THEM. － l.sm + k.sy

; o4

Seokmin was over the moon. His walk had a hop to it as he'd make his way along the castle halls, eyes constantly in search of the soft-faced tailor boy who he so eagerly referred to as his friend. The young Prince didn't know of many other children his age and had no siblings for him to speak or fool around with, so with every fitting for his clothing and with every time his sight would cross that of Soonyoung as he strode through his opulent home, his heart would get a few ounces lighter, his smile just that little bit brighter, until weeks had blended into months and he'd been desperate to meet with Soonyoung outside of his tailoring duties.

They'd known each other for a year then, the young Prince twelve and Soonyoung thirteen, and though their little talks and brief chances at jokes were a gift to Seokmin, the boy couldn't help but wish to see the other more, perhaps outside that large room lined with rolls of expensive cloth and needles.

"Here, Soonyoung, I brought you something."

Seungcheol watched over the two from the peripherals of his vision as he shut the door, proceeding to bow his head to the tailor preparing himself for work. Soonyoung's eyes had rounded, glittering with surprise as he was handed one of the most perfect red apples he had ever seen, and a book with a gilded spine and leather cover.

"Our family physician says that fruit helps us restore our good looks and live long; I hope that this apple does you well," Seokmin explained, somewhat bashful when Soonyoung looked to him in gratitude.

"And the book?"

The Prince's face washed over with passion at the mention of said object, his shyness shrinking as he began to speak of it while being lead to his measuring stand.

"Oh, it's one of my absolute favourites!" He chipperly said, "It's a tale of fairies and ogres, with a magnumus warrior who brings peace with the aid of his friends. I really do hope you'll like it."

Soonyoung bowed, then took hold of the Prince's hand and bestowed a kiss to his knuckles of pearl. His father looked on in disapproval, but the guard held no malice in his irises as he watched the boys interact.

"I'm certain I will," Soonyoung spoke once he straightened hismelf, beaming at the royal who had flushed a pretty crimson, "Thank you for the gifts, your Highness. I wish I had something of value to offer in return."

"I have your friendship, Soonyoung, and that is the most precious of things you can give to me."