Seungcheol tenderly pulls Jeonghan closer, his heart aching at the sight of tears staining Jeonghan's cheeks. Gently, he cups Jeonghan's face, his thumbs brushing away the dampness. "Stop crying," his voice carries a soft plea, filled with a mix of concern and affection that mirrors the depth of his emotions.
Jeonghan inhales deeply, his breath shuddering as he tries to regain his composure. With hurried motions, he wipes away the tears, yet the lingering sadness in his eyes betrays his attempts at strength. "I'm sorry—"
"Don't apologize," Seungcheol's touch is gentle, his fingertips tracing the contours of Jeonghan's cheeks. "Come, the darkness approaches swiftly." Leading Jeonghan towards their secluded spot, he guides him past the elegant carriage and their faithful horse, Shin, standing patiently.
"You all can return with the carriage," Seungcheol's command is firm yet gentle, directing the guard to retreat to the palace with the now-empty carriage.
"How am I supposed to manage now?" Jeonghan's voice carries a hint of uncertainty as he watches the retreating guards, a sense of vulnerability creeping into his demeanor. "I had plans to take you somewhere," Seungcheol's tone is gentle as he tucks a stray strand of Jeonghan's hair behind his ear.
"Come," Seungcheol's grasp on Jeonghan's wrist is tender as he leads him towards Shin, whose excitement is palpable in the rhythmic tapping of his hooves against the ground.
"Do you know how to mount?" Seungcheol's question is accompanied by a playful grin as he effortlessly leaps onto Shin's back, extending a hand to Jeonghan, inviting him to join.
"Remember, I too am a prince," Jeonghan's playful defiance is evident in his eyes as he meets Seungcheol's gaze with a challenging glare. As their bodies meet, a collision of warmth and intimacy, Seungcheol's arms envelop Jeonghan's waist protectively.
"Indeed, but to me, you are my queen, my rose," Seungcheol whispers, his breath brushing against Jeonghan's neck, igniting a shiver down his spine.
"Queens are traditionally reserved for women," Jeonghan counters, a playful glint dancing in his eyes.
"By whose decree?" Seungcheol's eyebrow arches in amusement, his gaze locking with Jeonghan's as they share a moment of playful banter amidst the serene surroundings.
"Says me," Jeonghan's response is accompanied by a smirk, his posture straightening as Seungcheol takes hold of the reins, urging Shin forward with a gentle nudge.
"In my eyes, a queen embodies the essence of nurturing and devotion, qualities that you possess in abundance. Thus, you are the queen to my rose," Seungcheol's words are spoken with a tender sincerity that melts away any lingering doubts in Jeonghan's heart.
"Whatever," Jeonghan's grumble is met with a soft chuckle from Seungcheol, who leans in to press a tender kiss against Jeonghan's neck, eliciting a playful glare in response.
"You're truly adorable when your nose scrunches in frustration," Seungcheol's teasing remark is met with a playful swat from Jeonghan, their laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.
"Stop staring at me like that, or I might be tempted to indulge in some forbidden pleasures amidst this tranquil forest," Seungcheol's husky whisper sends a shiver down Jeonghan's spine, his cheeks flushing at the thought of their intimate rendezvous.
"Such impure thoughts," Jeonghan chides, though the mischievous twinkle in his eyes betrays his own desires as he playfully covers Seungcheol's mouth with his hand.
"You're the one who speaks with such audacity," Seungcheol's response is muffled by Jeonghan's hand, yet his eyes convey a playful challenge as they continue their journey through the enchanted forest, their love illuminating the darkness with its radiant glow.
As they ventured deep into the forest, its verdant embrace shrouded in a foreboding silence, Jeonghan inquired, "Where are we headed?"
"You'll see," Seungcheol replied, urging Shin to hasten their pace until they reached a vast clearing adorned with two majestic trees at its heart.
"What is this place?" Jeonghan queried as the horse came to a halt at Seungcheol's silent command. "First, let's dismount," Seungcheol instructed, assisting Jeonghan before alighting himself.
"Follow me," Seungcheol beckoned, grasping Jeonghan's hand and leading him towards the towering trees.
"What are these?" Jeonghan asked, stepping closer to one of the trees, where his gaze fell upon the engraved names on their bark.
"King Sejong the Great," on the first tree, and "Queen Jieun the Great," on the second.
"Is this...?"
"Yes, they are my parents. I felt compelled to visit them, and I wanted you to accompany me," Seungcheol revealed, standing behind Jeonghan and gazing at the trees. Instead of constructing traditional graves, planting seeds seemed a more fitting tribute.
It felt as though his parents lingered here, their presence alive in the flourishing foliage. Whenever the trees bore new leaves, he imagined them rejoicing, though the reality was bittersweet.
"It's beautiful," Jeonghan remarked, tracing the engraved words gently before turning to face Seungcheol, who stood silently behind him.
"Do you miss them?" Jeonghan's question hung in the air, simple yet profound, leaving Seungcheol grappling for an answer. Did he? Partially, for the cherished memories of shared meals, but not for the discord that often marred their relationships.
"Perhaps," Seungcheol sighed, averting his gaze as a green leaf fluttered down. "I'm not sure."
"It's alright," Jeonghan reassured, drawing near and resting his head against Seungcheol's chest, wrapping his arms around him. "It's okay to remember someone without longing for them."
"I don't miss them for who they were, but for what they meant to me and Jisoo," Seungcheol admitted, his throat tightening as Jeonghan's hand cupped his cheek.
"It's alright. Sometimes, we must let go of people, even if we don't want to," Jeonghan consoled, and Seungcheol's eyes searched desperately for his.
"Will you leave me too?" Seungcheol's voice trembled with a childlike vulnerability, seeking reassurance.
"No," Jeonghan asserted, pulling Seungcheol closer. "The only way I'll leave you is when my last breath escapes me," sealing his promise with a tender kiss, filled with desire and devotion.
Their lips met in a soft, fervent embrace, as Seungcheol withdrew slightly.
"I know this may sound foolish, but..." Seungcheol paused, gathering his courage, while Jeonghan stiffened in his embrace.
"I heard your confession yesterday," Jeonghan's throat tightened, anticipating rejection.
"Do you mean it?" Seungcheol's question caught Jeonghan off guard. "Mean what?"
"Do you truly mean those words you said to me?" Seungcheol pressed, and Jeonghan gazed earnestly at him.
"What if I do?" Seungcheol's eyes widened in surprise.
"What—"
"I love you," the wind seemed to still, the birdsong suspended in the air, as though only Jeonghan and Seungcheol existed in this moment.
"Do you believe me now, or shall I engrave your name upon my heart?" Seungcheol watched with amusement as Jeonghan pecked his lips.
"It's okay if you don't—"
"I love you," Jeonghan's hands faltered as Seungcheol's grip tightened around his waist.
"I love you, Yoon Jeonghan," Seungcheol declared.
"I love you more, Choi Seungcheol," Jeonghan reciprocated, sealing their love with a fervent embrace amidst the solemn beauty of the memorial grove.
-----
-Vaish
Finally the confession is over! Is there anything I should add more or just end it here? Do share your ideas ! Will be appreciated.
Traditional story selecting session is here!
New trope from my previous ones!
Devil's advocate 🤍
Paint it RED ♥️
Place your votes! 🎀