Your Highness | Jakehoon

Song Recommended: War of hearts

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The Kingdom of  ❛Hwaheon❜ is Strong empire, a land of grandeur, ruled by King Park. His eldest son, Crown Prince Sunghoon, is known for his cold and distant demeanor-- perfectly composed, always bound by duty.

 In contrast, Jake, the son of noble family, is free-spirited and full of warmth, though he has long since accepted that he will never truly belong in the prince's world.

They were childhood friends. But as they grew older, the gap widened. Sunghoon became untouchable, and Jake was nothing more than a shadow in the palace, watching from afar.

Until Tonight.

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The grand ballroom is filled with nobles, their laughter and conversation blending with elegant notes of the orchestra. Tonight is a celebration--Prince Sunghoon's official announcement as the next ruler of Hwaheon.

Not just that, Prince Sunghoon will soon be getting married, with none other than, the princess of, Jinhwa, Jang Wonyoung. Everyone, except two souls, are happy with this decision. 

Jake stands at edge of the room, watching from a distance. He should not be here. He doesn't belong among the royals and their empty formalities.

❝Jake.❞

A familiar voice cuts through the noise, sending a shiver down his spine. He turns to find Sunghoon standing before him, clad in regal attire, his silver crown glinting under the golden light.

❝You shouldn't be talking to me, Your Highness.❞ Jake bows slightly, forcing a polite smile. Sunghoon's a prince after all, soon to be the king..

❝People will notice.❞ He added the obvious. Only to hear a scoff from the other side.

❝Do i look like i care?❞ The expression still the same, what does he expect.

❝Well, I do.❞ Jake exhales sharply and turns to leave. He can't handle this, he won't. Sunghoon isn't the boy he knew, not anymore.

But before he can take another step, a hand catches his wrist. A familiar grip--firm, unyielding.

Jake freezes. The room, the music, the royalty, the crowd-- it all fades as he slowly turns, not ready to face anything, but unwillingly, he had to.

Sunghoon is looking at him, for the first time in years, truly looking.

❝Leaving so soon?❞ Sunghoon voice is quiet, but the weight behind, it makes Jake's chest tighten.

Jake forced a smile, hollow and practiced, as if meant for this moment. ❝It's a royal celebration, Your Highness. I doubt my absence will be noticed.❞ Jake felt Sunghoon's grip tightening.

❝I'll notice.❞

Jake laughs, but it's bitter, cutting. It reflects something, Sunghoon doesn't know the name of, or doesn't want to name it. Either way, Jake's demeanor is like a stab in his heart.

❝Since when does that matter?❞

A flicker of guilt, maybe- crosses Sunghoon's face. He doesn't answer, and that silence is reopen wounds Jake thought had long scarred over.

❝You don't get to do this,❞ Jake whispers, stepping back. Sunghoon's hand falls away. ❝You don't get to act like you care.❞

Sunghoon exhales, his posture tense, as he opened his mouth to let the words fall. ❝Jake-❞

❝No.❞ Jake shakes his head. His heart is pounding, but he refuses to let his voice break. H e couldn't afford to be weak and vulnerable in the moment, in this moment.

❝You were the one who left first. I stood by your side, i waited-❞ He doesn't let his voice betray him, as he lets out a sharp breath, eyes burning. ❝But you chose the crown over me.❞

Sunghoon's jaw clenches, ❝I never had a choice.❞

❝There's always a choice, you just didn't chose me.❞

Silence stretches between them. In the distance, the orchestra swells, a waltz playing for a dance Jake will never be part of.

Sunghoon's voice is quieter when spoke again.

❝You're leaving.❞ Jake falters. 'How did he-'

❝How did you-❞

❝I heard the servants talking,❞ Sunghoon admits. ❝You are planning to leave the palace. To leave me..❞

Jake swallows hard. ❝What did you expect? To stand in the background forever? To watch you get married to a princess, to take the throne, while I pretend like I don't-❞ He stops himself, shaking his head. ❝Never mind.❞

But Sunghoon catches his wrist, his grip firm. ❝Say it.❞

Jake stares at him, heart pounding. ❝I can't.❞

Sunghoon's fingers tighten. ❝Then let me.❞

Jake barely had the time to react as Sunghoon pulls him in a desperate, longing kiss. The kiss speaking volumes, the words that were not meant to be said, but to be showed.

Sunghoon pulls away, and pressed their foreheads together. His breath warm against Jake's skin, his voice barely above a whisper.

❝I wanted to be strong. To do what's right for the kingdom,❞ Sunghoon murmurs. ❝But if i have to lose you to do it, then i don't want the throne.❞

Jake's eyes widened. ❝Sunghoon, you can't just-❞

❝I can.❞ His voice steady now, as if he's made up his mind. ❝Stay with me. If you leave, I'll have nothing.❞

Jake's resolve wavered. The years of distance, the moment, the cold stares, the unspoken words- They all led to this.

❝I hate you.❞ Jake whispers, but the way his hands clutch Sunghoon's sleeves says otherwise.

Sunghoon chuckled, a smirk playing on his lips.

❝Liar.❞

The crown may be heavy, but Sunghoon is willing to bear it- as long as Jake is by his side.

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Part 2???

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Thank you

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13-03-25

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2:47 am

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Your Highness

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