𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐃𝐄; boysnextdoor

waltz ; woonhak

The moon hung heavy in the night sky, its silver beams slipping through the intricately carved windows of the King's palace. The grand ballroom lay quiet, its polished marble floor a mirror to the stars. This was where Y/N felt most alive, most free — away from prying eyes and courtly expectations, away from the whispers that hounded her during the day.

At midnight, the palace transformed into her stage. With each step, the world disappeared, leaving only her movements and the music that lingered in her mind. Tonight, however, wasn't a night to dance alone.

She felt his presence before she saw him. The subtle creak of the heavy oak door was followed by the soft clinking of armor. A smile tugged at her lips.

"You're late, Woonhak."

The knight stepped into the moonlight, his dark hair messy and his expression apologetic yet teasing. His armor, though polished earlier in the day, bore new scratches — evidence of the day's duties. He bowed dramatically, a playful glint in his eye.

"My lady, forgive me. The King's guard demands much of me, but none so much as my heart demands to see you."

She rolled her eyes, though her heart fluttered at his words. Crossing the room, she reached up to touch his face, her fingers grazing the rough stubble on his jaw.

"You're lucky I missed you," she murmured, her voice softer now.

"And I, you," he replied, his voice low and warm.

They stood there for a moment, locked in each other's gaze. His hands found her waist, pulling her closer until their breaths mingled. The faint scent of lavender clung to her, a stark contrast to the earthy aroma of leather and steel that clung to him.

"I want to see you dance," Woonhak said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Y/N's cheeks flushed, but she nodded. "Only if you promise to stay until the end."

"I'll stay until the stars fall from the sky."

She stepped back, her bare feet gliding across the cold marble as she positioned herself at the center of the room. The silence was almost reverent as she began to move, her body swaying to an imagined melody. Each turn, each leap, was a story written in motion, a secret shared only with him.

Woonhak leaned against a pillar, utterly entranced. His fingers itched to touch her, to pull her into his arms, but he knew this was her moment. The way her dress billowed like clouds in a storm, the way her hair caught the moonlight — it was a sight he could never tire of.

As the final spin left her breathless, she turned to him, her chest heaving with the effort.

"Well?" she asked, feigning nonchalance.

"You take my breath away," he replied, crossing the room in long strides. His hands found her waist again, lifting her effortlessly into the air. She gasped, her laughter echoing through the empty hall as he spun her around.

"Woonhak!" she protested, though her arms clung to his shoulders.

When he finally set her down, their faces were mere inches apart. His eyes flicked to her lips, and she felt her heart stutter.

"Do you know what you do to me?" he asked, his voice rough with emotion.

"Show me," she challenged, her breath hitching.

He didn't hesitate. His lips claimed hers, firm yet gentle, like he was afraid of breaking her. She melted into him, her hands tangling in his hair as she pulled him closer. The kiss was a promise, a secret, a confession.

When they finally broke apart, Y/N rested her forehead against his, her eyes fluttering open to meet his.

"You're bold tonight," she teased, though her voice was shaky.

"I'm in love tonight," he replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She laughed softly, the sound like music to his ears. "You're a fool."

"A fool for you."

They spent the next hour like this, tangled in each other's arms, exchanging soft kisses and whispered confessions. Sometimes he'd lift her again, spinning her until they were both dizzy with laughter. Other times, she'd rest her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart.

"Why do you risk this?" she asked at one point, her voice quiet.

He tilted her chin up, his eyes serious now. "Because you're worth it. Every stolen moment, every sleepless night, every danger — it's nothing compared to you."

Her throat tightened, and she looked away. "You shouldn't say things like that."

"Why not?"

"Because it'll hurt too much if we're caught."

He cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. "Then let me make the most of tonight."

With that, he kissed her again, his hands roaming her back as if memorizing every curve. The heat between them was undeniable, but it was more than passion — it was love, raw and unyielding.

The clock struck two, the chime echoing through the halls. Reality began to creep in, but neither of them wanted to let go.

"Stay a little longer," she pleaded, her voice barely audible.

"I'll stay until the sun chases me away," he promised, though they both knew it was a lie.

By the time he slipped away, leaving her alone in the ballroom, Y/N felt both full and empty. Their nights were fleeting, but they were everything.

As she watched his shadow disappear, she whispered to the moon, "Keep him safe for me."

And so, the dance continued — not just on the marble floor, but in the hearts of two lovers who dared to defy the stars.