Chapter Text
Seokjin woke up late the next morning. He blinked slowly, letting his eyes adjust, and stayed still for a moment. His whole body felt relaxed and soft in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Then the memories of last night hit him, and a smile grew on his face before he could stop it. So, that happened...
Namjoon was gone now, already at work. But before leaving, they had woken up tangled together, legs mixed, arms wrapped around each other and faces close. Namjoon had still been half-asleep with hair messy and deep voice, smiling against Seokjin’s lips as they shared slow, sleepy kisses.
He had pulled Seokjin closer every time he tried to move away, mumbling something like “five more minutes” into his shoulder.
Seokjin covered his face with one hand, feeling shy even though no one could see him. How was he supposed to act normal after that?
He touched the empty side of the bed, the sheets still a little warm. He could almost imagine Namjoon lying there, eyes half-open, giving him that small, soft smile.
If this was what waking up with Namjoon felt like… then yes, Seokjin wanted this every day. He wanted these warm mornings, these quiet moments.
It still didn’t feel real.
A few months ago, he didn’t believe in love at all. He didn’t trust it, didn’t want it, and he definitely didn’t want a marriage. He felt trapped and angry and confused. If someone had told him that he would one day wake up smiling because of Namjoon, because of the man he once thought he could never love, he would have laughed in their face.
But here he was. Lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, smiling like an idiot. He let out a small laugh at himself and finally sat up. His hair was a mess, his legs felt heavy, but his heart felt strangely light. Happier than before.
He got out of bed, stretching his arms over his head. “Get a grip, Seokjin,” he muttered to himself with a grin. But he was happy. And he didn’t want to hide it.
____
After getting ready, Seokjin went down for breakfast. The palace was quieter than usual, and for some reason, that made everything feel even more peaceful. He ate slowly, still smiling to himself from time to time like he couldn’t help it.
When he was done, one of the maids told him the queen wanted to see him in her private sitting room. Seokjin nodded and made his way there, wondering what she needed.
The moment he stepped inside, he saw the queen sitting on a couch with a tablet propped up in front of her. On the screen, his mother’s face appeared, smiling brightly. “Ah, Seokjin! There he is,” the queen said, waving him closer.
Seokjin blinked, surprised, but he bowed and sat beside her. “Good morning, your Majesty, Mom,” he greeted, adjusting his clothes a bit.
His mother laughed. “You seem well-rested,” she said teasingly. Seokjin’s ears turned pink almost immediately, and the queen chuckled softly beside him.
“We were just discussing your return,” his mother explained. “Your stay there is almost over, dear. With the wedding being held in the Selene Kingdom, we need you back home soon.”
Seokjin’s smile faded just a little. He knew this moment was coming, but hearing it made something in his chest tighten. His mother continued, “The wedding dates have been finalized. Now all that’s left is for you and Namjoon to choose which one works best.”
The queen added, “And from the way you’re blushing, I’m guessing the two of you won’t take long to decide.”
Both women looked at him with amused smiles. Seokjin buried his face in his hands for a second. “Please,” he groaned. “Don’t tease me.” But he was smiling too.
The call went on for a while, mostly light conversations and plans. But the thought of leaving the palace… leaving Namjoon… it sat heavily in Seokjin’s heart the whole time.
He didn’t see Namjoon until late at night. Namjoon had been busy the whole day with meetings and important work, so Seokjin didn’t text him much. He didn’t want to disturb him. Still, Namjoon had replied to every message quickly, even if it was short. And earlier, Namjoon had texted, “Can we talk tonight?”
So Seokjin waited. He didn’t go to sleep even though he was tired. Instead, he took a walk around the garden, letting the night air clear his mind. He stood by the fountain, watching the water rise and fall. The sound was calming. He hugged his arms lightly around himself and stared at the ripples.
A warm presence came up behind him, and strong arms wrapped around his waist. “Hyung,” Namjoon whispered softly against his ear.
Seokjin didn’t even flinch. He leaned back into Namjoon instantly, like his body had been waiting for him all day. Namjoon’s chin rested on his shoulder, and they stayed like that, breathing in sync, enjoying the quiet.
After a moment, Namjoon spoke again, voice low and a little pouty. “Do you really have to go?”
Seokjin’s heart softened. He wanted to stay too. He had gotten used to Namjoon’s presence, to seeing him every day. “Well… the stay time is over,” he said, trying to tease him, adding a small shrug.
Namjoon huffed against his neck. Seokjin smiled and added, “You should come stay at my kingdom now.” Namjoon didn’t even hesitate. “I’m ready.” Seokjin laughed softly and turned around in his arms. He reached up and kissed Namjoon’s cheek.
“I wish you could,” he said gently. “But you have your coronation coming.” Namjoon groaned lightly and pulled Seokjin into a slow kiss. When he pulled back, their foreheads touched.
“We’re both going to be busy, aren’t we?” he whispered. Seokjin nodded. He knew how much work was coming. Namjoon’s coronation. Their wedding. And in Seokjin’s kingdom, his own brother would take the throne soon. Everything was going to move fast.
“It might be almost three weeks apart,” Seokjin murmured.
Namjoon held him closer. “Three weeks is too long.”
Seokjin laughed quietly. “You better call me every night.”
“I will,” Namjoon promised right away. “When do you want me to call?”
“Night,” Seokjin said easily. “I want to sleep while seeing your face.”
Namjoon smiled. “Then I’ll call every night,” he whispered. And they stayed there in the garden, holding each other like they didn’t want to let go.
____
For the next few days, Seokjin and Namjoon only had the nights.
During the day, Namjoon was packed with work, meetings, council discussions, and documents for his upcoming coronation. Seokjin also had duties with his mother and his kingdom, talking about arrangements for his return and helping choose the wedding dates.
But at night, they always found each other. Some nights they cuddled in bed, Namjoon’s arm around Seokjin’s waist while Seokjin’s head rested on his chest. Some nights they watched a movie, Seokjin leaning into Namjoon every now and then, Namjoon kissing his hair softly. Other nights they sat outside on the balcony, not speaking much, just sitting with their shoulders touching, breathing in the cool air.
Those simple nights became precious.
But as the day of Seokjin’s departure came closer, something strange happened. It felt like the world was trying to keep them apart.
Three days before Seokjin leaves, Namjoon came looking for Seokjin in the afternoon. He wanted to invite him for a walk in the garden before sunset. But a messenger stopped him, saying the council needed him immediately to sign urgent papers.
Namjoon sighed, glanced toward Seokjin’s hallway, then went to the meeting. That evening, when he finally became free, he rushed to Seokjin’s room… but Seokjin had fallen asleep on the couch, exhausted from helping his mother with wedding preparations on video calls all day.
Namjoon didn’t wake him. He just covered him with a blanket and kissed his forehead.
Two days before Seokjin leaves, he wanted to surprise Namjoon with lunch. He walked to Namjoon’s office with a warm smile and a box of food he prepared with the palace cooks.
But the hall was full of guards. A royal advisor told him Namjoon had been suddenly called to the capital border for a quick inspection. Seokjin forced a smile and left the lunch in Namjoon’s room instead.
That night, Namjoon came to Seokjin’s room late, worn out. They sat on the couch and held hands quietly. No energy to talk, but needing the closeness.
By the time it was the last day of Seokjin’s stay, both of them were tired and frustrated, even if they didn’t show it.
It felt like the whole palace was pulling them away.
____
It was evening. Namjoon managed go come home early. He almost rushed through the halls, looking for Seokjin. He found him in his room, folding clothes into a suitcase.
Seokjin looked up and their eyes met.
For a second, they both froze. Then Namjoon walked toward him slowly, as if he was afraid Seokjin would disappear if he moved too fast.
“You’re packing,” Namjoon said softly.
Seokjin nodded, trying to smile. “I’m leaving tomorrow…”
Namjoon took the shirt from Seokjin’s hands and placed it aside. “Leave it. Do it later. Come sit with me please.”
Seokjin let out a small breath, almost a sigh, and followed him to the bed. They sat close, knees touching.
Namjoon stared at his hands for a moment.
“Hyung… we barely saw each other these last two days.”
“I know,” Seokjin said. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“It wasn’t yours either,” Namjoon replied, voice low. “But I still feel like… I lost time. I wanted to be with you.”
Seokjin felt a tightness in his chest. He reached out and took Namjoon’s hand. “We’re here now,” he whispered. “That’s enough.”
Namjoon wrapped his arms around him, pulling him close. Seokjin hugged him back tightly, fingers curling in Namjoon’s shirt. They stayed like that for a long time, breathing in each other’s warmth.
“We’ll meet again soon,” Seokjin whispered into Namjoon’s chest. Namjoon nodded against his hair. “We’ll be okay,” Seokjin said, more to comfort him than himself.
Namjoon’s arms tightened around him. “Yes. But let me stay like this for a little longer.”
Seokjin nodded and closed his eyes.
____
The next morning came too quickly. Seokjin stood near the entrance of the palace. His suitcase was already placed in the car. Everything felt too real. He was going home… even though his heart didn’t feel ready.
The queen came to him first. She wrapped him in a warm, tight hug. “Take care of yourself, dear,” she said softly, rubbing his back like a mother comforting her son.
Seokjin nodded against her shoulder. “Thank you… for everything.” His voice felt smaller than usual.
The king stepped forward after her, placing a gentle hand on Seokjin’s head. “Travel safe,” he said. “We’ll meet you very soon.”
Seokjin’s throat felt tight. These people were no longer strangers. They treated him like family even when he didn’t expect it, even when he didn’t think he deserved it.
Then came Taehyung. He didn’t say anything first. He just walked up and hugged Seokjin with all his strength. His arms wrapped around him like he didn’t want to let go at all. “I’ll miss you, hyung,” Taehyung whispered.
Seokjin felt that sadness hit him in the chest. He cupped Taehyung’s face gently and kissed the top of his head, brushing his thumb over Taehyung’s cheek. “I’ll miss you too,” he whispered.
When Taehyung stepped back, Seokjin finally looked at the person he was secretly searching for.
Namjoon.
He stood a little away from everyone. Not because he didn’t care. But because he cared too much. He couldn’t go with Seokjin to the airport. He had a work trip in another city. It hurt both of them, even if they didn’t say it out loud.
The moment Seokjin bid everyone goodbye, Namjoon walked toward him. When he stopped infront of him, Seokjin remembered the day he first arrived.
Namjoon had greeted him politely, carefully. He kept his distance. He respected Seokjin’s space. He was gentle even when Seokjin was cold or rude.
Now… that same man stood in front of him with eyes full of longing. Full of love he didn’t hide anymore.
Namjoon took Seokjin’s hand with both of his, lifted it, and pressed a slow kiss to the back of it. His lips lingered, as if he wished he could freeze time right there.
Seokjin’s heart pulled painfully inside him. He didn’t want to leave this man. Not now. Not ever.
He stepped closer, lifted his chin, and kissed Namjoon’s lips. A gentle, short kiss. If he kept it longer, he felt like he might cry. So he pulled back quickly, breathing shakily.
Namjoon tightened his hold on his hand, as if asking him not to go… but still guiding him toward the car because he knew Seokjin had to.
He opened the door for him, holding it carefully, almost reluctantly. Seokjin sat inside. Namjoon leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.
“Hyung…” Namjoon whispered, voice heavy. “I–”
But Seokjin spoke first. “I love you,” he said, not hesitating this time. His eyes glistened. “I love you, Namjoon-ah.”
Namjoon froze for a second. Then he smiled. A wide, teary, breathtaking smile. The kind that Seokjin wished he could see every day.
“I love you, hyung,” Namjoon whispered. “I’ll come meet you soon.”
Seokjin nodded. “I’ll wait for you.”
Namjoon closed the door gently, never taking his eyes off him until the car began to move. Seokjin looked back through the window. Namjoon stood there, one hand lifted in a slow wave, eyes shining.
And Seokjin knew, this wasn’t an ending.
This was just their beginning.