More Priceless than Gold - Emperor x Reader

The Confession

"He and I are going to have some 1-on-1 time, I guess."

(art belongs to @/Jinkobanana on Twitter!)

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<Your POV>

My heart was pounding as the king walked away. The way he came close to whisper in my ear was enough to give me goosebumps. I felt so honored to have been recognized by him...me, a regular newbie squid! Well, I guess not so much a newbie.

Back to reality.

After the awards presentation, the team and I decided to head back to Ember's room to celebrate and screw around. All of us got involved, including Levi. This is probably the most emotion and energy we'll ever see from him.

It was a great time. Many pillow fights ensued. Heh, I wouldn't be surprised if our neighbors filed a noise complaint against us. Once things started to calm down, I remembered Emperor's words.

"Meet me in front of the square as soon as you can."

I was debating on excusing myself since we weren't doing anything important. Then Ian came up to me with a slip of paper in his hand. "I saw this fall out of your pocket. I didn't open it, don't worry." "Oh thanks!" I was confused, but I took it anyway. He nodded and went into the kitchen to get a drink.

I opened the slip to reveal a phone number. The recipient had drawn a tiny crown at the end of it. Is it...his number? I thought to myself. I decided to text this number to find out for sure.

>Hello? I found your number in my pocket, may I ask who this is?
>You might have already assumed, dear~ It's the King.

So my hunch was correct. I was surprised by the immediate reply. I added him to my contact list and replied to him.

>Oh my- it's an honor. But why did you give me your number?
>So you could let me know if you weren't able to meet me. I'm assuming that's the case, which is completely fine.
>No not at all! I'll be there in about 10 minutes ^^
>Alright, see you then~

Dear cod. I'm really about to see Emperor by himself? By myself? My pulse rate went even faster at the thought.

I didn't realize Ember was peeking over my shoulder until I heard her giggling. "Look who's on a daaaaateee~" she whispered. I squealed and threw a pillow at her. "Come on (Y/N), you'd better not keep him waitiiinggg!" "Keep who waiting?" Levi peeked from behind the countertop. "N-no one important!" I stuttered. "But I will have to leave-" "Go on ahead! Don't let us keep you!" Ian shouted.

(timeskip brought to you by the ever-growing ship energy)

I promptly arrived in front of the square. I didn't see him anywhere nearby, so I figured he was still on his way. I stood around and observed the sunset to pass the time.

Then I felt a pair of hands on my shoulders. "Hello there sweetheart." I turned around to reveal the sun-yellow inkling standing there. However, Emperor was wearing the same navy blue jacket that I saw him wearing on my first day. "H-hello!" He chuckled. "Don't mind the jacket. Shall we go for a walk?" "Of course!" I didn't stutter that time, which filled me with another sense of accomplishment.

The king and I walked next to each other as we admired the pretty sky. But I can't help but wonder why he called me here. I guess I shouldn't think too much of it. But I have to tell him how I feel while I can. It's not everyday that I'll be able to meet with him like this. I inhaled deeply and gatherer myself.

"Emperor?"

"Hm?"

"I...I'd like to tell you something."

We stopped walking.

"What is it, dear?"

"I just wanted to let you know..."

I looked down at my shoes and played with the edge of my (P/C). This is it.

"Yes?"

"I wanted you to know that...that I like you! I really do! More than a battle rival..."

I finally said it. I mustered the courage to make eye contact with the king. After a few moments, Emperor sighed and shook his head.

"I'm sorry dear, I can't say I have the same feelings for you."

Those words struck me like a bullet. Did he really not? But all these hints...the way he acted towards me...those were all fake? Tears threatened to spill out of my eyes.

Before they could, he said something else. "I say that because my feelings towards you are full of love. Not just a friendly love. You're brilliant, (Y/N)."

I looked up at him again with watery eyes. But these tears were happy tears. The king opened his arms for a hug. "Come here, love." I wasted no time. I sprinted into his arms and he picked me up with ease. He spun around and set me down, not breaking the hug.

His embrace felt so comforting and warm. I didn't want to let go. Emperor rested his chin on my shoulder. "How do you feel?" he inquired. I buried my face into his chest. "I can't express how happy I am with words." He chuckled, and I felt the vibrations in my body from his mesmerizing voice. "Allow me to make you even happier then."

Emperor pulled my face away from his chest, grabbed ahold of my chin, and connected his lips with mine. It came to me as a shock.

He's kissing me. What do I do?-

What am I thinking. It'd be rude to not return a kiss from the king himself. I leaned into the kiss, which grew more passionate by the second. I can guarantee neither one of us cared about anything else except for each other.

Eventually we had to pull back for air. Emperor was the first to regain his composure. "Well...? Did that make you happier?" I giggled and hugged him again. "Of course it did, my king." He hugged me back and lightly kissed me on the forehead. "I'm glad I was able to do that for you, my queen."

I blushed at the pet name. This was such a special moment. I never wanted it to end. Alas, that's not how life works.  But that will not stop me from cherishing this moment.

We continued our walk, hand in hand. Once it got too dark, Emperor insisted on walking me back to my apartment. Before we parted ways, we exchanged one last kiss. I went upstairs to my room feeling extremely joyful.

As I was changing into my pajamas, my phone jingled. It was from Emperor.

>Are you free tomorrow morning? I'd like to see you again at the café.
>Yes I am ^^
>Great, I'll see you then. I love you and sweet dreams~
>I love you too my king~ ♡

I sighed as I got into my bed. It felt amazing having a boyfriend. Especially if they were Emperor.  "I'm probably not getting that much sleep tonight..." I said to myself.

A/N: owo.
I am terribly sorry if this seems rushed. but you can consider this the end of the 'story'...for now ;>