Junmyeon wakes up under the softest silk covers he has ever experienced, with pillows that are probably stuffed with cloud bits. Humming at the sensation">
Junmyeon wakes up under the softest silk covers he has ever experienced, with pillows that are probably stuffed with cloud bits. Humming at the sensation">
Junmyeon wakes up under the softest silk covers he has ever experienced, with pillows that are probably stuffed with cloud bits. Humming at the sensation, he is reminded he isn’t in the castle, not even in his kingdom.He is above a cloud, inside the styled house of a giant ―with white walls about twice his height, hefty objects that, against his logic, include plants, and enough space for a big family. It’s even comfortable and welcoming, he has to agree.It’s the second day he spends up there, and he loathes to admit that maybe Jongin’s idea isn’t so bad after all. The goose may be away from his reach for the moment, but he wants to believe Jongin will keep his word.“Smuggler, not a liar,” he can hear Jongin repeating.Thus, he moves the small preoccupations to the back of his mind and repeats again and again that it’s the best option, because it’s the only option.Moreover, he needed a rest, from being behind the kingdom most of the times.Up there, with the sky looking endless, the possibilities look infinite as well. The problems, even the big ones, seem more mundane as the first streak of light goes through the windows, natural light covering each part of the room, Junmyeon included.When he walks outside the room ―with clean clothes Jongin shared with him― he finds himself already in the center of the house, since the bedrooms are the only rooms separated by walls inside the house.Jongin is sitting at the round table, already chewing different types of pastries Junmyeon can’t take his gaze off.“Where did you get those?” Junmyeon asks taking a seat next to him, eyeing the desserts.Each one is different by their design and colors but similar in their squared shape. By smell, each has also a different flavor. From the way they are decorated, with bright colors, straight lines, zigzags and small sprinkles, he is reminded of the chocolate eggs from Easter.Jongin shrugs.“Did you steal them?” Junmyeon presses and backs away from reaching for a particular one with bluish frosting and white sprinkles.Jongin smiles with his cheeks full and it’s everything Junmyeon needs to know ―it’s an affirmative answer.« What a shame. »Suddenly, the same pastry is right in front of his mouth. Jongin holds it there and doesn’t say a word but waits with expectant eyes for Junmyeon to do something.“You have to stop stealing food. Stealing, in general.” Junmyeon deadpans before taking a bite of the dessert. It melts easily in his mouth, with eggnog flavor lingering on his tongue.He hums at the sweetness and finds Jongin blushing and laughing on the side. Junmyeon doesn’t find anything funny, thus he ignores it and takes another bite.Jongin makes sure to eat the remainings and lick his fingers afterward.« Like a child. »“Since you have been acting as a prisoner inspecting the surroundings the past days, I wonder if you are willing to act as a normal guest today.”“Then,” Junmyeon starts, hesitantly reaching for another biscuit. “How is it that you expect me to act as a normal guest if you don’t act as a normal host?”“What does a normal host do?” Jongin tilts his head naively, with that tone of voice he uses when he is truly curious. If that wasn’t enough, there is also frosting at the corner of his lip.Junmyeon isn’t sure of what drags him to take a napkin and clean Jongin’s mouth by himself, but the latter doesn’t seem to bother.“Well,” Junmyeon gives a little smile when all the frosting is wiped off. “First of all, a host makes their guest feel comfortable.”“You slept in my bed, that’s comfortable enough.”Junmyeon is taken aback at the statement and blinks twice, then shakes his head and leans forwards to listen better. “I beg your pardon? Do you live here? I thought you were here only to avoid my marvelous escape.”Jongin looks at him for a few seconds ―serious, reproaching and non believing.It is unsure if he is silent due to Junmyeon’s choice of words trying to ease the situation, or because he is convinced Junmyeon won’t go down by himself. « Either way, he is rude and lacking common humor.»“I don’t sleep here every day,” Jongin replies after shaking his head. “But Chanyeol keeps a chamber for me. He is a kind giant, I’m sure he will like you.”Junmyeon smiles at the comment, hoping for it to be true.«Wait.»There is a soothing and gentle feeling around the house Junmyeon hadn’t realized until now. Jongin is being unusually affable and calm «or has he been even before?». Junmyeon has to admit he has been quite helpful and reassuring when climbing the beanstalk. Perhaps, he has been too focused in his mischievous persona to notice he is actually amiable.Eating a pastry, Junmyeon stares at Jongin in silence, the latter too focused on the food to notice.Truth be told, Jongin’s features are somehow pleasant and graceful, and he can be quite silly but engrossing.« But. »Junmyeon dismisses the ideas, he is merely imagining things. Jongin can be pretty deceiving, but nothing will erase the fact he stole Junmyeon’s belongings and he is the main reason the golden goose is out of reach.However, Junmyeon wants to push further Jongin’s attentive persona. “A proper host also gives a course to their guest.”“There isn’t much to see around the house, but I can show you the backyard. Chanyeol has a small garden.”“I didn’t notice the first time.”Junmyeon suddenly realizes he didn’t notice because he was beyond impatient to get far from the cloud edges. Jongin smiles knowingly but doesn’t mention it.Instead, when both have finished their meals, Jongin leads him to the backyard. Since it’s morning unlike last time, the sky is a mixture of soft blue and white. The breeze is colder and the clouds around have increased their size and thickness, with no holes this time.“It’s snowing,” Jongin comments. “Do you want to see?”Jongin motions towards the cloud end, but Junmyeon stays in place warily. Without the adrenaline from last time, it doesn’t seem like a good idea. However, Jongin smiles and reaches for his arm to pull him forwards, increasing the speed of Junmyeon’s heartbeat with each step.“You can do it,” Jongin says when he stands right in front of Junmyeon, his back facing the edge.Between seconds, Junmyeon is awfully aware of plenty of things, like how Jongin could slip and fall into the void. Thus, he takes a grip on his arm and promises himself to not let go.At the same time, it’s inevitable to stare in awe to the view. The way the soft light hits Jongin’s back, enhancing his features ―especially that wide smile of his with eyes that form crescents― and how he stands there, confident and unafraid.Junmyeon wishes, for a split second, to be just like him in that matter.Alas, everything else vanishes when he finally focus on his fears. To peek from a cloud, hesitant and nervous, goes beyond being simply afraid , because he knows it’s something his father would reproach. Fear, between all the other qualities, is the last he should possess if he wants to be King.Jongin seems to notice his hesitance because he stops smiling. Yet, he gently rubs his thumb over Junmyeon’s arm, adding more shivers to the latter.“Certain fears are meant to be conquered, Junmyeon,” he says softly, stepping to a side and bringing him closer to peek.Junmyeon finally agrees and peeks once before retreating fastly after a few seconds. However, Jongin doesn’t let go and waits until he is ready to peek again.The second time Junmyeon does it, he can finally acknowledge the view. The snow falls slowly over the woods, leaving almost no trace of mossy green behind. The lagoons look as if they were mirrors, glinting and melting the snowflakes that land on them. Beyond the woods, there is more color, mud brown over the mountains that even up in the clouds, look towering and monumental.When he retreats, his legs are shaking once again and his heartbeat speed hasn’t decreased, but the new unreal feeling is astounding. ♔♔♔ In the usual winters at his kingdom, Junmyeon would be too busy to even rest. As part of the royal family, first in line to the throne, he is bound to be busy, always moving and working along with his brothers. But up there over the clouds, with no responsibilities at the moment, there is only one thing to do: overcoming his fear.It’s more difficult than he expects, since that vertigo sensation doesn’t seem to be gone. It’s easier than before, but it’s still there even after the fifth try. Therefore, when Jongin is around, Junmyeon asks for his company.As day pass by, Jongin watches from afar. He might tease Junmyeon from time to time, but never about his insecurities and never pressuring him. Junmyeon is quite impressed by how a reassuring and patient, helping hand can make the difference.When Jongin isn’t there, Junmyeon might try a few times but also recoil to the safety of the house. Inside, he spends hours baking pastries, trying to come up with new «original» recipes for his kingdom.When he was younger, he would spend a couple of hours in the kitchen with his mother, who used to bake desserts for special occasions. Junmyeon was merely an observer who would help in the easiest parts, and even if he never got to bake by himself, he is clever and paid attention.Taking advantage of all the ingredients he has found around, it looks like the ideal time to practice. There are different types of ingredients in the kitchen, but Junmyeon is convinced Jongin isn’t the one who cooks, but the giant.His father might never approve his recipes, but after the tenth try, the pastries are starting to taste delicious. Even Jongin starts to praise them «and perhaps look slightly endearing while eating a dozen of them in one sit».When the cupboard is empty, Jongin ends up bringing «stealing» the ingredients because he wants Junmyeon to keep baking. Even if Junmyeon is flattered, he can’t deal with that idea. Therefore, he gives him rabbit coins to buy them. Hopefully, he will get used to that.This particular day, Jongin is taking more time than usual to come back with the flour and Junmyeon has nothing else to do. After confronting the edge of the clouds once again, he returns to the house and believes it might need to be cleaned.Junmyeon has never been good cleaning by himself, but has always tried his best to look impeccable. It’s merely courtesy to help his hosts to do the same. While he is organizing, he stumbles across some rabbit coins around the house and a few more coins of other kingdoms.Sighing, he saves his, but now that he has a pouch filled with coins that aren’t his property, he should decide what to do with them. Sometimes, when Jongin comes back from the forest, he opens the pantry and drops whatever he might be carrying inside. Junmyeon will make him return those coins, but for now, they might as well be saved in there.It’s not something a King would do, but after a bit of hesitance, Junmyeon opens the pantry’s door to save the coins. It turns out to be a room, a room that is not what he expected at all.The room is replete of shelves and different objects of any sort. From vases to clothes, toys, decorations, and even objects Junmyeon can recognize ―such as Sehun’s brand new flowers in a small, yellow jar. It doesn’t need a lot of thinking to know they are stolen, each one of them. Still, his eyes finally land in a small, shiny object at the corner: a golden egg.As he holds it up, he inspects it and finds the rabbit stamp on its bottom. It’s definitely one of Junmyeon’s kingdom, one of those that were stolen.It takes a moment for Junmyeon to assimilate the idea, to leave behind the rapport he has been building with Jongin for the past days, weeks, couple of months. Together.Junmyeon holds the egg close to his chest, which aches with disappointment.When Jongin returns, carrying a sack full of who knows what, Junmyeon is already waiting for him ―outside the pantry with the egg in his hands. Jongin’s bright smile falls as soon as he notices the golden egg.At least, there is guilt in his eyes as he puts down the sack and faces Junmyeon.“Listen,” he starts, but Junmyeon feels betrayed enough to let him proceed.“Were you the one who stole the Easter eggs?”“No,” Jongin shakes his head and tries to get closer. “I… I didn’t steal them all. I, some smugglers got together and… I only stole one.”“Then, you know who stole the other eggs.” Jongin shakes his head, but Junmyeon doesn’t believe him. “When were you going to at least inform me?”“Junmyeon, I didn’t,” Jongin looks at his sides, probably searching for a lie. Junmyeon is so used to lies, but that’s not enough for him to stay and listen to a new one.Jongin doesn’t even try to stop him when Junmyeon heads towards the door with the golden egg in his arms. Which helps Junmyeon to reach the beanstalk without trouble. As he holds the egg with one arm and grips the beanstalk with his free hand, a plethora of feelings bashes him. It’s not only disappointment anymore, but indignation, heartache, and overall, fear. The fear he always feels when he takes a look at the view from above a cloud. It’s there again when he steps on the beanstalk, getting ready to descend.It’s there again when he steps on the beanstalk, getting ready to descend.His heart rate is starting to increase again, but staying with Jongin is not an option any longer. Perhaps the golden goose isn't an option as well, but Junmyeon will manage. One way or another, his kingdom will have a peaceful and successful Easter.However, he can only descend a poor distance when his hands feel slippery again and vertigo returns.“Don’t look down, don’t look down,” he mumbles and closes his eyes. Still, Junmyeon doesn’t need to peek to imagine the view, to feel how far the ground is from where he is gripping the beanstalk. So far from the ground, at the mercy of the weather.It makes it difficult to breathe and focus. Therefore, he pushes himself to go up once again.The picture of Jongin stealing the eggs and not saying a word about it ―not even to help Junmyeon take the culprits to court trial― makes him stop right when he is about to go through the thick cloud.A few minutes pass in which Junmyeon can’t go down but refuses to go up. Hence, he embraces the beanstalk and hopes for bravery to get to him. Which is difficult, considering his situation. He might have managed to be above the clouds, but it was only to discover he was being tricked and then trying to flee. Not flee, go away from the one who betrayed him instead of confronting him and demanding justice as any other King would do. It’s embarrassing.“Junmyeon?” Jongin’s voice comes shyly after a while that seemed like an eternity.Hesitant at first, Junmyeon doesn’t answer, but when his knees start to feel weak, he bites his ego and climbs up, with the golden egg still on his arms. He will also let go the fact that Jongin knew he wouldn’t get too far.Jongin is biting down on his bottom lip nervously, carrying Junmyeon’s old pouch and sack in his hands. Without saying a word, Jongin gestures to them, indicating he wants Junmyeon to take them. If it wasn’t for the egg and his disappointment, Junmyeon would comply.The vertigo feeling is still strong, but he has to look firm and stern. Hence, he avoids sitting down or reaching for his belongings.“Just take them,” Jongin mutters, but Junmyeon shakes his head, making him groan. “I’m sorry, Junmyeon," he says defeated. "I’m truly sorry for stealing that Easter egg. I didn’t know they were that important. If I had known, I would never have stolen it.”“That’s the problem with stealing, Jongin. You never know how important something is to someone. You never care to know beforehand."At least, Jongin is listening ―looking ashamed and slightly nervous, as if he was being scolded."Your people ruined this year’s Easter plans. It’s because of all of you that I had to come up here.” Junmyeon feels his knees about to buckle remembering the sight and all those feets he climbed. “You gave my kingdom trouble.”“I have nothing to do with them,” Jongin scratches the back of his neck, a bit frustrated. “I truly don’t know them, any of them. Please believe me.”It’s then when Junmyeon realizes the anger has washed away, letting him only with defeat. It’s quite a common but distasteful feeling.“Why should I believe in your word? How do I know you didn't plan it with them?”Jongin snorts lightly, but when Junmyeon’s stern expression doesn’t break, he blushes. "Junmyeon, I don’t know what you might think of my life style, but I am alone down there. I just stole one egg from their shipment, that' what I usually do. I'm not trying to cover them up.""What about the giant?""Chanyeol isn't part of this," Jongin frowns as if Junmyeon meant to insult him in any way. "He wouldn't be able to steal even the tiniest berry. He is a kind, honest giant who let me live here because he knows it's not that pretty down there. And if you knew it, you would understand it too. It was a mistake, Junmyeon."Junmyeon purses his lips and scrutinizes Jongin, but he can’t find a trail of distrust, only genuine worry and regret.“I don’t mean to drive you away,” he confesses. “I can give you everything I took from you back, even help to retrieve a couple of eggs. If you still want to be on the ground, away from me, I would understand. But know that I would still go looking for you until you believe me.”Perhaps it was only a mistake. Through these weeks, Jongin has proven to be considerate, helpful and even thoughtful. And until then, he has also been trustworthy, making Junmyeon believe he deserves an opportunity to mend his mistake. Jongin would probably do the same for him.At the same time, a small realization lands on him. "I don't approve what you did, but I can forgive you." Jongin smiles cheerfully. "I would still go down, but I will stay only because you don't like to be alone," Junmyeon discloses, pretty sure Jongin’s cheeks turn even pinker with his little comment. Jongin looks pleased nonetheless.Now there is only one thing Junmyeon would like to know before Jongin tries to hug him to apologize.“Did you know I would still be right under the cloud when you found me?” he asks.“No,” Jongin answers, naive of his nervousness. “I thought you were gone already.” Before Junmyeon can question ‘how’, Jongin smiles a bit timid. “Your ears were poking out from the cloud.” ♔♔♔ Junmyeon doesn’t understand clearly how it happened, but the moment he throws a cloud ball towards Jongin ―which resembles the snow the cloud is about to drop― he realizes his guard is completely down.The cloud ball strikes Jongin on the cheek. First, he scrunches his nose and knits his eyebrows together, then, he kneads his slightly reddened cheek, but a bright smile grows between seconds. Junmyeon snorts and tries to throw another one, but instead of getting mad or looking bothered, Jongin smiles even wider and counters.Jongin's laughter usually comes in different pitches and tones. Sharp, bubbly, loud, choppy. Still, each time Junmyeon hears or beholds it, he can’t help but smile back. «It's quite easy.»It's because of it, and many more factors, that these long weeks have never been monotonous or dull. Or lonely. Jongin can always be there to keep him from falling or to watch him getting fun on the clouds. There are in-betweens and exceptions, but nothing Junmyeon would grumble about for a whole day. It isn't perfect, but close to it.Junmyeon feels, that somehow, he really likes Jongin.And Jongin likes him too.There is something that doesn’t change, though. Junmyeon sits with a considerably safe distance from the edge of the cloud, with the usual shivers running through his spine. He sighs even after sitting even closer ―closer than he has ever been able to sit― because he had expected the fear to vanish completely. It's not the only trait he has to work on, but he needs it in order for him to actually be called a King «or astounding Prince at the very least».The night sky in Winter is beautiful nonetheless, as Jongin had promised. It’s pretty dark, but the light of the stars trace a silver ocean through the endless sky, glinting and brightening all that can be seen. It’s like the sea, slightly blue, slightly purple, deep and astonishing at the same time. Said sea looks as if it also had the reflection of the moon, but Junmyeon knows he is facing the real one this time.When he was a tiny kit, he heard that the moon had been inhabited by a Rabbit King. A tale for kits, but in that time, Junmyeon would have looked at the moon and thought about how brave that King should have been ―he wanted to be just like him.And there he was, almost close enough, touching the sky and stargazing, farther than a lot of Kings would have gone.“Chanyeol arrives tomorrow,” Jongin says, sitting next to him. “It seems like, if he agrees to help, you will be heading to the kingdom tomorrow before sunset.”It’s true, but somehow Junmyeon has the feeling he shouldn’t be that excited. He turns at Jongin to seek for that something he feels is missing. When he finds the man watching the stars, with their reflection on his eyes full of wonder, he recognizes it as longing.He would like to be longed for by Jongin too, at least a bit. Still, it’s not like they wouldn’t see each other again. Jongin can go to Junmyeon’s kingdom anytime he wants.“In the next time you visit my kingdom, would you spare time to spend with me?”Jongin raises a curious eyebrow. “Promise me that if something disappears, you wouldn't blame me.”“Better promise me nothing will disappear.”“I will,” Jongin nods, making Junmyeon smile fondly before sharing a small, comfortable silence with him. “The Easter festival comes before Spring, doesn't it?”“It does. Have you seen it?”“I heard about it, but I’m not familiar with it." Junmyeon can picture Jongin in the festival, helping the kits to find the chocolate eggs around the gardens. “You give chocolate and golden eggs and then a wish is fulfilled for the lucky ones, isn't it?”“I wouldn’t have told it better myself.”“Junmyeon,” Jongin almost looks pouty, almost. “Why is the Easter festival important to you?”“Peace and festivities are more important than they seem. They keep a kingdom happy. That's how I want my kingdom to be, always.”“What about the golden eggs? Couldn't you give something easier to get?” “They might be simple eggs, but they are tradition and people put their faith in their meaning. An egg means rebirth and so Spring does. It’s an opportunity for anyone to feel that they can start once again, with a new season, with a bright smile on their faces and a bit of gold to help with that purpose. People need hope in something, in themselves, to push through hard moments.” Jongin remains silent, his eyes glued on Junmyeon in an endearing but thoughtful manner.“Why don’t you have a little hope on yourself too?” he says and timid by his question, he sits even closer to the edge, with his legs dangling dangerously in the air. The sole movement makes Junmyeon shiver.When Jongin leans to peek from there, Junmyeon breathes out and reaches for his arm to keep him safe, to keep him close. Jongin turns back, looking at him with eyes full of stars and the bluish reflection of the skylight on his face. It’s a mesmerizing, slightly nerve-wrecking sight.“Are you still scared?” he asks softly. It’s a small question, but it touches a nerve.“I thought the fear would go away,” Junmyeon says and suddenly feels incredibly wistful.Junmyeon feels his cheeks warmer and his eyes tired and misty, but Kings aren’t supposed to cry. He can’t stop the first small tears from falling, running through his flushed cheeks as he lets out tiny sobs. The worst part isn’t crying per se, it’s having someone watching him cry. That’s how a King loses all his respect.Still, his grip on Jongin’s arm tightens, even more when Jongin sits next to him once again to caress his back. He traces soothing circles in silence before bringing him closer to let his head rest on his shoulder. Junmyeon then talks about few of his worries, but Jongin has this quality that almost no one in the kingdom does; he listens, carefully, without interruptions and with such attention.“There, there,” he whispers as if Junmyeon was still a kit.“I’m the weakest King of them all, aren’t I?”“You are not weak,” Jongin nuzzles his cheek against Junmyeon's head. “Crying or being sad, in pain or being afraid doesn’t make you weak, and definitely doesn’t restrict you from being a good King.”“Kings aren’t like these.” Junmyeon sniffs and tries to get closer. Jongin is warm and homespun, in contrast to the cold breeze of the night.“Who dictates how a King should be?” Jongin chuckles wholeheartedly. “You have a lot of good qualities to be a King. The most important ones, at least. You have grit, you have come long for something you believe it’s important for your kingdom. You have courage, the fear might still be there, and it might not leave you, but you confront it every single time. You are compassionate, thoughtful and wonderful. A King like you is worth millions of rabbit coins.”"Thank you," Junmyeon mumbles. Those words weight more than any other reassurance he could have asked for. ♔♔♔ Junmyeon cleans his suit, admiring how the gold cufflinks are in place once again. With his hair combed and parted to a side, a perfectly clean shave, and a radiant smile, he looks impeccable. He breathes out, excited because he will meet the giant, get the golden goose and finally save Easter.When he comes out of the room, Jongin ―who is in his normal squire clothes― raises a teasing eyebrow but doesn’t comment on Junmyeon’s appearance. Instead, both have a normal, cheerful meal and wait quietly in the garden.Junmyeon would miss it. The still mornings around Jongin, both sitting over the clouds without worries or troubles. It would be quite pleasant to spend the mornings at the kingdom like that, in his own garden.Those thoughts are interrupted as soon as he catches the glimpse of a man getting closer and closer ―a tall man with a lanky frame, bright white teeth in a toothy smile, baby blue hair with dark black eyes and big ears, whose laughter can be heard even when he is still far away.“Is that him?” Junmyeon asks, squinting because he can't see the goose with him. Perhaps it is inside the sack he is carrying over his shoulder. «Poor thing.»Jongin hums, still peeking from the edge and looking unbothered. The giant isn’t alone. Walking beside him, there is another man of shorter but brawny complexion, with wide dark eyes, equally dark hair, and plump lips that resemble a heart «quite cute, if someone asks Junmyeon» but he isn't carrying the goose either.“Where is the goose?” Junmyeon whispers towards Jongin, as both men finally enter the front yard and realize of his presence. The giant, still way taller than Junmyeon in his human height, eyes him carefully over and over again, but the other man only scrutinizes him once.“There he is.” Jongin starts with a chuckle, but then he can’t stop laughing as he hugs his stomach with both arms. “He, he is the goose!” And then, he points towards the raven-haired man.In disbelief, Junmyeon turns towards both men. The giant, who has finally decided to fix his gaze on Junmyeon’s ears greets him lazily. The other man doesn’t even flinch when Jongin starts patting his back, trying to suppress his laughter.It doesn't take long for all the pieces to fit and Junmyeon understands. At least, Sehun will have his answers now. The golden goose is not a goose, he doesn't lay eggs literally, and Junmyeon isn't the first one looking for him. Nor the first one being tricked by Jongin. ♔♔♔ A few steps away from the edge of the cloud, Junmyeon stands still to observe the sky one last time. The sight will never stop being astounding, no matter the season or part of the day. In this morning, it looks rather light blue, blending with the cloud bits that are starting to vanish because Spring is quite soon.The sky has always looked infinite, and even still there, Junmyeon feels like falling, not to the ground, but even higher. As if he could start floating anytime. It’s an odd feeling, a bit grim even, but Junmyeon embraces it.When he turns back, he finds Jongin looking at him. His cheeks carry a shade of lovable pink, almost as pink as the berries in a jar he hands to Junmyeon. Then he smiles, warm and fondly, with a smile that is worth so much, which Junmyeon wouldn’t mind finding every day in his kingdom.Junmyeon chuckles out of nowhere, with his cheeks growing warmer as he takes the berries.“This is it, then,” Jongin mutters and makes a gesture towards the house. “Kyungsoo will come out in any second.”Kyungsoo has proven to be slightly grumpy and taking time to get ready for such journey. There is no mean in which he can lay the golden eggs for Junmyeon to carry to the kingdom. Hence, both will make the journey, save Easter, and then, Junmyeon will accompany him back to his cloud. Not because Kyungsoo can get lost, but because Junmyeon made an oath to keep him safe even when he doesn't need it «and perhaps because seeing Jongin again sounds splendid».“It is,” Junmyeon smiles and feels as if his mission was already accomplished. As if he was already celebrating Easter and granting the wishes to begin Spring.Granting wishes must be one of the best and fulfilling sensations in the world. Perhaps he can grant his own as well this season. For once, he has gotten a solution, and from there, everything will be better. Junmyeon will make it better.There are still aspects in which he has to work on in order to be the King he wants to be. He might never be the exact type of King his father wants, but Junmyeon has his own approach and path, and that might be what he needs to focus from now on. Hopefully, his kingdom will realize of his good intentions and accept him. As Jongin has.As Jongin has.Now that they share another shy but fond gaze, Junmyeon straightens his back, with his ears freezing when he realizes what he wants to do next. Jongin’s expression is quite timid but heavy, even more when Junmyeon licks his lips, trying to ease his sudden excitement and catching Jongin's attention over them.“Jongin,” Junmyeon says teasingly, and when Jongin realizes of his actions, he looks startled. He blinks a few times, slightly embarrassed as Junmyeon laughs and takes his wrist with his free hand to bring him closer.Then, Jongin embraces Junmyeon, gently placing his cheek against him and eventually, rocking him from side to side. Junmyeon closes his eyes, trying to hold himself from Jongin’s waist, letting the cuddly and tender feeling move him until his heart can’t take it anymore.For the split of a second, he feels like staying there, between Jongin’s arms, forever.When he is about to mouth his feelings ―because he is overwhelmed and happy about them― he opens his eyes and realizes Chanyeol and Kyungsoo are already out of the house, waiting next to the beanstalk. While Chanyeol acts as if he is inspecting the vines of the plant, Kyungsoo is looking at them with a shy grin.Junmyeon clears his throat, loathing the fact that he has to let go. When Jongin stops embracing him, taking away the warmth with him, said feeling only increases.“Uh, have a dainty trip,” Chanyeol mumbles and pats the beanstalk, dragging Kyungsoo’s attention back to him.From the corner of his eye, Junmyeon can almost see how Chanyeol presses quite a few kisses on Kyungsoo’s cheeks and forehead.“All your belongings are back with Lancelot,” Jongin comments, looking oddly shy and flustered. “You should get the berries jar inside Kyungsoo’s sack. Then, it will be easier for you to descend.”Junmyeon nods, but before he can hand the jar to Kyungsoo, the latter takes it from him and gets it inside the sack that he has tied and slung cross his body.“Thank you,” Junmyeon says, but Kyungsoo only smiles before stepping on the vines and suddenly being below the cloud, as if it was an easy task for him.“You should visit us anytime,” Chanyeol says patting his back. Junmyeon will let the over familiarity pass, since he actually likes Chanyeol and Kyungsoo so far.“I will,” Junmyeon replies and turns towards Jongin. They share another hug, a quick but warm one before Junmyeon also takes a grip of the beanstalk.With a smile on his lips, he starts to descend. ♔♔♔ When Junmyeon finally steps on the ground, he breathes out and reaches for his knees as a reflex. His heart is beating too fast and his muscles feel numb, thus, he leans against the beanstalk to regain composure.“Do you feel well?” Kyungsoo asks, looking slightly concerned. He is already mounted on Lancelot, petting the steed in the spot where its neck reaches its back.“Better than ever,” Junmyeon chuckles, but still feels slightly dumbfounded by the trip. “Please, wait for me a few seconds.”Kyungsoo nods and turns towards the sky, probably admiring the cloud that has been his home for long. Junmyeon starts to wonder if Kyungsoo was ever on the ground after Jongin took him with him. Wonders if he even missed the kingdom. Truth be told, up over the clouds seems as the perfect place to be. However, Junmyeon still misses his kingdom, he realizes when he thinks about how close he is to be back. He dismisses the thought when he feels an arm over his shoulders. When he turns at his side, Jongin smiles widely before placing a soft peck on his lips.Junmyeon blushes heavily, and all his body freezes in place. “Shall we go?” Jongin asks, dragging him towards the steed. Junmyeon can only see how Kyungsoo rolls his eyes and takes the grip on Lancelot, meaning he will make Jongin and Junmyeon walk to the kingdom.Junmyeon couldn’t care less when he looks at Jongin. At his wide candid smile and shining, vivid eyes when he laughs and then whines over why Kyungsoo is the one that should go on the steed.It will be a long trip back, hopefully.Thank you so much for reading! Comments are more than welcomed- joss