Work Text
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Setting: ancient china. (It is what it is)
Main character: Jeong taeui.Male leads: Xinlu and Ilay.
Ps: first fanfic, do not judge if it’s cringe. English isn’t my first language so errors do occur, please bear with me.
! I do not write smut if it’s not needed !
===*But I love you so (please let me go)I love you so (please let me go)I love you so (please let me go)I love you so*
[listen to ‘I love you so’ by The Walters.]
No matter how sweet or painful a song is, it won't reach the heart if the listener is not in the mood to feel it. Listening to a song like this in the constant rain and snow only deepens the pain of division in people's hearts…
“Hick… Ilay, I was wrong. I won’t run away, so please… ah, stop…” Soft whimpering was heard as two shadows appeared under the moonlight, the two bodies connected, slotting in as if they were made for each other.
“Tae… Tae-ui ah, how can I trust you? Maybe I should just carve out all your limbs and keep your face. That way, you will never ever leave me again.” Ilay muttered gently as he gently stroked Tae-ui’s face.
“Hush now, don’t cry… you don’t want to make me mad, right?… That’s it, relax, it’s halfway through already. Good boy”
Crazy, that guy is definitely crazy. Tae thought as Ilay slammed it in without warning. Ah! Stop….stop! It hurts, crazy guy. He instinctively grabbed Ilay’s neck to steady himself, which resulted in Ilay laughing before biting his neck. “Tae ah, I don’t think I can stop….” Ah, what is he saying, he’s acting like a dog in heat, crazy bastard, I may bleed if you kept sucking on it.
“Remember this, Tae. I won’t repeat it again… Never, ever leave me.”
—
It was a mild, sunny day, the kind that felt suspended in perfect balance. Thin clouds drifted lazily across the sky, softening the sunlight as they melted into the warmth, only to be nudged along by playful, fleeting breezes. Outside, the freshly cut grass spread like a green carpet, inviting anyone to sink down, stretch out, and stay until their face and shirt were speckled with clinging clippings—a perfect way to let the day slip by, merging into the earth, carefree and unburdened.But in one room, with the window wide open to welcome that perfect day, someone lay quietly, unmoving and tired. They could hear the wind's whisper through the trees and catch the faint scent of freshly cut grass drifting in—reminders of a world outside, pulsing with life and ease. Yet, in their stillness, they remained inside, feeling as if an invisible barrier kept them from that carefree world, leaving them alone with only their thoughts.“Tae, big brother Tae, stop lying around and come play with me!” The neighbors’ son, a cheerful young boy, called out. Tae stifled a yawn and stretched his tired arms before finally getting up. “Coming…” he muttered, following the boy to the garden, where several kids were already waiting.After playing with the children for quite some time, Tae realized it was getting dark and offered to walk them home. Tae-ui had lost his parents when he was only five, and since then, he’d been living with his uncle. He also had an older brother, Jae-ui, who had once been the village doctor. Recently, Jae had left to help people in distant places, leaving Tae alone. His uncle was a busy man, often away, so Tae spent most of his days by himself in the quiet house.“Tae! It’s been a long time since I last saw you. Come in and have a meal,” one of the kids’ mothers greeted him warmly as she saw him. Tae nodded and stepped inside, where the delicious aroma of spare ribs soup filled the air. “Mmm, it smells amazing, Auntie!” Tae-ui complimented as he sat down on the floor cushions. “Thank you for the meal,” he said with a smile before digging in. Laughter and lively chatter filled the room, and for a moment, Tae felt at home. He had always disliked being alone, and now, he felt surrounded by a family, even if they aren’t.After a while, it was time to head home. Tae got up and bid everyone farewell before leaving. Back at his own house, Tae lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling. I wonder how Hyung is doing… Maybe I should write him a letter one day,he thought. Feeling a sudden wave of exhaustion, he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Good night.***The next day arrived, bringing Tae’s familiar routine. While he was sweeping the wooden floor, a child ran up to him, panting heavily. She opened her mouth, trying to catch her breath. “Hyu-Hyung… hah… someone wants to see you.” See me? Tae thought, raising an eyebrow. “Very well, lead the way, kiddo,” he said with a smile.At the gate, Tae-ui was greeted by a well-dressed man. “Ah, you must be Jeong Tae-ui, correct? I am Liu Ming,” the official assistant said, bowing politely. Tae-ui was surprised but nodded. “Is there a problem that requires my attention?” Tae asked, puzzled by the formal visit. Liu Ming chuckled at Tae's confused expression. “Prince Xinlu wishes to see you. His Highness has just returned from a trip.” Xinlu? Oh yes, that cute boy I used to play with when we were younger, Tae recalled. “Alright, I’ll pay him a visit. I suppose we have plenty to catch up on.”When they arrived at the palace, Tae climbed down from the carriage and marveled at the grand structure. Damn, the palace looks so beautiful. I wonder how long it took to build it, he thought, his wonder interrupted by a familiar voice.“Hyung! It’s been so long since I last saw you. I missed you so much,” Xinlu murmured softly, embracing Tae-ui tightly. Tae smiled warmly, hugging him back. “Yes, it’s been a while. How have you been?” “I was a bit tired, but I’m feeling much better now that you’re here!” Xinlu returned a sweet smile. *Such a sweet boy,* Tae thought. “Anyway, Hyung, you must be tired. Let’s go eat something!” Tae nodded, and they made their way inside.As they walked, Xinlu held Tae’s hand firmly, his eyes flickering with a hint of possessiveness.“Hyung, try this! It’s sweet, just like you,” Xinlu smiled, offering him a piece of mooncake. Tae blushed slightly and took a bite. “Mmm, it tastes amazing!” Tae complimented, grinning with delight. “Eat slowly! If you like it, I’ll have the chef prepare more.” Tae nodded, giving a thumbs up.Suddenly, Tae bit down on something hard. What’s this? Tae thought, pulling out a small, overly firm piece of salted egg yolk. Though common in mooncakes, this one was unusually tough and had hurt his tooth. “Hyung, what’s wrong? Does it not suit your taste?” Xinlu asked worriedly, noticing Tae’s uncomfortable expression. “Oh, no, it’s good. Just that the yolk was so hard, it hurt my tooth,” Tae replied, shaking his head. “My apologies. I’ll get you a fresh one.” But Tae shook his head. “It’s alright, Xinlu. I’m a bit tired; maybe next time?”Xinlu pouted slightly but sighed, nodding. “Follow me. I’ll show you to the guest room.” Wandering through the palace’s opulent halls, Tae admired the intricate artifacts and detailed architecture. “Hyung, here’s your room. If you need anything, just let me know. Good night and sleep well.” “You too,” Tae replied, watching Xinlu shut the door before heading off. Why did that kid look angry?——***(Xinlu’s perspective. )***
“What is it? Make it quick,” I grumbled, still annoyed. Father had been sending me around, hoping I’d find a wife. It was tiresome, but I had no choice—at least, not until the old hag passed away.“We’ve found Jeong Tae-ui, as you requested,” the assistant replied politely.Tae-ui… I mused, feeling a surge of nostalgia. Tae! The boy I used to play with. They called him a “lucky god,” blessing everyone, especially his older brother, I want his blessing, then I can get anything I want. But I do missed that cute, naive face. Smirking to myself, I ordered him to be brought to me at once.When I saw him standing before the palace, looking at it in awe, I couldn’t help but find it adorable. Running over, I put on a fake warm smile. “Hyung! It’s been so long! I missed you so much,” I said, pulling him close. This warmth, this face… I’ve missed it all so much. Now that I had the power, I was going to make him mine. All mine.Once inside, I offered him some mooncakes, eager to see that adorable smile of his. When he bit into it, I was thrilled—until his face twisted in discomfort. What happened? Could it taste that bad? I asked, worried. Hearing that the yolk was too hard, my gaze darkened. How dare they make Hyung uncomfortable and pained, only I am allowed to do it. After escorting him to his room, I stormed toward the kitchen, fury rising within me as I gritted my teeth.“Who made the mooncakes?!” I demanded, my glare sharp. A young girl hesitantly stepped forward. I held my gaze and slapped her across the face. “Disgusting! What if Hyung had hurt himself? If he did, you’re dead.” She staggered back, then knelt, apologizing over and over. “Sorry…sorry…sorry. I didn’t mean it…”"Someone, take her away and pull out her teeth. Let her know how tragic the consequences of failure are.How pathetic.” I ordered before leaving. “Wait! No your highness, I'm sorry… stop stop!” her cries soon filled the once-quiet garden as I left, muttering slurs under my breath.***(Btw, ilay will not be appearing anytime soon just for your information , he will be saved by Tae^^)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Chapter 2
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The rain was relentless, its steady drumming against the windows like the ticking of a clock—marking time, yet carrying a sense of despair. The world outside was a blur of gray, the trees in the garden bending under the weight of the storm. Each droplet seemed to magnify the silence inside the room, distorting everything as it dripped down the glass.
Xinlu stood before the window, his back to the room, his gaze fixed on the garden, yet seeing nothing. His hands clenched by his sides, the muscles in his arms rigid, as though he were holding something back. The emptiness inside him mirrored the sky—a void that seemed to stretch endlessly.
"Mother…" Xinlu whispered under his breath, almost to himself. "Has it been raining for this long? Or is the sky weeping for me?"
The soft murmur hung in the air, swallowed by the quiet. His eyes, distant and empty, finally turned away from the window, his steps measured, as if he could not bear to move too quickly. He made his way across the room, each footfall dragging against the cold stone floor, until he reached the bed.
His father, the emperor, lay unmoving. His body was frail, a shadow of the ruler he once was. Xinlu’s lips barely parted as he spoke, his voice devoid of warmth.
"Father," he said, his tone flat and emotionless. "It’s time for your medicine."
The emperor didn’t respond. His breath was weak, his chest rising and falling in shallow, labored movements. Xinlu watched him for a moment, the disgust and impatience building inside him, before he took the medicine and pressed it into the king’s mouth. The emperor made a sound of protest, but Xinlu silenced it with an indifferent hand.
The emperor’s struggles were weak—insignificant and pathetic, really. Xinlu felt the bile rise in his throat, but he was already moving away, leaving the emperor to his helplessness.
“What a bothersome old hag…” he muttered under his breath, his face a mask of disdain.
His thoughts darkened as he turned to leave the room. Tae-ui. His eyes narrowed at the thought, the familiar twist of frustration and possessiveness tightening in his chest. He had to find him. He couldn’t afford to lose him—not when things were finally within his grasp.
Tae-ui’s absence was like a void, a space that felt too empty. He entered the room where Tae-ui had been staying, and the sight of the vacant bed made his blood run cold. A pang of unease twisted in his gut. Tae-ui had been here just a moment ago.
His lips curled into a frown. "Where is he?" Xinlu’s voice was barely more than a growl, an edge of panic threatening to break through.
He hurried toward the door to the garden, but just as his hand touched the handle, he heard it. A faint, soft moan.
His heart stuttered in his chest, and he was moving before he even realized it—down to his knees, tearing at the bedcovers.
There, hidden beneath the bed, was Tae-ui.
“Hyung?” Xinlu’s voice was sharp, his eyes flashing with something dangerous, a flicker of anger and possessiveness. Tae-ui was clutching his head, his face scrunched in pain.
“Oww… My head…” Tae-ui groaned softly, unable to hide the vulnerability in his voice.
Xinlu’s gaze darkened, his fingers curling around Tae-ui’s wrist with a force that almost hurt. “What are you doing under there? Are you avoiding me?” His tone was cold, almost accusing, as if Tae-ui’s actions were a betrayal.
Tae-ui blinked up at him, his expression sheepish, though there was an underlying warmth in his eyes. "Ah... no,I just thought it would be cozy."
Xinlu’s chest tightened, but he hid it behind a forced chuckle. His grip on Tae-ui’s wrist remained tight, almost possessive. “You’re unbelievable, Hyung,” he muttered, his voice laced with both affection and frustration. He pulled Tae-ui to his feet without a second thought, the movement swift and deliberate.
“Come,” Xinlu commanded, not waiting for Tae-ui to catch up. His voice was softer now, but there was an undercurrent of possessiveness. “I’ll take you somewhere you’ll like.”
Tae-ui seemed to light up at the idea, his eyes softening as he followed Xinlu into the garden. "Thank you, Xinlu. This place is beautiful," Tae-ui said, his voice filled with a quiet awe. He wandered ahead, looking around, his attention fleeting and distracted by the flowers and trees.
But Xinlu wasn’t looking at the scenery. His gaze was fixed on Tae-ui, tracking his every movement. There was something in the way Tae-ui’s eyes danced with innocence, something that made the grip in Xinlu’s chest tighten.
“You like it?” Xinlu asked, his voice deceptively casual, though it carried an edge to it.
Tae-ui nodded, still caught up in the beauty of the place. “It’s so peaceful here.”
Xinlu said nothing, but his lips quirked in something like a smile—dark, possessive. His next words were carefully chosen, as if testing the waters. “Then if you like this place so much. Why don’t you stay here with me, Hyung?”
Tae-ui paused, glancing at Xinlu as he responded. “I promised the children I’d deliver the crafts I made. I have to leave tomorrow. I’m sorry, I’ll visit you next time, alright?”
The words hit Xinlu like a physical blow. His breath caught in his chest, and for a moment, his entire world narrowed to just those words. *Tomorrow*.
“Hyung…” Xinlu’s voice dropped, taking on a softer, almost pleading tone. “Can you stay longer? I… I don’t want you to leave yet.”
Tae-ui hesitated, his gaze lingering on Xinlu’s face. He seemed to read the raw vulnerability in his eyes, the subtle shift in Xinlu’s demeanor.
“I’m sorry, Xinlu,” Tae-ui said, his voice gentle. “A promise is a promise. I don’t like to break them.”
Xinlu’s eyes flickered with a darker emotion—something possessive, something dangerous. The smile on his lips never faltered, but it was not one of happiness. “I see…” he murmured, though his words were cold. “Then you should rest, Hyung. It’s getting late.”
Tae-ui offered a soft smile, unaware of the turmoil stirring within Xinlu. “Thank you, Xinlu, you too”
But Xinlu was already moving, his hand brushing against Tae-ui’s as he turned to leave. “I’ll prepare your carriage,” he said smoothly, though there was a hint of anger in the way his fingers lingered for just a moment too long.
As Tae-ui walked away, Xinlu stood still for a long moment, his eyes following the retreating figure. The possessive urge that coiled tightly within him surged again as he called for his guards.
“Tell everyone, if he tries to leave this kingdom, stop him at all costs.”
“Your highness, why don’t we just monitor his every move?”
Xinlu glared at him coldly, making the guard shiver as he looked down. “No, I don’t want people to stare and look at Hyung.”
“…understood, your highness. I’ll convey your message as soon as possible.”---