I Will Post Smth This Week Mark My Words

I will post smth this week mark my words

whispers in twilight

｡･:*˚:✧｡ synopsis: as taesan and you work closely on the guqin, your initial awkwardness gradually fades, giving way to a growing connection that is put to the test when taesan learns of a potential arranged marriage, leading him to make a midnight visit to confess his feelings.

｡･:*˚:✧｡ pairing: taesan han x f!reader ｡･:*˚:✧｡ genre: romance, coming of age ｡･:*˚:✧｡ a/n: this chapter's longer to make up for the last one. i hope you guys love it! there are jumps in the plot. i didn't mark them because they're a bit obvious but lmk if you'd prefer that i mark them! ｡･:*˚:✧｡ word count: 7.3k

✧ comments are appreciated! ✧

The days passed in a gentle blur, the routine of your work shifting subtly with the new project at hand. Each morning, you would wake with the first light of dawn, the anticipation of the day sending a thrill through your veins. The guqin, now in its earliest stages, was the centerpiece of your thoughts, a challenge and an opportunity unlike any you had encountered before.

The first time Taesan arrived at your family’s store to begin the project, the air between you was thick with an awkward shyness. As he stepped inside, you both seemed to hesitate, unsure of how to proceed. Taesan’s usual confidence faltered slightly as he took in the sight of the workspace, the tools neatly arranged, the wood laid out on the workbench. You stood by the door, your hands nervously fiddling with the edge of your apron, your heart beating a little too fast.

“Good morning, Your Highness,” you greeted him with a small bow, your voice barely above a whisper.

“Good morning,” Taesan replied, his tone equally subdued as he offered a polite nod. There was a moment of silence, both of you standing there, unsure of what to say next.

“Shall we… begin?” you suggested, gesturing toward the workbench.

“Yes, of course,” Taesan agreed, moving to the workbench with an almost exaggerated care. As he approached, you both reached for the same piece of wood at the same time, your hands brushing against each other.

“Oh! I’m sorry!” you exclaimed, pulling your hand back quickly.

“No, it’s fine. I didn’t mean to—” Taesan started, his words tumbling over themselves as he tried to reassure you.

You both laughed nervously, the awkwardness between you thickening the air. Taesan cleared his throat, trying to break the tension. “So, um, how do we start? I’ve never really… built anything before.”

You smiled, finding his uncertainty a little endearing. “It’s not as complicated as it seems. We’ll start by selecting the wood. It needs to be just right for the guqin, something that can resonate with the sound but also hold the tension of the strings.”

Taesan nodded, his eyes scanning the various pieces of wood laid out before you. “And how do we know which one is right?”

“It’s all about the grain and the feel,” you explained, reaching for a piece of paulownia. “See how the grain runs smoothly? It’s straight and even, which means it’ll produce a clear sound. And when you run your hand over it,” you demonstrated, letting your fingers glide over the wood, “it should feel smooth, almost like silk.”

Taesan mimicked your actions, running his hand over the wood. “Like this?” he asked, glancing at you for confirmation.

You nodded, pleased with his eagerness to learn. “Exactly. You’re a natural, Your Highness.”

Taesan chuckled softly, his nerves easing slightly. “I’m just following your lead. You’re the expert here.”

“Hardly,” you replied with a shy smile. “I’m still learning, too. But I’ve found that working with wood is all about patience. It teaches you to slow down, to really pay attention to the details.”

“That sounds… peaceful,” Taesan said, almost wistfully. “There’s so much noise in the palace. Sometimes I wish I could just… escape it all.”

You paused, sensing the weight behind his words. “Maybe this project can be that escape for you,” you suggested gently. “A way to find some quiet.”

Taesan looked at you, his expression softening. “I think I’d like that.”

As you continued to work, the two of you gradually found a rhythm, though there were still moments of awkwardness. Whenever you both reached for the same tool, your fingers would collide, and each time, you’d both laugh nervously, apologizing in unison.

“We’re going to have to figure out how to work together without bumping into each other,” Taesan said with a grin after the third or fourth time it happened.

“I’m sure we’ll get the hang of it eventually,” you replied, your smile growing a little more confident. “Besides, it’s nice to have someone to share the work with.”

“I feel the same,” Taesan admitted, a warm tone in his voice that made your heart flutter.

Gradually, as the day wore on, the initial shyness began to fade. You found yourself growing more comfortable in his presence, the awkwardness giving way to a tentative ease. Taesan, too, seemed to relax, his movements becoming less stiff, his voice more assured as he asked questions about the guqin, his interest in the process genuine and clear.

By the end of that first day, you had managed to establish a tentative rhythm to your work. Though you still bumped into each other from time to time, the moments were now accompanied by shared smiles and the occasional laugh, the earlier tension replaced by a budding camaraderie.

As the days turned into weeks, something subtle began to change in both your lives. Taesan, who was once known for his serious and sometimes distant demeanor, became noticeably more agreeable and lighthearted. His brothers couldn’t help but notice the shift, exchanging curious glances during their training sessions.

One morning, during a particularly intense practice, Sungho caught Taesan staring off into the distance, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Taesan, your form is off today,” Sungho pointed out during a sparring session, but his tone was more teasing than critical. “You’re not daydreaming, are you?”

Taesan snapped out of his thoughts, a faint blush creeping up his neck as he realized he had indeed been lost in a daydream about you. “I’m fine,” he replied, a little too quickly, earning knowing smirks from Sungho and Jaehyun.

“Really? Because it looks like you’re thinking about something—or someone—else,” Jaehyun chimed in, his grin widening.

“Just focus on your own training,” Taesan retorted, trying to mask his embarrassment, but his brothers weren’t so easily deterred.

“We just want to make sure you’re not getting distracted,” Sungho added with a wink, causing Taesan to groan inwardly.

But despite their teasing, Taesan couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. His thoughts were consumed by the time he spent with you, the way you worked so diligently, the way your eyes lit up when you talked about your craft. It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep his mind on anything else.

The change in Taesan’s demeanor extended beyond his interactions with his brothers. During lessons, his tutors noticed that his mind seemed to wander more than usual, his gaze drifting out the window as he thought about what you might be doing at that very moment. Even during his zither practice, his fingers would sometimes falter on the strings as his thoughts strayed to you.

One evening, as Taesan sat with his zither in the garden, his fingers absentmindedly plucking the strings, Woonhak approached him, a curious look on his face.

“You’ve been playing that same melody over and over, brother,” Woonhak remarked, sitting beside him. “Something on your mind?”

Taesan glanced at him, a bit startled by the observation. “Just… thinking.”

“About the guqin, or about something else?” Woonhak asked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Taesan hesitated, not quite sure how to answer. “Both, I suppose.”

Woonhak smiled knowingly but didn’t press further. “Well, whatever it is, it’s nice to see you smiling more these days. You seem… happier.”

Taesan looked down at his zither, the strings vibrating softly under his touch. “I think I am.”

As the golden light of the setting sun filtered through the palace gardens, Woonhak left and Taesan sat alone with his zither, the familiar weight of the instrument grounding him as he plucked a few tentative notes. The melody that emerged was soft, almost hesitant, as if his fingers were searching for something just out of reach.

His mind drifted back to you, the way your hands moved with such care and precision as you worked on the guqin, the quiet determination in your eyes as you poured your heart into every detail. There was something about you that had captivated him, something he couldn’t quite put into words but felt deeply nonetheless.

As his fingers moved across the strings, a new melody began to take shape, one that was soft and lilting, yet filled with a quiet strength. It was a reflection of you, of the way you carried yourself with grace and dignity despite the challenges you faced. The notes flowed together, each one a tribute to the qualities he admired in you—the honesty in your voice, the gentleness in your touch, the warmth in your smile.

Taesan’s thoughts became more poetic, his mind painting vivid images of you that he translated into music. He thought of how you were like a delicate flower blooming in the harshest of conditions, your beauty and resilience shining through despite the odds. He compared you to the finest silk, smooth and elegant, with a strength that belied its softness.

The melody grew richer, more intricate, as his thoughts deepened. He thought of how Yves Saint Laurent had once spoken of his designs, how he crafted each piece with love and care, always with the women who wore them in mind. Taesan felt a similar sense of devotion as he composed, each note a careful stitch, each phrase a deliberate brushstroke meant to capture the essence of you.

His music was a way of expressing what he couldn’t say aloud—the admiration he felt, the growing affection that he was only beginning to understand. The melody was tender, yet filled with an undercurrent of longing, a reflection of the feelings he couldn’t fully articulate but that were becoming impossible to ignore.

As the final notes of the song faded into the evening air, Taesan sat in silence, the zither still vibrating softly beneath his fingers. The song he had composed was different from anything he had ever played before—more personal, more intimate. It was a piece of his heart, laid bare in music, inspired by you.

He knew he couldn’t share this song with anyone, at least not yet. It was too private, too revealing of the emotions he was still trying to understand. But as he sat there, the last rays of sunlight fading into twilight, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace, as if through the music he had found a way to connect with you even when you weren’t by his side.

Taesan’s heart swelled with a mix of emotions—admiration, affection, and a burgeoning sense of something more. The song was a testament to what you had come to mean to him, a reflection of the way you had quietly woven yourself into the fabric of his thoughts and dreams.

With a final, lingering note, he closed his eyes, letting the music echo in his mind, a silent promise to himself to protect the connection he felt with you, no matter what the future might hold.

Meanwhile, in your father’s store, a similar transformation was taking place. You found yourself humming softly as you worked, a lightness in your step that hadn’t been there before. Your father, ever observant, couldn’t help but notice the change in you.

“You’re in a good mood these days,” he remarked one morning as you adjusted a display of instruments. “Anything special going on?”

You looked up, startled out of your thoughts, and quickly shook your head. “Nothing, Father. Just… enjoying the work, I suppose.”

But your father wasn’t fooled. He watched as you interacted with customers, your usual reserved demeanor replaced by a bright, cheerful energy that seemed to draw people in. There was a subtle glow about you, a happiness that radiated from within, and he couldn’t help but smile to himself, even as he wondered what—or who—had brought about this change.

One afternoon, as you were sanding down the body of the guqin, Taesan watched you with a quiet intensity, his gaze tracing the curve of your neck, the way your hair fell in soft waves over your shoulder. He admired the focus in your expression, the way your hands moved with such care and precision. You were so different from anyone he had ever known—honest, hardworking, and with a quiet strength that drew him in.

“You’re really talented,” he said suddenly, his voice breaking the comfortable silence. “I can see why your father trusts you with his work.”

You looked up, surprised by the compliment. “Thank you, Your Highness,” you replied, a shy smile tugging at your lips. “But I still have a lot to learn.”

Taesan shook his head, a small smile playing at his lips. “You’re being modest. The work you’ve done on this guqin… it’s incredible. I’m really looking forward to playing it.”

You felt your heart swell with pride at his words, the warmth of his praise settling in your chest. “I’m glad you think so,” you said softly. “I just hope it lives up to your expectations.”

Taesan’s smile widened slightly, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than necessary. “I have no doubt it will.”

As the day drew to a close, the golden light of the setting sun filtered through the windows, casting long shadows across the workshop. The guqin, now nearly complete, stood on the workbench, its smooth surface gleaming in the fading light. There was still work to be done, but the end was in sight, and the sense of accomplishment that filled the room was almost tangible.

As you stood side by side, admiring the progress you had made, a comfortable silence settled between you. The soft sound of your breathing, the distant chirping of crickets outside, the warmth of the sun on your skin—it all seemed to meld together into a moment of perfect contentment.

In the palace, Taesan’s brothers couldn’t resist teasing him whenever they found him lost in thought. During a particularly quiet evening, they gathered in the garden, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating their faces.

“So, Taesan,” Jaehyun began, his tone light and teasing, “how’s the guqin project going? Or should I ask how the craftswoman is?”

Taesan shot him a warning look, but it only made his brothers chuckle.

“You’ve been awfully distracted lately,” Sanghyuk added with a grin. “Must be something—or someone—keeping your mind busy.”

“It’s just the project,” Taesan replied, trying to sound casual, but the blush creeping up his neck betrayed him.

“Right, the project,” Sungho said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “And I suppose that’s why you keep sighing like a love-struck poet?”

Taesan groaned, burying his face in his hands. “You’re all impossible.”

Woonhak, always the supportive one, patted him on the back. “Don’t worry, Taesan. We’re just happy to see you like this. It’s nice to know you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Enjoying myself? I’m being tortured by all of you,” Taesan muttered, though the corners of his mouth lifted in a reluctant smile.

The brothers shared a laugh, the teasing light-hearted and filled with affection. Despite their jokes, they were genuinely glad to see Taesan in such good spirits. It was a welcome change from the usual seriousness that often hung over him.

As the days turned into weeks, the guqin began to take form, each piece carefully crafted, each detail painstakingly perfected. The work was slow, meticulous, but there was a certain rhythm to it, a quiet joy that came from creating something beautiful with your own hands. Taesan often found himself lost in the process, his worries and fears momentarily forgotten as he focused on the task at hand.

There were moments when your hands would brush as you worked, the brief contact sending a jolt of electricity through your skin. You would both glance up, startled, your eyes meeting for a fleeting second before you looked away, a faint blush coloring your cheeks. It was in those small moments, those quiet, stolen glances, that something deeper began to bloom between you—a connection that neither of you could fully understand, but that was undeniably there.

On one such day, Taesan arrived at the store, expecting to find you in your usual spot, but as he stepped inside, he was greeted only by the quiet hum of the shop. The familiar sight of you was nowhere to be found.

A slight frown tugged at Taesan’s lips as he looked around, puzzled. It wasn’t like you to be absent during your work hours. Just as he was about to call out for you, your father appeared from the back of the store, a knowing smile on his face.

“Looking for someone, Your Highness?” your father asked, his tone light and teasing.

Taesan cleared his throat, trying to hide his embarrassment. “Yes, I was looking for—” he hesitated, then finished with a touch of formality, “I was looking for your apprentice.”

Your father chuckled softly, a sound filled with warmth. “You won’t find her here today. She’s in her room, just down the hall.”

“Oh,” Taesan replied, feeling a bit foolish for not checking sooner. “Thank you.”

With a nod of gratitude, Taesan made his way out of the store and into the small courtyard that separated the shop from your living quarters. The air was fresh, filled with the scent of blooming flowers, and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze provided a calming backdrop as he walked.

But as he approached the entrance to your home, he heard something that made him stop in his tracks. It was faint at first, but as he focused, he could make out the softest, most pleasant singing coming from the direction your father had indicated. The sound was like a balm to his soul, each note wrapping around him and soothing the tension that had built up from his duties at the palace.

His heart rate quickened as he realized the voice belonged to you. Without thinking, his feet carried him closer to the sound, his movements almost instinctual as he sneaked toward the window of your room. The song was so beautiful, so pure, that it drew him in like a moth to a flame.

When he reached the window, he couldn’t resist taking a peek inside. There you were, standing in the middle of your room, tidying up with a graceful ease that made his breath catch in his throat. Your voice floated through the air, each note more captivating than the last. The sight of you, bathed in the soft afternoon light, was enough to make his heart skip a beat.

Taesan stood there, mesmerized, completely lost in the moment. All the stresses of his daily life melted away as he watched you, your beauty and your voice a perfect harmony that filled him with a sense of peace he hadn’t known he needed.

But then, you turned.

Your eyes met his through the window, and for a split second, time seemed to stand still. Then, in a sudden burst of realization, you screamed.

Taesan, startled by your reaction, let out a scream of his own, stumbling backward as his foot caught on the edge of the porch. With a yelp, he tumbled down, landing unceremoniously on his butt.

The shock of the fall quickly gave way to a rush of embarrassment as he scrambled to his feet, his cheeks burning with mortification. Before he could fully recover, you had already raced to the window, your face a mixture of concern and apology.

“Your Highness, I’m so sorry!” you exclaimed, your voice filled with genuine distress. “I didn’t mean to startle you!”

Taesan, still rubbing the sore spot on his back where he had landed, quickly waved off your concerns. “No, no, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have been spying on you like that. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

There was a moment of awkward silence as you both processed what had just happened. Then, almost in unison, you both broke into nervous laughter, the tension of the situation easing with each shared chuckle.

Taesan’s laughter faded into a sheepish smile as he met your gaze again. “It’s just… your voice was so beautiful, I couldn’t help myself. I was so entranced by it that I forgot to… well, to announce myself.”

Your cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink at his compliment, and you quickly averted your eyes, shyly muttering, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Taesan found himself relishing the sight of your blush, knowing that he had been the one to cause it. There was something incredibly endearing about the way you reacted to his words, and it only made his heart swell with affection.

“Please,” he said softly, taking a small step closer to the window, “you don’t have to call me ‘Your Highness’ when it’s just us. You can call me Taesan. I’d like that.”

Your eyes widened slightly at the suggestion, and for a moment, you hesitated, the formality of your relationship still lingering in the back of your mind. But when you looked into his eyes, you saw the sincerity there, the genuine desire for a deeper connection.

“Taesan,” you repeated, the name feeling both foreign and intimate on your tongue. It was the name his mother had given him, the name that held a piece of his true self, the part of him that was separate from the title and the responsibilities.

He smiled at the sound of it, his heart warming at the way you said his name. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice filled with gratitude and something deeper, something he was only just beginning to understand.

The two of you stood there, separated only by the thin wooden frame of the window, yet it felt as though a new bridge had been built between you. The connection was undeniable, a shared understanding that neither of you could ignore.

As the moment stretched on, Taesan found himself wondering what it would be like to stay here, in this quiet, peaceful place, away from the palace and the demands of his life. But for now, he was content just to be near you, to bask in the warmth of your presence and the sound of your voice.

And as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the courtyard, Taesan knew that this was a memory he would treasure forever—a moment of pure, unguarded connection with the person who had come to mean more to him than he could have ever imagined.

In the midst of your work, your father quietly observed the changes in you. One evening, as you sat by the window, the soft glow of the setting sun casting a warm light over your face, he approached you with a gentle smile.

“You seem happier these days,” he remarked, his voice soft and filled with warmth.

You looked up at him, surprised by the comment. “Do I?”

“Yes,” he said, nodding. “There’s a lightness in you that I haven’t seen in a long time. It’s good to see.”

You felt a warmth spread through your chest at his words, the truth of them settling into your heart. “I suppose I am happier,” you admitted, a small smile playing at your lips.

“Whatever the reason,” your father continued, his tone gentle, “I’m glad. You deserve to be happy.”

You nodded, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for your father’s understanding. “Thank you, Father. I think… I think I’m just enjoying the work, and… the company.”

He smiled, his eyes twinkling with affection. “Well, keep enjoying it. It suits you.”

As your father left the room, you turned your gaze back to the window, your thoughts drifting to Taesan. There was no denying the connection that had grown between you, subtle and unspoken, but there all the same. And as the days continued to pass, you found yourself looking forward to each new day, each new opportunity to work alongside him.

That night, the palace was lit by the warm glow of lanterns as the princes gathered in the grand hall, summoned by their father. The atmosphere was tense, the usual camaraderie between the brothers replaced by a somber seriousness. The royal advisors, dressed in their formal robes, stood to one side, their expressions grave.

Taesan entered the hall alongside his brothers, his mind still lingering on the afternoon he had spent in your company. But as soon as he stepped into the room, the weight of the situation settled over him like a heavy cloak.

The king, their father, sat at the head of the table, his expression stern as he surveyed the gathered assembly. “My sons,” he began, his voice deep and resonant, “we have received troubling news. Our relations with the neighboring kingdom of Gahyeon have become strained, and tensions are rising.”

The room fell silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Taesan exchanged a worried glance with Sungho, who nodded slightly, his expression serious.

“Our advisors have been working tirelessly to find a solution,” the king continued, “but it seems that diplomacy alone may not be enough to ease the tension. The Gahyeon king has made it clear that he expects more… substantial concessions.”

The word “concessions” hung in the air, heavy with unspoken implications. Taesan’s heart began to beat faster, a sense of unease settling in his stomach.

One of the advisors stepped forward, his voice measured as he addressed the princes. “There have been discussions, Your Majesties, about the possibility of strengthening our alliance through… other means.”

Taesan’s mind raced as he tried to make sense of what the advisor was saying. The words “strengthening our alliance” echoed in his ears, and he couldn’t help but feel a growing dread.

The king’s gaze swept over his sons, lingering on each of them before he spoke again. “One option that has been proposed,” he said slowly, “is an arranged marriage. A union between our kingdom and Gahyeon could bring the peace we need.”

The silence that followed was deafening. Taesan felt his chest tighten, his thoughts immediately turning to you. An arranged marriage? The very idea sent a shock through his system, his mind struggling to process what it would mean.

Sungho was the first to speak, his voice calm but firm. “Father, have we considered all other options? Marriage is a significant step, and not one to be taken lightly.”

“We have considered many options, Sungho,” the king replied, his tone grave. “But our priority must be the stability and security of our kingdom. If a marriage can secure that, then it is a path we must be willing to consider.”

Taesan’s thoughts were in turmoil, his mind flashing back to the moments he had shared with you in the workshop, the quiet connection that had grown between you. The thought of being bound to someone else, someone chosen for political gain, was almost unbearable.

“This is not a decision that will be made lightly,” the king continued, his gaze settling on each of his sons. “But I want you all to be prepared for the possibility. If it comes to it, we must do what is necessary for the good of the kingdom.”

As the meeting came to an end, the princes were dismissed, each of them deep in thought. Taesan lingered behind, his mind still reeling from the revelation. His brothers filed out of the hall, their expressions somber, but Taesan couldn’t bring himself to move.

An arranged marriage. The words echoed in his mind, mingling with the memory of your smile, the warmth of your presence. He knew he had a duty to his kingdom, but the thought of sacrificing the connection he had found with you… it was a thought he couldn’t bear.

With a heavy heart, Taesan finally turned to leave the hall, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. As he walked through the empty corridors of the palace, his footsteps echoing in the silence, he knew that the days ahead would be filled with difficult decisions—and that his heart would be tested like never before.

Taesan could feel the weight of the discussion pressing down on his chest. The mention of an arranged marriage had shaken him to his core, the thought of being bound to someone else, someone chosen for political reasons, leaving him with a sense of desperation he hadn’t known he could feel.

As he walked through the dimly lit corridors of the palace, his mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Every thought, every fear seemed to converge on one undeniable truth: he couldn’t let this happen without telling you how he felt. The idea of never seeing you again, of not knowing what could have been, was unbearable.

Without thinking, Taesan turned on his heel and started towards the exit, his pace quickening with every step. He had to see you. He had to tell you.

But just as he reached the palace gates, he was stopped by Sungho and Jaehyun, who had been waiting for him. Their expressions were serious, and Taesan knew they had guessed what he was about to do.

“Taesan, this isn’t wise,” Sungho said, his voice low but firm. “You can’t just run off in the middle of the night. What if someone sees you?”

“I don’t care,” Taesan replied, his voice edged with urgency. “I need to see her. I can’t… I can’t just leave things like this.”

Jaehyun exchanged a glance with Sungho before stepping closer to Taesan. “We understand, brother, but you need to think about this. What if someone follows you? What if they find out?”

“I’ll be back before anyone notices,” Taesan promised, his eyes pleading with his brothers to understand. “Please, just let me go. I have to do this.”

There was a moment of silence as Sungho and Jaehyun considered his words, the weight of the situation hanging heavily between them. Finally, Woonhak and Leehan, who had joined them quietly, stepped forward.

“We’ll cover for you,” Woonhak said softly, his voice filled with a quiet resolve. “But you need to be quick.”

Leehan nodded in agreement, his expression serious. “We’ll handle things here. Just… be careful, Taesan.”

Taesan felt a surge of gratitude and relief as he nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. “Thank you. I’ll be back soon.”

Without another word, Taesan turned and sprinted out of the palace, the cold night air biting at his skin as he ran through the empty streets. The market, usually bustling with life, was eerily quiet at this hour, the silence only amplifying the urgency in his steps.

His breath came in ragged gasps as he pushed himself to keep going, his legs screaming for him to stop, but he didn’t care. All he could think about was reaching you, telling you how he felt before it was too late.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he reached your house. The lights were dim, and the streets were deserted, but Taesan didn’t hesitate. He tapped on your window, the sound sharp in the stillness of the night.

Inside, you stirred, groggily waking from your sleep. As you slowly opened the window, your eyes widened in surprise at the sight of Taesan standing there, looking wild and frantic.

“Taesan?” you whispered, your voice filled with concern. “What’s wrong?”

Taesan struggled to catch his breath, his thoughts tumbling over each other in a frantic rush. “I… I just came from a meeting. There’s talk of an arranged marriage… to secure peace with Gahyeon. I don’t know if it will be me, but… but if it is, I can’t live with myself if I don’t tell you.”

You stared at him, your heart pounding in your chest as his words sank in.

“Tell me what?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

Taesan’s eyes were filled with a mix of desperation and determination as he took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly. “Tell you that… that I care about you. More than I’ve ever cared about anyone. And if I don’t tell you that now, before anything happens, I know I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”

There was a moment of stunned silence as you processed his words, the weight of his confession hanging in the air. Taesan’s chest rose and fell with each breath, his heart racing as he waited for your response, unsure of what he would do if you didn’t feel the same.

Finally, you reached out and gently placed your hand over his, your touch soft and reassuring. “I… I care about you too, Taesan. More than I can put into words.”

Taesan’s heart swelled with relief and something deeper, something that felt like hope. “I don’t know what will happen,” he whispered, his voice filled with emotion. “But I want you to know that, no matter what, you’re the one I choose.”

You nodded, tears welling in your eyes as you squeezed his hand. “And you’re the one I choose too.”

With those words, something shifted between you, a connection solidified in the quiet night. Taesan knew that whatever happened next, he wouldn’t face it alone. And as he stood there, hand in hand with you, he felt a sense of peace that he hadn’t known was possible.

But the moment couldn’t last. With a heavy heart, Taesan knew he had to return to the palace before his absence was noticed. Reluctantly, he let go of your hand, his eyes lingering on you as if trying to memorize every detail of your face.

You gazed at him, the intensity of his emotions mirrored in your own eyes. His wild and frantic appearance, the urgency in his voice, and the raw vulnerability he had just shown you made your heart ache. You knew the danger he was in, the risks he had taken to come to you, and the thought of him leaving now, alone in the dark, filled you with a deep sense of unease.

“Taesan,” you whispered, your voice trembling slightly, “it’s not safe for you to go back now. The guards might catch you. Maybe… maybe you should stay.”

Taesan hesitated, your words echoing in his mind as he looked at you. He could see the concern in your eyes, the way you worried for his safety, and it made him want to stay more than anything. But he also knew the risks—what would happen if the royal guards discovered his absence, the consequences of being found in your home.

He glanced at your face, noting the cute, unsure expression you wore, and his resolve wavered. You were giving him an out, a reason to stay, and he wanted to take it. But should he?

An internal struggle raged within him, each moment feeling like an eternity as he weighed his options. On one hand, he knew the sensible thing to do was to return to the palace, to avoid any unnecessary complications. But on the other hand, the thought of leaving you, especially after everything that had just transpired, felt like a betrayal to his own heart.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Taesan’s desire to stay won out. He exhaled slowly, his decision made. “I’d like to stay,” he said softly, his voice filled with quiet resolve.

A small, relieved smile spread across your face as you nodded. “Wait here,” you whispered, before turning and sneaking through the house. Your steps were light, careful not to wake your father who was sleeping in his work area.

The house was still, the only sound the soft creak of the wooden floorboards beneath your feet as you made your way to your room. You slid open the door just enough to beckon Taesan inside, gesturing for him to remove his hwa (shoes) before he entered.

Taesan followed your lead, slipping off his shoes and tiptoeing behind you, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. He felt a rush of adrenaline as he crossed the threshold into your room, the intimate space feeling both foreign and comforting all at once.

As the two of you stood in the small room, the air between you thick with a new kind of tension, neither of you knew what to do next. The awkwardness returned, and for a moment, you both simply stared at each other, unsure of how to proceed.

Finally, you gestured toward a small cushion on the floor, your voice barely above a whisper. “Let’s sit.”

Taesan nodded, lowering himself onto the cushion while you did the same. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of the moonlight streaming in through the window, casting gentle shadows across the space. The intimacy of the moment was undeniable, and as you both settled in, the earlier tension began to melt away, replaced by a quiet sense of comfort.

You began to speak softly, your words filled with a wistful longing. “Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like… to live in a world where we didn’t have to worry about responsibilities or titles. Where we could just be ourselves.”

Taesan’s heart ached at your words, and he found himself nodding in agreement. “I’ve thought about that too,” he admitted, his voice hushed. “A world where I could play my music without worrying about what people would think. Where I could make my mother proud, not because of my title, but because of who I am. A world we could be us.”

Your eyes met his, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to disappear. There was something magical about the quiet conversation you were sharing, the way your dreams and fears seemed to align so perfectly. It felt as though, in this small room, you had both found a refuge from the weight of the world.

The conversation flowed naturally after that, the two of you whispering about your hopes and dreams, about the lives you wished you could lead. The more you talked, the more you realized just how much you had in common, how much you both longed for a life free from the burdens of expectation.

As the night wore on, Taesan found himself speaking about the history of music, his voice gentle and melodic as he recounted stories of famous musicians and their compositions. You listened intently, your eyes growing heavy with sleep but your heart full of warmth.

Eventually, your head began to droop, your eyelids fluttering as you fought to stay awake. Taesan noticed and smiled softly, his heart swelling with affection as he watched you struggle to keep your eyes open.

“You should sleep,” he whispered, his voice tender. “You’ve had a long day.”

You nodded sleepily, unable to resist the pull of exhaustion any longer. As your eyes closed, Taesan reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he gently moved a stray strand of hair from your face. The simple act was filled with a quiet intimacy, and as he leaned down to press a soft kiss to your forehead, he felt a sense of peace settle over him.

“Goodnight,” he whispered, his voice barely audible as he settled down beside you. The warmth of your presence was comforting, and as he lay there, his hand resting just inches from yours, he couldn’t help but feel that, for the first time in his life, he was exactly where he was meant to be.

Sleep came slowly, but when it did, it was filled with dreams of a world where the two of you could be together without fear or consequence. And as the first light of dawn began to creep into the room, Taesan slept soundly, his heart finally at ease.

The first light of dawn crept into your room, casting a gentle glow over the space where you and Taesan had fallen asleep. As the sun slowly rose, its warm rays filtered through the window, softly illuminating the peaceful scene. Taesan stirred, his eyes fluttering open to the sight of you still sound asleep beside him, your breathing steady and calm. A small, contented smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he remembered the events of the previous night.

But as the reality of the new day set in, Taesan's smile faded slightly. He knew he should return to the palace before anyone noticed his absence, yet the thought of leaving you was something he wasn’t quite ready to face. Still, duty called, and with a reluctant sigh, he carefully extricated himself from the warm cocoon of blankets, making sure not to wake you.

Meanwhile, back at the palace, Woonhak and Leehan were already awake, their faces etched with a mixture of worry and mischief. They had noticed that Taesan had yet to return, and with the morning lessons about to begin, it was up to them to come up with a way to cover for their brother's absence.

“He’s still not back?” Leehan asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he peered out the window.

“Nope,” Woonhak replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Which means it’s up to us to keep the teachers from realizing anything’s wrong.”

Leehan grinned, already catching on to what Woonhak was suggesting. “This is going to be fun.”

The two brothers hurried to the lesson hall, their minds racing with ideas for the most outrageous excuse they could come up with. When they arrived, the other princes were already seated, their tutors waiting expectantly. But there was one empty seat—Taesan’s.

“Where is Prince Taesan?” one of the tutors asked, his tone sharp as he glanced around the room.

Woonhak and Leehan exchanged a quick look before Woonhak stepped forward, his expression serious. “Prince Taesan… well, you see, he’s been called away on a very important mission.”

The tutor raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. “A mission? At this hour? And what, pray tell, is the nature of this mission?”

Leehan jumped in, his face a picture of solemnity. “Yes, a mission. You see, there was a… a wild boar sighting in the royal gardens early this morning. It’s been terrorizing the koi fish pond, and as you know, Prince Taesan is the best at dealing with such matters. He was called to handle it personally.”

The tutor’s other eyebrow shot up, but before he could respond, Woonhak added, “It’s true. The boar has been particularly aggressive—this one is said to be the size of a small horse. It’s not something that could be left to just anyone.”

Another tutor, trying to maintain his composure, asked, “And how exactly is Prince Taesan planning to deal with this… monstrous boar?”

Woonhak didn’t miss a beat. “Oh, he’s gone to retrieve the royal spear. You know, the one that’s been blessed by the gods for just such an occasion. He should be back… eventually.”

Leehan nodded vigorously, backing up his brother’s tale. “Yes, and we’ve been instructed to tell you that this mission is of the utmost importance. He’s to return only when the koi fish are safe.”

The tutors exchanged incredulous glances, clearly struggling to believe the absurd story but also unsure how to challenge the princes’ account without offending the royal family. After all, who were they to question the mysterious ways of royalty?

“Very well,” the head tutor finally said, suppressing a sigh. “We shall proceed with the lesson. Please inform Prince Taesan that we expect a full report on the state of the koi pond once his ‘mission’ is complete.”

Woonhak and Leehan exchanged triumphant grins as they took their seats, having successfully pulled off the ruse. As the lesson began, they couldn’t help but stifle their laughter, imagining Taesan’s reaction when he found out about the wild boar story.

Meanwhile, Taesan, unaware of the elaborate excuse his brothers had concocted, was making his way back to the palace, a sense of calm and resolve settling over him. Little did he know, the story of his brave battle with a “monstrous boar” would be waiting for him when he returned.

｡･:*˚:✧｡ taglist: @astrae4

disclaimer: this, in no way, reflects the idol. this is purely fiction. m!list | previous | next

Something for sungho coming up soon 😼

I’LL BITE YOUR ANKLES

“Give it to me right now,” you sulked, as your short ass tried to reach for the tub of ice cream which your boyfriend held up high. (rude! 🙄)

“Lol no” he said, with a bright grin as he proudly held it above your head.

You paused for a second—cause, “Did you just say lol in real life..”

He didn’t even seem bothered with it, just popping a “yup!” accompanied by his shit-eating grin. (😁)

“I’ll actually bite your ankles if you don’t give me my tub RIGHT NOW.”

“You mean MY tub of ice cream? This was your gift to ME.”

“And I want one scoop so give it here.”

“Try to get it yourself. Oh wait you ca—AGH”

— Jung Sungchan, KIM YOUNGHOON, Myung Jaehyun, KIM GYUVIN, NI-KI, Park Gunwook, Kim Sunwoo, Lee Know, Yoon Keeho, CHOI BEOMGYU, Jeong Yunho, Xu Minghao, Mark Lee

MORE WORKS — navigation

TAGLIST. @kyusqult @ja4hyvn @flwoie @sulkygyu @xiaoderrrr @ineedaherosavemeenow @lonewolfjinji @teddywonss @taerae-verse

NETWORKS. @k-labels @deoboyznet @zumblrnet

© astrae4 2024 | please don’t copy, translate, or plagiarize my works on all platforms!

one of the best i’ve read on boynextdoor!! Sooo sad it’s not getting the recognition it deserves 🙁 GO CHECK IT OUT EVERYONE!! 💗

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ 19.99

*:･ﾟ✧ synopsis: seoin yang is suddenly teleported into an alternate universe where 20-year-olds are conscripted into a brutal war. most don’t make it back, but those who do are rewarded with notoriety and lavish comforts, creating a perverse incentive for families to sell their children to HYBE—a biomedical engineering facility known for creating superhumans to fight in the war.

woonhak, HYBE’s most successful experiment to date, is approaching what HYBE deems "completion". as the day draws near, his hyungs are desperately trying to help him escape his grim fate. when seoin finds herself in this bleak reality, she must decide whether she can help them in their struggle—and if she can, how.

*:･ﾟ✧ pairing(s): boynextdoor x original female character, ??? x original female character *:･ﾟ✧ genre: sci-fi, romance *:･ﾟ✧ featuring: boynextdoor, enhypen, hybe (as a company), naver (as the enemy country) *:･ﾟ✧ status: ongoing; updates are sporadic *:･ﾟ✧ a/n: as soon as i saw the 19.99 trailer, i wanted to write something with that storyline so fast.

*:･ﾟ✧ character profile: seoin yang

✧ prologue: complete! - revised 210824 ✧ chapter one: complete! - revised 210824 ✧ chapter two: complete! - revised 210824 ✧ chapter three: complete! - revised 210824 ✧ chapter four: complete! - released 210824 ✧ chapter five: complete! - released 220824 ✧ chapter six: complete! - released 310824 ✧ chapter seven: loading... ✧ chapter eight: loading... ✧ chapter nine: loading...

disclaimer: this, in no way, reflects the idol. this is purely fiction. ✧ comments are appreciated! ✧ !nanamlist

THROW HIM AWAY! | Han Yujin

IN WHICH yujin wants to cuddle you, but you want to cuddle mr. carrot. A Valentine’s Special

FEATURING Zerobaseone’s Han Yujin and you, a highschool au

WARNINGS: kissing and sugar sweet nicknames

NOTE: Happy Valentines everyone! Here is for my jebewon readers and Yujin stans. Love you all (muah muah muah 💋) and please help me reblog hehe~ it’s my first time writing for zb1 so tell me if you want more works for them in the future!!

MORE WORKS: navigation | zb1!masterlist

IF THERE WAS ONE THING you treasured more than your stash of shoes, it would be the stuffed bunny doll that Yujin gave you during his confession. A pink, soft plush (you named him Carrot) with a white bow wrapped around its neck. You still remembered the day he gave it to you, after school with trembling hands as he rapped out his confession, eyes looking everywhere but you. You remember accepting it shyly, face feeling hot as it implied that you like him back.

That was three months ago.

Now, it seems that you grew very attached to the doll, not being able to sleep without it. So much so that you brought it with you during your Valentine's sleepover with Yujin.

Yujin had begged asked his mother to let him invite you to his house for a sleepover as his valentines day surprise. You were excited, and thankfully, your parents had let you come. The day was perfect in your eyes. You arrived in the evening and played video games with him and his brother until dinner time. Then, you had dinner with his parents. After, you and Yujin washed the dishes before finally having alone time together.

He had surprised you with strawberries covered in chocolate that he made himself (it tasted questionable 😨 but you still ate it, silently praying that you won’t end up in the toilet bowl) and gave you a small bouquet of flowers. (it was the last of his money but he’d never admit it)

You kind of almost teared up, thanking him by giving the boy a kiss on his cheek.

After, you played seventeen matches of uno and two matches of scrabble (Yujin rage quitted scrabble which was why you played uno so many times) before it was time to sleep.

”Can I have the right side—”

”Sure, now cuddle me,” he said impatiently, opening his arms.

Unfortunately for him, luck wasn’t on his side.

”Okay, but—” you took out Carrot, “Carrot goes in the middle.”

“Are you kidding me.” (the boy was like🧍🏻🙁)

“What.”

“Why are you holding that, we’re about to cuddle.”

“Are you rejecting Carrot right now, Yuyu? He’s our child.”

”Throw him away!”

”NO 😠😨!”

“He can live without hugging you tonight, it’s supposed to be just you and me..”

“Well, I can’t live without him.”

Yujin dead stared at you, before pulling the covers over his head and back-facing you. Oh..he was sulking alright. You looked at him, then at Carrot, and sighed.

“But I guess I can’t live without you most..so Carrot can sleep alone tonight..”

You could literally hear the gear in his head run as he peaked his head out of the blanket, giving you his boba eyes.

“Really?” He asked.

You set Carrot aside, going under the blanket and sandwiching him in a hug immediately, “yeah.”

He let out a noise of complaint, but you knew that he was enjoying it most since he didn’t retaliate and hugged you back, burying his face in your head. (Thank goodness you used your peach shampoo today)

A bit of silence passed as you basked in his warmth before you broke it, face looking up at him.

“Yujin.”

He let out a hm? as a reply.

“Happy valentines, love you.”

He looked at you with lovesick eyes before giving the fastest smooch (peck) in the lips. You were shocked, and he was 😼 because he was very proud of doing that.

The boy let out a giggle 🔥 (how dare he after he gave you a bomb) and went back to his previous position.

“Love you too~ goodnight and sweet dreams my honey bunny sugar plump pie.”

“Why do you have to ruin the moment.”

“Lol.”

“Goodnight too I guess..”

It was safe to say that you couldn’t sleep well that night; somewhat because Yujin forgot to tape his mouth so he snored so loud and drooled on your head, mostly because of his previous words and actions. (You’d never tell him that it was because of his previous behavior though, his head’s already big enough…)

TAGLIST — @heemingyu @ja4hyvn @flwoie @sulkygyu @xiaoderrrr @ineedaherosavemeenow @lonewolfjinji @teddywonss

© astrae4 2024 | please don’t copy, translate, or plagiarize my works on all platforms! — inbox open for conversations and requests.