02 ' Lee Minho

Han Jisung was the crown prince of the «Haen» Kingdom, the only son of the king and queen. He was raised to follow royal duty and rules. Quiet, polite, and always proper, but kind and gentle at heart.

Lee Minho joined the palace at 17 as a young knight. He first saw Jisung in the inner garden. The prince was surrounded by advisors and servants, yet looked lonely. Their eyes met for a moment calm, soft, but tired and it stayed with both of them. Months later, Minho was assigned to the prince’s personal guard. At first, they only exchanged short, polite words, but as Minho stayed by his side every day, a quiet, unnoticed bond grew.

Their first real talk happened late at night in the palace library. Jisung couldn’t sleep and came to read; Minho was on duty nearby. After a long silence, the prince said softly, “You’re one of the few people I feel calm with.” That became the start of their secret friendship.

One night in the garden, while watching the stars, Minho carefully took Jisung’s hand, and the prince didn’t let go. Later came their first kiss. They kept it hidden, and three years passed like that quietly and secretly until everything changed:

— Tomorrow you will marry a princess from another kingdom, you have no choice. Said the king. Jisung felt everything collapse inside. He couldn’t argue. He just nodded and left. That night, he met Minho in the same garden. He told him about the forced marriage, the threat, and that he had no choice. Minho listened in silence. It hurt. Their last kiss happened there.

The next morning, the palace was already prepared. The wedding was held quickly and without questions. Jisung stood beside his bride, his face empty. Among the nobles and guests stood Minho, lined up with the knights. He watched the person he loved give vows to someone else. No one noticed his hand clench near his chest or the sting in his eyes. He didn’t look away from Jisung. And Jisung, even for a moment, looked back.

Maybe a version with Jisung will be released later.