La Vie En Rose | Taegyu, Yeonbin

4: Reassurance

To say Taehyun was doomed is an understatement. At least that is what he is suddenly feeling after reading the letter. He was secretly hoping it was a joke but instead it was real which put him in utter dismay.

The two best friends are currently in Taehyun's living room, discussing the eventful day that just happened to both of them. At this point, Yeonjun's excitement ceased and remains calm while Taehyun seemly is in a panic.

"Yeonjun how can I compete in this thing? I don't want to take over the throne!"

Taehyun absolutely doesn't want to marry the prince either. He is not ready for that kind of commitment.

Regrettably, this was unpredictable as he didn't expect for this to happen.

Yeonjun shrugs, "just suck at everything." He continues to eat the left over pastries Taehyun brought home from the bakery, ignoring his friend's agitation.

Actually that's not a bad idea. Taehyun thought to himself. If he fails the tournament there is no way the prince would choose him. Right?

Taehyun starts to ponder at the idea.

Failing wouldn't be hard for Taehyun to do except he is competitive. So perhaps this will be more of a challenge for him than he thought.

Taehyun has a lot to think about to mentally prepare himself for this unfortunate turn of events.

-ˋˏ ༻𑁍༺ ˎˊ-

"We distributed all the letters so everyone should have received them by now your highness." One of the royal messengers, Kim Seungmin, formally explained.

"Thank you. You're dismissed." Prince Soobin waved him off.

Seungmin bows before he takes his leave from the royal office where Soobin is in the process of making preparations for the matchmaking tournament. Beomgyu is in the office as well, sitting on the piano bench while he doodles in his sketchbook as he often does. He's more of a mere presence than a participant in helping his older brother in this case. For this reason, Beomgyu just loves to spend time with his brother no matter what the circumstances.

A noticeable huff comes out of Soobin which alerts Beomgyu. His curious eyes look up at Soobin then hesitates before he asks, "Is something wrong?"

"I just need a break."

Soobin stands up from the desk and starts to head for the door of the office, startling Beomgyu.

"Wait where are you going?!" Beomgyu set down his sketchbook before he stood up to chase after Soobin.

Soobin turns around and answers calmly, "I'm going to ask Changbin to train with me."

Beomgyu instantly beams with delight then asks with anticipation, "Can I come?"

Soobin's gaze softens as he gives his little brother a apologetic look, not looking forward to what he is about to say next.

"I'm sorry Gyu but you know how mother will react."

Beomgyu attempts to counter Soobin's decision and pleads, "But she won't find out if we don't tell her!"

"I know but you should also know I can't keep secrets from her."

"Soobin please!"

Soobin slightly raises his voice, "The answer is still no Beomgyu."

"Please." Beomgyu begins to stammer, "I-I can just standby and watch! I don't have do anything else." Although he badly wants to learn how to train in swordplay, he will settle for anything just to be able to be in the training grounds.