*Jaejoong’s POV*

Every day for the next two weeks, I was presented with a new surprise from the fire prince.

He found us new jobs every day after our deliveries until we had enough to buy the best materials for my mother to use.

My mother was overjoyed when we gave her the supplies to her. I would’ve been against having expensive cloths for my outfit, but seeing how happy she was, I didn’t mind it. She immediately got started and was determined to have both mine and Yunho’s clothes done by the end of the week.

To my ultimate surprise, Yunho offered to help my mom. Of course, my mother turned down his help, but he insisted and helped her anyway, despite her objections. He stopped going with me to the city to help her (which I didn’t mind).

We spent every night talking about random things. I laughed at his stories about how he’d miserably failed to help my mother with sewing, and just settling to perform the chores while she spent the day working on her project.

He kept asking me more about Queen Konomi, but I only knew things from the story books about her. So, I told him he’d have to look her up himself if he wanted to know more.

I didn’t think he’d actually do it. But he did!

He stopped at the Fertility palace and looked through their library for information about her. At the end of each day he shared with me what he found. I was honestly surprised and intrigued by what he found.

“Queen Konomi had a diary that she kept.” He said one late afternoon. We were both on the ground in the small field. My parents had gone out to sell items at the marketplace, leaving Yunho and I alone until the following morning.

We spent an exhausting day working in the fields.

Well…I did.

Yunho was absolutely no help. He attempted to help, but only made things worse. He was horrible at following instructions. In the end he settled to “supervise”. Whatever that required.

I was too tired to go inside when we finished and decided to lay on the ground and watch the sunset until I regained enough energy to shower and prepared dinner. The fire prince stayed out with me, claiming he had nothing better to do.

“But the diary is locked away in the palace archives.” Yunho frowned.

“Why do you want to see her diary? That’s personal.” I told him.

“So?” Was his response.

I scoffed in disbelief, though I shouldn’t have been surprise. I’ve learned by now that he has no respect for anyone’s privacy.

“There’s apparently a secret garden of Sakura trees that bloom year-round.” He continued with his findings. I raised an eyebrow, having heard the rumor before. But it was just a tale we were told as children. “You’re interested in that kind of stuff?” I questioned.

He was continuously growing more and more out of character. “No. Of course not. I just want to see for myself. I don’t believe it. I’m sure all the trees ae dead by now.” But then he opens his mouth and proves me wrong.

“Well, it’s not real.” I told him. “it’s just a tale we were told about as kids. ‘A magical Sakura garden that’s forever in bloom. Only few have ever found it. But when you find it you can make any wish and it’ll come true if it’s a worthy one.’” I explained.

He looked at me curiously. “You don’t believe it?” He sounded surprised.

“Why are you so surprised?”

“You seem like the kind of person to believe those childish dreams.” He spoke honestly.

I wasn’t sure whether or not to take it as an insult, coming from him. Nonetheless, I responded anyone. “I did once.” I confessed. “I wanted to find the garden so bad…but then you get older and learn that you can’t depend on wishes. Wishes aren’t going to give you better life for my family.” My brow subconsciously scrunched.

An obnoxious groan came from him. “Don’t you ever stop thinking about your family?”

I looked at him in shocked. “No.” I answered as if it were obvious. “They’re all I have, and I love them.”

“Don’t you think about yourself? Like things you actually want to do?”

“Yes. This is exactly what I want to do.” I emphasized.

“No, it’s not.” He didn’t believe me.

“Why are you so interested in Queen Konomi’s story anyway? Don’t you have stories like that in your kingdom?” I changed the subject not wanting to argue over it with him.

“We do, but it’s about some stupid dragon lovers.” He grumbled.

My ears perked at this. “I know that story. The Story of Akio and Asuka?” I recalled.

He looked at me a bit surprised, “You know about it?”

I nodded, “We know all about the creation stories of all the kingdoms. We learned them when we were younger, because, in a way all of the kingdoms derived from here.” I explained.

“Well, the stories are dumb.” He frowned. “That’s why I came here early, so I can miss the stupid Lover’s month that celebrates the useless story. Honestly, I don’t believe that it’s true. It’s just some story that’s made up for whatever sick reason.” He continued. “Probably made up for propaganda.” He concluded.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at his conclusion. “Have you actually read the story?”

“No. But I already know what it’s about. Love and useless stuff about how love can overcome anything.” He was clearly disgusted by the words that came from his mouth.

I laughed harder at this, confusing him even more. “How do you not know your own creation story? I’ve only learned about the tale, but I heard the plays in the fire kingdom are magnificent. I always wanted to see one.” I said, my laughing calming down.

“Don’t waste your time. Love does nothing but hold you back and leave you vulnerable and weak to your weaknesses and enemies.” He grumbled.

I glanced over at him. “You really do detest that kind of stuff, don’t you?”

“Why should I feel otherwise? I’ve been fine without it.” His tone was bitter.

I didn’t say anything more on the topic, seeing as it was heading to a personal subject.

I learned more about him than I expected. It was kind of sad in a way. The lifestyle he lived was a lonely one. He wasn’t close to either of his parents and didn’t have any friends (unsurprisingly). He wasn’t close to anyone.

He didn’t trust people and closed himself off from them. The only emotion he ever expressed was anger and irritation. He lived and still lives a lonely lifestyle, and I don’t think he realized it.

I had pity for him. However, the pit was always short lived. He was still a self-centered, cold-hearted bastard who had no regards or respect for others. He made it extremely hard to actually see him as a human being.

-

“That’s all for today.” Our instructor announced, ending class early. It was the day before the new season and most importantly (to everyone else) the day before the winter ball. “I won’t see you again until another week from now, so you all have a fun vacation. And stay safe while celebrating.” At her final words, all the students eagerly jumped out of their seats ad exited the single classroom building.

I took my time to gather my belongings. I wasn’t in a rush. Mr. Lee made me take off the next few days and I didn’t have any other work to do. I headed towards the door when I suddenly bumped into someone, causing our belongings to fall on the floor. “I’m so sorry.” I apologized, the two of us bent down, helping each other gather our stuff. “It’s okay. It was my fault.”

I looked up to find Siwon smiling at me. He handed me my overused notebook. I chuckled uneasily and muttered a thank you as we stood back up.

“You’re still going to the ball tomorrow, right?” He asked. I nodded, “I don’t really have a choice. My mother spent all week sewing my clothes.” I nearly sighed. He chuckled but smiled, “Good, because I really want to see you there.”

I was taken by surprise by his words, but quickly brushed it off. The noble heir has approached me nearly every day for the past two weeks, just to start a conversation. I didn’t understand why he suddenly wanted to speak but went along with it.

He was surprisingly shy at first but became more open the more comfortable he felt around me. To my own surprise, I enjoyed speaking with him. He was kind and extremely knowledgeable. I found myself hanging onto every word he said. He was an eloquent speaker and he spoke about the most fascinating things. Things that I never even knew about. It made me want to learn even more.

“It wouldn’t make a difference if I was there or not.” I brushed off.

“This is your first ball, correct?” He asked.

I nodded.

“Then of course it’d make a difference. This ball will be even more special with you there.” He said.

I blushed at his words, holding back the urge to hit his arm. He smiled at this. “Shall we?” He guided his hand toward the door. I nodded and walked with him out the building.

We had a short conversation about class and new things we tried from our own experimentation, when we made it outside. We spoke for a little while until I felt eyes piercing down my neck.

I slowly turned to be met with 6 pairs of eyes. Iseul stood in between the boys, smiling brightly at me. Jiyong was on her left an oversized cloak to hide his identity. He waved enthusiastically at me. And the on the other side of Iseul was an angry Yunho.

I sighed and turned back to the noble, feeling slightly embarrassed. I’m sure he noticed too, for he chuckled when I looked at him. They are so embarrassing. “I’m sorry. I should probably get going.” I actually regretted that our conversation had to end. He noticed this and smiled. He reached into his pocket and handed me a folded piece of paper.

I looked at him in confusion. “In case we don’t see each other next week, we can write each other. My address is on here.” He explained.

I was speechless. I didn’t know what to say. He flashed another warm smile. “We’ll talk again tomorrow. Have a good day, and be safe.” He gave me a gentle hug before walking away first.

I stood there stunned, trying to process everything that just happened.

I immediately snapped out of it when my friends ran up to me, squealing their heads off. “When did you get so close to Siwon?” Jiyong questioned followed by a million other questions, but I chose to answer the first one. “We’re not that close. He just…suddenly started talking to me. “I rubbed the back of my neck.

Iseul gave me a cheeky grin. “Do you know why?” She asked curiously.

I shook my head.

“It’s because he has a crush on you!” She announced as it were obvious.

I just looked at her, not buying anything she said. “Iseul that’s impossible.” I popped her bubble.

“Completely, totally impossible.” Yunho butted in. “Insane even.”

We ignored him.

“Ugh, Jaejoong, but he does. Everyone knows about it. There’s been rumors.” Iseul insisted.

“Rumors? About me?” I did not like what I was hearing.

“Not really about you. But mostly about him, since everyone talks about him.” She tried. “One of his close friends even told me.” Jiyong lit up at her words. “Oh my gosh! You guys would make the perfect couple??” He exclaimed, earing the attention of everyone around us.

My face burned at their irrational proclamations. “Guys, that’s enough. You two sound like my mom.” I told them, wishing for it to stop.

“But-,”

“Can we talk about something else?” Yunho interrupted Jiyong, clearly more agitated than usual. “We? You’re not even part of the conversation.” Jiyong clarified. The elder prince glared at him.

“Anyway~!” Prince Jiyong brushed off the fire prince’s lethal glare. “We’re having a sleepover at my place!”

“You mean…the palace?” I questioned.

“Yes, so we can wake up together tomorrow and get ready for the ball and go all together. And It’ll be more fun as a sleepover!” Jiyong explained his idea as if it were genius.

“I don’t think I can do that. I’m sure my mom wants to send me off, so I’d have to ask her. By the time I get back, it’ll be late.” I explained.

“That’s okay.” The Fertile prince’s smile never faltered. “I already sent Yunho to ask.”

“You did?” I turned to Yunho in surprise. The Fire prince shrugged. “I told him the same thing, but he made me go back.” He grumbled. “Your mom said yes. She was excited by the idea, if you were wondering. I already brought our clothes and stuff.” He explained without any enthusiasm.

I was still surprised but turned back to Jiyong. “I guess we’ll all be going together then.” I gave him an encouraging smile.

“Wonderful! I already have a carriage waiting for us. I was allowed to leave lessons early to pick you and Iseul up. Come!” He grabbed mine and Iseul’s wrists without warning and dragged us in the direction of his carriage. Yunho lagged behind.

The ride to the palace wasn’t that long, considering that the class building wasn’t far from it. However, it did feel a bit uncomfortable in the fancied-up ride. No one else seemed to notice, for they didn’t pay much attention to it. They were used to it.

Jiyong was the first to hop out the carriage and ran inside first. The rest of us followed. I glanced at Yunho every now and then. He wasn’t in a good mood. Not that it was anything new, but I couldn’t help but wonder if it was because he’d have to spend the entire night it Prince Jiyong. The idea amused me.

“What do you guys want to do first? D