So, This is Love💫 (Chenji AU)

♦️10♦️

"Oh." Chenle said suddenly, as if he realized something, before he started to bow to his prince.

"Stop that." Jisung said, his expression suddenly sullen. It made him uncomfortable to see the other bow to him. "Chenle, I appreciate it, but I don't want you to treat me that way. We're basically the same age."

Chenle stood up straight and mumbled an apology. He felt bad, but what else was he supposed to do? Jisung and him weren't equals by any means. He almost wanted to apologize to Jisung for having danced with him and for having disappointed him right now with his attire.

Jisung, on the other hand, didn't care. "Um...can you wait here, please? There's a table towards the back. I need to give you something." Jisung said. Chenle just nodded at Jisung with a frown and walked to the table at the back of the room to wait. He fidgeted about, waiting for Jisung to return.

The door opened a while later. Jisung ran a hand through his hair and visibly took in a deep breath. Chenle sensed that Jisung was a bit nervous. He had taken a while to get here. It made Chenle feel less intimidated since they were on the same page. Chenle couldn't help but smile at the boy. Jisung smiled back and walked towards him.

"Chenle," Jisung started, holding out his hand. Chenle placed his hand on top of Jisung's, hoping that's what he was asking for. Both their hands were sweaty, but they could each feel warmth. "I've actually been looking for you for a while." Jisung continued.

"Why would you?" Chenle said in a solemn tone.

"What do you mean why? I wanted to see you again, of course. Didn't you want to see me again?" Chenle's eyes widened at the slight desperation in Jisung's voice.

"I...I did want to see you again." Chenle whispered, barely audible enough for Jisung to hear. Jisung sighed and decided it was now or never.

"Chenle," Jisung got down on one knee and let go of Chenle's hand to reach into his pocket. Chenle slowly got more and more panicked as Jisung took out a box from his pocket and opened it, showing off an extravagantly expensive ring with a big diamond in the center. He couldn't help but stare at it in awe. "Please be my partner. My dance partner, my partner in crime, my friend, and...spouse." Jisung had trouble saying the last word as he was now a nervous mess.

Chenle stared at Jisung wide-eyed. He would have never expected this. Sure, the prince was looking for a partner, but why him? A prince is to marry nobility, not some common servant. Chenle shook his head vigorously, making Jisung's heart stop. "No." He whispered. He repeated it to Jisung. "No, I can't." He got up, despite his weak legs and ran to the exit door. It was now open and he could easily run away again.

He expected Jisung to follow behind him. Deep down, he even hoped that Jisung would come after him, but he didn't. He wasn't ready for that, not at all. Him marry Jisung? What in the world? Who would choose him over a prince or princess? He wasn't even sure where to go but went to where he thought the exit was. He could feel someone chasing him suddenly. Chenle turned and tripped onto the floor before he looked up in shock.

"How are you here?"

"I took a shortcut. Remember, I live here." Jisung held his hand down for Chenle to take. Chenle sighed and took Jisung's hand, letting the other pull him up. He had the urge to run again but realized, it was childish to just keep running.

"Why?" Chenle spoke slowly, "Why do you want to marry me?"

"What do you mean why? You're the only person I actually had a proper conversation with. I know it's sudden, but I promise to give you time to think about it if you need. I need to make a decision, so I can't help rushing at you."

"I can't."

"Why not?" Jisung asked, clicking his tongue, getting suddenly worked up at Chenle's denying. He didn't imagine things to go this way. He had scenarios in his mind of how it would all turn out and nothing was matching up. Why won't he say yes?

"I just can't. I need go now." Chenle started walking away. He would love to spend more time with Jisung. Their bond seemed unmistakable, as if they were meant to meet, but Chenle was in denial. He had never seen a perfect marriage, except his parents, who had met when they were kids. His step-mother barely knew his dad and look how their marriage turned out? Look at how their kids ended up getting treated.

Chenle didn't trust easily. He still didn't trust his step-siblings enough. There was no one he truly trusted in this world. And Jisung? He just met Jisung. Who says he won't turn like his step-mother or leave him like everyone else he's loved has. He wasn't ready for that.

"Chenle!"

He was cut from his thoughts. He stopped walking and turned to see Jisung standing behind him. He expected to see him angry, but he looked desperate. His eyes only spelled out desperation.

"Please, at least stay for dinner." Jisung almost pleaded.

Chenle felt bad. He couldn't do anything more than hesitantly nod.