This story will contain internalized and direct homophobia, transphobia, mental and physical abuse, mentions of death and self harm.
Read at your own risk.
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"Straighten your posture! You are a Prince, act like one." The King scolded, striking said Prince's back with his gem encrusted staff, causing him to wince and stand straight.
"Your Majesty! You are needed in the courtyard immediately." The King's adviser, Daehyun informed, panting. Kang-dae clicked his tongue in annoyance, before nodding. "Return to your chambers, Minho."
Minho nodded, quickly scurrying off to his room while his father left for the courtyard. He arrived to see Hwang Hyunjin, prince of Seoul, sat on his bed. "Hyunjin?" Minho furrowed his brows, "What are you doing here?" He asked, sitting beside him.
"Am I not allowed to see my best friend every once in a while?" The taller joked, nudging him. Minho only rolled his eyes, "Okay but seriously, why are you here?"
"My father said that I'm 'wasting my life', and that I have to find a wife before I turn 20, or else I'll never become king, or something like that."
"So.. you came here for a suitor?" Minho asked, falling back onto the bed, Hyunjin following suit. "Yeah I guess, doubt I'll find one though. I'll go out to town today, maybe meet a nice girl or two, who knows." He said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively, "Do you wanna come?"
Minho shrugged, "Sure, I guess. Don't have anything else to do." For some reason, Minho had never really taken interest in women. Sure, he did find some girls undeniably attractive, but he never truly fely anything for them. He could only brush it off as having high standards.
"Think you'll meet someone out there?" Hyunjin asked, facing the ceiling. "Probably not." The latter sighed. After a few seconds of silence, Minho spoke once more, "Do you... do you think there's something wrong with me..?"
"In what sense?"
"I'm 21 years old, Hyunjin, and not once have I liked a single girl!"
"Well.. have you- now I'm not saying you have- but have you ever, per say.. liked a.. boy?"
"I-" Minho stopped himself. Has he ever liked a boy? Could that be possible? A boy.. liking another boy? "No! Thats gross!"
"No need to get defensive." Hyunjin sighed, deciding not to comment on his friends not-so-subtle homophobia. "I was just asking. Nonetheless, there's nothing wrong with you, you probably just haven't met the right girl yet. The time will come, I assure you."
Minho only nodded, closing his eyes as the two sat in a comfortable silence.
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The two never fulfilled their plan on going to the town that day, and Hyunjin had found himself staying the night in the kingdom. "Kim Insu and his family will be joining us for dinner, I expect you to be on your best behavior son, do you understand me?" Minho nodded, "Yes father."
Hyunjin, Minho and his parents sat at the table in an uncomfortable silence until the door of the dining hall swung open to reveal a servant who stood before a small family. "The Kim's, your majesty."
Insu, accompanied by his wife and daughter entered the room, everyone standing to greet them with small bows. "Insu! How lovely to see you, and I see you've brought someone new along.. this is your.." "Daughter. Introduce yourself."
Said daughter bowed shyly. "G-greetings Your Majesty." The king nodded, motioning for everyone to sit. "I see you haven't brought Seungmin, is he alright?"
"Uh-He is visiting Daegu currently." Insu quickly excused, the king nodding once more. The two continued their conversation, their voices being the only one's heard in the large room.
While everyone ate, Hyunjin couldn't seem to be able to take his eyes off the girl sat in front of him. He was starstruck by her beauty, which didn't go unnoticed by Minho, seated beside him.
He nudged Hyunjin by the arm, snapping him out of his trance. "What's up with you?" He asked in a hushed tone. "Do you know her name?" Hyunjin asked, ignoring the latters question.
"What? No, I've never seen her before, why?"
"She's so beautiful.. Minho, I think I might be in love.."
"She- You don't even know her name, get yourself together Hyunjin."
Minho watched as Hyunjin leaned forward ever so slightly. "Hey, what's your name?" He whisper yelled across the table. The girl looked up from her plate, "Me?" Hyunjin nodded, "Seunghee. Kim Seunghee. Yours?"
"Hwang Hyunjin." He replied, smiling sweetly. She returned the smile, giving a curt nod. Hyunjin slumped back in his seat, sighing dreamily, "She's so cute.." He gushed, earning a confused look from Minho, "She literally just told you her name, how did you find that cute?"
Hyunjin only rolled his eyes and went back to his meal, Minho doing the same. The two soon excused themselves from the table, heading for the empty courtyard, Seunghee following suit once her fathers conversation morphed into politics.
She quickly caught up with the two, catching Hyunjin by surprise when she appeared behind them. "God, you scared me!" He gasped, holding a hand over his chest, Minho rolling his eyes once again at his friend.
Seunghee giggled, muttering a small 'sorry' before walking alongside the two. "So, where are we going?" She questioned. "The courtyard. It looks beautiful at night, you'll see." Minho replied, coming to a halt when they had arrived.
Several lights decorated the courtyard, which was rich in several species of roses, more of a rose garden than a courtyard, a fountain placed in the middle.
"Ah! I forgot, I have somewhere to be, bye!" Minho lied, quickly slipping away before Hyunjin could protest.
"So.." Hyunjin began, "Tell me about yourself." She nodded, "Well, My name is Kim Seunghee, I enjoy writing, cleaning and singing. My favorite season is autumn, favorite colour is purple and my favorite fruits are oranges and strawberries."
"My favorite season is Autumn too!" He replied, "Do you have any siblings?"
"Yeah, I have an older sister, but she moved away."
"Don't you have a brother? Seungmin?"
She immediately froze up at the name, "I- I'd rather not talk about that.." Hyunjin nodded, "Ah, sorry, my mistake. I have a younger brother, his name is Jeongin."
"Oh? Where is he?"
"He's back in Seoul. I'm just here visiting for a couple days."
"Ah, you're the Prince of Seoul then?" Hyunjin nodded, "Well then, its an honour, your majesty." She jokingly bowed, causing him to let out a chuckle.
