Trigger Warning

Attempted Sexual Assault. Please don't read if this is triggering in any way

Seonghwa woke up in his feeling uncomfortable. Extremely uncomfortable. His skin felt hot and the blankets on top of his body made it feel so much worse. He whined slightly and peeled his eyes open slowly, feeling exhaustion seep into his bones. Great, he's sick and he has jobs that he needs to do. He can't afford to be sick, especially this sick. He took a deep breath before sitting up, holding back a noise of pain as his entire body seemed to ache. He looked around the room to see most of the other beds empty. All the servants sleep in rooms together, not given much space but then again, they are servants. His room has 10 beds in it, with just enough room between them to walk. The only bed that wasn't empty was the one that Wooyoung was sitting in, tying up his shoes.

Wooyoung turned around when he heard some movement behind him, looking to see Seonghwa sitting up. It's weird for Seonghwa to sleep this late, but there's still a little while until it's mandatory for them to be awake, so he wasn't going to wake him just yet.

"Morning Hwa," he said, smiling softly. Seonghwa glanced over at the younger and tried to give him a small smile, but it came out more pained. Wooyoung frowned worriedly, noticing that Seonghwa seemed a bit off.

"You ok," he asked, walking over and sitting on the edge of his bed. Seonghwa sighed and nodded opening his arms for the younger. Wooyoung quickly moved forwards and fell into his arms, hugging him tightly. He sat up almost instantly though and placed his hand on Seonghwa's forehead. He gasped as he felt the heat radiating off his skin.

"Seonghwa, you have a fever," he said softly, brushing his hair back. Seonghwa let out a breath, leaning closer to Wooyoung and resting his head against his head.

"Hwa you're sick, you can't work today," Wooyoung said.

"I have to work Youngie, I'll be ok," Seonghwa said, shaking his head and sitting up. He quickly plastered a smile on his face, trying to hide how bad he really felt.

"You can't Seonghwa," Wooyoung said. He knows they aren't really allowed days off, but Seonghwa has a very bad fever and he doesn't think the day will end well.

"Wooyoung I'm Hongjoong's personally servant, I don't get days off. We don't get days off, I'll be fine," Seonghwa said.

"I'm just worried about you. I've got lots to do today, so I can't keep an eye on you," Wooyoung said, nibbling his bottom lip nervously.

"I'm fine Wooyoung, and I will remain fine," Seonghwa said firmly. Wooyoung sighed but nodded. His emotions have been all over the place since that night a few days ago so he's probably just overreacting.

"Ok. Just don't overdo it alright. I need to get going because I have to clean the rooms on the south side," Wooyoung said with a sigh.

"Go get working. I have to head up to our royal Highness's room in a bit," Seonghwa said. Wooyoung bit his lip one last time before giving Seonghwa a quick hug and leaving. Once Wooyoung was gone, Seonghwa let out a breath and relaxed, the exhaustion seeping back in. He stood up slowly, before bending down and reaching under his bed to grab pull his crate out. He grabbed a change of clothes and laid them out on his bed. He peeled his clothes off, chucking them down onto the bed before getting changed into the new clothes. His vision got blurry for a few seconds and he swayed slightly, just managing to steady himself on the side of his bed. He blinked a few times, his vision clearing once again and he breathed a deep sigh of relief. Today is going to be interesting. He slipped his shoes on and left the room, walking through the small hallway and into where it connected with the kitchen. People were already preparing different foods inside, most likely making peoples breakfast. He'd usually stop and have a slice of bread, but he really didn't feel like it right now, so he walked straight through. He made his way through the halls, his limbs feeling slightly heavy but he pushed forwards. When he got to Hongjoong's room, he knocked quickly. He waited a few seconds but received no answer, so he tried it once again. He waited another few seconds but there was still no answer so he concluded that Hongjoong was already out. He quickly opened the door and walked inside. As usual, Hongjoong's sheets were all over the place, the Prince never really knowing how to fix his bed. Or perhaps he's just never been bothered to, who honestly knows. Seonghwa sighed and walked over to the bed, getting to work fixing it up and making it nice again. It took him a little while and by the time he was finally finished, he was beginning to feel dizzy again and quickly sat down in the chair beside the bed. He rested his elbow on his thighs and dropped his head into his hands, groaning at the feeling. He rubbed the sides of his temples slightly before sitting back up. His clothes were beginning to feel uncomfortable once again and he grabbed the collar of his top, tugging at it to try and relieve some of the heat but it didn't help much. God, he's still got most of the day to get through, it's barely even started.

~~~~~

Seonghwa got about halfway through the day before things begun to get worse. His head was pounding and he was definitely burning up, his entire body feeling like it was on fire. He walked down the halls, stumbling slightly as his brain felt muddled and slightly fuzzy. He's beginning to think he should've taken Wooyoung up on the offer of sitting out the day. It's not really allowed, but he's never felt this sick and disconnected before. He's definitely going to need a lot of rest to get over whatever sickness this is. He groaned and stumbled slightly, leaning against the wall and taking a few breaths to steady himself.

"Hey. You there." Seonghwa blinked and lifted his head, turning to see someone walking over. A knight he's guessing, from the uniform.

"Are you ok," the Knight asked. Seonghwa sighed but nodded and moved from leaning against the wall.

"You don't look too good," the Knight pointed out.

"Truthfully I feel like I'm about to pass out," Seonghwa admitted. The Knight frowned, walked over and Seonghwa felt him place his hand on his forehead. His hand was cold and it felt relieving against his burning skin.

"Yeah, you feel pretty hot," the Knight replied, his eyes trailing over Seonghwa's body. Seonghwa sighed and nodded.

"You're a servant right," he asked. Seonghwa shifted slightly, feeling a little uncomfortable.

"Yeah," he said quietly.

"Alright, why don't I take you back to your room so you can get some rest," the Knight said. That sounds really good and inviting, but he has jobs to do.

"I can't, I have jobs I need get finished. You know, servant and all," he said quietly. His head spun slightly and he stumbled, only being held up by the knight who grabbed him quickly. God, he's just so tired right now, he feels like he's muscles are just going to give out soon.

"Come on, I'll take you to the room," the Knight said quickly. Seonghwa just nodded dizzily, his vision going blurry once again as he clung to the Knight beside him. The Knight helped him down the halls quickly and Seonghwa struggled to keep up but he stumbled with him. His skin still felt like it was on fire, but getting some rest will definitely help. He zoned out slightly, just focusing on keeping on his feet and following the Knight back to the room. He begun to focus back in slightly when he heard the door open. When he peeled his eyes back open, he blinked slightly in confusion. He didn't recognize the room he was in, which is odd because he cleans most rooms but this definitely wasn't the servants sleeping quarters. The door closed, leaving him and the Knight alone. Ok, this definitely seemed off to Seonghwa.

"This isn't my room," he mumbled.

"I know, but that's alright," the Knight replied. Before Seonghwa could react, the Knight grabbed his arm and pulled him over to the bed, flinging him back onto it. The quick movement made his vision black out slightly and his head spin, causing him to groan at the action.

"What're you doing," he asked when his vision came back, the Knight now standing beside the bed.

"Having some fun. Come on, you're a servant, I'm sure you do this a lot," the Knight shrug. Seonghwa's eyes widened slightly as he realised what he was implying.

"No. N-No I'm good," he said, trying to sit up quickly.

"It'll be fine," the Knight said, unclipping his belt and discarding his sword to the side. Seonghwa quickly tried to get up but got dizzy again and the Knight was quick to push him back down onto the bed.

"I don't want to, get the hell off me," Seonghwa growled, mustering up his strength to stop him from just collapsing in exhaustion. The Knight scoffed and shook his head.

"Please, all you servants do this. It's what you're for," the Knight said. Seonghwa was disgusted at his words but it shouldn't surprise him because this is what many people think.

"Go to hell. I don't do that kind of stuff," Seonghwa spat. He whimpered as there was a sharp sting on his cheek and he realised he had been slapped.

"Shut your mouth," the Knight spat. Seonghwa was beginning to feel more uneasy now. He originally thought the Knight was being kind and looking after him but it's clear now that there was a deeper intent there.

"Come on, why don't you strip for me," the Knight said.

"Piss off," Seonghwa scoffed. The man growled and grabbed Seonghwa's throat pinning him down on to the bed. Seonghwa whimpered and froze slightly, trying not to panic. He's been through this before, with Hongjoong. Hongjoong taught him how to handle this once.

***

"So if someone pins you down to the floor and has their hand around you throat like this," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa was pinned down to the floor, Hongjoong on top of him with the youngers hand resting on his throat.

"What I want you to do is drive your knee up, try to aim for just under the ribs or right into their side, right here," Hongjoong said. He directed Seonghwa's knee up so it rested just below his ribs.

"So just jab you there really hard," Seonghwa asked, pushing his knee further up. Hongjoong chuckled and moved away quickly.

"Yeah, really hard. As hard as you can and then run and find someone to protect you," Hongjoong said.

***

Ok, so knee them really hard in the ribs. That shouldn't be too hard right? Except he's half delirious from a fever and his muscles feel like jelly. Despite that, he did his best, driving his knee up and jamming it as hard as he could into the Knights side. The Knight groaned, his hand moving away as he was slightly winded. Seonghwa stumbled up slightly, hurrying to the door. He extended his hand to the doorknob but just before he could grab it, there was a hand in his hair and he was yanked backwards harshly. He screamed in shock and slight fear as he was once again flung onto the bed. He struggled slightly, trying to get away but he could barely move, his mind getting fuzzy. The Knight grabbed at Seonghwa's shirt, trying to drag it off over his head but Seonghwa managed to stop him, pulling it back down. It seemed like the Knight was getting impatient as he just grabbed the shirt and ripped it completely.

"Get off me," Seonghwa yelled trying to shove him off.

"Come on, you know you want it," the Knight said.

"Stop it. Help. HELP. HE-." Seonghwa was cut off as the Knight slapped him again and covered his mouth with his hand.

"Shut up you stupid peasant," the Knight growled. Seonghwa tried to shove him off once again but he was having trouble keeping his focus and gaining some energy. He won't be able to stop the Knight, not on his own. He just has to hope someone heard him yell.

~~~~~

"I just want to check on him Yunho. Wooyoung said he had a fever and wasn't feeling well," Hongjoong said.

"But Seonghwa told him he was fine," Yunho said as they strode down the halls.

"And you seriously believe that? Seonghwa never likes admitting when he's sick. He'll act completely fine until he collapses. I want to make sure he hasn't already collapsed," Hongjoong said. Yunho shrugged and nodded. That does sound a lot like Seonghwa so it wouldn't surprise him.

"What job is he supposed to be doing now," Yunho asked, trying to rake his brain.

"Making sure the paintings in the south halls are dusted," Hongjoong replied. Yunho looked at the Prince, raising an eyebrow. Hongjoong felt his stare and glanced over at him.

"What," he asked.

"You just know that off the top of your head," Yunho questioned him.

"Obviously. Seonghwa's my personal helper, it's good to know where he is at all times," Hongjoong said with a shrug.

"Uh huh," Yunho said, nodding slowly. Hongjoong just rolled his eyes and continued walking. Yunho can be a bit weird and confusing sometimes. They continued to walk down the halls but froze when there was a sudden scream. Well Yunho froze. Hongjoong instantly recognised the voice and starting sprinting down the halls. He's never heard him scream before and god does he never want to hear it again. He ran as fast as he could towards the direction, he heard the scream. He isn't quite sure where it came from exactly, but he's just hoping Seonghwa will yell again so he can pinpoint it.

"HELP. HE-." Bingo, but not a good bingo. Hongjoong quickened his pace before shoving his shoulder into the door of the room, smashing it open completely. There was a sharp pain in his shoulder, but he paid no attention to it when he saw what was happening. Seonghwa was on the bed, his face flushed as he whimpered and struggled, his top torn down the middle. Standing above him was a Knight that Hongjoong briefly recognised, pinning Seonghwa down. Hongjoong's blood boiled and rage flowed through his veins.

"You vile, disgusting piece of shit," he spat, running forwards and grabbing the back of his robe, yanking him backwards and off of Seonghwa. The Knight gasped, his face going pale at the sight of the Crown Prince. Hongjoong didn't even bother going for his sword. He reeled his arm back and put all of his strength into it as he punched the Knight square in the face. He heard a crack and the Knight cried out before he falling to the floor. Hongjoong knew he had most likely broken his nose but it wasn't enough. He dropped to the floor and continued to punch him, losing track of how many times he punched him. Seonghwa managed to find the energy to sit up slightly. He could hear thumping and whimpers of pain and he blearily looked over to see Hongjoong pinning the Knight down and punching him repeatedly. He didn't have to see Hongjoong's eyes to be able to picture the rage in them. If he didn't stop him now, he has no doubt in his mind that Hongjoong was going to kill him. There's a rule he sticks by, that no one hurts his family and get's away with it. And that doesn't just mean Yeosang because as he also says, family doesn't require blood.

"Y-Your H-Highness," he stuttered out. Hongjoong froze the minute he heard Seonghwa's voice, his head snapping up to look at the boy on the bed. He quickly let go of the unconscious Knight and stood up, hurrying over to Seonghwa. He was worried the older boy would get scared so he didn't get to close but Seonghwa held his arms out. He wanted the Prince close to him, someone he could hold and gain comfort in because his mind is still hazy and he needs something grounding. Hongjoong hurried forwards and hugged him tightly, sitting on the bed beside him. The top fell from Seonghwa's torso and Hongjoong clenched his jaw, holding Seonghwa tighter. There was sudden hurried footsteps and Hongjoong looked in the doorway to see Yunho. Yunho had been a few seconds later than Hongjoong to react but that was enough for the Prince to get a head start and lose him slightly, making it take longer for him to figure out the room. He was confused when he saw Hongjoong and Seonghwa hugging on the bed, but then he noticed the torn shirt and the Knight on the floor, putting two and two together.

"Take him to the dungeons and lock him up, cancel anything else I have on today," Hongjoong told him quietly. Yunho's heart broke slightly but he nodded, hurrying to the Knight and lifting him over his shoulder before pulling him from the room. Seonghwa's skin was burning under Hongjoong's hands and it seemed his earlier thoughts were right.

"You're sick Star," he whispered, rubbing the side of his head against Seonghwa's. Seonghwa sniffled and nodded, beginning to feel slightly overwhelmed but he clung onto Hongjoong to keep himself calm.

"S'too hot," he whimpered.

"Why don't we get you cooled down then, huh," Hongjoong asked softly. Seonghwa nuzzled his face into Hongjoong's neck, letting out a breath of relief at the coolness against his skin.

"You came," he whispered.

"What do you mean," Hongjoong asked in confusion.

"Didn't think anyone would hear me," Seonghwa said, shuddering slightly. Hongjoong's breathing hitched and he pulled Seonghwa closer, rubbing his back softly.

"I'm going to take you to my room. Are you ok with that Star," Hongjoong asked softly. It took a few seconds for Seonghwa to make sense of what he was saying before he nodded.

"Please Joong," he whispered. Hongjoong nodded and gently pulled Seonghwa up, holding him steady when he swayed slightly. He glanced around the room, looking for any shirts or clothing that Seonghwa could use to cover his upper body, given that his top was torn. There was a robe thrown over a chair and he quickly shuffled over, grabbing it before wrapping it around Seonghwa quickly. Seonghwa shivered and sniffled, allowing Hongjoong to pull his arms into the sleeves and tie the robe up.

"Come on Star, let's go," Hongjoong said softly. Seonghwa stumbled and fell into Hongjoong, his vision blurry before going black.

"Shoot, Seonghwa," Hongjoong gasped, tightening his grip around him and holding him steady. Seonghwa whined slightly, scrunching his hands in Hongjoong's robe to keep grounded as his vision slowly came back into focus.

"Sorry," he whispered.

"Don't be, you haven't done anything wrong," Hongjoong said softly, running his fingers through his hair softly.

"Are you ok to move," he asked quietly. Seonghwa nodded to him and so Hongjoong begun moving slowly. He kept an arm around Seonghwa's waist and allowed the older to keep his head rested on his shoulder. Hongjoong kept his pace slow, understanding that Seonghwa wasn't feeling well and was a bit unsteady. He heard footsteps down the hall and he froze, looking around quickly for a place to go but there was nowhere. He could only stay where he was, holding Seonghwa with his heart pounding as someone turned the corner. It was another Knight Maddox. Hongjoong watched as Maddox stopped, eyes raking over the two of them and he held Seonghwa tighter. Seonghwa was too out of it to even realise they had stopped. It was quiet for a few seconds, Hongjoong just praying Maddox would continue on and look the other way and doesn't threaten Seonghwa's life.

"Is he ok? He looks like he's barely standing," Maddox said, walking over to them. Hongjoong let out a breath he didn't realise he was holding.

"He's sick, got a high fever," Hongjoong said. Maddox walked over and placed the back of his hand gently on Seonghwa's forehead. Hongjoong clenched his hand slowly, stopping himself from slapping Maddox's hand away.

"Why's he wearing Soonwon's robe? I'm pretty sure it's his anyway," Maddox asked, looking over Seonghwa. Hongjoong pulled Seonghwa closer, holding him tighter as he thought about what happened.

"Because Soonwon tried to have his way with him in his room while he was barely conscious because he's got a fever," Hongjoong said darkly. Maddox's face dropped and he frowned angrily.

"Has he been dealt with," he asked quietly.

"Yunho's taking him to the dungeons, I will deal with him more later," Hongjoong replied.

"I assume you're taking him to your room," Maddox said, nodding down to Seonghwa.

"I am," Hongjoong said slowly.

"Do you want some help," Maddox asked. Hongjoong let a small smile flit onto his face, appreciating Maddox's kindness.

"Please," he said quietly. Maddox nodded and moved forwards, moving Seonghwa's other arm to lay over his shoulder to help him along. Together, the two of them quickly took Seonghwa to the Prince's room.

"Thank you for your help Maddox and can yo-."

"I won't tell anyone Your Highness. Seonghwa's a good person, his status shouldn't define him. Just look after him," Maddox said. Hongjoong nodded and Maddox walked off quickly. Hongjoong opened the door to his room and helped Seonghwa inside, gently laying him on his bed. Seonghwa felt his back hit a bed and he panicked, his mind flashing back to earlier. His eyes shot open and he sat up quickly, his breathing quickening slightly.

"Star, shh, it's ok. I'm here, it's Joong," Hongjoong said, hugging Seonghwa quickly. It took Seonghwa a few seconds to get his bearings and realise he was now in Hongjoong's room. Nothing will ever happen to him in Hongjoong's room and certainly not when Hongjoong is there. He breathed a sigh of relief, letting his eyes slip closed as the exhaustion set back in once again. Hongjoong gently lowered Seonghwa down so he was laying back on the bed once again. He gently moved a hair from Seonghwa's face, watching as the elder's eyes remained closed and he breathed evenly. He looks pretty when he's like this, just relaxing, somewhere he can let go and feel safe. He placed his hand on Seonghwa's forehead, tsking at the heat that still radiated from there. He had read once in a book that having a very high fever could be dangerous for someone and they should make sure to get it down. He bit his lip nervously, cupping Seonghwa's cheek and rubbing it softly as he tried to think of a way to get Seonghwa's fever down. Seonghwa felt a nice coolness against his cheek and quickly turned his head closer into it. Hongjoong smiled softly, and gently ran his thumb in circles on his cheek, relaxing Seonghwa further. Perhaps a bath would help, a cold bath. Hongjoong remembers reading somewhere that cold water would help. He quickly let go of Seonghwa and rushed into the bathroom, starting the water and putting in the plug. He waited as it filled up before stopping the water once again, going back out to Seonghwa. Seonghwa hadn't moved from the bed, laying still where Hongjoong had left him. Hongjoong went over to his cupboard and grabbed out a change of clothes, taking them into the bathroom and placing them down. He then went back out to Seonghwa and shook him gently.

"Star, I need you to get up for me," he said. Seonghwa groaned and shook his head, not moving.

"Come on, I need to try and get your fever down," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa's eyes slipped open, looking up at Hongjoong and Hongjoong frowned worriedly. The older boys eyes were glazed over slightly, showing the fever was getting worse.

"Alright, come on. Time to get up," Hongjoong said, slipping his arms under Seonghwa's armpits and picking him up. Seonghwa whined and clung to Hongjoong, allowing him to pull him into the bathroom and sit him down on the edge of the bathtub. He untied the robe and pulled it off Seonghwa, chucking it to the side. Hongjoong's appreciation for Seonghwa has definitely grown, if this is what he has to deal with a lot when looking after him.

"Come on, I need you to get in the bathtub Seonghwa," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa didn't move, barely even registering the words. Hongjoong sighed before wrapping his arms around Seonghwa's waist and slowly and gently lowering Seonghwa into the water. The minute Seonghwa's body went into the water, he felt shock flow through it. The water was cold, a stark contrast compared to the heat he previously felt in his body. He cried out and begun to struggle slightly, trying to get out.

"Seonghwa, you need to stay in," Hongjoong said quickly, holding him down.

"No, no it's cold. I wanna get out, let me out," Seonghwa said. Hongjoong felt bad at having to do this against Seonghwa's wishes, not liking how he was whining and struggling.

"I need to help you Hwa. You have a very high fever, this will help it," Hongjoong said.

"I wanna get out," Seonghwa said, beginning to sob as the cold water continued to chill him. Hongjoong sighed before quickly shrugging off his robes and lowering himself into bath as well. He shivered slightly at the cold but brushed it off and turned his attention back to Seonghwa who was still sobbing.

"Come here. Come on, cuddle up to me," he said softly, manoeuvring them around and pulling Seonghwa against him. Seonghwa shivered and cuddled up to Hongjoong, resting his head on his shoulder and curling into his side. It reminded him of a few nights ago, when they slept in the bath to keep each other company. Seonghwa tucked his head into Hongjoong's neck, sniffling slightly as he begun to calm down. Hongjoong smiled softly, turning his head and delicately placing a gentle kiss to his cheek. Seonghwa let out a breath and cuddled closer to Hongjoong. He just continued to hold Seonghwa quietly, waiting for his temperature to cool down slightly, ignoring the slight shivers wracking his own body.

"You're going to get sick yourself Hongjoong," Seonghwa said quietly, breaking the silence after a little while. Hongjoong smiled and rested his head against the other's.

"If I do it's fine. You had a very high fever and you were really out of it so I just wanted to be sure," Hongjoong replied. Seonghwa nodded before sighing, knowing that Hongjoong was right in what he did.

"It's definitely gone down a bit, we can get out now," Seonghwa said quietly, turning his head to look at Hongjoong. Hongjoong glanced at him as well and Seonghwa blushed, turning his head away quickly from how close they were.

"Why do you always do that," Hongjoong asked, resting his chin on Seonghwa's shoulder.

"Do what," Seonghwa asked with a sigh.

"Get all flustered and look away," Hongjoong said, studying the other.

"I'm freezing here, can we please get out now," Seonghwa asked, dodging the question.

"Yeah, come on," Hongjoong said, moving around and helping them both up. He stepped out of the bath and quickly wrapped Seonghwa up in his fluffy towel the minute he stepped out. Seonghwa shivered and accepted the towel, wrapping it tighter around himself.

"Give me a second, I just have to grab myself some clothes," Hongjoong said. He left the bathroom and got a change of clothes before returning. He pulled off his top and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around himself. He glanced at Seonghwa, noticing that he seemed tired, his eyes drooping slightly. Hongjoong stepped closer to him and wrapped an arm around his waist, just in case something happened. He didn't wanted Seonghwa to accidentally get hurt. Seonghwa sighed and moved even closer, resting his head down on Hongjoong's shoulder tiredly. Hongjoong rested his head against Seonghwa's happy to find that his forehead wasn't as hot anymore. The cold bath clearly helped.

"Let's dry off and get changed so we can get you to lay down," Hongjoong said softly. Seonghwa nodded and stepped back. Hongjoong made quick work of drying them off and getting them changed, Seonghwa just standing tiredly and allowing Hongjoong to help them. Once they were done, Hongjoong gently grabbed Seonghwa's hand and pulled him over to his bed, lifting him up and helping him under the sheets. Seonghwa relaxed at the comfort of the bed, grabbing Hongjoong's hand and pulling him onto the bed as well. Hongjoong chuckled and slipped under the blankets as well, opening his arms and allowing Seonghwa to settle between them again. Seonghwa let out a breath and slipped his arm around Hongjoong's waist, resting his head on his chest.

"Thank you Joong," he whispered.

"You're sick. I'd be a pretty bad friend if I didn't look after you," Hongjoong said. Seonghwa chuckled and shook his head.

"No, I mean for earlier. For stopping him," Seonghwa said quietly. Hongjoong frowned, his arms tightening around his friend protectively.

"Did he, hurt you. Did he do anything to you before I got there," Hongjoong asked him softly.

"No, he didn't. Well, he slapped me and pulled my hair, but nothing permanent," Seonghwa whispered. Hongjoong held back a growl and tugged him closer. Soonwon slapped him?

"Are you ok? Did it hurt bad," Hongjoong asked worriedly.

"I'm fine, I've had worse before trust me," Seonghwa said with a sigh.

"I'm sorry I wasn't there earlier, before he hurt you," Hongjoong whispered, lifting his hand to brush his fingers through Seonghwa's hair.

"It's fine Joong. You can't stop everything," Seonghwa said, nuzzling his nose into Hongjoong's neck.

"I wish I could," Hongjoong said with a sigh.

"I know you do," Seonghwa said softly, his breath brushing against Hongjoong's neck.

"Do you feel safe now," Hongjoong asked him worriedly.

"Obviously. There's nowhere safer for me than with you my Prince," Seonghwa said, making Hongjoong giggle.

"I'm not sure that's true, but I'm glad you feel safe with me," Hongjoong said happily.

"I feel safe with all of you, with my family," Seonghwa whispered. Hongjoong smiled happily, leaning down and pressing a kiss to Seonghwa's forehead. Seonghwa's heart fluttered and he relaxed completely against Hongjoong, his eyes slipping closed as he was hit with another wave of exhaustion.

"Get some sleep," Hongjoong whispered, holding him closely. Seonghwa nodded and begun to drift off, feeling safe and warm.

"Love you," Seonghwa murmured, bordering the edge of sleep. Hongjoong froze and turned his head down, looking at Seonghwa's peaceful face. The two of them have known each other for years, practically grew up with each other, just like Yeosang and Wooyoung but they rarely express their gratitude and connection through those words.

"I love you too Star," he whispered.

A/N

Here is chapter 9 everyone, I hope you enjoyed it

We got to see some protective Hongjoong and in future chapters we may get to see it more, as well as the others being protective. Let me know what you though

Thank you for reading everyone!!