This was supposed to be much longer than it actually is. But I decided against putting this chapter as a Christmas special. So, this chapter is the aftermath of the Chae's birthday party. The next two chapters will be my Christmas and New Year present to you guys. 

ANYWAY THE SKZ REPLAY ALBUM IS OUT AND OH MY GOD, LEE KNOW, WHO HURT YOU!! limbo had me sobbing big time! AND PARADIGM! DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED! AND WE'RE GETTING A NEW COMEBACK SOON!!

ACTIVE CHECK 5:

Comment inline with SKZ Replay with your favorite Stray Kids and Ateez track this year + Your OC name/s.

SKZ Replay: 

With that being settled; LET'S GET THIS BREAD! and no, I am not getting Jeongin😂

"Can you please let go of my arm? Your nails are digging on my hand!" Yukiyo hissed trying to fight Jina's death grip. She didn't budge as she pulled the girl into a secluded part of the castle. "Jina, you're hurting her!" Chaewon called, jogging to keep up with the two girls. "Jina, stop hurting her and let's talk like sensible people!" Haeun finally ripped Jina's hands from Yukiyo's arm, where 5 tiny bruises had started oozing blood from the girl's nails breaking into her skin.

"What's your issue?!" Yukiyo hissed, glancing at the tiny bruises. "What were you doing with Felix?" Jina snapped, disregarding her question. "I was co-existing with him, what did it look like?" 

See Yukiyo isn't exactly the type of answer sarcastically but right now, her mind's too riled up to keep her annoyance in check. Seungmin had announced they were dating. Jina had gone all Godzilla on her for some reason and she's pretty sure, Sana has a thousands of questions for her. Questions to which, she doesn't have answers. 

"Cut the chase, Hamada!" Jina hissed. "You have a boyfriend and yet, you're all over Felix!" "Whoa! Whoa! Hold up right there Jina!" Haeun interjected before Jina could spout more rubbish. "What has gotten into you? She was just hanging out with me and mind you, she saved Felix's hard work. Where on Earth did you find her being all over him?" 

"Why was she soo close to him?" Jina stamped her feet like a child, her cheeks blazing. "Are being for real right now?!" Haeun clicked her tongue. "Like has Yuriko gotten into your head too much?" Yuriko who was silently watching the exchange now protested. "Hey! Where did that come from?!" Chaewon turned to shoot the younger a threatening glare which promptly shut her up. 

"I get it that you like him but instead of projecting your own insecurities on someone else, get a fucking grip and have the courage to hang around Felix more if you think that's what you deserve. Don't go around throwing rubbish at someone else just because you feel like shit!" 

Was it harsh? Yes, it was. But Jina needed that. She could be jealous but that was no way of dealing with her jealousy. "Just so you know, the Kingmaker hates this," Yuriko spoke up again. "What do you mean?" Jina asked, her eyes quivering. "I've done it before and faced her wrath. She said she won't be tolerating anything that tarnishes her, the Princes or our reputations. Man, she really scared the shit out of me that day!" 

Haeun glared at Jina before saying, "Take a minute and gather yourself. This isn't you Jina, so don't lose yourself." The youngest nodded before walking away. "I'll go with her," Yuriko took off behind her, essentially surprising the girls with her change in attitude. The talk with Sana really seemed to have made her into a more mature person. "You need something for that?" Chaewon asked, looking at Yukiyo's arm. "Nah, it'll heal by itself. Thanks though," 

"Don't thank us girl, Jina's young. So don't take it to heart. She's just jealous," Haeun gently patted her shoulder. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Yukiyo's heart dropped to her stomach at the voice. "Of course not, Seungmin-ssi," Haeun shook her head. "Haeun, I have said it once and I'll say it again. Seungmin is fine," He smiled at her. "Now, can I please borrow my girlfriend, please?" Chaewon giggled before gently nudging Yukiyo. "She's all yours," 

Seungmin softly laced their fingers together and lead them to a quiet place. "Are you fucking kidding me?!!" Yukiyo gasped, once she was alone with Seungmin. "Jeez, stop shouting! Someone could hear you!" Seungmin snapped back at her, his eyes looking uninterested. "Kim Seungmin, for shit's sake! That's what you are worrying about!?!" Seungmin huffed before looking her in the eye. "You agreed with this! Why are you freaking out right now?" 

"A freaking heads up would've been appreciated you self-centred jerk!" Seungmin glared daggers at the girl this time. "What's there to warn you about? It's not like we're announcing marriage yet!" He snapped, "Calm down and play along! Don't be such a hassle," The way he talked to her, made Yukiyo feel like she was 3 inches tall and the girl hated that feeling. It was something she'd never come to terms with. She huffed before grabbing the taller boy's shoulders and backing him against the nearest wall. 

Seungmin's soft cheeks felt like they'd been slammed with heat as he felt Yukiyo's torso brush against his. The tulle skirt of her dress brushed against the denim of his jeans and despite the t-shirt and the shirt he was wearing, he could feel her body heat through the sage green material of her dress.

"I agreed to this, true!" She snapped, her breath fanning over his jaw and lips. "But don't be under the impression that I'm going to let you tread all over me, Kim! I am not one of your maids so quit treating me like one! I don't take orders from anyone! So mind your manners!" 

The girl moved away from the Prince, her cheeks and eyes blazing due to the anger coursing through her veins. Seungmin noticed the tiny bruises on her arm at that specific moment and guilt coursed through him. He needed to treat her better if they were gonna take this role forever.

"Fucking jerk!" She mumbled under her breath, her eyes watering. "Yukiyo;" She heard him call behind her. "Yukiyo, please!" "Go away Seungmin!" "Listen!" The unexpectedly soft touch on her elbow startled her as he turned her around. "What are you-" She blushed in his hold. "I'm sorry," His words surprised her further. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have dropped that bomb on you. Just please don't get angry and tell everyone. I'm really sorry," 

The words were brushing over her head. Her mind was hyperactively aware of Seungmine's hand resting on her waist and the other cradling the back of her head. This wasn't the first time he'd touched her or even the first time they had hugged, but this one felt like a lot of things at once. The nostalgia, the familiar feeling of his frame, the warning signs going off in her brain and of course, the need to feel this feeling for eternity. Kim Seungmin had no idea what he was capable of doing to her. And by the looks of it, he wasn't going to go around figuring it out anytime soon. 

"I-It's alright, really! I just don't like it when people order me around." She spoke to his chest; blame her height. "I'll keep that in mind," He mumbled, and she could hear the smile in his voice. "Now look cheery Hikaru, here comes intrusion," He broke the hug and gently patted her hair. 

Yukiyo knew would've passed out with the mere sound of him calling her 'light' in Japanese, had she not seen her roommates come approaching. "Oh, would you look at that, Jjong!" Wave wiggled her eyebrows at Yukiyo. "It's our first couple," She nudged the girl playfully, prompting a large blush from the girl.

"Wave, leave her alone!" Jongho gently patted Yukiyo's head, an affectionate smile on his face. "She's gonna explode at this rate," Then he turned to Seungmin with a soft smile on his face. "Congratulations!" He extended his hand in a handshake, "She's a keeper,"  Seungmin nodded, shaking the boy's hand. And he almost quaked at how strong the grip around his fingers is. Choi Jongho was undeniably the strongest and it showed.

"That she is," Seungmin nodded, wrapping his arm around Yukiyo's small frame. For whatever reason it was, he felt quite territorial about the tiny girl beside him. Maybe it was the level of comfort Jongho had around her or maybe it was the smile on her face when he patted her head; Seungmin didn't care. He just knew he needed Yukiyo's attention zeroed on him and only him.

"Anyway, we were sent here to get you both back to the party, since dinner is served. So, be quick!" "We'll be right there," Yukiyo nodded. "You sneaky little shit! I should've guessed it was something like this when I saw you sneaking out at night!" 

"You're supposed to be asleep, Wave!" The girl blushed, naturally curling into Seungmin's arm. "Yeah, yeah, yeah!" Wave waved her off. "Be quick!" Linking her arms with Jongho, she walked back in the direction she came from. 

An awkward silence filled the air, prompting the two of them to look at each other. "Shall we?" Yukiyo asked, to which Seungmin started rummaging his pockets. "What?" She asked, as he brought out a small tub of vaseline. "Give me your arm," He asked. "It's fine, really!" She insisted. "I know it is. Just give me your arm," Yukiyo obeyed, allowing him to rub the substance on her bruises. "There, all done." Seungmin put the tub away before taking her hand in his. "Come on, Yukiyo," He pulled her along, ignoring the rising heat in his cheeks. They certainly progressed a little bit that day. From what to being what; that was yet to have a name. 

"Something on your mind, Wave?" Jongho asked Wave, well into the night. The party was well underway, everyone chattering and giggling whilst cheerful music playing in the background. "Yeah, well, Yukiyo and Prince Seungmin," Wave admitted, sipping her drink. "What about them?" He glanced at the couple, holding hands whilst they were engrossed in a conversation with Sana. 

"I don't know, honestly." She admitted, "I mean, he admitted in front of everyone but I feel like something's going on." Jongho nodded at her words. It seemed rather abrupt, their change in attitude. They went from not looking at each other to holding hands the entire time.

Anyone would get suspicious. "While I can't completely disregard your suspicions," Jongho put an arm around her, "I can assure you, Yukiyo will be fine," Wave looked up at her best friend. "How can you say so?" 

Jongho glanced back at Seungmin, who had his arm now around Yukiyo. Wave didn't see the glare he gave him when he patted Yukiyo's hair. Neither did she feel the grip on his hand when Seungmin shook his hand. The glares he gave her; Wave saw none of it. And Jongho knew he would do the same and more to a guy who dared to touch his girl in front of him.

"I just have a feeling Wave," Jongho smiled, ruffling her hair. "Jjong!" Wave protested, immediately fixing her hair. Jongho simply laughed before sitting down and wrapping his arm around her.  Someday, he'd tell her. That he understood Seungmin because that's how he felt about her. Someday.

"What's on your mind?" It was to put a finger on just what made him look so beautiful. He was a handsome man all the time, but this nightly atmosphere made him look unreal. And what were the odds that out of everyone on this open terrace, he came to her? 

"Nothing much," She shrugged, tucking a loose strand behind her ear. "The look on your face says otherwise," Yeosang kept his eyes fixated on the night sky. Yeseul wouldn't exactly blame him for not looking at her. After all, who could deny the beauty of the night sky sprinkled with millions of glittering stars and the perfect crescent moon as the centrepiece?

She was, in fact, conflicted about who she should look at. "What's going in that beautiful mind, Yeseul?" "A lot, Senior," The both of them broke into soft chuckles. Hearing her call him that, brought back too many memories.  "Do you want to tell someone?" Yeseul shook her head. "She looks happy," She glanced back at the young girl, now giggling. "But it's a lie." "As long as it doesn't hurt her," 

"You don't trust him, do you?" Yeosang asked, glancing at Seungmin's smile. How pretty and innocent was his smile. It surprised him, how this Prince of all people devised such a plan.

"No, I don't." Yeosang turned his eyes to the girl beside him and momentarily paused at the evening breeze playing with her midnight black hair. 

"But I trust Yukiyo. She'll be fine. And right now, they look nothing like a fake couple to me," 

Was Yeosang looking at her, still? Yes. But was he focusing on her words, anymore? No, he found it rather hard to focus on anything else but her. Gone was the two-braided girl who he'd seen back in the day. Gone were the chubby cheeks and hesitant eyes. Yeseul had always been beautiful. But the last time he saw her, she didn't know her own effect. Now, by the looks of it, she was aware of what she did to people by simply walking into the room. At least a little bit.

The way she tightened the belt in the waist of her paper-thin white shirt dress, the thigh-high black boots which showed the slightest skin on her thighs and the power in her stance told him well enough that she'd grown up into a beautiful woman who knew her worth. 

"That they don't, but who knows what could be going on in secret?" "Let's just see," 

They had unwantedly gotten into a very big secret. And found themselves tangled in each other once again. Yeseul found herself closer to him than he originally was. Had he moved closer or had she? Who cared? These two knew no matter what they did if they were around each other, they would inevitably come too close. They knew it then, they know it now. Yet, they chose to ignore the vines of events tangling them together. Which was dangerous, but they simply let it happen. Even though the last time they let their fates have their way with their hearts; it left both of them with empty hearts. 

"Oh man, why did my phone have to die now?" Jeeseun grumbled, leaving the party behind her. He was a party girl through and through and her phone dying had inconvenienced her the most. But then again, she couldn't live without the device so as much as she hated its timing; she treated it with the utmost respect.

"Why are all the lights turned off?" She exclaimed, being met with eerie stillness in the large ballroom. "I mean, why would they turn it on in the first place, everyone's upstairs!" She reasoned; also with herself. For those wondering, yes, Jeeseun did have a habit of talking to herself, when she was alone.

As someone who pretended to be mean; she was rather child-like when she was in her zone. She was smart and charismatic but she also made an effort to be mean to people. To drive potential toxic people away. God knows, Jeeseun had a fair share of toxic relationships in her life. 

She was mad at everyone around for seeing what she only did for 'show'. No one ever tried to see past that show. No one bothered trying to break through that little shell of mean attitudes and snarls. And while she kept up with her rude exterior, she wanted to someone to see her for herself. If the world was going to see her as a rude bitch, she'd keep on feeding on their fantasy. 

Whilst, secretly hoping someone would finally see through her shell. Wanting someone to break through her walls and get her out of a cage she made for herself.

"Where was the way to our rooms again?"  She looked around in the semi-darkness, not even realizing that she was walking in the complete opposite direction. "I think this is the way," She mumbled, entering the room opposite the staircase but she wasn't the one to know.

"Great, now where are the stairs?" She's not sure what happened after what but all she remembers is stepping on something that certainly wasn't the marble-tiled floor and then gravity pulling her down for a hug and an excruciating pain on her left ankle.

The scream that left would be perfectly described as a shriek as she face-planted on the floor, the side of her forehead hitting the floor with a sickening thud. Immediately Jeeseun's head started spinning and she would've passed out had another voice not made its presence known. 

"What the-" A voice said at a distance but as if she cared. "Fucking hell!" She hissed, barely being able to move due to the pain in her left foot and the sprain on her wrist. "Who's there?" A voice asked, right behind her. "Miss Korea 2025!" She snapped back, the pain and embarrassment putting her in bad mood. 

"What-! Who are-" A flash of light shined on her face and Jeeseun barely even held back from screaming bloody murder. Of all the people in the castle, he had to find her? It's like her luck hates her! "What are you doing down here?" He asked, looking utterly confused, whilst holding the phone flashlight to her face. "Birthing my 10th child," She gritted through her teeth. "What does it look like I'm doing you, minion?!!" 

"Sheesh calm down!" Hong Joong bent down. "Here let me help you," "No thank you, I find the floor rather comfortable," She pushed herself away from him. Jeeseun knew all too well that he was her only hope when it came to getting out of this situation but she was going to be stubborn. 

"Jeeseun, you can fight me all you want later but you're in no position to get yourself up and back to your room," "I'm very much capable of taking care of myself, thank you very much!" The girl snapped back, making Hong Joong sigh in impatience. "Okay fine! Then try standing up!" He challenged. 

Which, she couldn't. Her ankle was sprained, her wrist was no better and she felt light-headed. There was no way Jeeseun could collect herself and get herself upstairs. But was she going to admit that to Hong Joong? Oh hell nah!

"That's what I thought," He sighed. "Still won't let me help you?" Jeeseun simply avoided eye contact. "Lord why are you like this?!" He ran a hand through his hair, which honestly was hot but as if she was going to let him have that. Hong Joong simply stood up and walked to the door. Jeeseun panicked, almost crying out for his help. But before she could get a word out, the room shone with light. Oh so he'd gone to turn on the light, he wasn't leaving.

"Last chance, Jeeseun!" He came into her sight again. "No thanks," She stubbornly shook her head. Hong Joong pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed, "Don't say I didn't warn you," 

And Jeeseun really thought he left her here until she felt his arms lifting her up. She knows it was him because he was the only one around. No way she was secretly checking out those arm muscles and veins whilst talking to him. Nuh uh, not her.

"Great, you're bleeding!" The man scoffed, carrying her out of the room. "Who gave you permission to touch me again?" Hong Joong knew she was thankful by the way she wrapped her arms around his neck and held on for dear life! "You're a human in need and I'm someone who had manners installed in him since birth. I can't leave you alone in that state," He shrugged, climbing the stairs to her quarters.

"You could've just called someone," She offered, her voice lowering to a tired mumble. She had cracked open the skin of her forehead, she ought to pass out sometime or the other. "And leave you in there to develop a concussion? Yeah, no thanks," 

Hong Joong somehow couldn't bring himself to care about how the blood from her injury was staining the front of his shirt or how difficult it was to carry her up the stairs. All he cared about was getting her somewhere comfortable before he called for the doctor and her friends. Especially since she'd passed out by the time he laid her on the first bed he found. 

Along with Eun Kyung, Sana and Ryanne, Seonghwa and Changbin also came in to help. As the doctor tended to Jeeseun, Seonghwa suddenly pointed out the blood stain on Hong Joong's white shirt. "Oh yeah, that's from Jeeseun, I'm fine," He waved it off. "How'd she even have such a nasty fall?" Changbin looked at the older. "No idea, I was just about to get back upstairs but then I heard her screaming," "I see," "How'd you get blood in there?" Seonghwa questioned, pointing at the blood stain on his shirt. "I carried her upstairs," Hong Joong dared Seonghwa to question further. But instead the oldest just gave him a knowing look and walked downstairs.

The uncomfortable feeling in his chest did not subside even when he learnt that she was fine and would just have to stay off her feet for a day. Hong Joong was a kind man with perfect manners but he himself was surprised at the level of concern he had for this feisty girl.

Enough to go back into the room, unbeknownst to everyone, just to find out what tripped her. And sure enough, it was pair of black pumps that he knew all too well. "I can't believe she tripped herself that bad on her own shoes," He mumbled to himself, an amused smile etched on his lips. He remembered thinking how small her feet were when she first handed him the pair. He found her intriguing, cute and rather wounded. She was feisty and mean but instead of giving of the spoilt brat impression, Jeeseun gave off the impression of a wounded tigress.  

Like she wouldn't let anyone come close to her because she'd done that and learnt not to do it the hard way. Like despite being all mean and closed off, she was waiting for someone to break through her shell and really see her.

If what he thought was correct, then Hong Joong wanted to be the person who would break through her walls. Gently padding into her room, Hong Joong found her fast asleep, a small bandage on her forehead and a crepe bandage around her feet. He noticed that whilst asleep, he could actually see how relaxed and pretty her face is. He could see how much happiness suits her.

Shaking his head, he bent down to place the pair of shoes next to the bed, making sure to place them away from her feet, incase she tripped and hurt herself again. "Sleep well, Seun," He whispered gently, before quietly exiting the room. 

The next morning, Jeeseun woke up to her favorite pair of black pumps neatly sitting beside her bed side table with a note scribbled on them. And for some reason, it made her smile. 

With that action alone, Hong Joong chipped a little bit of Jeeseun's shell away from her.

THE CHAPTER HAS BEEN PUBLISHED!!!

There are certain chapters that don't really take much effort. This one's one of that kind.

Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter. I am very proud of myself for having started Yeosang and Yeseul's story. And why is it such a heart-constricting task?! Seungmin, what are you doing to our poor Yukiyo? Jongho and Sora! DO NOT GET STARTED! I WANT A JJONG! Or maybe even a Hong Joong! I mean, come on! The way he treats Jeeseun! I'm jealous😌

Which is silly because I wrote them. I need to get a reality check.

Edit to add: This chapter is for my beloved JJ0NG-OST We met through this applyfic and I'm glad we did. You're a good friend Jae, just wanted you to know that much.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this update. And I'll see you guys on the next one.

love

Fay❄️

23/12/2022