Princess Hours | SUKHOON | [✓]

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘥

"Um...I...I wanted to say..." Jihoon stuttered with his words because now that he was confronting Hyunsuk, he did not know what to say.

"Tell me Jihoon what was it like when you first came to the palace, when you suddenly became the crown prince replacing Yoshi."

Hyunsuk's questions were the most unpredictable yet the type that'd always lead Jihoon into deep contemplation to look for a response.

He took a breath, recalling the time from fifteen years ago when he was suddenly burdened with the weight of being the crown prince, how he had to abandon all the regular things he enjoyed as just a 'prince' and be separated from his best cousin.

Yoshi was also a little kid, who was stripped off of all the privileges, including isolation from the people he spent a few initial years of his life with, so some anger was expected. His words for Jihoon were somewhat like,
"Why are you the crown prince now...it should be me and why do I have to leave but you get to stay?" He cried and cried, Jihoon remembered feeling guilty for him. The guilt still persists except Jihoon also pities himself now, realising that they were all victims.

"It wasn't easy, when I came into the palace it took me some five scoldings and a year's time to start addressing the queen with her title instead of mother. There were too many classes, rules and regulations that I had to abide by. Trust me I wasn't such a Victorian when I first came here, I was just another rowdy kid."

"Did you have someone to play with?"

"Noona was already a mid schooler then so she didn't have time for me, you could say I was....lonely."

'You still are.' Hyunsuk wanted to add that, so eagerly, but he kept listening for Jihoon had more to say.

"I'm sorry Hyunsuk..." The words had finally left Jihoon's mouth. Hyunsuk was taken aback for a few seconds as he did not imagine receiving an apology from him in this lifetime. It was truly a shocker.

"My life is out for everyone to look through, there is no such thing as what I want or feel. I know at times you're confused but there's some things I don't have an answer for..."

"So you're saying you won't tell me about Chaein?"

Jihoon lowered his eyes, probably showing agreement to that, but what truly stopped him from talking about Chaein didn't concern any lingering feelings for her, rather it were the new found ones for the guy right in front of him, which were still burried somewhere, waiting for confrontation.

"How about this, I think you shouldn't quit being the crown prince."

"Why?" Jihoon was curious about what opinion Hyunsuk had on this.

"I've always thought you are perfect for the role. Although you are cold and distant and a little rude sometimes, I've seen you try, keeping up with meetings even when you were tired, respecting the elder's decisions even if they were cruel for you..."

Jihoon felt appreciated, he felt cared for. It was rare since he was always scrutinized for the tiniest of the things he did, not acknowledged. He couldn't blame the people though, with as much wealth, servants and resources as him, who wouldn't imagine having a perfect life except money can't buy happiness. And he had learnt this lesson very early in life.

"... And few years down the line when we split, I'd still be able to watch you on the TV."

It was warm and cozy until Hyunsuk mentioned a 'split', Jihoon was frowning before he knew,

"Were you always this heartless? Were you planning on never talking to me and just watching me on the TV? Too bad, that won't happen!"

Jihoon was clearly annoyed, to which Hyunsuk replied,