Villain kids

21

Strolling across the bridge was alarmingly peaceful. Or maybe it was just the fact they were still holding hands-fingers tangled like a secret shared too soon-laughing at random jokes and silly thoughts that didn't make sense outside their little world.

Donghyuck wasn't even paying attention to where they were going anymore. He was too busy watching the way Mark's smile made his eyes crinkle.

Then Mark stopped.

He didn't say anything at first. He just turned and looked at Donghyuck-really looked at him. And Donghyuck felt the flush rise in his cheeks again.

Mark: "We're here."

His voice was soft, but it rang louder than it should have. Donghyuck blinked, finally looking away from the prince's eyes to take in the view.

And he forgot how to breathe.

A winding stone path led forward like something out of a storybook, guiding them toward a gazebo sculpted from white stone. The sun made everything shimmer-like the entire space had been dipped in magic. Pillows lay scattered on a blanket in the middle, next to a basket that practically whispered, "Let's stay here forever."

Below the platform, a sparkling blue lake stretched wide and glowing, so crystal-clear he could see every tiny stone and fish inside. The water danced like it knew it had company.

Donghyuck suddenly remembered how to close his mouth. And how to feel incredibly self-conscious. Mark was still holding his hand. Still watching him.

Mark: "Do you like it?"

Hyuck could only laugh-a soft, breathy sound like someone coming back to life.

Hyuck: "I'm pretty sure I just looked like I was gonna have a heart attack... This place is... unbelievable."

Mark's smile grew impossibly wider.

Mark: "I found it when I was little. My parents were visiting the area just before the bridge starts-before there was a bridge. They said I could explore for 30 minutes, but if I came back late, I'd be grounded."

He chuckled at the memory, rubbing the back of his neck.

Mark: "Of course, I was late. I was climbing rocks and swimming-I mean, I was a kid, you know? But I saw this water, clearer than anything I'd ever seen. And I begged them afterward to help me come back here."

Mark (smiling): "Eventually, they gave in. Fairy Godmother enchanted the bridge so only I could reveal it. And... you're the first person I've ever brought here."

Donghyuck's breath caught in his throat.

Mark: "It's my escape place. No guards. No lessons. No expectations. Just... quiet."

He paused, glancing out at the water.

Mark: "My parents, Belle and the Beast, they're known as the founders of this place. Everyone expects me to be just like them. But they weren't always royalty, you know? They had adventures. They lived. I don't want to spend my youth pretending I already know how to rule the world."

Donghyuck stayed quiet. There was something tender in the air now, something fragile.

Mark: "Bringing you guys here... that was my first real decision. And my first order as king? It's gonna be bringing more kids here-kids like you. Like me. Kids who deserve more."

When Mark finally looked back at him, Donghyuck was already staring, eyes shining with something warm and fierce and impossible to name.

Mark (nervously): "Was I speaking nonsense?"

Hyuck (too fast): "No! That... I'm..."

But he didn't finish.

Because then-

Mark leaned in, slowly, like he was afraid to chase the moment too fast.

And Donghyuck didn't move away.

When their lips met, it wasn't fireworks. It was starlight. It was the kind of kiss that didn't try to prove anything. The kind that just was-soft, sweet, still.

For a moment, the pressure of crowns and curses disappeared completely.

There was just the prince and the villain's son-

holding hands on a hidden bridge to somewhere new.