* * * * * *

Huh? Where am I? What is this place?

Hmm? Who are you? Why do you look so… sad?

Is something wrong? Why are you crying?

Don’t cry.

Don’t look at me like that.

Please.

Don’t cry.

A buzzing sound.

Ah.

What is this? Why am I covered in… red?

Did you do this to me?

Or…

Did I do this to myself instead?

The sound buzzed again.

The sound changed to a chime. The wind breezed through the windows that were left opened overnight. A gentle breeze that was neither too hot nor too cold.

‘Hakyeon-ah! Wake up already! You’re going to be late if you don’t get up now!’ A woman’s voice could be heard from downstairs. Calling for him.

The half asleep boy, who was still caught up in his dream, rubbed his eyes to wake up to the sound of his beloved mother.

‘Coming!’ He replied, trying to bring his voice out.

Hakyeon went downstairs, tired and barely awaken. He tried to look outside the window as he passed by the living room but the morning sun blinded him too much for him to keep his eyes opened for long. He looked up at the ceiling several times to fix his visions and finally let out a lazy stretch.

Another day, another morning.

As told, he made his way downstairs to greet his mother.

‘Morning mom!’ Hakyeon smiled brightly as he could but still, he let out a yawn.

‘Gosh. Look at you. Never have enough sleep do you? What were you doing all night?’

‘Nothing much. What’s for breakfast?’

‘Eggs and toast as per usual. Do you want milk or juice today?’

‘Juice is fine. I think I need some sugar to wake me up.’

Hakyeon and his mother sat across one another at the dining table. Hakyeon slowly chewing down his food as if he had all the time in the world.

‘Shouldn’t you be eating a bit faster? Don’t you have an opening ceremony for school this morning?’

‘It’s okay. The ceremony is optional to attend to and I’ll probably fall asleep if I went anyways.’

‘Were you sketching again last night?’

Hakyeon nodded. His mother knew him well.

‘Well eat up and get changed. It’s okay not to go to the ceremony but you don’t want to be late for your first day of class as well.’

‘Got it.’

Hakyeon and his mother ran a small boutique in the city of Brampton. The business itself was quite a fresh one amongst the city and not many really knew of its existence besides those in the same district. His mother had an interest in the field since she was young and Hakyeon grew fond of it as well while watching her cultivate every plant and flower at home while growing up. They often got orders for events and festivals as well as regular customers who lived nearby. The city was large but those that lived close were like family. Brampton was divided into several sub-districts compared to many other nearby towns or cities.

There were the wealthy, the poor, the middle-class, and more.

Hakyeon’s family was well placed in the center of it all. They didn’t care for materials or wealth nor did they had a hard time making their living expenses either. They were happy with the smaller things in life and for both him and his mother, the precious boutique that they owned was already a dream come true.

One of Hakyeon’s favorite hobby is sketching and planning different flower arrangements for different people and different occasions. He could spend days and nights in his room drawing or imagining the perfect arrangements of flowers that would make every event even more mesmerizing as it already is. Ceremonies such as district festivals, neighbors’ birthdays or even weddings; they were all the things that happened in this city.

As much as he wanted to study more about flowers and its beauty, or help the family business prosper, he was also very busy as a high school student. He was only fifteen and still had many more years that awaits him. He wasn’t too fond of all the other subjects he was forced to learn at school so besides be able to meet his friends, he wasn’t keen into going to class at all.

But he endured. Although school was boring, he knew that not many were privileged enough to even attend. He was fortunate enough to receive the education unlike many on the outskirts of the city.

* * * * * *

It was the first day of a new semester and although he was excited to attend the ceremony at first, he lost the motivation to go when he had that odd dream last night.

A dream that he’s been having for the past few weeks.

A dream he could remember but also couldn’t at the same time. A dream of nothing but someone who seemingly looked sad but strangely enough, each time he woke up, he could not remember the stranger’s face except for their tears. He couldn’t recall much of the details as he wake up each time except for one particular thing.

Hakyeon himself was covered in red. But why? Was it blood? Then why didn’t it hurt? Was it something else? He only remembers the color but nothing more.

Well, it was a dream after all… so I guess it didn’t hurt. Why am I thinking about it so much though?

But each time he thought of the tears that streamed down from the stranger, he couldn’t help but feel a slight pain in his chest. Wanting to wipe those tears away.

I wonder if he was crying for me… but why? Who is he?

‘Hakyeon-hyung!’ A boy called his name from behind as he was walking through the gates of his school and deep in his thoughts.

‘Hyogi-ah!’ He turned around to see a boy running up to him in excitement. ‘You didn’t attend the ceremony either?’

‘How many times have I told you not to call me Hyogi anymore. I’m not a kid! I’m growing up and soon, I’m going to be taller than you too! Just you watch.’

‘Ah~ Han Sanghyuk. You can deny it all you want but you forget you’re still in elementary and still shorter than me. So I can call you whatever I want.’ Hakyeon pinched Hyuk’s pouty cheeks and smiled warmly at the younger boy.

‘Which building is your class in hyung?’ Hyuk asked while trying to get away from Hakyeon’s pinches.

‘In the West Wing. Yours?’

‘Uwah~ so far. Guess you won’t be able to sneak into my class anymore.’ Hyuk stuck out his tongue to tease Hakyeon.

‘Guess not. But don’t miss me too much okay?’

‘I won’t~’ Hyuk chuckled playfully in response.

Hakyeon and Hyuk, although they were five years apart, grew up in the same neighborhood and their parents were very close friends with one another. While Hyuk’s parents were busy with work, his parents would often leave their child at the Cha boutique in order for Hakyeon to look after and play with the boy. Hakyeon was the only child but Hyuk really felt like a younger brother to him. He felt proud at times for ‘raising’ the younger so well.

As the two laughed and joked, it was finally time for them to go their separate ways.

‘I’ll see you after school okay? Your mom ordered a batch of roses yesterday so you can pick them up for her afterwards.’

‘Got it. I also want to have some of auntie’s yummy dinner afterwards as well. Have fun in class hyung!’ Hyuk waved goodbye as he ran to find his class.

‘You too!’ Hakyeon shouted back at him while watching the boy safely go the opposite direction.

* * * * * *

A new semester, a new class and new faces.

Hakyeon was already feeling a bit overwhelmed and anxious before walking into his classroom and because he decided not to attend the ceremony this morning, he had no idea what to expect. He felt a slight regret for being too lazy to attend the ceremony as he stood frozen in front of his classroom doors.

He took a deep breath and slide the door open.

Everyone was already in their respective places, in their own crowds and already making new friends. Hakyeon felt a bit unsure whether or not he’d fit in with the rest of the boys but he tried to make the best of it.

‘Morning Hakyeonie!’ Didn’t see you in the ceremony this morning. Did you sleep in?’ A familiar boy tapped on Hakyeon’s shoulders from behind him.

‘Minhyuk-ah! You’re in this class too?’ Hakyeon was surprised.

‘You bet! Aren’t you lucky~’ Minhyuk winked at him.

Hakyeon couldn’t help but laugh at his friend’s silliness. The two were childhood friends after all. The same age and similar interests. Minhyuk was also the only one who accepted Hakyeon’s love and passion for flower arrangements and events while other kids would only make fun of him. Others thought it was too feminine for the boy to be interested in such a thing but Hakyeon didn’t mind it at all. He stood his grounds. He loved what he was doing and he had someone like Minhyuk to pat his back whenever he did a good job.

Minhyuk helped Hakyeon fit into the new classroom and already, Hakyeon felt a lot more comfortable with the new environment that he was in. But the duration of the classes felt endless as he constantly watched the clock to tick faster.

Maybe his heart just wasn’t in whatever subject the teachers were teaching at the time but time was dreadful.

The bell finally rang and he sprung out of his seat.

‘Are you going straight home now?’ Minhyuk asked Hakyeon as he started to put his textbooks back into his backpack.

‘Mhmm. Mom said we’ll be really busy this month since June is just right around the corner.’

‘Ah. With weddings and such? I don’t get adults. Why do they have to plan their weddings so early and why June of all months?’

‘Didn’t I explain to you before already? It has something to do with the Goddess Jupiter. It’s a long story but really romantic if you actually took the time to read about it.’

‘Oh really? Our Hakyeonie is sooo romantic~ anyways, no interest. Too young to be tied down already and I still want to play more.’

Hakyeon sighed.

‘Didn’t your mom arrange a few blind meetings for you though? Hoping you’d find a good wife or something?’

‘Yeah. So? But none of them appealed to me. You’re sweeter than them all~ my Hakyeonie~’ Minhyuk joked around with his usual sarcastic remarks.

‘Right, right.’ Hakyeon tried to play along with his friend’s jokes.

‘Hyung!’ Hyuk ran up to greet Hakyeon after his class had ended.

‘Look who’s here. Hyogi~~’ Minhyuk ruffled the younger’s head and daunted at the boy who liked to follow Hakyeon around since they were young.

‘Hello Minhyuk-hyung. Are you following Hakyeon-hyung back to the shop too?’

‘Mhmm. Mom said she needed to replace the flowers at home already. You?’

‘Same. Plus my mom and dad will be busy tonight so I thought I’d sleep over to play and study until they come to pick me up.’

‘I see. By the way… who’s this friend behind you?’

Hakyeon looked behind Hyuk. Another boy was hiding behind Hyuk the entire time and didn’t even say a word. It caught him by surprise.

‘Oh! I almost forgot. Sorry. This is Sungjae. He’s my classmate. He’s new in this city so I thought I’d show him around and we could go to Hakyeon’s place together.’

‘Nice to meet you. I’m Sungjae.’ The boy introduced himself finally but very shyly.

‘Nice to meet you too.’ Hakyeon looked at the boy who was slightly smaller than Hyuk and couldn’t help but want to pamper the shy boy who was only hiding behind Hyuk’s back.

‘Don’t tell me you made friends with him because he looks like Hakyeonie when he was younger?’ Minhyuk asked.

‘Huh? Now that you mention it… Sungjae-ah, you and Hakyeon-hyung do look somewhat similar? Just hyung is a bit tanner.’ Hyuk said.

Hakyeon and Sungjae looked at one another for a minute and chuckled at their similarities.

* * * * * *

The four of them walked back to the boutique. As they saw the shop from afar, they could see a large and luxurious carriage leaving from the shop. It was rare for anyone of the wealthier parts of the city to come all this way to the boutique though. Hakyeon was quite curious as to who the clients may be, if anyone at all.

‘Mom. I’m home! I brought some friends with me!’ Hakyeon called out.

‘Welcome home sweetie. It’s been awhile Minhyuk and Hyuk too. And who’s this young friend?’ Hakyeon’s mother asked caringly.

‘I’m Sungjae ma’m. I’m in the same class as Hyuk. Please to meet you.’ Sungjae bowed.

‘It’s nice to meet you too. Would you boys like to sit down and have some snacks?’

‘Thank you auntie! Let me help you,’ Minhyuk went to her side to help her get some snacks for everyone.

‘Mom. I saw a carriage outside just now. Is it a client of ours?’ Hakyeon finally found the chance to ask.

‘Ah yes. Apparently one of the minister’s son is going to get married soon and was asking if we could help them with the planning and arrangements.’

‘Did you accept it?’ Hakyeon asked.

‘I’m still thinking about it to be honest. I’m worried that we won’t meet up to their standards and we seldom do business with the aristocrats. I wouldn’t want to disappoint them.’ She sighed.

‘Don’t worry auntie. You’re amazing with everything you do! Did you forget that my parent’s annual anniversaries are all arranged by you? They’re always so happy about it.’ Minhyuk tried to reassure Hakyeon’s mother.

‘Thank you Minhyuk.’

‘I think you should give it a try mom. It’ll be a great opportunity for us and the shop.’ Hakyeon said.

‘Do you want to help me out as well then? I know you’ve always been wanting to learn about the boutique and I could really use some of those wonderful sketches you’ve been compiling at night.’

‘How… nevermind. Of course I want to help.’ Hakyeon said enthusiastically.

Finally, an opportunity to do something he loved. There was no way he was going to let go of this chance.

That entire night, Hakyeon couldn’t sleep while thinking about the excitement of his first official event planning. He went through all his sketches, all his reference books and imagined how the perfect wedding ceremony would look like. For more common folks, nothing too fancy was considered appealing enough. But for the wealthier officials, it was more of a challenge. However, it was a challenge in which Hakyeon only knew how to tremble from the thrill of it. Whoever the groom and bride were to be, he wanted to help make the event the best for both of them.

An unforgettable wedding between two people who loves one another.

* * * * * *

When the weekend finally came and Hakyeon didn’t have to attend any classes, he accompanied his mother to the farther side of the city to meet their new clients. They had to discuss the arrangements in person to make sure everything was picture perfect for everyone. It was a once-in-a-lifetime event for the clients after all so it couldn’t be anything but perfect.

Hakyeon was quite amazed at how extravagant the mansion was when they finally arrived. They knew the higher end districts were different but seeing it for himself was something new of an experience.

‘Welcome. You two must be here to discuss about the wedding arrangements with our master. Please come in.’ One of the servants greeted Hakyeon and his mother at the entrance and showed their way to the main room.

As Hakyeon was sitting in the living room, his eyes wandered around his surroundings. Expensive artifacts, priceless paintings and beautifully arranged flowers caught his eyes. He could tell that the master of this household really appreciated a set of well arranged flowers despite his other expenses. He felt a bit relaxed to see how cared for each vase of flower was and happy to know that even the wealthy could appreciate the simple beauties in life itself.

‘It’s nice to meet you again Mrs. Cha. This must be your son that you mentioned before.’ An old man came through the door and greeted them.

‘My name is Cha Hakyeon sir. It’s nice to finally meet you.’

‘The pleasure is mine. I hear that you want to assist your mother with my son’s wedding, is that correct?’

‘Yes sir. If you allow me to that is. I promise to do my absolute best to make this wedding as perfect and unforgettable as possible.’

‘I’m sure you will. Your mother spoke fondly of you and I’m quite surprised that a young man like you would be interested in your family business.’

‘It’s always been a passion of mines sir.’

‘That’s good to hear. If only my son was like you, maybe I wouldn’t have to worry so much for his future.’ The old man sighed deeply.

‘I’m sure he’s an intelligent young man like you good sir.’ Hakyeon’s mother said, trying to find the right words to say to comfort the troubled man.

‘I hope so too. Anyways, shall we talk about the arrangements?’ He suggested.

‘Shouldn’t we wait for your son and the bride to discuss about this?’ Hakyeon’s mother worried.

‘Unfortunately, he’s not interested in this matter. This marriage was arranged since the two were young and neither seems to care about it as much as me and my in-laws do. I’m getting old and I just wish to see my son married happily. That’s my only wish.’

Hakyeon and his mother could see how sad the old man was becoming as he talked about his son and didn’t wish to question any further. They were a lot more cautious with their words and tried to cheer the man up as much as they possibly could.

* * * * * *

The son of the minister was an intelligent one. The youngest of four children yet the only son of the family. There are high hops and expectations for him but at the same time, his father knew that the more expectations he had, the more unnecessary pressure he would bring to his son. The wedding was the only thing he asked of from his son and possibly the last favor he would ask for.

His son was a stubborn one despite his quiet nature. Most of the time, people couldn’t read into what the boy was thinking. He was the type that was too hard to understand and very unpredictable. Coincidently however, he was the same age as Hakyeon.

Same age but two different lives. Different personalities and not a single thing in common.

Hakyeon sympathized with the old man who seemed so lonely and small as he was talking about his son. As Hakyeon ventured around the huge mansion in order to sketch out the structure of the place for the wedding, he realized he stumbled upon a certain problem.

He became lost.

Hakyeon was never good with directions in the first place and the place was obviously too big for him to remember where everything was.

‘What do I do now?’ He sighed.

As he walked around aimlessly, hoping to find his way back by accident, he suddenly stopped in his tracks as something caught his eyes.

A gigantic cherry blossom tree bloomed in the middle of a large green garden maze. Its colors were enchanting, mesmerizing and strangely enough, it pulled him in. As his eyes were fixed onto its beauty, he unconsciously walked towards the tree and finding his way out into the gardens.

He was so drawn to its beauty that he didn’t realize that someone was lying right underneath the tree, and nearly tripped over the person.

A young man. Sleeping with a large book in his hands.

I hope I’m not disturbing him. I wonder who he is. What was he reading?

A large pile of textbooks of laws and politics. None of which interested Hakyeon at all. But the sleeping boy looked so peaceful underneath the trees and its cool shades.

Hakyeon didn’t know why but his attention was slowly drawn to the handsome young man more than the tree itself. It was very picturesque and he was curious as who the boy was. Just watching the boy deep in his sleep, made him feel very relaxed and comfortable.

Ah. Could he be?...

* * * * * * A/N * * * * * * 

This story is set in a place inspired by the 1800's by the way so if you guys get confused by the whole not so modern yet not so 'ancient' references, it's just set in a period that has the best of both worlds. 

Hope you guys enjoyed this extra long first chapter as well as new characters :)