Royal Temptations

Chapter 33

I've spent the last three days binge reading and holy crap. The first day I stayed up way too long so I could read.

Just cause I love you guys and because this is the chapter I wanted you all to see here it is! Enjoy my creative binge!

...

Junmyeon's POV

...

I sighed, scrubbing my face with the hand not currently occupied. It had only been a few days since our return from China. I'd spent many sleepless nights in my office before, but these last few had to have been the worst. If I stopped working, I slept. But it was anything but peaceful, plagued with images I'd rather forget entirely. I glanced to the side. The invitation to Yixing's wedding was gone, replaced with one for his birthday party next month. The framed picture of the two of us I'd once adored and treasured so much was now facedown on the desk.

"Sir." I glanced up wearily as Heechan approached carefully. It had been a long time since the man and I had a proper conversation. As I'd grown and began to navigate my way through this strange thing called life, he'd always been there for me. He accompanied on trips, made sure I was eating and taking care of myself, always offered words of wisdom. But I also kind of resented him for it. It shouldn't have been him. It should've been my father. "You have us all worried," he continued, stopping just in front of my desk, his gaze sweeping left and right, taking in the utter mess. "At least I know you're eating," he mumbled as he took in the sight of many take out containers.

"What do you want Heechan?" I snapped, and the man remained unmoved. "Can't you see I'm busy?" I motioned to the opened laptop in front of me, then swept a hand over the stacks of papers piled high on the desk. He slowly shook his head, reaching out and flicking the lid of the laptop closed. "Hey!" I protested.

"You may be king," he said. "But I have absolutely no problems treating you like the kid you're acting like." I deflated some, sinking against the (now) uncomfortable desk chair. I hung my head, utterly spent from several seemingly sleepless nights and daydreams that were anything but desirable. Heechan sighed above me. "Take a break Junmyeon," he said at last. "You're going to drop dead if you keep going like this." I didn't respond, but he'd made his point loud and clear. I heard him shuffle off. Slowly, I reached out and switched the picture so it was face up once again, a small smile tugging my lips. Then I rose on legs that felt far too weak and made my way down to my room, sitting in the armchair by the window and gazing out to the horizon.

"Good, he got you out." I didn't even turn when another voice spoke up, this one decidedly more feminine than the last. Hyeja stood beside the chair, her hand on my shoulder. "We were all worried about you," she continued. "You can't keep doing this Junnie..."

"Don't," I said quietly, and she stopped. "Don't call me that. Junmyeon, Jun, anything. But not Junnie. Not anymore. Please." Because anytime I heard that nickname my tongue tasted of ash. Because anytime that nickname crossed anyone's lips he was all I could ever think about. This had to stop. All of it. It wasn't healthy. Hyeja's brows knit together in worry.

"Jun..." she began, only to stop. She leaned down and kissed my forehead. "I can't make it better, but I can at least tell you that I'll be here for you." She straightened. "Call Yixing," she called over her shoulder. "He was always much better at getting you to talk. And I'm sure he'd love to hear from you after three days of silence." My jaw dropped open, but I did fish my phone out if my pocket. I held it carefully in my hands, like it would explode if I moved too sharply. After a few moments, I finally dialed a number I've had memorized for nearly three years.

"Junnie!" A happy voice chirped when he picked up, and my heart clenched for a brief moment. Junnie. Only he was allowed to call me that from now on. "What's up? You hardly ever call for no reason." I frowned, making a mental note to call a little more frequently, for less important things. "How are things in Korea, hmm? How's Baekhyun?"