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Chapter Text

TAP … TAP … TAP …

Wonwoo skipped, hopping his feet from one stepping stone to another. The garden at the back of the school area was his favorite place back then. Being here, made Wonwoo recall the memories of when he attended this school, the most elite school in the country.

TAP … TAP … TAP …

From the opposite direction, Wonwoo caught the sound of small footsteps. A small boy about Chan's age seemed to be playing by himself, jumping from one stepping stone to another. Since Wonwoo was watching him, the boy looked back at Wonwoo curiously. Slowly, Wonwoo walked closer to the boy.

“Hello,” Wonwoo greeted as he crouched down in front of the boy. He had read elsewhere that to communicate with a child, he needed to be on the same eye-level as the child.

The boy was silent. Didn't answer Wonwoo's greeting. But the boy's eyes stared intently at him, as if observing Wonwoo in some sort of depth.

“Do you know Lee Chan? It looks like you guys are the same age.”

The boy nodded slowly. His eyes were still staring intently at Wonwoo with a probing gaze.

“Ahjussi is not a bad person. I'm a friend of Chan's father,” Wonwoo explained. Then he continued to ask, “Why are you here alone? Students and parents are gathering in the auditorium. Chan too, isn't he?!”

"Chan has his Daddy and his Dada. My Appa is busy working and I only have one parent. No one is here for me,” the boy said as he crouched down, playing with a small stone on the ground.

Hearing that, Wonwoo felt sympathetic. He also 'lost' both of his parents as a child.

All of sudden, the boy turned to look at Wonwoo. “ Can Ahjussi ... be the substitute for my father for the race?” he requested with an expectant look in his eyes..

The boy's eyes, which were dark black, suddenly flashed blue glint. Wonwoo felt a strange feeling towards the boy. Perhaps it was because he had been in the same position before. Alone, with no real grown-ups act as parents around.

Wonwoo held out his hand, saying, “kaja... I'll be your 'father' today.”

***

“Woahh ... You both look very similar!” said Hoshi out of nowhere.

“Eh?”

“Eh?”

Jihoon and Wonwoo both responded at the same time.

“Jeongwoo resembles Wonwoo a lot. Back then, I thought I was just making it up. But after seeing you two standing side by side this time, you really do look alike. Especially the shape of the eyes.”

“Hmm... you guys are indeed similar,” Jihoon responded affirmatively while observing Wonwoo and Jeongwoo.

"Jeongwoo?"

“Ah,” Hoshi realized that Wonwoo didn't know Jeongwoo yet. “That boy's name is Yoon Jeongwoo,” Hoshi said, pointing to the boy who had participated in the race with Chan.

“The boy who came here with me earlier is Yoon Jeongwoo?” asked Wonwoo again for confirmation.

Hoshi said yes with a nod of his head.

“That child is a bit... unusual. Not in a bad way. Jeongwoo's father always said that Jeongwoo's animal form is a cat. But instead of a cat, I think that kid's animal spirit is more like... a panther. However, I'm not so sure because I've never seen that kid change his form by myself. Jeongwoo has very strong self-control. However, he has habits and behaviors that are closer to those of the panthera genus than to those of felis genus.”

Jihoon's words surprised Wonwoo. “Are you sure? So far, only the ones with royal blood have the panthera genus form.”

"Ahjussi !!!" Jeongwoo ran over to Wonwoo, tugging at the hem of his shirt. “It's my turn now. Come on!”

Jeongwoo grabbed Wonwoo's hand and pulled him onto the field. Earlier, Jeongwoo had asked Wonwoo to assist him in the kids and parents' race at GoSe Elementary School's sports day that day.

The appearance of the Crown Prince of the Kingdom, in the midst of the parents and students there, certainly caused a stir. The principal and one of the teachers in charge of the event, hurriedly approached Wonwoo while respectfully greeting him. The day before, news of the Crown Prince's return, complete with his latest photograph, was plastered across almost all of the country's mass media, offline and online.

“Your Highness,” greeted the Principal.

“I'm here to watch my best friend's son competition. This is not an official event. Please don't overreact. Also, for once, let me stand in for Jeongwoo's parents in the race,” Wonwoo stated as he pointed at Jeongwoo.

The principal and the teacher looked at each other. They bowed and then complied with Wonwoo's request.

Jeongwoo looked at Wonwoo with an awed expression. He had no idea that the person he was with was the next king in line.

***

Jeongwoo and Chan played with the other kids in the playground area while Wonwoo, Hoshi, and Jihoon sat on a park bench near the lake in the back garden of the school. They chatted as they watched the kids play. The place was indeed very spacious as it housed the best elite educational facilities from kindergarten to high school. 

"Do you know Jeongwoo's parents?” Wonwoo asked.

“Hmm... I know him, but I'm not that acquainted. In fact... I forgot his name, because I always called him Jeongwoo Appa. As far as I know, he worked at a restaurant to support Jeongwoo. He's a single parent,” Hoshi shared.

“Jeongwoo enrolled here because of a recommendation. He doesn't come from a rich or noble family,” Jihoon added. “Yoon Jeongwoo... is really a smart kid, both in terms of IQ and EQ. He's more mature than kids his age.”

"How old is he?”

“About almost seven years. He's a few months younger than Chan.” Hoshi showed Wonwoo his seven fingers as he stood up. After answering Wonwoo's question, Hoshi left to call Chan and Jeongwoo.

“Why are you suddenly curious about that kid?” asked Jihoon with wonder.

Wonwoo fell silent at Jihoon's question. He was also baffled because he was unexpectedly curious about the boy named Jeongwoo. Maybe it was because they said he was a panther just like him. Or it could be because the kid had a physical resemblance to him that made him fantasize if he had a child. “I'm just curious. Is that a sin?”

“Not a sin. But, this is very out of character for you. Your Highness Crown Prince Jeon Wonwoo is not the type to be easily attracted to another human being to such a personal level.”

Wonwoo was unwilling to reply to Jihoon's words. He just rolled his eyes and fixed his gaze on Hoshi who came over while holding Chan and Jeongwoo.

***

"I just wanted to pick up my son. My son is inside!” Jeonghan called out.

There was a commotion in front of the school door. For some reason that day, the school security was very tight. Many black-suited men were standing guard in front of the school. Jeonghan just wanted to pick up Jeongwoo, but was blocked from entering. Maybe it was because he was wearing worn-out clothes while still putting on the restaurant apron. He came to school in a hurry because he was late. He didn't have time to change his clothes.

“Sorry. But you can't come in.” One of the men in a black suit pulled Jeonghan's hand and pushed him out.

“Appa!!!” Jeongwoo saw that and rushed towards his father. Seeing that his father had fallen and scuffed his arm, Jeongwoo became angry. He growled and suddenly...

POOFFF....

Jeongwoo transformed into a black panther cub. He roared and showed his dominance over the person who hurt his father. He did not hesitate to attack people who tried to get close to his father. Yoon Jeongwoo was very protective of his father.

“What's going on here?” asked Wonwoo with authority.

Wonwoo, Hoshi, Jihoon, and Chan came out because Jeongwoo suddenly ran out. The sight that greeted Wonwoo was truly shocking. First, there was Yoon Jeonghan, his first love who disappeared seven years ago. Second, a black panther cub appeared in front of the school. A blue-eyed black panther. Just like him.

Wonwoo and Jeonghan looked at each other and were both surprised. "Yoon Jeonghan?!!" Wonwoo said in disbelief.

“Please pardon the commotion, Your Highness. I'll take care of it right away,” said Dokyeom, Wonwoo's personal assistant.

Meanwhile, Chan ran straight to the black panther cub and hugged it, “Woowoo-yaah... you're so cute!”

“The black panther cub is Jeongwoo?!!” exclaimed Hoshi.

The commotion drew the attention of many people around. Because of this, Wonwoo instructed Dokyeom to bring Jeonghan and Jeongwoo in, as well as control the situation so that no further issues would occur.

***

Jeongwoo in the form of a black panther cub, was extremely aggressive towards strangers. He had already bitten at least five guards who tried to grab him.

However, with just one simple call from Jeonghan, “Yoon Jeongwoo!!!” he became calmer.

POOFF...

Jeongwoo turned into his human form again. With an expression of worry and guilt, he stared at his father. "Appa ... mianhae. Are you hurt?"

Jeonghan and Jeongwoo, were taken into one of the empty classrooms, accompanied by Chan, Hoshi, and Jihoon.

“Jeongwoo Appa... here, let's treat the wound on your arm first,” said Hoshi while holding up the first aid kit.

Jeonghan looked somewhat flustered and anxious. He was not only surprised to see Wonwoo again, but also Jeongwoo suddenly shape-shifted in public. Whereas, Jeonghan had tried desperately to make Jeongwoo's black panther form as a secret. But this afternoon's incident changed everything.

Moments later, Wonwoo, escorted by Dokyeom, entered the room. He immediately greeted Jeonghan, “Long time no see, Yoon Jeonghan.”

The greeting took Hoshi, Jihoon, Chan, and Jeongwoo by surprise. They didn't expect that the Crown Prince knew Jeongwoo's father, personally.

"Sorry... can you guys give the two of us some privacy? I have something to ask Yoon Jeonghan-ssi.”

“Jeongwoo-yah, let's go buy some hot chocolates at the cafeteria with Chan,” Jihoon invited.

“But Appa...,” Jeongwoo looked at his father, hesitant to leave him here.

Jeonghan, whose mind was actually in turmoil, smiled at Jeongwoo and nodded his head, giving Jeongwoo the okay to go along with Chan and his two fathers.

Jeongwoo took turns looking at his father and Wonwoo. After he was sure that Wonwoo wasn't someone who would hurt his father, he left with Chan to the school cafeteria.

***

“Is Jeongwoo my son?” asked Wonwoo to the point.

"..." Jeonghan was silent as he looked down. His brain was thinking hard to get out of this situation.

”Was Jeongwoo the reason you disappeared into thin air seven years ago?“”

Wonwoo pushed Jeonghan, pinning him to the wall with his arms. There were only two of them in the room. The CCTV wasn't on and Wonwoo's bodyguards stood guard at the door.

“Answer my question Yoon Jeonghan! Is Jeongwoo my son? Only those who have royal blood can have the form of a black panther. Moreover, the blue-eyed black panther is only mine!”

“Jeongwoo is my son. Leave him alone,” Jeonghan shouted with his eyes glaring. He pushed Wonwoo and said again, “Jeongwoo has nothing to do with the royal family! Don't connect Jeongwoo with the ruling royal family that tortures its people! He's not yours!!!” Jeonghan snapped to Wonwoo.

After that, Jeonghan left Wonwoo alone and looked for his son. He had to get Jeongwoo out of that place immediately.

As Jeonghan left, Wonwoo sat pondering in one of the chairs in the classroom. Then he called out to his assistant, “Dokyeom-ah... .”

“Ne Your Highness.”

“Please investigate Yoon Jeonghan and Yoon Jeongwoo secretly. Choose the best and most trusted person to follow and investigate both of them.”

“Yes Your Highness.”

***

EPILOG

7 Years Ago - Jeonghan POV

"We must voice our opinions. If we keep quiet, the kingdom will think that we, the commoners, can be used by them continuously. Look at this!” Jeonghan exclaimed while pointing to the news in the newspaper stating that next month, there would be an increase in the price of staples. “This is already the second increase in staple food prices this three months. Not to mention... there was just a VAT increase last month to 12%. The economy is not doing well, but the government is deliberately extorting more from the common people!” Jeonghan shouted vehemently.

Yoon Jeonghan, one of the students majoring in law, was the president of the student organization. He entered GoSe University on a scholarship because of his outstanding writing skills. He was also very politics-conscious and was always vocal in criticizing the ruling government, which he thought was arbitrary. Quite often, in his actions, he faced the authorities. But he was not afraid because he felt he was doing the right thing.

“Jeonghan Hyung... your boyfriend is waiting out front!” called one of the members, informing him of the arrival of his boyfriend, Wonwoo, in front of the organization's secretariat room.

“Okay. I'm done already. I'll be up front in a minute.” Jeonghan concluded their discussion that day.

*

Wonwoo waited while leaning against the wall next to the secretariat door. He instantly smiled and waved when he saw Jeonghan.

For Jeonghan, Wonwoo was a love that came all of a sudden. A love that made him happy and felt true love. Wonwoo was different from his exes. With Wonwoo, Jeonghan had the courage to have a serious relationship. With Wonwoo, Jeonghan even gave himself completely. With Wonwoo, Jeonghan had a vision of eternity.

"Wonwoong ...," Jeonghan walked into Wonwoo's arms, whining spoiledly. He was really tired the whole day. He kept going from meeting to meeting. All for the sake of fighting for the rights of the common people.

"Tired?"

"Eung."

"Shall we have fried chicken with somaek?"

"Cool!!!"

Jeonghan and Wonwoo were the couple that people thought would end up getting married. But fate had other plans. The beautiful love affair had to come to an end. Jeonghan suddenly went missing. No matter where Wonwoo searched, he couldn't find Jeonghan. It was as if he had vanished from the earth.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• In this universe, all humans are born shape-shifters. They can transform themselves into certain animals.
• Wonwoo is black panther. Jeonghan is white rabbit. Jeongwoo is black panther cub. Jihoon is lion, while Hoshi is tiger. Chan is a tiger cub. Beside them, Dokyeom is a dog.
• They have the ability to change into their animal form. When they are young, this change is sometimes uncontrollable. As they grow older, they are able to control themselves and when they transform.

Chapter Text

"Appa ... Is there any problem?” asked Jeongwoo who was walking in a half run, to keep up with Jeonghan's pace.

Jeonghan didn't answer Jeongwoo's question. Well... he didn't even hear the question. His brain was filled with raging thoughts of how to hide Jeongwoo's whereabouts. He was not willing to lose his son to anyone. Jeonghan quickened his pace unconsciously. 

"Appa ... I'm sorry. I shape-shifted unwittingly earlier... mianhae... .”

Jeongwoo could only relent, realizing that his father did not hear his apology. He had repeatedly been reminded by his father to keep his black panther form a secret. It seemed, Jeongwoo believed that his father was disappointed.

Jeonghan took Jeongwoo home, and immediately ordered him to pack his things. Jeonghan sent a message to Joshua, that they were discovered. He had to get Jeongwoo out of Seoul. As soon as possible.

With Joshua's help, Jeonghan managed to secure the last departure KTX ticket from Seoul to Ulsan. For the time being, Jeonghan would hide out in Ulsan while planning his next move. 

"Jeongwoo-yah, Just bring the necessary things,” Jeonghan shouted from his room.

Jeongwoo did as his father ordered. He put some clothes and important belongings in his backpack. He also packed the Jjongtoram doll, a gift from his father.

“Appa ... why do we suddenly have to leave so suddenly?” asked Jeongwoo when his father had finished packing the valuables and prepared to leave for the train station.

Jeonghan squatted in front of Jeongwoo, adjusting his tiny cap, as he said, “Because Appa doesn't want to be separated from Jeongwoo. We have to go and not get caught. Jeongwoo... believes in Appa, right?”

Hearing his father's answer, Jeongwoo hugged his father tightly. “I don't want to be separated from Appa too.” He soon released his hug, then gripped his father's hand tightly. “Appa... let's go quickly,” with a look of determination.

***

Jeonghan intentionally withdrew all his money from the bank. He only made transactions using cash to avoid traces. In addition, he also destroyed the cellphone he used to use. He used his second secret burner phone for a temporary period of time. While holding Jeongwoo's tiny hand, Jeonghan made his way among the sea of other passengers in Seoul station.

Train carriage seven, seat numbers 17A and 17B. Without stopping by, Jeonghan led Jeongwoo to their seats. The atmosphere in carriage seven was less crowded than Jeonghan imagined. There were only a few other passengers who were not directly adjacent to their seats.

“Appa... can I sit by the window?” Jeongwoo whispered.

Jeonghan nodded while adjusting the mask Jeongwoo was wearing. Who knew how many times Jeonghan had reminded Jeongwoo not to take off the mask at all during the trip. The trip from Seoul to Ulsan, took approximately two and a half hours.

As the train traveled, Jeonghan didn't notice anything unusual around them. There were no people following them. The other passengers also seemed to be normal passengers. He felt somewhat calm and began to lower his guard. His body felt worn out due to his overly stressed state of mind.

As the train stopped in Cheonan, Jeonghan began to realize something. At first, in carriage seven, there were several other passengers riding along with them. But reaching Cheonan, carriage seven only contained Jeonghan and Jeongwoo. He felt goosebumps. He had a bad feeling. He considered getting off at Cheonan.

Eventually, Jeonghan decided to get off at Cheonan. Carrying the sleeping Jeongwoo, Jeonghan dragged his luggage to the carriage door.

Strange.

The carriage door could not be opened. They were both locked in carriage seven. Panicked, Jeonghan put the sleeping Jeongwoo on one of the nearby seats, then he tried to force open the carriage door. Unfortunately, it was too late. The train was already moving again. But Jeonghan still tried hard to open the door. He planned to get off at the next stop.

Since the carriage door could not be forced open, he used a safety pin to pick the lock. Click. With a few tries, Jeonghan managed to open the door.

“Eughh... Appa...,” Jeongwoo called while rubbing his eyes. He was awakened from his sleep.

“Jeongwoo-yah ... sorry, but we have to go out in a bit,” Jeonghan said while packing up his things. In about ten minutes, their train would stop in Daejeon.

Jeonghan and Jeongwoo managed to get off at Daejeon station. However, barely a few steps, he was already surrounded by about ten people dressed in black.

“Jeonghan-ssi, please do follow me. We don't need to attract more attention, do we?” said a neatly dressed man in a suit, politely.

Jeonghan recognized the man in front of him. It was Wonwoo's personal assistant that he had seen earlier at school. Since he couldn't find an opportunity to escape, Jeonghan was forced to follow the man. Jeonghan and Jeongwoo were guided to a van. They were taken away somewhere. Jeonghan racked his brains, trying to figure out how to get Jeongwoo on the run and contact Joshua for help.

“Jeonghan-ssi, sorry, but this car has a signal jammer. Because of that, your cell phone can't be used.” Lee Dokyeom, Wonwoo's personal assistant smiled kindly while handing Jeongwoo a bottle of banana-flavored milk. “It's safe and still sealed. We have no bad intentions,” he added.

Jeongwoo glanced at Jeonghan before accepting Dokyeom's offer. Actually, he was quite hungry. After getting his father's approval, Jeongwoo accepted the milk and quickly drank it.

***

Dokyeom took Jeonghan and Jeongwoo to a luxury villa in Daejeon. The villa had a large courtyard and tight security. Dokyeom invited them into the living room. He also ordered one of the guards to carry Jeonghan's bag. But Jeonghan flatly refused.

Inside the living room, there was someone with a familiar face waiting for them. He appeared to be wearing pajamas and was reading a book.

“Ahjussi?!” Jeongwoo was surprised to see Wonwoo there.

“Ahh... you've made it here,” Wonwoo greeted. He put his books on the table then walked over to Jeongwoo and picked him up. Sense of familiarity made Jeongwoo feel close to Wonwoo

“Jeongwoo-yah... have you eaten dinner?” Wonwoo asked.

Jeongwoo didn't have time to answer but Dokyeom was already ahead of him saying, “I've prepared some food in the dining room for all, Your Highness.”

“Thank you Dokyeom-ah. Then, let's go straight to the dining room,” Wonwoo said to Jeongwoo.

Jeongwoo could only blink his eyes, confused by the situation.

“Appa...,” Jeongwoo called Jeonghan from Wonwoo's embrace.

“Jeonghan-ah... let's eat first. Jeongwoo is hungry. Are you going to starve your son?” Wonwoo signaled Jeonghan to follow them to the dining room with his gaze.

For Jeongwoo's sake.

Many times in his head, Jeonghan tried to restrain himself for Jeongwoo's sake. This man sitting across from him was really a trouble. Jeonghan really hated the royal family. He wouldn't have dated Wonwoo if he knew that Wonwoo was a royal blood. 

“Ahjussi know my appa?” Jeongwoo asked while munching on fried chicken.

“Eung. We met in college. Right, Jeonghannie?”

“...” Jeonghan said nothing. The delicious food in front of his eyes did nothing to appetize him.

“Appa... please eat,” Jeongwoo pleaded. He placed a steak on Jeonghan's plate. “Appa don't get sick again.”

Seeing Jeongwoo's concern, Jeonghan devoured the food on his plate. Reluctantly.

***

“Answer honestly because lying will be useless,” Wonwoo emphasized. He stared at Jeonghan expressionlessly.

Jeongwoo was already asleep. Jeonghan was now left alone with Wonwoo in the house.

“Jeongwoo is my son.” Jeonghan reiterated his words from before.

“My son too, right?”

“...”

“I'll do a DNA test. But, even without the test, it does feel like Jeongwoo is in fact my son.”

“...”

“Why didn't you tell me that you were pregnant with my child? Why did you suddenly disappear seven years ago?” Wonwoo asked in a slightly higher tone this time. There was a hint of anger in his tone.

“You lied to me first! You're not a fox but a black panther. You're royal blood but hid that fact, while you know that I hate royal blood!” It was Jeonghan's turn to emphasize his past disappointments.

“I have my own reasons. I also agree that the royal family has been arbitrary all this time.”

“Ha.ha.ha. ...funny! Agree yet you're still on the kingdom's side and soon you'll be ruling the same way too!” Jeonghan snapped.

“I'M NOT THE SAME AS THEM!!!” Wonwoo furiously responded. “You should be the one who knew me best. I'm not that kind of person!” This time, there was disappointment in Wonwoo's tone and expression. Jeonghan and Wonwoo stared intently at each other. No one was willing to lose.

“In the meantime, stay here. I have to keep Jeongwoo's existence in this world a secret for his safety. Please cooperate with me at least for this matter. You can hate me but please don't endanger Jeongwoo.”

After saying that, Wonwoo left. Jeonghan didn't get an answer to his question at all. Instead, he became even more confused by Wonwoo's attitude.

***

KNOCK KNOCK

Early in the morning, there was a knock on Jeonghan's door.

“Good morning... for safety's reason, I will be relocating Jeonghan-ssi and Jeongwoo-goon to the house in Jeju this morning. Therefore, please get ready quickly and then come downstairs. Our helicopter is already waiting in the yard.”

After that statement, Jeonghan and Jeongwoo were transferred to Jeju-do, using a private helicopter. 

"Woahh..." Jeongwoo couldn't stop admiring the view from the sky. He enjoyed being up high.

Dokyeom, on the other hand, looked pale but tried to remain professional. Meanwhile, Jeonghan didn't look scared but didn't look like he was enjoying himself either.

“Jeongwoo-yah don't take off the seat belt.”

“Ne... ne... Appa.”

Hearing Jeongwoo's answer, Wonwoo was somewhat stunned. Jeongwoo had a habit like him. Answering 'ne' twice. Finding a small resemblance with the kid who was most likely his son, made Wonwoo feel weird. On one side, he felt happy that he possibly had a child. But on the other side, he became increasingly annoyed at Jeonghan for robbing his time with Jeongwoo. He should have had the right to be with Jeongwoo since he was born. Because of that, Wonwoo annoyed at Jeonghan.

***

“Welcome,” greeted two men in suits at the door.

Jeonghan and Jeongwoo were escorted to a luxurious house on the beachside. The house had two floors with a modern minimalist style. From the second floor, they could clearly see the ocean view. In addition, from the backyard of the house, they had access to a private beach area.

“Jeonghan-ssi, this is Boo Seungkwan and Chwe Hansol. They are personal assistants and bodyguards for Jeonghan-ssi and Jeongwoo-goon,” Dokyeom explained, introducing the two men.

“Annyeonghaseyo,” greeted Seungkwan and Hansol simultaneously while bowing.

“I'll be assisting you here. Please let me know if there's anything you need,” Seungkwan said.

“In this house, only certain people have access to the main house. They,” Hansol stated as he pointed to the security guards around the house, ”do not have access to the inside of the house. I will guarantee Jeonghan-nim and Jeongwoo-goon's safety here,” Hansol continued.

*

When Jeonghan was introduced to Seungkwan and Hansol, Wonwoo carried Jeongwoo into the house. He took Jeongwoo to look around the house and take a walk on the private beach behind the house.

“Ahjussi... thank you.”

“???” Wonwoo tilted his head, looking at Jeongwoo questioningly.

“This is my first time going to the beach.”

“Really?”

“Eung... Appa was too busy working as well as protecting me. Appa suffered a lot from having me. I'm not complaining. I just feel sad for my Appa. If it wasn't for me, maybe Appa could have gotten married and lived happily. Appa has many fans. My Appa is very popular.” Jeongwoo boasts about his father in front of Wonwoo.

"Jeongwoo-yah... what if...”

“Ahjussi... since you already know that I'm a black panther, please help me keep this a secret. Pleasee...!!!” Jeongwoo pleaded. "Appa says black panthers are rare and often hunted. If it's discovered that I'm a black panther, I'll be separated from Appa. I don't want to be separated from Appa. He's the most precious person in this world for me."

“Of course.” After a moment of silence, Wonwoo asked Jeongwoo, “where is your other parent?”

Jeongwoo sighed deeply as he shrugged his shoulders. “I don't know, Ahjussi. When I talk about this subject, Appa's expression turns sad. I don't want Appa to be sad and even though there's only Appa, I'm enough.”

"What if it turns out that you can meet your other parent?”

Jeongwoo blinked and looked profoundly at Wonwoo. “I... I don't know. It never crossed my mind to meet him.” Jeongwoo looked away and fell silent while gazing at the sea. Then suddenly he asked, “Can I shapeshift here? I want to run around freely in my true form.”

“Sure. Let's go! I'll accompany you.”

POOFF

Wonwoo shapeshifts into a black panther before Jeongwoo's eyes. His blue eyes shone brightly and mesmerized Jeongwoo.

“Woahhh .... Ahjussi is also a black panther?!!!! Woahhh....” Jeongwoo exclaimed while clapping his hands excitedly.

“Roaarrr...” Wonwoo roared, telling Jeongwoo to shapeshift too.

POOFF

Jeongwoo changed and ran happily after Wonwoo. They roamed freely on the beach in black panther form.

*

The scene did not escape Jeonghan's observation. For the umpteenth time, Jeonghan felt guilty for Jeongwoo, making him not have complete parents and live in secrecy. Jeonghan began to question whether his decision was wrong all this time.

***

"Appa... !!!" Jeongwoo called his father.

There was no answer. Instead, Jeongwoo found his father asleep on a patio chair facing the beach side. He seemed to be sleeping peacefully, amidst the wind outside.

Jeongwoo crouched down next to his father. He stroked his father's hair. His father looked exhausted, but he couldn't let his father sleep outdoors.

“Jeongwoo-yah ... Let's take your father to the room,” Wonwoo said in a quiet voice.

Wonwoo gently carried Jeonghan. He tried to not to wake Jeonghan up. Jeongwoo trailed along beside him.

While carrying Jeonghan, Wonwoo realized a few things. Jeonghan was much thinner than he remembered. There were many wounds on his hands. Fine wrinkles also began to appear on Jeonghan's exhausted face. However, just like before, Jeonghan still had long, lustrous eyelashes. He's still as charming as Jeonghan was seven years ago.

Wonwoo brought Jeonghan to the main room on the second floor of the house. Jeonghan's luggage and belongings, had been brought by Hansol into the room as well. After putting Jeonghan to sleep on the bed, Wonwoo led Jeongwoo out of the room, letting his father rest.

"Tell me about your father,” Wonwoo asked Jeongwoo. They both sat on the terrace enjoying banana milk together.

“Appa works at a barbeque restaurant in the Hongdae from morning to night, seven days in a week. Sometimes, Appa also works sewing doll eyes and sometimes works at the butcher shop in Mangwon market early morning.”

“Wow... that's a lot of work.”

“Eung... it's all for my school fees and needs. I don't think I ever remember Appa buying things for himself.”

"I see. That's why I saw many wounds on his hands,” Wonwoo said quietly.

Jeongwoo overheard those words. He sighed and blurted out, “I often worry about Appa. Last month, he sprained his leg and had to use a cane to walk. In fact, not too long ago, Appa broke the bone in his left hand. It feels .... Appa gets hurt so often.”

“Why doesn't your father have an office job?”

“Cheol Samcheon said Appa can't work in an office. It's too dangerous.”

“Cheol Samcheon? Your father's lover?” Wonwoo asked.

“No. Daddy doesn't have a lover. Cheol Samcheon is Jisoo Samcheon's husband.”

“Jisoo? Hong Jisoo?”

“Eung. Jisoo Samcheon. Do you know Jisoo Samcheon?”

“I don't know. I'm not sure,” Wonwoo replied as he sipped his milk.

“But Ahjussi,” Jeongwoo whispered suddenly, asking Wonwoo to come closer, “I know my Appa's first love. A fox named Onu. I've heard Appa drunkenly ramble on about how much he misses and loves that fox, Onu.”

Hearing that, Wonwoo unconsciously let go of the milk in his hand. The milk spilled and soaked his feet and the floor below.

***

EPILOG

9 Years Ago - Jeonghan POV

Lately, the handsome man with glasses who always carried a camera had been distracting Jeonghan. Every time that person appeared in Jeonghan's sight, he became out of focus and became very nervous. Moreover, these days, the frequency of that man appearing around him was getting more and more frequent.

"Sunbaenim ... Do you want me to introduce you to him?” Jaehyun teased.

"Mwoya?!!" Jeonghan evaded.

"His name is Jeon Wonwoo. Photography club member. He's a year younger than Sunbae."

"I didn't ask."

"Eyyy .... He is still single. As far as I know, he's an artic fox." Jaehyun winked as he walked away. 

***

It was raining heavily. Jeonghan didn't bring an umbrella. He stood in front of the library building door looking up at the sky. "Why does it rain all of a sudden. Huwaa... how can I go to the part time place without getting wet?” Jeonghan monologued.

From behind, a deep voice suddenly spoke. “Want to share the umbrella with me? I can take you there.”

The handsome man with glasses appeared, offering to share his umbrella with Jeonghan. As if bewitched, Jeonghan nodded his head.

The man smiled slightly, opened his umbrella and pulled Jeonghan's body closer to him. They shared an umbrella under the heavy rain. The man's shoulders and Jeonghan's shoulders brushed against each other. They were so close to each other that Jeonghan could clearly hear the breathing of the man next to him.

The man introduced himself as Jeon Wonwoo. He escorted Jeonghan to the mini mart where he worked part time. Since then, Jeonghan met Wonwoo more and more often.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Boo Seungkwan is a penguin, while Chwe Hansol is a polar bear.
• Wonwoo is one year younger than Jeonghan.
• Jeonghan was studying law, while Wonwoo was studying business economics at GoSe University.
• Jeonghan was active in organizations and even served as the president of the student council.
• Wonwoo was a member of the photography club. He specialized in landscape photos and rarely took photos with human objects. But there was one secret folder Wonwoo had that contained hundreds of photos of Jeonghan, both candid and direct.

Chapter Text

A week passed. Jeonghan and Jeongwoo basically became prisoners in this mansion. There were two different reactions in 180 degrees difference between Jeonghan and Jeongwoo.

Jeongwoo was oblivious and actually felt happy because here, he got toys, food, and all the facilities he had never had. Whatever he need, Seungkwan Samcheon would always try his best to provide. Hansol Samcheon had even taught him taekwondo. Sometimes, he would be connected with Chan, his best friend, through video calls. He could even freely change into his black panther form without fear of being noticed by others. But the thing that made Jeongwoo the most happy was the time spent with his Appa. In this place, his Appa didn't need to work and could spent the days with him.

On the other hand, Jeonghan was living with anxiety in that house. He didn't know what Wonwoo's plans were and couldn't ask because Wonwoo wasn't even in Jeju. Several times, Jeonghan tried to pry information from Seungkwan and Hansol. Unfortunately, the two butlers were very skillful and experienced. They managed to avoid all his tricky questions. 
But, he was the Yoon Jeonghan, the master of mind games. He didn't give up and started gathering information from the other direction. 

Some of the facts that Jeonghan managed to gather were : first, only Hansol and Seungkwan really knew who Jeonghan and Jeongwoo were. The other bodyguards, could not even enter the main house. In other words, if Jeonghan managed to escape outside, even those guards wouldn't recognize him. Second, internet access at home can be used, but was restricted. The phone signal was also tampered with, so cell phones could not be used. Third, based on his observations, this luxurious house was far away from any residential area. Perhaps within a radius of around five kilometers, there were no other buildings. They were truly in a secluded location.

"Ugh ...," with a great struggle, Jeonghan climbed up onto the rooftop. Tonight, his focus was on exploring the east wing, where Seungkwan and Hansol resided. Carefully, Jeonghan traced the east wing. Unfortunately, the area was too 'clean'. Moreover, CCTV was everywhere. Again, that night Jeonghan found no loopholes.

Unable to sleep, Jeonghan turned on the TV in the common room. He switched channels one after another, trying to find entertainment. On one of the channels, there was an action movie currently airing. An old-school Chinese comedy action movie. There's one scene where the main lead deliberately got into an accident to escape from the people chasing him with the help of the people around who helped him. That scene, gave Jeonghan an idea in his mind.

***

Wonwoo had returned to Seoul since the second day and was performing his duties as Crown Prince. He was extremely busy. But of course, he always got updated reports on what Jeonghan and Jeongwoo were doing in Jeju. He even knew the maniacal efforts Jeonghan made every night. His orders to Seungkwan and Hansol were to take action if necessary. So far, Jeonghan hasn't done anything threatening.

Or that's what Wonwoo thought.

Around 2pm on Monday while in a meeting at the palace, Wonwoo received an emergency message from Hansol. Jeonghan was suddenly vomiting and frothing at the mouth. He also had shortness of breath. They were compelled to take Jeonghan to the hospital emergency room for further treatment.

Reading the message, Wonwoo called off the meeting. He ordered his helicopter to be prepared to leave for Jeju in 30 minutes. He even disregarded the whispered reactions of the meeting attendees to his sudden decision. The only thing in Wonwoo's mind was Jeonghan's condition and Jeongwoo's reaction, which was surely very frightened.

“What happened?” Wonwoo asked Dokyeom.

“According to Hansol, Jeonghan got food poisoning. But it's still unknown what food poisoned him,” Dokyeom replied. “Do we need to contact Doctor Hao to treat Jeonghan-ssi personally?”
Wonwoo considered. But then as he opened the helicopter door, he stated, “Let's go there first. But... please call Dr. Hao, ask him to be ready if needed.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Wonwoo, accompanied by Dokyeom and his trusted bodyguard, Kim Mingyu, quickly flew to Jeju.

***

“APPAAAA!!!”

Jeongwoo's scream caught Hansol and Seungkwan's attention. When they reached the terrace, where Jeonghan and Jeongwoo were, they saw Jeonghan lying on the floor, frothing at the mouth. There was also vomit on the floor. In addition, Jeonghan seemed to be having trouble breathing and was starting to lose consciousness.

“Sol?” shouted Seungkwan.

“Err... let's take him to the hospital now!” Hansol picked up Jeonghan.

Meanwhile, Seungkwan carried Jeongwoo, then running towards the garage. He sat Jeongwoo in the front seat, tightening his seat belt. In the back, Hansol laid Jeonghan in the middle seat. He purposely put Jeonghan's legs on his lap so that the blood flow could reach the brain easily. They went straight to Jeju National University Hospital, the biggest hospital in Jeju-do.

Once at the hospital, Hansol got out of the car first, bringing Jeonghan to the ER for immediate treatment.

*

“Please lay him down here!” one of the duty doctors in the ER exclaimed, pointing to a bed in the treatment room. “Guardian, please wait in the waiting room at the front,” the doctor added again.

One of the nurses then directed Hansol to the waiting room in order not to interfere with the treatment.

“Sol!” called Seungkwan. In Seungkwan's arms, Jeongwoo was crying. The three of them waited in the waiting room, hoping nothing bad would happen to Jeonghan.

RRTTTT .... RRTTT

Hansol's cell phone rang. There was an incoming video call connection. From Dokyeom.

“Yoboseyo.”

The face that appeared on the screen was not Dokyeom, but Wonwoo, who immediately asked, “How is Jeonghan? Is Jeongwoo okay?”

“Ahjussi ... hiks .... hiks... ,” Jeongwoo sobbed.

Hansol gave Seungkwan his cell phone, so that Jeongwoo could see Wonwoo clearly on the screen.

“Jeongwoo-yah, don't worry. Ahjussi will be there soon. Trust me that your Appa will be okay. He's a very strong person.”

"Eung ... ppalli oseyo (please come soon) Ahjussi!"

***

One of the duty doctors attended to Jeonghan immediately. As he was checking his heart rate, Jeonghan abruptly opened his eyes.

“Water please!” Jeonghan begged while holding his throat.

Somewhat surprised, but the doctor still asked one of the nurses to get some water for Jeonghan.

In no time, Jeonghan finished a glass of water. He then said to the doctor, “I'm feeling better. Can I borrow your cell phone?” Jeonghan asked while keeping an eye on the situation outside the treatment room, making sure he was free from Seungkwan and Hansol's surveillance.

"But ..."

Jeonghan grasped the doctor's hands with both of his, pleading, “Help me. It's a matter of my child's safety.”

“Should I call the police?”

“No! Don't! The police won't help.”

Feeling at a loss, the doctor lent his cell phone after checking Jeonghan's vitals. Fortunately, Jeonghan's condition was indeed better. His heart rate and blood pressure were normal. He only needed to finish his IV and could go home immediately.

With the doctor's cell phone, Jeonghan called Jisoo.

“Shua-yah..,” Jeonghan whispered.

“Yeah! Yoon Jeonghan!!! Where are you? I looked for you everywhere. You suddenly disappeared like swallowed by the earth. There's not even a trace of CCTV showing where you got off the train,” Jisoo blurted.

“Joshua Hong Jisoo, please listen to me carefully. I'm currently confined by Wonwoo. He found me and Jeongwoo. I can't use my cell phone and I'm under 24-hour surveillance. I'm in Jeju-do.”

“Did he hurt you? I'm going to Jeju right now.”

“I'm fine. He didn't hurt me at all. I was well fed and housed.”

“What area are you located in?”

“I don't know. I don't know the Jeju area. What's certain is that I'm now at Jeju National University Hospital. I used the trick of mixing ibuprofen with soda plus milk foam to get me to the hospital.”

“You're crazy!”

“I had no choice. Can you try tracking me from this hospital?”

“I'll try. Whose number is this Han?”

“Doctor on duty, Kim Jaejoong. Ah... one more, 77호0417. This is the license plate number of the car that brought me to the hospital. Also, the house where I was kept, it's located by the beach. The house is far away from residential areas.”

“Unbelievable Yoon Jeonghan. Okay, I'll look for you in Jeju.”

“Shua-yah... I can only give you those details. Please find me. I trust you.”

Hurriedly, Jeonghan turned off the call, realizing Hansol was about to enter the emergency room. He also coded (while begging) to the doctor who lent him the phone, to keep all of this as a secret. After that, he pretended to be asleep.

While pretending to sleep, Jeonghan tried to be more sensitive to his surroundings. He felt the movement of his bed, being pushed out of the area. He could sense that he was taken by elevator to the upper floor. There was Hansol's voice and the familiar voice of the duty doctor. But apparently, there were several other people who joined the group that transported him.

Jeonghan's bed was brought into a room.

“Appa...,” Jeongwoo's voice called out to him. But Jeonghan didn't budge because he had to keep acting asleep.

“How is he?” This time it was the voice of... Jeon Wonwoo.

Isn't he in Seoul? Why is he suddenly here? - Jeonghan thought to himself.

“Your Highness, I'd like to introduce myself. I'm Kang Hojin, the head of this hospital. Our emergency room doctor, Dr. Kim will brief you on the patient's condition.” Then the man continued to say, “Dr. Kim, quickly answer Your Highness' question.”

“Jeonghan-ssi's condition has already improved. His vitals are normal, heart rate, blood pressure, everything has recovered. He just needs to finish this IV and then he can go home.”

“Are you sure and willing to take responsibility?” Wonwoo asked again in an authoritative and somewhat threatening tone.

Feeling bad for the doctor, Jeonghan pretended to have just woken up. “Eughh...,” Jeonghan groaned.

"Appa,"Jeongwoo looked in tears, standing next to his bed.

"Jeongwoo-yah ... mi ... mianhae."

"Appa please don't die. I don't want to lose you."

Jeonghan tried to reach Jeongwoo. But one thing caught his attention. While crying, one of Jeongwoo's small hands clasped Wonwoo's hand tightly. There was a strange feeling in Jeonghan's heart seeing that.

“If his condition is already better, you guys may leave. But if it's necessary to do a thorough examination, then do it. I also request that today's events be kept confidential. This is an order! You guys can go,” Wonwoo commanded.

“Yes, Your Highness,” the doctors replied with a bow, before they all left the room.

Jeonghan finally realized that he was in a VIP room. Inside the room, there was Jeongwoo, Wonwoo, Dokyeom, Seungkwan, Hansol, and a new face he didn't recognize.

“Mingyu, please 'clean up' this place,” Wonwoo ordered. (*clean up = eliminating traces)

“Yes, Your Highness,” the new face replied, as he walked out of the room.

“Kyeom, Kwan, Sol, you can rest first. I'll stay here with Jeongwoo and Jeonghan.”

Hansol and Seungkwan looked at each other in confusion. But Dokyeom signaled them to come out with him and didn't ask any questions.

*

“Are you okay Jeonghannie?”

In an instant, Wonwoo's voice and tone turned soft. Making Jeonghan's heart beat fast. He suddenly recalled the days when they were dating. Onu, the arctic fox was an introverted man with a gentle personality.

Jeonghan wasn't sure what to say, so he just nodded to answer Wonwoo.

"Can you tell me what you ate? Seungkwan can double-check that for you. All the food in the house, including ingredients, should have been checked for its safety and expiration date."

Wonwoo's expression that showed a hint of concern, made Jeonghan question his own belief once again.  After thinking it through, Jeonghan replied, "I think I ate shrimp with an orange. It's not a good idea to eat those two foods together. I'm really fine now."

With his face still wet with tears, Jeongwoo said, "Appa, promise me you won't get sick again. Jeongwoo is really scared."

Jeonghan felt really guilty, having to lie to his son. He hugged Jeongwoo tightly and apologized repeatedly in his heart.

***

Joshua and Seungcheol had just set foot in Jeju-do. They headed straight for Jeju National University Hospital. From the hospital, they both started tracing Jeonghan and Jeongwoo's footsteps. The mission with the code name Find The Lost Bunny was supported with weapons and even green light to take whatever action was needed. The final objective was to save Jeonghan and Jeongwoo.

***

EPILOG

9 Years Ago - Wonwoo's POV

Living in the midst of people trying to kill him and people always sucking up to him, Wonwoo became to view people with negative prejudice. He always thought people who were nice were people who had ulterior motives. Because of this, Wonwoo didn't get along with others. He only had his camera to keep him company, capturing beautiful scenes to keep in his memory.

One day, while taking pictures in the forest behind the GoSe university, Wonwoo witnessed an incident that made him realize that there were still good hearts in this world.

A beautiful guy wearing a typical mini mart worker uniform was sitting on one of the park benches, behind a mini mart, about to eat his lunch of kimbab and cup noodles. He was just about to eat his meal when he saw an old man scavenging through the trash, looking for leftovers food.

The beautiful guy seemed to be trying to collect money from his shirt pocket. He looked at his money and food in front of him. He seemed to be calculating in his mind.

Soon after, the beautiful guy brought his food to the old man and gave it to him.

Wonwoo overheard the beautiful man said, "Ahjussi, I have this food, and I'm full. Can you help me finish it?"

Those words piqued Wonwoo's curiosity. The beautiful guy, who had not had lunch, went back into the mini mart and resumed on working. Wonwoo, suddenly curious, and went into the mini mart to see what was going on. He found the guy tidying up the items in one of the aisles. Wonwoo pretended to look at the stuff nearby. At that moment, he heard the man's stomach growling loudly in hunger. He looked embarrassed and pretended nothing had happened.

Wonwoo also felt a bit embarrassed at once. Not because of the growling stomach, but because of his ignorance. He picked out some of the priciest lunch boxes in the mini-mart. He paid for them at the register and told the cashier on duty, "This is for you and that guy." After that, Wonwoo left right away.

He observed from outside the mini mart and saw the guy's happy expression as he accepted the lunchbox he'd given him. In fact, the guy stepped outside in the hope of seeing the person who'd given him lunch. Wonwoo quickly hid himself behind the wall. A feeling of pride  and satisfaction came over him. 

Since then, Wonwoo had been doing a bit of research into the beautiful and kind man named Yoon Jeonghan.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Kim Mingyu is a grey wolf, while Dr. Hao is a frog.
• Joshua is a deer, while his husband Choi Seungcheol is a red wolf.
• Jeonghan grew up in a modest family situation. But he had a great intellect and had excelled in many areas.

Chapter Text

After observing for a few days, Joshua and Seungcheol started to take action. The mansion where Jeonghan and Jeongwoo were located was very tightly guarded. There were car checks from the outside or from the inside. All vendors with any business interest in the house would always be screened and required to register their pic identities. Through some thought, Joshua and Seungcheol, decided to go undercover as pest control company.

D-1 before the day of the operation, Seungcheol pretended to accidentally hit the truck that was delivering laundry to the mansion where Jeonghan was. While Seungcheol was busy distracting the driver, Joshua opened the back door of the truck and purposely put bed bugs into one of the bottom piles of blankets. Of course, in no time, the bed bugs would spread. The bed bugs were the key to the Find The Lost Bunny operation.

Bed bugs were parasitic insects that were red-brown in color and 1-7 mm in size. Bed bugs had the capacity to survive more than two months without food and could fly more than 100 feet in one night. Because they were so minuscule, they were often not spotted right away and were only noticed after they had multiplied and multiplied in number.

“...once again, I'm really sorry Ahjussi. I will compensate for all the damage and also take care of it directly with Ahjussi's company.” Seungcheol bowed politely before the laundry truck finally left. He then headed back towards his car, where Joshua was already sitting in the passenger seat next to the steering wheel.

“Shua-ya, your friend is definitely going to use their services, right? I don't want that small business to be affected by our actions.”

Shua showed the chat on his cell phone, “done Honey. It's already a deal. Even if the mansion won't use their services again later, they've already got a bigger project.”

“Thanks Babe.” Seungcheol pecked Shua's lips. “ Then, it's time for us to move to the next step.”

"It's been a long time. It feels good to be back on the field. Hahaha....,” Shua's maniacal laughter returned.

Seungcheol drove the car with the window rolled down, giving Shua a chance to enjoy the Jeju Island beach breeze.

***

“Eugh... itchy,” Jeongwoo complained while scratching his skin until it turned red.

“Don't scratch Woowoo-yah. It'll become a scar later,” Jeonghan told him while applying anti-itching powder to all over Jeongwoo's body.

“We're really sorry, Jeonghan-ssi. Everything is being handled as quickly as possible. This... this is the first time there's been a bed bugs attack in this house.” Seungkwan bowed to him, feeling guilty.

“Is it your fault that bedbugs came here?! It's okay Seungkwan-ssi. Besides... I've already told you, drop the honorific with me.”

“Ah... okay Jeonghan-ss... Jeonghan Hyung.”

“For the time being, put mattresses and blankets that are definitely affected by bed bugs together in one room. Then... on our bed, sprinkle a little baking soda powder. That will kill them. If you don't have baking soda, you can also use vinegar,” Jeonghan instructed.

“Yes, Jeonghan Hyung.” Seungkwan took note of it all and quickly searched for everything he needed. “Hansol will buy baking soda on the way back here.”

“Did you contact the pest control company?” asked Jeonghan while holding Jeongwoo's hand, preventing him from scratching his body.

“I did. They'll be here early tomorrow morning.”

“That's good. Then, let's do what we can for now.” And then, Jeonghan turned to Jeongwoo, “Yoon Jeongwoo... you're staying here watching TV. If you get itchy, don't scratch it, but apply some ice cubes. Okay?”

“Ne Appa.”

“Good boy. Appa will help Seungkwan Samcheon get rid of these bed bugs.”

"Fighting Appa! Fighting Samcheon!" Jeongwoo struck a pose of transmitting power to Jeonghan and Seungkwan.

***

Hmm... bed bugs. Not bad. - Jeonghan muttered to himself. He knew very well who was the mastermind behind the bed bugs attack incident in this mansion. This only meant that Joshua and Seungcheol had managed to find this place. While gently stroking Jeongwoo's sleeping head, Jeonghan stared at the moon from his bedroom window. He felt guilty because Jeongwoo was really enjoying himself here. But, they need to leave this place soon. Jeonghan would do anything to protect Jeongwoo from the royal family.

TTUK

There was a sound like tapping on the window glass. It came from the side window. Jeonghan got up and found a dove on the side of the window. There was a small roll of paper tied to its leg.

Jeonghan opened the window and let the dove in. It's a shape-shifter.

“You can transform here. But... stay away from the window,” Jeonghan told the shape-shifter.

POOFF

The dove turned into a teenage girl. She was commissioned by Joshua and Seungcheol to deliver messages in exchange for pocket money. Jeonghan read the message. He quickly wrote a reply and gave it to the girl again.

“Please deliver my message to them,” Jeonghan requested.

“Okay.”

“Don't fly over the east wing building. You should go around the beach side. That path is more secure,” Jeonghan ordered the girl.

Smart move. Using teenager as messenger was the right approach. Even if the young girl was caught, she could easily claim that she was just practicing her transformation and got lost. 

In the message, Shua informed that he and Seungcheol would be undercover as pest control officers. He asked Jeonghan to prepare to leave with them.

***

"So the procedure that we will do is first of all, we will heat the room so that the bed bugs come out. After that, we will spray chemicals to kill the bed bugs. After a while, we will clean up the chemical residue and remove the dust and bug remnants,” Seungcheol explained their procedure to Seungkwan.

“How long will it take?” asked Seungkwan.

“Hmm... for a house of this size, about 4-5 hours.”

“Please do your best. Also, please make sure all the chemical residue is completely cleared. There is a kid here,” said Seungkwan.

“Okay.”

*

As Jeonghan suspected, Seungkwan asked him and Jeongwoo to wait around the terrace of the house near the beach during the pest extermination process. 

Jeonghan put a thick jacket, shoes, and hat on Jeongwoo with the excuse that they would wait outside. In addition, he also brought Jeongwoo's favorite doll, Jjongtoram. Jeongwoo, who didn't know anything, enjoyed his outdoor activities with Jeonghan happily.

After nearly two hours of pest extermination, Joshua appeared with a pest control uniform for Jeonghan to wear.

"We only have five minutes to get out of here. Hurry," Joshua urged.

"CCTV?"

"Safe. We've hacked it."

In a flash, Jeonghan pulled the pest control uniform over his clothes.

"Jisoo Samcheon?" Jeongwoo recognized the stranger who was talking to his father.

"Jeongwoo-yah, Appa will explain later. But right now, we have to get out of here."

The serious look on his father's face made Jeongwoo obey and follow his father and Jisoo Samcheon's instructions. They entered the house. Once inside, they saw other officers from the pest control company and Seungkwan sleeping on the floor.

Seungcheol appeared carrying a large bag that they had originally used to carry their equipment. "Annyeong Jeongwoo! Let's play hide-and-seek. You come in here and don't make a sound until we open the bag, okay?" Seungcheol instructed.

After that, they managed to get through the exit of the mansion in 7 minutes and 13 seconds. After feeling more secure, Jeonghan took Jeongwoo out of the bag.

"Woowoo-yah, let's get out now," Jeonghan said as he lifted Jeongwoo out of the bag. "Appa is sorry. It must be uncomfortable inside."

"It's okay. What happened? Where are we going now? We left without saying goodbye to Ahjussi?" Jeongwoo asked Jeonghan a bunch of questions.

"We ... ." Jeonghan was confused about how to explain everything to Jeongwoo.

Shua noticed Jeonghan's confusion and decided, "Let's talk when we get to the villa. We'll talk over BBQ and naengmyeon."

***

Again, Wonwoo received an emergency message from Hansol. Jeonghan and Jeongwoo disappeared. They were 'abducted' by unidentified persons disguised as pest-control officers. Seungkwan was knocked out with sleeping gas. The CCTV was hacked and made to show recorded footage to fool security.

Luckily, Wonwoo was on official duty in the city of Gwangju to open the Gwangju Biennale event. It's just a 50-minute flight from Gwangju to Jeju.

Wonwoo took the first available flight from Gwangju to Jeju. He, his aide Dokyeom, and his bodyguard Mingyu were compelled to sit in economy class, as these were the only seats available.

*

"..."

"We're sorry. We have no excuse and are willing to accept punishment," said Hansol and Seungkwan simultaneously.

"I tried tracking the car, but we lost their trail on highway 1117 towards Seogwipo Forest," Mingyu reported to Wonwoo. "It looks like they swapped vehicles. It'll take a bit longer to track them."

"Please allow me to cooperate with the police to check everyone who leaves Jeju-do via land, sea, and air," Seungkwan requested.

"Seungkwan-ah... Jeongwoo's whereabouts is a secret." Dokyeom responded to Seungkwan's request, on behalf of Wonwoo.

"Ah... that's right. I'm sorry." Again, Seungkwan could only lower his head, feeling guilty.

"It's okay. I should have given you all a bit more warning. Jeonghan is very smart and has a lot of tricks up his sleeve," Wonwoo said. He went on to tell Mingyu, "I think they're still in Jeju." They're not going to leave the island right away to avoid being checked." 

Mingyu nodded and asked Hansol and Seungkwan to fill him in on what had happened that day.

Hansol stepped forward to tell what happened, "At first, there was a sudden bed bug attack in the mansion last night. We had to call a pest control company early in the morning to take care of the issue."

"I didn't want Jeongwoo to have an itchy rash. Last night, his arms and legs were all red," Seungkwan said quietly.

"The pest control company we use has been verified to meet palace standards. We've also got all the information on the staffs who came through, and everything's good to go. They showed up right when I was going over the briefing with the marine security team."

"They came when Hansol was not there. It makes sense that this would be insider info," Mingyu replied.

Seungkwan continued the story with what he experienced. "They walked me through the procedure, heated the room to lure out the bed bugs, and then sprayed chemicals to kill them. Everything seemed normal until one of the officers wearing a mask approached me and asked for my help. He invited me to follow him, and before I knew it, I was knocked out with sleeping gas."

"They got out of the premises and made it past the guard post in less than ten minutes. The cameras at the main gate, in the living room, and on the terrace were all hacked, and they used footage from an hour earlier to fool the security," Hansol continued.

"I found something," Dokyeom said all of sudden. "This is last night's CCTV footage, facing the window of Jeonghan-ssi's room. At 21.23, a dove entered the room, then came out 8 minutes later."

"A shape-shifter, then." Wonwoo said, "This is Jeonghan's method of contacting his friends outside."

"What is your plan now, Your Highness?" asked Dokyeom.

Wonwoo was silent for a moment. He then divided the tasks between them. "Dokyeom, contact the palace, tell them I need to rest and will be in Jeju-do for the time being. Some meetings that cannot be postponed, arrange them as online meetings."

"Yes Your Highness."

"Mingyu, please meet Dr. Hao, ask him to clear all the data related to Jeongwoo's DNA test."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Please make sure that information about Jeongwoo, my son, does not leak out at all."

"Okay. I understand."

"Hansol, Seungkwan, help me find datas for rental houses or villas, which is in the busy tourist center area. Focus on busy areas and long-term rentals."

"Okay, Your Highness." 

"Oh yes... one more thing. Call Jun here."

***

Jeongwoon sat still, hugging Jjongtoram, his doll, while his eyes were staring at Jeonghan non-stop. This was Jeongwoo's way of protesting to Jeonghan.

"Psst ...," Shua whispered to Jeonghan who was busy cutting meat. "You better talk to Jeongwoo now. Don't delay any longer." Jeonghan stopped cutting meat and glanced at Jeongwoo. Then he looked back at Shua and said, "Wish me luck, please."

Joshua and Seungcheol silently encouraged him.

"Yoon Jeongwoo... let's talk."

Jeonghan took Jeongwoo to the second floor of the villa for privacy. He asked Jeongwoo to sit on the sofa facing him.

"Honestly, Appa is not sure what to say... er, how about like this? Just ask Appa what you want to know."

***

EPILOG

7 Years Ago - Wonwoo POV

For Wonwoo, Jeonghan was like a drop of water in his pretty barren life. Since being with Jeonghan, he began to see the beautiful side of life. He learned a lot about the meaning of sharing, fighting for his beliefs, and loving with all his heart.

However, after around a year of dating, Wonwoo still hadn't told Jeonghan about his big secret. He was worried that his secret would make Jeonghan end this relationship. After all, he was the one who knew best how much Jeonghan disliked the royal family. This situation was clearly a source of distress for Wonwoo. He felt a constant sense of guilt towards Jeonghan, which made him uneasy.

"Han, I'm curious. Why do you have such strong negative feelings towards all royal families? Not all people with aristocratic backgrounds are bad, right?" Wonwoo asked his lover.

Jeonghan put the book down and looked at Wonwoo, who was resting his head on his lap.

"It's because the same blood flows in their bodies. Maybe at sometime in the future, I'll tell you my story."

"Eung... arraseo. Me too."

"You what?"

"I'll fill you in on everything about me eventually. I hope you'll be willing to listen to my story too."

"Hoahmmm...," Jeonghan yawned.

"Lets sleep Jeonghannie."

"Good night Wonwoong."

"Jalja Jeonghannie."

***

"Jaehyun-ah... do you know where Jeonghan is? His number suddenly became unreachable and Haechan said that Jeonghan quit his part-time job at the mini mart." Wonwoo asked Jaehyun, one of the student council members who often worked with Jeonghan.

Jaehyun shook his head. "Actually... there's something else," he said hesitantly.

"What?"

"Jeonghan Hyung resigned from the student council too. In fact... there's information circulating that yesterday Jeonghan Hyung submitted his withdrawal from this university."

Hearing Jaehyun's story, Wonwoo immediately went to the campus administration office to check the truth of the news. After getting confirmation that what Jaehyun said was true, he looked for Jeonghan at the goshiwon, where he lived.  Once again, nothing. No one knew where Jeonghan was. Jeonghan just up and disappeared, like he'd been swallowed by the earth. Wonwoo had been looking for Jeonghan for months. But all his efforts ended in disappointment. He didn't know what made Jeonghan disappear. He really didn't understand, yet he was angry and also disappointed.

One thing's for sure. Yoon Jeonghan was the only love in Jeon Wonwoo's life. After losing Jeonghan, Wonwoo found himself facing a pretty dark and gloomy period. On top of that, he was also forced to return to the palace not long after.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Wonwoo usually has a lot of bodyguards with him. Even though Mingyu is one of them, he trusts him to carry out important and secret tasks for him. In a way, Dokyeom and Mingyu are Wonwoo's confidants.

Chapter Text

Yoon Jeongwoo was one of the most intelligent kids among his peers. Since the age of five, Jeongwoo had already begun learning to read and had a keen interest in books. He also had a wider vocabulary than other children his age. He was also extremely witty and quick to catch on to what the other person was implying. A 7-year-old Jeongwoo was not like any other 7-year-old kids.

Emotionally, Jeongwoo possessed great empathy. He'd already demonstrated independence and was even able to negotiate as well as see problems from other perspectives. Because of all these factors, many consider that Jeongwoo was more mature emotionally than other children his age.

"Honestly, Appa is not sure what to say... errr, how about like this? Just ask Appa what you want to know."

Holding Jjongtoram tightly on his lap, Jeongwoo stared at Jeonghan and then blinked. Once. Twice. Three times. He tilted his head and finally inquired, “what... can I ask you about anything?”

Jeonghan nodded. From the outside, he looked calm, composed, and ready to answer Jeongwoo's questions. But actually in reality, Jeonghan was scared to death. Both his hands were clenched tightly on his lap. His heart was pounding hard and his throat felt dry.

"Appa ... "

"..."

"Appa ... I... "

"..."

"Appa ... Can I see Ahjussi again? Err... not necessarily now. Maybe sometime in the future?”

Jeongwoo's question, well... more of a request, caught Jeonghan by surprise. "Why?"

"I like Ahjussi. He's a black panther like me. He's very fast. His body is big. His eyes are also blue. Really cool. I've never met a black panther other than him.”

Hearing those words, Jeonghan's expression changed drastically. This time, he couldn't even control his expression. Guilt attacked him.

"Jeongwoo must prefer having a father who is also a black panther, huh?”

Yoon Jeongwoo's quick wit immediately noticed the change in his father's feelings. Hugging Jjongtoram tightly, Jeongwoo added, “no...no...no... Appa ... That's not what I mean. If Appa doesn't like it, I don't need to meet Ahjussi either.”

Jeonghan bowed his head, trying his best to hold back his emotion. His hands clutched the cloth of the trousers on his lap. “Jeongwoo-yah, you'll meet Ahjussi again. But not for now. Can you wait for little while longer?”

Jeongwoo didn't understand what his father meant at all. But Jeongwoo, who always made his father his first priority, nodded his head. Because for Jeongwoo, his Appa was his number one.

***

“He's looking for us. And it seems like the Crown Prince guessed that we wouldn't leave Jeju Island right away. There are suspicious movements that are looking into the background of newcomers in the villas around here,” Seungcheol shared.

Jeonghan sighed, “Should we look for a house in the residential area?”

“I don't think it's necessary. If we suddenly move, it will attract more attention. Let's just be cautious for now. Two days have passed and it doesn't seem like the Crown Prince is involving that many people to look for you.”

There was the sound of running steps from the stairs. Joshua appeared abruptly from downstairs.

“Cheol, does Junhee know we're here?”

“Moon Junhee? He shouldn't know because I only report this mission to Captain Doh.”

“Junhee contacted me. Asking where we are now.” Shua showed Junhee's chat on his cell phone.

“That's strange. Supposedly... there should be no cross-information from different teams. Don't tell him, Babe.”

“Calm down Cheol. I'm not telling.”

“What team is Junhee a part of?” Jeonghan asked Joshua and Seungcheol.

“As far as I know, he's a special agent. His duties and true identity are secret. Only the top leaders of the organization know.”

“I haven't met him yet,” Jeonghan muttered.

“Personally, I have no problem with him. However, the chat just now, makes me a bit concerned.” Shua expressed his opinion. “Especially in terms of level, he's above us.”

“But we have no obligation to report to him. Don't tell him unless there are further orders from Captain Doh.”

“Appa...,” called Jeongwoo who had just woken up.

Jeonghan and Jeongwoo's room was located on the 2nd floor, next to the area where the three of them had their meeting.

“Eung... Jeongwoo-yah. You're awake. “Jeonghan spread his arms, welcoming Jeongwoo into his embrace.

"Appa and Samcheon-deul ... mwohae (what are you doing)?"

“We're in an important meeting.”

“That's right. Discussing what we'll have for breakfast this morning.” Joshua jumped at Seungcheol's words.

“How about we go to Dongmun market this morning?” suggested Seungcheol.

“Isn't it dangerous?” Jeonghan whispered.

“I think... crowded places are the safest for us,” Seungcheol replied in a quiet voice to Jeonghan. Then he continued to say to Jeongwoo, “Jeongwoo-yah... let's eat Samcheon's favorite   in Jeju-do.”

"Mandu? I like mandu. Lets go."

The four of them immediately got ready to go to Dongmun Market. However, before they could leave, they had to cancel their plans. Someone appeared at the front door of their villa.

“Nuguseyo?” asked Jeonghan who arrived at the front door first.

“Junhee-ssi?!” Joshua, who followed behind Jeonghan, recognized the face.

“Annyeonghaseyo,” greeted Jun, with a friendly smile.

Seungcheol, who was carrying Jeongwoo, immediately passed Jeongwoo to Jeonghan and stood in front of Jeonghan and Joshua.

“Jun-ssi, why did you unexpectedly show up here? What's the occasion?” asked Seungcheol sternly.

“We need to talk,” Jun replied while glancing at Jeonghan. “Maybe... it's better to go inside.”

Seungcheol's hands clenched into tight fists, ready to fight back with violence if necessary.

“Cheol! Jun is not your enemy. He's our friend.” Captain Doh, the leader of the team that Seungcheol, Joshua and Jeonghan belonged to, appeared. “There's something important you should know. Humph... it turns out that there's a problem this complicated in our team.”

***

"WHAT?!!! That makes no sense?!!!" Seungcheol shouted in disbelief.

"Owh .. SHIT!" Joshua cursed in English.

Jeonghan could only stare at Captain Doh and Jun in turn with his mouth agape. What he had just been told really didn't make sense. Jeonghan began to question what he had been doing all this time. He was barking up the wrong tree.

"So... Jeon Wonwoo, the Crown Prince of the kingdom, is the head of the One Shoot Left organization. An organization that seeks to collect evidence of the royal crimes?!!!” repeated Jeonghan, making sure that the facts he received were correct.

"Yes." Jun answered without hesitation. “His Highness the Crown Prince does not agree with the current King's approach in governing. However, of course we cannot fight without preparation. You know how this current government is,” Jun explained.

Jeonghan then glanced at Jeongwoo who was sitting in the corner of the room, playing a game on his cell phone with his ears covered by headphones. Jeongwoo seemed to be in a different world from the chaotic reality that the trio of Seungcheol, Joshua, Jeonghan had just experienced.

“That boy... is His Highness' son, right?” Captain Doh asked Jeonghan, pointing at Jeongwoo with his chin.

Jeonghan glanced at Joshua and Seungcheol, then back at Captain Doh. "How do ..."

Jun interrupted Jeonghan's question by blurting out. “Your Majesty has already done the DNA test.” Then added in a quiet voice, "And seeing the kid's resemblance to His Highness, hmm... I don't think a DNA test is necessary."

Jeonghan shut his mouth tightly. There was no point in denying or covering up this fact.

Captain Doh sighed. “Now, the main order from our supreme superior is to keep Jeon Jeongwoo safe.”

“Yoon Jeongwoo. Jeongwoo is my son and his surname is Yoon,” Jeonghan stated. “I'm really confused and don't understand what's going on. Who's good and who we're actually fighting against. But one thing is for sure, I won't give up my son, Yoon Jeongwoo, to anyone.”

Jun touched Jeonghan's arm who looked visibly agitated. He continued, “It feels like... all of this is merely a series of misunderstandings between you and also us. In order to rectify this, His Highness, will personally explain what the purpose of our organization is. I will also report to His Highness that we have found you.”

"I need time to process all this,” Jeonghan said. He then stood up and took Jeongwoo out with him.

***

Near the villa where they live, about a 10-minute walk away, there's a beach called Iho Tewoo beach. Jeonghan took Jeongwoo for a stroll together there. On the way, Jeonghan bought kimbab, milk, and bread for them to enjoy on the beach.

Iho Tewoo Beach was located in the northern part of Jeju island. The sand beach was quite close to the downtown area of Jeju island. One of the highlights of this beach was the two pony-shaped lighthouses. The red pony and white pony lighthouse exuded an exotic feel, especially when contrasted with the vast expanse of white sand.

"Uwaahh ... is that a horse, Appa?"

"Yes. Is it cool, isn't it?"

"Eung. And I'm glad I got to see this with Appa."

Jeonghan and Jeongwoo walked towards the red pony lighthouse, then sat on one of the stairs near the lighthouse. They enjoyed kimbab, bread and milk for breakfast while looking at the sea, beach and sky. The area near the lighthouse was relatively quiet. Most tourists stayed on the sandy beach area. This allowed Jeonghan and Jeongwoo some privacy.

"Woowoo-yah ... Do you want to meet your daddy?”

Jeongwoo halted his bread in mid-air. He stared at Jeonghan with a look of disbelief. “Daddy? My other father... Can I?”

Jeonghan nodded. Upon watching Jeongwoo's reaction, Jeonghan could sense that his son was actually curious about his Daddy. I really am a failed father - Jeonghan lamented to himself.

“Daddy... what kind of person is he? Does he really want to meet me?”

Jeonghan held Jeongwoo's hand. “Appa is sorry, Jeongwoo-yah. I'm sorry for making it impossible for you to meet your Daddy. Appa has a reason for this. I'm really really sorry.”

"Appa, I know you have your own reason. I trust you. When time comes, please explain it to me, well."

Jeonghan's eyes were teary. He pulled Jeongwoo's body into his embrace. His son was really a mature child. "Actually, your Daddy didn't know Jeongwoo's existence in this world before. But now he knows and he wants to meet you.”

"Woahh ... really? Is Daddy a black panther too?"

Jeonghan nodded.

"Do I resemble him?”

"You're a carbon copy of your Daddy.”

"Really?" Jeongwoo's face lit up at the thought of his daddy. Then, instantly, his expression turned to fear. “Is Appa happy for me to meet Daddy?”

“Eh?”

“If Appa doesn't like it, I don't want to meet Daddy. Appa is enough for me.” Jeongwoo cupped Jeonghan's cheek and said, “But, can Appa stop doing those dangerous things?”

“Eh?”

“I know Appa, Jisoo samcheon and Cheollie samcheon, often do dangerous things together. When Appa came home with a bandaged hand, or an injured leg, Jeongwoo got sad. Very sad.”

Jeonghan's tears could not be contained anymore. Jeongwoo made him burst into tears. Fortunately, the area around the red pony lighthouse was deserted. Jeongwoo hugged his father tightly, patting his back. Letting him cry until he was relieved.

"Hiks ... Why are you so mature Jeongwoo-yah? Don't grow up so fast. Hiks... . Forgive me for not being a good father to you.”

"Eyy ... this is Appa's first time as a father. This is also Appa's first life experience. So... it's okay. It's natural.”

“Where do you get these words of wisdom from?”

“Hoshi samcheon used to tell me and Channie: It's okay to make mistakes because we don't know. This is our first time living. The important thing is that we work hard to correct those mistakes and not repeat them again.” Jeongwoo purposefully imitated Hoshi's voice and way of speaking.

Jeonghan's crying became so intense that it became difficult for him to breathe.

“Appa... stop crying,” Jeongwoo pleaded while wiping away the tears on his cheeks.

"Hiks ... all this time, Appa thought keeping your whereabouts a secret from your Daddy was the best decision for you. But Appa doesn't know anymore. Appa is feeling helpless. Hiks... hiks...”

Unbeknownst to them, there was someone watching them nearby. That person listened to their conversation, making him share their sadness. The person approached them slowly. He held out a handkerchief to Jeonghan. 

Jeonghan just stared at the person while crying uncontrollably.

“Ahjussi?!” Jeongwoo called that person, surprised seeing him here.

Squatting down, the person opened his arms, then said to Jeonghan, “ May I give you a hug?”

Jeonghan went into Wonwoo's arms without saying anything. His sobs grew louder, but his voice was muffled due to Wonwoo's embrace.

Jeongwoo looked at the interaction oddly. However, Wonwoo pulled Jeongwoo right into his arms as well. The three of them hugged each other tightly, under the red pony lighthouse.

***

Jeonghan was still the same as before. When he's stressed or under a lot of pressure, he inevitably got sick with a fever. And this was exactly what had happened. Jeonghan collapsed due to high fever.

"This is a common fever. Don't worry. I've injected fever-reducing medicine. Let him sleep,” stated Dr. Hao.

“Thank you Hao,” Wonwoo replied. He deliberately told Mingyu to bring his personal doctor here, to Jeju Island.

Minghao then stroked Jeongwoo's head who was seated at his father's bedside. “Are you going to look after your father here?”

Jeongwoo nodded his head affirmatively.

“Then, please replace the compress when it dries up. Can you?” Minghao gave Jeongwoo a special mission.

“Eung. Thank you Sonsaengnim.”

"Jongwoo-yah... we'll all be in the next room. Just call if you need anything,” Wonwoo told him before leaving the room.

***

“Nice to meet you guys,” Wonwoo greeted Seungcheol and Joshua. “Captain Doh, you can go. Let me and Jun explain everything here. Please complete that classified mission.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

With that, Captain Doh left Jeju Island. Leaving Seungcheol, Joshua, Jun, along with Wonwoo who was accompanied by Mingyu, Dokyeom, and Dr. Hao.

“Yes... I am the top head of this One Shoot Left organization. Jeon Wonwoo. The rightful heir to the throne in fact.”

***

EPILOG

29 Years Ago - Wonwoo POV

Wonwoo was born on the same day as the death of his mother, Jeon Jihyun, the reigning Queen at the time. After his mother's death, Jeon Jeongsoo, his mother's younger brother, was appointed as the King, to continue his sister's reign, while waiting for Wonwoo, the crown prince to take over.

Shortly after the queen's death, there was a rumor in the palace that the Crown Prince was bringing bad luck to the palace. Because of this, Joo Jihoon, the Queen's husband, along with the Crown Prince, were exiled abroad.

Jeon Jeongsoo, the new king, ruled with an iron fist. He intentionally cut off the connections between the previous Queen's supporters with Jihoon and Wonwoo. He corrupted the common people's money, made arbitrary rules, and did not concern himself with the people's interests at all. He was a king who was detested by his people. And the people were powerless to defend themselves.

At the age of 18, Jihoon managed to bring Wonwoo into South Korea, registered as an artic fox shape-shifter. He studied business economics at GoSe University, living his life as a commoner. At the same time, Jihoon gathered strength and formed an organization to fight the current regime under the name, One Shoot Left. He gathered people who were against the current government, as well as supporters of his wife in the past.

Unfortunately, within three years, their movements were noticed by the royal court. Their base was attacked and Jihoon was severely injured to the point of nearly dying. By his right-hand man, Loey, he and Wonwoo were rushed out of the country for the second time.

Because he had to leave the country immediately, Wonwoo could not find Jeonghan who disappeared. He was forced to let Jeonghan go, without even being able to tell Jeonghan his true identity. That's why, even though seven years passed, Wonwoo couldn't forget Jeonghan. There was a sense of anger for being ghosted. There was a sense of guilt for not confessing his true identity, as well as a sense of longing because his love never ended, only buried deep down. For seven years, Wonwoo had been focusing on his pursuit of revenge as well as taking over the power. Until finally he met Jeonghan again and even found out that he had a son with Jeonghan.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Captain Doh is a penguin. While Jun is a black cat.
• Joo Jihoon is an artic fox, and Loey is a wolf.
• Jeonghan didn't manage to finish school and hadn't gotten a degree yet.

Chapter Text

When Jeonghan's eyes opened, he was in his room at Wonwoo's mansion. The mansion where he stayed when he was first brought to Jeju. His body felt sluggish. An IV tube was attached to his left arm. He tried to sit up, leaning against the headboard of the bed. As usual, when severe stress hit, he would fall ill without fail.

“Tch... what a weak body,” Jeonghan muttered, cursing his own body condition.

Jeonghan touched his forehead. His fever had gone down. While staring at the ceiling, Jeonghan tried to organize his thoughts. He had to plan how his life would move forward. How Jeongwoo's life would going to be. How would he put Wonwoo in ...

KRIETTT...

As Jeonghan's mind was busy spinning, the door to his room opened. Jeongwoo appeared while holding Jjongtoram. While behind him, Wonwoo followed, carrying a tray of food, closely trailed by Seungkwan who looked distressed.

"Appa ~~" Jeongwoo ran toward his father. He placed the Jjongtoram beside his Appa, then with his tiny hand, he touched his father's forehead, trying to check his father's temperature. “It seems that Appa's temperature is not as feverish as before. Hehehe ... Good boy!” Jeongwoo gave his father a stroke on the head.

On the other hand, Wonwoo kept trying to convince Seungkwan from worrying. “Seungkwan-ah, gwenchana (it's okay)! I can carry this tray myself. You can do other things.”

“But... Your Highness...”

“Boo Seungkwan... this is an order. Just go!” said Wonwoo as he pointed at the door with his chin.

Seungkwan finally gave up. He bowed to Wonwoo, then to Jeonghan, and finally left the room. With that, only Wonwoo, Jeonghan, and Jeongwoo were left in the room.

Wonwoo put the tray of food on the work table, which was next to the bed.

“Jeonghan-ah, let's eat first. After that drink your medicine. Do you want to eat on the bed or here?”

“I'll just go there,” Jeonghan replied.

Hurriedly, Jeongwoo helped holding Jeonghan's IV pouch. Wonwoo also helped Jeonghan to sit on the chair.

"Appa, eat a lot. Get well soon.” Jeongwoo sat on Wonwoo's lap, across from Jeonghan.

Jeonghan looked at Wonwoo and Jeongwoo across from him. They're really that similar. Like Wonwoo is holding a mini version of him on his lap. - Jeonghan muttered in his mind.

At the same time, both Jeongwoo and Wonwoo also stared at Jeonghan gulping down his porridge, making Jeonghan feel awkward.

The awkwardness made Jeonghan choke. “Uhuk... uhuk...”

Hurriedly, Wonwoo fetched water for Jeonghan. “I'm sorry. I won't stare at you again. I'll just wait outsi...,” Wonwoo said as he rose to his feet, after seating Jeongwoo in the chair next to him.

Around the same time, Jeonghan also spoke, “Your Highness...”

Wonwoo froze at Jeonghan's formal call. He gazed at Jeonghan and expressed, “Don't call me Your Highness, Jeonghannie. I don't like you calling me that. I'm ... I'm just Wonwoo.”

“Of course as a mere commoner, I must call the Crown Prince of this kingdom as Your Highness. But, the discussion of this title matter can wait. I want to talk about Jeongwoo.”

Hearing his name mentioned, Jeongwoo looked at his father and Wonwoo in turn.

“Jeongwoo-yah...,” Jeonghan called.

Jeongwoo stood up and approached his father. Meanwhile, Wonwoo went back to sit on the opposite side of Jeonghan.

Jeonghan cupped both of Jeongwoo's cheeks. “Woowoo-yah... Appa loves you very much. You know that, right?”

Jeongwoo nodded. “I love Appa too.”

“Woowoo wants to know who Woowoo's daddy is, right?”

Jeongwoo didn't answer. He just blinked his eyes.

Jeonghan gathered his courage in his gut, then he turned Jeongwoo's face towards Wonwoo. “Woowoo-yah, your Daddy is also a black panther. Your Daddy's name is Jeon Wonwoo, the Crown Prince of this kingdom.” Then Jeonghan looked at Wonwoo and said, “This is Yoon Jeongwoo, your son that I hid for seven years. I'm sorry.”

Like a thunderbolt in broad daylight, Jeonghan revealed that fact in front of Jeongwoo. Wonwoo wasn't ready and was actually worried about getting a negative reaction from Jeongwoo. "Err ... Jeonghan-ah..."

Jeonghan ignored Wonwoo and continued to talk to Jeongwoo, “Just like Appa said before. Your daddy only found out that there is Jeongwoo in this world not long ago. It was Appa who hid uri Woowoo from him. Appa has a reason and will tell you this reason when Woowoo is a little older. Woowoo-yah... please forgive Appa, eung ... ,” Jeonghan pleaded after his long explanation.

Meanwhile, Jeongwoo was staring at Wonwoo almost unblinkingly. After his father finished speaking, Jeongwoo replied, “Appa... thank you for letting me see Daddy.” Then he walked over to Wonwoo, with a very wide smile, Jeongwoo touched Wonwoo's hand lightly. As if afraid that this was all just a dream. 

"Are you really my Daddy?” Jeongwoo asked.

With teary eyes, Wonwoo nodded.

“Uwaahh... I have a Daddy,” Jeongwoo chuckled softly. It was like he was telling himself. “Daddy...”

Wonwoo hugged Jeongwoo tightly while he burst into tears. Although from the DNA test results, he knew for sure that Jeongwoo was his son, hearing the call 'Daddy' directly from Jeongwoo made him feel strange.

***

“Nice to meet you guys,” Wonwoo greeted Seungcheol and Joshua. “Captain Doh, you can go. Let me and Jun explain everything here. Please complete that classified mission.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

With that, Captain Doh left Jeju Island. Leaving Seungcheol, Joshua, Jun, along with Wonwoo who was accompanied by Mingyu, Dokyeom, and Dr. Hao.

“Yes... I am the top head of this One Shoot Left organization. Jeon Wonwoo. The rightful heir to the throne in fact.”

Wonwoo gathered everyone in the second floor meeting room, in the east wing of the mansion. Wonwoo was accompanied by Dokyeom, his personal assistant, Mingyu, his bodyguard, and the duo assistants, Seungkwan and Hansol. From One Shoot Left Organization, there were Jun, Seungcheol, Joshua, and Jeonghan. There was also Dr. Hao - Wonwoo's personal doctor, and the Jihoon-Hoshi couple (Wonwoo's bestfriends) who also brought Chan to Jeju Island. Those in that place were Wonwoo's confidants.

The adults gathered in the meeting room, while Chan and Jeongwoo played in the next room.

“Thank you for being here,” Wonwoo began his story. "I am the top head of this One Shoot Left organization. Jeon Wonwoo. I am also the only son of Queen Jeon Jihyun who passed away 29 years ago. Queen Jeon, publicly known, passed away while giving birth to me. But, my father and I were suspicious that my mother was assassinated.”

Dr. Hao, whose full name was Xu Minghao, added, “At that time, my father was one of the palace physicians. He found some discrepancies in Queen Jeon's death. Before he had time to gather evidence, my father was removed from the palace. The things that happened in the palace afterward strengthened my father's suspicion that Queen Jeon was deliberately eliminated for the benefit of certain parties. Unfortunately, all these allegations were ignored because they could not be proven. There is no evidence or witnesses.”

"Actually, there was someone who had made an appearance as a witness a few years ago. Unfortunately, that person was killed before he/she could do anything,” Jihoon said.

"Who could possibly assassinate the queen? In a palace full of guards?” argued Joshua incredulously.

Wonwoo then continued, “I believe, the culprit is the current ruler, Jeon Jeongsoo. He is my mother's adopted brother. His biological parents are my grandmother's cousins who died in an accident. Therefore, he is not the black panther of the Jeon family.”

“Hmm... so, the current king is not really a royal blood of the Jeon Family?” asked Joshua.

“That's right," answered Wonwoo. “When I was born, I was that person's biggest threat. But, he couldn't just take my life. That's why I was exiled abroad. He intentionally made it difficult for my father and I to get in touch with my mother's loyal supporters.”

“For a long time, only the chosen ones with the form of a blue-eyed black panther were believed to be the ones destined to hold the authority of the kingdom. Wonwoo's birth at that time was highly anticipated. Because after so long, there was a prime alpha black panther again in the Jeon family.” Hoshi, suddenly, released his words.

“Hoshi or Kwon Soonyoung is my cousin. While Jihoon, his mate, is my best friend.”

"Prime alpha black panther?" asked Jeonghan.

"Yes. Prime alpha is the most dominant alpha and is destined to be the pack leader. Prime alpha is characterized by a birthmark, and His Majesty has this mark.” This time, it was Dokyeom who answered Jeonghan's question.

“Err... that mark, is it a crescent-shaped birthmark?” Jeonghan asked again.

“How do you know?” answered Wonwoo.

“Aish...,” Jeonghan groaned.

"Seolma?!!!" Jihoon responded while questioning with his glare at Jeonghan.

“Jeongwoo has a crescent-shaped birthmark behind his right ear. Exactly the same as Won ... err I mean Your Highness' birthmark.”

Wonwoo and Jihoon exchanged glances. This meant that Jeongwoo was in a dangerous risk if his identity became known to the enemy.

Seungcheol questioned something, “Your Majesty was exiled abroad. But, seven years ago...”

“When I was 18 years old, my father brought me into South Korea secretly. He registered my animal form as an arctic fox. He intentionally made me study at GoSe University to establish relationships with the descendants of government officials and supporters of the royal family. While I was studying, my father formed this One Shoot Left organization to gather forces against King Jeon Jeongsoo.”

"While living abroad, every day, there were threats to His Highness's life. King Jeon's purpose in sending His Highness abroad was to kill him under the pretext of an accident or such,” Jun explained. “When His Highness returned to Korea, it was disguised as an accident.”

"Before I was smuggled into Korea, there was an accident that left me temporarily unconscious. This accident was being used by my father to make me look like I was in a coma, even though I had already regained consciousness and was brought to Korea." Wonwoo clarified. “Unfortunately, seven years ago, my father's and my presence in Korea gathering forces became known to the royal court. I was again summoned to the palace and again sent abroad. At that time, I really couldn't fight back because they were using my father as a captive. He was severely injured and almost died due to the attack on the base. Then a year ago, thanks to the efforts of my loyal supporters, they appealed to the kingdom to send me back here. Because of that, since a year ago, my name, face, and everything about me, have been heavily publicized, to prevent any assassination attempts. Always being in the spotlight is how I survive these days. Our final objective is to take the throne by this year,” Wonwoo emphasized.

"So... this year's coup plan was Your Majesty's plan?” asked Joshua.

“Yes.” Wonwoo confirmed Joshua's question.

“The throne must be returned to the rightful heir,” added Jun. “Are you guys willing to help? You know all the truth now.” Jun addressed Jeonghan, Joshua, and Seungcheol.

***

“You look happy,” Chan said.

Jeongwoo smiled at Chan's words. Hugging Jjongtoram tightly, Jeongwoo announced, “I'm happy. And I've met my Daddy.”

“Uwahh... really? Where is your Daddy? Is he a black panther too? What does he look like? So now, Woowoo also has two dads like me? Can the six of us go on a picnic together?” Chan bombarded Jeongwoo with a barrage of questions.

"But it's a secret, Chan," whispered Jeongwoo.

Chan enthusiastically nodded. He stared at Jeongwoo with great anticipation. His eyes were sparkling.

"His Highness the Crown Prince is my father.”

“Uwaahhhh...!!!” Chan exclaimed while hugging Jeongwoo. “Woowoo-yah... this means, the two of us are family.”

"Eh?"

"My Dada is your daddy's cousin."

"Really?"

"Eung! Therefore, we are family."

"Awesome. I love it."

"Are you going to stay in the palace after this?” asked Chan.

“But... I like my house now. Do I have to live in the palace?”

“I don't know... but His Highness Samcheon lives in the palace, as far as I know,” Chan said, pointing to his own forehead.

Jeongwoo fell silent. Chan's question made him think of his Appa. Would his Appa live together with his Daddy? What if he had to choose between his Appa and his Daddy?! “Andwae...!!!” Jeongwoo shouted.

“Andwae wae?” Chan was confused because Jeongwoo suddenly yelled ‘andwae’ for no apparent reason.

POOFF

Suddenly, Chan transformed into a tiger cub. Lately, Chan had been experiencing frequent shape shifts that he couldn't control.

***

"To be honest, I don't care about the throne or power,” Jeonghan stated. “I just want the royal family to stop mistreating the common people. That's all. To me... all members of the royal household are the same.”

The glare Jeonghan gave him when he said that really gave Wonwoo goosebumps. He knew that Jeonghan didn't like the royal family. However, before this, Wonwoo didn't know that Jeonghan's hatred was this deep.

After saying that, Jeonghan left the room.

Wonwoo followed Jeonghan out, then pulled him inside his study, which was nearby.

“Yoon Jeonghan...”

Jeonghan just stared at Wonwoo without saying anything.

Wonwoo sighed, then asked quietly, “am... am I among the royal family whom you hate?”

Again Jeonghan didn't respond. He just stayed silent and stared at Wonwoo. But the look in Jeonghan's eyes seemed to confirm that he didn't like Wonwoo.

After a few moments of silence, Jeonghan muttered, “I did have a child with you but our relationship had been over since seven years ago.”

"So, Jeongwoo ...?"

“I don't wanna be part of royal family... . Well...maybe Jeongwoo should choose one of us.”

"Do you have absolutely no feelings for me anymore?"

"My feelings vaporized without a trace when I learned the fact that you lied to me.”

Jeonghan's expression, which was filled with determination, bothered Wonwoo greatly. But Jeon Wonwoo was not one to accept defeat without fighting. “Okay... I'll make you fall in love with me again. Just you wait!” declared Wonwoo before walking away.

But before Wonwoo could leave the room, Dokyeom rushed in.

“Your Highness, you have to see this,” he said in a hurry and panic. Dokyeom showed Wonwoo the news on his iPad.

The first thing that caught Wonwoo's attention was a large photo of him with Jeongwoo in the backyard of GoSe Elementary School. Then next, the headline: 'Crown Prince Spent Time with Little Boy Who Looks Like Him'.

“How come?”

“You should see this too.” Dokyeom opened YouTube and showed a video that was going viral. The video had been uploaded an hour ago, but had already gained around 2 million views. It was a video that captured Jeongwoo transforming into a blue-eyed black panther cub.

Seeing the panic on Dokyeom's face made Jeonghan come closer. He also saw what Wonwoo saw.

“Jeongwoo eotteohge (what will happen to Jeongwoo)?” Jeonghan asked with a trembling voice.

***

EPILOG

20 Years Ago - Jeonghan POV

“Jeonghan-ah, let's play hide and seek. You hide here. Close your eyes tightly. Then count to 1000. Don't stop... no matter what.”

“Eomma...!”

“ Listen to me, Jeonghan-ah...”

“Eo... eomma...,” Jeonghan whined.

“Jeonghan-ah... you must survive for Eomma's sake!”

After saying that, Yoon Eomma pushed Jeonghan inside and locked him in a secret closet behind the wall of her house.

The room of the secret cupboard was about the size of an ice cream freezer in a mini mart. Jeonghan could only sit there. It was dark and also rather humid.

From inside the closet, Jeonghan banged on the wall repeatedly, crying and screaming. But his voice didn't seem to be heard outside.

Being in there was very scary. But what scared Jeonghan even more was that he didn't know what happened to his mother outside. While still crying, Jeonghan palpated the entire surface of the place. Unintentionally, he found a hollow part that could be used to look outside. The opening was only the size of a soda bottle cap. Jeonghan could only peek through the gap.

From the tiny gap, Jeonghan saw a group of people dressed in military garb surrounding his mother. Two of them were holding his mother's arms. They seemed to be having an argument. Jeonghan could not hear their words.

Shortly after, a young man dressed in a formal royal uniform approached his mother. He seemed to say something, then pulled out a gun and shot his mother in the head.

DORRR!!!

Yoon Jinseo, Jeonghan's mother, lay bloodied on the floor, with her eyes open. Little Jeonghan had to witness his mother's death firsthand. He couldn't do anything about it. He could only cry until he fell asleep from exhaustion.

The horrible memories of that day ended with Jeonghan being rescued by a man in the animal form of an arctic fox. Jeonghan did not remember the man's face. But Jeonghan remembered his animal form very well. The arctic fox who had very beautiful odd eyes.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Hoshi is Chan's Dada, while Jihoon is Chan's Daddy. Chan's surname is Lee, following Jihoon's surname.
• Human shape-shifters are usually not able to control 100% of their shape shift abilities until they reach the end of adulthood. So sometimes, they suddenly shape-shift out of nowhere. This shape-shifting can be triggered by internal factors - such as stress or external factors - such as certain weather. These triggering factors vary in kind and degree from person to person.

Chapter Text

“Jeongwoo eotteohge (what will happen to Jeongwoo)?” Jeonghan asked with a trembling voice.

"Don't worry. I'll take care of it.” Wonwoo patted Jeonghan's shoulder, then instructed Dokyeom to follow him out of the room.

Jeonghan could only stand there, at a loss for what to do to protect his son, Yoon Jeongwoo.

***

“Tch... this is already a ticking time bomb,” Joshua commented. “With his coronation as king only a matter of months away, before he reaches the age of 30, the efforts to subvert it must have become more aggressive.”

“What is Your Highness' plan regarding this issue?” Seungcheol asked Jeonghan.

Jeonghan sighed, then replied, “He just said he'll take care of it. But still ... I'm worried. This is about my son,” Jeonghan said as he clenched his fists tightly.

“Jeonghan-ah, perhaps, announcing that Jeongwoo is the Crown Prince's biological son would be the best choice. He should be exposed to make all eyes on him. This will guarantee Jeongwoo's safety, more,” Joshua stated while watching Jeonghan's reaction towards his opinion.

“I also agree with Shua. But ... If Jeongwoo is exposed as the next heir to the throne, what will you do?” asked Seungcheol.

Jeonghan did not answer. He hid his face with both hands. His brain was unable to process clearly. All these what if scenarios led to one final conclusion, which was that he had to let Jeongwoo enter the palace. This was something he had always avoided. The fact that there was royal blood flowing in his son's blood.

"Appa ... what happened?" Jeongwoo ran into the room where Jeonghan, Seungcheol, and Joshua were discussing, with a confused expression. Behind Jeongwoo, Chan followed him.

“What's wrong Woowoo-yah?” asked Jeonghan as he approached Jeongwoo.

“Err... outside, a lot of people in uniforms come in here,” Jeongwoo replied as he tightened his grip on Jjongtoram.

There was a clatter of steps from a group of people at the door. Soon after, Dokyeom could be heard arguing with another person outside. Out of curiosity, Jeonghan left the room to check the situation. Jeongwoo followed Jeonghan while holding his hand tightly. Meanwhile, Joshua carried Chan, behind Seungcheol who also followed Jeonghan.
Outside the room. Jeonghan saw a beautiful young woman, dressed in a royal uniform outside the room. 

The young woman was dressed in royal court uniform, with a blood-red robe, and black knee-length boots over her white pants. She wore a high-ranking state emblem to signify that she was the right hand of the reigning King. Her face was absolutely gorgeous and her style was elegant. However, her expression was icy.

When Jeonghan came out together with Jeongwoo, the woman fearlessly gazed at Jeongwoo, making Jeongwoo timid and hide behind Jeonghan's legs. Her vertical pupils were like snake eyes staring at prey before striking it.

***

“Is there no other way?” asked Jeonghan franticly as he walked back and forth in the room. He and Wonwoo were given some privacy alone to decide what would happen to Jeongwoo after this. The media had caught Jeongwoo's whereabouts on radar, which made the royal court move and send someone to Jeju in finding the truth. The young woman who came earlier was a representative of the royal court. She was Han Sohee, King Jeon Jeongsoo's right hand. 

Wonwoo held Jeonghan's arm to calm him down. However, Wonwoo's hand was immediately brushed off. Wonwoo continued to face rejection after rejection. But, Wonwoo won't give up yet.

“Sorry. I reflexively held you. Please calm down Jeonghan-ah. Can I start telling you my plan?”

Jeonghan gradually calmed down. He sat across from Wonwoo, ready to listen to Wonwoo's plan. 

“How about we get married and then we announce that Jeongwoo is our son to the public, so that Jeongwoo doesn't become a child out of wedlock.”

Jeonghan looked at Wonwoo flatly. He replied nonchalantly, “I can't deny that Jeongwoo is Your Highness' flesh and blood, and that he must be exposed to the public in order to avoid assassination threats. Therefore, would you please announce that Jeongwoo's other parent is dead and I am the person you assigned to protect him from childhood?”

“Yoon Jeonghan!!!” protested Wonwoo.

“I think this is the best plan. I can be near Jeongwoo and protect him.”

“How about Jeongwoo's feelings? Don't you care about Jeongwoo's feelings?”

“I'll assume you agree with my plan too,” Jeonghan replied without responding to Wonwoo's words. But his voice wavered slightly. Wonwoo's question was not without effect for Jeonghan. “I'll tell Jeongwoo about this plan.”

Before Jeonghan reached the door, Wonwoo grabbed his arm, pushing Jeonghan against the wall. “Is talking one-on-one with me so hard for you? Do you hate me so much that even being in the same room makes you uncomfortable?” Wonwoo said with emphasis on every word. Wonwoo was getting annoyed with Jeonghan's attitude.

Jeonghan was somewhat caught off guard by Wonwoo's actions. The Wonwoo he remembered back then was more passive and not this strong. His trembling voice made Jeonghan's heart start to waver. For seven years, there was only Wonwoo in his heart. Every time he looked at Jeongwoo who was getting older, it reminded him of Wonwoo and made him feel miserable. This love was a mistake from the start.

Since Jeonghan didn't answer and just turned his head away, Wonwoo continued, “Answer me and look straight into my eyes Yoon Jeonghan! If you really don't want to deal with me anymore, tell me directly! I will fulfill your wish.”

This time, Jeonghan sensed a hint of anger in Wonwoo's tone. He tried to calm his turbulent heart, then turned to face Wonwoo.

“I... I hat....” Jeonghan couldn't continue his words. The words 'I hate you' were difficult to get out of his mouth. Especially when he looked directly into Jeon Wonwoo's eyes. Wonwoo's eyes made him feel strange. Feeling vurnerable. Suddenly Jeonghan's tears flowed unstoppably. He was bawling his eyes out. His legs grew weak, causing him to fall to the floor. He felt weak and helpless, realizing how much he missed Wonwoo. In his deepest heart, Yoon Jeonghan also wanted a happy ending to his love story.

Jeonghan's body language was an obvious answer for Wonwoo. He also sat on the floor and pulled Jeonghan into his arms. He let Jeonghan cry and patted his shoulder as a sign of support. He even let himself cry along with him.

After a while, Jeonghan started to regain his composure. “Tch... I'm really getting old. I've been such a crybaby these past few days,” Jeonghan complained in a tiny voice while wiping away his tears. He broke away from Wonwoo's embrace and sat against the wall.

Wonwoo chuckled a little at Jeonghan's words. He sat against the wall, next to Jeonghan. "You cried in front of me like this twice when we were dating. Do you remember?”

"...."

"When I was sick with entritis and had to be hospitalized. You cried for almost two hours or more, that time.”

“Kkk... that time I cried myself to sleep in the hospital. My eyes got swollen and my face was really ugly.”

“Really? I think your expression was really cute. It's Jeonghan's face that really worried about me.”

" ... "

“Secondly, when we had a big fight over that damn dog trying to make a move on you."

“Eung. I forgot what the exact problem was that made us have a fight but that night you were out in the rain, sitting in front of my house. Without daring to knock. That was really stupid. After that, you got sick with a high fever and became really spoiled. I cried again. All my tears were because of you.”

“We fought because I was jealous. Although I was reluctant to admit it at that time. I hate smelling that dog scent on you. That dog stayed around you too much. It's on purpose even though he knew that you already have me.”

Instantly, Jeonghan became blushing. By reflex, he shifted into his animal form, a white rabbit.

POOFF

A small white rabbit appeared in the place where Jeonghan was before. The rabbit looked embarrassed and hid its face. Before the rabbit could run away, Wonwoo caught it and put it on his lap.

“I was really annoyed at the dog at that time. Just because you guys were in the same working group for a college project, he kept clinging to you.” Wonwoo continued speaking to the rabbit on his lap. His memory drifted to the incident 8 years ago. "When we were fighting, I felt empty. I was afraid of losing you for real. That's why I, even in the middle of the night, decided to go to your place. But... when I arrived in front of your house, I didn't dare do anything. I was really stupid,” Wonwoo said with a deep sigh. Wonwoo lifted the rabbit in front of his face while saying, “I loved you so much Yoon Jeonghan. Ah... not loved but love. It feels like... my heart is only yours to begin with. When you disappeared seven years ago, my world crumbled. I lived my life just to get revenge on that person. Do I really have no chance anymore? Whatever you want I will obey. In fact, I'm willing to abandon the throne for you and Jeongwoo. Please! Eung...” The Jeon Wonwoo, letting out his aegyo in front of Jeonghan.

The little rabbit hid his face again.

“I also hate the royal family that took away my mother. But I can't erase the traces of royal blood in my body. Just like my blood in Jeongwoo's. Please give me at least one chance, to prove that I'm not like them,” Wonwoo continued to argue as he stroked the little rabbit's back. A single teardrop fell onto the rabbit's head.

Rabbit!Jeonghan raised his head, staring at Wonwoo's face with his deep black, boba-like orbs.

POOFF

Rabbit!Jeonghan transformed back into human form on Wonwoo's lap. He wiped away the tears on Wonwoo's cheeks and said, “One chance. Okay. I...”

Before Jeonghan even finished speaking, the door to the room opened with a bang. Jeongwoo ran in with Chan and was followed by Hoshi - Jihoon, as well as Seungkwan and Hansol. The six of them were surprised to see Jeonghan on Wonwoo's lap on the floor, with both faces close to each other.

“Oopsiee!!!” Jeongwoo exclaimed while closing his eyes.

All at once, Jeonghan hurriedly got up from Wonwoo's lap, making him almost topple over. Luckily, Wonwoo was quick to pull Jeonghan into his arms, so he didn't fall.

That scene create an awkward atmosphere. Jeonghan's face turned red and Wonwoo became flustered. Seungkwan and Hansol both smiled while looking down. While Jihoon and Hoshi burst into laughter, tantalizing Wonwoo. 

Smiling playfully, Jihoon asked, “I'm sorry to bother you guys. Do we have to come back later?”

“NO!!!” Jeonghan yelled at once, waving both his hands fast. He quickly walked over to Jeongwoo and said hurriedly, “we ... we've finished discussing our plan. I agree to expose Jeongwoo to the public.”

“Then, does this mean you guys will...,” Hoshi asked Jeonghan and Wonwoo.

“I want my identity kept secret,” Jeonghan continued. He then looked at Wonwoo and spoke again, “at least for now. Can we?”

Wonwoo smiled and nodded. He replied, “We'll organize it together.” After that, he made an order, “Seungkwan-ah, please gather everyone into the meeting room an hour from now. Let's make a plan together.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

***

"Appa... ."

"Eung?"

"What will happen to me?"

"...."

"We're not going to be separated, right?” Jeongwoo stared at Jeonghan with worry.

"Why do you think that?” Jeonghan asked.

“Appa said you wanted to let everyone know that I'm Daddy's son. But Appa doesn't want people to know who Appa is. Does this mean we're going to be separated?” Jeongwoo asked. “I don't want to part with Appa!” declared Jeongwoo quickly while shaking his head.

Jeonghan squatted down in front of Jeongwoo. “Woowoo-yah, Appa needs time. That's why Appa and your Daddy agree that for the time being, your Daddy will only acknowledge Jeongwoo to the public. Appa will remain near Jeongwoo as Jeongwoo's bodyguard.”

“... . I... I don't understand.”

“Appa has my own reason. Isn't Jeongwoo going to wait for Appa explain when the time comes?”

“...”

“Appa will always be with Jeongwoo. I promise,” Jeonghan said as he extended his little finger.

“So later, I can't call you Appa?”

“Only when there are other people, yes.”

Jeongwoo pouted. He folded his arms in front of his body, then turned his back to Jeonghan. Jeongwoo bit his lip. A habit when he was upset.

"Jeongwoo-yah ...," Jeonghan coaxed while stroking Jeongwoo's back. But Jeongwoo still didn't budge. He kept turning his face away.

Jeonghan then took out his secret weapon. He turned into his animal form.

POOFF

Rabbit!Jeonghan climbed up Jeongwoo's shoes and sniffed his pants. Rabbit!Jeonghan was Jeongwoo's biggest weakness. He could never get mad at Rabbit!Jeonghan.

Giggling, Jeongwoo picked up the little rabbit. He brought the rabbit to the window. While staring out and stroking the rabbit's head, Jeongwoo shared, “I hate not being able to call Appa by Appa. I don't understand why I can't call Appa freely.”

Rabbit! Jeonghan jumped up and bopped Jeongwoo's nose. Again, Jeongwoo giggled.

“Arraseo... arraseo... . Appa really is playing tricks on me. Always turning into a rabbit so I can't get mad.” Jeongwoo picked up the little rabbit and kissed it. “Okay. As long as I stay with Appa, I will comply.”

The rabbit bopped Jeongwoo's nose again. He then jumped down and turned back into Jeonghan.

“Thank you, my dear adeul, Woowoo,-yah” Jeonghan gushed as he showered Jeongwoo with kisses. “Appa promises to always take care of Jeongwoo and do what's best for Jeongwoo. Let's face this together.”

“Eung. I love you Appa.”

“Appa loves you too.”

***

EPILOG

2 Years Ago - Jeongwoo POV

Jeongwoo looked around. All the children in his kindergarten were holding their parents' hands. Meanwhile, Jeongwoo just stood alone while holding two paper carnations he made, at the back of the classroom. It was Parents' Day and all parents were invited to the kindergarten class. The day before, the kindergarten students were taught to make paper carnation flowers to be gifted to their parents.

Twenty minutes passed. There was a knock on the classroom door and Yoon Appa appeared, panting while apologizing to the homeroom teacher of Sunflower class, Jeongwoo's class, for being late.

“Jeongwoo-yah, sorry Appa is late,” Jeonghan apologized as he approached Jeongwoo. Apparently, his father ran to his school until he was out of breath.

It's okay. The important thing is Appa came. I only have one parent. But that's okay. Because Appa has made Jeongwoo feel enough. - Jeongwoo babbled to himself.

“Why is Appa late?” Jeongwoo asked in a whisper.

“Earlier, uncle Yong, dropped a bowl of preprared cabbage pieces that had been cut in advance for dinner at the restaurant. Therefore, Appa and Uncle Yong hurriedly cut the cabbage again.”

“Ahh. ... that's why there's cabbage here,” Jeongwoo replied as he picked up a piece of cabbage that stuck in Jeonghan's hair, while standing on tiptoe. Jeonghan sat on a chair so Jeongwoo could reach him rather easily.

“Kids... let's pin the carnation flowers you've made to your parents' chests,” Teacher Lee invited in front of the class.

Jeongwoo showed off his carnation flowers. “Look Appa. Isn't it pretty?”

"Wow... really pretty,” Jeonghan praised while admiring at the two paper flowers.

“Which one do Appa want to wear?”

Jeonghan realized that the two flowers were meant for both parents. Around them, the giggles of other children and their parents could be heard. Jeonghan felt bad for Jeongwoo.

“How about like this?” Jeonghan suggested as he placed the flowers on each of his right and left chests.

“Woahh... I like it! Let's do that.”

Jeonghan was the only parent wearing two paper carnation pins in the class photograph for the sunflower class students and parents. Jeongwoo was happy even though he only had one father. He held his Appa's hand tightly and smiled widely at the camera. 

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Han Sohee is a snake shape-shifter.
• When Jeongwoo was in kindergarten, Jeonghan worked at a dakgalbi restaurant.

Chapter Text

Jeongwoo narrowed his eyes as dozens or maybe hundreds of camera flashes were aimed at him. Wearing a sky blue hanbok with gold embroidered black panther motifs, Jeongwoo, followed by Seungkwan and Hansol as his aides, walked into the royal press conference room at the State Palace. All eyes were on him.  Making Jeongwoo clench his hands tightly. He knew that his Appa was in the room, but he couldn't look directly at his Appa. Jeongwoo took a deep breath, then stepped boldly onto the stage, where his Daddy was.

On stage, the reigning King, Jeon Jeongsoo, and Crown Prince, Jeon Wonwoo, were waiting. Wonwoo wore a hanbok similar to the one Jeongwoo wore, but in a dark blue color. King Jeon Jeongsoo also wore the same hanbok as Wonwoo, but in black. Both of them wore a black ikseongwan (gat or hat specifically worn by the king and crown prince when they are on official duties).

Wonwoo greeted Jeongwoo with a warm smile. So did Jeongsoo, but his gaze gave Jeongwoo chills. The middle-aged man had an aura that made Jeongwoo dread and shudder in horror.

“Let's welcome the Royal Grandson Heir (Wangseson), Jeon Jeongwoo.” The Royal Moderator welcomed Jeongwoo to the stage.

The mention of his name in the Jeon surname made Jeongwoo wince. He felt uncomfortable with the Yoon surname being removed from his name. Jeongwoo's discomfort expression was responded with a smile of understanding from Seungkwan, trying to calm Jeongwoo down by his side. On stage, Jeongwoo sat next to his father, and fortunately didn't need to be directly next to Jeongsoo. They then began the royal press conference to introduce Jeon Jeongwoo to the public. At the event, the journalists were given the opportunity to ask questions.

"I'm Kim Sohyun from JungAn Ilbo. Is it true that Wangseson is the illegitimate child of Your Highness Wangseja (Crown Prince)?”

A question that caused everyone in the room to grow tense. The king seemed to grab the mic and answered, “being born out of wedlock does not diminish the fact that Wangseson is Wangseja's flesh and blood.” The bold answer left everyone speechless. “Um... but, of course, it needs to be determined whether or not Wangseson is worthy of the title of Royal Grandson Heir.” Jeongsoo smiled wickedly after ending his statement.

That statement made Wonwoo turn to his uncle. It has already begun. The plan to get rid of him and Jeongwoo - Wonwoo thought to himself. In his mind, Wonwoo was busy devising a plan to counter the term illegitimate child that the media would put in front of his son's name.

Jeongsoo signaled Han Sohee to give him the documents she was carrying. “Yesterday, after the facts about Wangseson emerged. The Royal Court has held a special hearing to discuss this. The Royal Court decided that first, Wangseja must get married before being appointed to claim the throne. I've also prepared some potential mates for Wangseja, of course. Secondly, Wangseson will be tested in various ways, physically, intellectually, and mentally in public, so that the people can decide whether Wangseson deserves to be the Royal Grandson Heir of this kingdom.”

"Jusang Jeonha (Your Majesty the King)!" Wonwoo protested. This move by Jeongsoo convinced Wonwoo that Jeongsoo and his cronies were targeting Jeongwoo as Wonwoo's weak spot.

Ignoring Wonwoo's protest, Jeongsoo gave The Royal Moderator the code to move on to the next question.

"Han Soomi from Hankuk Daily. Who are Wangseson's other parents? I think the people deserve to know Wangseson's real background.We hope Wangseson comes from decent parents and will not bring shame to the kingdom.”

There was a faint smile that appeared on Jeongsoo's face. He replied, “I think... this question can only be answered by Wangseja and Wangseson themselves.”

“Please let Wangseson answer this question by himself,” Han Soomi pleaded again.

Wonwoo's blood boiled. He was sure that this press conference had been rigged. Some of the journalists in the room were deliberately planted with questions that cornered him and Jeongwoo. 

Jeongwoo was frozen. His eyes met Jeonghan's who was standing in the corner of the room. His father's advice from last night to answer today's questions resurfaced in his mind.

From across the room, Jeonghan blinked at Jeongwoo. Giving him a signal that Jeongwoo was not alone and that he was capable of facing this.

Jeongwoo held the mic and asked journalist Han Soomi, “Ahjumma... may I also know who your parents are? Are they decent people?”

“???”

“I'll tell you who my parents are if you tell me who your parents are.”

“My parents have nothing to do with this. I'm just a commoner.”

“So am I. I'm also just a commoner who suddenly discovered the fact that my Daddy is the Crown Prince of this Kingdom. I guess, I also have the right to ask for the identity of my father who is a commoner, to be hidden until I pass the qualifications as the Royal Grandson Heir.”

Seven-year-old Jeongwoo's unexpected answer left everyone stunned.

“From the book of laws article 17 paragraph 7, part of the Royal Family, has the right not to be exposed to the public for certain reasons, especially concerning the security and safety of members of the royal family. Does this sufficiently answer your question, Journalist Han? “Jeongwoo's final answer left Han Soomi in a dead silence. She could only nod resignedly.

“Thank you,” Jeongwoo ended his answer, giving the mic to Seungkwan.

Jeongwoo's ability to speak made it hard for everyone there to believe that he was an ordinary seven-year-old boy. He easily answered questions and engaged with adults who tried to intimidate him. The clear voice and confident body language made everyone in the room trust that Jeongwoo was raised and educated well. After Jeongwoo's answer, the tide began to change. Jeongwoo made a positive impression and was considered qualified enough as one of the heirs in line.

The questions after that were more objective and Wonwoo could manage them well. However, King Jeongsoo showed an implied reaction of dislike.

Jeonghan, who watched Jeongwoo from across the room, felt proud. Just as he was watching Jeongwoo, out of the corner of his eye, there was a suspicious movement from the right. A man dressed like a field journalist, but wearing a face covering and a hat, making his face completely invisible. He seemed to be trying to get closer to Wonwoo and Jeongwoo.

Mingyu, Jeonghan, and Hansol who realized that, immediately went into action. Hansol and Mingyu stood guard in front of Jeongwoo and Wonwoo. While Jeonghan tried to knock out the suspicious person. Of course Jeonghan succeeded. To his dismay, after he handed the person over to the palace guards, the person transformed into a snake, then managed to escape. The incident made the press conference instantly stopped and the royal family was immediately secured.

***

I've prepared a room for Jeongwoo in the palace,” Jeongsoo announced as they were moved to another room after the unexpected threat in the press conference room.

“Thank you for your kindness Jusang Jeonha. But Wangseson will be staying with me in Jeju. I think he needs a private place to prepare himself for the Royal Court exam. Besides, being in the southern area of our kingdom, it will make the people in the southern area happy too.”

“Humh... arasseo. Just do as you wish,” said Jeongsoo as he walked away followed by his aide and entourage of bodyguards.

Jeongwoo didn't seem to be concerned with the interaction between the King and his daddy. His gaze was on the entrance door and his thoughts were focused on his Appa. He knew that his father was good at martial arts. However, it certainly did not lessen his concern for his Appa's safety.

Soon, the door opened again. Jeonghan entered followed by several faces that Jeongwoo did not recognize. He almost ran towards his Appa. But fortunately, he could still control himself. Apparently, his Appa was fine and not hurt at all.

“Your Highness's helicopter is ready to leave for Jeju,” reported one of the royal guards.

Wonwoo nodded his head. He took Jeongwoo by the hand and walked to the palace helipad, followed by Dokyeom, Mingyu, Hansol, Seungkwan, and Jeonghan. Later that day, after the press conference, Wonwoo took Jeongwoo and all of his entourage back to his mansion in Jeju.

***

CLICK CLICK

Jeonghan cleaned the gun's magazine that he was using. As Wangseson's special bodyguard, Jeonghan was provided with weapons and also set of suits as uniforms for work. He also got a designated room next to Jeongwoo's room. In addition, Jeonghan was also highly paid as Jeongwoo's bodyguard. Jeonghan was grateful that Wonwoo arranged for them not to have to stay in the palace. In Wonwoo's Jeju mansion, only certain people can enter the main house. This allowed Jeongwoo and Jeonghan to be themselves while inside the mansion. 

"Appa ...," Jeongwoo called out, popping his head into his Appa's room.

“Eung... Jeongwoo-yah. What's wrong?”

Jeongwoo walked into Jeonghan's room, dressed in silk pajamas, while carrying Jjongtoram. “Can I sleep here?” he asked shyly.

Jeonghan blinked and smiled. “Of course you can. But... isn't your room bigger and more comfortable?” Jeonghan asked.

Jeongwoo shook his head and pulled Jjongtoram onto the bed. “The most comfortable bedroom is the one at our house in Seoul.”

Jeonghan looked at Jeongwoo with an expression filled with question marks.

“Because in that room, even though we slept on a thin mattress on the floor, I slept with Appa.”

Jeonghan was stunned by Jeongwoo's reply.

KNOCK KNOCK

Jeonghan opened the door to his room and found Wonwoo standing awkwardly in front of his door.

With an awkward smile, Wonwoo waved. “Annyeong Jeonghannie... err... is Jeongwoo here?” Wonwoo asked as a pep talk.

Without answering, Jeonghan shifted his body, making room for Wonwoo to look inside his room. From inside the room, Jeongwoo waved at his Daddy, inviting him to come inside.

Wonwoo glanced at Jeonghan, asking for permission without words. Jeonghan nodded and let Wonwoo in. He even told Wonwoo to get on the bed while giving him the storybook that Jeongwoo had chosen earlier.
“Woowoo really likes to be read a story before bed,” Jeonghan said briefly, handing Wonwoo a storybook titled, 'The Rabbit's Liver'.

Jeongwoo was on cloud nine. He laid on his Appa's bed, between his Appa on the left and his Daddy on the right. His Daddy read him a story with his deep voice. This was an experience that Jeongwoo never thought he would get. Jeongwoo hugged Jjongtoram tightly with a smile. He wished that moments of togetherness like this would never end. Slowly, Jeongwoo fell asleep. Today had been a long day for him.

Wonwoo looked at Jeongwoo fondly. “You raised Jeongwoo very well, Jeonghannie. He's a smart and brave boy. I think this kingdom will be a better kingdom if he rules it.”

“....”

“Jeonghannie,” Wonwoo called while staring at Jeonghan directly, “you've worked hard for these past seven years. This time, please let me take care of you and Jeongwoo. My only goal in life is to make you and Jeongwoo happy.”

Jeonghan's ears turned bright red. Flustered, while stammering, he said, “I...err.... Your Highness. Ahh... I mean, it's late. It would be best to return to Your Highness's room.”

On the other hand, Jeonghan's reaction made Wonwoo smile triumphantly. He was even more confident that he still had a chance to conquer Jeonghan's heart. Not wanting Jeonghan to become even more panicked, he obeyed Jeonghan's wishes and returned to his room.

***

Haenyeo referred to a culture where women make a living by diving and collecting marine products such as sea cucumbers, abalone, and seaweed. Most haenyo on Jeju island were animal shifter of fish or sea animals such as octopuses, dolphins, stingrays, and many others. This time, Wonwoo had a schedule to visit the Haenyeo Community at Ilchulbong Seongsan Beach. This visit also marked Jeongwoo's first official visit to the public.

“Aigo... Jeonha!!!” Several haenyeo approached Wonwoo and Jeongwoo with enthusiasm. They showed off their equipment, their harvests and were also given the opportunity to share their personal stories of the ups and downs of being a Haenyeo nowadays.

“Nowadays... it's getting rare for anyone to want to be a Haenyeo. Just look at us, Jeonha. Our Maknae is already 57 years old,” confided one of the senior Haenyeo.

While Wonwoo was occupied listening to the aspirations from the Haenyeo, Jeongwoo's attention was drawn to two small children, the grandchildren of one of the Haenyeo who was there. The children, who were probably around one or two years old, seemed to be trying to attract the attention of a cat. Unfortunately, the cat seemed reluctant to play with the children.

Out of the blue, Jeongwoo approached the children and turned into a black panther cub in front of them. Jeongwoo entertained the little ones in his black panther cub form. He acted like a cat and played with the toddlers.

The action made Seungkwan startled and exclaimed, “Doryeonim!!!” trying to dissuade Jeongwoo from approaching the toddlers.

Jeonghan held Seungkwan's arm, prompting him to let Jeongwoo interact directly with the children.

The sound of laughter emerged from the children. Attracting the attention of many people. The black panther cub figure captivated everyone. That moment was also captured by many media and also the general public who gathered there. Jeongwoo became a trending topic on the social media application, twitter that day.

*

“Good job Jeongwoo-yah,” Wonwoo whispered to Jeongwoo as they enjoyed lunch at the Haenyeo rest area.

Jeongwoo smiled broadly at his father. He felt proud. Seungkwan and Hansol also gave him thumbs up. But what made him most proud was his Appa's smile.

“Your Highness, please try this,” one of the Haenyeo offered a piece of the fresh abalone she had just caught that day.

Dokyeom and Mingyu hurried to get in the way, but were stopped by Wonwoo. Those abalones were Haenyeo's prized possessions. Getting an abalone from Haenyeo was a form of appreciation in itself.

When Haenyeo was about to feed it directly to Wonwoo, Jeonghan touched Haenyeo's hand, “Samchon, His Highness would love to try this. But unfortunately, His Highness can't eat seafood. Is it okay if I represent His Highness to taste this abalone?” Jeonghan asked with a wide smile and sparkling eyes. Jeonghan's charm easily melted Haenyeo's heart. 

“Aigo... it's a pity that Your Highness can't eat seafood. Gurae... you try it,” replied the Haenyeo while feeding the raw abalone to Jeonghan's mouth directly.

“Can I try it too Halmeoni?” asked Jeongwoo. Fortunately Jeongwoo can eat seafood like Jeonghan.

Jeongwoo and Wonwoo's official visit to the Haenyeo community was very successful. Of course, this success was not favored by certain parties. During their visit to Haenyeo village, Jeonghan noticed that there were some outsiders infiltrating the community. They seemed to be observing Wonwoo and Jeongwoo's interactions in particular. Jeonghan and Mingyu had taken photos of some of those people for identification. As long as they didn't do anything to harm Jeongwoo and Wonwoo, Jeonghan wouldn't take action against them directly. 

***

EPILOG

3 Years Ago - Jeongwoo POV

Jeonghan was forced to take four-year-old Jeongwoo while working at the mini mart. Fortunately, the owner of the store where he was working didn't mind. Moreover, Jeongwoo was also very smart and never made any trouble. Jeongwoo even used to help Jeonghan organize items in the display cabinet. 

One thing Jeonghan noticed was that while they were leaving or returning to Jeonghan's workplace, Jeongwoo would often stare fixedly at the display of a toy store, two blocks east of the mini mart where Jeonghan worked. When Jeonghan asked Jeongwoo what he was looking at, Jeongwoo always replied nothing. Jeonghan got the answer to his question unexpectedly. 

One day, Jeongwoo suddenly disappeared. Jeonghan was frantically looking for him everywhere. By accident, Jeonghan found Jeongwoo was sitting, looking at a stuffed doll in the window of a toy store that he often looked at. Jeongwoo had been wanting a stuffed doll, but didn't dare to ask Jeonghan for it.

Secretly, Jeonghan entered the shop, asked the stuffed doll's price and also asked the shop owner to keep the stuffed doll for him. There was only one doll left and it was quite expensive. In order to buy the doll, Jeonghan added his part-time jobs by delivering milk early in the morning and folding pizza packaging boxes at home.

“Appa... working again?” asked Jeongwoo, rubbing his eyes. He had gotten up while Jeonghan was changing clothes to go to work. The clock struck 5 am in the morning.

“Eung. Appa only delivers milk around here. You should go back to sleep. By the time you wake up, Appa will already be home.”

Jeongwoo could only stay silent while staring at his Appa's retreating back as he disappeared behind the door. After his Appa left, Jeongwoo sat hugging his legs, feeling all alone in the early morning. This didn't just happen for a day or two. But for days. Until finally, one morning, Jeongwoo woke up and found the doll he wanted, laid next to him.

"APPA!!!!" Jeongwoo shouted, carrying the doll as he ran out of the bedroom. “ Is this... for me?!” asked Jeongwoo with sparkling eyes.

Jeonghan, who was cooking breakfast for them, just smiled meaningfully while nodding.

“Really?” asked Jeongwoo again as if in disbelief.

Jeongwoo ran up to his Appa, hugged and kissed his Appa. He was really happy.

“Why do you like this doll so much?” Jeonghan asked curiously.

“Because it looks like Appa!”

“....”

“The name of this doll is Jjongtoram. Jjong from Jeonghan, To from tokki (rabbit), and Ram from daramjwi (squirrel). Jjongtoram likes pastel colors. His face is cute and he likes to move around. But Jjongtoram gets tired easily. This is why he carries a blanket/pillow everywhere. Look at this Appa,” Jeongwoo showed him. “Inside this yellow pillow, there is a yellow blanket too.” Jeongwoo told a lengthy rambling story with excitement. “Hehehe .... Jjongtoram really looks like Appa,” Jeongwoo stated again while placing the doll next to Jeonghan. “I promise to take good care of Jjongtoram. When Appa goes to work, I won't be afraid anymore because I'll have Jjongtoram with me.”

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Ikseongwan is the official crown for the kings and crowns prince of Joseon.
• Wangseja (왕세자, 王世子) – Royal Prince Successor. The official heir to the throne.
• Wangseson (왕세손, 王世孫) – Royal Grandson Heir Apparent. The firstborn son of the Prince Successor and the eldest grandson of the current King. The next in line to the throne after his father.
• Doryeon-nim (도련님) – Young Master.
• Aba mama (아바마마) – A term of address used by a royal child for his father.
• Halba mama (할바마마) – A term of address used by a royal child for his grandfather.
• Jusang (주상, 主上) – The title used to address the King.
• Jeonha (전하, 殿下) – Can be translated as His/Your Majesty. The style used to address the King or an Imperial Crown Prince.
• Sabu-nim (사부님) – Master/Teacher; a person who teaches something to someone.
• Haenyeo (해녀; lit. sea women) are female divers in the South Korean province of Jeju, whose livelihood consists of harvesting a variety of mollusks, seaweed, and other sea life from the ocean. Known for their independent spirit and determination, haenyeo are representative of the semi-matriarchal family structure of Jeju.
• Samchon is Korean word for uncle. But specifically, haenyeo in Jeju are usually called Samchon.
• The Rabbit's Liver - please read here.

Chapter Text

Busy, Jeongwoo was very busy. For a while, Jeongwoo did not go to school but received special education at Jeju Mansion. Every day, he was always accompanied by Seungkwan and Hansol as his aides. To alleviate his boredom, sometimes, Chan would come to visit and accompany him to study. At first, Jeongwoo enjoyed this situation. But over time, he became bored. Moreover, it turned out, both his Appa and Daddy were not at the mansion more often.

"I'll recite your schedule for today, Doryeonim. 8 AM studying math. 10 AM learning English. 11 AM learning royal courtesy. 12 PM lunch while practicing royal table manners. 1 PM studying leadership. 3 PM learning royal history. At 5 pm learning martial arts. Today's schedule finishes at 6 pm.” Seungkwan ended Jeongwoo's long line of schedules today with an uneasy smile.

“Gyul Samcheon... can't my schedule be reduced? Pleasee...” Jeongwoo pleaded with a pitiable expression.

"I'm sorry Doryeonim," Seungkwan replied. He understood that this schedule was indeed very demanding for a kid as young as Jeongwoo. But the test given by the Royal Court was not a joke. Failing the exam, could threaten the lives of Jeongwoo, Jeonghan and Wonwoo, including his position.

Jeongwoo pouted his lips in disappointment. But inside, he understood that the responsibility he was carrying was that heavy. He also wanted to see his Appa's proud smile when he did something big.

“Gyul Samcheon, where's Appa?” asked Jeongwoo after finishing his breakfast. Lately, it wasn't just him who was getting busier. His Appa was also now often going out of the mansion, who knew of what he was doing.

Wonwoo who had just gotten to the dining room, replied instead, “Your Appa is on a special mission.” He went straight to Jeongwoo and kissed the crown of his head. “Good morning, Adeul!”

“Good morning Daddy. What mission Daddy? It's not dangerous, right?”

“Don't worry. This mission is not dangerous at all.”

Jeongwoo looked at Wonwoo with a questioning look. But Wonwoo just smiled while patting Jeongwoo's head. “It's a secret. I promise this mission is not dangerous in any way,” Wonwoo added reassuringly.

Jeongwoo nodded with a smile. He didn't want to press his Daddy to answer again. Moreover, Jeongwoo noticed his Daddy's exhausted face. Apparently, there was a problem at the palace so for the past few days, his Daddy went back and forth between Seoul and Jeju. Don't know what the problem was, but Jeongwoo sensed that it was quite complex.

***

"Tch ... Jeon Wonwoo!!!" Jeonghan cursed under his breath.

Suddenly, he and Jun were assigned somewhere to pick up someone. He wasn't told who he had to pick up. Wonwoo just told him to follow Jun. This was where he ended up. Jeonghan and Jun were on a ferry, heading to a small island located in the south of Jeju-do. Approximately 5.5 km from Moseulpo Port, Seogwipo, Jeju-do.

The island, named Gapa-do, was a tiny island, inhabited by around 270 people only. This island was also only 0.84 km2 in size, with a coastline length of 4.2 km. It's a unique island because it had no hills. The land was flat and filled with barley fields. 

"Who are we really looking for in this small island?” Jeonghan grumbled as he walked down the path behind Jun.

Jun seemed relaxed, breathing in the clean air of Gapa-do, enjoying the green and vast natural scenery.

“Jun-ah...!!!” Jeonghan called out again.

Jun stopped walking. He turned to face Jeonghan. “We will meet one of the top leaders of the One Shoot Left organization. He's a very important person who made our organization possible.”

"Why are we meeting with the top leaders of the organization? For what purpose? Is there a special task?” Jeonghan asked confused.

"You'll find out later. Keep quiet and just go along.... Hyungnim," teased Jun.

Giving up, Jeonghan started walking leisurely while enjoying the surrounding scenery. He immediately thought of Jeongwoo. He took his cell phone and called Seungkwan.

___

RRRRTTT....

"Yoboseyo, Seungkwan-ah,"  Jeonghan started the call. “Can I have a 5-minute video call with Jeongwoo? The next class hasn't started yet, right?” Jeonghan glanced at the clock in his hand. “9:45.”

“One moment Jeonghan Hyung,” Seungkwan replied.

There was a slight noise from the other side. Soon, the call turned to a request for a video call.

“Appa!!!” a cheerful voice rang out and Jeongwoo appeared on the screen.

“Jeongwoo-yah... Appa is sorry for leaving without saying goodbye this morning. Appa was in a hurry so I could only leave a message.

“Eung... It's okay. Where is Appa right now?”

Jeonghan pointed his camera at the surrounding barley fields. “Appa is on a small island called Gapa-do. The scenery is really beautiful. That's why Appa wanted to show you this scenery as well.”

“Uwahh... beautiful. It would be great if we can go on a family vacation together. Me, Appa, and Daddy too. We can also take Gyul Samcheon and Sol Samcheon. Besides-” Jeongwoo rambled on at length, about his desire to go on a family vacation. But that was short-lived as Seungkwan cut off their video call because Jeongwoo's teacher for the next lesson had arrived.

“Sorry Hyung, Doryeonim has to start his English class.” Seungkwan then seemed to tell Jeongwoo to say goodbye to Jeonghan.

"Bye Appa," Jeongwoo said while waving his hand at the camera. 

"Eung. Bye bye Woowoo-yah. Study well, okay?!” Jeonghan ended the video call.

___

Jeonghan stared at his phone with a smile. His wallpaper was the baby photo of Jeongwoo at one year old, celebrating doljanchi. After that, Jeonghan walked again, trying to catch up with Jun who appeared to have gotten a little farther down the road. They walked for about 25 minutes, until they reached a small restaurant that sold galguksu.

The restaurant was very small. It only held five tables for four people each. The atmosphere was warm and really homey. But, at that time, the restaurant was empty.

Jun went inside and knocked on the counter of the cashier area, “Excuse me!”

There was no answer. Jeonghan was completely confused as to why they were in that small restaurant.

As for Jun, he looked relaxed. He told Jeonghan to sit in one of the seats. Taking a glass from the kitchen area, he filled it with tea for himself and also for Jeonghan.

“Han Hyung, let's wait for a moment. It looks like the Elder is going out for a while.”

Jeonghan took a sip of his tea. Then he asked Jun, “is it okay to leave the restaurant empty like this?”

"No worries. This place is safe. Visitors or tourists usually come here in spring. The customers of this restaurant are local people. By the way, you should try dak galguksu. It's His Highness's favorite food.”

“Ah... His Highness is familiar with this person we are about to meet?”

Jun just smiled meaningfully.

Jeonghan glanced around the small restaurant with his eyes. Some photos that were displayed near the cashier counter area, catching Jeonghan's attention. There were many photos of a little boy displayed there. The pictures of a boy who looked very similar to Jeongwoo.

DEGH

Jeonghan looked at the photos one by one. He started connecting the dots. Could this be where Wonwoo's father lived? - Jeonghan thought to himself.

A photo stood out among the rest. In a photo with the size of a postcard, placed on the counter, the same boy was seen hugging a large white fox. The fox had odd eyes.

KRIETTT

The creaking sound of the sliding door opening caught Jun and Jeonghan's attention. Both of them immediately turned toward the entrance.

A middle-aged man limped inside, carrying a small bucket of abalone. The middle-aged man looked dashing, with greying hair and sunburned skin. The way the man walks looked funny. But upon closer inspection, it was clear that the man's left foot was not a real foot, but an artificial one.

“Elder,” Jun greeted as he bowed to the old man.

“Ah... Junnie, you came.” Then the man's attention turned to Jeonghan who was standing still in front of the cashier counter area. “Annyeonghaseyo. It seems that we just meet for the first time. What's your name young man?” the man greeted Jeonghan.

When the middle-aged man was around two meters in front of Jeonghan, He found the face familiar. Especially the scratch mark on his right eyebrow. Jeonghan gripped the photo in his hand tightly. With teary eyes Jeonghan called out to the man, “Ahjussi...”

***

Wonwoo was inside his office, ruffling his hair in annoyance. These past few days, the Royal Court had been relentless in forcing him to accept their arranged marriage. Basically, they objected to Jeongwoo being appointed as the heir successor, if Wonwoo had no legal mate. In addition, they also did not want Wonwoo's mate to be a commoner. Jeongwoo could still be appointed as a potential heir to the throne, but Wonwoo must have a legal spouse. Wonwoo only wanted Jeonghan as his mate. One for all time. No one else had the right to take Jeonghan's place next to him or as Jeongwoo's parent.

"Does Jeonghan-ssi really not want to marry you, Your Highness?” asked Mingyu. In the study room, there was only Mingyu and Wonwoo.

"He asked for time, Gyu. But, that's not the main problem. The Royal Court demands that my spouse must be one of noble lineage or royal blood. And Jeonghan is definitely not. He's an orphan who was raised in an orphanage. Even if he was willing, I could be forced to make him as my concubine and still have to marry someone else that the Royal Court deemed fit. Aissh.... ,” Wonwoo complained. “I don't think I want to inherit this throne. But... the suffering of the people, my mother's vengeance and my father's sacrifice... I-” Wonwoo was unable to continue. He was completely mentally exhausted. Not to mention the state duties and national issues he had to deal with.

"I understand. You've worked hard, Your Highness,” Mingyu said, trying to encourage Wonwoo.

“Thanks Gyu. As long as it doesn't go public, I think I'll still be able to stay afloat.” Wonwoo smoothed his hair and went back into serious mode. He then ordered Mingyu to call Dokyeom and Seungkwan for him.

Not having to wait long, Seungkwan showed up. “Your Highness called me?” asked Seungkwan.

“Ne. How is Jeongwoo progressing?”

“Doryeonim is very smart. He learns quickly. Even for English, Doryeonim is able to converse fluently. He just needs to strengthen his grammar and increase his vocabulary. Overall, all the teachers praised Doryeonim's abilities.”

“Are there any challenges or weaknesses that I should know about?”

“Apparently, Doryeonim needs an eye check-up. His eyesight is not good enough for his age. But regarding this, I have also prepared vitamin A supplements for Doryeonim.”

"Good job Seungkwan-ah. You can go for now."

"Ah... Your Highness, I don't mean to be presumptuous. But for the past two weeks, Doryeonim's schedule has been very hectic. Is it okay if I arrange a day off tomorrow or maybe a half day of free time?” Seungkwan appealed.

Wonwoo smiled and responded, “Of course Kwan. I trust your judgment. Just arrange it. Don't let Jeongwoo get stressed out because of the crazy schedule. Thank you so much Seungkwan-ah.”

“You praise too much. I will rearrange Doryeonim's schedule. Thank you. I'll leave now.” Seungkwan bowed, greeted, then quickly left the room.

Fifteen minutes had passed since Seungkwan left the room, but Dokyeom had yet to show up. Wonwoo knew that his assistant was never late or slow when called. A bad feeling began to come over him.

DRAP ... DRAP ... DRAP ...

There was the sound of running steps from outside the room. The door to Wonwoo's study opened suddenly. Dokyeom and Mingyu appeared altogether, followed by Joshua and Seungcheol.

“Your Highness, I think you need to see this,” Dokyeom reported in Wonwoo's office. Dokyeom gave Wonwoo his iPad. He also coded Seungcheol to report his findings directly to Wonwoo.

Seungcheol stepped forward alongside Joshua. “Please forgive us for coming uninvited. We found something Your Highness.”

Wonwoo coded them to continue speaking.

"We found sporadic efforts on internet forums, raising people's curiosity about Jeongwoo's Appa identity,” Joshua said while showing some sample posts on TheQ, DCGal, and Nafer.

“We've tried to remove some of them. But once they were removed, more and more new posts popped up. The more they are deleted, the more they make the general public become suspicious,” Seungcheol added.

“And just now, we negotiated with one of the news outlets not to raise the topic further.” Dokyeom opened the draft of the story that was about to hit the online media. In the draft news, the identity of Jeongwoo's other parent was questioned. Apart from that, they also stated several rumors related to Jeongwoo's other parent that were circulating in cyberspace.

“I think it would be better for us to hold a press conference before this issue gets bigger, Your Highness,” Dokyeom suggested.

Wonwoo massaged his tired head as he took off his glasses.

Seungcheol and Joshua exchanged glances, then Seungcheol said, “There's one more, Your Highness.”

Wonwoo looked up and stared at Seungcheol and Joshua.

“Jeonghan sensed several times that there were a suspicious person spying on Wangseson's entourage while on official visits to public places. After Jeonghan spotted this person several times at events that Jeongwoo attended, he asked us to do a background check on him,” Seungcheol reported.

Joshua took out several printed photos. “These are photos of Jeongwoo that were taken secretly. You can see in these photos, this person captured Jeongwoo's little interaction with Jeonghan. Currently, that person is in our custody. However, he is completely professional and tight-lipped, unwilling to tell us who the person who ordered him. This is the person's photo.”

Seungcheol added, “We are currently still trying to check the identity of this person. But from his accent and the way he fights, it looks like he's not Korean.”

"Your Highness," Mingyu caught the attention of everyone in the room. He had just received a call and his expression turned anxious. “I got information from our man at the Royal Court that a representative of the Royal Court, will be holding an urgent press conference regarding Jeongwoo in three hours at the palace.”

“Who?”

“Royal Counselor, Nam Dohyun.”

“Kyeom, please prepare my helicopter, within one hour from now. Also, tell Seungkwan to cancel all of Jeongwoo's schedule since he will be coming with me to Seoul,” Wonwoo ordered. After that, he turned to Seungcheol and Joshua, “Currently, Jeonghan is at Gapa-do. Please keep him there until I can resolve this situation. Looking at the old Nam's behavior, it could be that Jeonghan's identity is already known. Use my private boat at Moseulpo Port.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Seungcheol and Joshua hurried to carry out Wonwoo's orders.

***

Jeongwoo sat next to his Daddy in the helicopter. Besides the two of them, there were Mingyu, Dokyeom, Hansol and Seungkwan who joined the trip. The mood in the helicopter was quite unusual. Wonwoo held Jeongwoo's hand tightly.

With his other hand, Jeongwoo hugged Jjongtoram tightly. He was determined to ask his Daddy for a call to his Appa, once they landed.

They landed directly on the palace helipad. Before Jeongwoo could ask for anything, Wonwoo held him and walked towards the royal press conference room in the palace. As he was about to enter, several people in royal uniforms tried to stop him.

“How dare you,” Dokyeom snapped, coming forward. “He is the next king in line, The Crown Prince!”

They looked hesitant, but then, the door to the royal press conference room swung open. Inside, there were already a large number of journalists from various media outlets, complete with their own cameras.

“Well... it seems that Your Highness the Crown Prince wants to be directly involved in the press conference this time.” There was a voice from inside the room. The voice of the Royal Counselor, Nam Dohyun.

“Please come in, Your Highness,” one of the palace aides opened the way for Wonwoo to enter.

Wonwoo set Jeongwoo down, then took his hand to go inside. Wonwoo intentionally put Jeongwoo in noise-canceling air buds so that Jeongwoo wouldn't get directly involved in the hustle and chaos there. He had to keep Jeongwoo close to him for Jeongwoo's safety.

“With Your Highness here, we can at once voice our concerns directly, on behalf of the people.”

Wonwoo gave Counselor Nam a sharp glare. Royal Counselor Nam, was one of the people suspected of participating in helping Jeon Jeongsoo obtain the throne. He was also the one who had always tried to annul Wonwoo's status as the Crown Prince.

“Counselor Nam, you can go directly to me. Instead of using the media like this,” Wonwoo said as he sat down in the main seat, displacing Counselor Nam. Jeongwo sat in the seat next to him. Wonwoo swallowed in worry. He tried to look composed even though in his heart, he really wasn't ready to counter whatever Counselor Nam was about to say. “Then, please feel free to share your concerns!”

With a sly smile Counselor Nam stood up. He coded his staff to bring up the image on the screen.

Yoon Jeonghan's image appeared on the large screen. Wonwoo tried to control his expression while Jeongwoo immediately took off his air buds.

"I believe that the person in this picture is Wangseson's other parent," Counselor Nam said. "And I also suspect that this person is a member of the rebel organization."

Pictures of Jeonghan leading a demonstration during his college days appeared on the screen. Photos of Jeonghan working in the market.

"Appa...," Jeongwoo said in a quiet voice.

"We cannot allow the palace to be infiltrated by an unknown person who is even suspected of being a rebel. Therefore, as the Royal Counselor, I demand for this person be arrested and put to death!" Counselor Nam shouted.

Jeongwoo instantly stood up and protested, "My Appa is not a bad person!" in front of all the media present. All the cameras flashed in Jeongwoo's direction. The reporters were busy raising their hands to ask questions while writing headlines. This would be big news that could shock the whole nation.

Wonwoo's brain was buzzing, trying to find a way out of this situation. But abruptly, the door to the royal press conference room suddenly opened wide. Joo Jihoon, the Crown Prince's father, appeared in formal state dress with a walking stick. Behind him, Yoon Jeonghan followed with a very formal appearance.

In a loud voice, Joo Jihoon said, "This is my son-in-law, Yoon Jeonghan, the only son of Lady Yoon, the chief advisor to Queen Jeon when she was alive."

Yoon Jeonghan bowed in greeting. Then he said in a clear voice, he stated, "I am Yoon Jeonghan, Jeon Jeongwoo's father and also Advisor Yoon Jinseo's son."

***

EPILOG

7 Years Ago - Jeonghan POV

"Wonwoong... please shape-shift into a fox just once," Jeonghan begged with his aegyo.

Wonwoo shook his head and turned away from Jeonghan. "I don't like it, Jeonghannie. I can't. I've always told you that I hate it."

"Wae? Foxes are cute. Foxes are a cross between dogs and cats. I want to stroke its tails. Please!!! Eung..."

Jeonghan tried everything to convince Wonwoo to shape-shift into his animal form. But it always failed. Jeonghan was especially interested in Artic Foxes. An Artic Foxes with odd eyes.

"Hmmph... Wonwoong is annoying!”

"I'm sorry. I am having trouble shape-shifting. How about I take you somewhere?" Wonwoo coaxed.

"Where?"

"Let's just go there. You'll love it."

Wonwoo took Jeonghan to visit a fox cafe on the outskirts of Seoul. The cafe was not big. They also only had five foxes. The five foxes were real foxes. While the owner was someone who had the animal form of a fennec fox.

Jeonghan's eyes lit up when he saw all the cute foxes in the cafe. He tried to greet them by crouching down and extending his hand.

"Hello! Welcome," the cafe owner greeted him. She was a young woman named Park Seulgi. According to the information in the cafe booklet, the woman was a fox shape-shifter. "They don't like to be approached," Seulgi said to Jeonghan.

"Ah, I see."

"They will come to you on their own after observing you for a while," Seulgi explained with a smile.

Jeonghan nodded. He and Wonwoo immediately ordered food and drinks while they watched the foxes. True to Seulgi's words, one of the red foxes approached them and asked to be petted. Not long after that, an arctic fox cub casually sat on Jeonghan's lap.

"Gyaaa... kiyowo!" Jeonghan said while admiring the arctic fox cub. Then Jeonghan all of a sudden blurted out, "Our cub will be so cute like this, right, Wonwoong?"

Jeonghan's words caused Wonwoo, who had been drinking his drink, to choke and spill some of his drink on his clothes. "Jeonghannie...," Wonwoo complained.

"Sorry Wonwoong. Hehehe..."

Wonwoo sighed. His ears were bright red. After that, Wonwoo went to the restroom to clean the drink stains on his clothes.

While Wonwoo was in the restroom, Jeonghan approached Seulgi and asked, "Sorry Sajangnim. Do you happen to know an arctic fox shape-shifter who has odd eyes?" Jeonghan asked.

"Hmmm... I don't think so. Foxes with odd eyes are very rare," Seulgi explained.

"Then, is there any fox shape-shifter association in Seoul?"

"Yes. Do you want to contact the place?"

Jeonghan nodded enthusiastically.

Seulgi wrote an address, PIC and contact number of the fox shape-shifter association that she meant. She gave it to Jeonghan while asking, "Is there someone you are looking for?"

"That's right. I'm looking for my savior."

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Gyul Samcheon is Jeongwoo's special nickname for Seungkwan. When they first met, Seungkwan had bright orange hair that made Jeongwoo think of oranges.
• Doljanchi (돌잔치) is a South Korean tradition to celebrate a child's first birthday.
• Sajangnim (사장님)  is a term for the owner of a business, company, or building. It can also mean CEO, president of a company, or chief executive officer.

Chapter Text

Wonwoo's brain was buzzing, trying to find a way out of this situation. But abruptly, the door to the royal press conference room suddenly opened wide. Joo Jihoon, the Crown Prince's father, appeared in formal state dress with a walking stick. Behind him, Yoon Jeonghan followed with a very formal appearance.

In a loud voice, Joo Jihoon said, "This is my son-in-law, Yoon Jeonghan, the only son of Lady Yoon, the chief advisor to Queen Jeon when she was alive."

Yoon Jeonghan bowed in greeting. Then he said in a clear voice, he stated, "I am Yoon Jeonghan, Jeon Jeongwoo's father and also Advisor Yoon Jinseo's son."

The sudden arrival and statement left everyone confused. All the cameras that were originally aimed at Wonwoo and Jeongwoo, turned to Jeonghan and Joo Jihoon as the main targets. The two looked very calm and casually split the sea of journalists to make their way to the front.

Wonwoo was actually confused. However, he quickly gave his father his seat and held Jeonghan to stand beside him. Seungkwan and Dokyeom quickly set up the mic for Lord Joo, the Crown Prince's father.

“Appa...,” Jeongwoo whispered.

Hearing his son's call, Jeonghan looked down and kissed Jeongwoo's cheek, whispering, “Don't worry. This time, Appa will always be by your side and protect you without hiding.” After that, Jeonghan took a glance at Wonwoo and flashed his dazzling smile, leaving Wonwoo taken aback. Wonwoo's face instantly blushed. And their sweet interaction was captured in 1080p HD.

"Lord Joo, I hope you don't make up stories in front of the Royal Court,” Royal Counselor Nam snarled.

“I'm not making up stories. Jeonghan's whereabouts are being kept secret because Jeonghan is the key witness of his mother's, Advisor Yoon's murder.” Lord Joo answered very firmly. Then he faced the reporters who were there, “Just now, Jeonghan and I went to the police headquarters, making a report on Advisor Yoon's homicide case 20 years ago, along with several pieces of evidence. We will hold a separate press conference tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM at the Joo family residence. I hope you all will come.” After saying that, Lord Joo stood up, motioning for Jeonghan, Wonwoo, Jeongwoo and their aides to follow him. Before reaching the exit, Lord Joo turned around and said, “Have your press IDs ready as well. We will only accept journalists with registered IDs. Thank you and see you tomorrow.”

Lord Joo gave Royal Conselor Nam a meaningful smile. With this, the drums of war had already been banged. It was faster than Lord Joo's original plan, due to Jeonghan's appearance. He hoped that, slowly but surely, he could uncover Queen Jeon's murder as well, 30 years ago.

At the front of the royal press conference room, a group of black-clad men, commanded by Loey Park, stood ready to escort Lord Joo and his family. “Lord Joo,” Loey greeted.

“Yeol-ah, thank you for coming. Let's start the 'plan'.” Lord Joo patted Loey's shoulder. 

***

Lord Joo's residence, although it had not been occupied for a long time, was still well maintained. The fairly large house, which featured a semi-modern traditional style, was located in the Bukcheon area. Quite close to Bukcheon Hanok Village. Some of the Joo Family's confidants, resided in the house for care and maintenance.

“Ahjussi, this is Jeongwoo, my son.” The first thing Jeonghan did when the four of them got some privacy, was to introduce Jeongwoo to his grandfather. Then, Jeonghan squatted in front of Jeongwoo and said,

“Woowoo-yah, this is your grandfather. Please greet him.”

“Annyeonghaseyo... err... Haraboeji,” Jeongwoo said after bowing in greeting.

“Ahjussi, is calling haraboeji appropriate? Or is there another term?”

Jeonghan looked excited to introduce Jeongwoo to Lord Joo. Wonwoo could only observe the interaction with an odd yet endearing feeling. He still had no idea what had just happened.

“Haraboeji is okay. Actually, you're the one who shouldn't call me ahjussi. Call me Siaboeji or just call me Appa, Jeonghan-ah.”

Jeonghan puffed up his cheeks while putting his two index fingers together. “But, I'm not your son-in-law, Ahjussi.”

"Not yet. Soon!" Lord Joo replied firmly.

“Hellow... I'm here too. Please explain to me what's really going on. I'm so confused right now." Wonwoo folded his hands in front of his body, staring at Jeonghan and his father in turn. Jeongwoo, who felt he was in the same shoes, stood next to Wonwoo and mimicked his Daddy's pose.

"Ha..ha..ha.. ." Lord Joo laughed loudly at the sight of Wonwoo and Jeongwoo. “The two of them really look alike. Jeonghan-ah, how could you possibly make a son who's a carbon copy of Wonwoo! Ha..ha..ha... I'm thankful that I'm still alive and can meet my grandson.”

"Aboeji!" Wonwoo protested to his father with a flat expression.

"I'll explain everything. But let me get to know my grandson first." Lord Joo called Jeongwoo to come closer. “Jeongwoo-yah... come hug your haraboeji here.”

Jeongwoo seemed a bit taken aback. Everything he experienced during this month was really like a rollercoaster ride. He hugged his grandfather and realized that there was something strange about his grandfather's left leg. His grandfather's left leg was a prosthetic leg.

"Wae? Haraboeji's leg was injured and had to be replaced with a prosthetic leg. Are you scared because of this?”

Jeongwoo shook his head. Then with a worried expression, he said, “Does Haraboeji's leg still hurt? It must be uncomfortable, right?”

“Hahaha... Haraboeji is used to it. This prosthetic leg has become a part of me.” Lord Joo removed his prosthetic leg, allowing Jeongwoo to see the real condition of his leg."Jeonghan-ah... there, go explain it to Wonwoo. Let me hang out with my grandson here,” Lord Joo ordered Jeonghan.

***

Wonwoo just stared at Jeonghan in silence. He waited for Jeonghan to tell him what had actually happened so that Jeonghan and his father went to Seoul together.When he assigned Jun to bring Jeonghan to his father, Wonwoo had no idea that the two knew each other. Let alone the fact that Jeonghan was the son of Jinseo Imo.

“Apparently, your father was the one who saved me when I was a kid.” Jeonghan sighed deeply, then continued to tell, “You once asked me why I hated the Royal family. I'll tell you everything now.”

"..."

“When I was 9 years old, I witnessed my mother's murder in front of my very own eyes. The person who killed my mother was wearing a royal uniform. Ahjussi - your father, was the one who saved me at that time. Then, my connection with your father was cut off when the orphanage I belonged to, caught fire. Because of the trauma, I developed selective amnesia. I only started to remember the events of my childhood bit by bit when I entered high school.”

"Ah ... I'm sorry to hear that Jeonghannie..."

"This seems like fate. I entered the One Shoot Left organization without knowing that it was the organization led by you and built by your father. I just found out that the one who saved me was the husband of the late Queen Jeon.” Jeonghan's eyes glazed over. "From Ahjussi, I found out that my mother's death had something to do with Queen Jeon's death.” Jeonghan squeezed Wonwoo's hand, “According to Ahjussi, my mom found evidence about your mother's death. Most likely, the culprit who killed my mother is the same one who harmed your mother. Let's take them down together.”

"Jeon Jeongsoo ..."

Jeonghan nodded. Their enemy was a common enemy. The current reigning king, Jeon Jeongsoo.

Wonwoo's feelings were mixed up. His whole life story was really complicated. He and Jeonghan sat in silence, trying to process all the new facts that had emerged that day. They were both on the second floor balcony, facing the back garden. Below, in the garden area, Jeongwoo could be seen enjoying a friendly chat with his grandfather.

“Jeonghannie... I think, we've met as children before. I was seven years old when we met for the first time.” Wonwoo said suddenly, startling Jeonghan who was pondering while looking up at the sky, leaning on the balcony railing of the Joo family house.

"We?" Jeonghan stared in puzzlement at Wonwoo.

"Yes. Jinseo Imo is my mom's best friend. When we met, Jinseo Imo told me a lot of things about my mom. He also introduced the two of us.”

“Sorry... I don't remember at all.”

“Jinseo Imo said that my mom and herself had planned to arrange us in a match. Hahaha... this is really rather uncanny.”

“Maybe... we're meant to be together, Jeon Wonwoo. Yeahh...this is really uncanny.”

“In that case, does this mean you will marry me?”

“Hmm... I'll have to think about -.”

Wonwoo pulled Jeonghan's chin and pecked his lips. He whispered, “to me there was only you. There is never anyone else. And no one will ever be able to take your place in my heart... ever.”

Embarrassed, Jeonghan spontaneously turned into a rabbit and ran away at lightning speed and hid somewhere. 

***

Lord Joo's appearance at the press conference held by the Royal Court immediately made headlines everywhere. The National Police also became the target of journalists who were curious about the report details made by Lord Joo and Jeonghan. They did not dare to make any statements. The slightest misstep could land the police in trouble with the royal court. However, they also couldn't withdraw the report from Lord Joo because he had announced the report directly in the press conference.

“Lord Joo VS Royal Court! Wow... this headline is very 'provoking'. This must be your work, right, Jun?” Wonwoo asked.

Jun just smiled as he tossed around the apple in his hand. Inside the study room, Wonwoo gathered his confidants, Mingyu, Minghao, Jun, Jihoon, Hoshi, and Dokyeom. They strategized a plan to influence the general public's reaction in their favor.

“Your Highness, I've already started throwing rumors about the alleged murders of Advisor Yoon and Queen Jeon onto several forums on the internet. The topic would be aggressively discussed starting at ten o'clock tonight. My goal is that both cases will be trending topics by tomorrow morning. It will be an interesting prologue before Elder's press conference starts.”

"Thank you Jihoon-ah."

“I'm worried that the other party will use Jeongwoo as your weak point. Yesterday Jihoon found some unpleasant narratives about Jeongwoo and Jeonghan,” Hoshi added, expressing his concern. “Maybe we should limit Jeongwoo's internet usage for the time being.”

"And also do something to counter the negative narratives," added Jihoon.

“I'll discuss it with Jeonghan. Please send me the negative narratives that they brought up.”

"I've sent it just now,” Jihoon replied.

*

Wonwoo was in his study room alone after his small meeting ended. He was busy reading all the negative narratives that Jihoon had sent about Jeongwoo and Jeonghan.

•  u/nnfamous

Jeongwoo is an illegitimate child. This is an undeniable fact. Do you want to have an illegitimate child as a king? Let's be real here, guys!

•  u/fake_gvrl

Heol! I know Jeonghan. He used to work as a convenience store clerk in the area where I live. What magic did he use to seduce the Crown Prince?!!!

•  u/shvtthefvck

This is strange. Why are Jeonghan and Jeongwoo only showing up now? Don't you guys feel weird about this? In my opinion, these two are red flags.

•  u/heosori

ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Jeonghan - Jeongwoo's fairytale-like story is truly unbelievable. Jeongwoo is indeed similar to The Crown Prince. But, is Jeonghan really Jeongwoo's biological parent?

•  u/iseeu

Jeonghan is like one of those prostitutes I met in the red light district. Perhaps...

•  u/hateu

My mother who used to work in the palace said that Yoon Jinseo, Jeonghan's mother was also a single mother. In fact, rumor had it that Jeonghan was an illegitimate child. Advisor Yoon was not fired because of his close friendship with Queen Jeon.

And there were many more. So many negative images were attached to Jeonghan, making Wonwoo angry and upset. He was so focused in reading on his iPad that he didn't realize that Jeonghan had entered the room and was peeking at what he was reading from behind him.

"It's not true. By the way, all waiting for you to have dinner together."

Jeonghan's voice suddenly appeared next to Wonwoo's ear, making him startle and push Jeonghan away. Fortunately, Wonwoo's reflexes were very swift. Once he realized that it was Jeonghan, he quickly pulled Jeonghan to his feet before he fell to the floor.

“Sorry. I was startled and accidentally pushed you.”

“Hmpftt... hahaha.... how many times have we surprised each other lately, huh?” asked Jeonghan with a laugh. 

"..."

"Why are you staring at me like that?”

"Err ... these ...," Wonwoo said as he pointed to his iPad.

"It's not true. Don't worry. I can handle this. I'll protect Jeongwoo too."

Wonwoo took off his glasses and massaged the center between his eyes. His head was pounding. He had so many emotions he wanted to pour out, but he couldn't do so. But he was certain of one thing. "Jeonghannie... I will protect you and Jeongwoo. I promise.”

"..."  Wonwoo's words left Jeonghan speechless. His cheeks and ears turned red with shyness. “Wonwoong... please stop making me blush,” Jeonghan said while fanning his heated face.

Jeonghan's shy reaction made the pounding in Wonwoo's head lessen. He became relaxed and casually threw some teasing at Jeonghan. “Hmm... not my problem," teased Wonwoo. He even winked at Jeonghan. "You're here to call me for dinner, right? Then let's go,” Wonwoo said, getting up and heading to the door ahead of Jeonghan. Although from his voice Wonwoo seemed unfazed, but the truth was, his face was also flushed and his heart was beating fast because of Jeonghan.

***

EPILOG

20 Years Ago - Jeonghan POV

Yoon Jinseo, Jeonghan's mother, lay bloodied on the floor, with her eyes open. Kid Jeonghan had to witness his mother's death firsthand. He couldn't do anything about it. He could only cry until he fell asleep from exhaustion. Jeonghan woke up when he heard footsteps stepping into his house. Covering his mouth, Jeonghan took the courage to peek out.

Two men dressed in black suits came inside. One of them, called out his mother's name.

“Jinseo-nim...,” the man called. The man seemed to be frozen in front of Jeonghan's mother's lifeless body. The man knelt beside his mother, shedding tears as he pounded the floor. “Shibal... we're late!” The person cursed in a rage-filled tone of voice.

"Lord Joo, apparently, the person who killed Advisor Yoon, searched this house for evidence that she hid.”

“As far as I know, Advisor Yoon has a son. Loey, please find that kid. We have to save that kid for Advisor Yoon's sake.”

Hearing those words, Jeonghan's tears broke out. He didn't know if the two strangers were good or bad people, but at that moment, he was unable to hold back his tears. He was too scared and mentally exhausted.

The sound of Jeonghan's stifled cry, caught the attention of the two people.

“Who's there?” asked the man who wept for Jeonghan's mother.

With trembling hands, Jeonghan pushed the secret door where he was hiding, making the door open slightly and visible from the outside.

The man who wept for his mother walked closer. He squatted in front of the door where Jeonghan was hiding. When he realized that there was a small kid hiding in the closet, the man put his gun away in his pocket. Carefully, he extended his hand towards Jeonghan.

“Annyeong. Ahjussi is not a bad person. Ahjussi is your mother's friend. You must have been very scared in there.”

Sobbing, Jeonghan nodded. He was too tired to resist when the adult's hand pulled him up and carried him. He was hugged tightly. He was also not being let to see his mother's state up close. The deep yet warm voice repeatedly chanted near his ear, “everything will be alright. You are safe now.” The voice lulled Jeonghan to sleep.

***

When Jeonghan woke up, the first thing he saw was an artic fox sleeping next to him. Jeonghan was hugging the arctic fox's big, warm tail in his sleep. Dazed, he could only sit still. His left hand still held the arctic fox's tail while he nibbled on his own fingernails.

Jeonghan's movement woke up the arctic fox beside him. The fox came closer and licked Jeonghan's face, as if giving a message that he was safe there.

That's when Jeonghan realized that there was a deep scar above the arctic fox's right eye, just like the scar on the right eyebrow of the man who saved him.

"Ahjussi?"

POOFF

The arctic fox transformed into a tall and dashing man. He smiled and patted Jeonghan's head while introducing himself. “Annyeong. I'm Joo Jihoon, your mother's friend. What's your name?”

"Yoon Jeonghan."

"How old are you Jeonghannie?"

Jeonghan pointed out the number nine with his fingers. His big eyes did not once leave the sight of the man who had saved him.

Jihoon nodded in understanding. He then held both of Jeonghan's shoulders and said, “Ahjussi, will do anything to catch the person who harmed your mother.” Jihoon extended his little finger and hooked it on Jeonghan's little finger. “Ahjussi promises. Because of that, you have to stay at this orphanage for now, until Ajuhssi comes back to get you.”

“I'll wait for Ahjussi to come.”

Unfortunately, shortly after that, there was a big fire at the orphanage where Jeonghan was. All the children in the orphanage were sent to various places. All of their records were destroyed, making it difficult to trace the whereabouts of the children, including Jeonghan.

Because of the fire, Jeonghan had selective amnesia. He did not remember the events of the day his mother died. He only recognized a few puzzle-like images in his brain. The one that was firmly embedded in his memory was the arctic fox with the odd eye that saved him, as well as his hatred for people in royal uniforms.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• 시아버지(siabeoji) atau 장인어른(jang-in-eoleun) - father in-law.
• Joo Jihoon is an arctic fox with odd eye.
• Yoon Jinseo is a squirrel. This information will later become an important key in the story.

Chapter Text

Lord Joo entered the press conference room, assisted by Loey. Behind him, Wonwoo and Jeonghan followed while holding hands of each other. They both wore couple outfits and looked very harmonious. All the cameras were focused on this group. Camera flashes turned on alternately without stopping. In this press conference, Jeongwoo was not included because the topic was quite heavy.

The people present at the venue were not only journalists. There were several Royal Court representatives, one of them being Han Sohee. Then there were also several high-ranking representatives from the police department. Everyone came with their own agenda and purpose.

PRESS CONFERENCE

"My mother, the late Royal Advisor Yoon, was murdered before my very eyes. I was a witness to the tragedy of my mother's assassination. The person who killed my mother was wearing this uniform,” Jeonghan said firmly while showing a photo of the royal special forces uniform in the year Jeonghan's mother was killed. This uniform was only used by the top royal guards, who were tasked with protecting the king.

Expressions of shock and disbelief came from all directions. The Royal Court representatives even showed open expressions of displeasure. What Jeonghan had just mentioned was the accusation that his mother's murder was carried out by King Jeon Jeongsoo's regime. This was a huge accusation that could lead to a coup.

"What you just accused of is not trivial. It could end with your head being cut off before the court,” said one of the Royal Court representative elders in attendance.

“I have proof!” Jeonghan replied in a bold voice.

Loey played a cctv video of Royal Advisor Yoon's residence that they managed to obtain. In the video, several people in royal uniforms were seen infiltrating Advisor Yoon's residence on the day of the accident. Unfortunately, the quality of the video was not as good as today's cctv. 

With a calm and authoritative voice, Han Sohee responded. “That video doesn't prove anything Jeonghan-ssi. Whether it's your true identity, the murderer of Royal Advisor Yoon, or the connection of those intruders to the royal court. It could be that they deliberately wore royal uniforms to scapegoat the Royal Court.”

Hearing Han Sohee's response made Jeonghan grit his teeth and clench his hands tightly. He was drowning in his anger. However, out of the blue, Wonwoo opened his fist and intertwined their fingers. At the same time, Lord Joo took over the press conference.

"Of course, this video is not the only evidence we have,” Lord Joo challenged. “ Moreover, here is the DNA certificate proof that Yoon Jeonghan is the only son of Royal Advisor Yoon and also the biological parent of Wangseseon.” Lord Joo ordered their bodyguards to distribute photocopies of the certificate to all the media members. “We will give the journalists here a chance to ask questions.”

“I'm Lee Jae Joon from Nafer News. Why is Yoon Jeonghan-ssi only appearing now? Frankly, I'm curious why you're only appearing now when His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is about to be crowned king. I guess I'm not the only one who thinks this is very strange.”

Jeonghan took a deep breath, calming himself down before taking the mic to answer the reporters' questions. “Journalist Lee, if you were in my position, would you immediately broadcast your true identity without preparation? Well... I know that the person I'm dealing with is no ordinary person. Therefore, of course I prepare myself before going into the battlefield.”

“Kwon Yuri from The Fact. On the internet, rumors are circulating that Yoon Jeonghan-ssi is part of the rebels. Is that true?”

“Baek Yohan from Seoul Daily. Is it true that Wangseseon grew up in poverty?”

"Nam Yedam from Korea News. ..."

"Lee Sohee from SBC News ..."

"Park Yonggu from MBC Desk ..."

"Bae Jonghyun from KSB News ..."

Various pointless questions that seemed to be directed to shift the focus away from the murder of Royal Advisor Yoon were thrown around. The Jeon Jeongsoo regime's great influence made the media afraid to touch the core as well as the main purpose of this press conference. This all made Jeonghan fed up.

To comfort Jeonghan, Wonwoo showed Jeongwoo the photo sent by Jihoon. Because of that one photo, Jeonghan was able to refocus and calmly continue the press conference and deal with various other stupid questions thrown at him.

“Hong Jisoo from The Truth Magazine,” said a familiar voice. “Why do you think Royal Advisor Yoon was killed?” Journalist Hong asked to Jeonghan while holding his own glasses.

The one question everyone was avoiding was suddenly asked by an unknown journalist. The question was immediately met with rapid attention by everyone in the room.

Jeonghan and Wonwoo stood up after hearing the question. Holding Wonwoo's hand tightly, Jeonghan answered, “Because my mom found out that Queen Jeon Jihyun didn't die of illness. Queen Jeon was eliminated intentionally by someone.”

***

PRANGG!!

King Jeon threw his dinner plate, injuring one of the palace maids. He was furious when he heard Han Sohee's report as well as read firsthand reports of rumors circulating on the internet about the murder of Royal Advisor Yoon as well as the possibility that Queen Jeon was murdered. Indirectly, he became the main suspect because he was the only one who benefited the most after Queen Jeon's death.

Due to King Jeon's emotional outburst, Sohee ordered all the servants to leave the room. After only the two of them were left in the room, Sohee hugged King Jeon, trying to calm him down.

“Your Majesty, I won't let you be affected by these rumors. I have prepared a plan,” Sohee said while stroking King Jeon's back.

“Plan?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will change the direction of all the arrows that are trying to pierce Your Majesty, so they turn towards Lord Joo. Surely, it wasn't only you who benefited from Queen Jeon's death.”

“What is your plan?” asked King Jeon while holding Sohee's cheek.

“Hmm... what if it turned out that Lord Joo was having an affair behind Queen Jeon's back? What if the affair was with someone close to Queen Jeon? Like... Royal Advisor Yoon?” Sohee added again with a sly smile plastered on her face.

"Genius! Do as you planned. I hope, we can get satisfactory results with this method of yours.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

"Do whatever it takes to destroy Wonwoo, Lord Joo, Jeonghan, Jeongwoo, and all their followers. If you succeed... the position of queen of this kingdom, will be yours."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my best

***

Jeongwoo, who did not participate in the press conference, was intentionally taken for a walk by the Chan family to the Seoul Grand Park in the Gwacheon area. Jihoon and Hoshi didn't want Jeongwoo to focus on what happened to his grandmother at a young age. Let the adults work through the problem without Jeongwoo's presence.

“What are you two doing?” asked Jihoon curiously.

“Daddy... my hair and Woowoo's hair have gotten longer. Please tie our hair up,” Chan pleaded. They were both busy trying to tie each other's hair, but to no avail.

Without answering, Hoshi took over. He tied Chan and Wonwoo's hair in an apple hair style.

“Channie... Woowoo... look here,” called Jihoon. He took a photo of Wonwoo and Chan with their adorable hairstyles. He sent Jeongwoo's photo to Wonwoo.

Jeongwoo and Chan walked cheerfully hand in hand in front, walking through Seoul Zoo which was a part of Seoul Grand Park. Wangseseon's presence in a public area, of course, attracted the attention of the common people. Jeongwoo was particularly popular these days. Hansol and Seungkwan followed Jeongwoo behind, at a safe distance. In addition, there was Jun who shadowed them while blending in among the zoo visitors.

"OMO!!" one of the ladies shouted as soon as she saw Jeongwoo. “Can I take a picture with Your Highness Wangseseon?” she asked.

Jeongwoo blinked, confused. But quickly, he resumed his attitude as part of the royal family. Graciously, Jeongwoo served the lady's request. From one person, to dozens of people queuing up to take a photo with Jeongwoo.

The cheerful expression on Chan's face disappeared. He felt that Jeongwoo had been taken away from him by those strangers.

“Channie...,” Hoshi called. “Are you feeling upset?”

“Eung... Dada... please tell them all to stop. Let me and Woowoo walk around in peace,” Chan said sulkily.

“Hmm...unfortunately, these people have never met Jeongwoo. Whereas you get to meet Jeongwoo every day. So... please be patient,” Hoshi coaxed.

“Heumphftt...,” Chan puffed out his cheeks in annoyance. He folded his hands in front of his body. Then walked away from the crowd.

Chan's frustration did not go unnoticed by Jeongwoo. He also racked his brains and did something.

“Gyul Samcheon!!!” Jeongwoo called out.

Quickly, Seungkwan and Hansol appeared at Jeongwoo's side. He whispered something to Seungkwan. To which Seungkwan replied with a nod and a thumbs up.

With Seungkwan's help, Jeongwoo climbed onto Hansol's shoulders. He announced something. “Yeorobun... today, I promised to accompany my best friend, Lee Chan to tour the zoo. My best friend is an expert on lions and tigers. Do you want to come with us to explore Tiger Road (one of the courses in Seoul Zoo) while listening to uri Channie's explanation?” Jeongwoo asked in a loud voice.

Chan, whose name was mentioned, became interested in what Jeongwoo was doing. 

People seemed interested. They stopped asking for photos and seemed excited to take a walk through the zoo with Wangseseon.

“Channie... you want to, right?” asked Wonwoo. He also showed Chan a megaphone that Seungkwan had prepared.

With a big smile, Chan nodded enthusiastically. The impromptu fanmeeting turned into a tour with Chan and Jeongwoo. With the help of Hansol and Seungkwan, they made a line of children, in pairs, line up behind Chan and Jeongwoo. While their parents followed while taking candid photos. Jeongwoo also specially bought food and souvenirs for everyone who accompanied him and Chan around.

"Jeongwoo has a natural talent as a leader. He is very sensitive to situations and always tries to find the best solution for everyone,” Jihoon commented.

“That's right. He really recognizes that Chan likes to be the center of attention and uses it as a means to satisfy everyone. It's amazing,” said Hoshi.

“That boy deserves to be king. He and Wonwoo really look alike.”

“Well,” said Hoshi while holding Jihoon's shoulder, ”minus Wonwoo's stubbornness.”

“Hahaha... ” Hoshi's comment was met with Jihoon's hearty laughter.

The zoo outing ended satisfactorily. Jeongwoo was able to make Chan and the people who were curious about him, equally satisfied.

***

EPILOG

Present Day - Jeonghan POV

For this press conference, Dokyeom prepared a suit outfit for Wonwoo. The suit was certainly not an ordinary suit. The design was customized and equipped with accessories at the neck area. It was quite difficult for him to put it on himself. Suddenly, there was a knock on Wonwoo's bedroom door. And then Jeonghan poked his head in.

“Can I come in?” Jeonghan asked.

“Eung. Of course,” replied Wonwoo who also looked a bit surprised.

Jeonghan immediately approached Wonwoo and without saying anything, he helped Wonwoo put on his outfit today.

“Dokyeom's outfit choice is really unique and not everyone can pull it off,” Jeonghan chided while smoothing Wonwoo's neckline.

“Do I look weird?”

“Nah. What I'm saying is that you look really charming in this outfit.” Jeonghan praised while looking directly at Wonwoo. He smiled and made Wonwoo's heart skip a beat. “Did my compliments make you giddy?” Jeonghan teased as he placed his palm on Wonwoo's chest, feeling Wonwoo's rapid heartbeat.

“Yes. You make me want to...” Wonwoo didn't dare to continue and could only gulp. His gaze did not leave Jeonghan at all.

The sexual tension in the room rose sharply. Apparently, Wonwoo wasn't the only one feeling it. Jeonghan was starting to feel it too. Both of their faces were like magnets, drawing closer towards each other.

When the distance between their lips was only one cm, the door opened suddenly.

“Daddy...!!!” Jeongwoo called, followed by Chan and his parents, Hoshi and Jihoon.

Spontaneously, Jeonghan pushed Wonwoo away to the vanity table. 

Jeongwoo looked at his Appa and Daddy alternately in confusion. “Why are Appa and Daddy practicing martial arts here?”

“Samcheondeol... andwaeyo... it's dangerous to fight indoors,” Chan added.

“Channie... should have said 'no fighting' even indoors,” Jeongwoo scolded.

“Pffttt.. puahaha... don't worry kids. Those two aren't fighting. Maybe they're planning when to make a new sibling for Jeongwoo.” Hoshi uttered while holding back his laughter.

"My sibling?" asked Jeongwoo softly, blinking to his parents.

“We're just here to say that since Jeongwoo won't be attending the press conference, we'll take him to the zoo with Chan. You guys... please continue whatever you were doing earlier,” Jihoon stated as he led Jeongwoo and Chan out before Wonwoo and Jeonghan could even respond. Hoshi followed behind him.

Before Hoshi walked out of the door, with a wink, teasingly, he mouthed, “don't forget to wear protection. You guys only have an hour before the press conference starts.” Then he turned around and burst out laughing.

Jeonghan and Wonwoo froze in place. They were both bright red with embarrassment.

***

BONUS

“Acckk....!” Wonwoo tried to get up while holding his sore waist from hitting the edge of the vanity table.

The sound of Wonwoo's groan woke Jeonghan from his reverie. He immediately approached Wonwoo and checked his waist. Wonwoo's skin looked bruised. “Wonwoong... I'm sorry,” Jeonghan expressed after seeing the bruise on Wonwoo's waist.

“It's okay. I'd better go...”

“It should be treated immediately. I'll get some ointment for the bruise first,” Jeonghan said as he ran out of the room.

Soon Jeonghan returned with ointment. He pulled Wonwoo onto the bed and opened Wonwoo's shirt at the waist area. He rubbed the bruise using the ointment very carefully. 
Unlike Jeonghan who looked very casual, the position of the two of them made Wonwoo feel extremely self-conscious. His ears and cheeks were bright red.

"Jeonghan-ah ..."

"Wait a second, Wonwoo-yah. I'll be done soon. This has to be applied evenly so it won't turn into bruises and make your skin ugly,” Jeonghan explained. "I'm quite experienced in dealing with injuries like this.”

“Err... that's not what I meant. Err... that's your hand too far down.” Wonwoo pointed with his chin to his lower area.

Realizing what Wonwoo meant, Jeonghan jumped in surprise. He pushed Wonwoo unconsciously, then ran out of the room in a hurry out of embarrassment.

Right in front of the door, Jeonghan bumped into Dokyeom who brought Wonwoo's outerwear for the press conference. Seeing Jeonghan's flushed face, and finding Wonwoo with his shirt button open on the bed, made Dokyeom smile meaningfully.

“It's not like what you imagined. So stop smiling like that!” reprimanded Wonwoo as he buttoned and straightened his shirt.

“Your Highness, I wasn't thinking anything,” Dokyeom replied. But his expression said otherwise. 

Then in a low voice that Wonwoo could still clearly hear, Dokyeom remarked, “should I start scouting for a butler for the next doryeonim?”

“ YAA!!!” Wonwoo yelled at Dokyeom's words.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Loey a.k.a. Park Chanyeol has been Lord Joo's right-hand man since he was a teenager. His animal form is a monkey. He is one of the wealthy businessmen in South Korea, who remains loyal to protect and support Lord Joo's family.
• Seoul Zoo has 4 popular courses, namely tiger road, camel road, deer road and owl road. The course Jeongwoo chose was Tiger road, where Chan could explain the characteristics of the panthera genus.

Chapter Text

After the press conference held at Lord Joo's residence, all South Koreans began to realize the tension between King Jeongsoo and Crown Prince Wonwoo. The citizens began to be divided. There were those who supported Wonwoo. But there were also those who supported King Jeongsoo. To gain more sympathy and support from the community, Wonwoo deliberately hit the road and went on a guerrilla to meet directly with the citizens. Jeonghan, started accompanying Wonwoo and Jeongwoo in their official events.

This one occasion Wonwoo and Jeonghan, accompanied by Mingyu, Dokyeom, and Jun, visited some traditional markets in Incheon. They traveled through the route of Incheon Complex Fish Market, Sinpo International Market, Incheon Gajwa Market, Bupyeong Traditional Market, Singi Market, and finally Incheon Moraenae Market. In the first three markets, everything went smoothly and safely.

However, something happened at Bupyeong Traditional Market.

Bupyeong Market, like many other markets in South Korea, had a large gate with the name of the market on the side of the main road. The arrival of the future heir to the throne with his spouse caused a huge crowd, even when they had just arrived at Bupyeong.

While so many people were focused on Wonwoo and Jeonghan, a young man carrying a baby carriage didn't notice his baby carriage sliding into the middle of the road because he was busy taking photos. Jeonghan, who noticed the incident, immediately ran to rescue the baby carriage from the middle of the road. At the same time, from the west, a sedan car was seen speeding, uncontrollably, towards the baby carriage.

Everything happened so fast. People could only scream as they realized what had happened. Jeonghan managed to catch the baby carriage with his dexterity. However, he didn't have time to avoid the impact of the sedan car. Jeonghan could only push the baby carriage away and let himself be hit.

BRUAGHHHH...

A loud crashing sound was heard. Surprisingly, Jeonghan was not hit, but seemed to be protected by a large pillow. As soon as he realized, a black panther was lying behind him, protecting Jeonghan from the impact of the collision. 

“Yaaaa... JEON WONWOO!!!” Jeonghan screamed when he realized the black panther! Wonwoo was lying unconscious in the middle of the road.

***

The atmosphere in the VVIP room was absolutely bone-icy cold and eerily quiet. Wonwoo was lying on the patient bed with a timid and uncomfortable expression. Beside his bed, Jeonghan was holding a knife, peeling apples. There were only the two of them in that huge room.

After mentally bracing himself, Wonwoo ventured to call Jeonghan. “Jeonghannie...”

Jeonghan didn't answer. He was chopping the apple angrily.

In a tiny voice, Wonwoo continued, “I'm fine. Only my left shoulder is a little hurt.”

Jeonghan replied to those words with a piercing glare. “How can a future king throw his precious body away that easily?!” Jeonghan grumbled, stabbing his apple with his knife with each word for emphasis.

Just as Wonwoo opened his mouth to defend himself, Jeonghan already threw him a piercing look, making Wonwoo shut his mouth tightly.

"ACKKK!!!" Jeonghan yelped as accidentally, the fruit knife he was using, cut his left index finger. 

Wonwoo reacted very quickly. He took the knife from Jeonghan's hand, then pulled Jeonghan's injured finger and licked the wound. Licking the wound had been proven to help the bleeding stop quickly and reduce the risk of infection. "Jeonghan-ah ... please be careful," Wonwoo grumbled as he sighed in annoyance. While checking the depth of Jeonghan's wound, Wonwoo nagged, “Jeonghannie... for me, you and Jeongwoo are the most important thing. I know I'm not a good candidate to becoming King. I can't abandon you and Jeongwoo, no matter what. So... every time you do a stunt like earlier to save others, I will do it for you. Even if my life is at stake.”

Jeonghan was stunned to hear Wonwoo's words. He deeply looked into Wonwoo's eyes and found only honesty in his words. Jeonghan felt warm and that old feeling that had been coming up a lot lately, overwhelmed him. He pulled his hand from Wonwoo's grip and walked out of the room without a word.

Wonwoo could only stare in silence as Jeonghan's back disappeared behind the door. His injured shoulder was in pain. But the pain in his heart hurt more and the longer it went on, the more his determination to conquer Jeonghan's heart waned. He was afraid of feeling heartbreak and failure at the end. Jeonghan had a free spirit. Being forced to live in the realm of the Royal Family, certainly makes him feel constrained. Moreover, Jeonghan has no other choice because of Jeongwoo's current status. All of this was his fault - Wonwoo began to feel a deep sense of guilt because of the situation that occurred.

***

Jeonghan sat on a bench in the back garden of the hospital while fanning his heated face. His relationship with Wonwoo felt so new and awkward. But on the other hand, it felt familiar and also made him feel like he was back in the days when they were dating.

Wonwoo had always been a serious person who always knew what he wanted. Jeonghan remembered that even from the beginning of their relationship, Wonwoo was always serious about taking their relationship to the next level, which was marriage. Wonwoo never once had eyes for other people. This trait made Jeonghan never question the truth of Wonwoo's animal form as a fox. Fox was known as one of the animals that was very loyal to its partner until death.

Jeonghan sighed while looking up at the sky. He was unsure of how he should act about his relationship with Wonwoo. Ahjussi had legally registered their marriage before they appeared at the press conference. But, human relationships were not that simple.

“Lord Yoon, what are you doing? Alone in a desolate place like this. It's very dangerous.” Seungkwan approached Jeonghan while panting heavily.

"Kwannie... you're here. Did you bring Jeongwoo here?”

“Ne. Doryeonim was very worried about His Highness' condition. That's why we brought him here.”

“I see,” Jeonghan replied as he patted the empty spot on the bench he was sitting on, inviting Seungkwan to sit together. “By the way, Boo Seungkwan, call me Hyung. No need to be so formal with me.”

“Sorry. That is not possible. It's a rule for us butlers,” Seungkwan refused.

“Then, at the very least, call me Hyung when we're not in public. That Lord Yoon call makes me feel old and like there's a distance between us.”

Seungkwan nodded shyly, agreeing to Jeonghan's request. “What are you doing here, Hyung?”

“Just thinking.”

“Must be thinking of His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Jeonghan smiled embarrassedly at Seungkwan's guess. “Is it too obvious?”

Seungkwan sighed, then said, “Hyung must be very worried because His Highness threw himself in front of a speeding car so easily. Earlier, Mingyu Hyung had ranted at length on the phone. He felt that he had lost ten years of his life because of Your Highness's actions earlier.”

"Well... I'm also annoyed with Wonwoo for the same thing. How could he throw his body without thinking. He's the future king of this kingdom. His body belongs to the people. Not his own,” Jeonghan ranted.

“But Hyung, I understand that His Highness reacts reflexively when he sees you in danger.”

Jeonghan opened his mouth to argue. But no words came out of his mouth. Wonwoo's words were ringing in his mind. Jeonghan and Jeongwoo were the most important things to him.

“Hyung loves His Highness, right?” asked Seungkwan. “Your relationship is really... err... weird. In a way, it's like you both have a telepathic connection. But on the other hand, your relationship seems awkward. I think Hyung needs to be honest with your own feelings. His Highness showed his feelings very openly. But you seem to be going back and forth, with no clear position. Is there something that's holding you back?”

"I ..."

Before Jeonghan could answer, from a distance, Mingyu ran over shouting for Jeonghan. “Lord Yoon!!! Lord Yoon!!!”

Seungkwan and Jeonghan stood up, alerted by Mingyu's panicked demeanor.

“What's wrong?” Jeonghan asked.

“Wonwoo Hyung... Jeongwoo Doryeonim... errr Your Highness... it's bad!”

Mingyu's words made Jeonghan dash straight back to Wonwoo's room. He didn't even hear Mingyu's words until the end because he was worried.

***

“Daddy...,” Jeongwoo called with a very worried expression on his face.

Smiling, Wonwoo spread his arms slowly, inviting Jeongwoo to hug him.

“Please hug His Highness carefully,” Mingyu warned.

Carefully, Jeongwoo approached Wonwoo, hugging him with teary eyes. “Daddy...”

“Are you worried?” asked Wonwoo.

Jeongwoo nodded vigorously. “I don't want to lose Daddy...,” Jeongwoo added in a whispered voice.

Wonwoo felt warm at his son's words. He told Jeongwoo to climb onto his bed.

Soon after, Hoshi, Jihoon, and Chan also arrived. With a loud voice, Hoshi started nagging as soon as they entered the room. “Well ... well ... well ... indeed a cat has nine lives. So, is His Highness experimenting to test if panthers also have nine lives?”

With an annoyed expression, Hoshi turned to Jihoon and said, “I told you, he won't die that easily. Let's just go home.”

“Soonyoungie... nice words only please,” Jihoon pleaded, coding that there were children there too.

Hoshi, who just remembered that he said something rude, immediately covered his mouth with his hand. "Sowwry ... I didn't mean it."

Wonwoo wasn't responding to Hoshi and just hugged Jeongwoo tightly, letting the boy sink into his arms. At first, Wonwoo thought that Jeongwoo was just hugging him out of worry. But over time, he felt that his shirt was wet. When he released Jeongwoo's embrace, Wonwoo realized that Jeongwoo was crying so hard that his breath was becoming short and ragged.  Jeongwoo was also sweating profusely, which was abnormal. He seemed to have a panic attack.

"Jeongwoo yah ... Jeongwoo yah ...!!!" Wonwoo called repeatedly. But Jeongwoo was still crying and seemed oblivious to his surroundings.

As soon as the incident happened, Hansol ran to call the doctor and Mingyu looked for Jeonghan. Hoshi immediately took Chan out of the room, while Jihoon helped Wonwoo restore Jeongwoo's consciousness by trying to help Jeongwoo catch his breath.

“Jeongwoo yah... let's breathe slowly. You heard Samcheon's voice, right?” called Jihoon. “Breathe in... breathe out ....”

Slowly Jeongwoo's senses began to return. He followed Jihoon's instructions to adjust his breathing. Just then, one of the on-duty doctor appeared along with Hansol.

***

Jeonghan arrived when things were under control. Nonetheless, hearing the explanation of what had just happened made Jeonghan turn pale. There was something wrong with Jeongwoo and he instantly felt that it was his fault.

Jeongwoo was immediately treated by the hospital's top psychiatrists and psychologists. Of course what happened back then, was immediately controlled and only the selected doctors really knew what had happened. After conducting an examination and interview with Jeongwoo, Jeonghan and Wonwoo were given an explanation by the doctor handling Jeongwoo.
“Wangseseon-nim has always been holding back his emotions. He had a fear of losing his parents. Therefore, we believe that this was the trigger that made the panic attack strike,” explained Dr. Cha. He then added, “Wangseseon-nim needs to be reassured that his parents are not in danger and will always be with him.”

Hearing that explanation, Jeonghan's heart broke into pieces. He could only remain silent while holding back the tears that were about to burst. He felt like a failure as Jeongwoo's parent.
On the other hand, Wonwoo felt the same way as Jeonghan, but from a different perspective. He felt that his selfishness, imposing his royal blood status on Jeonghan and Jeongwoo, was disastrous. But from the outside, Wonwoo looked composed and calmly discussed ways to treat Jeongwoo's anxiety with the doctors.

After the meeting with the doctor ended, Wonwoo gave Jeonghan the opportunity to meet Jeongwoo by himself. He returned to his room and went straight to work. Wonwoo needed something to distract his troubled mind.

***

"Appa..," Jeongwoo called in a weak voice.

All at once Jeonghan's tears couldn't be suppressed anymore. He embraced Jeongwoo tightly and cried until he soaked Jeongwoo's patient clothes.

Jeongwoo cried too because Jeonghan was crying. They both cried together for some time.

“Appa is sorry,” Jeonghan said after his tears subsided.

“Aniya... Appa is not wrong,” Jeongwoo denied.

“Appa promises to take good care of your Daddy.”

“Eung... But Appa can't get hurt either,” Jeongwoo said as he held up his little finger. “Promise?”

Jeonghan nodded, then linked his little finger with Jeongwoo's little finger. Marking a promise between the two of them.

“Does this mean the three of us will always be together? Like Chan with his Daddy and Dada?” Jeongwoo asked.

Again, Jeonghan nodded. Because of this incident, Jeonghan made up his mind, making the decision to dare facing his own feelings. He decided to create a 'real' family with Wonwoo and Jeongwoo.

***

Because Wonwoo's injuries were not severe, he did not need to be hospitalized any further. Within a day, they left the hospital.

As they were about to leave, something unexpected happened. The small royal family was greeted outside the hospital by many people. Apparently, there was someone who managed to record the incident when Jeonghan and Wonwoo saved the little baby from the collision. That person uploaded the video to social media and in no time, it went viral. This made many people touched and became supportive of Wonwoo.

The medias weren't left out either. The atmosphere was so boisterous and crowded that Wonwoo had to ask Mingyu and Dokyeom to borrow the hospital hall as a brief hospitality spot. Wonwoo didn't want the crowd to interfere with the hospital's activities in treating patients.

“Thank you all for your attention. As you can see, I'm fine.” Wonwoo expressed his gratitude and assured everyone that he was fine.

The hospitality event turned into a mini press conference. There were some basic questions such as why Wonwoo saved the baby, what the diagnosis of the injury was, and so on that were asked. The atmosphere was positive and greatly boosted support for the Crown Prince's camp.

That was until a strange statement was made by someone who didn't even give his name. “I don't want the Crown Prince to be harmed by having to save his partner who is not even clear about his feelings for the Crown Prince. Tch... just having a child together doesn't make someone easily enter the royal family.”

That one statement changed the mood of the event. The atmosphere became quiet for a moment and then became noisy again in an instant. Everyone joined in with their own comments and arguments.

For Jeonghan, those words upset him. What right did that person have to speak on behalf of his feelings? Driven by annoyance, Jeonghan took the mic that Wonwoo was holding. He said loudly. “Who are you, acting like you know about my feelings?” Jeonghan said. “Wonwoo is the person I've loved since nine years ago and those feelings have never changed until now,” Jeonghan added in a firm voice. Then he turned to Jeongwoo and said, “Woowoo-yah, close your eyes and count to one hundred. Don't open your eyes before you reach one hundred.”

Wonwoo, who was in shock because of Jeonghan's public declaration of love, became even more shaken because of Jeonghan's next action. Jeonghan pulled Wonwoo towards him, then kissed him in front of everyone. Not breaking their kiss even when all the camera flashes were directed at them. 

***

EPILOG

7 Years Ago - Jeonghan POV

“Woneungie...,” Jeonghan called as he approached Wonwoo. The two of them were going to attend a wedding of a lecturer at their university.

“You look very handsome Jeonghannie,” were Wonwoo's first words when he saw Jeonghan in white formal attire. He was so mesmerized that he couldn't even take his eyes off him.

Jeonghan blushed and hit Wonwoo on the shoulder. “Mwoya! Stop flirting!”

“I'm just telling the truth,” Wonwoo replied without dropping his gaze.

Wonwoo's to the point remarks made Jeonghan's face heat up even more. He tried to ignore Wonwoo's gaze and pulled Wonwoo's hand to depart for the wedding venue.
In a quiet voice (which was actually still audible to Jeonghan), Wonwoo said, “When we get married, a simple look like this is also enough as long as we're together.”
Jeonghan pretended not to hear Wonwoo's words. But the tips of his ears were blushing in response.

“Who told you I would marry you?” Jeonghan grumbled.

“Heumm... I'll persuade you relentlessly until you say yes.” Wonwoo replied seriously.

Wonwoo's answer made Jeonghan blush even more. He quickened his pace so Wonwoo wouldn't notice his face turning red with embarrassment.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Foxes are monogamous, which means they mate for life.

Chapter Text

“Stop staring at me like that!” protested Jeonghan while trying to turn Wonwoo's face who hadn't stopped staring at him since before. This made Jeonghan flustered.

Jeongwoo, who was in the car with them, could only giggle at his parents' behavior. Jeongwoo really enjoyed the situation, where his Appa was blushing while his Daddy couldn't stop smiling. Not in a million years, Jeongwoo thought, he could feel this kind of happiness.

"Jeon Wonwoo!!!" Jeonghan protested again. But Wonwoo ignored his request and continued to stare at Jeonghan relentlessly. Finally, using force with his hands, Jeonghan tried to divert Wonwoo's face from facing him. But instead, Wonwoo held Jeonghan's hand tightly, kissed it and clasped it throughout their entire ride in the royal limousine. Also, the smile did not disappear from Wonwoo's face throughout the whole ride. All his worries were gone without any trace. 

***

Jeonghan's stunts paid off, not only for Wonwoo, but for their overall image. Their kiss became the headliner in various media. Their video was shared over and over again. Attempts to blindfold Jeongwoo were futile, as there were so much coverage of the scene that day in the media. Various narratives about Jeonghan's love story and background became trending topics on social media. Almost 77% were positive things about him. In fact, a petition emerged. A petition that demanded a royal wedding for Wonwoo-Jeonghan after Wonwoo was reigned as king.

"Wow... Your Highnesses, both of you dominated the media today,” Dokyeom praised. Dokyeom had been checking Wonwoo and Jeonghan's reputation in the public through the social media, using his iPad.

Seungkwan smiled mischievously, teasing Jeonghan with his eyes. This time, he was supported by Mingyu with an equally playful expression.

Jeonghan wanted to run away. But his hands were held tightly by Jeongwoo and Wonwoo on his left and right. He sat flanked by the two black panthers on the sofa, couldn't go anywhere.

The atmosphere of Lord Joo's house was festive and bubbly. Not only Dokyeom, Seungkwan and Mingyu, even the Joo family servants were all smiles when they saw Jeonghan and Wonwoo enter the Joo Family Mansion.

CLAP CLAP CLAP

Lord Joo entered the living room clapping his hands. He used his wheelchair, with Loey pushing the wheelchair from behind.

“Good job,” Lord Joo praised. He then looked at Jeonghan and said, “Thank you for being honest about your feelings. Jalhaesso Jeonghan-ah,” along with his warm smile. “Besides, someone also came here, bringing us good news. News about the evidence that Royal Counselor Yoon has hidden abroad.”

After Lord Joo said that, Jun entered the room. Behind him, a familiar face entered with him. The familiar face was smiling as he entered.

“Your Highness, I'm back,” the person greeted.

***

KNOCK...KNOCK ...

There was a knock on Jeonghan's door. As soon as the door was opened, Wonwoo rushed in. He didn't care about Jeonghan's protests. Wonwoo, dressed in his pajamas, immediately lay down on Jeonghan's bed.

“Jeon! Won! Woo! What the hell are you doing?!” Jeonghan protested.

“Sleeping,” Wonwoo replied briefly, as if it was a matter of fact.

“Why are you sleeping here?” Jeonghan asked again.

Wonwoo looked at Jeonghan with a strange look. “Of course I have to sleep with my husband. How could I let my husband who has always loved me for nine years sleep alone,” Wonwoo teased.

Wonwoo's answer left Jeonghan speechless. He was unable to reply with words. His face was red with embarrassment, right down to the tips of his ears.

“Yeobo ... jagiya ... aegiya ... Jeonghannie ... come sleep,” Wonwoo called, patting the side of the empty bed next to him.

Too tired to argue, Jeonghan gave up. He laid down next to Wonwoo. He didn't even resist when Wonwoo hugged his waist from behind. That night, Jeonghan felt the deepest sleep in years. Sleeping in the arms of his beloved.

In contrast to Jeonghan, Wonwoo couldn't sleep all night. Especially after Jeonghan, turned to face him in his sleep. Seeing Jeonghan up close like this was like a dream to him. Up close, he could observe Jeonghan's long and lustrous eyelashes, the mole on his right cheek, and Jeonghan's firm yet gentle facial lines.

Suddenly, Jeonghan smiled in his sleep. Who knew what he was dreaming about. He looked... happy.

"Neomu yeppeo!" Wonwoo whispered quietly. He stared at the pretty sleeping face all night, without getting tired of it. As if to fulfill his years of lost love. “This time, I won't let you disappear from my sight again Jeonghanie. No matter what the reason is. Even to hell, I will chase you. I can guarantee this.” After saying that, Wonwoo slowly drifted off into the dream world. It had been a long day for him too.

***

With strong evidence from Jeonghan's Eomma, all they had to do now was gain public support. To that purpose, various events were attended by Jeonghan, Wonwoo, and Jeongwoo. Whether together or separately.

"Silheo!! Kyeommie... please schedule us at the same event. Why do Jeonghan and I have to go to different places!” Wonwoo protested.

To save time, Dokyeom deliberately maximized the events that they could attend separately. For the past week, Jeonghan and Wonwoo had been going to different events. And this made Wonwoo very upset.

"Your Highness ...," Dokyeom coaxed softly. But Wonwoo kept sulking, forcing him to seek none other than Yoon Jeonghan, of course.

*

"Lord Yoon, help me out please. His Highness is cranky again,” Dokyeom pleaded to Jeonghan who was helping Jeongwoo put on his outfit for the day.

Jeonghan sighed. While Jeongwoo only giggled at his Daddy's behavior.

“Dokyeom-ah, can I see today's schedule?”

Painstakingly, Jeonghan checked the official schedule of the three of them today. He then made some adjustments and gave it back to Dokyeom. “How about like this?”

Dokyeom studied the schedule that Jeonghan had adjusted carefully. It looked manageable, and allowed the three of them to go to several events together in a time-efficient manner.

“I think this is very good. I'll pass it on to His Highness,” Dokyeom said as he left.

"Hi..hi..hi..., only Appa can calm Daddy's tantrums. Does Appa know, yesterday when Daddy and I visited the Military Academy and Appa went to attend a fashion show. Daddy played pranks on Kyeom Samcheon and Gyul Samcheon all day.”

“Why is that?”

“Because Appa said that there was one really handsome model in the show. Appa even took a picture with that model.”

“How did you know?”

“Eyy... Appa. Nowadays, posts with famous people will quickly trending on social media,” said Jeongwoo.

“Hmm... looks like Appa needs to limit uri Woowoo's internet usage. But... what does that have to do with your Daddy's tantrum?” asked Jeonghan confused.

"Don't... Appa,” Jeongwoo whined. “I need the internet to watch my favorite cartoons.”

“Answer Appa's question first.”

Jeongwoo folded his hands in front of him as he shook his head, “tsk...tsk... Appa is really slow. Of course it's all because Daddy got jealous.”

***

Thanks to Jeonghan, they were able to attend the World Mask Dance Festival in Andong as a complete package. Wonwoo, Jeonghan and Jeongwoo, arrived at the event location, an hour before the main event started.

Jeongwoo's eyes lit up when he saw the area filled with food stands next to the performance area. While tugging on his Appa's sleeve, Jeongwoo asked, “Appa, can I have a look over there?” while pointing to the food stand area.

“Err... Jeongwoo-yah...”

“I've never been to a festival like this,” Jeongwoo added to persuade his appa.

“Daddy wants to go too. Let's go there together,” Wonwoo proposed instead.

Accompanied by Mingyu, Dokyeom, Hansol, and Seungkwan along with some representatives of the event committee, Wonwoo, Jeonghan, and Jeongwoo toured around the food area. The place was very crowded. Because of this, Wonwoo carried Jeongwoo and held Jeonghan's hand.

At one point, Jeonghan let go of Wonwoo's hand. He walked straight to a stand that was selling kimchi jjigae. The man guarding the stand looked heavily pregnant. He worked alone, while beside him, there was a toddler girl accompanying him.

“Do you work alone?” asked Jeonghan. 

The man nodded, and looked a bit frightened to see Mingyu behind Jeonghan. The man looked young. Probably in his early twenties. 

“Is that little girl your daughter?” Jeonghan asked again.

The man nodded slowly.

“Where's your mate?”

This time, the man shook his head.

His answer made Jeonghan sigh, saying, “This cannot be allowed!” He walked around, going inside the stand where the man was selling. Then he picked up the little girl playing with dolls alone in the corner of the stall and gave her to Mingyu. “Gyu, please take her to play with you. Buy some food or toys outside. It's too dangerous for her to play inside the kitchen like this.”

Jeonghan then took an apron and checked the incoming orders while scanning the conditions at the stand. "Ja! I'll help you sell here!" announced Jeonghan.

"Bu.. but ..." The young man looked confused and worried.

"I'll help wash the dishes," shouted Wonwoo who was suddenly inside the stand, rolling up his shirt sleeves.

"I'll call the finished orders!" shouted Jeongwoo from in front of the stand.

Without much discussion, Wonwoo, Jeonghan, and Jeongwoo worked together to help the young man.

"Number 97!"called Jeongwoo with his megaphone as Jeonghan put the food on the tray. "Please enjoy the food," greeted Jeongwoo as the customer came and took the food. Wonwoo had already put a new tray for the next order. This family team work was no joke.

This small action brought a ripple effect of awareness. A few individual volunteered themsrlves to help the young man when Wonwoo, Jeonghan, and Jeongwoo need to attend the main event.

They made the general public fall in love more with this humble small royal family. When asked why Jeonghan suddenly helped the young man by Dokyeom, he replied that the young man reminded him of himself in the past. The general public was very unfriendly to single parents. He wanted to change this because he had experienced how difficult it was to be a single parent.

***

EPILOG

Jeonghan's Dream

Upon opening his eyes, Jeonghan was in a foreign place. It was a a small floating hut on the river. He was completely unfamiliar with the place. He was dressed in ordinary clothes and around the spot where he sat, there were some fishing rods.

Am I fishing now? - Jeonghan asked himself.

Not long after, Wonwoo appeared, riding a small boat, carrying food.

“Jeonghannie... I brought our lunch,” Wonwoo exclaimed in a cheerful voice.

Jeonghan blinked repeatedly. He was confused about what was going on. He really didn't understand where he was and why he was alone with Wonwoo in that remote place.

Meanwhile, Wonwoo was occupied opening the lunch he had brought for Jeonghan. “Jeonghanie... let's eat now, while it's still hot,” Wonwoo said again after finished.

"Maeuntang (spicy fish stew)?" Jeonghan asked, confused. “You can't eat seafood, right?!” Jeonghan's eyes widened in confusion. In this universe, does Wonwoo like seafood? - he asked himself silently.

"I don't eat seafood. But I was aware that you wanted to eat seafood. So I bought this. Have a taste first. Aaa...,” Wonwoo requested while feeding a spoonful to Jeonghan.

"Hmm... delicious Wonwoo-yah. It's not even fishy. Do you want to try?" Jeonghan took a spoonful and fed it to Wonwoo.

"Woahh... yes. This is delicious. It doesn't taste fishy. I could eat this.” Wonwoo took another spoonful and this time with rice. He then muttered “It's nice.”

“What's nice?” asked Jeonghan.

“Well... everything. Me and you, together spending time here. A simple thing like this feels incredibly fulfilling to me.” Wonwoo replied with a beaming expression. Then after taking a sip of water, he added, “as long as I'm with Jeonghanie, no matter where it is, it definitely feels nice.”

Regardless of what happened, Jeonghan still didn't understand. But, hearing the words and seeing Wonwoo's expression, made Jeonghan relax. He joined in smiling and enjoying the atmosphere.

After the two of them finished eating, they resumed fishing. Wonwoo cast his fishing rod, which was immediately greeted by Jeonghan's praise.

“Woahh... Wonwoo is good at casting a fishing rod.”

"Really?" Wonwoo blushed at Jeonghan's praise. 

Rrrtt....rrrtt... Wonwoo's cell phone rang. 

“Appa?!” Wonwoo exclaimed as he received the call. “Is Appa working?” he asked while turning the call into a video call.

“Eung... Appa was working and suddenly wanted to call you guys. Where's Jeonghan?” asked Joo Appa.

“Annyeonghaseyo...,” Jeonghan greeted while waving his hand. 

On the screen, it appeared that Joo Appa was in the kitchen, making guksu. “Jeonghan-ah!” he greeted cheerfully. “How are you?” asked Joo Appa. "Are you still nauseous?”

Jeonghan shook his head while looking at Wonwoo in confusion. 

“Aigo... thank goodness. Appa was worried that Jeonghan couldn't eat and kept vomiting. What are you guys doing now?”

“We're fishing Appa,” Jeonghan replied.

Wonwoo then added, “Jeonghan ate well today. He ate the maeuntang from Aunt Kim's shop with gusto.”

“That's amazing.” Joo Appa's voice seemed very excited.

“Isn't it hot next to the stove there, Appa?” asked Wonwoo.

Instead of answering Wonwoo's question, Joo Appa exclaimed excitedly, “Pass the phone to Jeonghanie!”

After the camera focused on Jeonghan, Joo Appa continued, “Jeonghanie, take care of your health. If you crave something or need anything, Appa is ready to help. You know how much Appa loves you, right?”

“Of course Appa,” Jeonghan replied with a smile.

“Don't skip meals! Don't get too tired. Drink lots of vitamins.”

“Ne~”

“It's for your sake and for Appa's grandchild too.”

After hearing the last sentence, Jeonghan realized what Joo Appa meant. He unconsciously touched his stomach. He was pregnant.

"Why, does your stomach hurt?” Wonwoo asked worriedly, noticing Jeonghan holding his belly. The video call with Joo Appa was already over.

Jeonghan shook his head. He looked at Wonwoo with a confused expression. “Am I pregnant?”

“Jeonghanie, why are you like this? Is this one of the normal symptoms of pregnancy?” Wonwoo looked panicked as Jeonghan looked confused.

“Wonwoong... calm down. I'm just a little confused. Are we,” Jeonghan pointed at himself and Wonwoo, "married?"

Wonwoo nodded as he showed the two twin white gold rings on their ring fingers. “We got married last year. You were thirteen weeks pregnant. Our cub is healthy although smaller than normal. That's why we took a vacation here so that you wouldn't be stressed and would be healthier. Do you remember all this?”

“Err... are we... commoners?”

“Of course we're ordinary people. Seriously ... Do we need to go to the hospital now? Are you really fine, Jeonghanie?” Wonwoo looked frightened.

Hearing Wonwoo's words, Jeonghan's smile grew wide. He got up and sat on Wonwoo's lap. “Jeon Wonwoo... saranghae.”

“Na do saranghae Jeonghanie. But are you really 'okay'?”

“Eung... I'm really fine. I'm very happy. Kyaaa....!!!” screamed Jeonghan.

Ordinary life. A pregnancy that Wonwoo and his father-in-law support. All of these things felt extraordinary to Jeonghan. Jeonghan's wide smile spread through his dreams.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• The official title for Jeonghan is Lord Yoon, as the Royal Crown Prince's spouse.
• Jeonghan had experiences in working on many kind of restaurant including the one who sold various kind of jjigae. 
• Wonwoo can eat seafood but hate it as he often got sick after eating it. He bought maeuntang as Jeonghan craved this food.

Chapter Text

“Ugh... I'm tired,” Jeongwoo complained as soon as they arrived at Joo Mansion.

“Gosaenghetda Doryeonim,” Seungkwan comforted him while helping Jeongwoo get ready for a shower.

Today had indeed been a busy and long day for Jeongwoo. He had worked hard helping with the sales earlier. His voice had become hoarse from shouting nonstop. He wanted to clean up and go to sleep as soon as possible.

After getting out of the shower and putting on his favorite yellow pajamas with a baby chick pattern, Jeongwoo quickly climbed into bed.

“Goodnight, Gyul Samcheon,” Jeongwoo said, wrapping up his day.

“Goodnight, Doryeonim.”

Jeongwoo pulled the blanket over himself with Seungkwan’s help. He closed his eyes immediately, exhausted. But suddenly, his eyes snapped open. He was startled because he realized he had forgotten something.

“Um... Gyul Samcheon... that...”

Before Jeongwoo could finish speaking, Seungkwan interrupted, “I know…” Then, with a smile, Seungkwan handed something to Jeongwoo. “This…”

Uwaaa… Samcheon is the best!” Jeongwoo spontaneously hugged Seungkwan while receiving Jjongtoram, his beloved doll. “I love Samcheon. So much… much… much…”

Seungkwan blushed with both happiness and pride. Jeongwoo treated him not like a subordinate, but more like family. It's such a pleasant feeling.

***

“...ack... my body hurts all over. Woahh... that man has to live alone, earn money, and raise children by himself...” Wonwoo fell silent. He realized that what the person had just experienced was something Jeonghan had also gone through. He felt terribly guilty. Complaining when he had only done it for a brief moment.

Meanwhile, Jeonghan, who was helping to apply a patch to Wonwoo's back, wasn't listening to Wonwoo's rambling at all. He was focused on his lustful thoughts after looking at and touching Wonwoo's broad back. His mind was wandering elsewhere. This made his face flush, and pooff... his rabbit ears popped out without him being able to control them.

"... I will make rules to protect single parents once I am crowned. I hope you can help me with this, Jeonghannie."

However, there was no response from Jeonghan. Wonwoo turned to look at Jeonghan behind him and called out, “Jeonghannie...”

“Aahh... errr... umm...” Jeonghan was completely flustered. He tried to cover his ears, but he couldn't. Jeonghan was extremely embarrassed because he had been caught feeling turned on.

"...." Realizing what was happening, Wonwoo became nervous and awkward. Jeonghan's reaction also affected Wonwoo. Instantly. As if spellbound, Wonwoo gently touched Jeonghan's ear. The soft, white fur felt smooth under his fingers.

Wonwoo's touch sent a shiver down Jeonghan's spine. The ears were a highly sensitive part of a rabbit's body, especially when it came to sexual stimulation.

Jeonghan felt hot. He fanned his face, then got out of bed, taking a sip of the drink Dokyeom had placed on the small table in Wonwoo's room.

"Wait... that..."

Instantly, Wonwoo's face paled. The drink Jeonghan was drinking was neither water nor tea. The drink was a premium andong soju gifted by the regional chief of Andong, when Wonwoo visited the World Mask Dance Festival in Andong today. Royal Andong Soju was made from rice ingredients only, so it could be easily absorbed by the stomach. Because of this, it's also faster to get drunk. But the hangover effect was less.

Jeonghan didn't hear Wonwoo's call, and immediately gulped down a small pot of royal Andong soju. The drink did not dissipate the heat he felt. Instead, the drink made Jeonghan feel even hotter. His face immediately turned red. The effect of the drink was very fast, making Jeonghan slightly drunk. He took off his pajama pants because his bunny tail also appeared.

"Wonwoonggg..." Jeonghan called Wonwoo affectionately. "Otteohke? My tail won't go away," he added with a cute pout on his face. Jeonghan's bunny tail appeared behind him.

"Wh ... puahahaha.... ."

Wonwoo's laughter broke out. He felt that the situation was really ridiculous. In a short span of time, his feelings went from mellow, to lustful, and just as quickly, turned to ridiculous.

Seeing Wonwoo just laughing, Jeonghan sulked. He sat on the floor, without his pajama pants. His white and round bunny tail was even more obvious.

While holding back laughter, Wonwoo got up and approached Jeonghan. He squatted in front of Jeonghan and kissed his lips. "Yoon Jeonghan... if I attacked you while drunk, I'll be a bad person. " Then Wonwoo said to himself, "Huft... I hope I'm strong enough." Wonwoo picked Jeonghan up and carried him to the bed.

As he was about to leave, Jeonghan grabbed Wonwoo's arm, "Wonwoong... I want to."

"Huh?"

"I want to...," Jeonghan replied in annoyed tone because Wonwoo was too slow.

Wonwoo really didn't understand. His face showed an obvious big question mark.

"Tch... Your Highness is really stupid!" After saying that, Jeonghan pulled Wonwoo's body until he fell onto the bed. He immediately climbed on top of Wonwoo's body. Jeonghan's expression showed both mischief and sensual expression.

"Jeonghan-ah ... ANDWAE! I won't take advantage of you when you're drunk!” Wonwoo said firmly as he pulled Jeonghan off him. Even though he said that, Wonwoo's body reacted differently.

Jeonghan covered his face. He felt embarrassed but it was too late. “I'm not drunk. But I needed soju to be brave enough to be honest with you.”

“...”

“I love you and I miss you so much. I also want... I want to do it too. Aish... it's so embarrassing.” Jeonghan got up from the bed, pulled up his pants, and hurried toward the door to leave.

🔞🔞🔞

Before reaching the door, Wonwoo pulled Jeonghan and threw him onto the bed. Wonwoo's gaze looked different. He kissed Jeonghan on the bed. From his forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, then to his lips. When his lips focused on penetrating Jeonghan's mouth, Wonwoo's hands were busy, unbuttoning Jeonghan's pajama shirt. His hands were actively caressing every part of Jeonghan's body.

Wonwoo's long, deep kisses made Jeonghan flushed. His face turned red, and his lips were swollen from Wonwoo's gentle bites. They were both panting for breath. In their eyes, both were filled with the same burning desire.

"Are you sure, Jeonghannie?"

Instead of answering, Jeonghan groped Wonwoo's boner. "Nghhh... Wonwoong... stop talking! Ngh... touch me. Pleaseee ... hhahhh... I can't help it!"

“Aren't you a naughty bunny?!” Wonwoo teased. He unbuttoned his own pajama pants and shirt, revealing his six-pack abs that Jeonghan loved so much. 

“In that case... I won't hold back anymore. I'm going to eat you up tonight,” Wonwoo declared with a smirk.

After his declaration, Wonwoo took off his underwear, revealing his erect dick. Jeonghan looked like he was drooling over it.

“Take off your pants, babe! Wonwoo ordered Jeonghan. Without resistance, Jeonghan took off his underwear and threw them off the bed.

“Wonwooooongg... Satisfy me tonight. Fuck me hard ... Make me forget our separation before ..”

Jeonghan’s words made Wonwoo’s dick even more erect. He pushed Jeonghan back onto the bed, inserting his finger into Jeonghan's opening to prepare him, while continuing to kiss Jeonghan's body from his neck downwards. Wonwoo, with his actions, worshipped Jeonghan's entire body. Causing Jeonghan to feel extraordinary pleasure from Wonwoo's lips touching every part of his body.

"Nghh... ack .... eughh... " Jeonghan's moans accompanied Wonwoo's actions. His dick and nipples were aroused too and became erect. His right hand grabbed Wonwoo's hair, while his left hand grabbed the bed sheets. "Wonwoo-yahh ... I'm close ... Nnnghh... . It feels weird ... "

Wonwoo pulled his finger out of Jeonghan's hole, then licked it.

Seeing that, Jeonghan reached his climax and came. His semen squirted out of his dick, getting all over Wonwoo's abs.

"Is it good?" Wonwoo teased again.

Jeonghan was already in seventh heaven. His body trembled, experiencing that high sexual sensation.

But that was just the beginning for Wonwoo. Without waiting for Jeonghan to calm down, he flipped Jeonghan's body over, exposing his small but supple ass. His bunny tail looked round and perky, making Wonwoo even hornier.

Wonwoo aligned his dick with Jeonghan's hole. Then, without warning, he thrust his dick into the small opening.

“Nnnnghhh... Jeon Wonwoo!!!”

Jeonghan's hole was completely filled with Wonwoo's dick. As Wonwoo thrust inside, his dick also released more cum, spontaneously responding to Wonwoo.

"Ugghh... it's been a long time ...," Wonwoo groaned. Wonwoo enjoyed the tight feeling surrounding his dick. Slowly, he started moving his dick back and forth. His thrusts went from slow to faster and faster. 

“Jeonghan-ahh.... can I cum inside you?”

Jeonghan, his eyes clouded with lust, looked back, nodded his head, and leaned in for a kiss. 

Wonwoo kissed Jeonghan as if sucking his soul. They exchanged saliva. He didn't forget to play with Jeonghan's ears and bunny tail. It made him even more aroused. Wonwoo came inside, filling Jeonghan's hole with warm semen. Wonwoo turned Jeonghan's body around again, facing him. He began kissing Jeonghan's entire body again, leaving hickeys.

Jeonghan, intoxicated with sexual satisfaction, couldn't protest. Even when Wonwoo left hickeys in places that could be seen.

“Why is yours still erect?” Jeonghan asked when he saw Wonwoo's dick was still hard and seemed not satisfied.

“Um... I'm still young, Jeonghannie. This is also the first time I've done this since our last sex seven years ago. I've only done this thing with you.”

Wonwoo's answer made Jeonghan flustered. Because of those words, he reached out and touched the tip of Wonwoo's dick, then put it in his mouth. He was determined to satisfy Wonwoo, no matter how many times he wanted it.

Jeonghan gave Wonwoo a blow job. He licked Wonwoo's dick, from the tip to the balls. He made sure nothing escaped his tongue. He also sucked Wonwoo's dick until he came. However, Wonwoo's dick remained erect.

“Woahh... your stamina is truly amazing,” Jeonghan praised, licking his semen-covered lips.

Jeonghan's action screamed sexiness in Wonwoo's eyes. He licked Jeonghan's lips then bite his nipples. Making Jeonghan shivered hard.

“Han, are you down for some knotting?”

Jeonghan's eyes widened. “You haven't knotted yet?!!! But... your dick is already so big. What if my hole can't handle it?” 

"Lets do it slow!"  After saying that, Wonwoo spread Jeonghan's legs and slowly inserted his dick.

“Ngghhh....”

Wonwoo's dick grew thicker and reached Jeonghan's deepest part. He thrust his dick repeatedly, making Jeonghan lost from reality. 

Jeonghan's inside was swollen. He didn't stop moaning and grunting with every thrust from Wonwoo.

"Nnghh... ughh.... Jeonghannnie ... I'm close..."

Wonwoo embraced Jeonghan's smaller body tightly. With all his strength, he ejaculated deep inside Jeonghan. Jeonghan's hole was filled with semen. So much so that it leaked out, soaking their mattress.

Jeonghan clung to Wonwoo's body in response. He even bit Wonwoo's right shoulder, leaving a bite mark during the climax.  After that climax, Jeonghan, completely exhausted, fell asleep immediately.

Wonwoo gazed at Jeonghan, admiring his 'creation'. He chuckled, realizing that Dokyeom's teasing tomorrow would be inevitable. However, he felt happy (and obviously satisfied). Jeonghan was back in his arms again. Wonwoo carefully cleaned Jeonghan's body with a clean towel. After reaching climax, Jeonghan's ears and tail had disappeared.

“Ahh... it will definitely swell up and hurt if I don't put a compress on it now,” said Wonwoo after seeing the redness of Jeonghan's hole.

🔞🔞🔞

Wonwoo cleaned himself up, put on his pajama pants and went out to get a basin for soaking the compress towel from the kitchen. Accidentally, he met Seungkwan and Hansol who were in the kitchen. Seeing his disheveled appearance, without a top and his skin decorated with scratches, bite marks, and hickeys, of course the two butlers could read what had just happened.

"You ... Your Highness ... Is there anything you need?" Seungkwan asked, startled seeing Wonwoo's appearance.

"Ha! ha! ha! Don't mind me. I just need a basin." 

Quickly, Hansol took a basin for Wonwoo.

"Thank you. Ha! Ha! Ha!" Wonwoo said, again, accompanied by his awkward laughter. He needed to hurry before he got even more embarrassed.

***

EPILOG

Side Story - The Buttler

After making sure Jeongwoo was asleep, Seungkwan returned to the butler's quarters. For the past few days, Seungkwan had felt something troubling his mind. He had been suffering from insomnia for several days. It was almost 4 in the morning, and he still couldn't sleep. He left the room and went to the kitchen to get some warm milk.

He and Hansol were junior ordinary butlers. Once Wonwoo was crowned king, and Jeongwoo naturally became the crown prince, Seungkwan and Hansol's duties would end there. Jeongwoo would be taken care of by royal butlers like Dokyeom. The two of them were to be assigned new duties outside the palace. However, Seungkwan felt he had grown too attached to Jeongwoo. He felt sad and afraid of parting with the young master and also Lord Yoon.

Hansol realized that Seungkwan had left his room. He followed Seungkwan. Hansol entered the kitchen and noticed Seungkwan's foul mood. He asked him with his body language.

"???"

"..."

Seungkwan didn't answer. He just glanced at Hansol with his bombastic side eye. He was sure Hansol was too ‘T’ to understand his feelings. He could only sigh and try to suppress his fear.

Unsatisfied with Seungkwan's response, Hansol played his ace card. “Moe moe kyun?!” said Hansol, leaning forward toward Seungkwan's face.

“Aish... moe moe kyun!”

“Geureohji (That's right) ! So, hurry up and tell me what the matter is!?” Hansol insisted.

"Geungyang (It's just ).... I'm afraid to part with Doryeonim."

Hansol pulled out a chair and sat down in front of Seungkwan. He held Seungkwan's hand. “Do you want to try out for royal butler?”

“It seems like... it’s too late for that.” Seungkwan shook his head. “Besides...,” Seungkwan continued in a low voice, “becoming a royal butler means our relationship can’t go on."

Hansol clasped Seungkwan's hand tightly. “I'm sorry,” Hansol whispered.

Hearing Hansol's words, Seungkwan grew frustrated. “I... C... I'm not dating on my own. It's not your fault. But it's our decision to be together. That's why we refused to enter the palace, right?!”

“...”

“There must... there must be a chance to meet Doryeonim again. As long as we always stand by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.”

"Seungkwan-ah ..."

The sound of someone entering the kitchen, interrupted their conversation.

Unexpectedly, Wonwoo, who was usually neat and well-dressed, appeared in the kitchen shirtless, hair wet as if he had just taken a shower, and his body covered in redness.

"You ... Your Highness ... Is there anything you need?" Seungkwan asked, startled seeing Wonwoo's appearance.

"Ha! ha! ha! Don't mind me. I just need a basin." 

Quickly, Hansol took a basin for Wonwoo.

"Thank you. Ha! Ha! Ha!" Wonwoo said, again, accompanied by his awkward laughter.

"Seolma ...?!!" Seungkwan stared at Hansol with a meaningful look. He blinked, as if he couldn't believe what he had just seen.

"Hoahhhmm ...  they are spouses, anyway. Let's just go to sleep. Don't let Doryeonim wake up before us, and see unnecessary things." Hansol dragged Seungkwan and led him to his room.

***

TRIVIA :

• About Royal Andong Soju.
• Moe moe kyun : deep love for a person or thing / racing heart /deep heart palpitations (source : Verkwan on [GOING SEVENTEEN] EP.68 돈’t Lie : CLUE #1 (Don’t Lie : CLUE #1) ). Moe moe kyun is a phrase often used in the context of maid cafes and otaku culture in Japan.
• Knot / Knotting > Knotting occurs during sex (mostly) where the base of the alpha's penis swells and becomes engorged (more so than usual) and is pushed inside the omega's body to keep the alpha's seed inside. This is to improve the chances of an omega falling pregnant, but the extra-full sensation is also appealing.
• There are two kind of butler. First, the royal ones. They are the ones who serve the royal family inside the palace (ex : Dokyeom). Second, the ordinary ones. The ordinary butlers usually work for noble families (ex: Seungkwan, Hansol). 

Chapter Text

Jeonghan felt that he had slept really well last night. However, when he woke, he still felt the lingering soreness from last night's activities. Since he woke up, Jeonghan felt like he was receiving princess treatment from Wonwoo. His “husband” helped Jeonghan to the bathroom, prepared a change of clothes, and even prepared a special breakfast served in the room. That day, their royal schedule began in the afternoon, so he still had time to rest.

“Dad... are you sick?” asked Jeongwoo.

Behind Jeongwoo, Seungkwan and Hansol followed him into the main bedroom. The two of them gave Wonwoo a mischievous look, causing Wonwoo to nearly choke on his coffee. While suppressing their laughter, Seungkwan and Hansol gestured that they would keep their mouths shut.

Because Jeonghan, Wonwoo and Jeongwoo were having breakfast in the main room. Soon after preparing everything their masters needed, the butlers left, giving the small family some privacy.

“... so Chan will join me for taekwondo practice ... ”  

Jeonghan listened intently to Jeongwoo's story, while Wonwoo observed the scene, and felt grateful deeply in his heart. He truly was grateful to have that small family.

For some reason, Jeonghan looked so radiant at that moment that Wonwoo felt his heart flutter. Out of nowhere, spontaneously, Wonwoo stood up, grabbed his jacket, and covered Jeongwoo's face with it. Then, as quick as lightning, Wonwoo pulled Jeonghan's face toward him and then kissed him on the lips.

Jeonghan was too shocked by Wonwoo's spontaneous action to react at once.

“Daddy... why?” Jeongwoo whined.

After kissing Jeonghan, Wonwoo removed the jacket from Jeongwoo’s face and kissed Jeongwoo’s right and left cheeks repeatedly. Wonwoo’s kisses on Jeongwoo’s cheeks made a loud cup..cup...cup... sound. Jeonghan was amused, and Jeongwoo whined, “Daddy ~~” as if annoyed, but seemed to be enjoying it. Meanwhile, Wonwoo smirked, then walked out of the room with a little dance.

“Psst... Appa... what's wrong with Daddy?”

Jeonghan smiled while stroking Jeongwoo's head. “Your Daddy feels very happy because Jeongwoo was born in this world.”

Hearing Jeonghan's words, Jeongwoo felt embarrassed, covering his face with both hands. His ears turned red.

***

“We're in the final stages of our plan,” said Lord Joo. Then Lord Joo turned to Jeonghan, saying, "Jeonghan-ah... Jun managed to recover the data."

Jeonghan's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Data?" Wonwoo, who didn't know anything about it, looked confused.

“When I met Jeonghan for the first time in Gapa-do, Jeonghan remembered one important detail on the day of his mother's death.”

"My mother seemed to know that she would be killed. She put important data in a necklace-shaped usb that she put on me. Apparently, Jun-ssi managed to restore and read the data in the usb," said Jeonghan continuing Lord Joo's words.

Jun took out a bundle of documents and gave them to Lord Joo. "This is the data on the usb. So, Royal Advisor Yoon managed to collect data that during Her Majesty Queen Jeon's 6-month pregnancy, she was fed fish with high mercury content, under the pretext of omega-3 and protein content."

"Mercury content is very dangerous for pregnancy because it can cross the placenta and inhibit fetal growth. It is not uncommon for fetuses exposed to mercury to be born with physical and brain defects." Jeonghan shared the knowledge he gained when he consulted an obstetrician when he was pregnant.

Lord Joo pounded on the table. He became angry because everything was happening in front of his eyes every day, without him realizing it. “How can this be?”

Wonwoo read the document in detail and read a paragraph that stated, "strangely, the fetus that Queen Jeon was carrying, was not affected by the mercury at all. The mother's body, absorbed all the toxins and miraculously protected the fetus in her womb. Eomma even protected me since I was still in the womb." Wonwoo's voice trembled reading that paragraph.

"That's right. According to the document that was a report from the royal doctor to Jeon Jeongsoo, what happened to Queen Jeon was not a normal thing," Jun said. He then showed an ultrasound photo from his iPad.

“Look here!” Jun pointed. "In the placental layer of Queen Jeon's fetus, there seems to be a protective layer to sort the nutrients that enter the fetus."

"Maybe that's why Wonwoo can't eat seafood. Since he was a fetus, his brain has been given information to avoid seafood," Jeonghan muttered.

"This evidence is very strong against Jeon Jeongsoo. Don't let this evidence be detected by their side," Lord Joo ordered.

Jun nodded, “I understand.”

"Wonwoo, we need to start the coup. We don't want you to be installed as king under Jeongsoo's control."

"I understand Aboeji. At present, I have managed to gain the trust of officials in Jeju-do, Gyeongsangnam-do, Gangwon-do, Busan, Ulsan, Jeollanam-do, and Gyeongsangbuk-do including Daegu. I think we are strong enough for an open rebellion."

"Don't be reckless Wonwoo-yah. Loey's spies in the palace said that they seem to be planning something."

***

It was around 1:30 in the morning. Suddenly, Wonwoo's bedroom door opened. Mingyu, Dokyeom, Seungkwan, and Hansol burst in.

“Your Highness, you must leave this place right NOW!” said Mingyu.

Mingyu, Dokyeom, Seungkwan, and Hansol escorted Wonwoo, Jeonghan, and Jeongwoo into a simple minivan with tinted windows. Outside, there were many people dressed in black and fully armed, surrounding the entire Joo Family Mansion area.

“What's going on?” asked Wonwoo, confused.

"Their attack has already begun," Mingyu replied.

“Your Highness, you must leave this place immediately. I have prepared a safe haven for you,” stated Loey.

“But...what about my father?”

“Allow me to protect Lord Joo with my own life.” Loey bowed respectfully to Wonwoo, then signaled Mingyu to depart immediately.

Their minivan sped away in the darkness of the night. It was moving towards Daegu where Seungcheol and Joshua were waiting.

“Are there any details you guys can explain to me?” asked Wonwoo in frustration.

"Later, Your Highness. Once we're in a safe place. Please let Mingyu focus on driving," insisted Dokyeom.

Noticing Wonwoo's anxiety, Jeonghan touched Wonwoo's arm and said, “I believe in Appa.” Then he gave Wonwoo a encouraging smile.

Wonwoo nodded, then picked up the sleeping Jeongwoo from Jeonghan's lap. He placed Jeongwoo on his lap, then grasped Jeonghan's hand tightly.

The distance from Seoul to Daegu, 279 km, which should have taken about 3 hours and 10 minutes, was covered in just 2 hours and 27 minutes by Mingyu. After entering Daegu city, their car was immediately welcomed by four black sedans, which escorted them to a secret place in Daegu.

Daegu was the fourth largest metropolitan city and third trading city in South Korea. Daegu was the center of the national textile industry. In Daegu City, Wonwoo had gained the trust of the high-ranking officials. They had long been frustrated by Jeon Jeongsoo's arbitrary leadership. Local taxes were withdrawn entirely by the central government, making it difficult for local governments to develop their cities. With Seungcheol's help, Wonwoo secured a hideout in the city of Daegu, which was located near the Nakdong River. This location was strategic and made it easy for them to reach Busan by river if the situation became urgent.

Wonwoo arrived at the hideout around 4am. There, Major Gu, the mayor of Daegu was waiting, accompanied by several important people in Daegu, along with Seungcheol and Joshua.

“Your Highness, welcome to our humble abode,” Major Gu greeted.

Wonwoo and Jeonghan greeted everyone who was waiting for them. Meanwhile, Jeongwoo, who was still asleep, was escorted to his room, along with Seungkwan and Hansol.

"Thank you for your help," Wonwoo replied.

"We support you, Your Highness. We hope that your reign can bring us all to a better place. Our local taxes are being corrupted. Our textile industry, which has worldwide potential, has been stunted," complained Major Gu. "Here, in accordance with Lord Joo's instructions, we are ready to support you to take control of the palace. You are the rightful heir to the throne."

“Thank you,” Wonwoo replied. Then he  he turned around and said, “No need to linger any longer, please brief me on what's going on,” Wonwoo ordered Mingyu and Seungcheol there.

"Seungcheol and Mingyu exchanged glances, then Seungcheol came forward, explaining what happened. "These few days, we smelled unusual movements in the palace. They're going to release this," Seungcheol explained and showed Wonwoo and Jeonghan a photo.

"This is Appa and..."

"Uri Eomma...," Jeonghan said, continuing Wonwoo's words.

"Han Sohee, spread the narrative that Lord Joo had an affair with Royal Advisor Yoon. Their goal is to have Lord Joo punished and Lord Yoon exiled. Automatically, Doryeonim's status as the next heir to the throne is not recognized."

“Cheol-ah... that's not true! My mother and Ahjussi are not like that,” Jeonghan argued.

"This photo shows absolutely nothing. Only Lord Joo and Advisor Yoon were in one frame. But with the ability to manipulate the narrative, of course, they can make many people believe," Mingyu added.

"Then why did we have to run here?" Wonwoo asked.

This time it was Dokyeom who stepped forward to answer, “There was a death threat made against Lord Yoon.”

"Lord Joo doesn't want to risk it. However, if Joo's mansion becomes empty, it will definitely attract the palace's eyes," Mingyu added.

Instantly Wonwoo's jaw tightened, his hands clenched into fists and his teeth gritted in anger. "Who?" asked Wonwoo, short and to the point.

"Han Sohee." Joshua, who had been silent, suddenly spoke. “They... have read that Your Highness's weakness is Jeonghan.”

Wonwoo's hands clenched even tighter. His breath was ragged with anger."But I'm not that easy to kill." Jeonghan folded both hands in front of his chest.

“Well... that's a fact for sure,” Joshua agreed as he gave Jeonghan a high five. "Maybe it's time we got back to doing something." Joshua smirked. His crazy gaze was met with the same level of craziness by Jeonghan.

Meanwhile, Seungcheol sighed deeply while grumbling, "not again." Then he said to Wonwoo, "Your Highness, please control your husband. Because when the two of them act... *sigh." Seungcheol didn't dare to continue his words. He shuddered in horror.

***

Jeonghan was far from weak. Although his physique could not be considered strong, his brain was able to cover his weakness. 

At that place, Jeonghan and Joshua sat facing each other with their laptops in front of them. Then they started doing something. The sounds of “hihihi...” and “hehehe...” laughter that emerged, quietly but made Seungcheol shudder in horror.

“Hyung... what are they doing?” asked Mingyu.

Seungcheol shook his head. His shuddering expression made Wonwoo, Mingyu, and Dokyeom, who were there, wonder. “You shouldn't need to know the details,” Seungcheol whispered. “The frequency of their madness is matched and their level is far above that of ordinary humans.”

"Shua-yah... I've already done a level 2 and level 3 revenge trick on Han Sohee. Hihihi ...."

"Jeonghan-ah, it feels like I just created a masterpiece script too. Hehehe... Do you want to read it? I think it'll make the snake girl feel overheated."

“Uwaa... this is truly a masterpiece,” Jeonghan praised. "So where should we spread it?"

"Of course, the stay-homemaker community will make this story even hotter. Hehehe...."

"Hihihi... I like it! Lets go!!!"

“By the way, which level 2 did you choose?” Jeonghan asked curiously.

"Hihihi...I sent her snake- repellent perfume. I also bought Uncle Baek's farm produce and sent it to her house, and also to Ms. Han's office."

"Garlic and shallots huh?! Hehehe.... I see. Good choice!" Then excitedly, Joshua asked again about his third level.

"Just wait a little longer. Surely the news will be all over the mass media. Hihihi..."

The chill conversation, but with content that wasn't chill at all, made Seungcheol, Wonwoo, Mingyu and Dokyeom leave the room almost instantly.

***

“We caught three suspicious people around the mansion,” Loey reported.

"Hmm... three people. The number is much less than I expected," Lord Joo muttered.

That night, Lord Joo did not sleep, anticipating a dawn attack from the palace. He tried to devise several plans as a back up in case his plan failed. As he focused on thinking, there was a knock in his office.

“Come in,” said Lord Joo.

Loey entered and behind him, Captain Doh appeared. They both saluted, then Captain Doh gave his report.

"Elder, I found one of the witnesses. She is one of the palace maids who knew that the Queen's food was being tampered with."

“Really?” Lord Joo rose to his feet. For years he had searched for witnesses, but all the palace people involved had been killed without a trace.

“I found her hiding, right under our noses.”

Then Loey continued, "Lord Yoon is really smart. He came up with the idea to check on the closest people working in this mansion."

"That's right. That maiden, faking her identity as a man, then worked at the agency that takes care of this mansion's garden. She dared not open her mouth for fear of being killed. And the safest place for her, of course, is around the Joo family, the crown prince's family."

***

EPILOG

The Crazy Twin - Jeonghan & Joshua

Jeonghan and Joshua's meeting could be considered unusual. Their close friendship started with a misunderstanding.

Jeonghan knew Seungcheol first while still in college. Seungcheol and Jeonghan both dislike the ruling royal regime. They often discussed, exchanged opinions and talked about political issues, despite studying at different universities. It was Seungcheol who made Jeonghan discover the One Shoot Left organization, and joined it.

On the other hand, Joshua met Seungcheol while participating in a blind date with his acquaintances. He immediately fell in love with Seungcheol at first sight. Not messing around, he pursued Seungcheol for almost three years. He also joined One Shoot Left to support Seungcheol.

Jeonghan's presence near Seungcheol, Joshua perceived as a big threat. Even though Seungcheol was already his lover, Jeonghan who was often mentioned by Seungcheol, Jeonghan who was beautiful and was pregnant, made Joshua feel threatened. That's why Joshua intended to meet Jeonghan directly to confront him.

Joshua visited the cafe where Jeonghan worked. Because Jeonghan's body was skinny and his pregnancy was only at approximately 17 weeks, his baby bump was not very visible yet.

"Stop approaching my lover!" declared Joshua, after sitting across from Jeonghan at one of the post-closing cafe tables.

Jeonghan's boba eyes just stared at Joshua in confusion. He didn't get close to anyone or even interested in anyone.

The lack of reaction from Jeonghan made Joshua feel annoyed. He then showed his photo with Seungcheol.

“Uwaaa... are you Jisoo?” Jeonghan looked shocked and had a happy expression on his face.

Jeonghan's reaction, which was far from his expectations, made Joshua puzzled.  

"Did Cheollie propose to you yet? Which method did he use? I've made some suggestions for him." Jeonghan chattered endlessly. "I asked Cheollie to introduce us as soon as possible. But he always said he was afraid you'd get a bad influence from me. I Jasigi (This kid)! Well... anyway... nice to meet you!" Jeonghan extended his hand with a big smile.

The meeting instantly made Jeonghan and Joshua click. Jeonghan was even closer to Joshua than to Seungcheol. From Jeonghan, Joshua also got secret insights into how head over heels Seungcheol was to him. Because of Jeonghan's trick as well, Seungcheol expressed his love for Joshua boldly.

To be continued.

***

TRIVIA :

• Nakdong River is the longest river in South Korea. It runs through major cities, such as Daegu and Busan.
• Seungcheol is a native of Daegu so he can help Wonwoo in negotiating and convincing the Daegu regional officials.