𝔇𝔢𝔰𝔦𝔯𝔢 | ɴᴏᴍɪɴ

ꪻꫝ꠸᥅ꪻꫀꫀꪀ

Jeno was pacing back and forth in his lavishly decorated room, nerves twisting his stomach into knots. Today wasn't just the day of the grand ball; it was the day Jaemin would discover his true identity, and together they would open the letter that might reveal if Jaemin himself was royalty. The weight of the secrets he had been keeping felt heavier than ever.

Meanwhile, in another room, Mark was adjusting his suit, feeling an unexpected wave of anxiety.

"I was so sure that I'd be cool about this, but I'm actually freaking out," Mark confessed, glancing at his reflection in the mirror.

Jeno shot him a look. "Not surprised one bit. Please don't freeze up either."

Mark tried to muster some confidence. "I'm not you."

"Oh, shut up," Jeno retorted, though his smile was strained.

As they finished getting ready, the palace began to fill with guests, their chatter and laughter echoing through the grand halls. Jaemin, Renjun, Chenle, and Haechan arrived, their eyes wide with wonder at the opulence around them.

"Oh my gosh, y'all, I'm so excited! I really wonder who these two princes are," Haechan exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over.

"Please, tonight I will be eating as much food as possible," Chenle declared, already eyeing the lavish banquet tables.

"Not you being a big back," Renjun teased, shaking his head.

Jaemin, however, was distracted, scanning the crowd for a familiar face. "Jeno said that he and Mark are on their way, so hopefully they get here before the princes introduce themselves."

"Aww, you're like a lost puppy waiting for its owner," Haechan teased.

Jaemin rolled his eyes but couldn't help the small smile. "Shut up, I just miss him already."

"It's been two days, you're so clingy it's cute," Haechan said, giving Jaemin a playful nudge.

Jaemin laughed, but his thoughts were still on Jeno. He could hardly wait to see him and face whatever truths the night held together. The anticipation was almost unbearable, but knowing Jeno would be by his side made him feel a little braver.

As the clock ticked closer to the grand reveal, Jeno took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. He had no idea how Jaemin would react to the truth, but he hoped that their bond would only grow stronger through it all.

An usher stepped to the center of the grand ballroom, his presence commanding the attention of the room. He tapped his glass lightly, the delicate chime ringing through the air and silencing the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice clear and authoritative, "I would like everyone to pay attention. It is my honor to introduce Prince Lee Jeno and Prince Lee Minhyeong."

Gasps and whispers rippled through the crowd as all eyes turned towards the entrance. Jaemin's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Jeno and Mark step forward, their regal bearing and the elaborate ceremonial attire marking them unmistakably as royalty.

Jaemin's eyes widened in shock, his mind struggling to process the revelation. Jeno, his Jeno, was a prince. The realization hit him like a tidal wave, and he felt a mixture of awe and betrayal. Why hadn't Jeno told him?

Beside him, Haechan's mouth hung open in disbelief, while Renjun and Chenle exchanged stunned glances.

Jaemin stood there, processing the reality that Jeno had been a prince this whole time.

"He's been a prince this whole time," Jaemin muttered, shaking his head.

Haechan, standing next to him, looked utterly bemused. "Bro, why did Mark get hotter? Hell, I've been reading too much Wattpad."

Jaemin chuckled. "I actually was hoping Jeno was in the Mafia, but hey, this is even better."

Renjun rolled his eyes, exasperated. "What the fuck is wrong with y'all? And where is Chenle? Oh my gawd, he's fighting over cheesecake again."

Before Jaemin could respond, he felt a familiar presence behind him. "Very interesting," Jeno said, his voice low and amused.

Jaemin jumped, spinning around to face Jeno. "Oh god, you can't scare me like that!"

Jeno smiled apologetically. "Sorry, but I missed you. And may I say, you look very good tonight."

Jaemin blushed, feeling his heart race. "You too. So, should we go somewhere quiet?"

Jeno nodded. "Yes, let's go to the back garden."

They slipped away from the crowd, making their way to the garden. The night was calm, the air filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the soft hum of conversation drifting from the ballroom. The garden was beautifully lit with fairy lights, casting a warm glow over the carefully manicured plants and pathways.

Jeno led Jaemin to a secluded bench under a large oak tree. They sat down, the night enveloping them in a serene cocoon of privacy.

"Are you okay?" Jeno asked softly, concern evident in his eyes.

Jaemin stared at the letter in his hands, his heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. He turned to Jeno, his voice trembling slightly. "I'm speechless, Jeno. I'm sure this wasn't easy to keep."

Jeno nodded, his expression solemn but tender. "Yes, even around you, I couldn't fully let my guard down."

Jaemin took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Me too. And it doesn't matter that you're a prince to me. What matters is that you've been such a good person to me, even when it counted the most."

Jeno's eyes softened. "So, shall we open the letter?"

Jaemin hesitated, a look of apprehension on his face. "I'm scared."

Jeno gently squeezed Jaemin's hand. "It's okay."

With a deep breath, Jaemin carefully opened the letter, the sound of the paper rustling echoing softly in the quiet garden. He unfolded it and began to read aloud:

"Dear Jaemin,

We knew one day you'd find out that you are heir to the Na family throne. Me, your mother, and your father of sound and body support this message, but besides that, we must tell you the truth. We didn't want to abandon you. We knew someone was after the family throne, and to keep it safe until you found out, we left you with your Auntie Sarah to keep you out of harm's way. We love you very much, and please show this to the oldest brother of the Lee family so that they can help you get situated if you are willing to. The choice is yours."

Jaemin's voice faltered as he finished reading, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Oh my god, you're a prince."

Jeno looked at Jaemin with a mixture of awe and reassurance. "I can't believe it either."

Jaemin took Jeno's hand in his, his voice firm with resolve. "Where do you stand? You don't have to accept it."

Jeno gazed into Jaemin's eyes, his expression filled with warmth. "I accept it, and I stand with you."

Overcome with emotion, Jaemin leaned in and pressed a gentle, heartfelt kiss to Jeno's lips. The kiss was tender, filled with promise and affection, sealing their unspoken commitment to each other. As they pulled away, Jaemin looked into Jeno's eyes, his heart full and his fears eased.