THEM. － l.sm + k.sy

; o3

The boy's name was Soonyoung. It was a cute name, Seokmin thought after he'd asked for it from the apple cheeked boy himself, slender hand easing its hold on the latter's own as their shake of greeting drew to its quick end.

"I like your hair, Soonyoung," The Prince idly commented some time into his motionless stance, whilst the father of the very child he was looking at worked on pinning his sleeves to the correct length.

The tailor took a tentative peak up at his superior, just as Seungcheol who stood guard did, but Soonyoung didn't think much of it, a luminous smile stretching across his lips that made his eyes crinkle at their sides.

"Thank you, your Highness," The boy cheerily replied, gently bowing in gratitude, "Yours is also nice. It looks soft."

Seokmin turned a tad shy at the praise, the tips of his ears staining with the colour of cherries, but he suppressed his timidity to smile back at the other and say, "Thank you, my maid helps me wash it with this special oil he makes from plants and flowers."

The information seemingly intrigued the chubby boy who much rather than absorbing what his father's movements and mannerisms were, had gone to place himself directly in front of the Prince, just below his circular stand, with eyes stretched in interest.

"Oh really? That's an innovative method."

Seokmin hummed, feeling oddly pleased at having impressed Soonyoung some way.

"It is," He affirmed, "You see, my maid is very intelligent and Seungcheol often joins us in the gardens to aid Jeonghan in picking that which he needs."

His jaw falling ajar as he let out a sound of understanding, Soonyoung finally took note of the guard who had become bashful for a moment and regarded him with a grin prior to facing the royal once more.

"Perhaps one day I could join you then, your Highness."

The suggestion brought the boy's father's face to pale with fright before it wrinkled in a scowl.

"Soonyoung, don't trouble the Prince with －"

"Oh, no, it's alright," Seokmin was quick to cut in, stopping the man's violent whisper before it could put off Soonyoung from talking to him. The tailor obediently silenced himself, but looked questioningly at the Prince's guard, unaccustomed to such amiable behaviour from royals.

Seokmin proceeded, "I believe Soonyoung will never be of trouble to me," His sight gingerly dropped to his shadow prior to meeting the boy's own that was transfixed upon him in wonder, "Soonyoung, please come along with us to the gardens later today. I'll allow you to pick any flowers that you find beautiful."