Your Highness | Jakehoon

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"But you did," Jake whispers, his chest aching. "And now it's too late."

Sunghoon clenches his jaw. "No, it's not."

"It is," Jake insists. "You have a duty to your kingdom. You have a princess waiting for you. And I..." He falters, forcing himself to say the words that will hurt the most. "I was never meant to be part of your story."

Sunghoon's expression darkens, his gaze sharp, unyielding. "Don't say that."

Jake exhales shakily. "It's the truth."

For a moment, neither of them move. The distance between them is small, but it feels insurmountable.

Then, without warning, Sunghoon closes the gap.

His hands are on Jake's face, cradling him like something precious, something he refuses to lose again. His touch is warm, grounding, and Jake hates how much he still craves it.

"You were always part of my story," Sunghoon murmurs. "You're the only part that ever mattered."

Jake's breath stutters. "Then why did you let me go?"

Sunghoon hesitates, and for the first time, he looks vulnerable. "Because I was afraid." His voice drops to a whisper. "Afraid of wanting something I was never allowed to have."

Jake swallows the lump in his throat. "And now?"

Sunghoon's thumb brushes against Jake's cheek, the gesture unbearably tender. "Now, I don't care what's allowed."

Jake exhales shakily. "You say that now, but what happens tomorrow? When the council reminds you of your duty? When the princess stands beside you at the throne?"

Sunghoon's hands tighten. "I don't want a throne without you."

Jake closes his eyes. "You don't get to say that. Not when you're already promised to another."

A long silence stretches between them, heavy with unspoken words. Then Sunghoon steps back, his hands falling away.

"I'll break the engagement," he says, his voice steady.

Jake's eyes snap open. "You can't."

"I will," Sunghoon says, unwavering. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you here."

Jake shakes his head. "You don't understand what you're saying. This isn't just about us, Sunghoon. This is about the entire kingdom. If you break this alliance, there will be consequences. War, maybe. Your people-"

Sunghoon's expression hardens. "I don't care about politics."

"You have to," Jake pleads. "You're their future king."

Sunghoon exhales sharply, turning away, his hands running through his hair in frustration. "Then tell me what to do," he mutters, almost desperately. "Tell me how to fix this, tell me how to keep you, and I'll do it."

Jake's heart clenches. Because there's no answer to that.

There's no future for them in a world ruled by crowns and duty.

Jake steps forward, placing a hand over Sunghoon's. Their fingers barely brush, but the warmth lingers. "You can't fix this," he says softly. "Not without losing everything."

Sunghoon's throat bobs as he swallows. "If I lose you, then I've already lost everything."

Jake's breath stutters. He hates this-hates how much Sunghoon still has power over him, how a single sentence can make him want to forget reason entirely.

But he can't.

He lets go. Steps back.

Sunghoon's eyes widen, panic flickering behind them. "Jake-"

"I'm leaving," Jake says, his voice firm, though his heart is breaking. "And this time, don't try to stop me."

Sunghoon is silent, his entire body tense. But he doesn't move, doesn't reach out this time.

Because he knows.

Jake has already made his choice.

The moonlight spills through the palace windows, casting silver shadows as Jake turns and walks away.

And this time, Sunghoon doesn't chase him.

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Thank you

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14-03-25

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11:47 am

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Your Highness

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Parksimcafe2002

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