𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞'𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 | hyunho

six

Han looks at Felix with a serious expression on his face. "Felix, I know we've had our differences in the past, but I want you to know that I truly do see you and care about you. You're an amazing person with so much to offer."

Felix feels taken aback by Han's words. He never thought he'd hear such kind words from the other's mouth. "Really, Han? You really mean that?"

Han nods solemnly. "I do. And I want you to know that I'm sorry for the way I've treated you in the past. I was wrong, and I hope you can forgive me."

Felix's heart feels lighter than it has in a long time. He hugs Han tightly, grateful for the unexpected turn of events. "Thank you, Han. I forgive you."

And so, their night at the royal ball went from awkward and tense to one of understanding and friendship. Felix was grateful for the chance to start over with the prince, and he couldn't help but feel like there might be something more between them after all.

minho's pov

"I am not lying, Minho hyung! Why won't you believe me?!"

How am I supposed to believe it? It sounds...unreal. Just like that one scene out of a hate-to-love novel.

I sigh, feeling conflicted. On one hand, I have a duty to protect my brother from doing any mistakes, but on the other, I want to support him like I always do, in everything he does.

"Felix, I don't know what to think. You're saying that Han just approached you out of the blue and started a conversation? That he's interested in you, of all people? I mean, it's not like Han has ever paid any attention to you before. I find it hard to believe that he would suddenly change his mind about you."

"Oh, Minho, didn't you know? Han has always been secretly in love with me. He's just too shy to admit it to anyone until now." Felix says with a huge grin on his face. "He's been writing me secret love letters for years and finally mustered up the courage to tell me in person."

I burst out laughing at Felix's response. "Felix, you've been reading too many romance novels. Han is not in love with you. He's just trying to make conversation. And by the way, why didn't you tell me about those letters? I would have loved to read them!"

Felix's smile falters as he realizes my reactions. "Oh, right, the letters! Well, uh, I must have lost them somewhere. But trust me, Minho hyung, Han is definitely into me. It's like a dream come true."

I roll my eyes. "I give up, Felix. Believe what you want. Just don't be disappointed when you find out that Han doesn't reciprocate your feelings."

♛

3rd person's pov:

Hyunjin and Minho are sitting under a tree in the royal garden, watching Kkami play around.

"Your Highness, I must admit, I'm a bit nervous about painting your portrait." Hyunjin said, fidgeting with his fingers.

"Oh, don't be. I'm sure you're doing a wonderful job."

"Thank you, Your Highness. But I've never painted a portrait before. My father was an artist, and he taught me as much as I could, but I'm still unsure if I can capture your beauty on canvas."

Minho looks at Hyunjin, a tiny smile playing at his lips.

"I trust you, Hyunjin. And I believe that you will make me look even more handsome than I already am."

"Oh, Your Highness, you're too kind." Hyunjin's face went a bit red at the compliments.

Minho watched him from the side and couldn't help but notice how charming his side-profile is. The prince chuckles, his heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Oh, it's nothing special. Just doing my duty."

Hyunjin shakes his head, his voice soft and warm. "You're being too modest, Your Highness. You truly are a work of art. And I'm so honored to have the privilege of capturing it."

The prince looks down at the grass below his feet, feeling his cheeks growing warm. He hadn't expected the painter to be so talented, or to understand his beauty so well. Suddenly, he feels a strong urge to impress the painter, to make him see him in a different light. He takes a deep breath and clears his throat.

"Hyunjin, I may not know much about art, but I know that what you're doing here is truly special. I've never had my portrait done before, and I feel like you're capturing my soul, my very essence on this canvas."

Hyunjin looks up at the prince, his eyes bright with adoration. "Your Highness, that's exactly what I was hoping to do. This portrait is not just a painting, it's a window to your heart."

The prince feels a flutter in his chest. For the first time in his life, he feels like he's truly seen and understood, not just by a painter but by someone who sees him as a human being, not just a prince.

Minho smiles at Hyunjin. "Well, I'm glad I chose you to paint this portrait. Who knew I would end up getting so much more than what I originally asked for?"

Hyunjin almost involuntarily smiles back at him as he noticed how pretty Minho's smile is, he had never seen him smiling so warmly before. It made him feel at ease as he knew he could now be comfortable around the prince.

"Sometimes, the best things in life are the ones you never expected."

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