Sacrifice || ENHYPEN FF

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 124

~yoi im back again. I have lots to say so read the author's note carefully lmoa~

-Start of Chapter 124-

The palace gates loom tall in the golden evening light, but they don't feel imposing today.

Not to Jungwon.

Not when Isla's hand is tucked into his, their fingers loosely interlaced, swinging between them like a quiet promise. Her laughter rings like wind chimes in spring, bouncing off the stone path as they walk.

A bouquet of chrysanthemums rests gently in the crook of her arm — cream and gold and pale green — a subtle nod to the first flowers she ever planted in the palace gardens.

"—and the merchant says, 'It's not a chicken, it's a miracle with feathers!'"

Isla bursts into giggles all over again, barely keeping the flowers in her arms steady. Jungwon can't help the soft smile tugging at his lips — amused not by the joke, but by her.

Always by her.

He watches her, the way the breeze dances through her hair, the way her eyes crinkle when she laughs. Like the sunlight has chosen only her to shine on.

"You're staring, Your Highness." She looks up at him with a teasing grin.

"I am." he says simply, not even pretending otherwise.

She squeezes his hand, and he lets her lead the way up the steps.

~~~~~~~

Heeseung's POV

From the upper garden terrace, I lean against the railing, arms folded, watching them with a slight tug of smile a t the corner of my lips.

"Would you look at that." I mutter to myself. "He's finally smiling."

From up here, they're framed by evening gold — two silhouettes against the light, trailing laughter and warmth in their wake. My jaw relaxes slightly, lips parting just enough for a soft breath to escape.

"Took him long enough."

Suddenly a soft voice behind him says,

"Who's got you smiling so pleasantly, Sir Heeseung?"

I don't turn. Of course it's her.

Jia steps beside me, her hands straightening out her apron, feeling her eyes fluttering over mine. I don't look away, my eyes still fixed on the pair below.

"Just... watching a boy fall in love." I glance down at the flowers in Isla's arms. My voice softens, "I've never seen him smile so much"

 Her gaze follows mine, falling silently on Jungwon and Isla below.

"It's lovely isn't it?" Jia smiles, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her friend's happiness, "I've never seen Isla this much as well."

"Do you wish to have a life like that?" the words tumble out before I can stop them.

Jia doesn't answer at first.

The golden light catches the side of her face, softening every edge, and for a second I'm not sure if I asked it aloud or just thought it.

Then her lips curve, not into a teasing grin like she usually throws at me — but something smaller. Gentler.