war-ridden | 최연준

7 | ring finger oblivion.

[ 🍽️ ]

"That one's us." Yeonjun pointed at the sky as Akari laid on his arm, looking at the starry sky. As if it were a black canvas sheet with white splattered paint, the sky was artistic. This was a sight Akari had always wanted to see. Today it was empty, just the two of them.

"It's still early in the night, yet the stars are already out." She smiled. Her vision shifted to the boy on her right, looking up at him, resting her head on his chest. "I think this might be one of the only moments I don't have painted."

He looked down at her, brushing a stray hair strand. "What do you mean?"

She sat up, continuing to look down as he stayed laying. "I was looking through all of the paintings you made of me yesterday night. I found ones in the garden, ones on the beach, the waterfall, et cetera. But I think this must be something we've never done before—stargazing."

Yeonjun smiled, pulling her back down onto his arm. "Come back tomorrow and I'll give you it. I want you to add to your growing collection."

"I would never make you paint me, it was just something I noticed."

"Too late." He rested his chin on her shoulder smiling. "Do you have a favorite painting I've made you?"

She hummed. "The one that you said is hanging on your dresser—the ballerina one. You know, the one with the waterfall."

Yeonjun fell silent. "Ah. That one."

At that moment, he felt like a traitor. He remembered the deal he had with Ara—having to be her boyfriend starting next week. How she ruined that painting for him. How was he supposed to tell Akari? Would she understand him?

"Oh, God." Her hands flew to her face as she rapidly stood, breaking Yeonjun's thoughts.

"What, what?" The prince asked, slightly worried.

"I forgot I have a family dinner today, they only happen once a year." She grabbed her coat from the grass and wrapped it around her.

"I'll walk with you." Yeonjun stood as Akari gave him a look. "Don't worry, we'll separate before anybody sees us."

She reached out for his hand as they clasped, walking together. The place they were was quite far from their kingdoms—perfect for their secrecy. It was frustrating having to escape to somewhere hidden every so often—if only they could just be together.

"I'll see you tomorrow." Yeonjun kissed her forehead as she did the same. He watched her from afar, as he bid her farewell while she walked to her kingdom.

[ 🍽️ ]

There was a ginormous feast awaiting Akari. She had only been a few minutes late as she sat at the busy table where almost thirty people had been accompanying her. Fiona and Sophia stood helping serve the food, all of Akari's immediate and extended family sat alongside her and to her left was her groom to be. His family had joined the table as well.

She felt overwhelmed, taking a sip of the water cups provided for her. The boy on her left, noticing.

"Are you alright?" He whispered, patting her shoulder.