Several weeks passed and Yongguk was finding it easier (or at least trying to) to ignore his feelings. The prince remained the same after that day, as stoic and cold as ever. He didn't even as much as glance towards his guard.

It's alright. Yongguk told himself. It is to be expected anyways. It is for the best afterall. 

Then why is it still so painful?

Why does it rip him to pieces everytime he speaks to the prince? 

He hasn't eaten in days. He should've never made himself comfortable eating with someone else. He was fine alone. 

It's okay. He can get used to it. 

In the meantime, Junhong was always seen beside him. He knew something was wrong and tried to help him out of it but Yongguk was much difficult to get through than he looked like. 

However, the tall, baby faced man never left his side. He was always doing things that would make the guard smile. He even took him out on short adventures on their free time to places Yongguk had never seen in the citites but only heard of once in a while. He was taken to carnivals, operas, theatres and musicals and it amazed the guard very much. 

"Thank you so much, Junhong. I don't know what I did to deserve such kindness from you. I truly am grateful to have you." Yongguk blushed slightly at his own words. His heart fluttered with each word he had said. It was truly unbelievable to him that he was being treated with so much worth. Junhong saw the other's ears going red and laughed shyly, "It's really nothing! I enjoy going out with you because you aren't too talkative." 

The guard was surprised by the other's statement, his heart squeezing with bliss. His usual, quiet personality even bothered him sometimes but, to this man it was something positive!?

He really liked Junhong. 

Winter came and the days shortened, shortening the routine of the prince too.

By this time, Yongguk had mastered all of the fighting techniques. This time, reminding himself that it is solely for himself as a guard. 

Just as he thought that his heart didn't beat hard enough for the prince anymore, though he still very much was in love with Jongup's music, he was told of a very important arrival in the palace. 

"Oh, who is it?" Yongguk asked Youngjae. 

"It's the prince I told you about, Prince Daehyun. His family will be visiting the king and queen for the winter tea party. They do it every year." 

Yongguk choked internally and he felt his stomach fall. The prince he had heard of who liked Jongup a bit too much. He gulped dryly. His ears suddenly ringing. 

"Go to Junhong and get your new suit from him. We have to look our best when they arrive." Youngjae said before leaving the guard alone with his thoughts. 

Yongguk walked slowly towards the tailor's shop, his legs getting heavier with each step. 

"Welc- Oh! Good morning to you, sir Yongguk! What brings you here?" Junhong smiled and spoke in a sprightly manner. 

"The new dress." 

"You don't sound so good..." Junhong stated as he went at the back of the shop and came out with a gorgeous silver, black and blue dress. 

"Woah... Who decided these colours and design?" Yongguk couldn't help but break a small smile and watch the dress in awe. 

"It was Prince Jongup. He personally asked me to design it this way!" Junhong said smiling brightly. 

The smile faltered a bit from Yongguk's face but he couldn't help but be thankful towards the Prince. He took the dress and wore it in his quarters, getting many compliments as he walked towards the prince's room. 

He stepped inside the room after knocking. 

Jongup was on his study, writing something when he looked up and eyed the other from head to toe, his smile widening. 

"I knew it! You would look wonderful in these colours! The snow would greatly contrast these colours all the while not being too sharp!" The prince was like an artist edmiring his finished work. He was moving around Yongguk, his smile not leaving his face. 

It made the other smile too, "Thank you." He said softly. 

Jongup blushed lightly, "You like it?" 

"Yes! Of course." 

The prince grinned, "I'm glad. You must look better than that rantallion's guard." 

Yongguk gasped out loud, eyes widening comically as he hit his mouth shut with his hands, "T-that wasn't very appropriate, sire!"

Jongup smirked, "After all the inappropriate things we've done, this must not surprise you." 

The guard was speechless... the prince... had not forgotten them. 

"...Why.."

"Hm?"

"Why do you still speak of us..."

Jongup sighed heavily, sitting back on his bed. 

"What is the matter, Yongguk? That day you came crying not explaining what was actually the matter! I don't understand why do you want to forcefully tear us apart when there-"

"I'm a peasant. That is enough for me to know we are impossible. I'm not forcing anything. It is our destinies." 

"D-don't say that..." Jongup mumbled, turning his face away from the guard. He knew what the other was saying is right. It was just too difficult to accept. 

"If you need anything..." Yongguk paused, holding his breath. He bowed and left the room. 

I need you...

A grand carriage being pulled by four horses entered through the palace gates.

All the guards and maids were ordered to stand in a line to greet the royals of another land. 

The king and queen of the other land stepped down, Yongguk watched closely as another male of stronger but slimmer stature followed them inside the palace. He quickly walked inside to accompany the prince who was coming down to the hall to meet them. After they had greeted the respective royals, their son quickly came over as soon as he caught sight of Jongup. The guard saw how his prince's eye brows twitched in annoyance as the man came closer, with outstretched arms. The guard was quick to stop him with one outstretched arm. The man fell back slightly, clearly displeased at how his attempt to hug the prince failed.

"Oh, so you got a new guard, huh?" The young male said in a mocking tone, looking the guard at eye level, his eyes held distaste for him. 

"A much better one than yours. Can you even call that a guard who doesn't even look after his master who is running on his own? The blasphemy" Jongup slapped, ridicule dripping from his tone.

"What can your words do anything to me, when everyone knows you will be mine." The male sneered as the prince got red in the face. 

"That's enough, sire. My prince is clearly uncomfortable. We will join you shortly at lunch." The guard said, quickly turning away from the man while holding the prince from the shoulders. 

"Please come see me soon! I will be waiting to see your beautiful face again my dear Jongup!" The man called out as they left and Yongguk clearly felt the other people staring into his and the prince's back.

"That was the infamous prince Daehyun, right?" The guard murmered into the prince's ear when they were out of view. 

"Yes." Jongup answered shortly. 

"You don't want to marry him?" 

"Over my dead body." 

Yongguk smiled. A plan devising in his head. 

"What do you think of him?" The prince asked. 

"He's a rantallion for sure. His mouth is the only thing that's big." 

They both snickered and giggled. 

Thank you so so much for supporting this story despite my late updates. College life does that. 

Anyways, I'm sure you all heard of Yongguk's departure from T but guys I am sure BAP will join him soon too. I just hope some other company hires them all together. I really want BAP to last together for a very long time as ot6. I can't imagine my life without their music. Yongguk is super extremely talented and I just dk why tf did these angels end up in Tshell. Please keep supporting BAP no matter what! Let's trust our boys till the very end! Keep promoting BAP! Let's get them back on their peak!