Chapter Text
They met on one hot summer day, back when Kyungsoo was just 17 and trying to juggle three part time jobs together with university. He just started as a freshman trying to get an Architecture degree with a minor in Interior Design at one of the most exclusive universities in Seoul, he got in with a full scholarship that gave him allowance, accommodation and even free expenses for the uni tours and extra-curricular activities. .
For others it may sound as sheer luck but for Kyungsoo, it was the perfect silver lining to his shitty life. He had to get out of the foster house at some point and thank heavens he was blessed with a brain that's too intelligent. He didn't go to a very known high school and he came from the province but he was smart enough that one of his research papers paved the way to get him to Seoul for a college interview.
After he then received approval from the headmistress in their foster home he left and never looked back. It was his fifth foster home and his memories of those years are ones he didn't want to come back to.
He met Jongin at his part time job at the ice-cream store where he lied about his age but the manager was lenient enough to let him off the hook and continue working once he found out. It was 3 pm in the afternoon, summer heat almost seeping in through the large windows of the store when Jongin came in, dressed in a plain white shirt, sleeves rolled up to his shoulder to reveal those luscious biceps. He was about a head taller than Kyungsoo and definitely works out since his fitted shirt allows everyone to gawk at him and his toned body.
Kyungsoo swore that he knew he was gay from then on. He never did get attracted to anyone but when the tanned boy entered the ice-cream parlor, radiating heat that almost melted Kyungsoo, himself, he knew he was done for. Physical attraction was one thing but when he heard the man say One scoop of choco mint on a cone please, Kyungsoo never knew how much he liked smooth, light but fragile voices until then. Maybe it was Jongin's eyes too, the way they shone brightly with interest as he looked at Kyungsoo or the way he shyly uttered his name when Kyungsoo asked for it.
Jongin was an 18 year old sophomore in his university, he was popular for having top grades in the Engineering department and he's athletic too, he swims, plays soccer and he even does archery. He's good at a lot of physical activities that Kyungsoo loathes but loves when he gets to stare at Jongin doing them. He doesn't live at the gym unlike what was said by his fans at uni but he makes it a habit to workout and Kyungsoo comes with him to get some work out too or actually just pilates.
Jongin was everything good and alive in Kyungsoo's dull life. After 6 months of flirting and getting to know each other, maybe all too well, Jongin asked him to officially be his boyfriend. It was January 10th, two days before his birthday and four days before Jongin's.
And after 8 years together, Jongin proposed. Who would've thought that the 25 year old (turning 26 but who's counting), Kyungsoo would see his boyfriend, kneeling on one knee, holding out a black leather box and proclaiming his love in the middle of the ocean.
Both of them have stable jobs, Jongin's already a Senior Executive Engineer at the firm he was working at and Kyungsoo is making his name as one of Seoul's most sought-after Architect and Interior Designer. He had worked with Jongin multiple times and they always delivered perfect projects to their clients so it wasn't a surprise when Kyungsoo was offered a job at Jongin's firm which he respectfully rejected as he likes working as a freelancer and he didn't want to step into Jongin's workspace and suffocate him. They already live together and Kyungsoo has an intimate personal office on the unit next to theirs so it's a bit too much if he took a step forward into Jongin's company.
Jongin said one of his clients lent him his yacht for the night as a gift for the wonderful house Jongin built them and as a gift for their anniversary. They both took the day off, went on a date, watched movies, shopped for clothes, even played at the arcade and then went home to dress really fancy before Jongin drove them to the port and there was the yacht, waiting for them with the captain and crew on board.
Kyungsoo wasn't expecting marriage to be on the table, yes he enjoyed being with Jongin and loved him dearly but he didn't want to think in advance, he went at a careful pace, never too bold and obviously never too slow. He doesn't want to lose the only person he treasures.
So here they are now, Kyungsoo standing on the yacht deck, dressed in a navy blue suit prepared by his boyfriend while the said boyfriend is kneeling on one knee, waiting for his answer.
"Soo, if you're not ready we can forget about this" Jongin said softly, fingers already fumbling with the lid of the leather case that's holding two rings, the designs are matching, simple but elegant, totally their style.
"No" Kyungsoo answered, thinking about too many things before finally letting out the same word. "No"
"Oh" Jongin's smile fell but he picked it up and gave Kyungsoo the most annoying fake smile.
"I mean yes, I want to marry you. No, I don't want to forget this. I love you" Kyungsoo answered clearly, hands fisting on his side, he's afraid that he might stutter midway.
Jongin beams at him and wow Kyungsoo really loves that huge grin on his face that shows his dimple. Jongin stands up, towering over Kyungsoo before he cups the latter's cheeks and kisses him like there's no tomorrow. If Kyungsoo was worried earlier, well now he feels warm, he feels at home in Jongin's arms.
"So what are we going to do now?" Kyungsoo whispered softly, his head resting on his fiancé's chest.
"We'll start to build our home, Soo" Jongin answered before pressing a soft kiss on the top of his head.
Jongin's routine is like clockwork, Kyungsoo admires that too because Jongin wakes up earlier than him, gets ready before waking him up to prepare for work while the older start on their breakfast. It's unusual that Kyungsoo wakes up first but today is one of those unusual days. It's his 26th birthday and it's, along with his blanket are the only things he kept from his real parents, the ones that left him at the hospital.
He turned to the side to face his boyfrie--fiancé, he still can't get the hang of it but they already decided to have their engagement party tomorrow with their friends as January 13 usually serves as their couple-birthday, where they celebrate together intimately compared to their celebrations with friends.
Kyungsoo only has two clients today and Jongin said he has a meeting at 10 am but since it's still a little early, Kyungsoo started making breakfast for the two of them, a simple birthday breakfast, which usually consists, a whole pack of bacon, scrambled eggs, French toast and fruits. He loves cooking as much as he loves designing, he believes it's an art especially when he cooks bacon to crisp.
A pair of strong arms encircled his waist and Jongin's head rested on his shoulder before the taller placed a kiss on his neck. "Smells good, baby. Good morning" he greeted softly
The only thing that changed with Jongin since they first met was the fact that his body changed with him, he works out even more, fast reflexes and he's very in tune with Kyungsoo's movement, just like this. Kyungsoo never gets to an hour of being awake without Jongin popping up 5 minutes after he wakes up. Jongin said it was because the bed was cold without Kyungsoo so he came to look for the heat Kyungsoo has. It's sappy but Kyungsoo likes it. They're both not clingy because they both like their space but some days like these, they don't care at all.
"You have a meeting at 10, why don't you take a shower" Kyungsoo suggested, finally pushing his hips backward to get his fiancé off of him.
"Later. I like watching you cook in that apron" Jongin answered, lightly tapping his asscheek before placing a wet kiss on his cheek. .
The taller chuckled and took his place on the stool by the breakfast bar, it's an extension of their kitchen island that Kyungsoo decided on when they first got the apartment. He turned on the television and lowered the volume for morning news.
News is a part of Jongin's routine, morning news, newspaper, evening news and even emergency flash news has a notification on his phone. It doesn't bother Kyungsoo because he gets to find out what's going around the country.
Sources say the palace is celebrating the lost prince's 26th birthday, many of the invited guests are artists, idols, politicians and businessmen not only from Korea but all over the world. The palace spokesperson released a statement saying that the royal family is still hopeful for the return of their lost prince.
"It's funny how they're still looking for that prince wasn't he kidnapped when he was young?" Kyungsoo commented while placing the bacon on both their plates.
He clicked his tongue when he noticed that Jongin was staring blankly at the television. "What?" his fiancé asked
Their country is ruled by the monarch family, with a prime minister who delivers and executes the orders of the royal family. He doesn't know about the royal family because they're quiet, they do a lot of charity works and that's about everything that Kyungsoo knows about them.
"The prince, he was kidnapped when he was born, well that was what the media said. It's a pity for the family, I hope they get reunited soon" Kyungsoo repeated softly, plating the food that he made.
"You do?" Jongin asked with a curious tone.
"Of course, Nini. You know I came from the foster system, I changed places multiple times that I don't know if I've ever considered any of it as a home. I thought I was defective for being returned to the foster house. Imagine if the prince went through that while his whole family were searching for him all along. No one deserves to be left, I hope he gets found" Kyungsoo explained as he placed a full plate in front of Jongin and smiled at him.
"I'm sorry" Jongin said quietly, there's a noticeable pout in his face that Kyungsoo couldn't help but kiss away as he hugged his tall man.
Jongin's head rests on his chest and he could probably hear how strongly Kyungsoo's heart beats for him but he wants to know that Jongin is a gift to his life. "Don't be. You're my home now and you've been my home since that summer. I love you" he said softly
Yes, they're definitely getting sappy by the year. Kyungsoo can't even disagree with that. Jongin encircled his arms around his waist again, pulling him closer. "I love you, Soo. Whatever happens, believe in me first" Jongin said softly
"I believe in you, always" Kyungsoo assured him like he always does.
--
The next morning both of them woke up early to prepare for their engagement party. They both decided to have a small engagement party or just a get together with their friends to announce their engagement. They were all going to meet up after lunch at the yacht where Jongin proposed to him, his fiancé told him that he had offered to rent it out but his client allowed him to borrow it for free as a gift for their engagement party.
"Soo, you should go get dressed. We're almost done anyway" Jongin suggested, after he pulled out the last of the chairs at the deck.
This yacht was actually too big for them because they only have 6 friends in total. They decided to get takeout but Jongin's client insisted on lending their chef to prepare their meals so they just bought a cake and designed the deck a little.
"I'm excited" Kyungsoo beamed at him, the reflection of the water on the glass roof of the deck, reflects on Kyungsoo's pale skin and he really looks wonderful.
"Me too" Jongin said softly. He wants nothing in this world but Kyungsoo's happiness and right now he's glowing, radiating with happiness and love.
"Baby" Jongin called his fiancé who was bending over the couch to remove the balloons that he placed on the sunken sitting area.
"hmm?"
Jongin reached out to pull Kyungsoo into his arms and hug him tightly which the smaller returned automatically "I love you. I'm sorry. I promise to stay beside you as long as you'd like me to. I really really love you Soo" Jongin said softly.
"What's gotten into you, you sappy baby. I love you too, Ni. If you want, let's get married later" Kyungsoo suggested. He chuckled when he felt Jongin's arms tensed up so he kissed the jaw of his fiancé and smiled at him. "Just kidding. I want to plan our wedding properly. It's going to be magnificent" he teased
"I know it will. Soo, after tonight, our lives will change" Jongin said quietly, Kyungsoo's not aware of the tone Jongin used but it sounded bittersweet to him.
"For the better" He answered with a bright smile, making his fiancé smile in return.
"For the better" Jongin agreed and kissed him softly.
There were 8 people that came, 6 of them were their friends and two were Jongin's clients, the couple that lent him the boat.
"Mr. Lee is it?" the blonde haired man, Chanyeol asked. On his side was his friend, Sehun, the brown-haired man.
"Kyungsoo, call me Kyungsoo please. Thank you for lending us this yacht." he said softly.
The sun is already setting and it's really beautiful out here in the middle of the ocean. Just nothing but water around them and the soft breeze.
It's a bit colder since it's still the winter but the sun shone brightly today to keep them warm.
"Congratulations on your engagement. When Jongin first reached out to us, we were surprised because we haven't talked to him for years" Sehun said lightly, smiling at Kyungsoo
They have the same poise as Jongin, their stance confident and they look very agile too.
"Oh, aren't you his clients?" Kyungsoo asked in confusion.
Jongin introduced them as Chanyeol and Sehun, both good looking people and just as tall as Jongin, Chanyeol taller than both men. Jongin said that Chanyeol and Sehun were work partners and they usually stick together. They seemed closer than the usual client relationship because Jongin gave them a hug instead of handshakes.
"We were but we were friends before that" Chanyeol chuckled softly.
Jongin came out of nowhere and hugged him from the back before placing a kiss on his cheek. "Baby, Baekhyun's asking for you. He demands to see your ring. Let's pop the champagne and party tonight?" he suggested
Kyungsoo chuckled softly and shook his head. "It's going to get cold here at the deck"
"Oh, we can close the walls. It'll be like a glass wall to transform it into an indoor space" Sehun pointed at the columns and the sliding glass doors
Kyungsoo's eyes widened in amusement before he smiled at the men in front of him. "Thank you so much, Chanyeol~ssi, Sehun~ssi. This means a lot to me. Please excuse me, I have to pacify my best friend before he yells" Kyungsoo said, releasing himself from his fiancé's hold.
Kyungsoo doesn't have that many friends. He has Baekhyun an event planner that he had worked with twice before Baekhyun eased his way to Kyungsoo's life, Kris who is a real estate agent that contacts him whenever his clients wants to renovate the house and Jongdae, the only architect friend he has. They met during Kyungsoo's sophomore year at Uni and they got along well. Jongin invited his three buddies too, Ravi, Taemin and Moonkyu. They're all engineers as well and they get along really well.
"I can't believe Jongin finally proposed to you!" Baekhyun said cheerfully, admiring the ring on Kyungsoo's finger.
"Took him long enough, he's been holding those rings for almost two years now" Ravi commented, making their friends chuckle.
"Two years?" Kris asked in disbelief. Even Kyungsoo couldn't believe it as well. They live in one house but he had never thought that Jongin was hiding something from him.
They're all lounging at the sunken sitting area with beers on hand while Jongin was still outside with his clients or friends at the deck, they already closed the glass sliding doors that warmed up the space so Kyungsoo can't hear anything.
"Let's pop the champagne!" Jongdae suggested, standing up to get the bottle from the ice bucket.
"Let Kyungsoo pop it outside. I don't want to get hit by the cork!" Baekhyun whined.
That's how they all decided to open the sliding door and join the three men who seemed to be in a very serious conversation. Jongin immediately noticed Kyungsoo who was holding the bottle of champagne and two glass flutes
"Should I pop the champagne?" Jongin suggested, taking the champagne bottle from Kyungsoo. "I'm clumsy so you do it" the younger agreed.
"It's cold, hurry!!!!" Moonkyu demanded, they're all wrapped up in their coats unlike Jongin and his tall friends who are still in their suits.
Sehun pulled out something from his pocket and handed it to Jongin who frowned at the pocket knife. "I don't see any corkscrew" Sehun said nonchalantly.
Jongin ignored him and unwrapped the top part revealing the cork. He turned to face the ocean and felt Kyungsoo stand behind him. "I love you, Nini" he said simultaneously as Jongin slid the knife up the tilted bottle and popped the cork.
He turned around to kiss Kyungsoo as their friends were yelling and already grabbing the champagne bottle but the dark skies were suddenly lit up by an incoming chopper.
Kyungsoo looked at the chopper in confusion as it was hovering right in front of the yacht and suddenly small boats were surrounding the yacht. He immediately moved backwards and Jongin held him by the waist. "I'm sorry, Soo" his fiancé whispered before Kyungsoo was taken from Jongin's grasp by Sehun.
Suddenly there were men dressed in suits who came into the yacht and surrounded them, automatically backing away the rest of their friends.
"On behalf of the Royal family, we are taking you into custody, Kim Kai" Sehun said calmly.
Jongin, removed something from his waist and placed it on the deck floor before he knelt and placed his hands at the back of his head.
"What, no!" Kyungsoo said, taking a step forward but he was blocked by both Sehun and Chanyeol.
"It's alright, Soo. Everything will be alright" Jongin said quietly, even their friends are confused with everything that's happening.
"Please, Prince Kyungsoo, we don't want to use force against him" Sehun said quietly to Kyungsoo who was trying to get away from their grasp
"What are you saying?! I'm not a prince! Let me go, Chanyeol~ssi!" Kyungsoo yelled at them.
He saw how Jongin was hauled up by the men but he didn't take his eyes off of Kyungsoo. "I'll be fine" he said quietly before he was finally taken away.
There was a moment of silence except for the hovering chopper near them. Kyungsoo was angry? Confused? He didn't know what he felt. He was just having the time of his life and now Jongin was taken away from him.
"Prince Kyungsoo, you should come with us to the Mansion. Our men will accompany your friends home"
"I'm not coming with you" Kyungsoo said firmly.
"Prince--"
"Stop calling me prince! I'm not coming with you until you return Jongin to me!" He shouted back, finally taking his arms away from both Sehun and Chanyeol.
Kyungsoo took a step back from them, his back, leaning against the railing. "I don't care who you think I am but I refuse to come with anyone until Jongin comes back. I will throw myself off this yacht if you force me, I don't know how to swim so don't fucking dare me" he threatened the two men. There are still boats surrounding them but he doesn't care about that.
He knew that his hands were shaking already but he wanted Jongin back and he won't leave without him. "Okay, just get away from the railing" Sehun agreed. Judging from their stance it seems like Sehun has a higher rank than Chanyeol.
"Jongin" Kyungsoo muttered exhaustedly. He just wanted his fiancée back but he knows that the boat that took Jongin already left.
"Give us tonight and we'll try to get Jongin back to you" Sehun suggested
"I want him now!" Kyungsoo raised his voice again. He doesn't usually raise his voice, in fact he never raised his voice to someone until now.
Chanyeol sighed "Prince Kyungsoo, be rational. They already took away Jongin, if you want you can come with us to the mansion" he suggested as well
"No"
"Then let's compromise. We'll try our best to let Jongin pick you up tomorrow but for now Chanyeol stays" Sehun said quietly.
"No"
"This is not a negotiation, prince. It's an order from your fathers" Sehun said with finality, he was a scary man, Kyungsoo just figured that out when he saw how Sehun emitted a very powerful aura.
"I don't have any father" Kyungsoo says flatly
Sehun's eyes narrowed at him but before he could even say anything Chanyeol stepped forward and cut them off.
"I'll stay outside, you won't even notice I'm there. Jongin will come back before dawn" Chanyeol said, voice softening, cutting the heated argument of the two.
"Fine but my friends are staying with me" Kyungsoo said quietly, finally calming down.
"Choose a friend, you can't have them all or we'll have to out more men outside your unit" Chanyeol told him softly
"I'll come, Soo" Jongdae volunteered, he's done watching from the background and he knows that his best friend is already scared shitless. He wouldn't let him stay at home alone.
--
He woke up next morning with a soft kiss on his cheek, he reluctantly opened his eyes before he saw Jongin, smiling at him softly. He immediately opened his arms and pulled the man in a hug. "I thought you were gone. Did they hurt you? Was that a dream? Jongin please don't leave me" he said quietly
"Happy birthday, Nini" Kyungsoo whispered, kissing the neck of his fiancé
Jongin pulled away a little and looked at him straight in his eyes. "Kyungsoo, listen to me first. I need to be quick because Chanyeol only gave me five minutes before Sehun comes" he said softly
Kyungsoo nodded and waited for Jongin to continue. "Everything that happened last night was true. I have to face the court and the wrath of your fathers. I can't explain everything now but, I love you. I'm selfish and I'm sorry for that. You won't probably see me anymore after this. I want to explain everything but I don't know where to start" the man continued.
"Kai, wind eta two minutes" Chanyeol called out from outside.
"Pack your clothes, everything you need. I'll try to see you at the mansion but for now, please excuse me" Jongin said, pressing a kiss on Kyungsoo's forehead before moving backwards until he created enough space between them
"What are you doing?" Kyungsoo asked in confusion. He sat up when Jongin knelt on one knee and placed his right hand across his chest before bowing.
"I am Kim Kai, royal personal bodyguard of the second prince, Doh Kyungsoo" he introduced himself distantly, before he titled his head up and gave Kyungsoo a sad smile.
"I was tasked to bring you back to court, my Prince" the taller said softly
"Jongin" Kyungsoo called out in confusion.
"Kindly dress up, we will wait for you outside, your friend was already sent home when I arrived" Jongin said quietly before he stood up and excused himself.
--
Kyungsoo couldn't take away his gaze from Jongin who was sitting next to Chanyeol who was driving the car. After Jongin left the room, he never approached Kyungsoo again, just quietly opening the door for him and walking behind him.
"Chanyeol~ssi, where are we going?" Kyungsoo asked, breaking the very awkward silence. It's been 20 minutes since they
"To the mansion, your royal highness" Chanyeol answered quietly.
"I thought the royal family lives at the palace?" he asked, because they already passed by the traditional palace that was always shown on the television.
"The people who live there are the royal extended families, cousins, in laws and it's used as the guest house too. The royal family decided to move into a more secure place after you were taken" Chanyeol explained quietly before turning right.
"Taken?" he asked in confusion but before Chanyeol could answer, Jongin intervened with a flat tone. "Your fathers, the kings, can explain that you, your royal highness"
"Are you really going to talk to me like that Jongin? Is Jongin really your name?" Kyungsoo asked in annoyance. He hated the distance that Jongin had placed between them.
"It is, your highness. My name is Kim Jongin but guards are assigned their own code names along with the members of the whole royal family" Jongin answered him nonchalantly and it irks the hell out of Kyungsoo.
"Then what is my code name then?"
"Angel" Jongin answered quietly, effectively stopping Kyungsoo's questions.
He had always wondered why Jongin's choice of endearment was angel when they were dating, he used to call him angel all the time, even in his calls with his friends he addresses Kyungsoo as angel… Oh..maybe he wasn't talking to his friends back then…
--