I'm Nothing Without You | BeomJun AU

thirty two

It wasn't long before Daniel and Ben grew closer than either of them had anticipated. Their bond deepened, surpassing their initial expectations, until they decided to make their relationship official. They've been together for about three months now. Ever since that night they confessed their feelings to each other, Ben—who's also known as Beomgyu—has never felt such exhilaration. He finds solace in Daniel's arms, which seem to offer a respite from reality. Being with Daniel feels like escaping from his problems and responsibilities, a temporary sanctuary where he can forget the pressures of the outside world.

One day, Yeonjun came home carrying food for his family. As he entered, he found his mother crying in despair. She tearfully informed him that his father had been captured by the royal guards for failing to pay taxes and for not showing the required respect to them. This news was the final straw for Yeonjun. Filled with a mix of anger and determination, he made a rash decision and impulsively headed back to the city.

Yeonjun had endured enough of the royals' oppressive rule and the glaring inequality that plagued their society. He couldn't understand why such disparities existed—why there were distinct titles for the rich and the poor, the noble and the commoner. His mind raced with thoughts of rebellion and change, driven by a fierce desire for justice and equality. Yeonjun was determined to confront the injustices that had torn his family apart and to fight for a world where everyone could be treated with dignity and respect.

As he stormed through the streets, Yeonjun spotted a royal guard eating and harshly scolding some vendors. Without a second thought, he impulsively halted his tracks and confronted the guard. In a fit of rage, he landed a powerful punch squarely on the guard's face, continuing to beat him up in a fury. The guard's colleagues immediately rushed to the scene and captured Yeonjun in an instant, dragging him away without a word. He was swiftly taken to the dungeon, where he was thrown into a cell, left to ponder the consequences of his actions in the cold, dark silence.

Yeonjun's fingers furiously trailed through his black locks as he sighed heavily. It hadn't even been an hour since he was thrown into the dungeon, yet already the prisoners were being called out to face the royals for their consequences. Despite the gravity of the situation, Yeonjun couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all, as if his life wasn't hanging in the balance.When his name was called, Yeonjun was harshly pushed onto the royal grounds and tied up, his defiance still evident in his eyes. He stood there, surrounded by the opulence of the royal court, a stark contrast to the squalor of the dungeon.

 As he awaited his fate, he couldn't help but reflect on the chain of events that had led him here—his father's unjust capture, his impulsive act of rebellion, and now, this moment of reckoning. The laughter that had escaped him earlier was now replaced by a steely resolve. Yeonjun knew that no matter what punishment awaited him, he would face it with the same defiant spirit that had brought him to this point.

"The King has arrived with the crowned king."

Yeonjun then scoffed and looked at the guards who were bowing and showing respect. He then gazed intently at the king, tilting his head. The king's face seemed oddly familiar, triggering a flood of memories that left Yeonjun momentarily stunned. It was as if the soul had momentarily left his body, overwhelmed by the realization.