-Youngjae’s POV-

The morning couldn’t have gone by any faster. The afternoon sun couldn’t have waited any longer. The two of us lagged out of bed reluctantly. “Are you okay?” Daehyun asked me.

“I’m surprised Zelo-ah and Jongup haven’t come up yet.” I remarked ignoring his question. “Youngjae…” Daehyun sighed putting on his silk robe. “What?” I said. Just then there was a sudden knock on the door. Daehyun walked up to the door and opened it. “Afternoon your highness…” it was one of the servants. He bowed and quickly shot me a not so friendly look. “What is it?” Daehyun asked him.

“”his is a message from your father.” She informed. “You may speak.” Daehyun gave him permission. His majesty has noticed that you are behind on your duties and he wants you to start back up right away…today.” he announced.

“I can’t start today. Not today.” Daehyun told him. “Please forgive me Prince Daehyun.” he bowed. “Proceed.” Daehyun sighed impatiently. “His majesty says that if you do not start your duties today, he’ll send you overseas to get your training done in another country and perform ambassador duties as well.” he informed.

“Fine. I’ll be in the hall in a few minutes. Give me time to prepare.” Daehyun gave in. The servant bowed one more time and left. Daehyun closed the door gently, he didn’t look too happy. He walked up to me and cupped my face in his hands, and pressed his forehead against mine. “I just have some things to take care of, and I’ll be back as soon as possible.” He promised. I nodded.

“I want you to stay here and wait for me.” He went on. “Daehyun…I don’t like being alone in the palace.” I reminded him. “I know…I know…” he said not sure of what to do. I moved a piece of hair from his face. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll just hang out with Zelo and Jongup.” I assured him.

“That’s what I’m worried about.” He smiled. I smiled back at him. “Well, just let me change and then we’ll go.” He said heading towards his bathroom. “Your clothes are on the chair.” He mentioned before closing the door behind him. I stood up and walked over to the other side of the room.

I observed the large bedroom, it hasn’t changed much with the exception of a few new items here and there. I walked over to the balcony and opened the double glass door. And let the sun rays hit my face. For the first time in a long time I enjoyed the warm sunlight and the light breeze of nature. I walked out onto the balcony on the edge looking below.

I still hated the place. It still kept the nature from its full potential of beauty. The place took up space, too much space. I sighed and went back inside closing the doors behind me. I went over to one of the fancy chairs and picked up my clothes which were folded neatly.

The material was soft and it fit me perfectly. I noticed that the uniform was different than all of the other servants’ uniforms. Minutes later Prince Daehyun came out dressed in his princely clothing. “You look nice.” He complimented with a slight smirk. I frowned at him. “I had it specially made for you. It’s different than everyone else’s, because you’re not just anyone’s servant. But my personal servant” he explained proudly. Great. Don’t I feel honored?” I muttered.

He laughed and walked up to me. “I’m glad to have you back Yoo Youngjae. He said. I gave him a small smile. I was glad in a way too I was glad that all of this was over, somewhat. He leaned forward and kissed me on my lips.

My eyes widened at the sudden action and my cheeks turned completely red. “Daehyun…” I tried to hit him, but it was a very weak punch, I was too embarrassed.

Before going to his duties Daehyun took me to where the others were. “You know I can look for them myself. I’m not a baby.” I told him as he held my hand pulling me around. “I thought you didn’t like being alone in the palace yourself.” He remarked.

I didn’t respond because he was right, so I just grumbled under my breath. “We’re here!” He announced stepping in front of another building that was separate from the castle. It was fairly large and fancy like everything else though. Daehyun opened the door and revealed the others who were inside.

“Youngjae!” Zelo cheered. “Hi Zelo.” I greeted. “Daehyun.” Zelo said formally. “Junhong…” Daehyun replied. “Stay here with them and you’ll be okay.” Daehyun assured me. I shook my head at him, “I know.” I told him. He smiled then turned to the rest of his friends. “See you guys later.” He said leaving the place.

It felt awkward standing there staring back at the others as they stared back at me. I felt like a complete fish out of water. “Come on Youngjae. Don’t be scared. We’ll take good care of you while your mommy is gone.” Jongup was the first to break the awkward silence. I narrowed my eyes at him. “What is this place?” I finally asked sitting down beside my new friend, Jongup.

“It’s our hangout.” Zelo happily answered sitting next to me, now I felt a little more comfortable. “It’s just for us.” Jongup added. “Oh.” Was all I said. “…and for you too.” The Yongguk guy smiled. I looked at him with some confusion, it was weird him saying something nice like that to me, so I really didn’t know how to respond.

“You…smiled…at me.” I said. Zelo giggled to himself. “Don’t get used to it. Once you get to know him better he’s not all that pleasant.” Jongup remarked. “Yah! Who are you to say that?” The Himchan guy spat. “Moon Jongup.” Jongup responded. I couldn’t help but laugh at this.

“Zelo and I are the only pleasant ones, stick with us and you’ll have the time of your life…stick with them and you’ll be bored re-thinking your life. Jongup explained. Himchan rolled his eyes in annoyance. “You know you love me Kim Himchan. Jongup teased. The prince just made face at him, but I noticed his cheeks turn a light pink.

As the group chatted I sat there listening and watching them, learning a little more about each person. They were actually pretty cool in their own way. I guess it wouldn’t be too bad to give them a chance. Zelo seemed to like them, and Jongup is an open book, he’s different than those other rich, high class people, but then again he is from a different Kingdom.

The hardest thing will to be able to trust the Princes…though they seem really nice and different, I just couldn’t help but distrust them, I had such a deep hatred for the royals, I just couldn’t.

I don’t hate Prince Yongguk and Prince Himchan, but it may just be a little more difficult trying to warm up to them. “It’s about time to go.” Bang Yongguk announced his deep voice piercing through everyone’s conversation. “Now?” Kim Himchan asked seeming a bit excited. Yongguk nodded. “Yay!” Zelo cheered.

“Go where?” I asked not liking the idea of leaving the hangout without Daehyun. “Don’t worry you’ll be fine.” Yongguk assured me holding out his hand. “Yeah…Father Yongguk won’t let anything happen to his new baby.” Jongup remarked. I just stared at the Prince whose hand still waited for me.

“What? What about Daehyun?” Zelo asked the elder. “Daehyun is still Youngjae’s mommy. But now that everyone made up and that Guk upgraded to a dad, you’re now Dae and Bang’s child and Jae is too.” Jongup explained. “Ooohh…” Zelo said comprehending what he was saying. “What about Himchan-hyung?” he asked curiously. “He’s your and Youngjae’s grandmother.” Jongup answered. “You?” Zelo quizzed. “I’m Moon Jongup of course.” He said as if it were obvious.

I reached out and finally took Prince Yongguk’s hand. He grabbed mine firmly puling me up. His hand was soft and extremely warm. I was somewhat shocked. “Ready?” he asked me warmly. “Yeh…abeoji.” I smirked a little. Hey I had to take the opportunity say it. He laughed lightly to himself.

“Wait what about Kyung-ah…cause he’s my older brother and you’re his older brother. And what about Jihoon-ah?” Zelo questioned. “I haven’t gotten that far yet.” Jongup said now shewing the younger away.

“Wait. You met the others? My friends?” I asked the Prince overhearing their conversation. Yongguk nodded. “We met them yesterday, while you and Daehyun were spending time together.” He said. I blushed a little.

“They’re really an interesting bunch. We agreed to meet again today so that’s where we’re headed.” Yongguk went on. I smiled brightly getting excited to see all of my friends again. In a good state this time. It feels like it’s been forever.

“Let’s go.” Himchan said being the first to leave, the rest of us followed behind him until we reached a stable that reeked of horses. Jongup went around handing everyone their cloaks. “This one is for you. Grandma Himchan knitted it just for you.” Jongup said handing me a yellow cloak. Yongguk shook his head, “Daehyun had it made for you.” He told me. Jongup frowned at him.

I accepted the hooded cloak and slipped it on. The other 3 brought out their horses from the stable and saddled them up. “We’re…riding those?” I questioned taking a step back.

“Don’t worry Bolt isn’t here.” Yongguk assured me. I remained hesitant. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to.” He said. “No…I’ll ride.” I said straightening up a little. I’m not going to let some horse scare me. I’m not scared of anything. “You can ride with me.” The prince offered.

I studied him for a bit. “What?” he asked. Why are you being nice and friendly to me all of a sudden?” I asked bluntly. “Same reason why I’m nice and friendly to Zelo.” He answered simply. I didn’t understand what that was supposed to mean but I decided to go along with it anyway.

Everyone took the hopped on their horses. Yongguk helped me up before getting on himself. Once we were settled Himchan and Zelo led the way to our destination with the rest of us following behind.

“Did we really have to go this way?” I grumbled as we rode through the rich people area. Bang just chuckled to himself. “Why? What’s wrong with here? The girls love me.” Jongup said waving at the girls who rushed up to them excitedly.

“Come on. You should try it. With your looks you can become a heart throb. Not bigger than me of course. The younger went on. “I rather not. Peasant like us don’t get along with people like them.” I said quietly. Yongguk heard this and said, “Let’s speed up.” I was a little grateful for that.

Minutes later we finally arrived at the village. Now I felt a little more at home, although this is not a place I’d like to stay in forever. Yongguk helped me off and we followed Zelo through a couple of bushes, making our way through the village. The guards were being their idiotic selves picking on those weaker than them. They bowed when they saw the two princes walk by, but neither acknowledged them. Some of the guards eyed me giving me threatening looks that didn’t make me flinch once.

Finally we made it to an open area with no homes, no guards, or anything. At that moment 7 mischievous boys came out from every corner. I grinned from ear to ear. “You guys are here.” Jiho greeted with a smile. I was ecstatic to see him! I was about to run to him when Jihoon jumped on top of me giving me a huge bear hug.

“Youngjae! You’re back! You’re back!” He cheered happily.” “It’s nice to see you too Jihoon-ah.” I said losing oxygen from his tight hug. “Yah! Jihoon! Let go of him before you hug him to death.” Ukwon remarked. Jihoon immediately released his hug. “Oh! Miane Youngjae. Did I hurt you?” He asked worried. “I’m fine.” I smiled dusting myself off. The elder smiled and ruffled my hair then he skipped over to Zelo for his turn.

To my surprise everyone chatted and got along so well. Kyung, Jihoon, Zelo, and Jongup enjoyed themselves being goofy and messing with their elder hyungs. Jaehyo and Himchan talked nonstop, with Taeil listening to their complaints and other stuff.

Ukwon, Minhyuk, Jiho, and Bang also got along pretty well too. It seemed like Yongguk was really interested in what Minhyuk-hyung was saying. “Dain’t listen to him. He’ll mess up your brain.” Jaehyo remarked. “No. You just find everything creepy.” Minhyuk said. “I don’t know…it’s kind of interesting…strange but interesting.” Yongguk said.

Jiho shook his head. “Um…Jiho-ah.” Zelo cooed. “Yeah?” Jiho replied. “I have a question.” Zelo cooed more innocently. “That is?” The elder asked. “Can we-,” “Can you guys have a rap battle?!” Jihoon burst interrupting Zelo. Zelo and Kyung nodded behind him. Jiho laughed.

“You guys really want to lose that bad huh?” He said. “Oh…I’m not rapping. I’m just watching.” Jihoon simply mentioned. “Don’t get too cocky. I’ve been working on my lyrical schemes, so you better be prepared.” Kyung said confidently. “Actually both of you guys need to worry I’m going to blow you guys away with my new LTE rap.” Zelo said.

“Alright little ones. Since you’re so sure that you can beat me let’s battle, so I can remind you who’s the boss.” Jiho said standing up. Jihoon clapped excitedly. “Zelo-ah is going to win.” He said. Kyung thumped the younger on the head. “You’re on my team, don’t cheer on the enemy.” Kyung told him.

“I switched teams. I’m on team Zelo.” Jihoon said. “Rap battle?” Yongguk repeated. “Mm hm. Do you want to join?” Jiho offered. Yongguk thought for a bit. “No. Don’t do it. It’s better if you watch.” Zelo advised. “Why?” Yongguk suddenly asked.

“You don’t want to embarrass yourself do you?” Zelo said. “Are you saying that I can’t rap?” Yongguk said sounding offended, standing up. “Well…it’s not that easy.” Zelo shrugged. “You know what? I think I’ll do it.” Youngguk said stepping up to the challenge. Jiho and Kyung smirked to themselves. Oh dear. “What?! No!” Zelo protested. “Okay then…Bang Yongguk, you’re in.” Jiho said.

“You’re a brave soul.” Minhyuk remarked. “Than-,” Yongguk stopped in the middle of his sentence processing what Minhyuk just said. “Come on everyone gather over here and witness our ultimate rap battle.” Kyung called gathering everyone’s attention. “Oh brother.” Jaehyo remarked. “Don’t be jealous.” Jihoon said.

“No. Yongguk-ah. Don’t do this. Don’t embarrass me in front of my friends.” Zelo begged. “They’re my friends too.” Yongguk reminded. “Bang is rapping?” Jongup questioned. I nodded. “Aah~…This is going to be hilarious.” Jongup remarked. The 8 of us gathered around the 4, getting ready to watch them battle.

Out of “courtesy” the group let Yongguk go first, to let him have somewhat of a chance before the others went. It was supposed to be an elimination battle. And he was immediately eliminated by Zelo. It was honestly kind of funny. But everyone encouraged him giving him a pat on the back to help rebuild his self-esteem, well everyone except for Jongup of course. Jongup and Himchan however, were laughing their tails off. Jongup was even on the verge of tears.

The battle continued on without Yongguk. It was a long intense battle between the 3. It was obvious that they each had improved. “Go Zelo!” Jihoon continued to cheer. “Why can’t we have a singing contest or something like that? This is too long.” Jaehyo muttered. “That sounds like a good idea.” Himchan agreed.

“Contests are boring.” Jongup told him. “Battles are more interesting.” Jihoon nodded. “Oh~…What about a dance battle?” Minhyuk suggested. “Ooooh~ Yeah! That’ll be awesome.” Ukwon agreed. “Yeah…a dance battle.” Jongup nodded. “Now that’s fun.” Jihoon said. “Okay, well what about a singing battle.” Jaehyo suggested. The four boys looked at him. “What?” Jaehyo asked.

“That’s not very clever Jaehyo. All you did was take out the word contest and changed it to battle.” Jihoon said unimpressed. “So? You guys did the same thing.” Jaehyo argued but the boys turned around and stopped listening. “It’s okay.” Himchan said comforting him.

“You okay?” I asked Yongguk who remained silent, thinking hard and focusing on the battle. “I will learn how to rap and get Zelo back.” He said determined. I just patted his back awkwardly. “Don’t take it to heart, Zelo is really good.” I told him. “All 3 of them are good.” Yongguk remarked. All I could do was laugh, he was right after all.

“Maybe a sing-off might be a good idea.” Taeil spoke up after thinking about it. “See?” Jaehyo said. “A sing-off sounds more interesting than a singing contest.” Jihon said. “Jihoon…I think that those are the same thing.” Himchan said saving Jaehyo the energy. “Ani, Himchannie-hyung, they’re different.” Jihoon told him. Himchan looked confused but didn’t bother to ask.

“You know…Daehyun can sing.” Jongup told me. “That’s nice.” I remarked uninterested. “He has a really nice voice.” He went on. “Mm hm…” was all I said. “I’ll have him sing for you.” Jongup announced. “You’ll thank me later. He said going back to the battle.

In the end nobody won the battle. They could’ve kept going all night long but we had to end it because it was getting late. Bang was upset and found it unfair how nobody won and he was the only one who lost. “I told you.” Zelo said. “Whatever. I’ll get all 3 of you guys back. Just wait.” Yongguk was still as determined as before.

“It was nice seeing you again.” Jiho said to me. I was actually feeling pretty down about leaving. I really did not want to leave. “Jiho-ah.” I said in a hushed tone. “Hm?” responded. “I’m going to stay.” I said making up my mind.

“Bwoh?” He said caught off guard. “I don’t want to leave. I want to stay.” I told him. He looked at me and laughed. “You sound like a little kid.” He laughed. “I’m serious Jiho.” I stomped. “Youngjae. I think it’s better for you to go with them.” He said. “But what about you guys?”

“We’re fine as you can see. We can all take care of ourselves, very well. You…You need this Youngjae. A lot has happened to you. Without this you might’ve not been able to recover.” He said. “But Jiho…” “What about Daehyun?” he suddenly said cutting me off.

I didn’t have a response to that. “And Zelo? And your new friends? They’ll take better care of you than we can here.” He told me. “But what about the rest of you guys? We’ve grown up together all of our lives. We’ve been through everything together. And a lot of them were tough, but it was easy to get through ‘em because we had each other.” I spilled.

Jiho rest his hand on my shoulder and smiled softly. “And we’ll continue to go through things together but along with some new friends. Youngjae, stuff like this don’t always happen. Something good is going to come out of this and it will change everything, I know it.” Jiho said. His words were filled with a lot of passion.

I slowly nodded giving into him. “Fine. I’ll go.” I sighed. “You’ll be fine.” He said. I looked at him. “And we’ll be fine too.” He promised. I gave him one last, long, tight hug before leaving. “We’ll see each other again.” He said. We released our hug and I walked away with the others.

“I’m really starting to like those guys a lot.” Jongup remarked as we walked through the village on our way to the horses. “I met them first.” Zelo reminded. “So? I like them first.” Jongup said. “What? No.” Zelo argued and began to explain himself.

“Let’s come back again.” Himchan said as the two youngest members argued. “Yeah…” Bang agreed. “Did you have fun?” Bang asked med. I nodded. “Good.” Yongguk smiled. I awkwardly smiled back. He chuckled. Suddenly an angry man caught my eye. I recognized him…it was that man, the one who claimed to be my father.

My expression immediately changed. “What’s wrong?” Himchan asked me concerned. I didn’t answer him for the man and I made eye contact. “You!” He shouted running up to us. Yongguk stepped in front me defending me. I stumbled back a little bumping into Himchan. Himchan rest his hands on my shoulders reassuring me that it’ll be okay.

“Move! Get out of my way!” the man said angrily. “Is that how you speak to a Prince?” Yongguk said. Zelo and Jongup stopped walking and looked back at us. “I hit you before…and I will easily do it again.” He sneered threatening the Prince. I looked around and saw that there were no guards.

I rest a hand on Bang’s arm and leaned closely, “Yongguk…” was all I said. He looked back at me, I shook my head. “Let’s just go. It’s not worth it.” I told him. He reluctantly nodded and led the way back to the horses. “What do you think you’re doing boy?! Heh?”” The man spat angrily. I ignored him and kept walking.

“Yah! I know you hear me! What you think you’re big and bad now? ‘Cause you’re with them?” he went on. I kept on walking. “Did you forget where you came from?! Did you all of a sudden forget who you are? Do you think that you’re better than us peasants? Haha…” he laughed sadistically. “Do you think you’re one of them?! A-A royal?” He said gaining attention. I stopped walking at his words, those untrue, false words.

My eyes burned. “Should I call you Sir Youngjae now? Lord Youngjae? Master Youngjae? Wait…no….how about your highness?” he sneered. My eyes twitched at the names, making my blood curdle. “I am not like them.” I breathed through my teeth in pure anger. “Youngjae…” Yongguk said reaching for me but I pulled away.

Zelo looked over at me with worry, we made eye contact. He’s lying I’m not like them, I am still me and will always be Yoo Youngjae. Then why am I letting him get to me. “Youngjae ignore him. I know that you know what he’s trying to do, and you know it’s all a lie.” I heard Zelo speak.

“He’s just trying to mess with your mind right now, because he knows that you’re emotionally unstable because of your mother. He’s using your emotions against you.” Zelo said. He was right! That’s exactly what he’s doing. I took a deep breath and looked back at the group. Yongguk smiled at me reassuringly and held out his hand. “His mother?! Where is she?!” The man demanded. Nobody answered. I reached for Bang’s hand but the man pushed me away making me fall to the ground.

“Where is my wife?” He demanded. I shot a cold glare at him. “She’s not your wife.” I said hatefully. Yongguk grabbed the man restraining him from me. The fall was actually very painful, my body was still sore from all of the past events that brought me physical harm.

Himchan rushed over to me and helped me up and onto his horse. Then he got on. “Let’s go.” He ordered. The other two quickly hopped onto their horses as well ready to leave. “I feel ridiculous.” I muttered. “Don’t.” Himchan said. “I know where she is!” the man yelled at me.

I just looked him dead in the eyes showing no fear what so ever. “I’ll come and get you. So don’t think your friends will be able to protect you.” He said evilly. Yongguk punched him hard knocking him off his feet. Then Bang quickly hopped on his horse leading the way, the rest of us followed. I heard the terrible man laugh and laugh until I couldn’t hear him anymore, because we were far from him now.

I groaned in pain. My body hurt all over and nothing even happened! All I did was fall to the ground. I think my body has had enough of this physical abuse, I was starting to lose my balance. “You can hold on to me.” Himchan offered, which sounded more like a command than an offer. I did what he said and held onto him.

Minutes later we arrived back at the kingdom, to the stables. Himchan carefully helped me off the horse. “Thank You.” I said quietly. He smiled at me. “Are you okay?” Zelo asked with much concern. “Yeah…I’m fine.” I lied. He gave me a look, knowing that I was lying.

“It’s not like I haven’t felt this pain before.” I remarked. “Do you need to go to Dr.Sunhi?” he questioned. “Aniyo!” I spat. “But Youngjae-,” “I said no! I’m not going to her. I’m fine. I don’t need to go to a doctor every time I’m hurt.” I interrupted the younger. “In your condition…it’s a good idea to do so. Things could get worse.” Bang said joining in.

“Aniyo. I am not going.” I insisted. “Well, we’ll talk to Daehyun about it.” Himchan said. “Yeah, mothers know best.” Jongup remarked. “No…don’t tell Daehyun either.” I said. “Youngjae…” Himchan said. “If you’re not going to go to Dr.sunhi then at leasy you should tell Daehyun, or let us tell him.” Yongguk said. I shook my head.

“I’m tired of everyone worrying about me.” I argued. “Youngjae, that’s not the point.” Himchan said. “For once I actually agree with the parents.” Jongup inputted. “You’re pretty much in danger.” He added. I just sighed. “Fine…you guys can tell him if you want. But I’m not saying anything. But don’t tell him today. I gave in. Yongguk, Himchan, and Zelo smiled at me and nodded.

What am I going to do? For once I don’t know what to do, and I don’t like to have to depend on others.

Just then the stable doors opened and in came the Jung prince with his royal clothing still on. “Where were you guys?” Daehyun asked not looking very happy. “Having fun.” Jongup remarked. “As soon as I finished I came to see you guys and no one was here.” Daehyun said walking up to us.

“You came to see us? Or Youngjae?” Jongup raised an eyebrow. “What do you think?” Daehyun smirked. The younger just shrugged. “How long were you waiting?” he asked out of curiosity. “For hours the moon is already high in the sky.” Daehyun said displeased.

“We went to the village and hungout with our new friends.” Yongguk said. “Yeah and Yongguk here got burned by Zelo in the rap battle. It was hilarious.” Jongup burst, laughing at the memory. Daehyun raised an eyebrow. Zelo smiled proudly. Yongguk frowned. “I’ll get him back.” He grumbled leaving the stables. “Awe~. I warned you Hyung…” Zelo cooed following after him.

“So, how was your day Price Jung Daehyun?” Jongup teased. “Jongup…I think Daehyun wants to be alone with Youngjae.” Himchan said. “I know.” Jongup smirked. “Ugh.” Himchan sighed dragging the younger by his ear. “Ow! Ow! Owie! Channie~...” Jongup whined in pain. “Let’s go.” Himchan dragged him out of the stables. Daehyun smiled and turned to me. I forced a smile ignoring the pain. “Now that we’re alone…” He stopped in the middle of his sentence and looked at his surroundings. “Let’s go to my room first.” He suggested.