Ecstacy of Love (vsoo)

30. We will never apart again.

Edited

Author's POV

Sehun’s heart raced as he exited the dimly lit cavern, his brother's Chanyeol's words echoing in his mind, each syllable a sharp reminder of the weight he carried. Chanyeol's manipulation, the harsh slap to his face, and the taunting laugh still stung. It wasn’t just about the plan anymore; it was about the betrayal he had just experienced, and the price he might have to pay for his failure.

Sehun adjusted his hanbok, trying to push back the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. His mind was a whirlwind, trying to reconcile his loyalty to his brother with the connection he had forged with Jisoo—and now Taehyung. The inner conflict gnawed at him. His brother’s words lingered in his mind: "It’s either do or die."

As Sehun made his way through the forest path, a sense of dread settled deep in his chest. The confrontation with his brother had only deepened the divide between them. His allegiance was no longer as clear as it once had been. The taste of failure burned on his tongue, and the thought of Jisoo and Taehyung together made his blood boil. He couldn’t afford to lose. Not again.

But as he rounded a corner, his steps faltered when he collided with a tall figure.

"Careful, Sehun," a deep voice teased, the words flowing smoothly like a gentle breeze, but with an unmistakable edge. "If it weren’t you, I would have punished you."

Sehun quickly stepped back, bowing deeply in a show of respect, though his mind was still clouded with confusion. The man before him was none other than Second Prince Kim Junmyeon. His presence was commanding, and Sehun couldn’t help but feel a wave of discomfort wash over him.

Junmyeon raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I see you’ve been having quite the day, Sehun. No need to be so tense."

Sehun remained silent, his bow still low. He didn’t dare speak out of turn.

Junmyeon, the second prince of the kingdom, had a reputation for being both charming and cunning. It was no surprise to Sehun that he had been watching, keeping track of the chaos unfolding. He had his own interests in the game, and Sehun was just another piece on the chessboard.

"Don’t worry," Junmyeon continued, his voice low and deliberate, "if Gunju is hurt, I’m sure he won’t make it out of the forest. And that pretty lady, Jisoo, is still with him. It seems our plans might intersect after all, don’t you think?"

The mention of Jisoo struck a nerve in Sehun. His jaw clenched, and a bitter taste rose in his throat. The way Junmyeon spoke of her—it was clear he knew more than Sehun was willing to admit. He hated the thought of Jisoo with Gunju, of their connection, their bond. But the prince’s words cut deeper than he expected.

Sehun forced a smile, but it was tight, strained. "Of course, your highness," he replied, his voice betraying none of the turmoil raging inside him. "I’m sure everything will play out just as you’ve planned."

Junmyeon’s smile widened, and he patted Sehun on the shoulder with an almost mocking familiarity. "I trust you’ll keep your place, Sehun. And that everything will fall into place, as it always does."

The prince’s gaze lingered for a moment longer than necessary, studying Sehun’s face, before he turned and walked away, his steps graceful, his movements deliberate. Sehun watched him go, his mind spinning with the weight of everything that had transpired, and everything that was yet to come.

Junmyeon’s words rang in his ears as he turned back toward the forest. Jisoo was still with him... Gunju wouldn’t be able to escape. It was all too much to bear, and yet, the game wasn’t over. It had only just begun.