Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 123

~yoo btw for the jungwon ff i was talking aboutttt

Its called "Strawberry with Chocolate" and its like academic rivals to lovers kinda trope
help ive only written like 2 chs~

-Start of Chapter 123-

The palace gates stand tall behind them, guards bowing slightly as Jungwon approaches. He's dressed plainly—nothing too flashy, just simple linen and a cloak over his shoulders. Still, he stands like royalty.

Waiting just outside is Isla.

She curtsies lightly when she sees him, hands folded neatly in front of her. "Your Highness."

He nods. "You're early."

"I always am" she says brightly. "Habit of mine."

He notices how the sun catches in her hair. How she smiles without forcing it. How she stands politely, but the bounce in her voice betrays a quiet excitement.

"Shall we go?" she asks.

He nods again, and they begin walking side by side down the road that leads to the village.

~~~~~~~

At first, Jungwon is quiet. He watches everything with guarded eyes—the way the road curves, the villagers they pass. He's not used to walking without guards. Not used to being surrounded by strangers and children and the sound of laughter.

Isla, on the other hand, seems to belong here.

She stops to greet an elderly baker. Waves at a group of children playing nearby. Smiles as she points out a squirrel darting across the path. But she never strays too far from his side.

"I hope it's alright." she says gently, "but I thought we might visit the main square first. It's market day."

He nods. "Lead the way."

Her smile widens. "Yes, Your Highness."

~~~~~~~

They wander through the market square, the air filled with the scent of fresh bread, wildflowers, and sun-warmed fruit. Isla walks with a spring in her step, greeting shopkeepers with polite bows and soft laughs, always respectful—but still lively, like sunlight in motion.

Jungwon stays close, hands tucked inside his cloak, watching everything with guarded curiosity. It's strange, being among commoners without his title announced before him. Even stranger being unnoticed, like any other young man walking beside a girl with flowers in her braid.

Isla stops at a stall run by a middle-aged woman with flour-dusted hands and a cheerful voice.

"Isla! Back again, dear?" the woman calls, grinning as she wipes her hands on her apron.

"I couldn't help it," Isla says brightly, bowing politely. "I told myself I'd just look—but I smelled the plum buns from all the way down the road."

The woman laughs, clearly fond of her. "You and those buns. Who's this, then?" Her eyes shift to Jungwon, narrowing slightly. "Your husband, I suppose?"

Isla stiffens immediately. "Oh—no, he's not—"

Jungwon opens his mouth, utterly caught off guard. "I'm—she's—"