Chapter 15

 

 

“It’s nice to sneak out of the palace”

 

Kyuhyun whisper while smiling

 

“Why do I need to have remedial class in Literature? Umma and Appa is so unfair, they know very well that I hate that subject”

 

Kyuhyun pout while kicking the stone as hard as he can

 

“Next week I’ll start going in school”

 

Kyuhyun sigh and start walking lazily

 

“But it’s much better rather than studying at home. I can meet a lot of friends there for sure just like Junsu.”

 

Kyuhyun smile and start humming a song while walking happily at the town. He suddenly stop when he heard a lovely voice; he hides at the big tree and stare at the young woman who is busy washing some clothes at the river while singing a lovely melody.

 

“I never heard someone sing like that”

 

Kyuhyun frown

 

“I thought I’m the only one who can sing well. My teacher is a liar”

 

Kyuhyun close his eyes

 

“Her voice is so sweet like a lullaby. Maybe, I can hire her as my personal servant and she will always sing to put me to sleep. I guess, I’m going to have a peaceful night everyday”

 

Kyuhyun smile and walk carefully towards her. The young woman stop singing when she heard footsteps; she turns around and found Kyuhyun staring at her. The young woman look at him curiously before flashing her sweetest smile, making him blush.

 

“Excuse me?”

 

She ask but Kyuhyun remains silent as he stares at her beautiful innocent face

 

“Hello, I’m talking to you”

 

The young woman pouts when Kyuhyun remains quiet

 

“Are you mute?”

 

“Can you do that again?”

 

The young woman stares at him blankly

 

“The one that you did awhile ago; you just pout right?”

 

“So?”

 

“I want you to do that again”

 

“Why will I do that?”

 

The young woman stares at him without realizing that she’s already pouting. Kyuhyun smile brightly

 

“I just find you cute when you pout”

 

She ignores him and continue washing her clothes. Kyuhyun smile and sit beside her

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“I’m washing my clothes”

 

“Where do you live?”

 

She points her finger at the nearby house

 

“See that small house?”

 

He nods like a child

 

“That’s where I live”

 

She smiles at him making him blush again

 

“Are you ok?”

 

Kyuhyun nod while staring at her

 

“Because your face is so red, was it hot or what?”

 

Kyuhyun shook his head still staring at her

 

“Don’t look at me like that”

 

“Why?”

 

“I’ll melt because of your gaze”

 

Kyuhyun move closer but the young woman move away to avoid the closeness between them

 

“Hey, don’t move away”

 

“Why are you moving so close?”

 

“I just want to stare at you all day”

 

She turns her eyes away from him as she blush. Kyuhyun notice it and smile

 

“Do you want me to help you?”

 

She shook her head as a reply

 

“Why not?”

 

“Judging by your looks, I think you’re an upper class man”

 

“Pabo, I’m a Royal Highness”

 

Kyuhyun whisper

 

“Excuse me? Are you saying something?”

 

Kyuhyun shook his head

 

“I can help you do your laundry”

 

“It’s ok, I’m fine and you don’t know how to do it”

 

“Who told you?”

 

“Because you’re not use in doing things like this”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because you’re rich and I bet you have servants who do laundry for you”

 

Kyuhyun stand up and remove his cape and shoes; he puts it on the grass along with his sword

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“I’m going to help you”

 

“No need”

 

Kyuhyun pouts at her and flash a puppy eyes

 

“Please...I really want to help you”

 

“But”

 

“It’s ok, you didn’t force me. I’m the one who offer my help, so please don’t reject me or else...”

 

“What?”

 

Kyuhyun smile and move closer

 

“I’m going to kiss you”

 

Kyuhyun smile brightly when he notice her blushing so hard

 

“Excuse me, was it hot or what?”

 

“YAH!”

 

Kyuhyun laugh softy; the young woman smile at him and start splashing water on his face

 

“You want to play with me?”

 

“Catch me, if you can”

 

She smiles brightly and starts running on the water

 

“Of course I can catch you!!!”

 

Kyuhyun shouts at her and start running to chase her

 

“YAH! Don’t run so fast”

 

“If I walk then I will never catch you”

 

Kyuhyun caught her and pull her closer to him

 

“I got you babe”

 

She holds Kyuhyun’s lips before he can kiss her

 

“Do you know how to swim?”

 

“Of course, I know everything”

 

“Do you want to swim?”

 

Kyuhyun raised his eyebrow

 

“Since we’re soaking wet, let’s just swim. The water is refreshing at a hot weather”

 

“That’s so tiring”

 

“Please”

 

“You kiss me first”

 

The young woman pouts; Kyuhyun laugh

 

“Just kidding”

 

Kyuhyun flick her forehead

 

“We have laundry to finish, we can swim later”

 

“Ok”

 

Kyuhyun smile and walk away; the young woman sighs and follows him happily

 

 

 

Kyuhyun lie down on the grass lazily while staring at the blue sky

 

“Tired?”

 

Kyuhyun nod at her

 

“I told you that it’s hard to wash clothes”

 

“My hands are aching”

 

He shows his hands to her

 

“Aigoo!!!”

 

She holds his hands and stares at him sadly

 

“I’m so sorry”

 

“For?”

 

“You’ve got a wound because of washing clothes”

 

Kyuhyun stare at her sad face as tears start forming in her eyes

 

“You’re such a crybaby”

 

“I’m sorry”

 

“For being a crybaby?”

 

“You’re hurt because of me”

 

Kyuhyun sit down and flick her forehead

 

“I’m fine and beside it’s just a small wounds”

 

“But still”

 

Kyuhyun cupped her face and smile at her

 

“I’m fine, you don’t need to worry”

 

Kyuhyun brush his fingers on her beautiful face

 

“Please smile or else I’ll kiss you”

 

“YAH!”

 

“I’m serious”

 

Kyuhyun whisper to her, making her blush

 

“Are you going to smile or I’ll kiss you?”

 

She stuck her tongue out

 

“I’m going home now”

 

She stands up and carries the pails but Kyuhyun get it away from her

 

“I’ll walk with you and carry this for you”

 

He smiles at her and start walking

 

“He’s so weird”

 

She told herself before following him quietly

 

Kyuhyun sit on the chair quietly while observing the house; the young woman gives him a glass of water before sitting on the other chair

 

“I can only offer you water. I’m sorry”

 

Kyuhyun drink the water without saying anything

 

“This is the best water that I ever taste”

 

“Why are you so weird?”

 

“Because you’re so beautiful”

 

“What’s the connection?”

 

“I think I love you”

 

She shook her head

 

“You’re insane”

 

“Insane for loving you?”

 

“How can you love someone you just met awhile ago?”

 

“Well...if you don’t believe in love at first sight”

 

She notice him looking at something

 

“What are you staring at?”

 

He points his finger on the roses

 

“You love roses? We have a lot of those in my home”

 

“Someone gives it to me awhile ago”

 

“Secret admirer?”

 

She shook her head and smile

 

“I like him as a friend and he knows that”

 

“That’s right because I’m the only man for you”

 

“Huh? You’re not even my boyfriend”

 

Kyuhyun stand up and smile at her

 

“Then starting today, I am boyfriend and we’re a couple now”

 

“Who told you?”

 

“I, me and myself”

 

She laughs softly

 

“You’re so funny”

 

“But I’m serious”

 

Kyuhyun frown and return to his seat

 

“I really love you”

 

“How can you say that?”

 

“Do I need to explain? You know my Princess, when loving someone you don’t need to explain anything. Just a simple I love you is enough to express one’s love”

 

“The Art of Love, page five to be exact”

 

Kyuhyun’s eyes widened

 

“You’re a monster, how can you memorize something like that?”

 

“That’s my favorite line in the book and I love Literature”

 

“Literature , I really hate that subject”

 

“It’s fun”

 

“Boring”

 

She smiles at him

 

“Can I ask your name?”

 

Kyuhyun raised his eyebrow

 

“Why do you want to know my name?”

 

“You’re my boyfriend right? That’s why I need to know your name”

 

Kyuhyun giggles happily

 

“You tell me your name first before I tell you mine”

 

“I’m Lee Sungmin”

 

Kyuhyun stare at her with wide eyes open

 

“You’re Lee Sungmin?”

 

She nods at him

 

“The girl that has been granted by my fa—“

 

Kyuhyun stop talking and take a deep breath

 

“What I mean is, you’re the girl that has been granted a free education by the King and Queen of the North because you’re smart and your parents are servants at the palace”

 

“How did you know?”

 

“Because I’m smart”

 

“Yeah right”

 

Kyuhyun smile

 

“How about yours?”

 

“Well...I’m Cho Kyu—I mean I’m Marcus”

 

“Marcus?”

 

Kyuhyun nod

 

“Well, yeah...my name is Marcus...just call me Marcus”

 

“Marcus as in the Marcus in the story of the Big Dragon Slayer?”

 

Kyuhyun just nod

 

“Do you enjoy books?”

 

“I love reading”

 

“That’s nice; we have a lot of books at home. I’ll let you borrow it if you want”

 

“Thanks”

 

Sungmin stare at his sword lying on the table

 

“You’ve got yourself a sword”

 

“I need to bring it all the time and I’m having my swordsmanship lesson everyday”

 

“I have a friend who knows how to use a sword. He’s really great in handling a sword; he’s actually training to be the head soldier in the palace.”

 

“Are you talking about Kangin?”

 

Sungmin nod happily

 

“You know him?”

 

“He is your friend?”

 

“Yes and we’re really close”

 

“I see...well, I often see him at the palace because my father is very close to the King”

 

“So, you also know Prince Junsu of Arum?”

 

Kyuhyun nod

 

“Why?”

 

“Nothing, how about the snobbish Prince?”

 

“Snobbish Prince?”

 

“Prince Kyuhyun of North”

 

Kyuhyun suddenly cough

 

“OMO, are you ok?”

 

Kyuhyun nod

 

“You think he is snobbish?”

 

“I don’t know, I never see him in person. I just heard it from the girls in the Northern Academy”

 

“Prince Kyuhyun is not snobbish, he’s actually nice. He just hates girls who love to flirt around and very talkative. Aside from that, he’s handsome”

 

Kyuhyun smile delightfully

 

“You already meet him?”

 

“Yes, up close and personal”

 

Kyuhyun smile while staring at her innocent face

 

“Do you want to meet him?”

 

“If I had a chance”

 

“Then I’ll introduce you to him someday”

 

Kyuhyun giggles happily

 

“I’m sure you’re going to like him because he’s really nice you know”

 

“I hope so”

 

Kyuhyun stare at the window and notice that it’s already a sunset

 

“Aigoo!!! I need to go home now, father will be mad at me”

 

He grabs his sword and stares at Sungmin

 

“Princess, I’ll be back for you tomorrow”

 

Sungmin answer him with a smile

 

“Then, I’ll be waiting for you”

 

“On that place?”

 

“Yes”

 

Kyuhyun smile and kissed her before running outside

 

 

 

 

*CHO PALACE*

 

 

Kyuhyun was walking very carefully, avoiding some noise when he heard a familiar voice

 

“Prince Kyuhyun of North”

 

Kyuhyun slowly turn around and smile at his father weakly

 

“Hi father, good evening”

 

Jokwon walk towards him and hold his ear tight

 

“YAH! Father, it hurts”

 

“Where have you been?”

 

“Outside”

 

“Why?”

 

“I don’t want to have remedial class in Literature. I hate that subject”

 

Jokwon smile at his son and let go of his ear.

 

“If you still want to live, please follow me”

 

“This is bad”

 

Kyuhyun sigh and follow his father at his study room. Kyuhyun smile at his brother

 

“You’re also here?”

 

Junsu nod while kneeling on a circular basket full of small seeds while books are placed on his head and hands

 

“Kneel down beside your brother”

 

Junsu laugh softly while staring at his brother

 

“Why do you need to punish us like this?”

 

“For you to learn; it’s bad to run away from class. I want you to be well educated and learn a lot of things so you can passed it to your offspring”

 

Kyuhyun kneel down on the circular basket beside his younger brother

 

“Stretch out your arms”

 

Kyuhyun follow his father obediently; Jokwon put heavy books on his older son’s head and hands

 

“Why is mine so heavy?”

 

“Because you’re older than Junsu”

 

“That’s unfair”

 

“Stop talking or I’ll put another book on your hands”

 

Jokwon sit on his chair and start writing something

 

“You will not leave until I’m finish with this”

 

“FATHER!!!”

 

Kyuhyun and Junsu shout in unison

 

“Stop whining, it’s your fault anyway. I’m just teaching you a lesson and you should learn from it. I and your mother give you freedom but you have to understand that everything has a limitation. We’re just asking you to study hard, was it hard on your part?”

 

They shook their head

 

“I always told you not to give your teachers head ache”

 

Jokwon sigh and continue writing; Junsu give his brother a weird look

 

“What?”

 

“Where have you been?”

 

“I just walk at the town and you?”

 

“In the city, why are you soaking wet?”

 

“I help someone to do her laundry”

 

Junsu laugh softly

 

“Since when did you learn to do laundry? You’re a lazy Prince ok”

 

“I just learn it now, my hands are still aching”

 

“At least you learn something today”

 

Kyuhyun notice his brother’s happy aura

 

“Why are you so happy today?”

 

“I see the love of my life today”

 

“You date her?”

 

He shook his head

 

“I just visit her this morning and give her some flowers”

 

“YAH! You’re the one who is picking the flowers?”

 

Junsu nod

 

“I give it to the girl I love, why?”

 

“Please tell the gardener that you’re picking it because he thought that it was me. Mother scold at me last time for picking her roses without asking permission”

 

Kyuhyun sigh

 

“I’m innocent and they’re blaming me because of your mistakes”

 

“I’m sorry brother”

 

“It’s ok, just don’t do it next time”

 

Kyuhyun stare at his brother

 

“I met a very lovely lady awhile ago”

 

“Really”

 

Kyuhyun nod happily

 

“I think I love her”

 

“I thought you hate girls?”

 

“But she’s different; she’s so smart, simple, beautiful and very innocent. Her voice gives me strength especially when she sings and her smile makes my day brighter”

 

“Since when did you become poetic?”

 

Kyuhyun and Junsu laugh softly while staring at each other

 

“Did you tell her that you love her?”

 

“Yes, she’s my girlfriend now”

 

“That was fast”

 

“Well, she can’t do anything because I command it”

 

“What if she doesn’t love you at all?”

 

Kyuhyun shook his head

 

“I know that she loves me even though she’s shy to admit it”

 

“How did you know?”

 

“My heart can feel it and I trust her. I know she loves me and I love her so much”

 

“It’s good for you”

 

Kyuhyun smile brightly

 

“How about you?”

 

“Me?”

 

“You tell me before that you love someone”

 

“I do”

 

“How is she?”

 

Junsu blush

 

“Well, she’s also beautiful and very simple. She’s just a commoner, lower class girl to be exact”

 

“My Princess is a lower class girl too”

 

Junsu stare at him with wide eyes open

 

“We really have the same taste”

 

“I guess so”

 

“I’m courting her”

 

“You’re going out?”

 

“I just visit her at home and give her flowers”

 

“I see, did she already say yes?”

 

Junsu shook his head

 

“Why not?”

 

“She told me that she loves me as a friend”

 

“That was sad”

 

“But I’m not going to give up, maybe she’s not yet ready to commit and she’s afraid because I’m a Prince”

 

“Good luck to you and by the way”

 

Kyuhyun paused for a second and set his eyes upon his brother who is looking at him curiously

 

“Who taught you to sneak around?”

 

Junsu flash a bright smile

 

“Kangin Hyung”

 

“He’s really good right?”

 

“Indeed”

 

“He also helps me to sneak whenever I’m in trouble”

 

“He’s like our older brother”

 

“It’s good to have him as an older brother; maybe we can just adopt him in the family”

 

Jokwon raised his eyebrow when he heard his sons whispering at each other. He stands up and drags his chair in front of them. He sat down and stares at his sons who look at him nervously.

 

“Yes father?”

 

“What are you guys mumbling about? Care to share it to your father?”

 

“Promise you won’t get mad?”

 

“Since when did I get mad at you? I only get mad when you guys are being hard headed boys”

 

Kyuhyun stare at Junsu who nods his head. He looks at his father who is smiling at them, waiting for him to speak

 

“Father, was it wrong to love a lower class girl?”

 

Jokwon shook his head

 

“What did I tell you about loving someone?”

 

“Follow your heart and love the girl with all your heart. Give her the best memories in your life and always cherish each other’s company and always make sure to show your love for her everyday and let her feel that she’s important in your life.”

 

“Then what is your problem Kyu Kyu?”

 

“You’ll hate me because she’s a commoner, a lower class girl”

 

Jokwon sigh while shaking his head

 

“You don’t learn anything from me”

 

“Huh?”

 

Jokwon flick Kyuhyun’s forehead and frown at him

 

“Listen to me son, your mother and I always told you to choose a girl that you really love. Do you think status is really important when loving someone? When loving someone you must love her imperfection and not her perfect side.”

 

“You’re not mad at me?”

 

“Ask Junsu if I ever get mad at him when he told me that he’s courting a lower class girl”

 

Junsu shook his head and smile at his brother

 

“Father is really supportive as well as our mother”

 

Kyuhyun look at his father happily

 

“Does it mean I can marry her?”

 

Jokwon laugh softly

 

“You study first”

 

“I promise to study hard”

 

“Well, if she wants to marry you then go ahead”

 

Kyuhyun smile brightly; his heart was jumping because of joy

 

“Just remember what I always teach you. Never ever take things for granted”

 

“Yes father, does it mean she will be the Queen after my mother?”

 

Jokwon nod

 

“Because you’ll be the next King so she will be the Queen Consort. You need to bring her here so we can meet her”

 

Jokwon look at his younger son

 

“That goes on you too Junsu”

 

“Yes father”

 

Jokwon smile and giggles happily

 

“I love seeing my son being happy. You guys are really not kids anymore. I’m so excited to meet my future daughters in law. I’m sure your mother will be very happy”

 

Kyuhyun and Junsu smile at him. Jokwon stand up and walk towards Kyuhyun, he slowly removes the books on his head and hands

 

“Cho Kyuhyun, the Prince of North. When you marry someone you need to become more responsible and always remember that being a husband is different in being a King”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because you don’t set a rule to your wife and to your future kids”

 

“But you’re setting us rules to follow”

 

“I only have one rule; you and your brother knows that”

 

“Follow your heart’s desire for you to be happy and don’t live your life full of regret”

 

Jokwon nod

 

“Being a King will be a very difficult job because you will govern the whole land of North. But you need to remember that being a King is not just about power and ruling, but you also need to extend your heart towards your people and always listen to them and understand them. A leader must know how to listen, understand and respect his people’s feelings and emotion no matter what is their status in the society. You must lead them properly and respect every single thing because that is important. One can’t stand without the help of others and a kingdom will never be a kingdom without a leader and lastly, a leader will never be a leader without the people”

 

“I understand father”

 

“If you become a husband someday, always remember that your wife is always your home and never a house”

 

“Huh?”

 

“Because a house can never be a home without love”

 

He ruffles his older son’s hair and smile. He then walks towards his younger son and carefully removes the books on his head and hands

 

“Cho Junsu, Prince of Arum. Loving someone takes a lot of sacrifice; I told you before that you need to experience a lot of pain in order for you to gain something and become somebody someday. Life is never easy, so you need to work for you to have. You need to give for you to receive and you need to love unconditionally for you to learn that you’re human. If you give, don’t expect something in return. Love someone without expecting something and learn to let go if its’ not for you because if not, you’ll just end up hurting yourself as well as other’s feelings.”

 

“Yes father”

 

Jokwon ruffles his hair and smile

 

“You guys can stand now”

 

Kyuhyun and Junsu stand carefully

 

“I hope you learn something today”

 

They nod at their father

 

“And of course don’t forget that your mother and I love both of you so much”

 

He hugs his sons happily

 

“And when you finally have your own family in the future, you need to teach your kids how to love and the respect for their selves, for their parents and for other people. You must plant in them a good seed so they will grow up being responsible and loving person.”

 

They nod happily at him

 

“It’s time for bed, you still have class tomorrow”

 

Jokwon kissed their forehead

 

“Good night sons, I love you so much”

 

Jokwon wave his hand and left his study room; Kyuhyun look at his brother and smile

 

“It’s really nice to grow in a family like this”

 

Junsu nod

 

“Good night brother”

 

“Good night”

 

Junsu pats his brother’s shoulder before going out of the room. Kyuhyun walk at the balcony and stare at the sky

 

“Good night Minnie, I love you so much”

 

Kyuhyun smile and turn off the lights before he went out

 

 

 

Sungmin was standing at the window while watching the stars at night

 

“I wonder what Marcus is doing right now”

 

Sungmin suddenly blush upon remembering their time together

 

“He’s such a nice boy...I love you Marcus, I hope you can feel it though you’re far away from me”

 

Sungmin close the window and went to her room with a smile on her face