Pied Piper (Kim Namjoon x Reader)

Chapter 11

"As..." you said, following his tone. He was unsure of himself, for the second time today.

"Your husband." he said calmly. You said nothing in return, instead staring down at your intertwined hands, frozen. "Y/N? Please say something."

"My apologies, your Highness. I think the waterfall is messing with my hearing. I'm sure I heard you wrong. Could you repeat what you said." you said, giving him a nervous smile, afraid to hear again what you thought he said.

"Y/N, I want to visit the orphanage as your husband." the Prince said, eyes hopeful for your reaction. And you almost fell off the bench. It was what you wanted to hear for so long even though you already knew it was impossible. Yet the man in front of you just said it, with all his might. You searched his face for any sign of mischievous, but that doesn't sound like him. Instead, he held your hand tighter and lifted your chin with his other hand.

"And by husband, you mean a good friend, right?"

The Prince sighed, but he was patient."I know it sounds sudden, and I might be jumping the gun here. I don't even know if you like me or not." He shook his head lightly, feeling flustered.

"I-I.."

"When we literally bumped into each other, I felt this ring in the universe. I've read a lot of comic books as a kid and this ring is when you know they're the one. Your hair was so pretty that day, high ponytail and swung back and forth, engraving in my head. Father told me he was thinking about getting Ha Eun a tutor and I was picturing some old professor with traditional styles. But I was pleasantly surprised to see your resume."

"Actually, I don't remember applying for this position at all." you chimed in but quickly shut up to let him finish his story. He laughed lightly.

"I know. The palace has their own system. Father took a liking to you shortly, as if he knew you for a long time. He would say things like "she's very kind, hardworking." or "she would like the garden" and it's true, you do love the garden." You nodded in agreement, thinking about how you wanted to live in that garden when you first saw it. But how would the King knows something like that. Then again, the palace works differently than most employers.

"In all honesty, I thought you were the most beautiful person I've ever seen. Don't let the Queen know I said that. And Ha Eun was so happy to have you. I feel like she does look up to you like a big sister. You have the wisdom she needs that I, as her brother, can't give her. I'm so thankful that you're always there for her. Growing up, we only had each other, and maybe the twins. But recently, I've been so busy that I barely have time for her. I hope she doesn't resent me."

"Your Highness, please don't worry. The Princess loves you and she knows about your duties to the country. She's more mature than you think." you told him, he smiled graciously.

"That's because she has a great tutor. It wasn't long until I was mesmerized by you. Naturally Seokjin and Yoongi knew, and they tease me about it every day. I don't mind though, because it was true. You're always on my mind." He began to play with a strand of your hair, which was down today like yesterday, but after showering last night, it is no longer curled.

"When Father told me about my marriage, I was so angry. Both at him and at my uncle for suggesting it. I didn't want you to think that I didn't care about what had happened earlier that night, because I do. You were so beautiful that night and I wanted you by my side the whole night. I couldn't run after you like I wanted to. I'm so sorry Y/N, for not being able to make you happy." He leaned his head on your shoulder, like that night.

"Your Highness, please don't beat yourself up about this. I am okay. You telling me these things make me happy beyond anything. And even if I can't be with you, the thought of you thinking about me is enough for me for the rest of my life."

He jumped up from your shoulder, his eyes were red. It broke your heart. "But you're the only person I want to be with. You're the only one that knows me, the real me. I want to wake up next to you, to go eat dinner with you like a couple, to have a family with you. Y/N, I lo-"

"Your Highness, stop. Please don't say it. You're getting married." you reminded him again, your hands going up to stop him from coming closer, and he was clearly annoyed this time. "What I'm doing right now by being here with you could be treason. And I do not want you to get in trouble-" He lets go of your hand and hugged you. It felt like you were ascending into heaven. He was so warm and you could stay in that position forever.

"Tell me you love me." he demanded, his arms around you were suffocating, he needs you to save him.

"I-I can't." you said, while pushing yourself away from him, he seemed upset.

"So you don't love me?"

"Of course I do!" you exclaimed, but then immediately went to cover your mouth. But it was too late, he already heard and a giant grin appeared on his face.

"When the King gets back from his trip abroad, I will talk to him about it." he said in determination. "I'll marry you for sure." He planted a kiss on your forehead, you voluntarily leaned into it.

You wanted to believe him, but there was an eerie sensation that this happiness can't last forever. And you're waiting for the storm.