Chapter Text
Hyunjin kept pacing back and forth in his room. He was a nervous wreck. He had barely slept last night knowing what was to come today.
His coronation.
He was horrified, nervous, excited, and relieved all at the same time. He needed to talk to someone, just to let out the thoughts piling up in his head. He didn't want to talk to just anyone though. He needed Felix . He sighed in frustration, sitting on the bed. It offered no help as his legs started bouncing restlessly of their own accord. He would need to wait until his boyfriend was done getting ready before he could speak with him privately. The room was filled with people at the moment and Felix was getting his clothes tailored to him in a different room. Hyunjin felt like a helpless kid waiting for their parents to come back so they could feel safe again.
It horrified him to no end that as of today he would be the king, in charge of and responsible for everyone in his kingdom. Although he wasn't completely on his own, he had Felix as well as his parents to still help him but this still scared him. It was so much responsibility he wasn't quite certain he was even ready for. Staying away from the castle for a bit had really opened his eyes to everything that was happening outside. It had also given him what he considered the greatest gift any man could receive; Felix. He was fully aware of how sappy and cheesy he had become but he couldn't help it. Being around Felix just made him spout grossly sappy things without much thought like the idiot in love he was. His eyes snapped to the door as it opened and to his delight in stepped Felix.
He looked beautiful. The glittery, silver streaks in his dark hair reflected a beautiful shine when he moved, his makeup light and pretty, showcasing his freckles. He was dressed in clothes made of silk, his sleeves sheer, giving him an almost fairy-like appearance. Hyunjin got an intense image suddenly when Felix started walking to him.
Felix was walking to him, wearing all white with the prettiest smile on his face. Hundreds of people had gathered to watch them promise each other eternity. When Felix was stood in front of him, they held hands and Hyunjin no longer saw the other people. All he could see was Felix and his beautiful smile. They promised to love each other for better or for worse, in sickness and in health before locking in their promises with identical silver bands now decorating their hands. Hyunjin looked up from his husband's tiny hands and saw the same, sparkly, innocent eyes he had first seen so long ago now glossy with tears. He had never felt such overwhelming happiness and it worried him since it was all in his head.
"Baby? Should I go fetch someone? You look so pale" Felix was asking, now crouching in front of Hyunjin. He was fussing, placing the back of his hand against the prince's forehead with a frown. Hyunjin chuckled, Felix brought him to ease so naturally. "No, I was just really really lovesick," he said dramatically, laughing as Felix's face fell into disappointment, snatching his hand back to himself. "You can't worry me like that!" He whined but couldn't help the smile that was stretching across his face as he listened to Hyunjin's laugh. Just like that, all the prince's worry melted, comforted by his sunshine's presence. "What were you daydreaming about then, eh?" Felix teased while sitting next to Hyunjin on the bed, immediately snatching the other's much bigger hands. "Marrying you of course" The prince replied with a smug smile. It wasn't the first time he had imagined their wedding and he was sure it would plague him until the day he finally fulfilled his promise to Felix.
Felix rolled his eyes, a habit that had now fully stuck to him thanks to the sassy royal family, and laughed sarcastically. "You always say that" but Hyunjin noticed the boy's bright red ears, deciding to tease him a bit more. "And I've never lied about it, not once" He rested his head on Felix's shoulder, enjoying the feeling of the other playing with his hands. He closed his eyes, trying to will away the nervousness, to calm down his heartbeat as he knew they'd soon have to leave their safe haven. "You have other things to focus on at the moment Hyunnie" Felix's tone was a bit wistful as he didn't want to change the subject. He also wanted to plan and dream about their wedding but the truth still remained; Hyunjin was going to become the king and hadn't even proposed to him yet.
Hyunjin scoffed, lifting his head just enough to lay a quick kiss on the other's neck "You're always my priority" he then lifted his head fully up, cursing in his head as he looked at his stunning boyfriend. You will be the death of me Lee Felix, you really will. He ran his hand through the other's hair, careful not to ruin the styling while saying "I want to give you a bit more time. I want you to be sure that you wish to remain here before you're bound to me for life" This was true as Hyunjin had every intention to marry Felix. He just wanted to settle the matter of becoming the king first as well as make sure that Felix was happy in the castle, knowing how hard it has been for him. "You're stupid" Felix stated with the most lovestruck smile Hyunjin had ever seen. "I'm already bound to you. No amount of misery can scare me away" this didn't entirely convince Hyunjin as he didn't want Felix to just 'put up with misery' for his sake but it also told him that Felix was determined to stay, no matter what.
"Then my first task as a king will be to make you my prince" Hyunjin smiled teasingly, leaning closer. Felix giggled, his eyes turning into small crescents, a slight blush decorating his freckled cheeks. Felix hadn't even thought about it, never thinking about his place in the world outside of Hyunjin. He would become a prince if he married Hyunjin. This thought didn't particularly excite him but he was willing to do his best for Hyunjin and his kingdom. "Then I'll be the happiest prince there is" Felix responded, both of them way beyond past the point of self-awareness of their disgustingly sappy dialogue. Hyunjin leaned even closer, their noses almost touching now "Hmm, I think I have you beat right now"
Felix giggled quietly which sounded like light bells ringing to Hyunjin. "You won't be a prince for long, my king " Felix teased before closing the distance between them, finally connecting them like they had craved the entire morning.
"Okay, break it up love birds"
Jisung's exasperated voice rang through the room, though the couple paid minimal attention to him, finishing their kiss before turning to look at him. Turns out he wasn't alone as all the guards Hyunjin was particularly close with had come to fetch him. The prince didn't have it in him to feel ashamed but he could almost sense the giggling boy blushing next to him. "I can't possibly explain to your father that you were late from the ceremony because you were too busy kissing Felix" Chan sighed, the same disappointed father look he wore whenever Hyunjin had done something stupid, adorned on his face. Though the proudness was still very evident, rendering the "dad-look" almost useless. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I'd say that's a perfectly valid reason to be late" Hyunjin argued, only half-heartedly. Felix slapped him on the chest while laughing, leaning against his shoulder after.
Hyunjin felt the nervousness build up to its peak while they were walking down to leave the castle. Luckily Felix, who was walking beside him noticed this and held his hand, trying to comfort him "Focus on your breathing Hyunnie, It'll go well" those were the last words exchanged before the large doors were opened and they stepped outside. There were so many guards everywhere and there was a carriage that seemed to be made of gold waiting for them. Felix now felt like he too might pass out. Hyunjin had gone over with him about a million times what was to happen today but he still felt rather overwhelmed, not really even used to regular life with the royals.
They walked to the carriage, surrounded by guards and Hyunjin felt like he could breathe again when they were seated inside it. Felix chuckled at his boyfriend, he looked like he had been frozen. He squeezed Hyunjin's hand affectionately, in hopes of it calming him down. Though Felix was the one who needed comforting when they made their way through the town to the abbey. People had gathered, more people than Felix had ever seen in one place in his entire life. They were all cheering, seemingly happy though neither of the couple could joyce much due to their nerves. Felix was reminded of all the things people had said when he had ridden through the city on Hyunjin's horse. Were they once again debating his place in Hyunjin's world? Were they commenting on his appearance? Picking apart his shortcomings?
He wanted to hide in the soft cushions of the carriage so no one could see him. He leaned back and slid down as far as he could, trying to disappear. Hyunjin wasn't a fan of that idea, however, "Don't hide, baby. I want the people to see you" Felix sighed as he sat back up, nervously holding Hyunjin's hand not daring to look outside "They don't like me Hyun'' he whispered. He hated how he had now become the nervous wreck that Hyunjin had to calm down and reassure, Felix was the one who was supposed to help the prince on this very important day. Hyunjin gently turned Felix by his chin so that they were facing each other. "Their opinions mean nothing to me. I love you and I want them to see you, if they do not like you that is their issue" Felix wished he could lean in and press their lips together but knew it would be highly inappropriate given the situation they were in.
He ended up giving a weak smile and resting his head on the other's shoulder for just a moment. Hyunjin had told him that usually when they would appear in public as a royal couple, they weren't supposed to show much affection towards each other which didn't sit well with the very affectionate Felix.
Their journey wasn't long and before he knew it, Hyunjin was walking inside the abbey. He felt so nervous, what if he messed something up? He could so easily ruin the whole ceremony. His clothes weren't helping either, they were uncomfortable and hot, making him feel like he would surely pass out. He took a seat in the crowded abbey, filled with guards, officials, and royals.
First, the people needed to recognize their new sovereign. This made Hyunjin's hurt thump loudly in his chest. He knew he must've rustled some feathers by displaying Felix publicly as his partner so he was afraid the people wouldn't accept him as their king. He sighed a sigh of relief when hearing that they had accepted him .
The rest of the coronation, taking the coronation oath, taking a seat in the king's chair, receiving the sword of state, and finally having the crown placed on his head, went in one big blur. He could see Felix standing with his parents, smiling proudly and it gave him strength. This day was so important to not only him but Felix too that the boy's pride in Hyunjin overrode his anxiety near royals. Hyunjin had so many worries and he would be even busier as the king than he had been before but as he made the promise to lead and protect his kingdom, he also deep inside of himself made the promise to make sure to put Felix above everything else. As long as he had the boy by his side, everything would be okay.
They went back to the castle in the same carriage, a trip that Felix found highly useless as he thought the coronation could've just taken place at the castle in the first place but he was too happy to complain. Hyunjin was beaming the whole ride back, the worst part now over. "I can't believe I'm riding the king's carriage" Felix joked, lacing their fingers together. Hyunjin chuckled as well, feeling the happiness of the day tenfold now. "Better get used to it, you might be riding something else of the king's later on" Hyunjin was having a hard time keeping a straight face long enough to finish his sentence but lost it at Felix's flustered and shocked expression. "Pervert!" Felix slapped Hyunjin's chest, receiving more laughter in response.
The celebration was truly nothing like Felix had ever seen before. It was like the celebration they'd had a month ago except now there were twice as many people and everyone was dressed in silver, gold, and finest silk. He was overjoyed, however, when Hyunjin led him to the garden and he saw his best friends who had been invited as well. Though they looked strange as well. They were wearing clothes Felix knew they would never be able to afford in their lifetime. "What are you guys doing here?!" Felix exclaimed, laughing when Minho made a disgusted face at his attempt to hug him. "The king invited us! Gave us nice clothes too!" Jeongin beamed, so excitedly that it made Felix want to spoil him with nice things all the time. "And Minho hyung has his own horse in the race" Jeongin added and when Felix looked at him confused, he looked pointedly to his left where Felix saw Jisung.
Minho rolled his eyes, scoffing "Innie, how dare you think I am here for any reason other than to see my friend?!" Though this just made the two younger ones laugh. They all knew why he was here, they had all had to witness the two of them making out. "But if you'll excuse me…" he then added while walking to a direction that seemed to suspiciously point him towards Jisung.
"Hey, cutie" Minho said confidently while walking up to the boy.
Jisung blushed bright red, hands flying to cover his red ears. "Heyy" he tried to say casually but it failed miserably and just made Minho chuckle.
"You ain't much of a talker, are you?" Minho teased, now standing very close, closer than you normally would during conversation. Jisung simply pouted, looking at the other like he had just thrown a grand insult at him. "It's not a bad thing…" Minho leaned a bit closer before basically whispering against the other's lips "Since you kiss so well" he continued before the two reunited their lips again. It was like no time had passed between them.
Felix thought they had seen enough and with Jeongin made their way back inside. Though this was mainly because Felix had been separated from Hyunjin for longer than 10 minutes and was already missing him. They didn't have to wait for long in the ballroom before Hyunjin showed up. Felix couldn't get over how beautiful his boyfriend looked tonight and really hoped the king would hold true to the suggestion he made in the carriage. He was joined by Chan, Seungmin, and Changbin who all took such a liking to Jeongin, cooing and babying the poor boy to no end.
Felix was whisked away again by Hyunjin and they hid behind a pillar in a corner where they were alone. Hyunjin wasted no time in pulling Felix close and kissing him with urgency. Felix pulled on the other's clothes in an attempt to get him closer. Hyunjin might be the king but he wasn't going to spend the whole day just politely smiling at his boyfriend who happened to look so ethereal. When pulling away to breathe, they still stayed as close as possible, foreheads pressed together. "You look so pretty," Hyunjin said, wishing he could explain the complex emotions inside of him and just how incredibly beautiful he found the other but as usual, his mouth failed him. Felix giggled, tugging on Hyunjin's shirt a bit to pull their bodies together "You look prettier" Hyunjin rolled his eyes, sighing dramatically.
"You're the prettiest"
"I already said you're prettier"
"And I said you're the prettiest boy in the world"
"And I said you're even prettier"
"Can't be, you're the prettiest"
"But you're prettier than the prettiest like I said. I win"
Felix looked so triumphant like he had just outsmarted Hyunjin who couldn't keep arguing with him. Not when the boy looked like he fell straight from heaven. "That's not how it works" he sighed but before Felix could protest, Hyunjin pulled him into another kiss. They both knew they didn't have much time as Hyunjin couldn't be absent from the celebration for too long but they had both lost all concept of time. Perhaps it was a horrible sign that Felix held so much power over Hyunjin that on his coronation day he already was ignoring his duties just to kiss him. Hyunjin mused it was okay because the boy didn't know it. He probably never would understand how much power he held over the king but this too Hyunjin ignored as his tongue explored the other's mouth.
"Hyunnie, you're gonna have to go back," Felix said, breathing heavily as he pushed on the other's chest a bit. He took the opportunity to feel around the chest for just a bit, completely forgetting they were in public. Hyunjin chuckled, collecting the much smaller hand in his "And you call me the pervert" which made Felix blush and duck his head in the crook of Hyunjin's neck to hide. "I'll go but only if you come with," Hyunjin said, swaying them both a bit to the music, waiting for Felix's response. He knew the boy had avoided being in close proximity with nobles and royals though he had no issue with that but he did have something he really wanted to do tonight and it wouldn't work if Felix kept running off every chance he got. Felix thought Hyunjin's heartbeat was fast, too fast. Was he still so nervous?
Felix whined quietly, not really wanting a repeat of the last time he hung out around the upper class during a celebration. "Please, for me?" Hyunjin pleaded and Felix cussed him out in his head because he knew he wouldn't be able to say no to him. "Just for a bit," Felix said determinedly before marching off, dragging the confused yet pleased Hyunjin after him.
Though Felix noticed that fewer people were making sarcastic remarks or suggestive comments about him, no one in fact. Had they all finally accepted the fact that as long as Hyunjin was around he would be too? Or were they that afraid of upsetting the new king? Whichever it was, Felix couldn't complain, he actually found himself enjoying the celebration now that he wasn't constantly under someone's magnifying glass. Hyunjin seemed rather nervous for some reason and Felix chucked it up to the fact that this day had been rather stressful for him. He could make the other feel better in no time once they'd get to their room tonight.
"Oh, come dance with me!"
Hyunjin then exclaimed, holding Felix's hand and pulling him to where everyone else was dancing without even waiting for a response. "Hyunjin! I can't- Well I don't- I just…" Felix tried to argue but Hyunjin had already placed his hand on Felix's lower back and their intertwined hands were raised elegantly. Felix knew all he had to do was to put his hand on Hyunjin's shoulder but he was hesitant. The other noticed this and smiled warmly "Don't worry, I taught you this, remember?" Hyunjin then placed the other's tiny hand on his shoulder, pulling him along. Felix had no choice but to do his best to try moving like Hyunjin had taught him what felt like forever ago. He got the hang of it a lot quicker this time, smiling brightly when his feet moved almost of their own accord. Hyunjin was just smiling at him proudly this entire time.
"You're so good at this now" Hyunjin chuckled, jokingly pulling the other even closer so that their bodies were now firmly pressed against each other. Felix just beamed at the praise, resisting the urge to kiss the other. "You're a good teacher," Felix teased. Felix had no idea but the entire time Hyunjin was plagued with images of them dancing like this at their wedding. He wasn't quite sure why he was so concerned with them getting married today but he couldn't help it.
"Do you like it here Lix?" Hyunjin tried to ask casually but there was a certain desperation to his voice. He really hoped the answer was positive. Felix, however, was caught off guard by the sudden question "Yes, of course, I do. You and your family are lovely" Hyunjin nodded, though a bit disbelieving. There was the risk of Felix lying to him just to keep him happy. "I wish to know. God's honest truth, could you consider this place your home?" Felix tilted his head, concern furrowing his eyebrows a bit "I already do…" he trailed off with a confused look before continuing "Where is this coming from, Hyunnie?" Hyunjin was now having a hard time focusing on moving so that they didn't bump into other people, his mind was going a hundred miles an hour. It's now or never.
"If I asked you to marry me, would you say yes?" Hyunjin felt nervous, almost as nervous as he had this morning. Felix however looked dumbfounded until he realized he was the one who needed to answer. A big smile broke onto his face, turning his eyes into small crescents "Are you kidding?! Of course, I would say yes!" He both looked and sounded so happy, perhaps the happiest Hyunjin had seen him. This finally made him release the sigh he had been holding in the whole night. He'd say yes. "Did you just propose to me?" Felix asked, in utter disbelief but still beaming. Hyunjin quickly shook his head, chuckling as Felix stepped on his toes by accident. This seemed to further confuse Felix and Hyunjin couldn't blame him. "I will propose to you but I will make it much better. You deserve a perfect proposal as you deserve a perfect wedding" Hyunjin couldn't help the wide smile now spreading onto his face as well as he watched the other blush furiously. After this, they focused on dancing, both with big smiles and full hearts.
Felix smiled fondly as he thought about them dancing in the kitchen. The radio was playing this exact song in poor quality but it didn't matter to them back then. They had always been content with just each other. The room had been bathed in different hues of pink, purple, and orange. They were awkwardly inching closer while dancing, not so familiar with each other yet but still so full of feelings.
Felix then realized that he felt the exact same way he had that day. His feelings towards Hyunjin hadn't faded away in the slightest or aged and even though they hadn't been together for all that long, Felix had an inkling that they wouldn't. He was so glad he didn't give up. That he kept melting Hyunjin's walls until the spring came. Because when spring came, everything blossomed.