San is more than relieved when he opens his eyes for the first time after he sleeps and finds himself surrounded by those familiar colourless trees again. Their leaves sway in the breeze as birds cackle overhead, their chirps musical to his ears.

San stands, a little unsteady in his boots, and looks down at himself. He's dressed in this deep velvet tunic that grazes his ankles, with a cloak that he soon pulls over his head. Gia had also tucked his hair into a long dark wig just to be safe, the tresses spilling over his shoulders and tickling his neck.

San glances at the watch hidden in his sleeve, and realizes it's just after 9PM in his world. The skies here are clear, maybe a little grey, so it must be earlier in the morning at the kingdom of Solarisa.

A branch snaps right then, quickly drawing San's attention to the right. Breaths bated, San stands behind a tree in case it's a wild animal or something. He really hopes it isn't, because Wooyoung is who he needs to see right now.

Footsteps stomp against the clearing, leaving the crunch of dying leaves in their wake. All of a sudden, an arrow shoots past San's head, slamming into the thick trunk of a nearby tree.

San's breath hitches, loud enough the the footsteps abruptly stop. Oh fuck.

"Who's there?" The person asks, and San immediately feels the tension in his shoulders loosening.

"It's me," he exhales, heart still thumping like mad at being so close to death. "It's San."

A pause, and then a slew of mumbled curses commence. "Oh Ynita, I think I almost injured you."

San steps away from his tree, hands up in surrender. Up ahead is Wooyoung, the elf prince hurriedly shoving his arrows back into their bag. His tunic is black and similar to San's, long sleeved enough to cover up his tattoos.

Once Wooyoung spots San, he halts, studying the shorter's new appearance. His face gets all distracted and dazed, the bow in held awkwardly in his hand all but forgotten about. "San...?"

San doesn't know why, but he gets shy right then, an all encompassing heat pulsing in his chest. He feels so warm. "Hey. Um, it's nice to see you today."

"W-Why are you dressed like this?" Wooyoung asks, a bit of a stammer to his voice. "Is this your true form that you have been hiding from me?"

"Nah," San shakes his head. "This is a disguise."

"Disguise?"

San steps closer until he and Wooyoung are only a couple centimeters from each other. "I need you to do something for me."

Wooyoung, gaze having already fallen on San's lips, quickly meets his eyes. He blinks, coming back to reality. "Something for you?"

San rubs the back of his flushed neck, choosing to ignore the fact that the elf had been so obviously staring at his lips. He looks around them, realizing that Yeosang is nowhere to be seen.

"I decided to wake up earlier than usual today so I won't be followed," Wooyoung states when he notices San's actions. "I wanted to hunt to clear my head, so that is why I brought my arrows. I certainly hadn't expected you to grace me with your presence this morning, but it is greatly appreciated."

San nods, freaking out a lot on the inside since he and Wooyoung are alone here right now. Focus, San. He clears his throat, then pulls out a paper from his pocket. "Remember this? Don't worry, I traced over your drawing so I didn't rip out the page."

Wooyoung's brows furrow as he stands right next to San to see the image better. Their close proximity has San in shambles, especially when all it would take to get them to kiss was for the handsome elf to turn his face to the side.

Focus, San. Again.

"This is the Gonjl flower," Wooyoung says, voice all soft and contemplative. It really doesn't match his face at all, which is all hard angles and intense gazes, but it just adds a lot more to his charm.

"Yes, and you said it can only be grown here right?" San asks him.

"That is the truth. It's grown and harvested here, and it is only our people that can brew and ingest it without it becoming like a poison in our bodies," Wooyoung replies. His blue eyes are concerned when they glance over at San. "Why do you ask?"

"I saw them in my world," San confesses. "Earlier today at school. Humans aren't supposed to be exposed to them, but one came in contact with them and something bad happened." He folds the paper and tucks it back into his pocket. "He's friends with Yunho, the prince from the northern kingdom, and we suspect that there is someone that got the flowers from here and brought them over to where Yunho is in order to harm him, just like they're doing to the other elves in his kingdom."

Wooyoung's expression turns serious. "Do you suspect that my family has something to do with this?"

San instantly shakes his head. "No, Wooyoung. I trust you. But I need to find out who's using the flowers for bad purposes. I need to see if they're being sold at the merchant ports, so Yunho can remain safe. So his people can be safe."

At this, Wooyoung's jaw tenses, but it isn't in anger, but like he's battling with something on the inside.

"Selling Gonjl flowers at the ports would be illegal. I have also never gone there before without my guards," he mutters, eyes narrowed at the ground. Then like a switch has been flipped, he's adjusting his bow and flipping through the arrows as if he's counting them. Then, he puts everything into the same bag. "But, you are here and you are dressed like one of mine for a reason. And you need my help, so I shall deliver."

You're dressed like one of mine. San pretends he isn't affected by those words. "Thank you."

"No problem," Wooyoung smiles, his pretty fangs making an appearance. "And, I remember you talking about a... school. Yunho is in the human world, isn't he? And you are also a human?"

San nods. "Yes, although I am still not sure why I can communicate through my dreams with you."

"Maybe you are destined to be with me?" Wooyoung suggests to San's utmost shock.

"D-Destined?" San's mouth nearly drops to the ground, while the elf guffaws, his grin wide and bright. Cheeky bastard.

"What? It could be true," Wooyoung says, before holding his loose hair and and tugging it into a secure braid. San can only look on, nothing short of entranced. "Maybe I was meant to be your man."

Wow. San's brows jump. "How old are you?"

"Seven and ten years old, but I shall become a year older in two weeks," Wooyoung answers, confirming San's suspicions about his age.

Then, Wooyoung rips some fabric from his tunic, leaving inches of his forearm exposed. He tears another, all of this confusing San greatly. It's also very hot oh my god.

"Masks, to cover our faces when we get there," Wooyoung explains as he stretches out the pieces of fabric. "Because as soon as it is discovered that I am the prince and that I entered a place like that, the palace guards will be called in no time. And my mother will be very displeased."

San tries imagining this super confident and courageous elf cowering at the sight of his mum, and it's funny enough that it makes him laugh.

"What is it that is so amusing?" Wooyoung asks, tilting his head to the side.

And San, feeling heaps more brave, walks in and gently cups Wooyoung's face with his palm.

"Nothing," he begins. "You're just really cute right now."

Wooyoung's face turns hot, hot enough that San fears the prince has caught a fever. Red colours his ears and cheeks, making him look a little like a tomato. "Cute?" He questions, trying to sound composed. "I am dashingly handsome, not cute."

San grins, and it's Wooyoung's turn to look enamoured by him. In fact, he looks absolutely smitten. "You are cute. But, I guess you're handsome too."

"Dashingly handsome," the elf corrects.

"Dashingly handsome," San chuckles, then steps away before he does something so stupidly impulsive that would very much mess up his plans. "...We should start going now."

"Of course," Wooyoung says with a clear of the throat, adam's apple bobbing. "Your time here is limited, after all."

San dislikes how much those last words bother him, but he doesn't let it show. He allows Wooyoung to lead the way out of the forest, checking his watch during the journey. It's after ten now, and he gulps, hoping they finish this on time.

The sky is a faint yellow when San follows Wooyoung out of the abundant forest. It's a little disorienting at first, San having to blink a bit to get his eyes used to his surroundings.

"We will have to walk a bit more to get to the town square, which will not be as busy now because it is still quite early," Wooyoung explains, close enough that San can smell this pleasant citrus scent he emits.

"Okay," San replies, smoothing down the fabric of his tunic. It isn't ruffled or anything, yet he feels like if he isn't careful, he will quickly be discovered as an imposter.

"Do not be nervous," Wooyoung encourages next to him, his cerulean blue eyes regarding him so tenderly. "People will watch, not because it is obvious that you came from another world, but because you are beautiful."

San's ears grow incredibly warm. "Stop."

Wooyoung panics. "I am sorry, San. I was just saying the truth -- "

"I'm not mad," San quickly clarifies. "I was just...shy, I guess."

At this, Wooyoung's frown transforms into a full-fledged grin, the kind that has San's stomach flopping over due to how breathtakingly gorgeous he looks with it.

San doesn't know what to expect when they arrive at the town square, but he's still floored by what he sees regardless.

Colour. There's so much of it that it overpowers San's vision at first because he has no idea what to look at first. Purples and reds and striking oranges fill the roads, every elf that passes right then wearing a variation of these colours with all sorts of jewelry decorating their limbs or faces.

The houses are squared and seem to shimmer, big, vivid flowers and olive leaves entwined into their windows and sprinkled over the roofs. It looks as though San's just stepped into a tropical paradise that fills his senses with so much contentment.

"It's pretty, isn't it?" Wooyoung asks next to San, and it's then San notices that the elf's face is still uncovered, which makes it clear that the public don't know how he looks like.

"Everything is," San agrees, marveling at the sight. He watches as two female elves pass them by, their long lilac dresses a swirl of colour that clashes with their braided dark hair.

"You are not talking about the two ladies that have just passed, are you?" Wooyoung starts, lips pursed. "Because they are both married."

San watches the prince and can't help but laugh at his pouty expression. "Good god, Wooyoung. I don't like them like that. I am just admiring this beautiful town."

Wooyoung's pout drops, giving way for something that resembles embarrassment. He scratches his cheek, staring elsewhere.

San can't quell his amusement as he and Wooyoung continue heading into the town and eventually coming across the marketplace. It's a colossal gathering of various elves, sellers and customers alike as they exchange fabric, goods and even things that look like San could eat. But he can't, though, because he and Wooyoung are on a very important mission that he can't afford to get distracted on --

"Two golden snyrs, please," Wooyoung's voice is heard right then, the prince currently addressing a vendor that has an array of delicacies spread out on the counters.

San's eyes widen in surprise. "Wooyoung -- "

The elf has already paid, dropping a sparkling coin into the vendor's awaiting hands. The man is giddy as he tells him to keep the change, before handling a tall swirly pastry that is covered with heaps of berries over to San.

"When else will I ever get the chance to bring you here again?" Wooyoung says to a bewildered San. "I need to impress you."

San's heart skips a beat, and he tries to ignore it by taking a bite out of the 'snyr' in his hand. It's especially delicious, making his tastebuds sing.

"You like it?" Wooyoung asks him, which he nods vigourously at. Wooyoung grins at this, and then he's wrapping an arm around San's waist, causing the human to startle. "Come on, let us get going."

With Wooyoung flush against his side, San has trouble concentrating on anything. He eats more of his golden snyr while the elf guides him through the crowds, his grip firm and secure the entire way there. The food is delicious, and by the time they make it into another side of the spacious marketplace, San has already finished off the second snyr.

"We're nearing the merchant ports," Wooyoung whispers into San's ear. "So we will have to cover our faces soon."

San nods, unable to calm his racing heartbeat. He spares a glance at his watch, anxiety pumping in his veins when he sees that it's now past one in the morning.

"What is it?" Wooyoung asks him, pulling him away.

"I'm being timed right now," San replies, showing the watch to Wooyoung. The elf looks as it as if he's just seen the dead come back to life, and it would've been extremely hilarious if not for the fact that he has to be back before the afternoon.

"If I'm not there by noon, this human organisation that specializes in helping otherworldly creatures will enter this kingdom to come for me, and it won't be pretty," San adds, and Wooyoung frowns at this.

"It might cause a war," Wooyoung grimaces. "The palace does not take kindly to intruders."

Crap. San does not want to experience that in his lifetime. "Let's go."

Wooyoung starts moving and so San follows, and the more distance they cover, the less people there are on the roads. They cross a cobblestoned pathway, and San spots a hoard of buildings that face a crystalline sea. There are no boats present, however, which San supposes is a good thing. That is, if the perpetrators haven't left already.

"We are lucky we came earlier," Wooyoung begins, already pulling out the lengthy pieces of frabic that will substitute as masks. "And I almost didn't want to come here today. I guess we really do have a special connection."

San hates how easy it is for Wooyoung to get him all flustered and shy, and judging by the wide smirk gracing the prince's lips right then, he knows it too. "Just give me the mask."

"Your wish is my command," Wooyoung hands him the cloth.

San ties it over his nose and Wooyoung does the same, his blue eyes somehow more fascinating now.

"Come on." Wooyoung motions San to follow, clutching his bag of weapons tight as they pass a stable where a bunch of chained horses are gathered. San detests seeing them like that, but he knows he has no time to waste.

The first building they come across is majorly empty, the elves they do see paying them no mind as they carry bags around.

"How will we know which one has the most likely chance of having Gonjl flowers in there?" San asks Wooyoung, already more than self-conscious here even when no one has uncovered his and Wooyoung's identities yet. Unlikely the town square, here has a noticeable absence of colour, the chilly air carrying a slightly fishy scent. "Does your kingdom trade plants in general, or perhaps...herbs?"

"Herbs..." Wooyoung looks down in thought, and then he's pointing at one of the buildings on the upper half. "I've been there before with my mother, and she came to oversee that the spices were in good condition."

San is totally silent as they step through the large stone doors, a multitude of merchant elves scurrying about with bundles on their backs. Wooyoung passes them with ease only someone of a high ranking would have, and San tries to copy his confidence even though he knows he's probably failing miserably.

"Up," Wooyoung murmurs, and then they're walking up the multiple steps, the flickering torches on the walls lighting the hallways.

By this time, they're starting to gain a few stares, and San feels the hairs at the back of his neck stand on end when a tall, muscular elf stationed beside another doorway looks down at them.

"Common folk are not allowed past the premises," he states, his big arms crossed over his chest.

San panics, but Wooyoung just steps forward and gestures at the gleaming circular emblem stitched on his left chest. In an instant, the huge elf drops his arms and ducks his head.

"I am honoured by your presence, my lord," he says. "Please, you may enter."

San is more than confused when Wooyoung promptly pulls him in, letting out something like a... snicker?

"What just happened there?" San questions, keeping his voice hushed.

"Sometime in the past I got Yeosang to get these emblems stitched in some of my apparels, as he quite enjoys sewing in his free time. Lords usually have them, and they're not easy to buy without raising suspicion."

"So they're fake."

"Yes." Wooyoung rounds a corner, the area more silent than the rest. The orange flames of the torch cast eerie shadows on the ground, and San's breath gets caught in his throat at the two masked men that enter a room right then.

Wooyoung grabs him and tugs him behind a pillar, shielding them both while the prince observes the men.

"I have never seen them before," Wooyoung says, "and their clothing does not look like the merchants who trade herbs and spices. It's too...inconspicuous."

"We need to get closer," San whispers to him, which Wooyoung's eyes widen at. "What? Is it too risky?"

"No. I like it," Wooyoung replies, and although San can't see the entirety of the elf's face, he knows he's smiling.

Before they can do anything, however, the same men exit the now closed room, two large sacks of something in their grip. San figures they might just be regular herbs and spicies, but they way they move is all sorts of suspicious, their eyes darting everywhere like they're expecting to get jumped.

San inhales a deep breath, then pats Wooyoung on the chest. "Wooyoung, get your arrows ready."

Wooyoung's eyes expand. "What are you trying to do?"

"I need to know what's in that room, and we can't let those guys get away either. When I call you, you shoot," San hurriedly explains, posture already straightened. He prepares to leave, but Wooyoung grabs his arm.

"I do not know how exactly to say this in a human way, but, I think you are being very rad right now."

San forces down the laugh that nearly escapes his mouth right then, and then he's slipping away from the pillar. The men immediately spot him, their broad frames rather intimidating.

San makes his gait a lot more natural as he draws closer to them. Be cool. You got this, San, he tells himself over and over.

"Greetings," he starts, forcing his voice to be lower than usual. "I was told the room behind us is trading Gonjl flowers, and I came because I am quite interested in buying some."

The men don't reply, their eyes blank. It's only when San tries side-stepping them that they move to block him, and that's when San smells it; that particular honeyed scent that immediately brings him back to that moment Wooyoung had helped him through his anxiety attack.

San doesn't hesitate to grab the nearest bag, an impulsive spark of courage that spills bright purple flowers over the ground. He's being seized by one of the men in no time, the other starting to run.

"Woo!" He yells, and straight away an arrow pierces through the chest of the one who nearly escapes, the masked man letting out a pained yelp as he falls.

Wooyoung prepares to shoot another arrow, but the man that grabbed San presses a cold knife to his neck, chilling him to the bone.

"Shoot, and he dies," the man threatens, voice all raspy and accented, and San realizes that it was really fucking stupid of him to get so close to these men in the first place. And now, he's gonna risk dying like a dumbass.

Wooyoung tentatively lowers his bow, eyes shrouded in horror at the weapon pushed against San's jugular.

Their gazes meet, and San pleads with his eyes to keep his grip on his arrow. He doesn't know if Wooyoung gets it, but it doesn't matter because right away San yanks down his mask and chomps into the man's arm. Hard.

The man growls in agony as the knife falls, but San doesn't stop biting even when a his head sustains a rough blow. An arrow quickly whizzes straight into the hand that hit him, blood spewing through like a hose.

Wooyoung shoots another arrow that slams into the man's shoulder, getting him incapacitated.

San's face is held right then, Wooyoung's gaze darting over his features in worry, mask already discarded.

"S-San, are you okay?" Wooyoung questions, his eyes glistening with tears. "Please tell me that you're okay."

San nods, even though half his face feels hot and hurts like a bitch. "Yeah, I am. It's okay, Woo."

The tears stream down Wooyoung's face, surprising San immensely. "I -- I thought I was going to lose you, San. I thought you would die."

San swipes his thumb over the prince's cheeks to dry them, heart aching so bad at seeing him like this. "But I'm not dead. I'm here, Wooyoung. I'm here for you."

Wooyoung sniffs, his breaths shaky. He grasps San's hands like a lifeline, eyes as blue as a perfect, cloudless sky when he stares right at him.

His lips are really freaking soft when San kisses him at that moment, trembling and unsure in the way that betrays his inexperience. But that's okay, because this is San's first kiss too.

San's chest is overwhelmed with warmth when Wooyoung hastily intensifies the kiss, movements dictated by pure passion.

Voices echo down the halls then, and a door opens. San turns and sees a third person trying to get away from the very same room, and he doesn't know how he does it in his dazed state, but he manages to grab a sack and knock the guy out with it.

"Did...did you just strike a man into unconsciousness?" Wooyoung asks, voice all breathless.

"I did."

"Tell me San, why do I find that so attractive?"

"I have no idea," San grins, still in disbelief that all that has happened thus far. "But thank you."

By now, the voices have drawn closer, but Wooyoung's determined gaze keeps San's worries at bay. He's going to rectify this, San realizes. He's going to make things okay.

And San believes it wholeheartedly.

• • •

a/n: sorry for taking so long to update, im just not that ok atm :/