The Black Prince & The White Prince

Black Room

Once Minhyun finished work, he realised it was already quite dark out. He excused himself to go to the library. The maid came up to him to inform him that dinner was served in his bedroom where he preferred to have it in since the dining room was way too huge for himself. He thanked her and she went on her way. He opened the library door, glad to find it still locked actually. He looked for Baekho who had actually fallen asleep at the same spot. He walked quietly and stopped in front of him, slowly bending over to have a better look at the guy he had brought into his life without a purpose.

A small smile graced his lips as he stared at the sleeping boy although he hadn't noticed it himself. The other looked so peaceful and... Minhyun froze when he noticed he had actually reached out to touch Baekho's cheek. He wasn't sure to continue or to move his hand away now but the other didn't seem to even stir from his sleep so Minhyun pinched his cheek. So cute. He giggled quietly and poked it, finding it oddly adorable at how bouncy one's cheeks could be. However, he did feel his hunger creeping up on him so he pushed away any other thoughts he had and shook the other awake. Or tried. It took him awhile to actually get Baekho to open his eyes and grumbled for five more minutes. Minhyun slid his hand under Baekho's shirt to pull out the leash, tugging it harshly so that Baekho would snap out of his sleep and it did work. Baekho's eyes opened widely, looking almost innocent like when he noticed the one looking at him was Minhyun.

"Ah... Minhyun...," he muttered and rubbed his eye tiredly. "Sorry I didn't see you there."

"Of course you didn't. You were asleep," Minhyun replied. "Time for dinner."

"Is it night already? I really can't tell the time here." Baekho stood up and stretched his sore body from having sat too long in the same position.

"It is and I'm hungry so move it," he said as coldly as he could sound at the moment but he felt a light fluttering in his chest from his earlier actions. Somehow, it made him feel lighter.

"I am," Baekho grumbled as he followed Minhyun before pausing. "Should I keep the book first?" Minhyun shrugged and motioned him to do whatever he want. Baekho nodded and kept the book he was reading right where he took it before following Minhyun like a puppy once the other took hold of the leash again. "How's work?"

"Is that a poor attempt to know of my country's dealings?" Minhyun scoffed but Baekho pouted.

"Hey. I'm just trying to make conversation. Plus, me knowing anything about your kingdom isn't going to help in any way. I just wanted to know how are you.... I think."

"Then shouldn't your question be how am I?"

"Yah! Just answer me then."

Minhyun let out a chuckle and was tempted to give Baekho a playful nudge but held back.

"Oh, so you can laugh normally after all." That made Minhyun stop and let out a cough. "You don't have to stop... is it that bad to loosen up around me?"

"Well. No. And yes," Minhyun replied, going back to his usual calm demeanour to Baekho's annoyance. "As for your question, I'm doing fine. Just as I've been for the past 7 months."

"7 months? You've been going to war by yourself for 7 months?"

"Who said anything about war?"

"I mean, what else would you mean by 7 months?"

"Handling the country's issues and such too. Look, the king and queen isn't around. I'm the one in charge for now."

"Oh..."

"Just... don't talk for awhile," Minhyun sighed and Baekho nodded apologetically, keeping his head low. The two continued walking until they seemed to reach a different part of the palace altogether. Baekho looked intrigued again but they didn't get far since Minhyun approached one of the nearest doors and opened it. A neat room laid itself out before them, just like a perfect drawing.

"Are we going in there?" Baekho asked to his own bewilderment. Minhyun raised a brow.

"Why not? This is my room," he replied. That made Baekho's jaw dropped.

"This? This perfectly ordered room? I mean room that's in perfect order? You get the gist."

"Why are you making such a big deal out of this? It is my room," Minhyun replied, stepping in. Baekho hesitated but not for long since Minhyun dragged him in. Baekho felt like his presence was disturbing the room's order and peace. He felt out of place.

"I'm very surprised. It's so neat," he said after looking around. There weren't many things cluttered about either, everything had their own spot and looked like they belonged there. Baekho wondered if his room would make Minhyun puke at this rate.

"I like neat things."

"And clean things."

"Yes... Sit down and stop staring," Minhyun said, hitting Baekho's head lightly to get his attention back. Baekho noticed the chair and sat down. The food came into his view and his thoughts about the room were all thrown aside. Minhyun shut the door and locked it before joining Baekho at the table.

"I didn't think you would allow food inside your room," Baekho said, waiting for Minhyun to be seated before digging in.

"Our dining room is too large for a single person to dine in and none of the maids or guards are willing to join me there so I just have it in my room," Minhyun explained. He frowned a little, wondering why he was opening up to the other but decided to just be more cautious next time. He started eating as well, making sure the table didn't get dirty.

The two didn't talk much as they ate. Mostly out of habit the two had. Both being too used to eating alone and being alone although they didn't mention that to each other. Baekho merely thought Minhyun was fed up with him talking and Minhyun thought Baekho just wanted to enjoy the food.