Chapter Text
A twig snapping a short distance behind him has Sunghoon’s body tensing. Perhaps he could just ignore it, pass it off as an animal behind the manicured hedges, but a small whisper of, “Dammit,” leaves him dubious of that possibility.
Pair that with the fact that he’s been feeling eyes on him ever since he stepped out to the gardens for a breath, and now Sunghoon is certain he’s being followed.
“I will admit, stranger watching me, that I am not in the mood for games,” he says, tone flat and face equally unimpressed.
It’s uncomfortable enough, feeling the summer heat warming his dark hair. His pale cheeks are a tinge red because of the bright sun that is sinking closer to the horizon, and he absolutely despises it. Everything about summer is deplorable, to say the very least. Of course, he might be biased, given he is a prince of the winter court. But he doesn’t care. Certainly not when he’s hot and stuffy in his royal garments, about ready to crawl out of the white and powder blue ensemble.
So, anyone—especially strangers—are wholly unwelcome to his personal pity party.
“Apologies.”
The small, yet melodious voice remains behind the foliage, but Sunghoon can tell it is a fellow male. And given he is in the royal gardens of the summer court, Sunghoon can only conclude that he is of similar status to him. Perhaps a prince, but he’s not going to assume too much.
“You do not seem sorry,” he mutters in response, the giggle that follows making Sunghoon’s frown deepen.
“Perhaps I am not,” the voice admits before a mop of ginger hair and warm, twinkling eyes peek around the corner.
Summer fae. This stranger is certainly so, which sours Sunghoon’s mood further.
But the thing that really gets to him, though, is the small voice in the back of his mind whispering, “how pretty.” Objectively true, that much is clear, but why does it matter? Sunghoon is spoken for, so there’s no point in acknowledging the way this stranger’s eyes crinkle so cutely nor how soft his hair looks.
“Perhaps indeed,” Sunghoon huffs, sharply averting his gaze just as the summer fae steps out completely.
“Prince Sunghoon of the winter court, yes?”
That has him snapping his gaze back, instantly regretting it the moment he lays eyes on the full silhouette of the summer stranger.
He’s done up in golds and creams, the ornate style of his clothes confirming that he is indeed of status. Shorter and slighter than Sunghoon, he still doesn’t appear to be much younger than him. Perhaps a year or so. Everything about him is admittedly adorable, but there’s a cunning look in his eye, a certain sparkle that shows he’s up to something. Whatever that something is, Sunghoon can’t guess, but it doesn’t seem to be good when he sees those pouty pink lips form a smile.
Though what may not be good is how his stomach just flipped.
“That is you, yes?” the stranger asks when Sunghoon doesn’t respond.
Oh, right. He asked a question.
“What does it matter to you?”
“Mmm… It matters a bit.”
That piques Sunghoon’s interest more than he’d like to admit.
“And why is that?” he asks, careful to not sound too eager.
“So, you are Prince Sunghoon.” That foxy smile widens. “What are you doing hiding in the gardens? Shouldn’t you be with your family?”
“I needed some air,” he defends, hating how this stranger is looking at him. “Again, who are you to ask?”
“No one,” he singsongs, Sunghoon’s frustration climbing.
“You are of the summer court, hm? A prince perhaps?”
If he weren’t annoyed enough, that is the final straw. The last sort of person he wants to run into is a summer royal.
“Hmm… No, not quite that high of a rank,” the stranger says, shrugging a touch before his eyes go past Sunghoon.
Following his gaze, Sunghoon realizes that the sun is close to setting. It casts a glow over the gardens, each tree and flower dappled with light. Twilight is almost upon them, which means it is nearly time to go back inside.
Which means it is nearly time to say goodbye to his future.
“I heard your older brother has been searching for you, though. Perhaps you should return to him?”
The last thing he desires is for Heeseung to find him. But he knows this stranger is right. He can’t avoid the inevitable forever.
“Well, I would like a bit more peace before I see him again. So, if you would…”
Sunghoon gestures for the stranger to leave.
“Peace? Is something the matter?” he asks instead of leaving Sunghoon alone.
The frown returns, and Sunghoon sighs a little. He truly isn’t royal because otherwise he would know.
“Nothing a noble needs to fret about.”
“Oh. Is it the engagement?” His head tilts, like he has no clue why that would be so stressful.
Tensing a touch, Sunghoon quickly relaxes his muscles and averts his face.
“I shall take that as a yes.”
“I am truly not sure why you care so much,” Sunghoon mumbles, to which the stranger laughs airily.
“I am nosey.”
Did he truly just admit to that? Sunghoon has to keep himself from gawking at the audacity.
“It is not proper to be in a prince’s business,” he says with a short huff. “So, again, if you would…”
“Mmm…” He glances back at the path he came before he shakes his head. “I would prefer to stay.”
“Oh?” Sunghoon tries to make that sound annoyed, but it comes out more curious.
“You are very handsome. I like looking at you.” He nods as he turns back to Sunghoon, his smile sweetening as he shrugs again. “So, I shall stay. Please, Your Highness, do tell me more of your worries.”
Sunghoon blinks. Did… Did this strange summer fae just admit to that, too? Sure, Sunghoon is aware he’s handsome, but he’s never met someone so bold about it.
It pulls a laugh from him. Truly, this situation is just so ridiculous that he can’t help himself. The stranger giggles along with him, the last rays of daylight caught in those mesmerizing eyes.
“You know what?” Sunghoon says, defeated but somehow all the lighter in his chest. “Alright. I suppose there is no harm.”
“Yay,” he responds sweetly before he goes to the stone bench to Sunghoon’s left, patting the spot next to him after he sits. “Come.”
This stranger is a mere noble, but holds the audacity of a king. Sunghoon hates to admit that he finds it charming. Nonetheless, he does as he’s told, sitting down next to the summer fae.
“Will you at least tell me your name?” Sunghoon asks once they’re both watching the darkening sky, ribbons of pink stretching out from the fading orange.
“If you tell me your woes… Perhaps,” he says back, eyes focused on the stars that are coming out to say hello.
“Perhaps?” Sunghoon huffs.
“Perhaps.”
Well, he hasn’t a choice here. So, Sunghoon continues, voice quiet and eyes darting between the gorgeous scene in front of him… and the sky.
“I don’t like summer,” he admits. “Being the youngest prince, though, I am not to inherit the winter throne. Which is fine; Heeseung hyung is better at those things, anyways.” His teeth find his inner cheek before he continues. “But my marriage is to be advantageous. And despite my protests, my fiancé is a summer prince.”
“Mm, yes, that is quite a problem,” the nobleman says, finally meeting Sunghoon’s gaze. “Although it is good for your family, it isn’t so much for you.”
“Yes.”
Sunghoon finds he’s getting lost in those amber eyes. They’re just so pretty, this stranger entirely too beautiful for his own good.
“Have you ever met your fiancé?”
“No, I… I-I haven’t,” Sunghoon admits quietly, wondering where the stuttering is coming from. He never stutters.
“He is quite a lucky prince,” the noble muses.
And then, very suddenly, a soft hand reaches towards the hand on Sunghoon’s right knee, the summer fae’s fingers sending electricity dancing up his arm. It startles a silent gasp out of him, Sunghoon’s eyes wide as he looks at their now joined hands.
“I believe that, with an open mind, you might be pleasantly surprised.”
Sunghoon lifts his eyes up to see the stranger’s assuring smile, and his heart skips a beat.
“Surprised?” he echoes.
“Mhm.”
There is a certain type of magic in the air. It is more powerful than the seasons he helps govern. It is more powerful than the moon that shines above them. It is something Sunghoon cannot quite explain, but he feels it humming beneath his cool skin.
“I don’t follow—”
“But you have to meet him eventually, yes? Tomorrow is the Summer Solstice!”
“Ah… Yes…”
The stranger slowly removes his hand before he smiles, the brilliance of it stronger than a thousand suns. It leaves Sunghoon breathless.
“I wish you luck, Prince Sunghoon.” He gets to his feet, the smile never leaving his lips. “Return to your family, though.”
“Wait!” Sunghoon gasps just before this strange beauty leaves for good. “Who are you?” His voice drops to a whisper. “Will I see you again?”
“Perhaps.”
There is that teasing tone again.
“But—”
“Have a pleasant evening, Your Highness.”
There is no stopping him this time. Sunghoon can only watch as the pretty stranger flounces away.
After he’s gone, Sunghoon realizes he’s still staring after him. Quickly clearing his throat, he then stands up and dusts off his pants, internally swearing at himself. This is not the time to be caught up in fanciful delusions—it wouldn’t be fair to himself nor his fiancé.
Besides, he cannot stand the summer. Soon enough, the pretty noble will be a distant memory, and… Well. Sunghoon will remain with his fiancé, but that is not the point. The point is…
Sighing, he drags his feet forward to return to the palace. He sneaks through the shimmering, golden doors, boots clicking quietly over the intricate sun patterns that have been etched into the white marble. He’s close enough to the original sitting room that he is sure no one noticed him gone—
“ Sunghoon! ”
The angry whisper nearly makes him jump out of his skin, scowling when he turns to see a familiar head of slicked back, silver hair hiding behind a pillar.
“Hyung, I swear…” he grumbles, gasping when Heeseung snatches him by the wrist and drags him behind the pillar with him. “Oi, watch it!”
“Watch it? I need to watch it?” Heeseung shakes his head. “I need to watch you, more like!”
“I know, I know, I shouldn’t wander off—”
“Of course you shouldn’t! All the excuses I could think of barely worked,” he exasperates before he visibly tries to relax. “Listen. I love you. But you need to cooperate. We are guests here. You are to meet Prince Sunoo tomorrow. Please, do not make a fool of me or our kingdom.”
“I do not intend to make a fool of anyone…” Sunghoon mumbles, watching Heeseung’s expression soften. After all, his brother is a benevolent ruler and, if anything, a true softie.
“I know.” He places his hands on Sunghoon’s shoulders, his tone encouraging as he says, “Do not shy away from this. Hold your head high and proud. You play an important role between our kingdom and his.”
Sunghoon nods, thoughtful for a moment before he squares his shoulders.
“Mm. You are right. I understand,” he assures, earning a pat on his shoulder before Heeseung releases him.
Of course he understands. He… doesn’t wish to, but there is no use sulking and pouting. No longer a child, he must bear the weight of his responsibilities.
“Summer may not be your… favorite season, but… Make the most of it, hm?”
With a subtle roll of his eyes, Sunghoon then nods and gestures to their side.
“Shall we return?”
“Let’s.”
Glancing up and down the hall, Heeseung then quickly leads them back to the original room. The floor to ceiling windows at the far end of the expansive space are still open when they enter, moonlight and candles providing intimate lighting. Sunghoon sits next to Heeseung, all attention turning to them.
It is a small gathering. Their winter cousin, Beomgyu, has come with them for the Summer Solstice, but isn’t currently present. Spring and autumn fae join them in the sitting room. Even Sunghoon’s dearest friend, Jaeyun, is present. The autumn fae’s face betrays his concern as Sunghoon settles into his chair, trying to act oblivious. But Jaeyun knows more than anyone how displeased he truly is.
“Are you well, Prince Sunghoon?”
That is the second youngest prince of spring, Jungwon. Bright flowers have been woven into his red hair, his delicate face as sweet as he is. The only one younger than him is his cousin, Riki, who is currently fussing with his blonde hair, picking out the flowers similar to Jungwon’s to fidget with them.
Sunghoon has interacted with them before, but not too much. The spring court is subordinate to the summer one, after all—much how autumn is to winter. And he keeps more to those he knows, like Jongseong and Jaeyun. Not only are they the same ages, but they both represent the autumn court and thus work directly under Heeseung and Sunghoon.
“I am,” he responds to Jungwon coolly.
A smile blossoms over his lips, the spring prince eagerly saying, “That is wonderful. I am most excited for your engagement tomorrow.”
Jaeyun bites his lip, Sunghoon meeting his best friend’s worried eyes before he forces a smile.
“I am pleased that you will join in on the fun.”
“Mm, yes! Prince Sunoo is looking forward to it, as well. It is a shame he couldn’t attend our small gathering tonight,” Jungwon sighs sadly.
“He and his family must be wrapped up in the preparations,” Jongseong muses before he smiles at Jungwon. “I am glad you attended, though.”
A loud snort from Riki’s corner sounds when Jungwon’s face lights up pink. Personally, Sunghoon has to keep from groaning. What a time to be flirtatious.
“Ahem,” Heeseung cuts through it all, everyone turning their attention to the eldest and certainly most powerful in the room. “It is already getting late. Perhaps we should all retire to our rooms for the night.”
“Thank goddess,” Riki says, immediately hopping to his feet and striding his long legs right out of the room.
“Riki, hold on!” Jungwon scolds, gathering himself up before he goes to rush after him.
“See you tomorrow, Prince Jungwon!” Jongseong hollers after him, pouting when he doesn’t get a response. “Aish, he’s always trailing after that kid…”
“To be fair, he is supposed to be keeping an eye on his cousin,” Jaeyun says, elbowing Jongseong teasingly. “You shall have plenty of opportunity to court him tomorrow, though.”
Sunghoon has to wonder who is truly getting engaged tomorrow.
“I better…” Jongseong sighs. “I never have time alone with him.”
“Did I not say we should all sleep?” Heeseung asks, not truly impatient, but certainly not wanting to hear about Jongseong’s painfully obvious crush.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Jongseong grumbles before he and Heeseung wander out of the room together.
Once alone, Jaeyun turns to Sunghoon, finally able to speak his mind.
“Where were you?”
“Out in the gardens.”
“Doing…?”
That pretty little stranger comes to mind, and Sunghoon averts his eyes.
“Getting some fresh air.”
Although he isn’t looking, he already knows Jaeyun is giving him a confused expression.
“Why did you say it like that?” Jaeyun then steps into his line of vision, frowning a little. “And why do you look like that?”
“Enough questions, we need to—”
“Are you blushing?” he asks, gawking at Sunghoon.
Quickly covering his face, Sunghoon shakes his head frantically.
“N-No, it was the sun! And when that strange noble…”
His eyes widen when he realizes what he just said. Jaeyun’s expression goes from shocked to downright alarmed.
“You are stuttering over a noble? ” He quickly lowers his voice to a whisper, “That is not right and you very well know it…”
Sunghoon supposes there is no other he could confide in. Glancing at the door, he then sighs and runs his hand through his hair, giving the dark locks a tug in frustration.
“I know it isn’t right. Not only was he noble, but he was a summer noble.”
It doesn’t appear Jaeyun’s eyes could get any wider, and yet…
“You didn’t do anything, did you?”
“Of course not. Nothing beyond talking.” Sunghoon hangs his head. “But I fear he is related to Prince Sunoo in some way. After all, he was acting like he owns the place.”
“Will he gossip?” Jaeyun asks after a moment of heavy silence.
“I surely hope not,” Sunghoon mumbles. “Of course I would deny any rumors, but…”
Their eyes meet, Jaeyun shaking his head with a pitiful expression.
“Do not tell me you have developed feelings for such a stranger.”
“Attraction is there, at the very least. But…” Sunghoon straightens his back. “I will not waver. My loyalty lies to Prince Sunoo. He has been my fiancé for years now, and we have even exchanged many letters. He is worthy of respect and dignity.”
“Sunghoon—”
“I will not make a fool of him nor myself.”
His best friend relaxes a touch, though he is still looking at him with those sad, puppy eyes.
“You can’t go falling for the wrong summer boy,” he concludes, to which Sunghoon nods.
“Do not worry. I won’t.”
“Alright.” Jaeyun nods. “I believe in you. I am also here for you.”
“I appreciate it,” Sunghoon says before he sighs. “Anyway, let us sleep, hm?”
Just as they turn to the door, though, a flash of warm ginger catches Sunghoon’s eye. He gasps, rushing forward to look out and catch who was eavesdropping. But when he does, there is no one in the hall except for a lone servant with golden blonde hair.
“What? What is it?” Jaeyun asks after he’s caught up.
“Nothing…” Sunghoon glances around again before shrugs. “Nothing, let’s go.”
Even when they walk away, Sunghoon swears he hears a familiar giggle. But that noble is nowhere to be found, and Sunghoon is certainly looking. He concludes he’s too exhausted and needs rest, so he soon finds himself tucked into bed, staring up at the canopy of his guest bed.
What a strange predicament to be in. Sunghoon longs for home, wanting nothing more than to be amongst the snowy evergreens while he skates along his favorite icy pond. Instead, he is uncomfortably warm in this unfamiliar bed, tossing and turning.
Though he still isn’t quite sure if his cheeks are so red just because of the temperature.