-Zelo’s POV-

I was shaking in my sleep. I couldn’t stop turning, trying to shake away the dream. I was running through the village. I’m not sure which village though, or which Kingdom. I was trying to find him before…before-, “Junhong.” I heard a familiar deep voice call from a distance. The sound of the voice terrified. “Junhong.” The voice called in distress. “N-No.” I murmured fearfully. “Junhong. I shook my head frivolously. “Junhong please.” It felt like time was running out, but for what? And why? “Junhong.” “No...no...No!” I screamed moving more frantically. Just then I felt something grab me and started dragging me fast into a pitch black hole the sight of the Village became smaller and smaller. “You’re too late.” A scruffy voice said in my ear. I turned around and…and… “Youngjae!!” I screamed shooting up, out of my sleep.

I frantically looked around breathing heavily. I was still in the room. “Junhong.” The same voice called. I flinched and looked at the person who called my name in fear. It was Yongguk. He looked perturbed and upset. “Y-Y-Yongguk?” I struggled to say trying to catch my breath. “J-Junhong wha’ts wrong? You were moving, twisting and turning like crazy.” He looked truly concerned. “And I couldn’t do anything. You wouldn’t wake up.” He looked like he was on the verge of panicking. “Hyung…” I felt bad, I knew what it felt like not being able to help your friend in danger. I gave him a hug. He wrapped his arms tightly around me.

I was still frightened and kept shivering about my dream. The only person could tell about it was Youngjae…Yongguk wouldn’t understand at least not in the state he’s in now.

“Are you okay?” Yongguk asked softly, about an hour later, caressing my hair gently. I was laying down on my back on the bed. I shook my head. “You nearly scared me.” He whispered laying down beside me. “Yongguk…” I said, unsure of whether or not I should say this. “Yes Junhong?” he replied. “…I…I need to go out.” I nearly said in a whisper. It was silent.

“…Yongguk…” I repeated looking at him now. He just looked back at me giving me a small, soft smile. He placed his arm behind my neck making me rest against his chest. “I’m sorry for leaving you alone yesterday.” He apologized. I pulled away from him. “Yongguk…I have to see Youngjae.” I confessed with much urgency. His expression completely changed at the sound of Youngjae’s name, he was angry.

“No.” He said sternly. “Why are you doing this?! He did nothing wrong.” I said. “He actually helped me.” “You can’t trust him Zelo! Why don’t you get it? He hurt Daehyun and he knows that you’re associated with Daehyun now. Who knows what he’ll try to do now. Now that he knows who you truly are!” Yongguk snapped in irritation. “What did he do?! Why don’t you tell me huh?” I shot back. “You don’t need to know…just trust us.” He said.

“Daehyun doesn’t like me anyway! So why does it matter?” I went on. “Junhong.” “I don’t know what Youngjae did to Daehyun but I do know what Prince Daehyun did to Youngjae.” I spat. Yongguk’s eyes widened in shock at my statement.

“Zelo…look at what he’s done to you.” His tone became dark. “You’re not my mom! And you’re not my dad! You can’t do this to me! I am going to find Youngjae no matter what!” I announced getting out of bed. “Zelo, don’t be childish.” Yongguk said. “Aniya!” I put on my cloak and shoes. “I am your Prince! And I order you to stop! Don’t you dare go.” He warned. I stopped in my tracks frozen. He didn’t just. He promised. I looked back at him with watery eyes. He’s never spoken to me like that…he’s promised he wouldn’t, to prove that there was no social rank or status between us. Yongguk realized what he had just done. “Junhong…I…I…” He was lost for words. “I understand.” I sniffled. “Junhong?” I opened the door and ran out of sight.

I ran out the hangout and past the gardeners. “Junhong!!” Yongguk called but I continued to run without hesitation. I’m sorry Yongguk, but I can’t just leave Youngjae like this.

-Youngjae’s POV-

After talking with Jiho I decided to go back home. No one should be home at this time of day anyway, but something didn’t feel right. Something was wrong. As I got close to the small house, I started hearing shouting and screams of pain. I bust the door open and what I saw made my blood curdle. That bastard was beating my mother! I saw him hit her hard, forcing her to fall onto the ground.

I ran to her side. “M-Mom, are you okay? Wh-What-,” I couldn’t finish. Tears filled the wells of my eyes. “Youngjae…go back out…please.” She said calmly. I shook my head. The man hit my mother again. I shot up and got straight in his face, “Stop hitting my mom.” I gritted through my teeth, my words oozing with hatred. “Now you wanna talk boy? Huh?” he said getting closer to my face, the strong stench of alcohol filled my nose from his toxic breath.

“Don’t hit her! You have no right to do that.” I argued. “You forgot already? I own you guys, I can do whatever I want with the two of you.” He smirked. I glared at him my eyes burning. He doesn’t own us. “…hit me instead.” I said weakly, feeling defeated. There’s nothing else I could do, I wasn’t strong enough physically to fight him off. “Bwoh? What was that?” he snickered.

“I said…you can hit me…beat me instead.” I sneered. He got out of my face and laughed. “Youngjae…” My mom said trying to gasp for air. “You sure you want this? Because once I switch…I won’t be switching back.” He smirked evilly. I took a deep breath before answering. “No!!” My mother coughed struggling to stand back up. “You promise you won’t land a single finger at all? Ever again?” I wanted to make sure he kept his word.

“I am a man of my word” He said sincerely. “Youngjae! No! Please don’t do this!” My mom begged. “I’m alright. I’ve been through it longer than you. Youngjae I’m begging you. I don’t want to see you hurt. I am not saying this because I am your mother.” She cried. I bawled my fist trying to ignore her. “Listen to me! Do this for me! Back down now. Put away your pride. Youngjae!” She was crying.

“Fine.” I said firmly. “Fool.” he murmured and punched me in my face, I stumbled backward losing my balance and landed on the hard floor. He came over and kicked me in my side. I groaned in pain. He then took his cigarette and puffed smoke in my face. Was that really necessary? I hadn’t been exposed to smoke before and it wasn’t an enjoyable experience. I wheezed and coughed hard. My mom ran over to him and hung onto his arm.

“Please…please change your mind. Leave him alone.” She begged him. He pushed her away and continued with his fun. I couldn’t lie it hurt like crazy and tears were forced from my eyes. Although she didn’t show it I could tell that my mom was extremely mad at me. What do you expect me to do?

-Zelo’s POV-

I ran as fast I could before Yongguk could do anything, or before any of the guards noticed what was going on. I was pretty fast so my plan was successful. I made it through the wealthy town at the village entrance before I got tired and walked the rest of the way.

It felt nice to be away from the palace and that room. It hasn’t even been two full days and I felt like it has been forever since I’ve been here.

As I walked to Youngjae’s house I saw Jiho, Kyung, and jaehyo talking. I stayed out of their sight so they wouldn’t see me. I still felt bad for what I did. “Youngjae is speaking again?!” Kyung asked excitedly. Again? Was he not talking? Jaehyo sighed in annoyance. “Did you not hear a word he said?” Jaehyo said. “Yes…I did, I just wanted to know if he was speaking again.” Kyung sassed. I giggled at his sassiness. Jaehyo rolled his eyes. “No…that’s all hell be saying, I’m afraid.” Jiho sighed. I noticed how serious they were. This wasn’t like them…and it was all because of me. I’ll make it up to you guys I promise!

“So you’re saying…Youngjae wants to get Zelo back?” Jaehyo said. What?! He…he wants revenge? No, that couldn’t be. Jiho nodded. “Yay! I missed him. But…what if he doesn’t come back?” Kyung asked. I stopped listening at this point.

A smile started to appear on my face. Youngjae…they…want me back? Without thinking I left my hiding spot and excitedly ran the rest of the way to Youngjae’s house. “Youngjae!!” I called as I go close. “Youngjae. I’m back. I’m here for good!” I announced happily.

My happiness didn’t last long however. “Stop!!” I heard Ms.Yoo scream from inside the home, followed by a thump, the door was left wide open. Just then I heard Youngjae yelp in pain. I ran into the house and saw Mr.Yoo beating…Youngjae.

Ms.Yoo froze when she saw me. She was shivering and crying hard. My attention went traight to Mr.Yoo who continued to beat Youngjae. My friend had fresh cuts and bruises all over him. He was in so much pain. The sounds of the hits and his screams pierced my ears. “Stop! Leave him alone!” I demanded unable to take it. Mr.Yoo stopped and looked at me.

“I don’t take orders from a Prince’s pet.” He sneered and went back to what he was doing before. Youngjae saw me but immediately looked away in pain as he let out another painful scream. He was going to beat him to death.

On impulse I ran over to them and hit Mr.Yoo in the face forcing him to stumble back. For a split second everyone looked at me in shock, even I was shocked. I’ve only punched someone once in my whole life!

There was only a small bruise on his cheek. “Punk.” He snarled angrily and punched me in my eye. I fell back against the wall. The hit stung. But before he could hit Youngjae again I pushed him, ramming him into the wall. He was crazy mad now. He kicked me in my stomach forcing me to bend over.

“Z-Zelo…wh-what are you doing? Y-You aren’t going to-to w-win. Just-Just go…” Youngjae coughed weakly. “I know, but I deserve this.” I simply said standing up.

-Yongguk’s POV-

Zelo was fast. I knew I wouldn’t have been able to catch him before he was gone. I left the hangout and entered the castle running straight into Daehyun’s room.

Everyone froze and looked at me. Daehyun was sitting up on his bed getting ready to get out. Himchan was next to him looking like h was trying to tell Daehyun to lay back down. And Jongup had his, Himchan’s, and Daehyun’s cloaks in his arms.

“What is it?” Himchan asked. “Zelo ran away back to Youngjae’s.” I informed. “Great! We were heading there anyway.” Jongup said picking up my cloak as well. “What? You guys were going over there?” I asked in disbelief. “Yes.” “No.” Jongup and Himchan answered in unison.

“Now we are.” Daehyun said lacking much energy as he stood up to his feet. “You’re staying here.” Himchan said sternly. The younger stood up straight and walked over to Jongup, who handed him his cloak. “Let’s go.” Daehyun said ignoring the elder prince, walking out of the room. Jongup followed behind him. “You ladies coming?” He said tossing us our cloaks.

Himchan looked at me. I sighed and put on my cloak, there really wasn’t stopping him. Himchan did the same and the two of us left the room as well and went to the stables. We strapped up our horses and got ready to ride. “When we get back I’m going to take Junhong back home.” I said. The others nodded and hopped on their horses.

Daehyun was the first to leave, the rest of us followed. “Are you bringing guards?” Himchan asked him. “No…we don’t need them, not for this. There’s something that I need to do.” Daehyun said with much focused. This made Himchan worry. “What is that?” He asked. “You’ll see.” Was his response. I only looked at Daehyun, concerned. We all knew that it had to do with that Youngjae guy.

We rode through the neighborhoods of the wealthy. The girls squealed in delight as we passed by. Jongup teased them a bit with a wink and saying he loved them. Some girls fainted at this. Himchan kicked Jongup, who almost fell off his horse but caught himself before he did.

“Yah! You’re ruining my show.” Jongup said. “What show?” Himchan sneered in disgust. “What? You jealous Channie?” Jongup smiled sweetly. Himchan rolled his eyes not responding. Jongup leaned over towards the elder. “Don’t worry they don’t get see what you saw the other night.” Jongup whispered.

I couldn’t help but laugh a little. Himchan turned red from embarrassment, he was about to hit Jongup, but the younger galloped away up to Daehyun who paid him no mind. “Just ignore him…” I said trying hard not laugh, patting his shoulder. “Tch.” He responded galloping ahead, hitting Jongup in the back of his head as soon as he got close enough.

I just shook my head. If only Junhong was here. I couldn’t be mad at him, we didn’t tell him anything about what happened between Dae and Youngjae. I gripped the reins tightly. I shouldn’t have said what said to him earlier. He’ll be even more upset when I take him home. I just needed to sit down and just talk to him.

Before I knew it we were already in the dreadful village. I scanned the area to see if Zelo was around. Instead I spotted a couple of guys from the other day who tried to take Zelo away from me…us. I made eye-contact with one of them. His stare was firm and strong, I was somewhat impressed. We broke eye contact when we passed them. “We’re here.” Jongup announced minutes later. We were getting off our horses when I heard an agonizing cry. It was Junhong. We all stopped what we were doing and bust our way into the run down home.

-

-3^rd Person POV-

Zelo struggled to stand back up again, but he couldn’t. His knees and legs were too weak and unstable. He fell back down to the ground when Yongguk and the others came barging in. Ms.Yoo froze when she saw the 4 royals bust into her home. Youngjae looked at the intruders and then at Zelo. This wasn’t about to happen again. Right? His heart sank.

“What’s going on?” Jongup demanded when they entered after hearing their friend’s cries. But before anyone could even anyone could even respond Yongguk charged at Mr.Yoo and punched him in the face barely knocking him down. The sight of the bruises on Junhong’s body enraged the elder Prince. Yongguk continued to fight him not caring who he was.

Himchan and Jongup ran to their maknae’s care. “Junhong are you alright?” Himchan asked lifting the boy up in his arms. Junhong tried to push away but he had no energy to do so. “…No…No…” he whined shaking his head still trying to push Himchan away. “What’s wrong?” Jongup asked.

“Go…you guys can’t be here.” Junhong said weakly, looking at Youngjae who was struggling just to sit up. Tears streamed down Junhong’s cheeks. I messed everything up, this wasn’t supposed to happen this way. I don’t want to cause Youngjae anymore trouble, but if I leave how am I making things better? Zelo thought to himself. He didn’t know what to do at this point. He wanted to stay with Youngjae, but he knew if he did the others would never leave Youngjae alone. I’m going to have to find out Daehyun’s side of the story, it just doesn’t make sense for everyone to hate Youngjae for something he didn’t even do wrong, and after all he saved the Jung Kingdom! So why would everyone hate him?

Daehyun was infuriated when he saw Youngjae bloody and bruised. He had too many memories of Youngjae being hurt and he hated it every single time even when he tried to hate Youngjae he still loathed it whenever he saw him lying on the floor in pain. Those were hard times for him he wanted it to stop but he had to force himself to not care and just watch, Youngjae was the enemy. But now Daehyun wanted to run and come to Youngjae’s care. That’s why he came here in the first place, for Junhong and…him. But Daehyun froze when he made eye contact with Youngjae. He didn’t know what to do, for some reason he felt nervous, helpless, and confused.

Youngjae wanted to explode he didn’t understand, he couldn’t. Why me? He didn’t know why Daehyun was suddenly bursting into his personal home like this, especially at this critical moment. What is he trying to do? Is he trying to make my life worse? Is he doing this because he got bored of the raids and is playing some game with his friends? The more he thought the worst he felt. He gave Daehyun a cold glare sending chills up Daehun’s spine.

“L-Let’s go.” Daehyun said weakly. No one heard him but Youngjae, who was in complete disgust. “Yah! Let’s go! We didn’t come here to beat up Youngjae’s dad!” Daehyun shouted. Yongguk gave one last hit and left the man alone. Junhong was badly beaten and Yongguk blamed Youngjae for all of it. If he were to have stayed out of both of his friends’ lives then none of this would’ve happened.

Yongguk went over to Youngjae and lifted him up by his collar. “You bastard.” Yongguk sneered. “You actually just did me a favor.” Youngjae could barely get out. Yongguk was about to punch Youngjae hard enough to brake his jaw, but then someone grabbed his fist stopping him from completing his motion.

Youngjae looked up and saw that it was Jiho…a pissed Jiho. Yongguk tried to continue what he was doing but their strengths were matched so there was no progress. He had no choice but to give up.

“What do you think you’re doing here?” Jiho said coldly staring at Yongguk dead in the eye. “I don’t have to answer you.” Yongguk said removing his fist from Jiho’s hand. “I have a right to be here. You must not know your place.” Yongguk added. “You sure about that?” Jiho challenged. At that moment the rest of the game came in, Kyung, Jaehyo, Jihoon, Minhyuk, and Ukwon. Yongguk looked back at them then back at their leader.

Zelo’s eyes widened when he saw all of them come in, he was excited to see them. But he’s never seen them this seiours or tense before. He saw Jihoon give him a small wave and went right back to his suspesnful face. Zelo couldn’t help but smile a bit at Jihoon’s silliness, he could never be that tense or serious.

“Tch…are you threatening me?” Yongguk scoffed dropping Youngjae to the ground. Youngjae tried very hard not to show his pain. Daehyun shot a quick glare at Yongguk, who of course didn’t see it. “Did I say anything that threatened you?” Jiho questioned. “You rude little-,” “Yongguk! Let’s go.” Daehyun ordered cutting him off. Yonguuk scoffed one more time before turning his back to Jiho heading to the reason he came here…Zelo.

Himchan and Jongup helped the helpless Junhong to his feet. “Yongguk don’t do this…please.” Junhong begged quietly and weakly to where Yongguk could only hear him. The prince went up to him and wiped some of the blood from his bottom lip. He was on the verge of going crazy seeing Zelo in this condition. “We’re taking you back.” He said as calmly as possible.

“No. Please.” Zelo begged trying to pull away from Jongup and Himchan. Zelo had very little energy left to fight back, from being beaten so badly, his only hope was that his friends would listen to him. But Yongguk picked him up, carrying him bride-style and walked out the house.

Jiho bent down besides Youngjae. The younger shook his head. Jiho sighed and placed his hand on his shoulder to help soothe his poor friend. “Don’t…don’t let them…” a tear streamed down Youngjae’s cheek. Jiho understood perfectly what he meant. “Don’t worry. We’ll do our best to stop them. I can’t mke any promises that we will succeed though.” Jiho sighed. “…I know…that’s good enough.” Youngjae forced a weak smile. Jiho nodded and stood back up. Kyung smiled sleethly when the two made eye contact. “Let’s go you guys.” Kyung said before Jiho could say it.

“Yay! Let’s go save Zelo!” Jihoon cheered as the 7 of them went out the door. As soon as the door closed, Mr.Yoo got up and marched towards Youngjae…

Yongguk carried Junhong onto his horse and hopped on. Zelo hadn’t said anything. Himchan and Jongup climbed onto their horses s well, waiting for Daehyun to get on his. Daehyun was hesitant. I should’ve just done what I was going to do. He thought angrily to himself. He sighed sadly remembering how Youngjae already had his friends who’ve known him forever and know everything. Yes, Daehyun was still Jealous. Finally Daehyun climbed onto his horse coming to his conclusion.

“Yah! Don’t take Zelo away!” Jihoon called running out of the house. Everyone turned around to see Youngjae’s friends right there. Yongguk found this annoying, he really did not like it when other people called Junhong ‘Zelo’, the only people who had the right to call him that were those close to him.

“Yah! You wanna die?!” Yongguk snapped at little Jihoon who whimpered at the scary man. “Hey! Do YOU? Wanna die?” Kyung sassed back. Jongup and Zelo couldn’t help but laugh at his sassiness. None of them were scared of Yongguk (except for Jihoon and Jaehyo), especially not Jiho or Kyung who have confronted him before.

“You can’t take him away from us.” Kyung stomped. “Can’t you see? He doesn’t want to go with you guys right now. Don’t force him, let him choose what he wants to do.” Jihoon pouted. “You’re not his dad.” Kyung added backing the frightened Jihoon’s statement up. Jiho walked up to Yongguk. “Look. We understand that you want Zelo or Junhong with you guys.” He began. “No we don’t.” Kyung inputted. “But he’s not an item, so don’t act like this.” Jiho said ignoring the younger.

“I don’t need to listen to this.” Prideful Yongguk said getting ready to leave when there was a sudden scream that came from inside the house.

Instinctively, Daehyun was the first to jump off his horse and burst back into the house. He headed straight to Mr.Yoo ramming him into the wall with all his strength, not even bothering to assess the situation, he already heard enough. Then he ran to the lifeless Youngjae.

Dehyun’s heart pounded in his chest. “Youngjae? Are y-you okay? Can you move? Talk?” Daehyun’s voice trembled. But the younger did not respond, he couldn’t respond. He had lost all of his senses, everything seemed dark and fuzzy to him. He couldn’t hear anything but a loud high pitched ringing in his head that pierced his ears. He twisted in pain.

“Youngjae?” Daehyun’s voice cracked. But there was still no response from him. The Prince lifted the poor Peasant boy in his arms. “Wae? Why aren’t you answering me?” The prince begged as his tears betrayed him.

Everyone stood and watched silently. Zelo already had streams of tears rolling down his cheeks. He blamed all of this on himself. He caused Youngjae so much pain within just a few days all because of his selfish wants for keeping his genuine friends close, not even thinking about how it may affect them.

“Youngjae! Wake up!” Daehyun cried. With the help of Minhyuk and Ukwon, Ms. Yoo stood up and limped over to the hurting prince. She rested a hand on his should and knelt down beside him. “…I’m…I’m sorry.” Daehyun whispered between his tears. “Miane!” he sobbed. “This is all my fault.” He had already made his decision. He didn’t know why he hesitated in the first place. “I shouldn’t have ever left you…” Daehyun said quietly.

He looked at Ms.Yoo as if to ask her a question, and she nodded sadly, with a soft smile, as if to answer. Daehyun then lifted Youngjae and propped him carefully on his back and stood up. He observed everyone in the room with red eyes. “We’re leaving.” He announced his tone dark. He looked over at Minhyuk and Ukwon. “Let Ms.Yoo stay with you at your place until I say otherwise…it’s an order.” Daehyun commanded. Minhyuk and Ukwon nodded slowly happy to help Ms.Yoo but found it strange coming from the Prince as an order.

Prince Daehyun walked towards the door and everyone stepped out of his way with Yongguk, Zelo, Himchan, and Jongup behind him. They got onto their horses once more getting ready to finally leave. Daehyun carefully placed Youngjae onto his horse, he was going to walk and guide the horse carefully so that his Youngjae wouldn’t fall off.

“Yah! What about Youngjae?” Kyung called running out with the rest right behind him. Daehyun turned around to face them all. “I’m taking him in. He’s going to live with me.”