Do you perhaps have a small knife anywhere here? One that's like… just lying around. That you don't need."

Chan arches a brow, leaning against the table after he's done. "Why? I didn't think knights needed knives?"

"It's for a… friend." He mumbles, feeling his cheeks flush– fuck, why did he say it like that?

Chan hums delightedly, a teasing smirk forming on his face that only worsens Changbin's flush. "I see… I'll make sure to grab my prettiest knife for your friend."

"It's not like that!" He whines, resisting a pout.

Chan snickers. "Sure. Should I bedazzle it with hearts as well?"

He's so mean. Changbin scowls. "No… just engrave the initials H J into the handle, please." He ends on a mumble, huffing when Chan starts laughing.

Whatever. He'll get him back for it later.

______๑♡⁠๑______

Hyunjin returns sometime after nightfall.

The moon filters through the windows and highlights his face as he walks, locking eyes with Changbin with a huge smile on his face. His hair is done up with a white ribbon and underneath his cape he has a layered white shirt that frames his shoulders nicely, a small skip in his step that jostles his bag.

He's so pretty. Fuck. Changbin should stop staring.

"Hi, Binnie." He murmurs once he's close enough, tipping forward as he comes to a halt. Why do his eyes sparkle? Changbin should stop staring.

"Prince Hyunjin," He bows in greeting, if only to avert his eyes, "How was your trip today?"

"It was really good! I got loads of stuff, they had a discount on painting brushes today, and I even treated myself to a new canvas– and oh! they had oil paints!" He pulls out the pack excitedly and shows the colors off with a proud grin, and Changbin can't resist a small fond smile at the sight.

"I'm happy for you, I'm sure you'll make wonderful things with them."

"Thank you," he giggles– fucking giggles, as if Changbin's heart is strong– and then reaches into the bag again, suddenly looking a bit shy. "I also got you something– well, us."

Changbin blinks. "Me?"

Hyunjin nods, biting his lip before he pulls out a small velvet bag. He draws it open almost tentatively, reaching inside and glancing up with a timid smile as he holds it out for Changbin to see.

In the palm of his hand he has two woven bracelets, one that's dark pink and one that's white. In the middle of them there's a silver owl charm, staring at Changbin with its beady eyes.

Hyunjin got them matching owl bracelets. Oh my god.

"You… for me?" He asks again, a bit disbelieving– but when he looks up Hyunjin is blushing slightly, nodding with a small laugh.

"You can have the pink one! It suits your vibe." He grabs Changbin's wrist and slips the garment on, securing it by the threads before he puts his own on as well and holds their hands together to show. "We look amazing together!"

Changbin's mouth is dry. He nods, still feeling shy, giving Hyunjin a soft grin. "Thank you, dear prince. I'll treasure it forever."

Hyunjin giggles again. "So formal… you're cute."

He's not gonna short wire. He's a grown man– he can handle being called cute. Fuck. His stomach should not erupt in butterflies at that.

"I uh– I had something for you as well, actually." He stammers, clearing his throat to change topic. Hyunjin cocks his head in question, folding his hands behind his back as he watches Changbin reach inside his pockets.

"I always get a bit worried when you're out, I know you can handle yourself but still– I thought this would come in handy, in case anything ever goes wrong." He rattles off, holding the dagger in it's sheath with both hands outstretched. "Your initials are on the handle if you ever accidentally lose it, but you can just strap it to your belt, so…"

He trails off and hesitantly looks up at the prince. Hyunjin's mouth is parted in surprise, eyebrows drawn up– and are his eyes glassy or is Changbin just seeing things?

"You got me a customized dagger?" He murmurs, blinking repeatedly. "Because you were worried about me?"

Changbin shrinks a little, a slight flush settling on his cheeks. "I mean– yeah. Wanted you to be safe."

Hyunjin takes it from him with a tentative grip. He unsheathes it carefully and admires the knife with a slowly growing grin, lingering on the initials by the handle, before he straps it to his belt– and suddenly Changbin finds himself with an armful of the prince.

"Thank you." Hyunjin whispers, tightening the hug and burrowing his face in his neck. "This is the best thing I've ever gotten."

"I'm sure that's an exaggeration," Changbin flusters, wrapping his arms around the younger softly. "You must've gotten bigger and better presents before."

"None as meaningful as yours, trust me." He insists, pulling away with a bedazzling grin. From up close Changbin can see the tiny mole under his eye, the dimples in his cheek when he smiles. Hyunjin is beautiful.

"Well then… I'm glad." He swallows, stepping back for his own sanity. Hyunjin doesn't respond, just looks at him with that smile and that look, biting his lip. Fuck, he's so attractive.

"Goodnight, Changbin."

He enters his chambers and throws a last fond look before the doors close, leaving Changbin with only the flickering torches and stars to accompany his thoughts.

"Goodnight, my prince." He whispers, leaning against the golden doors with a heavy sigh.

3.

Another thing Changbin comes to learn about Hyunjin; the prince is very stubborn. He's a bit spoiled– in a cute way, of course– he giggles when he gets his way, and pouts when he doesn't, sulking and arguing relentlessly until he gets what he wants.

This, however– Hyunjin stomping past him in a flurry and slamming his doors shut– isn't what usually happens, and it's enough for Changbin to be shocked in place.

Minho rushes to a stop just in front of the doors, juggling the locked door handle and knocking insistently. "Hyunjin-ah– they didn't mean it like that, please come on out!"

"No!" Hyunjin shouts, wet voice muffled. "Fuck off, Minho!"

"Yah! I didn't do anything– talk to your hyung, you know I'm on your side."

"No you're not! Leave!"

Minho sighs at the rejection, thumping his forehead against the gold plated doors before turning to shoot Changbin an apologetic look.

"Mom and dad pissed him off during dinner." He answers his unspoken question, stepping away to hide his hands in his pockets.

"Can you try talking to him? I know he listens to you– I'm gonna chew out our parents real quick." He laughs a bit self deprecatingly as he walks away, and Changbin can only nod with his mouth half open.

Right. He's not an idiot; he knew the king and queen didn't get along with their youngest son, Hyunjin had mentioned it in passing many times, but never actually explained why their relationship was a bit complicated.

He takes a deep breath, before turning around to softly knock on his door.

"Prince Hyunjin? May I come in?"

There's silence on the other end, before he hears a soft huff and the door is unlocked. When he steps inside Hyunjin's shoulders are hunched over, his hair hiding most of his face as he crawls back into the cocoon he's made for himself out of his blankets.

They don't talk, not yet. Hyunjin draws the covers up until his chin and watches Changbin approach with wet eyes, a sad tilt to his pretty pink mouth.

Even when he's sad he's the prettiest person Changbin's ever seen. What the fuck?

Changbin crouches in front of the prince on his carpet, giving him a small smile even if Hyunjin doesn't reciprocate. He brings up a tentative hand, stroking some of the strands away from his face.

Hyunjin closes his eyes at the touch. He takes a shuddering breath, furrowing his brows.

"It's never enough for them," he whispers, voice breaking. Changbin lets him talk. "No matter what I fucking do– it's never enough for my parents!"

"What did they say?" He prompts, keeping his voice gentle.

"The usual." He laughs humorlessly. "I need to stop eating so much, I need to focus on classes, I need to focus on training– I need to stop being childish and start taking my royal duties seriously. As if I don't already spend every waking second trying to appease to them! I haven't painted in weeks, yet the second I even mention that I picked up a paintbrush they tell me I'm wasting my life away on art no one is gonna care about!"

The words explode out of him all at once, frustrated tears leaking past where Hyunjin presses his palms into his eyes, words getting cut off by a sob.

"I just don't get it– Minho is the heir to the throne, so why should I be the one that's perfect?! They want me to look prettier, they want me to stop acting like a girl whatever that means, they want me to give up on my hobbies because princes rule, they don't paint. Art is stupid to them which means that I'm stupid to them, I'm never enough no matter what I do!"

The prince smacks his hands down on the duvet and rolls over, muffling a frustrated yell into his pillow before he breaks out in quiet sobs. The sound pierces through Changbin's heart, and he heaves himself to sit next to Hyunjin silently, running a soft hand over his back.

"You're not stupid, Hyunjin." He whispers. It feels weird to drop the formal title, but it also feels wrong to call him the prince right now. "You're beautiful as you are, and you definitely aren't childish. I know you try as hard as you can for your duties, and I know your art is anything but a waste of time. You're really talented and I know you'll be an amazing artist one day."

Hyunjin turns his head a fraction to show that he's listening, and Changbin uses the moment to card fingers through his silky hair. "I know parents can be a lot, they demand a lot from both of you because of your positions. But you shouldn't listen to them when they say things like that. For what it's worth… you'll always be enough to me. You're more than enough. You're perfect."

The words feel like too much, too much coming from someone who's just supposed to be a knight– Changbin's heart thuds in his throat as he spills them, but it's all worth it for the glint of hope in Hyunjin's eyes as he turns around slowly and looks up at him with wide eyes.

"You think I'm perfect?" He asks, spread out with his hands above his head and locks framing his face like a halo, looking like a vision straight from his dreams. It seems almost laughable, like this, that he's asking that.

"Of course I do." Changbin murmurs, thumbing some tears away on his cheeks. "How could I not?"

Hyunjin's lips curl pleasantly, shyly biting his lip as he sits up against the headboard. He shakes the hair out of his eyes, scooting a bit closer to Changbin and oh– he hadn't realized they're sitting so close.

"What makes me perfect?" He whispers, a teasing edge to his voice; but beneath that hides a layer of insecurity, as if he's asking for reassurance that Changbin is all too eager to give, if only to get rid of his tears that way.

"Everything." He answers back, heart racing in his throat. "Your smile, your eyes, the way your clothes hug your body. Your kindness, the way your dimples pop out when you laugh– how immersed you get when you're focused, the way you turn blank canvases into worlds of color and how happy you are to show it off. Your pout when you sulk and the embarrassed giggle you let out when you're being clumsy. Every part of you is perfect to me."

Hyunjin's smile is blinding and he no longer looks sad, and Changbin would've been happier about it if he wasn't actively trying not to die. Hyunjin's breath is puffing on his face– that's how close they are, their hands touch on the duvet, his heart is hammering so fast this physically cannot be healthy for him.

"Careful– if you continue saying those things I might think you're in love with me." Hyunjin murmurs, nudging Changbin's pinky with his own.

You have no idea. Changbin can't remember how to breathe. Hyunjin sneaks his fingers under Changbin's with a knowing smile and links them together all the while not breaking eye contact, he's actively stealing the oxygen from his lungs with just a touch–

"Your highness, sorry to interrupt– prince Minho sent this tray of comfort food for you to enjoy. He'd visit himself if he wasn't busy yelling at the king and queen." Seungmin greets as he enters, dutifully pushing along a cart with sweets and beverages on it for the prince.

The two jump apart like they've been shocked, Changbin ending at the foot of the bed in a flash and Hyunjin thumping his head against the headboard on accident.

"Thanks, Seungminnie– just leave it by the dresser." He mumbles, rubbing his head with a flush on his face. From the heat he's feeling Changbin doesn't think he's faring off much better.

Seungmin nods but the younger is carrying a smirk as he glances between them, raising his eyebrows in delight when he makes eye contact with Changbin.

"Changbin-ssi, didn't expect to see you here." He jests, and Changbin resists a scoff purely because he knows the young servant is Hyunjin's best friend. "Take care of our prince, will you?"

Seungmin disappears out of the door as quickly as he came, and they're left in a tense silence.

"I think I should go back to my post now." He mumbles, feeling an embarrassed blush spread over his neck.

"Wait– you don't have to," Hyunjin's hand shoots out to grab his wrist, his eyes hopeful when he looks back. "Um. There's just– a lot of food, you know? I can't finish it all alone." He laughs nervously, motioning to the tray still by the dresser.

Changbin fishmouths for a bit. This is definitely a bad idea– he shouldn't be lounging and hanging with the prince, he's apart of royal security– this is a bad idea.

"I mean… if that makes you happy, dear prince." He swallows instead of declining like a smart person, wheeling over the cart and carefully settling back on the bed.

Hyunjin's grin lights up the entire room. "You have no idea."

Changbin realizes right then and there that he's dug himself into a hole he'll never get out of.

What might even be worse, he horrifically realizes as Hyunjin holds up a honey cake for him to bite into, is that Changbin might not even want to get out of it.

Changbin is so fucked.

Hyunjin plops his head down into Changbin's lap and turns on a movie, hand landing on the elder's thigh.

Yep, definitely fucked.

4.

"Your highness– I don't think that's very appropriate…"

"I fed you honey cakes in my bed, I think we're past the point of appropriate." Hyunjin deadpans, walking ahead and plucking the ripe oranges and tossing them into his basket.

Changbin flounders at the words, quickly looking around to see if anyone saw that– luckily this section of the gardens is empty save for them, but that doesn't mean the royal botanist workers couldn't be close enough to hear.

"Don't word it like that!" He whines. "What if someone hears?"

"Like who? Jisung? Or Jeongin?" He snorts, waving to the both of them while they work. Jisung is planting roses while Jeongin, the kid of the man that handles the royal tools, holds a bag of fertilizer, waving back excitedly. "Jisung is dating my brother and Jeonginnie is dating my best friend– I think we'll be fine."

"What's that supposed to imply?" He splutters, nearly dropping the basket of fruit he's holding. Hyunjin laughs at his startled demeanor and whirls around, a teasing glint in his eyes.

"It means that we have nothing to worry about." He pouts, knowing it always works on him, "Why won't you go to the village with me?"

"It's just… weird, isn't it? I'm your personal guard–"

"Just say you're there to protect me." He waves his hand dismissively, tucking a piece of hair behind his ear and blinking at Changbin between his damned lashes. Hyunjin really knows how to play him like a fiddle.

"What will your parents think, prince?" He still worries, trying to grip onto the last bits of his resolve.

Hyunjin suffers a sigh. "Doesn't matter– my parents are out of the country, Minho is left in charge which means I'm basically free to do whatever I want. And what I want is for you to join me to the village."

He pouts again, cocking his head with those innocently plotting eyes like the damn siren he is, and Changbin already knows he's lost.

He heaves a deep breath, casting his eyes to the sky before turning back to the young prince. "Fine. I'll go with you."

Hyunjin's glowing face and excited cheer make his broken resolve almost worth it.

______๑♡⁠๑______

The village is bustling when they finally make it.

At least this time they didn't have to sneak out. Hyunjin had looked at his big brother with pleading eyes and asked if they could see the town, and Minho had squinted at them suspiciously before calling them both punks and giving Hyunjin a sack of gold to take with.

The town is big and boisterous around them, people making their way to and from all in their own little world of wants and needs, children running after each other excitedly and weaving between their legs chased by their parents hastily apologizing. The town feels alive, and even though he doesn't really like crowds seeing Hyunjin's bedazzling grin makes it all worth it.

They both have capes wrapped around them to hide their identity, and he had to reluctantly promise the prince not to call him by any official titles to not give them away.

"Where do you wanna go first?" Changbin asks, surveying the little stalls and many shops the village has to offer.

Hyunjin shrugs. "No idea. You wanna walk around?"

Changbin blinks at him. "You didn't have like… a plan? For going out?"

Hyunjin arches his brow as if the idea is crazy, which it definitely isn't– Hyunjin should care more about his safety outside the palace walls!

"Why would I? I always just come here to escape and breathe, I'll see where I end up."

"…Right." Changbin only sighs. He should've expected that answer.

Hyunjin gives him a cheeky grin, one so youthful and giddy Changbin is momentarily distracted by it, startled when the prince grabs his hand to pull him into motion– and then Hyunjin laces their fingers together, and they're actively holding hands, swinging in between them while they walk. Yeah, okay. Sure. He's not gonna swoon. He's a grown man.

"You look pretty in the sunlight." Hyunjin mentions offhandedly, eyes raking over his form for just second. "Really highlights your side profile well– do you wanna get milkshakes?"

He pulls him along to the stall as if Changbin's brain isn't rewiring itself right now, as if Hyunjin's casual words don't settle into his bones like molten lead, grip vice like and rendering him useless– Why does he think he can just say things like that?!

Changbin isn't gonna survive this trip. He's sure of it.

Hyunjin buys them the sweet treats– strawberry for himself and mocha blast for Changbin, whatever that is; he'd uttered the first thing he saw when Hyunjin asked, still not totally coherent– and doesn't let go of his hand the entire time, strolling around while they sip on the milkshakes under the summer sun.

The stalls are full of little trinkets, and Hyunjin stops at each one to look, asking the sellers with starry eyes about the rings and dreamcatchers they offer. Changbin is just happy to indulge him, really.

"Have you ever been to the village before?" He wonders at one point, looking at an array of hand crafted plates. "You look like you already know this stuff."

Changbin laughs. "I grew up in the village, Hyunjin. I've seen these things like every Sunday."

Hyunjin's eyes nearly bug out of his eyes. "You grew up here?"

"You didn't know?"

Hyunjin shrugs, looking a little guilty and lost as if the possibility never crossed him. He's adorable, really. "I mean, it makes sense… I guess I just never really thought about it."

Changbin hums. He doesn't blame him for it– Hyunjin grew up in a castle, after all. "My mom owned a bakery here before she retired, and my dad was a blacksmith. I got a scholarship to the royal university and decided to become a knight from there."

Hyunjin blinks. "That's so cool. So you know how to bake?"

Changbin snorts, pulling Hyunjin towards a fruit stand. "Gods no– I'm a disaster in the kitchen, I only got my dad's forging abilities, but even those are just the basics."

"Still," Hyunjin sighs, inspecting some peaches and putting some in a plastic bag. "It must be nice to get to decide what you wanna do for yourself."

His tone is wistful, a small sad smile crossing his face as he pays for the fruits and they carry along. Changbin frowns, tightening his grip on his hand.

"You don't have to always listen to their rules," he murmurs, forcing Hyunjin to a halt to face him. "don't let yourself be confined when you soar so high when you're free, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin's eyes flit over his face, a look of endearment and something else harmonizing in his gaze, something that leaves Changbin a little breathless the longer the silence stretches, before a small, genuine smile breaks on the prince's face, and he squeezes Changbin's hand in a silent gesture.

"You're sweet." He swallows, vulnerable and quiet just for him to see the barest hints of Hyunjin's soul. "Thank you for being here."

The crowd disappears behind a fog for a second, and for a moment it's just them. "I always will be."

Hyunjin nods to himself, as if letting the words sink in, letting them wrap around him in a warm hug, one full of silent promises neither of them intend to break. "Good… good. Need my big strong protector, after all." He jokes, looking up with a smile happier than before. Changbin's chest fills with warmth.

"He's right here, don't worry." He plays along, feeling the tension bleed off his shoulders. Hyunjin giggles again and pulls him to a stall full of necklaces with symbolic meanings, an array of colors and beady strings and jewels filling his vision.

The sellers are an elder woman and what he presumes to be her son, who's eyes rake over Hyunjin's form with a sudden interest and a hungry raise of his brows– it makes Changbin's skin crawl, so he makes sure to draw the prince closer to himself by his waist. It's just for security; he's his bodyguard, this is literally his job.

Hyunjin looks at him in surprise when his hands end on the younger's hip and squeezes once– just to let him know he's here, nothing else!– but he doesn't say anything, just smiles. Why does he always look so good? The soft hues of the light reflecting off the crystals dance on his face in hypnotizing patterns as they sway in the wind, pinks and oranges mixing together and making him look more god like than he already does.

Changbin needs to look away. Fuck. He averts his eyes with a small flush, trying to distract himself with the garments on the table. They're necklaces sorted by birth stones, small colorful beads decorating black string.

"That's mine." He mentions offhandedly, pointing to the green peridots for August. Hyunjin turns to look and suddenly whips his head around like he said something preposterous, mouth open.

"You're born in August?"

"…Yes?" He blinks. Was he not supposed to be?

"That's next month!"

"I know, Hyune. I have a calendar." He explains patiently, the nickname rolling off his tongue with a surprising amount of ease.

"Changbin!" Hyunjin whines, and the sound should not affect him as much as it does, "How am I supposed to get you something good within a month?!"

"I– you don't have to get me anything, really–" He flusters, but Hyunjin is already shaking his head insistently.

"Of course I have to get something– what do you like? Do you like reading? Tools? Jewelry? any hobbies–"

"Jinnie." He puts his hands on the prince's shoulders, silencing him. "Seriously, you don't have to get me anything– and even if you do, you know I'll be happy with anything from you."

He huffs and pouts but there's a light dusting of pink on his cheeks, looking anywhere but at Changbin's face. "Fine." He grumbles. "Will you at least tell me what date it is?"

Changbin resists a laugh, dropping his hands from his shoulders. "the 11th."

Hyunjin whines again, leaning his head on Changbin's shoulder dramatically. "That's so close– you should've told me sooner!"

Changbin does laugh this time, wrapping an arm around him as an apology. He's acutely aware of how close they are, all the places they're touching– but here in the middle of all the bustling people he finds that he doesn't mind quite as much, breathing and accepting Hyunjin's affection a little easier with no one to pay attention to them.

Here, they're not the prince and his bodyguard. Here they're just Changbin and Hyunjin, just Hyunjin and Changbin.

Hyunjin trails his fingers over the jewelry idly, completely lax in his grip. He picks up the beaded necklace from earlier and holds it out to the woman behind the counter, requesting politely to buy it before Changbin can say anything, too distracted by how small Hyunjin's waist feels in his palm.

"What are you doing?"

Hyunjin throws him a grin, leaning his chin on Changbin's shoulder. "Consider it an early birthday present."

"Hyune!"

He only giggles. Of course he does. "I like it when you call me nicknames."

He hands the woman the gold coins and she smiles at them with soft eyes, putting the necklace in a velvet bag. As she hands it to Hyunjin, she says, "You two make a lovely couple, dear boys."

Changbin feels like choking on air. He unlatches from Hyunjin's side in a flurry with his heart racing, mouth open to deny but before he can Hyunjin beams at her and pulls him back to his side. "Thank you! He takes care of me well."

And that's just it. Her eyes crease in adoration and her son– who's eyes are still on Hyunjin– just scowls, and the prince pulls him away like that was nothing, like he didn't basically confirm they're a couple– which they're not! Why does it feel like his heart beats in his throat?!

"Why did you say that?" He whispers, wide eyes trying to see if anyone recognized them–but Hyunjin just laughs, grabbing Changbin's arm to put it back around his waist as if that'll help their case.

"We do look like a couple, don't we?"

He says it so casually, like this is an every day thing, wrapping an arm around Changbin's shoulders and nudging their heads together as if the older isn't one second away from cardiac arrest.

What the fuck. The prince is kinda insane. Changbin is kinda– very– down bad for him. Fuck.

They stroll around the town until the sun dips, holding each other and visiting stalls like any other normal pair, and maybe Changbin only allows it because here, no one really knows who they are– here, he's just another passerby entranced by Hyunjin's beauty.

Just Hyunjin and Changbin. Their names have a nice ring together.

5.

Changbin has been bed-ridden for a week. He's annoyingly ill, and what started as a simple cough quickly turned into a full blown cold that made him dizzy and weak, even though it's summer!

The sickness isn't even the worst part, no; the worst part of this all is that he hasn't seen Hyunjin in a week, and that might singlehandedly be worse than anything that's going on inside his body right now.

At least he's mostly better, though. The royal doctor cleared him to work the next day, so he'll see the prince in exactly eight hours during breakfast. Not that he's counting or anything– that'd be weird.

It turns out that aside from being a rebel, the prince is also very impatient. Changbin finds this out by the sound of incessant tapping against his bedroom window, turning around groggily and blanching when he sees Hyunjin's face smushed against the glass excitedly.

What the fuck? He throws off the covers and jumps out, frowning as he looks at his huge grin– Changbin's room is on the second floor, how is he even here? He opens the window quickly, the night air breezing against his bare skin and reminding him that he's not wearing a shirt. While standing in front of Hyunjin. Shit.

Hyunjin for his part doesn't seem to mind, raised brows and curious eyes raking over Changbin's exposed skin without any semblance of shame, the corners of his mouth quirking up– is he checking him out? What the fuck? He should not feel as hot as he does at that thought, feeling a flush spread over his cheeks and chest.

"What are you doing here– How are you all the way up here?" He whispers instead, trying to change the topic for his own sanity.

Hyunjin's smirk turns into an excited grin, pointing downwards to where Changbin can now see a metal platform he's standing on. "Jeongin lent me a ladder!"

He resists a sigh. Of course he did. "Why are you up, prince?"

Hyunjin pouts. "Would it kill you to call me by my name?"

"I might if you answer my question first." He rebukes teasingly.

The younger shrugs, a little bashful all of sudden. "Haven't seen you in a week… I missed you."

Changbin's heart does a little jump even though it's definitely not supposed to, biting his lip to conceal a smile. "You could've waited to see me tomorrow, you know?"

Hyunjin stubbornly shakes his head. So cute. "No, too long. Besides, I wanted to take you somewhere!"

Changbin cocks his head, crossing arms over his chest. "Again? To where?"

Hyunjin licks his lips, casting his eyes down for a second– to Changbin's biceps. Oh. Okay. He's normal about that because he is a normal person who's not about to melt into a puddle because normal people don't do that. And he's normal, so so normal about Hyunjin casually checking him out.

(This type of thinking is probably not normal, is it?)

"It's a surprise." Hyunjin beams, dragging him out of his thoughts. "C'mon– I wanna go soon!"

Changbin shakes his head fondly at his impatience, quickly pulling on the first shirt he sees before stepping out and following Hyunjin down the ladder.

Hyunjin is dressed modestly even now, wearing a white button down with sleeves cuffed at his elbows, golden lining decorating the edges and seams and standing out against his sun kissed skin. Of course he's only more beautiful in the glow of the moonlight. Did he really expect anything else?

When they land on the grass Hyunjin takes his hand, looking back with a grin so radiant Changbin would follow him until the ends of the world. "Ready?"

"For what?" He frowns, but he never gets an answer– Hyunjin only laughs and pulls him forward, and then they're running through the gardens hand in hand, the wind blowing through their hair; everything is blurry and it's fast and Hyunjin's hand is so, so warm in his, and it all sort of feels perfect. Like this is exactly where Changbin needs to be.

They laugh and they run and they hold until Hyunjin shouts excitedly, suddenly veering them left– Changbin stumbles but catches himself when Hyunjin comes to a halt, wrapping his arms around the younger to steady himself.

"Where are we?" He giggles, trying to find his footing again. Hyunjin grabs the arms around his shoulders to carry them forward, and when he finally sobers up he recognizes it's a hilltop they've landed upon. The village lights shine bright under them, reflected above by the myriad of sparkling starts.

It's beautiful. He stares open mouthed while the prince lowers himself down to the ground, taking Changbin with him to be fully seated. He doesn't answer his question, not yet, choosing to slink down until his head lands on the older's chest, nestled comfortably in his grip and playing with his fingers.

It's all so weirdly intimate. They're too far from the castle for him to really care, leaning his chin on Hyunjin's head and entangling their legs.

"This is my quiet place." He finally whispers, looking below at the sea of lights. "I come here when I need to think, or to stop thinking– or when my I fight with my parents. Or when I just wanna be alone and paint."

Changbin hums, sensing the tension in Hyunjin's shoulders, how they're drawn up at laying himself so bare for the older to see. "Thank you for showing me. It's beautiful."

Hyunjin relaxes at the words, squeezing his hands quietly and sinking into Changbin's hold.

They sit like that for a while in silence, eyes wandering the sky for patterns to connect and bright shapes to admire; Changbin is so acutely aware of everything, of the sweet smell of Hyunjin's shampoo wafting in his nose, of the small wisps of his hair blowing in the wind that caress Changbin's bare arms, of every place they're touching.

Hyunjin feels all over him, both physically and in every other way there is. His head lays right where Changbin's heart is, his fingers play idly with Changbin's hands folded over his chest, the older's arms engulfing his shoulders in an unwavering grip, settled and comfortable like that's where they belong. Changbin is fully holding the prince in his arms, almost cradling him under the starlit sky.

They held each other just a week ago, at the village– but this feels different, somehow, because back then they had just been Changbin and Hyunjin, while here they're still within royal grounds. They're still the prince and his knight, and yet Hyunjin is laid against him like they've been doing this for years.

His heart feels like it's racing, thudding wildly against his ribcage and he has to take a big breath to calm it– it shouldn't feel as right as it does to hold the nation's prince like this, to have him practically all to himself. And yet it does. It feels so, so right, and he finds himself wishing it can last forever.

He threads his fingers with Hyunjin's without saying anything, laying their palms flat over his heart, feeling how it's beating just as wildly against his own. Hyunjin doesn't make to move it, but his breathing does hitch for just a second, and he grabs Changbin's hand tighter.

"I've never taken anyone else here." He admits quietly, a whisper only for Changbin and the moon to hear.

Changbin exhales slowly, trying to control the jackhammering in his chest before he responds. "Why me?"

It's seems a little obvious. Still, he wants to hear the answers his heart is seeking after.

Hyunjin turns in his hold, slowly, ever so slowly– because fast is bad, fast might shatter this fragile moment they've found themselves in, fast might break this almost holy bubble they've built all around. He angles his head to look at the older, blinking his pretty brown eyes, alluring like a siren's and so captivating Changbin is merely but a sailor with no regards of his own safety, drowning in everything that is Hyunjin until he's got nothing more to give.

"Because you're risking so much." Hyunjin murmurs, vulnerability marring his tone. "You're risking everything you know just to be here– just to indulge me. Just to be with me."

Changbin swallows. His throat is dry. "It's nothing, really."

Hyunjin shakes his head and it's as if the floodgates have opened, sitting up while the words spill out of him like ink staining the parchment of Changbin's heart, hitting where it's supposed to and leaving him breathless. "But it is– you do everything I ask, you even do the things I don't ask– you're so attentive, you truly listen when I talk. You're there when no one else is and you look at me like I'm made of stars, and you never try to stop me when you're worried, only try to help so I'm safe– you care about me Changbin, you see me for who I am rather than who I'm supposed to be." He gasps when he's done, looking up with wide, determined eyes. "I know I probably shouldn't, but– I really, really like you. More than a prince should like a knight."

The confession lays between them, louder than any shouts and yet soft as silk at the same time, filling Changbin like the sweetest nectar until he's drunk on the rush, on the high, on the man in front of him– the perfectly imperfect and beautiful prince with wide eyes and flailing hands and the kindest heart he knows, the most daring yet the most sensitive soul, one that matches his in a way he almost takes as proof of soulmates being real.

"–But I've never given a fuck about the rules, right? I don't even see myself as a prince, Minho fits the role better, but I know you care about the rules so it's okay if you don't wanna respond, I just really had to tell you because–"

His perfect prince is still in the middle of rambling but for once Changbin doesn't let himself overthink, catching his hands mid air and tugging Hyunjin forward until he can crash their lips together in a long overdue kiss, feeling like he can breathe for the first time in weeks.

Hyunjin's only frozen for a second, before reality catches up to him– and it shouldn't surprise him that he's as eager with kissing as he is with everything else, wasting no time to climb onto Changbin's lap and cup his jaw to tilt his head up to tease the tip of his tongue along the seam of the older's mouth.

Changbin parts for him, of course he does. He doesn't think he could ever deny the younger anything even if he tried. Hyunjin's tongue invades his mouth like an expert, tasting every part there is to taste and sucking the air right out of his lungs. Fuck, kissing Hyunjin is amazing. It's literally nothing like anything before, setting every one of his nerves aflame in the best way there is; his hands roam and take, take, take, slipping under Hyunjin's shirt, feeling up the miles of soft skin, fingers mapping a path not yet drawn before yet promising to trace every time after. It's so perfect. Everything with Hyunjin feels perfect.

It feels like something they've been supposed to do all along, bodies slotting and moulding together like two missing puzzle pieces. There's no space left in between them, Changbin pushing him closer by the small of his back and one hand holding his neck, while both of Hyunjin's are cupping his face and stroking his cheekbones tenderly. He's so lovely all over, inside and out. Changbin wants to hold him like this until the end of time.

"Oh my god," Hyunjin whispers, finally breaking apart to breathe. "I can't believe you did that– you just kissed me." He murmurs like he can't believe it, panting for air with stars in his eyes as he looks at Changbin's face.

"I did, yeah." He grins, feeling a little dazed and drunk on happiness, trying to catalogue every inch of Hyunjin's face. "You're so pretty."

"You're such a dork." He giggles in return, rubbing their noses together affectionately, fond and clumsy like a little ferret. Fuck, Changbin might love him. "And you like me." He teases, laughing like it means the world to him.

"Of course I do," Changbin mumbles, brushing their lips together again because he can, now. "Have you seen yourself?"

"Have you seen you?" Hyunjin places a kiss on his jaw, staring at him so fucking fondly Changbin might burst under his gaze right this second. How did he get so lucky?

He shakes his head minutely, careful to not stray too far from their close proximity. "Nothing compares to you, my prince."

Hyunjin turns red, but the smile on his face only grows bigger before he kisses him again. "I like that. Please always call me that." He whispers, running a hand through Changbin's curls.

His eyes fall shut at the touch, leaning into it and basking in the forehead kiss he's given after he nods. "Anything for you."

Hyunjin cradles his head to his chest, pressing another kiss to Changbin's hair. He nearly sinks into it– but a shrieking sound close by has them both startling, eyes jumping to a nearby treetop; an owl flies from between the branches, chattering as it's wings flap. It's feathers are grey with a big white spot overtaking it's left wing, flying away from them and getting smaller.

Changbin squints. "Isn't that–"

"Yep," Hyunjin giggles, laying his head on Changbin's shoulder and watching the bird disappear. "Even nunsongi came out to congratulate us."

Changbin laughs, winding his arms around the prince in his arms. "Why aren't you chasing it then?"

Hyunjin hums, pressing a playful kiss to his neck that has him heating up. "I think I found something better to keep."

He quirks an eyebrow, turning towards the younger. Hyunjin has a glint in his eyes. "Which is?"

He grins mischievously, yet full of sweetness. "A big and strong companion to keep me company. Come here often?"

The joke is as bad as the first time he said it; Changbin pushes him onto the grass and kisses him as fiercely as he can muster, pouring every feeling he's kept to himself into it to let Hyunjin know just how loved he is.

+1.

Everything has to be perfect today. Hyunjin needs everything to be perfect.

He stands in front of the double doors to the kitchens, wringing his hands and mentally running through his checklist– his dad is out of the country, Minho said he'd distract their mom, he already prepared the picnic blanket and his gift is safely wrapped. All he needs is the food and then it's done.

He knows that Changbin won't mind if he's late– it's a surprise after all, but still Hyunjin wants his birthday to be perfect because everything else with Changbin is already perfect. This past month has felt like a dream, one he's happy never to wake up from and forever bask in.

He has to bite back a smile just thinking about it; the double dates they'd gone on with Minho and Jisung in the village, the nights spent in the woods running after each other and kissing in the grass and the rare hours they'd been able to spend in each other's beds when no one else would pay attention to them. Never did he think seeing the random guard at the west end wall would turn into this.

And he still went out, he still needed his time alone and his moments to think, and Changbin respected that. Of course he did. Changbin was everything he'd ever dreamt of in his many years of being a romantic.

He jumps when the doors fly open, a blonde head scuttling forward in a flurry carrying a huge basket and a big smile– Felix's happiness is infectious and Hyunjin matches his grin as he walks over, giddy at seeing his friend.

"Okay so– the honey cakes took a bit longer to bake but I got almost everything you wanted plus some more," He chitters, opening to show the contents and Hyunjin deeply inhales the heavenly smells. "So I hope it's good! If you need anything else just send Seungmin over, I'm free all day!"

Hyunjin laughs, taking it from his hands and giving the young baker a side hug. "Thanks, Lixie– this is more than enough, thank you so much for everything. Take the rest of the day off and enjoy yourself, yeah?"

Felix pouts, laying his head on Hyunjin's chest and blinking up at him. "What am I supposed to do?"

"Finally visit the blacksmith's son you've been eyeing all summer?" He teases, giggling when Felix pushes him away with an offended noise and red cheeks.

"I haven't been eyeing Chan!"

"Yes you have! Go make a move, who wouldn't like you?" He responds, Felix huffing and crossing his arms in return with pink ears.

"Go to your own man." He pouts, ushering Hyunjin out of the hallway. "Wish him happy birthday for me."

"Will do, tell Channie I said hi!" He sing songs, laughing when the door to the kitchens is resolutely shut behind Felix's back.

He shakes his head fondly, starting the trek back towards the gardens. The picnic blanket is laid out in a field far away from the castle to not be seen, grass stretching for miles as he starts on setting everything up. He keeps the food in the basket to stay warm and takes out the cakes and fruits and drinks, distributing them all around putting two plates for him and Changbin.

He positions two easels opposite each other as a finishing touch, putting on blank canvases and taking a step back to admire his handiwork. The sun is out but there's a cool breeze to make up for it. Perfect.

He sits and fiddles with his hands as he waits, eyeing the wrapped gift beside him. He really hopes Changbin will like it– he'd taken him up on the offer that he'd like anything Hyunjin would gift him, and in true Hyunjin fashion had tried pouring his heart into it for his boyfriend to see.

"Jisung, you're gonna make both of us crash!" He hears a familiar whine, head whipping up to see Changbin stumbling through the field with Jisung covering his eyes behind him. He muffles a laugh behind his hand, watching the two nearly trip over a loose tree branch as the younger hastily apologizes.

Jisung smiles when he spots Hyunjin, pushing Changbin to go a bit faster.

"Where are we even going?"

"If you stop complaining for two seconds, ultra man, you'll see."

"What the hell is that nickname?!"

Hyunjin snorts. Those two were impossible together– he loved them, truly.

Jisung finally comes to a halt, making a show of taking his hands away and swooping down into a bow. "One pig rabbit delivery to you, your highness, fresh from the guard posts–"

Changbin smacks him without looking, mouth half open as he takes in the scene. "Hyune? What's this?"

Hyunjin rises to stand, biting his lip to conceal a smile. "Happy birthday, Binnie." He engulfs Changbin in a hug, delighting in the way his big arms wrap around Hyunjin's waist. He smells faintly of roses, he must've been close to the gardens today.

"You didn't have to do all this, baby…" He trails, but despite that there's a smile growing on his face; the same downturned smile Hyunjin loves so much and a blush on his cheeks when he looks at him, enough for Hyunjin to bend down and press a kiss to his mouth.

"I did. Wanted everything to be perfect for you." He murmurs, cupping his face gently.

"Any setting with you is perfect." He mumbles back, squeezing his hip.

"It's my time to leave I'm guessing," Jisung teases from behind, having both of them turn to him. "Happy birthday, big boy– enjoy your date and take care of our prince." He smacks Changbin's behind before sprinting, startling a loud laugh out of Hyunjin and a yelp from the older.

"Yah– you punk!" He shouts, although Jisung is already halfway across the field. Hyunjin snorts, rubbing his ass in consolation when he scowls.

"I don't blame him, it's a great ass."

"You're supposed to be possessive over me!" Changbin whines, dragging them both to settle down on the picnic blanket.

Hyunjin hides his laugh in his neck, squeezing his arms around him. "Don't worry, I already know you're mine."

It has the desired effect and makes a flush spread over Changbin's skin, the older batting at his shoulders shyly while Hyunjin leans up to kiss him. It turns into something softer, more intimate, as Changbin cards his fingers through his dark locks and encircles his waist with the other.

He's probably really biased, but kissing Changbin might be one of the best things he's ever felt. His lips are small and plush and fit into Hyunjin's like they're made to be there, expertly stealing the breath from his lungs and making him lose his mind a little bit with every brush of their tongues. Fuck, He loves kissing Changbin.

"What did you plan today, my prince?" He mumbles, a teasing smile on his face– of course he knows him well enough to know Hyunjin has a planning already. He's never been more attracted to him.

He pulls away with more difficulty than is good for either of them, blinking for a bit to come back to the present before remembering what he wanted to say.

"We're gonna paint each other!" He points to the easels, a big grin overtaking his face. "Then we're gonna eat and I'm gonna feed you honey cakes, and then we're watching the sunset."

Changbin groans but it's playful, dragging the prince closer to himself. "Do we have to paint? You know I'm terrible at it."

Hyunjin giggles at the memory of the first time he watched the older paint, how he'd made a total mess of the flower vase Hyunjin gave him as a prop. Hyunjin had framed it and hung it in his room anyway. "That's precisely why we're doing it."

Changbin groans again, but both of them know he can't ever deny Hyunjin; which is why ten minutes later they end up behind the easels with a palette and a brush in their hands.

He takes the moment of focus and silence to catalogue his boyfriend's face. Changbin's hair is a bit longer than the first time they'd met, his bangs falling in front of his eyes now while he does a cute head shake to get them out. His eyebrows scrunch in concentration endearingly and his pink lips pout while he stares intently at the canvas, trying to figure out what to do.

He adds a dash of color onto his own painting, trying to perfect Changbin's chin scar that he's kissed over many times. His boyfriend's cheeks are round and cute and he's wearing a dark red blouse that highlights his muscles in a way that makes Hyunjin's mouth water. God, he's obsessed with Changbin.

For a second, he allows himself to fantasize of what his life could be like; in an alternate reality he'd do this every day with Changbin, they'd live in a little cottage near the woods and go out to the village every day, kissing and holding hands everywhere openly and accepting the multiple compliments they'd probably get as a couple, because they'd just be two handsome strangers dating. They'd just be Changbin and Hyunjin.

Or maybe he'd still be the prince, and Changbin would be one as well from a different kingdom. They'd maybe meet in secret, or maybe an arranged marriage, but either way he would still find his way to the older. He thinks he'd find Changbin in every universe, no matter their roles. He thinks they'd make it no matter what. They're written into the very same stars they met under, Hyunjin knows.

He finishes his painting with a final brushstroke, a simple portrait with a backdrop of flowers with the prettiest of them all in the center. Hyunjin thinks he might be one of the luckiest people in the world, staring at Changbin as he frets over his own canvas.

"You done, handsome?" He quirks, crawling closer and cocking his head.

Changbin sighs dramatically. "This might've been the worst thing I've ever made– I didn't even dare try to paint you and your beauty so I settled for a tree, and it's still terrible!"

Hyunjin lets out a loud laugh, sitting next to him so he can finally see his masterwork. it's… well, true to his word it's a tree, but it's wonky and the colors are definitely off and that's not how you paint leaves. Hyunjin thinks it's perfect.

"It's the best painting I've ever seen, baby." He giggles, placing a kiss on Changbin's pout to console him. "You did your best on it and that's what matters."

Changbin hmphs, turning around Hyunjin's easel to compare. "Yours is so much better, how did you make me look prettier than I do in real life?" He laments, leaning his head on Hyunjin's shoulder.

Hyunjin scoffs playfully, squeezing his side. "That's exactly how you look in real life, don't act coy."

Changbin whines again, hiding his embarrassed flush in his neck. The sound delights Hyunjin to his core, drawing the older closer in his grip and turning them away from the paintings to the orange lit sky.

"The sun is setting," He murmurs, letting Changbin lean against his chest. "Do you want your present now?"

"You got me a present?" He sounds genuinely surprised, as if Hyunjin wouldn't give him the world if he asked.

"'Course I did." He scoffs, grabbing the neatly wrapped pink package and handing it over. Changbin stares at it for a few seconds, mouth half open, then looks at Hyunjin and back at the package, starting to tear it off gently.

Hyunjin fiddles with his hands, nervous. "It's not really big, I struggled a little with what to get you– Felix gave me the idea, so I hope you like it."

Changbin pulls the scrapbook he made out of the paper, treating it as if it's a precious gemstone as he flips through it. Hyunjin swallows, watching his reaction closely. The book is full of everything he wanted to give to Changbin; pressed flowers that reminded the prince of him, poems he conjured while thinking of Changbin, drawings and doodles and sketches of him and their moments, polaroids they'd taken together and with their friends captioned with sweet phrases and red hearts. It feels like a piece of his heart, as if his soul is unveiled between the pages ready for judgment.

"I… Hyune–" Changbin sounds a little choked up, blinking repeatedly as he traces the words he'd written in earnest. "This… I don't know what to say. This is the best gift I've ever gotten. It's amazing. It's perfect, thank you."

His shoulders visibly sag in relief, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding and wasting no time to draw the older into a kiss. Changbin cups his face with one hand and doesn't let go of the book, threading fingers through his hair lovingly.

"You're perfect." He murmurs again. "I don't know how I got so lucky. You're amazing."

Hyunjin shakes his head, gripping the older closer– he wants to disappear into Changbin, mold them together until they're one singular person, hearts beating in tandem and touching everywhere he can reach. "You are. I'm the lucky one." He kisses with fervor, with love, pouring a thousand words he doesn't know how to say into the action. "I love you, Changbin. I love you."

Changbin holds him, kisses him back like he hears and understands every thought he's having, cradles Hyunjin like he's the most precious thing he owns. "I love you too, my prince. So much."

Hyunjin lays him down while the sun dips just below the horizon behind them, highlighting every part of Changbin and making him look divine in a way that steals Hyunjin's breath, skimming his hands over soft skin and laying kisses against lovely lips.

Because Changbin is lovely. He's lovely, and beautiful, and protective and attentive and so, so caring; but most important of all, Changbin is his. All his, and no one else's.