Tied To You.

by staryyian (Readerest)

Summary:

========================

Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story

[A Thorn Of Bliss]

: A ghost story featured in
: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-D-2851

An elegant box containing a ring: its band woven with dark green thorns, the centerpiece a crimson rose.

To open this box is to summon a wedding — your own. One participant, chosen at random, becomes your spouse.

To refuse the vows is to meet death, swiftly and without mercy.

=========================

"So no matter what happens… you’ll follow the ghost story’s rules — if it means keeping me safe?"

— Of course! That is what being a good friend is all about!

Ah. A good friend. A monstrous one, but still.

"Well then, Braun… what would you say if we got married?"

Notes:

Hey guys.. so like what do u mean they got a divorce arc.. 💔💔(I'm at chap 70)

Chapter 1: Praying For Moderation.

It had only been a few days since Kim Soleum emerged from that harrowing ghost story, yet the shadows of it still clung to him like smoke. He swore to god he could still see that monstrous rabbit mascot chasing him in the corners of his eyes.

'G O O D  C H I L D.'

That cursed voice still echoed — the blue dragon mascot’s words ringing relentlessly in his ears, like the tolling of a funeral bell. The train... the horrors... that entire twisted world…

But aside from those lingering torments, something else remained.

An item.

A black box, mysterious and perfectly sealed, delivered as though it held the weight of fate itself. He hadn’t dared to open it yet, too wary of the consequences. He had been gathering strength in the interim.

Or at least, he was trying to — until he showed up.

— What a splendid room you have, my friend!

Braun’s voice rang with theatrical cheer, as if each word were dipped in glitter and sarcasm.

— Oh no! I am not mocking you, dear friend! This room truly is magnificent!

"Uh huh... sure." Soleum muttered, forgetting momentarily that Braun could read him like scripture — every mood, every flicker of unease, perfectly transcribed in that creature's mind.

He hadn’t meant to summon Braun during the ritual. It was supposed to be protective, not… him.

But it was too late to take it back now.

Really, though? A tie that summoned the very monster he feared?

Aigoo.

It felt like he was signing a contract with death himself.

— You should open the box now, Mr. Roe Deer! The audience cannot be kept waiting, can they?

Braun’s words came laced with his usual show host flair, a personality too flamboyant for this bleak world.

But Soleum resisted. He didn’t trust it — not in a world like this. Nothing good ever came from boxes in horror stories. They were never just gifts.

He had to stay alert. Always.

Still, curiosity crept in like a slow, venomous fog. He picked up his phone, now fitted with a new pop socket, and searched for any ghost stories involving black boxes.

Nothing.

‘Can I really open that box?’ he wondered, heart tight with apprehension.

He thought through the outcomes:

1. — A relic, a boon, something to ensure survival in ghost stories.


2. — A malevolent curse, disguised as a gift.


3. — A double-edged sword — helpful, yet bearing a harrowing price.



After a moment of tense deliberation, he exhaled.

Yes. He had Braun. A terrifying ally, but an ally nonetheless. As much as Soleum loathed to admit it, Braun’s presence was better than solitude.

A coward and a monster — quite the rare pairing.

"Alright then. Fine. I’m opening it."

— What a splendid choice, my friend! After all, how can one discern between silver and gold without peeking inside the treasure?

Soleum rolled his eyes at Braun’s dramatics and lifted the lid.

…

…

…

He shut it immediately.

— My, my. Why close it so abruptl-

"Fuck!" Soleum cursed, bolting upright.

But it was already too late.

They had been transported.

Together.

---

Soleum landed with a gentle thud, scrambled to his feet, and scanned the area. His blood ran cold.

A lavish wedding venue — dazzling, surreal, and horrifyingly familiar.

‘Fucking hell.’

This was a B-Class ghost story.

He was completely and utterly screwed.

========================

            Dark Exploration Records / Ghost Story

[A Thorn Of Bliss]

: A ghost story featured in <Dark Exploration Records>
: Daydream Inc. identification code – Qterw-D-2851

An elegant box containing a ring: its band woven with dark green thorns, the centerpiece a crimson rose.

To open this box is to summon a wedding — your own. One participant, chosen at random, becomes your spouse.

To refuse the vows is to meet death, swiftly and without mercy.

=========================

The box changes color depending on your chosen partner.
Red — a human.
Blue — an entity.
And for Black…

=========================

A ghost.

A ghost — of fucking course!!

Soleum sighed and straightened his suit jacket. He hadn’t even changed. He was not prepared for this.

Then came the music — soft, lilting piano and violins weaving a haunting lullaby through the air.

— Such fine melodies, indeed!

Braun?

..Wait.

Braun was still with him?

That question unravelled into clarity. And then the realization. The dizziness returned, and Soleum found himself clutching a silk-covered chair, its back adorned with a pristine ribbon. He sat, breath shallow, and placed a small pink plush beside him — the anchor to Braun.

"Braun… if you could get married… how would you feel about it?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.

— …

"…"

— …

"…?"

— ..Is this to humor me, Mr. Roe Deer?

"N-No. I’m just curious."

— Ah! Well… I hardly see the purpose in marriage! I am but a monster, a ghost! That kind of union… it's simply not for me!

Soleum understood. But understanding changed nothing.

They had no choice.

This ghost story had once been rated B-Class, but a survivor's testimony had revealed its true nature. A girl, only sixteen, was matched with a man nearly twice her age. She refused.

Her head exploded. The wedding turned crimson. The man died as well — another refusal, another execution.

So if Soleum and Braun refused…

The story had been reclassified: A-Class.

Not something to trifle with.

"Braun… can you refuse the commands of a ghost story?"

— Hmm! A most intriguing question, my dear friend! But alas… in certain cases, I’m afraid not.

Certain cases?

"What do you mean, ‘certain cases’?"

Braun fell silent.

— If you are involved, Mr. Roe Deer… then I’m afraid I cannot refuse. The plush that binds us ensures I follow — to protect you, to shield you, to obey the laws of the tale for your sake.

His tone, suddenly grave, sent a chill through Soleum.

He exhaled. Heavy. Resigned.

"So no matter what happens… you’ll follow the ghost story’s rules — if it means keeping me safe?"

— Of course! That is what being a good friend is all about!

Ah. A good friend. A monstrous one, but still.

"Well then, Braun… what would you say if we got married?"

Chapter 2: Till Death Do Us Part.

Summary:

Wait a second.

[Ah. You just noticed, Mr. Roe Deer?]

Kim Soleum turned his eyes upon Braun—and froze. That television head now displayed a beaming emoji. His attire?

A pristine white groom’s suit—complete with a tailcoat and a dark purple rose tucked into the lapel.

What the fuck.

Notes:

Honestly.. idk where Braun having a human form came up but hey! At least I get to use that now 💔 this is so uncannon vro 💔

Also I wanna proposed a challenge:
Take a shot every time Kim Soleum says "Aigoo."

— …

"…"

— …

"…"

— Is this to humor me again, Mr. Roe Deer?

"I wish. But no."

Kim Soleum replied with a poise that veiled the storm that roared within him.

'What the hell do I even say to him?!'

With that unspoken cry, he slammed his forehead against the table—just beside the serene pink plush. The table shuddered from the force of his exasperation. A groan slipped from his lips—a harmony of pain and disbelief.

Yes. That pain was real. Which meant this wasn’t a dream. Oh, how dearly he wished it were.

— …

Braun, ever silent, seemed to peer into the chaos of his friend’s mind—deciphering it with unnerving clarity. Then, after what felt like eternity held in a single breath, he finally spoke, his words smooth and certain.

— Say, my friend. You asked me earlier what I’d do if we were to get married… So tell me—does this ghost story you’ve woven include the two of us marrying?

The mischief in Braun’s voice had vanished like mist beneath the sun, leaving behind a tone so solemn, so raw, it startled Kim Soleum. Braun was taking this seriously.

"This ghost story.." Kim Soleum began, "picks its victims at random and binds them into an engagement. If I refuse to take the vows… I die."

— Ah! What a merciless tale!

And just as swiftly as it had vanished, Braun’s lightheartedness returned, fluttering through his voice like wind through silk.

"And if you were to refuse…" Kim Soleum continued, rising with effort as his voice trailed into the silence.

"I don't know what would happen exactly. But given that you're bound to me… the best assumption is that I'd still die if you refused."

He carefully repositioned the chair, then reached toward the pink plush resting upon the table.

"The upside to this ghost story… is its freedom of imagination."

— Freedom of imagination? How utterly divine, my dear friend!

========================

In such strange circumstances, if you find yourself wed to a ghost without a corporeal form—worry not!
The [Thorn Of Bliss] ring shall grant your spectral partner the ability to imagine a physical body!

Missing legs?
No problem!
With their imagination, they may shape a new form at will. This imagined body remains even beyond the ghost story's end—switching seamlessly between their spectral and creative forms.

But take heed…

Sometimes, such transformations can go awry. ^ v ^

========================

"Braun… if I said you could return to your true form… what would you say?"

— …

Silence, once again. Thick and heavy.

Kim Soleum stepped onto the stage where the wedding would unfold, standing there as though waiting for judgment. He braced himself for Braun’s reply.

There might be a way out, true. But therein lay the danger: the [Thorn Of Bliss] was no location, no escape route, no door. It was an artifact—bound to the ghost story itself. Even if he fled without marrying Braun, the consequences would descend all the same.

========================

Drawbacks of the [Thorn Of Bliss] can be cruel.

Refuse to marry a human, and you’ll be cursed with a 100-year unlucky charm—a permanent bracelet that beckons misfortune.

Refuse to marry an entity?
Your body will twist, contort like a sponge, and perish.

But If it's a ghost..
You’ll become a slave to that ghost, bound forever, commanded as they please—and you'll be flung into an A-Class ghost story.

Choose wisely. ^^

========================

Yes… even with an escape in sight, the penalty was far too devastating.

This ghost story was infamous for good reason—it danced between the threads of reality and fiction, merging them into one inescapable nightmare.

========================

[VENUE]

— The wedding venue will reflect the groom’s personal aesthetic and tastes.

========================

Now that Kim Soleum truly observed the venue…

Cameras. Dozens of them, lining the space like silent sentinels. That could only mean—this was Braun’s aesthetic.

So do those that mean I'm the wife?..

Wait no.

I can't be the wife.

..There's no way I would be the wife!

— I…

Oh?

— I would love to! But how are we going to achieve that, Mr. Roe Deer?

"Hmm… maybe I should set you down first."

With gentleness, Kim Soleum placed the pink plush at the center of the stage. "Now… try imagining your original form." he offered, the words laced with uncertainty.

— Ah, I understand. Shall I ask you to close your eyes, Mr. Roe Deer?

It was an odd request, but Kim Soleum obeyed without protest.

He closed his eyes.
…
…
…

"Is it done—"

[Ah! I’ve never felt better!]

Braun’s voice, now radiant with clarity and warmth, struck Kim Soleum like lightning. He opened his eyes—

And there Braun stood.

[Ah! How I missed this form!]

Kim Soleum blinked.

Again. Again.

It worked!..

Of course, he knew it would work—but to see Braun restored to his former self unearthed all the trauma Kim Soleum had buried deep.

He exhaled heavily, eyes dropping to the floor—

Wait.

Wait a second.

[Ah. You just noticed, Mr. Roe Deer?]

Kim Soleum turned his eyes upon Braun—and froze. That television head now displayed a beaming emoji. His attire?

A pristine white groom’s suit—complete with a tailcoat and a dark purple rose tucked into the lapel.

What the fuck.

Kim Soleum immediately dropped into a crouch, overwhelmed by Braun’s elegance. His brain spiraled into static.

The lace ruffles adorning the hem of his own tuxedo danced with the motion.

His outfit, too, had been transformed—white, ceremonial, exquisitely designed. A double-breasted vest, a long coat cascading into ruffled lace reminiscent of a wedding gown. A dark brown rose. A purple cravat…

Formal. And yet hauntingly bridal.

Fuck.

[Such splendid attire, my dear!]

My... MY DEAR???

Kim Soleum straightened with a start, his left eye twitching violently. He couldn’t take it. This wasn’t bliss. This was terror.

Marrying a ghost? Aigoo. What kind of webnovel romance situation is this? Kim Soleum then face palmed himself in humiliation.

[...]

Braun approached without a word and took Kim Soleum’s trembling hands, who recoiled instinctively.

[My dear, you mustn't harm yourself.]

With the poise of a seasoned dancer, Braun spun him effortlessly. Kim Soleum let out a startled gasp, clinging to Braun’s jacket in sheer panic.

Braun’s hands, warm and graceful, came to rest at his waist. Kim Soleum remained frozen. Powerless.

Together, they swayed in silence, a ghost and his reluctant groom. Kim Soleum stifled small chuckles each time Braun nearly tripped.

[Are you feeling better now?]

When they finally stopped, Braun’s screen displayed a kind smile.

Kim Soleum released a slow breath. "Yes… thank you for calming me down."

As if I could really calm down—I'm marrying a ghost!!

[That’s wonderful, my dear. Now… shall we begin the ceremony?]

Ah, yes. The ceremony. The ghost-bound ritual.

Kim Soleum braced himself.

========================

**Bonus rule: Say whatever you like as your vows. A flower shall appear as you speak. Should your words ring true—it will glow. Fail, and you must begin anew.

To conclude the ceremony and escape?

A kiss is required.**

========================

K-Kiss.. kiss!!

He had to kiss Braun for him to get the fuck out!!!!

Flowers bloomed in their hands. A veil—a fine, silvery veil—descended gently upon Kim Soleum’s head. One flower was a thorned brown rose. The other, a dark purple blossom with minimal spikes.

They said nothing about the veil. It was inevitable.

But Kim Soleum exhaled heavily. This confirmed it. He was, without question, the bride.

So then…

Which flower was his?

[Hmm… I believe we should exchange, my dear. Take the opposite of our colors.]

Braun’s screen blinked into a cheerful smile.

Very well…

Kim Soleum accepted the dark brown rose, its thorns pricking faintly against his skin.

Braun took the purple one and beamed.

[Who shall begin, my dear?]

Stop calling me that—I swear I’ll pass out. Not from love. But From existential dread!!

Sweat trickled down Kim Soleum's temple.

Fine then. I'll start.

"I… Kim Soleum, vow that… I will…" He turned his eyes away, voice nearly a whisper.

"I will… m-make Braun happy with my life. And help him find contentment with me."

He closed his eyes.

The rose shimmered in a soft brown glow.

Interesting.

He glanced at Braun—who looked thoroughly charmed.

[Such adorable vows!]

Don't make fun of me!! Kim Soleum bit his lip to not say a word but Braun could see into the veil how his eyes twitched in annoyance.

[Ah! My turn now, is it?]

Kim Soleum nodded.

And then, a sudden thought struck him.

"...Do you even know any vows, Braun?"

Braun tilted his head slightly.

[I do! May I repeat ones I’ve heard before?]

Kim Soleum gave another nod.

Nothing in the rules forbade repetition. Vows were vows.

[Very well, then…]

Braun stepped closer, his gaze luminous.

[I, Braun, vow that…]

Kim Soleum’s breath caught.

[…I will love you like it’s the only thing keeping me alive. That you’ll never have to question if you’re mine—because you are. Completely. I vow to stand by you in every storm, to fight for you, to keep you close no matter what tries to pull us apart.]

Now what the fuck is he saying.

Kim Soleum blinked and blinked.

WHO THE FUCK SAID THAT TO HIM??

Aigoo.. he's close to crying, not because of happiness but because of fear!!

Braun caressed his cheek through the veil. One hand twirled the rose with unhurried grace. Kim Soleum flinched—but did not pull away.

[I promise to protect you, to need you, to want you in ways that go beyond reason. You’re not just someone I love—you’re my obsession, my only, my forever.]

God.. it's not over....

[And I swear, even in death, I won’t let you go.]

No please.. do let me go.

Kim Soleum just closed his eyes as Braun still caressed his face like it's the most precious thing ever.

[Till death do us part—and even then..]

Even then what?..

[not really.]

Braun's television head flickered violently, the once-cheerful visage replaced by a flood of crimson glitches. Gone was the comforting smile — only jagged static remained, hissing louder with each passing second. Without warning, his right hand clamped tightly around Kim Soleum’s waist.

For a breathless moment, Soleum’s world was painted in red.

His eyes stretched wide in shock, pupils trembling as Braun’s grip tightened, fingers digging into his side — not with care, but with a dreadful force. The touch that once might've felt curious or playful had turned rough, punishing. Unrelenting.

Paralyzed, Soleum could do nothing but stand there, a silent witness to the red-hazed chaos. The screen before him danced with static, shrieking in fractured patterns of red, and Braun's hold only grew firmer — squishing, kneading, pressing deeper.

Then came the pain. Sharp, sudden — enough to crack the daze.

He blinked.

And just like that, the red was gone.

His legs buckled beneath him, and he collapsed, hitting the floor with a soft thud. Gasping. Heart hammering.

"Hah!.. hah...hah…" The words slipped from parted lips, breath catching as adrenaline coursed through him. Each exhale was a fragile tremor. Above him, Braun stood unmoving, that familiar emoji smile once again aglow on the screen — as though nothing had happened.

His fingers trembled. Crimson dotted the floor.

T-This... This bastard!..

The rose they had once shared now pulsed with an eerie glow, casting a dim light between them. Braun’s gaze flickered down, catching sight of Kim Soleum’s trembling hands — bloodied and raw.

Soleum, lost in shallow gasps, hadn’t even realized he was still clutching the dark brown rose, its wicked thorns sinking deep into his fingers. Crimson streamed from the punctures, glistening against pale skin, dripping steadily from his clenched fist.

[Hmm... that's not a good sight, my dear.]

Braun descended slowly, crouching before him with eerie calm, and reached for the thorn-laced rose — carefully prying it from Soleum’s wounded grip.

[You did say I could imagine anything I could be... so..]

But Soleum no longer cared for words. His breath came in frantic bursts, lungs struggling for air as he crumpled further, hands now pressed against the immaculate white stage. Blood smeared beneath him, painting the floor in stark defiance of its purity — the only thing grounding him in a world that had just twisted beyond reason.

Someone then took his hands.

Braun?

Then, he felt something wet on his fingers.

"What the fu—"

He looked up.

Braun had a human head now?!

Golden hair, perfectly slicked back. Golden eyes, shimmering.

What the hell.

Braun licked the blood from his fingers, smiling sweetly.

The wounds? Gone. No blood. No marks.

Kim Soleum stared, horrified.

"Are you alright now, my dear?"

Kim Soleum slowly lowered himself flat onto the floor, blinking up at nothing.

His voice is even more clearer than before!!..

What… what was even happening?

Braun chuckled.

"It’s a lot to take in, isn’t it?"

He lifted Kim Soleum in a bridal carry, as though weightless. Kim did not resist. Could not.

"What’s next, my dear?"

Stop calling me that..

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Kim Soleum screamed inwardly as Braun smiled with cherubic delight.

"We have to… k-kiss…" Kim Soleum murmured.

Braun hummed and stepped in close, eyes gleaming.

Kim Soleum staggered backward, a trembling retreat — but Braun was swift. His left arm curled firmly around Soleum's waist, while his right hand captured Soleum's own, fingers intertwining with an unsettling grace.

It was almost like a dance.

Soleum refused to meet Braun's eyes, gaze averted, breath shaky.

"Now then! We shall kiss to seal off the marriage!"

Such an insufferable, old-fashioned bastard.

Soleum's eyelids fluttered shut, his teeth sinking into his lower lip in silent protest. Braun only laughed softly at the sight, a low chuckle vibrating through his frame, before lifting the delicate veil draped over Soleum's face. With deliberate tenderness, he leaned in and pressed his lips to his.

The kiss began gently — slow, reverent, like Braun feared the boy would shatter beneath his touch. His lips moved with a measured rhythm, his hand caressing Soleum's waist with a featherlight massage, the other lazily tracing circles against the back of his hand.

But that fragile sweetness was fleeting.

Without warning, Braun's grip on his waist tightened — a possessive squeeze that pulled a gasp from Soleum's lips. His mouth parted in surprise, and Braun seized the moment with a feral grin, plunging into the kiss with newfound fervor. His tongue twisted past parted lips, coiling, exploring — shameless and hungry.

Soleum's fingers fisted into Braun's suit jacket, pushing, resisting, but Braun didn’t budge. His strength remained unyielding.

Fourteen relentless minutes passed, a fevered war of mouths — until Braun finally drew back, lips slick, breath steady. A glistening thread of saliva lingered between them, breaking as Braun straightened.

He grinned.

Kim Soleum stood before him, breath ragged, chest rising and falling in desperation. His eyes were half-lidded, clouded with something he couldn’t name, and his face was flushed — radiant with the haze of shattered resistance and overwhelming sensation.

It was as though his mind teetered on the edge — cracking open beneath the weight of pleasure.

Braun gazed at him, drunk on the sight.

In the beginning, he hadn't wanted to marry Kim Soleum — the very thought had felt unnecessary, absurd even. But now… gazing upon this moment, upon him, there was something almost divine about it. A vision of fragility and surrender, framed like a masterpiece in motion.

He was not meant for this. A monster. A ghost. A remnant of something that should have been forgotten. Marriage was never in the stars for creatures like him. And yet, here he stood — tethered to this boy, this summoner, by the strange magic that brought him forth from that absurd ‘GOOD FRIEND’ plushie or whatever cursed vessel it had been.

If Kim Soleum were to die, then so would he.

As simple as that.

So really, what choice remained? The ceremony, the vows — they were merely inevitable. A formal acceptance of a fate already sealed.

Still, he couldn't deny the peculiar joy curling in his chest at the sight before him — Soleum, trembling and helpless, bathed in weakness. It stirred something in him. Something that felt almost... human.

He knew a little about marriage. Once, in another life, he'd been a host — charming, attentive, always playing the part. And from that life, he'd learned the sacred rules of love:

Rule number one: Always treat your wife with care and tenderness.

Rule number two: Always support your wife, no matter what.

Rule number three: Never — ever — leave your wife.

A husband's role is eternal. To stay. To endure. To belong entirely to the one who claimed him.

And if the wife refuses that love, if he dares to run from it...

Well then, it's simple.

you'll just lock him up.

Notes:

If you're having a hard time imagining their clothes, here it is, the inspo:

 

Kim Soleum's Suit

 

Braun's Suit

Chapter 3: A Bouquet Of Sins.

Summary:

"Do you also have a ring?"

— ...

That silence... unusual.

— Well.. to know that, Mr. Roe Deer.. I must return to my true form!

Ah.

"I s-see.. it's fine then."

It is absolutely not fine at all!!!

Notes:

So.. ever wonder why this fic took too long to update? The answer is simple.

What the absolutely fucking hell happened at the novel.

When I uploaded chapter 1-2 I was still on chap 60-70 on GSGW, HOWEVER.. I suddenly wrote chap 3 but gave up halfway on writing and just immediately continued reading the novel.

Basically at a very simple explanation, my thoughts and how I characterize the GSGW cast was thrown out the window once I started to go over the dark arcs of GSGW, that's why I couldn't write for so long because the original plot/ending of this story was abit different, because at that time I fucking thought nothing this serious would happen in the novel but I guess I was wrong.

The first half part(where KSE and Braun got thrown out of the ghost story) was when I was on chap 60-70, so maybe you can kinda see some differences on the characters behavior.. maybe, just maybe. I didn't expect Braun to be like that, That Lee Jaheon was a freaking alien omg.. and many others.

And yes, I'm very sorry for taking so long to update. It's just that ever since reading and finding out the recent chapters I was caught between where "do I wanna do the original ending where Braun could be a famous host now that he can turn human OR.. should I do the now update ending that I thought is more appropriate to their behaviors."

I was caught between, and I guess I picked something in the middle because I said "Fuck it we ball." And just started continue writing.

I'm on 152th chapter right now and I am not planning to read further because I found out what happened on the recent chapters. Yes. I knew what happened.. this is turning like ORV ya all this is not good 💔 (and I'll probably continue reading like after a week)

And tbh.. I kinda forgot but at the same time don't the contents of other chaps in GSGW.. yikes. Maybe it's bcs of the burning flames of what's happening RN on the recent chaps. So if Eun Haje doesn't call KSE "Kim Soleum-ssi." Yikes. I don't remember, so sorry!!

Anyways, that's all I wanna say, thank you for sticking out and loving this fic

Edited note: correct me if I'm wrong but I distinctively just remembered that Only KSE can see Braun's tv head. It goes the same for Lee Jaheon, it says that in other people's eyes.. Braun looks like a handsome man. So uh yeah, now I know where the human! Braun came from 😭

Kim Soleum collapsed with a soft thud upon the dormitory floor, exhaling deeply as he surrendered his weight to the cold ground.

"I'm so tired!!!"

Following their kiss, he had barely blinked before finding himself unceremoniously deposited onto his floor like some discarded trinket. His eyes darted about, seeking Braun, yet the enigmatic figure was gone.

— Ah! Searching for me, My Dear?

Ugh.

With a heavy sigh, he pulled himself upright, attempting to tame his tousled hair. His rumpled suit jacket and unkempt appearance screamed that someone had absolutely ruined him.

"Better fix this before I go out.."

If Baek Saheon caught sight of him like this, he was as good as dead.

Now that he paid attention...

A ring adorned his finger. Its handle entwined with elegant thorns, crowned by a deep crimson rose at its heart. Though the thorns did not pierce his skin, they were still...

"Braun."

— Yes, My Dear?

"Do you also have a ring?"

— ...

That silence... unusual.

— Well.. to know that, Mr. Roe Deer.. I must return to my true form!

Ah.

"I s-see.. it's fine then."

It is absolutely not fine at all!!!

— Very well then!

"..Do I need to close my eyes this time-"

[Not necessarily, My Dear!]

"Ack!"

Startled by the sudden voice, he jumped to his feet, only to slam his head into a TV Head. Groaning, he collapsed back onto the floor. As he opened his eyes...

...Braun was looking at him.

Well, sort of.

The TV Head, adorned with a cheerful emoji, was bent over, peering at the floor-bound Kim Soleum with an unmistakably smug air.

"..Inform me next time."

[Ah, well, I merely wished to surprise my dear wife! Very well! This Braun shall give notice henceforth.]

The TV Head tilted to one side, clearly pleased. Kim Soleum only sighed, sitting up once more to examine Braun’s gloved hands.

Taking them gently, he traced the leather texture and smoothness, and there it was—the ring.

Damn it!!!

This wasn’t a dream. This was reality.

[Ah. Were you, perhaps, wondering if it had all been a dream?]

The TV displayed a laughing emoji. Kim Soleum merely rolled his eyes.

[But my dear, the moment I accepted your request to resume my original form, you should’ve known.]

Braun clapped gleefully.

[Right?]

Kim Soleum remained silent for a moment, then nodded.

There was no escaping this...

Ugh.

He released Braun's hands and surveyed the disarray around him. But whatever. What truly mattered was that he was still alive, right?..

Yeah, right.

He could simply ignore the fact he had married Braun and treat him like a friend.

[My, My. Such a cruel thought, my dear.]

Oh hell, he heard that.

[It pains me deeply that my beloved wife thinks in such ways!..]

Braun pressed both hands to his TV screen in mock anguish, which now displayed a crying emoji.

Damn it.

Why had he even opened that box? If he hadn’t...

...

...he wouldn’t be married to Braun right now.

How was he even supposed to explain this to his colleagues?.. If memory served, the ring was immovable, as if sealed upon his finger...

Kim Soleum turned toward Braun.

Braun tilted his TV Head, wordlessly asking—"What is it, My Dear?"

. . .

...That infuriating demeanor.

Kim Soleum took Braun's hands once more, glaring at the ring before brushing his fingers against it. His touch landed on the handle, and his expression darkened. He was meant to receive a wish ticket and return home! Why was this his fate? Was someone conspiring to trap him here?

He exhaled.

But seriously... before contemplating conspiracies, he needed an excuse convincing enough for his co-workers and squad leader to believe.

---

 

The next morning dawned. The pulsing headache should have been his top concern, yet his mind remained fixated on how to explain everything to his team.

Even if he attempted to hide it, Lee Jaheon would definitely notice the ring. That man was uncanny.

Hah.

He rose from bed and shot a glare at the pink rabbit plush perched beside his table.

Braun.

Silence.

Braun?

Still no reply.

That was odd. If it were Braun, he’d respond immediately.

Well, whatever. Work awaited...

---

"Good morning, Kim Soleum-ssi." Eun Haje greeted warmly, a pleasant smile on her lips. It didn't take long before her eyes honed in on the conspicuous ring adorning his finger.

"Oh?" Her lips curled into a knowing smirk. "Looks like we've got gossip material. What’s this? You got a girlfriend?"

Ah. Here it began.

To be fair, he’d discussed this with Braun, but there was absolutely no way in hell he’d reveal anything.

"Ah, well.. it’s just an accessory I got."

"Hm. Sure." Eun Haje replied, clearly skeptical, her smirk never faltering as she sauntered away. That was manageable. Perhaps he could conceal it with the back of his hand or even wear gloves.

Surely people wouldn't press him on it.

Right?

Wrong.

Terribly wrong.

Every single person he spoke with commented on the thorn-ring, giggling with intrigue the moment they noticed it. Even his squad team leader, Lee Jaehoon, had stared at it with a confused look that screamed—"Why the hell?.."

Truth be told, all he saw was a lizard head, but he could still read the bewilderment etched into that reptilian face.

Honestly, that was the most emotion he'd ever seen Lee Jaehoon express.

Which was, admittedly, kind of funny.

Anyway, back to the ring. He simply repeated what he'd told Eun Haje—"It’s just an accessory I got."

A straightforward lie, it should have been. But no one believed him! They giggled, echoing—"Oh sure."

He swore, his headache worsened each time someone laughed at the sight of the ring.

And Braun wasn't making it easier. He hadn’t even brought the plushie, yet Kim Soleum could still hear his voice—probably a perk from the "benefits" the ring granted.

Not that he appreciated it.

— My dear, you left me behind!

...Yeah.

— How tragic. I wished to spend precious time with my beloved wife-

Okay okay! I'll bring you someday..

— Not tomorrow?

No.

— Why?

That was the first time Braun had spoken normally. Usually, his tone mirrored that of a theatrical host. But today...

Because I don't want people to find out that something happened.

— Ah, but my dear, you don't want people finding out you're married?..

Well, yeah—

— ..To me?

...

Braun. You're a ghost monster. Imagine what people would think-

— Ah, it's fine, it’s fine! My dear. You needn't worry!

He couldn't possibly trust that. But he simply hummed, praying Braun would understand.

---

Another morning, another blow to his dignity. Still no mission requiring him to enter a ghost story, so for now, he could breathe easy. Straightening his suit, he glanced at the small pink bunny plush on his table. Braun hadn’t spoken since yesterday.

Not that he was complaining. But... concern lingered. He was, after all, a ghost monster.

Still, no point in dwelling. He grabbed his suitcase and departed... unaware that the little plushie was plotting something.

---

"Kim Soleum-ssi, not having lunch?" Eun Haje asked, peeking over his cubicle.

"Ah." He blinked. "Right.."

Rising, he followed her toward the elevator and cafeteria. Speaking of which... "Where’s Park Minseong-ssi?" he asked.

Eun Haje sighed, stepping into the elevator with him and pressing the ground floor button. "Running errands. He'll probably return just after lunch ends."

"Oh.." He nodded. "What about.."

"He's probably running some errands too." Eun Haje interrupted Kim Soleum, already knowing he was talking about Lee Jaehoon. "Don't worry about those two, they can properly handle themselves just fine." Eun Haje added. Kim Soleum just nodded once again.

Their moments stayed silent except the silent hum of the elevator.

But the moment the elevator door opened, sequels and whispers were all they could hear, a bunch of people crowded in the main lobby as if there was a celebrity outside. Eun Haje and Kim Soleum blinked in unison.

"What the hell." Was all Eun Haje could muster to say before looking at Kim Soleum. "What happened?"

Kim Soleum looked back at her and just shrugged. "Don't know."

With a heavy sigh Eun Haje slowly walked out of the elevator, As well as Kim Soleum. The crowded people whispering and squealing was an odd sight for sure.

Not even a second later Eun Haje heard Kim Soleum cuss loudly and went back to the elevator. She turned around, confused.

"Kim Soleum-ssi?" She blinked at the sight of Kim Soleum's eyes twitching and looks like he could kill himself right now. "What's wrong-"

"Ahh! He's so handsome!"

The crowd's squeals escalated. Finally, Eun Haje turned to see the cause.

At the lobby entrance stood a man in a brown three-piece suit with black stripes, golden hair slicked back, and a bouquet of flowers in hand.

She blinked. So this was the reason?

She looked back at Kim Soleum, now frantically jabbing the elevator button like his life depended on it. "Wait, Kim Soleum-ssi!" she shouted, loud enough for the man at the gate to hear.

"Ah fuck." Kim Soleum whispered to himself as he very quickly took Eun Haje's hands and ran off to the cafeteria.

"Wait wait wait-" Eun Haje tried to argue back and tried to free her hands but Kim Soleum was not letting go.

Just before they entered the cafeteria, a hand halted him.

Kim Soleum cursed, catching Eun Haje from falling. She blinked, confused.

Then came that familiar voice, syrupy and smug: "Now, my dear. Why would you run from me?" The blond man wrapped his arms around Kim Soleum from behind, nuzzling his nape.

Oh? Eun Haje chuckled.

All eyes turned to the scene, the mysterious man cradling Kim Soleum like a prized treasure. Kim Soleum dangled mid-air.

"What’s this huhhhhh?" Eun Haje teased.

Kim Soleum looked at her with betrayal in his eyes but ignored it and just tried to kick the man's legs. "Braun, let me go. Now." Braun, the man sighed heavily as he put Kim Soleum down with a pout.

As soon as his feet hit the ground, Kim Soleum spun and snapped, "What are you doing here!-"

"Ah yes. I forgot the flowers, hold on, my dear." Braun said before walking quickly at the crowd of people looking at them, he arrived at the front desk nearby the entrance and took the bouquet of flowers he was holding earlier. He then walked back as if nothing happened and placed the bouquet of flowers in the hands of a shocked, confused and angry Kim Soleum.

"There we go!" Braun said with pure joy. Kim Soleum just stood there, blinking, frozen. Eun Haje was now on the floor, howling with laughter, her blazer disheveled.

He glanced at Braun—no, his husband, and saw nothing but beaming pride. Deep breaths. Stress was bad for him.

With a heavy exhale, he spoke.

"..What are you doing here?"

"Visiting my wife, of course!"

Gasp suddenly filled the lobby as the words left Braun's mouth. Eun Haje laughed more that she can't even breath anymore, she was still clutching her stomach, her suit blazer ruined, and is still on the fucking floor.

Oh my god.

Right, they were still in public..

"Listen, we should-" Kim Soleum turned around to get Braun to follow him but the sight of his team leader, Lee Jaehoon and his co-worker, Park Minseong, confused expression made him really wanna kill himself.

To be honest, Lee Jaheon's expression was like a confusion but at the same time, mixed with shock as if to ask- 'Are you sure?'

Okay, that's the second time Kim Soleum had seen his team leader with that much expression. Twice isn't that big but it's weird that it happened twice.

And it's kinda funny how a lizard head like his can do emotions.

Kim Soleum turned to Braun.

"You know what.. we should just.. go outside-"

"Bahahaha! Holy fucking shit!" Eun Haje wheezed, collapsing in laughter once more.

Before Kim Soleum could help her, Lee Jaeheon approached and pulled her up by the arm. He paused, turned to Kim Soleum and Braun, then shut his eyes.

"Ten minutes." was all he said, then continued dragging a laughing Eun Haje away. Park Minseong offered a supportive smile before following Lee Jaheon.

The crowd slowly dispersed, leaving Kim Soleum mortified and Braun delighted.

Braun beamed down at his furious spouse. He could already predict the torrent of scolding that would follow—but that was fine.

As long as Kim Soleum's attention was on him, even if laced with fury or killing intent, it was more than enough.

Because Kim Soleum was his.

And his alone.

Notes:

Andddd I'm finally done! No, this is not the end of the journey of Braunsol, I might write more but I should do a AU one.. bcs I don't think I can think of a plot good enough with the recent happening on the novel. So uh.. maybe prince x servant?? IDK?? but regardless, thank you for sticking out with me until the very end! I might do Orv x GSGW crossover.. hmmm..

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Notes:

Idk when will this update but uhh .