LOVESTRUCK ROYALTY

Chapter - 46

A long time skip... 

10 years later: 

The morning sun streamed through the palace windows, casting a golden hue on the lush garden outside. Inside, Hyunjin was in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. Though they had palace chefs, there were still moments when he loved making meals for his family himself. Felix entered quietly, wrapping his arms around Hyunjin's waist from behind, resting his chin on his husband's shoulder.

"You still wake up early to do this," Felix murmured, his voice soft as he watched Hyunjin fry eggs. "You don't have to, you know."

Hyunjin smiled, leaning back into Felix's embrace. "I like cooking for you all. It makes the mornings feel... homier."

Felix chuckled, kissing Hyunjin's neck softly before pulling away to help set the table. "It's been ten years, and you still surprise me with how much you care."

"Hey, someone has to keep this place from turning into chaos," Hyunjin teased, playfully bumping Felix with his hip.

Just then, Yongjin walked in, his tall frame filling the doorway. Now 20, he had grown into a handsome young man, the spitting image of his parents. His serious demeanor was softened by a smile as he spotted his parents in the kitchen.

"Morning, you two," Yongjin greeted, heading over to grab some toast.

"Good morning, sweetie," Hyunjin said, glancing up at his eldest son. "You're up early. Got plans?"

Yongjin nodded, chewing his toast before responding. "Yeah, I promised Hyena and Felicia I'd help them with something later, but I've got training first."

"Always taking care of your sisters," Felix said, ruffling Yongjin's hair. "But don't forget to take care of yourself too."

Yongjin grinned, shaking his head. "I know, Dad. You've been telling me that since I was a kid."

Before Felix could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hall, followed by the twin voices of Hyena and Felicia, now 15 years old. The twins were inseparable, their mischievous energy filling every room they entered.

"Mom! Dad!" Hyena called, entering the kitchen with Felicia by her side. "Yongjin said he'd take us out today. Can we go to the market after breakfast?"

Felicia nodded enthusiastically. "Please? There's a new bakery that just opened, and we really want to check it out."

Hyunjin exchanged a smile with Felix before nodding. "Alright, but be careful. And don't buy too many sweets, okay?"

"Promise!" the twins chimed in unison, grabbing plates of food and heading to the table.

Just as everyone settled in, Hyunsoo, now 13, wandered in, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Unlike his older siblings, Hyunsoo was quieter and more introverted, often preferring to spend time reading or drawing. But that didn't stop him from joining the family for breakfast.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Felix teased, ruffling Hyunsoo's hair as he sat down.

Hyunsoo grumbled playfully, swatting his dad's hand away before reaching for a pancake. "Morning." 

As the family gathered around the table, laughter and conversation filled the air. The twins, Hyena and Felicia, sat at the breakfast table, eagerly chatting about their plans for the day. Yongjin had promised to take them out after his training session, but their minds were already racing with excitement about something else entirely.

As they finished their pancakes, Hyena exchanged a knowing glance with Felicia before turning to their parents. "Mom, Dad, can we ask you something?"

Felix raised an eyebrow, sensing the familiar tone that usually meant the twins were up to something. "What is it this time?"

Felicia leaned in, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "BTS just released a new album! Can we go to the market and buy it?"

Hyunjin, wiping his hands on a napkin, chuckled at their excitement. "BTS, huh? I didn't know you two were such big fans."

Hyena nodded vigorously. "We are! And we've been waiting for this album forever. Please, can we get it? We'll be careful, we promise!"

Felix exchanged a playful glance with Hyunjin, both of them trying to suppress their laughter at how serious the girls were about it. "Well, I suppose you can... if you've been keeping up with your studies."

Felicia immediately chimed in. "We have! We finished all our work this week."

Hyunjin smiled softly, clearly enjoying their enthusiasm. "Alright, alright. You can get the album. But remember, don't spend all your money on albums alone, okay?"

The twins let out excited squeals, jumping up from their seats. "Thank you, thank you!" Hyena hugged Felix, while Felicia gave Hyunjin a quick kiss on the cheek before rushing to get ready to leave.

Yongjin, who had been silently listening, couldn't help but laugh. "You're really letting them get away with that?"

Felix smirked. "It's harmless. Besides, everyone needs some fun now and then, right?"

Yongjin shook his head in amusement, but a smile lingered on his face. As the twins ran out, planning their day around the album purchase, Hyunjin turned to Felix, his expression still fond.

"Looks like we've got a couple of K-pop superfans in the family."

Felix laughed. "Yeah, but it's better than them asking for something dangerous."

"True," Hyunjin said, chuckling along with him.

After breakfast, the older children went off on their own adventures, while Hyunsoo stayed back, helping Hyunjin clear the table. Felix watched the scene from a distance, his heart swelling with pride and love for his family.

Later in the day, Felix and Hyunjin took a walk through the palace gardens, hand in hand. The years had passed quickly, but their bond had only grown stronger. As they walked in comfortable silence, Felix squeezed Hyunjin's hand gently.

"We've done well, haven't we?" Felix asked softly, glancing at Hyunjin with a smile.

Hyunjin looked up at him, his eyes filled with warmth. "Yes, we have. And we're still doing well. Our family... it's everything I ever dreamed of."

Felix pulled him close, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you, Hyunjin."

Hyunjin smiled against Felix's lips. "I love you too, Felix. Always."

And together, they walked on, content in the life they had built, surrounded by the love of their children and the memories they had created over the years.