Chapter Text
Chapter 1:
Chanyeol woke up with the incessant ringing of phone calls.
It was a harsh night for him, shutting himself in his room and burning the midnight oil to finish his term papers to be passed that afternoon. He never knew six in the morning would be the best time to rest his mind because one, his roommate is not around. With Jongin in their shared apartment, it will always be at war since he likes running across everything on his way. It’s just way too noisy with the sound of his housemate breaking either their appliances with his bones and two, he’s been working on that term paper for a week already, he knows he deserves to rest and sleep like a log already.
He just slept for only about half an hour and was drifting off to dreamland when his damn phone rang, thus his sleep is ruined. You cannot blame Chanyeol for answering with a pissed tone.“What?”
“You need to come home, Chan.”
The voice on the other line made Chanyeol jolt up from his comfortable bed. He looked at his screen to double check because it might be a blockmate calling but no – he doesn’t have friends in his block. He correctly remembers – it was Yura, his older sister calling.
“I’ve been calling you all this time and you weren’t picking up Chan! I tried calling your friend but he’s not answering either and this is an emergency! You need to come home. Right now.”
Home. For a moment, Chanyeol wanted to scoff. Home meant Korea. Korea wasn’t ever a home for him but he shrugged at the thought. It was unnecessary.
“Hey, Yoo, calm down. I’m having a hard time understanding you.”
The sound of her sister’s voice was worrying him so fuck sleep and his tempting bed. Chanyeol grabbed his sweatpants on the floor quickly, sandwiching his phone between his ear and shoulder so he can multitask talking to his sister and wearing it. He can hear Yoora giving out exasperated sighs.
“Grandfather was rushed to the hospital. It was during a meeting with Prime Minister Han about the ascension of our father to the throne. You know how some of our people disliked him and the discussion became heated and all. I’m sorry I can’t talk a lot right now. Grandfather had a heart attack and is currently having his surgery. Before he was wheeled inside the E.R., he told me to ask you to come home. I’ve arranged a flight already. verything is all set okay? Just – please come home.”
“Okay. Don’t worry anymore, Yoo.”
“I can’t help it.” There was a big sigh on the other end of the line. Aside from being the King’s granddaughter, Yoora was also his most trusted secretary. Most of the people who works with her described her as placid but the Blue House representatives see her as an iron lady. That’s what she is to people she works with. Yoora has great dedication in helping the King with all his duties as ruler of the nation. Hearing her sigh and panic means a big thing for someone who doesn’t show emotions most of the time. Chanyeol had seen Yoora lose shit before. She’s a strong-willed woman but you can easily take her down by attacking her family. Chanyeol loved that character about her on how she puts the royal family first more than anyone. Even herself.
He cannot let his sister down during this time.
Chanyeol wasted no time in packing lightly for his sudden trip back home. He wouldn’t be needing to pack clothes since he can just ask someone in the Blue House to shop for him. He had his mind set that he wouldn’t be staying in Korea for a long period of time like a vacation or some sort. All he needed was his school stuff that is all kept in his external hard drive in case his professors would give him revisions about his papers. Despite of his huge height and weight, he was surprisingly swift. You wouldnt even know he’s around because he’s a light mover.
Chanyeol easily accomplished all the things he needed to do before taking a quick bath.
He can’ t leave without taking a bath especially when he’s set to go out. On top of that, he felt and smelt awful.
As an important member of Korea’s monarch, he should always care for his appearance. It was one of the lessons Yoora asked him to remember by heart. In the world he’s living in where everyone is watching, he has to be cautious, ready and appropriate. He can’t allow the people against the royal family to say something that could tarnish his name. One negative article about him is considered a scandal and everyone in the family would be gravely affected.
This is the reason why he can’t go out of their house without taking a shower even if he’s just going to buy something from the convistore unlike Jongin who got guts doing so.
Jongin, his sort of best buddy when he moved at Cambridge, is majoring in legal studies.
Just like him, Jongin was granted a scholarship at the prestigious Cambridge University but he lacked financial capabilities when it came to housing and other necessity. Chanyeol, a major in biological studies, always saw him napping at the university library. In Cambridge, when you’re a bio major aiming to enter med school, the library is your second home or sometimes the canteen. Chanyeol thought Jongin is a bear personified but he realized he was wrong because he also sees him working part time at a coffee shop he frequents when the university library is crowded and it’s too hard for him to concentrate. Jongin works day and night for his studies.
Since Jongin had this ability to befriend anyone, they instantly clicked. He was full of stories and it entertained Chanyeol a lot. The company made Chanyeol sane and less lonely for being away from his family and coping up with his inability to mingle with others.
After a month of being friends, Chanyeol offered to share his apartment with Jongin. It was impractical of Yoora to buy him a spacious apartment when he’s the only one living in it. A company wouldn’t hurt, plus, Jongin is a Korean like him who knows how to mingle and adjust with people. It wasn’t a bad thing for him.
Yoora opposed his idea, saying that it’s brash and it could be a reason for his unwanted exposure as a member of the royal family but despite all that, Chanyeol really wanted to help Jongin.
Jongin politely declined the offer, saying that he can survive and doesn’t want to be a bother to his friend yet, Chanyeol insisted.
“You can pay your rent once you’ve become a lawyer. For now, you can pay me by keeping the house clean… and I don’t know? Cooking meals?”
Jongin agreed.
They lived with those arrangements for four years, still with his identity hidden from the public and to his flatmate. Jongin never asked questions as to why his friend never had scarcity when it comes to money or share anything about his family aside from his sister, which is rarely mentioned in some occasions.
The soon-to-be-lawyer knew to ask the right questions. How was he? What would Chanyeol like for breakfast? All that type of questions a taciturn person like Chanyeol doesn’t find uncomfortable to answer. It was really comforting to be with Jongin who doesn’t pressure him in all the get to know antics.
Jongin was observant, he didn’t need to ask to know Chanyeol personally and had never become a threat in his daily life. The man lived quietly and retained his anonymity.
The identity as Prince Chanyeol of South Korea was never revealed to the public. It was what his father wanted after they became a target of the anti monarch. He’s enjoying it so far but he has never forgotten his duties even if the people he’s bound to serve doesn’t know how he looked like.
The pressure was lesser too and by hiding, he was able to achieve things without using his family background. It made him a little proud of himself when he passed, on the top of that, aced an exam for a prestigious med school all because of his hard work.
Med school. Who knew it would happen to be an arm reach for him? Chanyeol felt accomplished in his entire life. Just a few more interviews and he’ll finally live his dream.
When he’s done showering, his flat mate was just in time in arriving at their doorstep, wearing his dancing leotards and jeans.
Jongin, in his last year of college before entering law school, is a part time ballet instructor. He needs funds since law school is a bit pricey and the job pays him really well. When Chanyeol offered money, his flatmate politely declined. “I can still manage. My brother back in Seoul gives me enough. Don’t worry!” he said.
Chanyeol sighed with the sight of Jongin heading straight to their kitchen where he saw the bag of bread brought last night. His flatmate doesn’t stop eating.
His brain doesn’t know what to prioritize all of a sudden. It’s either to explain why he’s leaving or his discomfort with the latter’s get up. To be honest, Jongin had this international model stance but his get up right now seriously makes him a fashion terrorist.
“Woah. I just got here – what did I do? I swear, I didn’t eat your junks. I learned, Mr. Park.” Jongin started, putting his bag down on the floor which was instantly a big eyesore for Chanyeol.
The kid never learned to tidy things in front of a clean freak but he’s glad the man learned not to eat his precious foods. It was a mess that one time he did, earning a glare from Chanyeol for the whole day.
Poor Jongin was frightened to be either kicked on the butt or kicked out of the house.
Jongin didn’t noticed the backpack that Chanyeol placed on the sofa and it was only when he came back from the kitchen that he saw. “Where you goin? Staying over at Luhan’s?”
It felt like someone stabbed him a million times on his chest, Jongin wasn’t aware by speaking that name, it made Chanyeol ache inside his chest. The taller just stood there, recalling how he broke it off with Luhan.
It wasn’t a very good break up.
“Well, it’s good that you are getting along well again -” Jongin chided but Chanyeol was quick to cut him off as soon as he chomped a croissant in his mouth.
“We broke up. I’m flying to Korea today.” He mumbles, tapping the latter’s shoulder lightly.
With the sudden drop of news, Jongin wasn’t able to shut his mouth and the croissant he was nibbling fell down on the carpeted floor. He looked at Chanyeol who’s busy gulping down some pricey energy drink. “Man, drop bombs one by one? When did the two of you broke up? Why are you leaving? Is that why you’re leaving? Are you okay? And stop drinking energy drinks when you haven’t even slept! That’s bad for your body!”
Chanyeol immediately stopped drinking and got worried he might have bad palpitations. He’s sure he can’t rest once he arrives in Korea. “My grandfather had a cardiac arrest and my sister needs me. My family needs me.”
“And Luhan?”
“Something came up?”
“Jesus, what is that something that kept on coming at you? what the hell? give me useful answers!? I need to understand what is happening and why in the world am I hearing this now? Come on, Chanyeol! We could talk about it! Is that the reason why you were cooped up in your room for a week?”
Chanyeol was shocked to see the worry on his friend’s face. He was glad that at least one person is worried for him but it was best not to burden other people. “I was doing my thesis. I’m not sad over our break up, so calm down? For now, I need to catch my plane.”
“How can you even book a flight this easy? And you packed lightly! You still have dues right? Hey! You also have your interview? Uhm? This is really freaking me out and it’s not even my admission!”
Chanyeol gave him a grin and paced to get his bag. How delightful to see Jongin try not to rumble with his own words due to concern. “You’ll just miss me that’s why you’re freaking out. I’ll update you once I’ve arrived okay? Let’s talk about the other things next time, yeah? I need to go, really.”
Before Jongin could even utter his goodbye, Chanyeol was already out of their apartment.
The law student sighed. He’s used with his secretive housemate and there’s nothing he could do about that but he was damn worried. It made him a little bit at ease when Chanyeol told him he’ll call once he arrives in Korea. He rarely does that and as someone who has been with Chanyeol long enough, Jongin knows he wouldn’t forget what he said.
It was a moment of silence when Jongin noticed the quietness of their place. He plopped down on the couch and turned on the TV, just to hear something and felt how boring it was without his housemate.
If Chanyeol was there, he would instantly start nagging how Jongin was wasting electricity because his focus was on his phone.
After checking his Tinder account, rejecting almost all of his matches, he diverted his undivided attention to a news site.
It wasn’t that hard to notice and get intrigued by the flashing bold and red headline.
South Korea’s Head of Monarch, King Hyunjo collapsed on a meeting because of an argument with regards to Crown Prince Jungsoo’s ascension to the throne: Royal family has now come to a mess
Jongin shakes his head with disappointment. “The royal family has always been messy, can’t they think of a good headline??”
*******
Chanyeol expected someone from the blue house to accompany him as soon as he set foot in his beloved country but he wasn’t expecting the daughter of the Prime Minister to be that person – not that he thinks Seolhwa is incompetent. She’s a childhood friend who grew into a fair ambition-driven woman but she’s still learning about the Blue House duties. They could’ve sent one of the prime minister’s secretaries, Kyungsoo. Yes. Kyungsoo, the unreadable doe-eyed cute fellow he teases when he’s chosen to work for him. Despite his aggressive façade, Kyungsoo is a friendly person you’d be comfortable to be with.
Seolhwa, on the other hand, was a tad bit difficult to work with. Ever since they were kids, Seolhwa has been whiny and spoiled. She likes invading Chanyeol’s space, holding and hugging him when she has the chance and does the deciding for him, thinking that it would be the best. He remembered that time when she was scolded by the late Queen. Seol gave him a surprise back hug that almost led him to fall face first.
Poor Seol was terrified, crying hard while all her snot scattered on her face when the queen lost her composure and raised her voice. Chanyeol who cannot bear the scene walked up to his grandmother and apologized for her since she cant even say a word. Maybe that’s the reason why Seolhwa grew attached to him. He didn’t want to establish a knight in shining armour image to her but it happened.
“Chan!” Seolhwa shouted as soon as he spotted him at the arrival area. There were a few who had given him a look, probably intimidated by his height. It normally happens back in Cambridge so the prince shrugged it off easily. Chanyeol gave Seolwa a small smile, giving his signature confident snorting expression to reciprocate her excitement.
Seolhwa has short hair now, only reaching her shoulders and she still goes looking all pure and gracious with chiffon dresses like when they were still kids. It was adorable.
Chanyeol wasn’t surprised the moment Seol launched herself to him to give an embrace. “I missed you so much, Chan.” After a moment, when Chanyeol realized that they’re being too close, it suffocated him at some point. He carefully placed Seol down, only to find a disappointed look on the lady.
“You haven’t seen me for the last eight years and this is all I get? A half assed hug.”
“You know the protocol, Seol.” Chanyeol ruffled his childhood friend’s hair, giving a teasing smile. “If my grandmother is still alive, you’ll get scolded again”
Seolhwa huffs in return, removing Chanyeol’s hand on her head. “Please don’t do that, you’ll ruin my hair – and also – for your information, her Highness, the Queen is fond of me when she was still alive! She might even ask me to marry you.” She says proudly but pouted when Chanyeol laughed at her again. Marrying, at the moment, at the young age of twenty five is still not on his priorities. If his parents would ask for a kid, Yoora can take the responsibility since she’s older.
It was not quite long when a rushing bald person came to his side, on his black suit like all of the other personnel from the blue house wear.
“Ms. Han, please do not engage skinships to other people – there are a lot of people following you. It’s not a good publicity for you.” Said bald head surprised Chanyeol.
“Kyungsoo?”
Hearing his name, the shorter man faced him and smiled, giving a very respectful and courteous bow. “It’s an honor to be your personal assistant again, Highness. Do Kyungsoo, is at your service.”
“Oh.. I thought it’s Seol that will assist me.“
“Ms. Han wanted to welcome you and insisted to come with me.” Kyungsoo says firmly, his tone formal and his words on point. Chanyeol got distracted with his new hair though. The prince never knew that people could actually look good with that kind of style. “Highness, were you listening?”
“Nope. He was looking at your head, Kyungkyung.” Seolhwa coos, touching the assistant’s bald head lovingly. “How, cute, our Kyungsoo looking so adorable and exceptionally distracting! This is a first you know, having an unfocused Chan.”
In an instant, Kyungsoo felt embarrassed and turned red. Chanyeol just watched the kids in front of him and thought that though his trip was unexpected because of a very difficult circumstance, it’s good to be back.
The car ride to the hospital were full of Kyungsoo explaining to Chanyeol what had happened to the King. The prince quietly wanted to nap even for some minutes because he’s been feeling dog-tired after his flight. He understands though, why Kyungsoo’s briefing him about what is happening with the Blue House and the royal family.
He and the King are in sort of a cold war with each other. It has been months since the people of the Blue House started the discussion of his father’s ascension to the throne. The Prime Minister had no problem but some of the members of the board of ministers opposed the idea.
His father, Crown Prince Jungsoo was a great man. Ever since Chanyeol was a kid, he believes that his father is because that’s what he sees. His father, as the crown prince didn’t had an easy life even with his status. He has been working his ass off to be deserving of the throne, proving that he was capable of being a King the country needs. He knows his duties, does all his best to give what is best to his people. Never did his father complained of his workload.
It was something that he loved doing and all his attention were on his duties. He remembers not seeing his father quite often and when he does, he’s all about how he and Yoora should be focusing on their classes and not with unimportant things such as fun.
Was he ever a father? Yes. He is but not as hands on as the Prime Minister with Seol or the other fathers working for their family.
Was he a good husband to their mother? Absolutely.
With them being married, Chanyeol thinks it made his father sane. Going back to his childhood, he has seen his father working till morning, cranky and mad if things aren’t going his way but when he’s approached by their mother, everything calms down.
Although, he cannot deny the fact that growing with such man as the head of their house is quite pressuring. Chanyeol didn’t notice that he’d been used to achieving what is perfect.
When he was in Cambridge, his phone calls with his father are short. Sometimes, he asks how he is doing and his studies. There was no recollection of his father being a typical father to him but how can he expect that, though?
Their life as part of the royal family isn’t all rainbows. Spending time with each other like of those who spend quality time with their kids is impossible and Chanyeol never questioned why they can’t be normal.
He’d known long ago that with their family status, they wouldn’t be something he wished to be.
It would be dumb if he kept on hoping his father would talk to him like how a normal father would, weird if he does.
He was awfully quiet, Kyungsoo noticed. Twenty hours on the plane was dreadful but the assistant needed to run over the things that happened while he’s gone especially with the matter about his grandfather. He was talking about the meeting that happened with the ministers; he was there when majority of them disliked the idea of his father’s ascension, saying it was too soon.
The crown prince wanted to have new people to be part of his set of ministers. There has been news circulating that there are ministers who are abusing their powers. With that said, Chanyeol’s father was hated. A lot of arguments were raised and the crown prince was thrown under the bus because of his roots.
The scandal of his birth arose in the meeting and the King felt insulted, he lost his calmness.
The King may have learned to value the late Queen and loved her like his world but the scandals he had will always and always be attached to him.
In Chanyeol’s opinion, who would they want to lead the country? The lost prince Changmin who, in so many years, abandoned his post? The King will never let his people suffer such leader.
“Your highness, I do apologize for this but you weren’t listening again. I am gravely worried.”
“I’m sorry, Kyungsoo.” Chanyeol mumbled, trying to shake off from his deep thoughts. He was about to ask Kyungsoo to carry on in with everything when their car took an abrupt turn to its left, giving way to a rushing ambulance behind them and thought of how Yoora was when he’s grandfather was rushed too..
Watching an important person suffer and not being able to help is a big shock to most. Yoora must’ve been the same.
Chanyeol’s thought drifted to what Kyungsoo is telling him and the image of the boy in the passing ambulance quickly faded.
When they arrived at the hospital, Kyungsoo led them at the back part of the hospital for a secured entry. It was the biggest hospital in Seoul and there were a lot of reporters crowding at the lobby. As per protection of his identity as the Prince, Kyungsoo’s job was not to get him exposed.
Since the director of the hospital is a good friend of the King, the top floor of hospital was reserved for the royal family. There are assigned doctors and nurses for them and they are the only ones allowed to be on that floor. It was quiet though the floor was completely filled with security from the Blue House.
Chanyeol can distinctly remember when he’s still a child, he thought of them as part of MIB. Who wouldn’t? The dress code for the security people of the Blue House is very formal and black. If wearing shades was a protocol, too, then it would be really cool and funny.
It was very timely that Yoora came out of a room, looking all tired and sleepy. Chanyeol did not need to call because Yoora sees him in an instant. The elder didn’t hesitate to run at him for an embrace. It was probably the first time the people from the Blue House witnessed the Princess of the Royal family to break down, and cry. As respect, they turned their backs and distanced themselves to give the siblings their time to comfort each other. Kyungsoo and Seolhwa went to the nurses around to keep themselves busy as well.
“I’m tired, Chan.” Yoora whispered to Chanyeol’s chest and the younger hugged her tighter. “It’s good to see you, really. Our small.”
“I’m taller now.” Chanyeol tightened his embrace to his older sister and patted her head as she continued to sob. That nickname was given by the Queen which she adapted.
Her cries continued. She must’ve held it back while he’s still not around and he’s proud how strong she is. “You can rest now, Yoora.” He said and the elder only nodded as a response.
It was Chanyeol who asked for a room for Yoora to use. Kyungsoo said that she hasn’t slept for two days already and it made Chanyeol feel bad. She’s all alone, worrying for the King because their father, as the crown prince, was sent to be the representative of the country for the ASEAN meeting since the King cannot attend. The crown princess, their mother, was currently doing a charity work in Africa and cannot come home immediately as well. It was only Yoora facing the press, updating them with the King’s health.
“I can’t sleep, Chan. I have lots to do. I need to get the minutes of father’s trip and also ask the palace maids to arrange a room for Mom -” Yoora whined, trying to stop Chanyeol from covering her with a blanket. The room they had for her was a spare, just across the King’s. Chanyeol flicked his sister’s forehead gently and she instantly stopped trying to get out of bed.
“Yoora, I’m here now. Just a couple of hours of sleep will not make you a bad granddaughter. I’ll do all those” Chanyeol kids, sitting beside his sister.
“But Chan, you were on a flight for almost a whole day –“
“Look, I didn’t have any sleep doing my thesis and I am still alive, Yoora.” Chanyeol kisses his sister’s forehead to calm her. He mumbled a deep and sincere Thank you after.
The elder looks at him quizzically, confused with the sudden message that registered in her mind.“For what, Channie?”
“For being strong even though you’re on your own.” Chanyeol says, taking Yoora’s hand into his. “Thank you for defending this family even though it cost you to forgo living your life the way you wanted it to be.”
“Thank you.” Yoora stresses, grasping the younger’s hand tightly. “For understanding our situation. Thank you for being here, too.”
“Ah.” Chanyeol mumbled as he remembers the heavy feeling inside his chest that he always tries to forget. “I can’t have you crying again, Yoora. Being mushy eh? That’s cute.”
Yoora scrunched her nose and pinched her brother playfully. They exchanged laughter to ease each other’s worry. Chanyeol can’t believe he’s a real softy to his sister at crucial times like this. Yoora will probably tease him when she remembers but that’s the least of his concern. When Yoora fell asleep, Chanyeol made sure with the nurses that they gave sleeping meds to his older sister so that she can rest fully. For sure, since Yoora’s body clock was set for on call duties, she’ll wake up after three hours or less.
Kyungsoo was there to assist him if he needed something after talking with the doctors about the King’s condition. Seolhwa was nowhere to be seen since she was the one who shouldered Yoora’s job for awhile. She made calls to the Blue House about what’s happening and Chanyeol’s arrival.
“Highness, I suggest that you rest too.” Kyungsoo told him quietly, with worry in his voice. “The crown prince and the crown princess would be arriving tomorrow morning, by the way. It will be a long day, for sure. You haven’t met them for a year, right? It seems that you are very busy in Cambridge to visit last Christmas and New Year. Please save your energy.”
Chanyeol was in the middle of texting Jongin when the assistant approached him but he heard him pretty well. Kyungsoo doesn’t know how they were as a family. It’s not like the crown prince and the crown princess would crowd him up once they see him but he just let the assistant speak his thoughts as he sends his message to Jongin successfully. His friend might bombard his inbox if he didn’t update him. After he finishes, he looks down to Kyungsoo and gave a curt and apologetic smile.
“I apologize, Kyungsoo. I know you’re just looking out for me at the moment but I have to be there once grandfather awakes.”
“Oh, the King is awake earlier, Your Highness.”
“Really? Can I come in his room or is it still not allowed?”
Kyungsoo looks at the nurses coming out the King’s room and hesitated at first. “I am not really sure if he slept again, Prince, but I am positive the King would like to see you. The doctors said His Majesty is stable now. No worries about his health anymore.”
The delight on Chanyeol’s face was evident and Kyungsoo knew what it meant – the Prince wanted to check the King, their grandfather
The King’s room was big and obviously made to cater the man who rules the country. It has a place for visitors and things that will keep them entertained as well. Chanyeol went to his side quietly, carefully so that he wouldn’t wake him up. He just wanted to look at his grandfather so bad. It broke his heart when he saw the breathing apparatus on the King. One thing that the country knows about the King is that he is a man of action. You won’t see him idling. He likes doing things even it’s time to relax. Pacing is a way to exercise his mind. Chanyeol laughs at the thought that his grandfather must’ve been irritated since he’s just laying on his bed.
Chanyeol was quiet as he sat down on the chair just beside the King’s hospital bed. He didn’t know if he can hold the King’s hand. They had a misunderstanding a few months ago and they weren’t talking with each other, growing hard feelings and distance. Chanyeol regrets that he acted so foolishly when the King told him he’s set to meet the person he’s betrothed with.
A betrothal that was made when he’s still young to understand.
The prince’s initial reaction was frustration. He’s already twenty-five and was in a very serious relationship with a med student named Luhan in their university that time. Being told to break it off didn’t sit quite well with Chanyeol. How can the King do that to him? Arranging him with some grandson of an old friend just because the whole royal family was indebted to them?
Luhan was the person in his present and wanted to see in his future that time. He was very sure that he wanted Luhan to be his partner until the rest of time but great, the King arranged him in a marriage!
The King told him that without this family, there will be no him. What must be the good deed this person did to make his grandfather give him the deal of a lifetime?
It was surprising when Chanyeol knew the only thing this friend asked was a good life for his grandson. They could’ve given them a place in the Palace or a plaque of a job well done but it was rather a better idea to offer a marriage with the royal grandson, the future King of the country.
Chanyeol didn’t understand and he regrets that he acted without thinking. He was pulled out his deep thoughts when he felt a hand squeezing his.
“Chanyeol-ah.” It was soft, the King’s voice, but it’s as if he were trying to speak so hard. “Can you come closer? I want to see you.”
“Yes, your Majesty.” He answers, leaning closer to the King. “You should rest, your Majesty.”
“I’m sorry.”
Chanyeol froze and tried not to look shocked. The King was apologizing to him. The first thing the King said to him was an apology and he didn’t know what to feel next or what face he should pull.
“Your grandfather is sorry.” He continued and Chanyeol patiently listened. “You’re disappointed with me, right?”
“I was, your majesty, but please believe me that I am not anymore. It was stupid of me. I am so sorry.” And then Chanyeol felt the tears he was trying to hold back but he chose to chuckle. “I was afraid that I might not be able to tell you how much I treasure you. I was afraid that you might pass away with heavy feelings for me and that you’ll haunt me. I’m happy you are alright, your majesty.”
“I won’t die without seeing your father ascend to the throne and meet my grandkids from either you or Yoora. No. It’s not going to happen.”
“Grandma is right. You will not die that easy.”
“Ahh. I wish she were as strong as me. I miss my Queen, you know? However, I cannot meet her this early in the afterlife.” Then it was quiet. A chuckle turned to a deep, exasperated sigh.
“You’ll like him.” The King tells him, smiling as if it’s easy while he has a breathing apparatus on him. “The boy – ahh, very lovely. He’s courteous and simple. He’s not hard to adore and get close with. ”
“You met him?” Chanyeol asks, sounding so curious but in reality, he doesn’t like to meet his fiancé. Meeting him meant that his stay in Korea will be permanent. He had a career waiting in Cambridge but it turns out that his hard work will go to waste and his priorities from now on will change.
“He’ll be needing a home, Chanyeol.” The king says, almost short of breath. “You promise me you’ll give him a home, please? Should I make this as a dying wish?”
“You’re not gonna die, not today. Don’t make Yoora worry. You made her cry, my king.”
“Well, erm, yeah –“The King’s face looked troubled upon the mention of Yoora. If Yoora was a devoted granddaughter, then the King is a complete doting grandparent to her. It must be because Yoora was the first grandchild. “But you promise, Chanyeol-ah, right? You promise that you will take care of him like he’s the most special person in your life, okay? He’s going to be your future.”
It was what he’s supposed to do, there’s no point asking because it was already planned, the betrothal. There’s no way he can oppose. The King’s words are law. He loves and respects his family and he will not put them in a tight spot of scrutiny. “I will do my best. I promise to be good.”