How To Avoid Doom Flags? : A Guide By Lee Felix

Ninth Flag - Don't Present As An Omega (Whatever the Hell THAT Means)

Ah. So that's what it was, then. Felix wasn't making him out to be responsible for the current state of the red-light district – he was pointing out his selfish lack of diligence in regard to his own kingdom. In seeking his own comfort, he completely neglected what should have been his duties – duties Chan took away from him for the mere sake of his happiness.

"... I see, now," he sighed. Everything suddenly made a lot more sense. "With that being said, it's not like I could do anything even if I wanted to."

"Do you want to, then?" Jisung leaned forward a bit. "Felix's feelings aside, take a moment to think over this seriously: as the Prince of this kingdom, now that you've seen for yourself the state of the red-light district, is there anything you wish you could do about it?"

Hyunjin almost wanted to say "no", but then his mind flashed back to the poor state of the streets they'd roamed, to the dirty clothes the children were wearing, to the rotten food he'd seen some eating... Felix was right. These were his people, living out in the streets for no reason other than sheer neglect from their monarch. He couldn't forget the joyful smiles on those children's faces when Felix played with them. Why couldn't they be allowed to smile like this every single day, like every other child in the more favored parts of the city?

"... yes," he finally admitted, feeling admittedly a bit scared of his own admission. "Yes, I'd like to make things change if I could. But I- I wouldn't even know how, or where to start..."

At this, Jisung offered him a wide, genuine smile. "Then, I'll help you."

"You- you will!?"

"Hmm. And I'm certain Felix will be happy to help you, too – or at least once you've apologized properly to him." Jisung suddenly abandoned his tea and rose to his feet. "Come along, now, Your Highness – the sooner you get this done, the sooner we can get started!"

"W- wait, why are you even coming with me?" protested Hyunjin, following him outside.

Jisung smirked a bit. "As if I'd miss the chance to see you grovel for forgiveness."

Hyunjin scowled a bit at that, but didn't add anything, somehow feeling that Jisung was mostly teasing. Plus, he couldn't rightfully be mad when his fellow Prince had not only offered him some much-needed advice but had also offered to help him with a truly challenging endeavor in the near future.

Strange, truly. Who'd have thought I'd one day get along with my fiancé...?

.

The walk back to the Rising Moon Palace was done in a comfortable silence, surprisingly enough. For the first time since they first met, Hyunjin finally felt as though he understood Jisung a little better. And now that he understood the depth of Felix's feelings regarding the matter, he felt at peace, in a way. However, that peace of mind quickly vanished when they stepped past the gates of his palace, the thick smell of burning sugar immediately hitting their noses.

"What- what is this?" coughed Hyunjin, covering his nose with his sleeve.

Jisung's eyes merely went wide as he rushed inside without another word. Worried, Hyunjin followed along. He couldn't help but gag slightly as they entered the palace itself, the smell becoming even sweeter and more pungent, to a point where it was a bit sickening. It disoriented him a bit, and it took him a second to realize the scent was actually coming from Felix's room. Jisung abruptly opened the door, revealing Felix lying on the floor, seemingly unconscious.

"Felix!"

He was rather pale, trembling like a leaf from head to toe, with sweat heavily coating his skin. Very faint rales and whimpers alike escaped his parted mouth, and he appeared feverish. The sweet scent was also coming right from him, and a gasp escaped Jisung when he pulled back Felix's cloth to reveal a large, swelling bump on the juncture between his neck and his shoulder.