Hiraeth ⚕ Seungjin

⒒ Seungmin

See, here's the thing about working hard on things that were useless.

Seungmin hated it.

He'd decided he already knew basic manners and and that the REM chapters couldn't really be that different (here is an amazing example of LYING to yourself), so he'd ended up discarding the book somewhere in his room and calling it a day.

Bad decision.

The next session, Mr. Bang had looked so disapproving when Seungmin couldn't tell the difference between a salad fork and a main fork, the younger had wanted to melt into the warm leather chair beneath him and dissappear completely from existence. The professor had followed this up with a very withering lecture, not slipping a single swear but sounding as if he wanted nothing more than to cuss Seungmin out.

The dissappointment dripping from Mr. Bang's eyes were enough to solidify Seungmin's resolve. He was almost never humiliated this bad, and he definitely wasn't used to it. Something about his teacher's expression had him deciding that he would not, under any circumstance, ever dissapoint Mr. Bang again.

There was only one book in his hand as he rushed through the corridors, although it was as heavy as a school bag during exam season. The REM. Seungmin had tried studying in his room, ending with him reading the same sentence 12 times before falling asleep on his wooden desk. The only evidence of his failure was the dried drool on the first page, something Seungmin had tried to desperately wipe off after he woke up but eventually failing.

His hand flattened on the library door as he pushed, stepping inside and closing the door. Six chapters. I can work through half today and the other tomorrow. Good thing's the library's empty-

The library was infact not empty. Seungmin's steps wavered as he noticed Hyunjin, his eyes widening as he watched the figure poring over a book. His dark hair was tied back, a few locks of hair escaping and falling in a gentle curtain around his face. He was also dressed simply, hoodie and sweats, something Seungmin still hadn't gotten used to seeing a royal wear.

Maybe he could turn around, escape before the Prince saw him, but even that was too late. Seungmin let out an internal sob as the Prince turned, eyes zeroing on the frozen Seungmin. If he had any secret super ultra alpha power, it would be nice if it showed itself and saved the human.

Leaving the library would be too obvious (and disrespectful), so he sullenly trudged his way to the farthest oakwood table in the library, suddenly very interested in his shoe laces. The worn leather was soft beneath him as he sat down, trying to control his breathing.

We both dislike each other. There's no way he'll acknowledge me. It's not like he ever made any effort too.

The sound of shuffling, a chair being drawn next to Seungmin, and the thunk of a book on the table echoed through the otherwise empty room.

Well fuck.

Slowly turning, Seungmin fought the urge to swear in agony as Hyunjin's eyes locked onto his. The Prince had decided to sit.

Right. Next. To Seungmin.

"You've been avoiding me," Hyunjin said, his voice a mixture of exasperation and curiosity. "Why have you been avoiding me?"

The younger sputtered in shock, shaking his head quickly. "I haven't been avoiding you," liar. "I've been.. busy." Beneath his ribs was a heart slowly picking up speed, the traitorous thing ringing loudly in his ears.

Eyes sharpening slightly, Hyunjin quieted, eyes darting to Seungmin's gaze then to his hand. Is he looking at the wedding ring? Seungmin quickly curled his hand inward, the piercing gaze of the older feeling like fire on his skin.