FALL IN LOVE WITH A MONSTERS [HEEJAKEHOON]

WHISPERED OF SOULS

Past:

1890...

Engene kingdom:

Golden sunlight poured through the tall stained-glass windows of the royal hall, painting the marble floor in warm colors.

Trumpets echoed.
The massive doors slowly opened.
And then—

Prince Solon stepped inside.
He was a little boy, barely ten, dressed in soft white-and-gold royal robes that shimmered gently with every step. His dark curls framed his delicate face, and his eyes sparkled with kindness and curiosity.

He smiled.
Not a royal smile.
A real one.
The entire court softened.
Whispers spread.

“The prince is even more beautiful than the rumors…”

“He looks like an angel…”

Solon walked beside the queen, bowing shyly to the nobles.

When he noticed children peeking from behind pillars, he waved at them cheerfully.

Heli stood near the entrance, holding his little brother’s hand tightly.

__________________________________________

Heli was twelve.
Jino was nine.

Their clothes were clean but clearly old and worn, carefully stitched and mended again and again by their late mother.
Heli stood straight, shoulders tense, jaw tight.

Jino trembled slightly beside him.
“It’s okay,” Heli whispered, squeezing his brother’s hand. “Stay behind me. Don’t talk unless they talk to you.”
Jino nodded quickly. “Hyung… are they going to send you away from me?”
Heli’s chest tightened.

“No,” he lied softly. “I’ll never leave you.”
Their father—Sir Rowan—had been a loyal knight of the king.
He died on the battlefield six months ago.

A sword through his chest.
Defending the kingdom.
The king, in honor of his sacrifice, summoned his eldest son to the palace.
To raise him.
To train him.
To make him a knight.
To replace his father.

___________________________________________

The brothers were led forward.
Heli bowed deeply, pulling Jino down with him.

“Your Majesty,” Heli said quietly. “My name is Heli. This is my little brother, Jino.”
The king’s eyes softened.

“You look just like your father,” he said gently. “Brave eyes.”
Heli swallowed.

“I will serve the kingdom like he did,” Heli said firmly. “I promise.”
Jino looked up at the king with wide eyes. “Please don’t take my brother away…”
The court fell silent.

Heli’s hand tightened around Jino’s.
The queen stepped forward, kneeling to Jino’s height.

“You’re both staying in the palace,” she said softly. “You won’t be separated.”
Jino let out a shaky breath.
Heli closed his eyes in relief.

___________________________________________

Solon had wandered away from his mother.
He stopped in front of the two brothers.
He stared at Heli.
Not rudely.
Just… in wonder.
Heli noticed.
And froze.
Solon’s cheeks were pink from walking.
His eyes were huge and bright.
He smiled.
“Hi,” Solon said sweetly. “Are you knights?”
Heli swallowed. “I… I will be one.”
Solon beamed. “Then you can protect me!”
Jino peeked from behind Heli’s leg.
Solon crouched down. “What’s your name?”
“…Jino.”
“You’re cute,” Solon declared.
Jino smiled shyly.

___________________________________________

Heli couldn’t look away.
The prince looked like sunlight.
Warm.
Pure.
Soft.
Everything Heli had never known.
He’s beautiful…
Solon tilted his head. “What’s your name?”
“Heli,” he answered quietly.
Solon smiled wider. “You’re pretty too.”
Heli’s ears turned red.
Jino looked up at his brother and grinned.
“Hyung, your face is red.”
Heli cleared his throat. “Jino.”

End flashback pov

___________________________________________