SH 2015: Unfrogettably Ever After (for avellkyungsoo) (1/2)

[suholiday]

For: avellkyungsoo
From: ANONYMOUS until May 22, 2015

Title: Unfrogettably Ever After
Rating: PG-13
Pairing(s)/Focus: Suho/D.O.
Length: 18,000 words
Summary: Neither Kyungsoo nor Suho have any interest in romance, but a curse forces them to learn a lesson about true love.
Warning/s: enchantment, bullying, slight unintentional violence/injury, questionable parenting
Notes: Hi avellkyungsoo, thank you x10000^10000 for the prompts and especially for requesting ♥Suho/D.O.♥ Thank you in advance to anyone who reads. Happy suholidays!!!

Like most fairytales, it began with love at first sight. The sun was setting when Prince Suho’s eyes fluttered open. A leaf rested on his fair cheek, unaware that thousands of girls and boys in the kingdom would do anything to be in its position. It floated to the ground as the prince slowly sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “That’s strange...” Prince Suho frowned as he took in his surroundings. He wasn’t normally one to give in to long afternoon naps, especially not outdoors where he could dirty his clothes. It was more of something his youngest brother, Prince Kai, was prone to doing. Judging by the color of the sky, it would be no more than an hour until the dinner bell. With dread, he realized that he must have lost at least three hours—three precious hours that he’d carefully allocated to studying the latest installment of Knightly Values and Conduct. As Prince Suho mentally rearranged his remaining day’s schedule, he felt a prickling sensation on his skin. Someone was watching him. Prince Suho sprang up, reaching for the dagger he kept in his belt at all times. Assassins and spies had their ways of penetrating the castle walls despite the security, and all the royal children were trained in hand-to-hand combat from the time they were able to walk. The prince caught movement by the orange tree and advanced, weapon held in front of him. “Show yourself,” he demanded. “Strangers are not permitted in the royal grounds.” The tree answered, “eep.” Prince Suho pulled the branches apart. From the foliage, a figure tumbled down with a distressed cry, not before Prince Suho caught a glimpse of wide, terrified eyes. “Oh, my god!” Prince Suho rushed over. “Are you all right?” “No...thanks to you,” came the choked reply. Prince Suho followed the voice downward to the grass and felt his breath catch in his throat. Round, watery eyes. Puffy cheeks. Plump lips. Prince Suho, normally so eloquent, felt his mouth grow dry as he stared at the stranger’s pouting face. Adorable. “Good afternoon.” Like a man caught in a trance, Prince Suho kneeled down so that he could get a better look at the other, for once not caring that his pants were getting dirty. “What’s your name?” “...me?” the stranger’s eyes widened at Suho’s sudden proximity. “No, the tree behind you.” Prince Suho gave a rare smile. “Yes, you.” “Oh! Um, Kyungsoo...” As the sun melted into the horizon, its liquid rays bathing Kyungsoo’s face in a fiery glow, Prince Suho fell in love for the first time in his life. Prince Suho barely ate during dinner, too consumed with thoughts of the lovely creature he had met earlier. Even his favorite pasta dish went untouched, not a sprig of the parsley garnish disturbed. The Queen peered at her second-eldest with concern. “Are you alright, darling? Should I ask the cook to bring a new plate?” “He’s probably too busy admiring his reflection in the spoons,” Prince Chen snickered. “As usual.” For once, Prince Suho did not rise to the bait. He stared at his plate, wondering what sorts of foods Kyungsoo enjoyed eating. What sorts of books he enjoyed reading. Favorite pastimes. Favorite music. Favorite inspirational quotes. Already, he wanted to know everything and anything about him. It was an odd feeling for the young prince, who in his young life had never taken much non-academic interest in others. “I think you look nice, Suho,” Prince Kai said. Prince Suho smiled at him; there was a reason Kai was his favorite brother. ...not that Prince Suho picked favorites, of course. Dinner went as usual. Prince Suho poked at his food and nodded intently as the King informed him of the latest politics. Since Prince Xiumin had left them two months ago, Prince Suho was now the oldest prince in court. Being interim crown prince meant more duties and meetings with his father and his advisors, but he seized the opportunity. Until now, he’d always grown up in his older brother’s shadow, working to be noticed in a family of four boys. It wasn’t easy. Prince Xiumin always had a natural confidence and charisma, and people adored him without any seeming effort on his part. Xiumin the Brave. Xiumin the Valiant. Xiumin the Lion. Meanwhile, the closest to a nickname Suho had ever gotten was Suho the Studious, or Suho the Stuffy, courtesy of Prince Chen. Fueled by a desire for validation, Prince Suho strove to improve himself and present the perfect image to the world. He woke up before sunrise to practice his sword-fighting and archery. From ten to noon, he translated a foreign text. After lunch, he sat in on meetings with his father’s council, and, if there was time, he visited the poor to boost his image and bring cheer to the community. Before dinner, he read up on war strategies and knightly values. Finally, evenings were spent in quiet reflection, both mentally and in front of the mirror. But of course, what was the use of all this hard work if it went unrecognized? “I came across a fascinating passage today,” Prince Suho announced, between the clinking of spoons. “I’d like to share with everyone—” “Oh, here we go again...” Chen sighed. Kai kicked him under the table. “That sounds interesting! What did you read, Suho?” he asked. “Thank you, Kai.” From his pocket, Prince Suho withdrew his journal and flipped to a bookmarked page. He cleared his throat. “Today, I decided to read Sir Changmin’g seminal works on knightly conduct...unfortunately, I wasn’t able to finish as much as I’d planned. Still, I particularly liked his bold discussions on awarding honors based not on seniority but on merit—” Unfortunately, Prince Suho’s riveting reflections were cut short as a servant entered the room, bearing an envelope with a familiar red seal. “Letter from Prince Xiumin!” Instantly, the table snapped to attention. Prince Suho deflated at the interruption. It had been fifty days since Prince Xiumin had set out to save Princess Narsha from a spindle-induced slumber in the Enchanted Forest out west. His expedition generated much worry; the Enchanted Forest was several weeks’ journey away and notorious for having claimed the lives of dozens of brave princes already. Each day, Smentertania waited anxiously for any communication from their crown prince. Every letter from him was framed and displayed out in the great hall. Chairs scooted closer to the King as he unfolded the latest letter: Dear Mom, Dad, Suho, Chen, Kai, How are you doing? I miss you all! I’ve made it to the borders now and am about to enter Negaland. From there, it will be several days’ journey before I reach the Enchanted Forest. I’ve heard rumors that time works strangely in the forest. Apparently, it runs slower within...so who knows, it may be that I’ll take only one minute’s time to save Princess Narsha! Maybe I’ll even be back in time for Suho’s birthday! So please, don’t worry about me... “He’s always been so brave,” the Queen sniffed, as the King paused from reading to take a gulp of wine. Prince Chen nodded. Prince Kai nodded. Beneath the table, Monggu barked. Prince Suho sighed. As much as he respected (and envied) his older brother, the quest had been something they had never seen eye-to-eye on. Personally, Prince Suho thought all quests were a waste of time. Why give up the comfort and security of the castle to chase after a princess who might turn out to be cross-eyed or unintelligent or taller than you were? It was too risky of an investment. Furthermore, spending weeks and even months on end without clean clothes and proper food sounded like a nightmare. Not that quests were expected of all knights and princes. There were certainly easier ways to get yourself a princess. But while there was no shortage of lovely ladies who wanted a place in the handsome prince’s heart, Prince Suho always remained courteous but cold to their advances. His high standards caused no small amount of distress with his parents, especially during ball season. “Dear, what did you think of Lady Luna? Her family is quite--” “She didn’t know how to waltz properly.” “Lady Eunji?” “She picked up the cake with her fingers!” “Princess Chorong?” “She talks too quietly. And she wears too much pink.” No one was ever good enough for the picky prince. Prince Suho only cared for perfection. But all that was about to change. “Prince Suho!” Kyungsoo cried, tripping over the windowsill as he climbed over. The surprised prince rushed over in time to catch Kyungsoo before he fell ungracefully to the floor. Normally, Prince Suho would scold anyone who dared enter his chamber unannounced. But right now, for some reason, he couldn’t find it in himself to be annoyed. “Kyungsoo,” Suho stammered, feeling strangely unbalanced. “How did you get in...? I thought we were supposed to meet later. I haven’t dressed yet! My hair is a mess—my clothes...” “Sorry,” said Kyungsoo sheepishly. “I was too excited. Um...but you still look really handsome.” Suho blinked. “Ah...thank you.” They spent a few seconds simply staring at each other with pink faces. Then, Prince Suho straightened and motioned for Kyungsoo to take a seat. Kyungsoo politely turned around as Prince Suho changed into his day’s clothes, combed his hair, and polished his shoes. “Kyungsoo?” “Hm?” What’s your favorite color?” “...black, why?” Prince Suho selected a black rose from his cabinet and slipped it into his pocket. He checked his reflection in the mirror and adjusted a strand of hair so that his hair was perfectly symmetric. Perfect. “Kyungsoo, how do you like picnics?” Suho’s “picnic” turned out to be a full course meal that was far nicer than anything Kyungsoo had ever enjoyed in the past two decades of his life. Prince Suho led him to one of the many gardens surrounding the castle; this one had a giant fountain in the center. There was a table for two already set up for them, with fancy china and sparkling silverware. “You prepared all this yourself?” Kyungsoo gaped as Suho uncovered one of the dishes. “Yes. Well... the servants did. Do you like it?” Kyungsoo gulped. “I’m not sure I can finish everything.” The picnic was delicious, even though both were too nervous to do much actual eating. Prince Suho had plenty of experience charming lords and ladies at royal functions, but never anyone that made his heart race so strangely. He was dismayed to hear that Kyungsoo was an orphan from a village somewhere in the west, with no noble blood to speak of. Worse, Kyungsoo had never read the great classics, and he didn’t know how to use half the utensils laid out on the table. Prince Suho should have ended their date politely right then and there, but he couldn’t bring himself to. He had never felt so drawn to another before. What he would’ve found uncivilized in another, he found charming in Kyungsoo. He even found it cute when Kyungsoo referred to the sucket fork as “the piano tuner thing.” “You, ah, you’re supposed to hold it like this...” Kyungsoo tried to grip the fork as instructed and sighed when it fell out of his hands. “It’s too heavy.” “Here.” Suho speared a piece of the cake and held it out for Kyungsoo to nibble. Their eyes met, and Suho looked away with a cough and a blush. Kyungsoo smiled as he eyed Suho thoughtfully. The hours flew by. All thoughts of archery practice and strength training and daily reading went flying out of the prince’s head as he continued to feed a suddenly hungry Kyungsoo. The sun was setting when they finally returned to the castle gates. Suho let his steps drag as he tried to think of an excuse to see Kyungsoo again. “I had fun!” said Kyungsoo. “Thank you for the food, your majesty.” “It was nothing,” Prince Suho replied. He meant it; procuring a three-course meal was as simple as giving an order to a servant. “By the way, that title only applies to my father.” “Oh.” Kyungsoo said sheepishly. “Sorry.” “You’ll learn.” Suho took a deep breath. “Kyungsoo, will I...will I see you again?” “You want to see me again?” Kyungsoo’s eyes grew even wider. “I would like to see you every waking hour, if that were possible.” “Oh, wow.” Kyungsoo looked amazed. “Yes, I’m surprised as well—you’re hardly my ideal type. Would you like to...no, how thoughtless of me! It would only be fair for you to decide on our activity tomorrow. What do you enjoy doing?” “I like...cooking.” “Cooking?” Suho hid his disappointment. He’d been hoping Kyungsoo would suggest an activity he could show off his skills in. “I’m afraid I don’t have much experience in that department. What about horseback--” “I’ll teach you, then!” “Teach me...” Prince Suho looked intrigued. “All right. How does tomorrow morning at seven sound?” “That’s only in a few hours.” “Too long, I know,” Prince Suho sighed. “I will spend every single second missing you.” “...t-thank you...?” “You’re welcome. Then I suppose this is good bye, for now.” Prince Suho took Kyungsoo’s hand and kissed it, before letting go. Kyungsoo squeaked. “Y-you just kissed me.” “I apologize.” Prince Suho berated himself at his behavior. Kyungsoo wasn’t from around here; perhaps the customs out in the west were different. “That was too forward of me.” “It’s not that...” an odd look passed Kyungsoo’s face, but just as quickly it disappeared. “I would love to see you again, Prince Suho.” Love. Prince Suho smiled dreamily to himself later that evening, as he wrote his daily reflections in his journal. (“...I lost my mind, when he came into my sight...what is love?”) Was that what this unfamiliar new feeling was? Having never experienced it until now, Prince Suho was unprepared for the sleepless night that followed. His thoughts were filled with images of Kyungsoo’s wide-eyed expression and the sound of Kyungsoo’s laugh. “Well, I can see why it’s a job meant for servants,” Prince Suho declared. “My clothes are going to be stained.” “Of course you’re going to get your clothes dirty.” Kyungsoo bit back a sigh. “That’s why we have aprons. Have you never cooked in your life?” “Of course I haven’t. Why would I need to?” Prince Suho looked miserable as he picked a minute grain of flour from off his sleeve. “Are you sure you’d rather not go horseback riding?” “Prince Suho, it’s been almost two hours and we haven’t even put anything in the oven.” Kyungsoo said. “Stop worrying about your clothes!” “But my shirt—” “Let me help with that.” Kyungsoo scooped out some batter and patted it onto Suho’s sleeves. “Perfect. Now you don’t have to worry about it anymore!” Suho froze. He stared down at his sleeve and said, very quietly: “This was a peace treaty gift from the King of Woollimentia.” Prince Suho’s voice was chilly. Kyungsoo swallowed; the prince actually looked pretty upset... “I’m sorry, but I cannot allow you to get away with this.” Seconds later, Kyungsoo found himself covered from head to toe with flour. “Did you just...?” Prince Suho gazed at him, the barest hint of a smile twitching at the corner of his lips. Kyungsoo spluttered, before launching himself onto Suho in retaliation. “You’ll be sorry!” Later, the servants passing through the open doorway watched in amazement to see their usually humorless prince dusted in flour, dissolved in laughter. Prince Suho did manage to convince Kyungsoo to go horseback riding eventually, though Kyungsoo was hopeless on a horse and kept leaping off whenever the larger animal set off in a gallop. Meanwhile, Kyungsoo taught the prince how to bake cakes and pies and more, and they went on additional picnics with their homemade creations. Somehow, the food tasted even better when it was something they made together. With each passing day, Prince Suho found himself slowly opening up under Kyungsoo’s company. His strict schedule went unfollowed, replaced instead by long walks in the garden and even longer talks in the evenings. Despite having almost nothing in common with each other, the pair got along wonderfully. Kyungsoo never tired of hearing Prince Suho talk about himself and his accomplishments, and the prince was more than happy to (finally) have an attentive audience. Caught in the rush of his first love, the prince found his world transformed. The air seemed to smell sweeter. The sun seemed to shine brighter. His eyes took on a hazy film and his mouth was set in a constant dreamy smile. The name Kyungsoo filled up almost every page of his journal, accompanied by neatly drawn hearts. After several weeks of pure bliss, Prince Suho was ready to take things to the next step. “Mother,” Prince Suho set down his spoon and wiped his mouth. “May I invite someone to my birthday ball?” “What?!” The Queen nearly toppled over in her excitement. Prince Chen and Kai stared at their brother in amazement, their spoons clattering as well. “O-of course! That’s wonderful! I was beginning to worry that...well, never mind. Darling, we would love to meet the lucky lady!” “She must be pretty special, to catch Suho’s attention,” Chen noted. “Maybe she has a perfectly spherical head, or something.” Prince Suho smiled nervously. Kyungsoo wasn’t a lady and his head was definitely not spherical, but he hoped that his family would be accepting of his choice. “You’ll attend, right?” Prince Suho asked Kyungsoo, later that night in the gardens where they usually met for a late-night reading/discussion session. “I don’t know...” Kyungsoo took the invitation with nervous hands. “I’ll be by your side, the entire time,” Prince Suho promised as he read Kyungsoo’s uncertain expression. “You’ll love it. There will be live musicians. You enjoy music, don’t you?” “Yes, but—” “It would mean the world to me...I don’t want to keep us a secret any longer.” “But I’ve never been to a ball before...” Kyungsoo said, gnawing his lip. “I don’t think I’ll fit in.” “Of course you will. You’re absolutely perfect.” Kyungsoo’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll...think about it.” The ball for Suho’s 21st birthday was, as expected, an extravagant affair. The guest list went on for pages, and royalty came from all four corners to wish the prince a happy birthday. Shy glances were aimed Suho’s way from starry-eyed girls and boys. Suho, however, had no eyes for any of them. He accepted one dance from each out of politeness, but his thoughts were miles away. “Lady Eunji, you look lovely tonight. Your dancing has much improved.” “Thanks. But I bet you’re still secretly counting the times I mess up the steps,” said lady replied with a wide grin. Prince Suho laughed nervously. “Of course I’m not.” What gave it away? Of all the females around, Lady Eunji unnerved him the most. Prince Suho couldn’t believe his mother had tried setting them up together once. As he spun her around, his eyes were caught by a familiar sight hiding in the shadows. He gasped, his hold on the young woman faltering. “Are you okay?” “Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for the lovely dance...though your footwork still leaves a little to be desired. Please excuse me.” Not sparing Lady Eunji another glance, he weaved his way through the crowd toward... “Kyungsoo!” A genuine smile formed on Prince Suho’s lips as he approached the stiff, hunched figure. “Are you trying to hide from me?” “You forgot your speech cards.” Head ducked, Kyungsoo shoved the items into Suho’s pockets. “I just came to deliver them; I’ll be going now—” Suho smiled; he had indeed “forgotten” them. “Thank you, Kyungsoo. Whatever would I do without you in my life?” “I’m sure you’d still manage,” Kyungsoo replied dryly, before turning to slip back into the crowd. Suho caught him before he could. “P-Prince Suho!” Kyungsoo hissed as Suho lifted him into an embrace. “What are you doing? Put me down! People are watching!” Indeed, curious whispers were already starting around them. “I don’t care about any of them. I only have eyes for you.” “That’s nice; maybe later we can—” “Dance with me.” “No.” Kyungsoo’s eyes widened in alarm, but Suho was determined. “It’s my birthday,” he said. “Surely you wouldn’t deny me this request.” “But I—” “Ignore everyone else,” said Suho, quietly. “I don’t care what they think. Pretend it’s just me and you. Please?” Just one dance. Kyungsoo allowed himself to succumb to Suho’s words and pleading eyes. He nodded, reluctantly, and was rewarded with the prince’s bright smile. As Suho pulled him closer, the music floated around them like a spell. Kyungsoo relaxed slightly on Suho’s shoulder. “Happy birthday, Prince Suho.” He mumbled, trying not to look at the crowd. “Thank you. I’m very happy.” “I’ll bet...it’s a nice party.” “It’s even more wonderful, now that you’re here.” Against his best effort, Kyungsoo could feel his eyes getting wet as Suho gazed at him in adoration. No one had ever looked at him that way before. He didn’t deserve this. He didn’t even belong here. “Suho,” Kyungsoo choked out when the guilt became all too suffocating. “I need to confess something.” “Hm?” Prince Suho smiled. “How funny, I have something to confess as well.” “I’m not—” “I love you.” “What?” Kyungsoo froze at the three words. ”Are you sure?” “What kind of a question is that?” Suho laughed. “Of course I am.” “Oh... m-me too.” “Really?” In his elation, Suho failed to notice the shadow crossing Kyungsoo’s face. “Then may I ask a question?” Without waiting for a response, Suho put Kyungsoo down and dropped awkwardly to his knee. It wasn’t a position he was accustomed to, and he wobbled a little. “Prince Suho, what are you—” Around them, the whispers grew into shocked murmurs. “Kyungsoo,” Suho declared in a shaky voice. If he hadn’t already, he now had the attention of every single person in the room. “Oh, shit, no--” “All my life, I’ve never believed in true love.” Suho swallowed. “I t-thought that I would never find the perfect match, but I see that I’ve been blind. You’re perfect to me! These past few weeks have been the happiest in my entire life. I’ve fallen head over heels in love with you.” “Wait, Suho—” Suho pushed bravely on. “Yes, I know your concerns, but I don’t care about your background or your past. I only care about your future...our future. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I hope you feel the same. Will you accept my hand in marriage?” From his coat, Prince Suho drew out a small golden box, which he carefully opened. In it was a ring; the emerald stone was the size of Kyungsoo’s eye. Kyungsoo’s eyes bugged out. With a feeble croak, he fainted. “Are you OUT OF YOUR MIND?” “Darling—” “I don’t believe this!” “Suho, you can’t!“ “I can, and I will.” Prince Suho squared his shoulders against the onslaught of yells. Not ten seconds after his proposal, his parents had dragged him and Kyungsoo away to the throne room. The King was staring down at him with the stern expression he usually reserved for Prince Chen. “I know this is sudden news for all of you, but I truly love him.” “Love?” The King spluttered. “But she’s—he’s—” “Very...lovely, I’m sure.” The Queen interrupted, nudging her husband into silence. For the past five years, she had tried unsuccessfully to get her second eldest to show an interest in anyone. She decided to be supportive of her son’s first foray into love’s green pastures; perhaps this could be a stepping stone to better (and less green) prospects. “Though a bit unconventional—” “I’ll say,” Chen snorted. He was the only one laughing. “Is this a joke?” Kai asked in a small voice. Prince Suho frowned, pulling a trembling Kyungsoo closer. “Of course it’s not! I love him. Why are you all behaving so ungraciously?” “Well...” “He’s a freak!” Kai cried, voicing what the rest of his family were too reluctant to say aloud. Prince Suho drew up to his full height. (which, next to Prince Kai, wasn’t too impressive) His voice, when he spoke his next words, was soft and dangerous. “What did you just call Kyungsoo?” “I can’t believe this was the lady you wanted to invite.” Chen was doubled over in laughter. Kai looked even more distressed as he tried not to quail under his brother’s rare glare. “A f-freak! An animal! Hand him over; I’ll let Monggu take care of him.” The aforementioned bloodhound gave a growl, revealing two rows of jagged teeth. Kyungsoo gave a terrified cry. “Kai, apologize to—” “Excuse me,” a soft voice interrupted. Six heads snapped up, as the court physician and healer entered the tension-filled room. “Oh, thank goodness,” the King sighed. “Dr. Lay, please tell me you have good news.” “Good and bad, your highness.” Dr. Lay handed a glass over. “Please drink this, Prince Suho.” Prince Suho gulped it down without a second’s thought. “Thank you, I needed something—” Prince Suho made a face at the taste. He felt like his brain had just been doused in freezing water. “What is this, peasant’s ale?” “Not quite. It’s an antidote.” “Whatever for? I’m not poisoned.” “On the contrary,” Dr. Lay gave him an awkward smile. “That’s the...unfortunate news. Prince Suho, I suspect that you have been suffering for the past few weeks from the effects of a love potion.” Prince Suho laughed. Dr. Lay didn’t. “Look at the fr...er, I mean, Kyungsoo.” Confused, Prince Suho’s eyes traveled to the small boy in his arms. Except, now with his head cleared by the antidote, he realized that it wasn’t a boy...though it certainly was small. Very small. RIBBIT. Not since he was ten years old and Chen had pushed him into a pile of manure, had Prince Suho screamed so loudly in his entire life. ♛♛♛ Unlike the prince, Kyungsoo had not been born on an auspicious day, wrapped in satin sheets and with an entire kingdom praying for his safe delivery into the world. It had been a dark and gloomy night when the witch Sooyoung had accidentally spilled her latest magical concoction onto an unsuspecting cabbage plant in her garden. At that exact moment, the fog had parted, a crow had flown past overhead, the clock had chimed twelve, and the full moon had cast its beams onto the drenched plant. And thus, by (un)fortunate combination of circumstance and black magic, Kyungsoo’s fate was sealed. Months later, under rain and moonlight, he emerged from the ground. Kyungsoo knew this, because Sooyoung delighted in telling him the story every time he made a mistake on his chores. “All that dirt and muck must’ve stuffed up your brain,” she’d say, before cackling madly. Kyungsoo hated it when she did that; the birds in the vicinity would fly away in alarm, leaving a trail of feathers that made Kyungsoo sneeze. Still, for someone who sprang from a cabbage plant, Kyungsoo was disappointingly ordinary. He had two arms, two legs, two ears, and two eyes. Any average person would’ve concluded that Kyungsoo was like any other human child, though perhaps paler and sulkier-looking than most. The paleness was due to spending most of his childhood years indoors, and the sulkiness from growing up as the village outcast. Kyungsoo could never make it to the center of town without taunts and whispers following in his wake. “It’s the witch’s apprentice!” “Bug-eyes!” “Ghost!” “Careful, don’t get too close to him. He’ll curse you!” Thankfully, he had Sooyoung’s reputation to protect him. No one dared openly cross Kyungsoo, for fear of retribution by the infamous witch. And that was the way Kyungsoo liked it. Sure, when he was younger he might’ve harbored the fantasy of joining the other children in their play, but who needed friends? Instead, Kyungsoo had Soojung and Sooyeon, Sooyoung’s two black cats. They went by Krystal and Jessica, though, because there were too many “Soo”s in the house. Sooyoung had never been very creative with her naming. Growing up, Kyungsoo had a pretty good idea of what his caretaker did. Sooyoung spent all day brewing potions, and during nights she left on mysterious “errands,” returning with a victorious gleam in her eyes. The next morning, the papers would be splashed with news about the latest missing baby, mad animal or destroyed farmland. Every evening, as Kyungsoo snuggled under his blankets with Jessica and Krystal curled around him like extra pillows, Sooyoung would tell them stories of the humans that she had tricked. Kyungsoo never tired of hearing of people who were rightly punished for being stupid or greedy or rude. As he fell asleep to the sound of purring and Sooyoung’s fading voice, he dreamed of doing the same to all the village children who dared to mock him. “When can I go cursing humans with you?” he asked Sooyoung almost every day. “Not until you’re older. The outside world is a dangerous place.” It was always the same answer. Meanwhile, Kyungsoo’s days were filled with chores. He cooked, cleaned, and he collected ingredients for Sooyoung’s potions. None were easy tasks. Sooyoung had a gigantic appetite, especially when she returned from a busy night of wreaking havoc. She was also a prolific potioneer, producing at least ten concoctions per day. (all in the name of terrorizing humans, of course) Kyungsoo was kept constantly busy, and it was during one of his ingredients-collecting trips that he met his first...friend. “Hi.” Kyungsoo stood up from the patch of forest ground he’d been examining. Standing in his way was Byun Baekhyun, the baker’s boy. Unlike the rest of his peers, he had no fear of the rumors surrounding Kyungsoo. “I’m only talking to you because I was dared to,” Baekhyun added when Kyungsoo didn’t seem about to answer him any time soon. Kyungsoo rolled his eyes and kept walking; he was supposed to find two dozen newts by sundown. Baekhyun followed. “Hey, do you even talk? Can you hear me? Helloo? Hi. Hello. Hi. Hello. Hi—” “QUIET!” Kyungsoo snarled, turning around to glare at the boy. “You’re scaring all the newts away.” “So you can talk.” A cheerful Baekhyun ignored Kyungsoo’s glare. “Great! I’m here to invite you to my birthday party!” “Me?” Kyungsoo nearly dropped his basket in shock as he swiveled his head back and forth to check that Baekhyun wasn’t talking to someone else. “Are you sure?” “Yup! Mr. Kyungsoo Witch...? uh, oops,” Baekhyun coughed. “I wasn’t sure of your family name. Anyway! Mr. Kyungsoo, I hereby invite you to my 11th birthday party.” Imitating the mannerisms of royalty, Baekhyun drew an envelope from his pocket. On it was a crude replica of a royal seal. “Make sure to follow the directions on the letter, and don’t be late, okay?” With disbelieving hands, Kyungsoo took it. “Can I go?” Kyungsoo asked later that night. “Absolutely not.” “But—” “Why would you want to waste time with a human child?” Sooyoung grabbed the letter and tossed into the fire, ignoring Kyungsoo’s cry of protest. “Now, where are my newts?” “It’s not fair!” Kyungsoo stomped his foot. “You never let me do anything fun! I’m always stuck in here while you get to fly around the world.” “Kyungsoo, the outside world—” “—is a dangerous place, I know. But the inside world is boring! All I do is talk to cats all day! I want normal friends!” “Hey!” Jessica and Krystal meowed, affronted. “Friends?” Sooyoung scoffed. “Trust me, you won’t find any of those in this dump of a village.” Five days later, Kyungsoo shuffled nervously to the location specified on the letter. In his arms, he clutched the gift he had stayed up late for the past three nights making in secret, with Jessica and Krystal’s help. It was a handmade, slightly lumpy blue scarf. Neither Kyungsoo nor the cats were very good at knitting. “Baekhyun?” Kyungsoo called, stepping squarely onto the X mark scratched onto the ground as instructed in the letter. “It’s me. Um, Kyungsoo. Where’s everyone? Also, why do I have to stand on this mark—AAH!” Kyungsoo received his answers as a net descended onto him. In a matter of minutes, he was hanging midair with his limbs tangled, suspended from the tree branches. A trap. “Whoa, it actually worked!” A voice came from down below. “Hey, what’s going on!? Let me down!” Kyungsoo cried as he thrashed back and forth in the net. “Ladies and gentleman,” Baekhyun announced solemnly. He and the other children stepped out between the trees and gazed up at their victim. They were dressed in all-white robes with strange symbols painted onto them. “I, Sir Baekhyun the Fearless, have brought you the demon child.” “LET ME DOWN--” Kyungsoo yelled. “Though it wasn’t easy, I assure you.” “YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS—” “Let us now exorcise the demon.” Ignoring Kyungsoo’s furious screaming, the children shuffled closer to join hands, surrounding him in a ring. They skipped in a circle, chanting a familiar rhyme. It was the same one their parents would mutter under their breaths whenever Sooyoung or Jessica or Krystal crossed their paths. ...evil be gone, good be won, evil be gone, good be won... Kyungsoo continued to struggle in the net, rage growing in him with each passing second. The scarf fluttered out of his hands. “I’M GOING TO KILL YOU ALL!” Eventually, deeming Kyungsoo fully exorcised, the party lost interest and migrated elsewhere for “the actual party.” To his credit, Baekhyun did pick up the dropped scarf and stuff it in his pocket with the slightest look of remorse on his face, but social pressures won out against a lumpy scarf and death threats. Kyungsoo was left cursing after the giggling chidren. It was sundown before Jessica and Krystal found a limp Kyungsoo, curled up in the net and sniffling. During dinner, Kyungsoo stared sullenly at his plate, too humiliated to say anything. Sooyoung didn’t say anything either, as she filled up his bowl. Not that she needed to—Kyungsoo had learned his lesson loud and clear. Humans were not friends. After dinner, Kyungsoo was ready to slink off into his room to wallow in self-pity, but Sooyoung ordered him to follow her outside. Trembling with images of horrible punishments in his head, Kyungsoo obeyed. Was he about to be beaten? Instead, he found Krystal and Jessica tied up in ropes hanging from a low tree branch, yowling angrily as Sooyoung approached. “Watch carefully.” Ignoring the screeching cats, Sooyoung cleared her throat, and began to sing: “Twines, release your hold! I order you to unfold...” The rope quivered, and to Kyungsoo’s amazement, the knot began to loosen. Seconds later, it came undone, releasing a disgruntled Jessica. “Horrible, nasty witch!” she screamed at Sooyoung before flouncing off. “Always so dramatic.” Sooyoung rolled her eyes and turned to Kyungsoo. “You do it, now.” Voice shaking, Kyungsoo repeated the song. To his surprise, Krystal’s ropes too released their hold, and the cat floated gently to the ground. She gave Kyungsoo an affectionate lick and Sooyoung a hiss, before running after her sister. “I suspected it,” Sooyoung said as Kyungsoo tried to grasp this new development. What just happened? “You have the magical voice, as well.” “Of course he does,” Jessica scoffed. “He’s...” She trailed off at Sooyoung’s warning look. The next time the village children dared to tie Kyungsoo up, he was prepared. After floating calmly down to the ground in front of openmouthed stares, he gleefully sent a cloud of hornets buzzing after his tormentors. He watched, singing and smirking, as they ran off with stings and cries. “After you they’ll always chase; Like BEST FRIENDS you’ll never part ways...” Sooyoung was right. Humans were terrible creatures and friendship was overrated. With his newfound power, Kyungsoo could control people, get back at those who tried to hurt him, and make sure that no one would ever look down on him again. Who needed friends, when you had black magic on your side? You might not need friends, but you certainly made a lot of enemies along the way. Eventually, Sooyoung’s havoc-wreaking ways caught up to her. One morning, Kyungsoo woke up to the sound of argument outside his room. In the kitchen was an unfamiliar lady, dressed in white. Flowers sprouted in the wake of her footsteps. Glitter and light formed a hazy glow around her. She looked like one of those perfect fairies in the storybooks. Kyungsoo immediately disliked her. “So this is where you’ve been living? Kind of a shabby place, don’t you think?” The sparkling lady cast a critical look around the house as she waved her wand. Instantly, the room smelled like spring and flowers and perfume. Kyungsoo gagged. “What the hell, Tiffany?! Get out of my house!” Sooyoung stomped out a patch of newly sprouted flowers. “Oh, don’t worry, I definitely didn’t come here on a social call,” the fairy Tiffany replied with a disdainful sniff. “Sooyoung, you’ve run unchecked for far too long. Fifteen misplaced children, five ruined farmlands, ten cursed princes...do you know how much trouble I’ve had fixing up your horrible doings?!” Sooyoung was unbothered. “At least I keep you in business.” Tiffany sighed. “Dear, when will you learn to let go of your grudge? It’s been over ten years.” “You know me,” Sooyoung replied mockingly. “Cross a witch once, make an enemy for life.” “Don’t I know it...” Tiffany muttered. She lifted a slender arm. “Well, the magical council has ordered a punishment, and they’re monitoring my wand. It pains me greatly, but...” Droplets of water began spraying out the end of her wand as she aimed it at the surprised witch. “NO!” Kyungsoo yelled as he instinctively jumped out from his hiding place, into the line of water. He caught a momentary glimpse of two surprised faces before something wet hit him. He heard someone scream. He felt a huge pressure squeezing in on him, a POP! and suddenly... He fell several feet to the floor, landing on something soft and furry. His vision dimmed. “What did you do to him?” Sooyoung shrieked in a much louder voice than Kyungsoo was used to. He winced and covered his ears...had they always been so high up on his head? “It’s a standard Good Curse,” Tiffany replied. “Reversible only by a true love’s kiss...with a five-year deadline.” “How is that any good?” “Why, it’s love! The best correcting and motivating force in the world!” “He’s only a child! I thought you fairies didn’t curse children!” “Well, what’s done is done.” To her credit, Tiffany sounded regretful. “I don’t have the power to undo a curse once it’s set into place. But look on the bright side! I’ll consider your punishment filled.” “You little—” “And at least that little boy will actually have a chance; goodness knows you don’t have a shot in heaven at finding true love.” Tiffany tittered. Sooyoung’s face darkened, but even she knew she had no real power against white magic. “LEAVE!” she bellowed. “What’s going to happen to me?” Kyungsoo asked later that night. He had adjusted surprisingly well to a frog’s form. So had Krystal and Jessica—too well, in fact. They took great delight in scooping him up in their paws, ignoring his furious croaks and leaps as they batted him around like a bouncy ball of yarn. At the table, Sooyoung had books and parchments piled up around her. Three cauldrons of potions were bubbling behind her, each pot looking more unappetizing than the next. The sickly sweet smell of spring perfume still lingered in the air. “Don’t worry, we’ll fix this in no time.” Several spells and numerous nasty potions later, Kyungsoo was still very much a frog. Unfortunately, black magic had no power over pure fairy enchantments. Visual alteration spells wore off within seconds, illusion charms in an even shorter time. Kyungsoo’s throat burned from all the potions Sooyoung pushed down his throat. “We’ll just have to break it the proper way,” said Sooyoung finally, slamming the last spell book shut. “What was it she said—a true love’s kiss? Anyone in mind?” “No.” Kyungsoo wrinkled his nose. “I hate everyone.” “Well, we have five years to work this out. Start looking.” Except the months passed by, and none of the village boys or girls were willing to associate with Kyungsoo...it probably didn’t help that they would try to step on him or run away before he could even get a croaky word out. Out of desperation, Kyungsoo even tried chatting with the local frogs, but he found them to be an unbearably stupid bunch. Not that it mattered. Even as a frog, Kyungsoo was unpopular with his peers. Maybe they recalled how he, as a human, used to hunt them down for Sooyoung’s potions. Months turned into a year, and another, and another. Kyungsoo grew accustomed to life as a frog. He still assisted Sooyoung with her potions and spells, though he couldn’t perform any magic himself. Being a frog had robbed him of the ability to sing with cadence. That was what hurt the most. To be honest, Kyungsoo didn’t mind his appearance too much; his “creepy” looks had never done him much good as a human, anyway. But to lose his ability for magic—his only source of power and confidence—was a crushing blow. Kyungsoo celebrated his 18th birthday not with cake nor with well wishes, but by staring morosely out at the pond. Eight more months, until he was stuck as a frog forever. “Don’t mope too much!” Sooyoung called from a few yards away, as she mounted her broom. Kyungsoo snorted; easy for her to say. “What flavor cake would you like?” “All of them.” “You’re lucky the girls over at Etude Bakery are terrified of me. I’ll be back by dinner.” “Can I come with you?” Kyungsoo lifted his head hopefully, but he knew the answer before he even asked. “No, the world out there—” “...is a dangerous place, I know.” As Sooyoung’s broom dwindled to a dot in the sky, Kyungsoo returned to gazing mopily over the same scenery he’d gazed over for the last almost-two decades. Seeing the same old sights, listening to the same old sounds, smelling the same old scents, hearing the same old... “Good morning!” Kyungsoo jumped three feet in the air. Even without turning, he already recognized that sickly sweet smell. How could he forget? With an angry croak, he launched himself at the figure, only to find himself suspended in midair, unable to move forward. “HEY!” he yelled, flailing and kicking midair. “Kyungsoo?” The fairy bent down to peer at him. “Oh, dear. Still a frog, huh?” “And whose fault is that?” Kyungsoo snapped. “Let me down!” “I thought I’d come check up on you, for your 18th birthday.” Tiffany’s face crumpled in distress as Kyungsoo continued to glare at her. “I truly didn’t intend for this to happen. Have you really not found true love all this time?” “I’m a frog!” Kyungsoo yelled. “Of course not! Most people don’t go for the ugly, green, bug-eating type, you know.” “That’s the point.” Tiffany gently swished her wand, and Kyungsoo floated down to the ground. “The Good Curse is supposed to motivate you to change for the better, so that you’ll be loved for who you are inside.” “But no one loves me for who I am inside either!” Kyungsoo cried, his voice verging on a whine. “Even when I wasn’t a frog, everyone hated me.” “...I’m sure...that’s not true...?” “It is!” Kyungsoo replied. “No one likes me. Which is just how I like it!” “Oh dear.” Tiffany looked concerned. “I can see a self-confidence Curse might’ve done you better...” “Or you could’ve just done nothing!” “...I’ll tell you what. Since this punishment wasn’t intended for you, I’ll do my best to help you. Though I really shouldn’t be suggesting this, as a Good fairy and all...” Kyungsoo waited. Tiffany lowered her voice. “Do you know the necklace Sooyoung always wears around her neck?” Kyungsoo nodded, wary. Sooyoung never took it off. “The ruby?” “It’s not a ruby—look closer. Inside the glass are drops of a powerful love potion. Guaranteed to make the other person fall instantly madly in love with you. Kyungsoo scoffed. “That’s impossible.” For one thing, love potions were banned and near impossible to find nowadays, ever since the narcissus plant had died out and the magical court had been established to monitor dangerous magic. For another thing, Sooyoung would’ve given it to him to use...right? “I assure you, it is not so impossible. I was there when she made that potion, so many years ago.” “She would’ve let me have it, then!” “Perhaps she was unwilling to part with it, for her own reasons.” “No way. Why would she even need a love potion?” “You didn’t know her, twenty years ago...” Tiffany sounded sad, for the first time. “No one is immune to the desire to be loved, not even the wickedest witch. ...And not even the prickliest frog, I suspect.” Kyungsoo knew better than to let his head be poisoned by the words of an incompetent fairy—the same fairy that had put him into this horrible predicament—but he couldn’t help but steal glances at Sooyoung’s necklace later that night, as Sooyoung cut out frog-bite-sized pieces of vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, green tea, and mint cake for him. “Make a wish!” Krystal and Jessica cheered. Kyungsoo didn’t even half to think twice as he shut his eyes. It was the same wish he had made for the past four years. I wish someone could fall in love with me...but just for ten seconds so I can break this stupid curse. Then fall out of love with me and leave me ALONE. The end. He blew out the shrunken candles. Later that night, Kyungsoo tiptoed to his guardian’s bedside. Even though he didn’t believe the fairy, he had to know for sure. Kyungsoo reached for the amulet hanging down Sooyoung’s neck. Upon closer inspection, he could see that what he’d always thought was a red gem was actually a glass enclosure of glowing red liquid. It took Kyungsoo a few tense seconds to unclip the necklace around Sooyoung’s neck, holding his breath as he did so. It was a heavy weight in his hands. He stared down at it, at the ruby red, and considered his next step. Meow. Kyungsoo jumped in alarm as a paw reached out to scoop him from the bed. His yell was stifled by another paw. Above them, the sheets rustled as Sooyoung stirred. Jessica stood still, and after a few seconds even breathing filled the room again. “So you found out about the potion.” Jessica let go and set Kyungsoo down once they were out in the hallway. “It’s true?” Kyungsoo hissed. “It’s a love potion? And you were all hiding it from me?!” Jessica averted her gaze. “It wasn’t my place to tell...” “Well, now I know. So what are you gonna do?” “I’ll help you.” Kyungsoo blinked. He hadn’t expected that. “Really?” “Oh, Sooyoung won’t be happy, but it’s your skin she’ll be after. But Krystal and I will calm her down, while you go find yourself a princess. Sounds good?” “A what?” “Or a prince, if you want.” Jessica shrugged. “What?” Jessica raised an eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’re aiming for a king or queen.” “What on earth are you talking about?” “The potion only works on royalty,” Jessica explained. “I thought you knew...Oh.” At Kyungsoo’s blank expression, Jessica suddenly looked like she regretted having said anything. “Never mind.” “Why does it only work on royalty?” “Because the stupid girl who originally made the potion wanted to nab herself a prince. Typical.” Jessica quickly turned away as Kyungsoo opened his mouth to ask further questions. “Now, let’s get going. No time to waste.” Kyungsoo didn’t get much more answers from Jessica during the ride on her back to the village in. She carried Kyungsoo to the village inn’s stables, where as usual there were several horses pawing the ground. The boy on watch, who seemed much more interested in shooting down flies with his slingshot, barely batted an eye as a cat slipped in through the door. Holding the necklace/potion against his chest, Kyungsoo climbed into the purple saddlebag of the white messenger horse and made himself comfortable, pushing away several envelopes. He poked his head out to wave a goodbye. “Get off the horse once they reach Smentertania. And be careful,” Jessica called up to him. “The outside world is a dangerous place--” “I know, I know. I’ll be safe.” “It’s not just that...” Jessica looked like she was about to say something, but reconsidered. “Just...get your kiss, and come back as soon as possible. Don’t give your heart away.” “Don’t worry.” Kyungsoo snorted at the odd warning. “It’s not like anyone would ever want my heart...” ♛♛♛ “You used a love potion on me?!” To say Prince Suho was furious would be an understatement. Actually, to say he was murderous might even be an understatement. Though Kyungsoo had expected it, it still stung a little to see the look of complete revulsion on the prince’s face, the very same one that used to gaze at him with adoration for the past few weeks. Prince Suho was staring at him like he was nothing more than a piece of dirt on the bottom of his heel. “I touched you.” “Yes—” “I wrote you poems.” “Well—” “I danced with you!” “I—” “And I...asked you to marry me!” Prince Suho moaned, burying his face into his hands. “I know. I was there for that,” Kyungsoo reminded him. Prince Suho lifted his head to glare at him. “You made me out to be a fool in front of everyone.” Prince Suho’s voice shook as he paced his room. “Everything I’ve worked for...I must be the laughingstock of the nation now.” Kyungsoo fidgeted, feeling something uncomfortably close to guilt as he watched the distressed prince. Prince Suho looked like his entire world had collapsed. Kyungsoo supposed that for someone as self-absorbed as Prince Suho, it might seem like the end of the world to be the fodder of people’s jokes...and he had looked pretty ridiculous dancing alone at the ball with a frog on his shoulder...... But who cared? In a few months, this incident would be just an unpleasant but minor memory in the prince’s pretty head. Kyungsoo certainly wasn’t about to start feeling sorry for some spoiled human; he had himself to save. “Yes, that’s really too bad...” Kyungsoo said, edging away. “Well, then, I’ll just be out of your way—” “Not so fast!” The prince’s distraught expression cleared and his gaze sharpened. With reflexes honed by countless hours of archery, swordfighting, and hunting practice, Prince Suho slammed a jar over Kyungsoo’s form. “HEY!” An unprepared Kyungsoo roared, pounding the glass. He continued to croak angrily as Prince Suho transferred him into a cage. “What are you—no! LET ME OUT!” “I need to determine how best to punish you.” Prince Suho said, setting the cage by the window. “Keep yelling, and I’ll increase the severity of your punishment.” Kyungsoo silenced, settling for glaring at the prince. “You spend much too long primping,” Kyungsoo informed Suho as the prince stared intently at his reflection in the mirror. Suho shot him a frown through the reflection. “I’m a symbol for the people. It’s important that I always strive to look and act my best. especially after the recent scandal you caused me.” “Well, you look and act like a spoiled brat.” “...like I’d trust the words of a frog who poisoned me,” Prince Suho sniffed. Still, Kyungsoo’s words haunted him for hours, until he ventured to ask one of the servants later that afternoon: “Taemin, do I act like a ‘spoiled brat?’ That’s ridiculous, correct?” “Uh.....” Taemin’s eyes darted back and forth nervously. That night, Kyungsoo received nothing but stale bread for dinner. “Kyungsoo, please cease your racket.” Suho looked up from his journal with a sigh. “I’m trying to reflect.” “Let me out of this cage!” Kyungsoo banged against the bars with his tiny fists. “I don’t care if you give me the worst punishment in the world. I can’t stand it in here!” After a particularly trying day of being trapped inside, he was close to going crazy. More than ever, he wished he could still perform incantations. Then, he’d turn Prince Suho’s perfect hair and complexion the most disgusting shade of green possible. Prince Suho put down his quill to take pity on the miserable frog. “Do you promise not to escape?” “Yes! Yes, I swear, on the cabbage patch I was born.” “...the what?” The moment Kyungsoo was free, he bounded onto PrinceSuho’s bed, onto the pillow beside the prince. Prince Suho yelped and swatted him with his quill, horrified. “What in the world do you think you’re doing?! Get off!” “No! I’m tired. My butt hurts. You put me in a cage for two days. I want to sleep on a fucking nice bed, and you’re not going to stop me.” Kyungsoo flounced onto the pillow and buried his head into its downy softness, letting out a muffled “good night.” “You’re a frog!” Suho cried, distressed. “I can’t have you messing up my sheets.” “Your bed is already a mess,” Kyungsoo pointed out, eyeing the mountain of clothes. “Plus, it didn’t stop you before. Last week, remember?” They had built a miniature fort out of Prince Suho’s blankets and clothes, and Prince Suho had recited some pretty cringeworthy poems that Kyungsoo had pretended to go googly-eyed over. “I was under enchantment!” Prince Suho spluttered. “Your enchantment, need I remind you. I wasn’t in my right mind--” “How did it go again...? Kyungsoo, your eyes are as sweet as chocolate truffles, your face is as lovely as a flower with ruffles—” “Okay, okay, stop!” The tips of Prince Suho’s ears turned red. “Fine, have the damned pillow!” Prince Suho grabbed the pillow and threw it viciously to the ground. Kyungsoo leaped off in time. Shooting the prince a glare, he then hopped back on onto the pillow, settling in with a sigh. He silently thanked the geese that had been sacrificed to provide the royal family with the fluffiest sleepthings in the country. Above him, Prince Suho finished up his evening reflections (“...I must learn to have more patience, even toward the undeserving...”) and blew out the candles, calling out a grudging good-night out of politeness. “I hope the bedbugs bite,” Kyungsoo responded. “Don’t be ridiculous. Our castle would never have bedbugs.” It was an unusually drafty night. Prince Suho, who had always been sensitive to the cold, woke up a few hours later whimpering. He got up to fetch another blanket, walking on tiptoes so that the cold floor didn’t shock his feet too much. Before returning to his bed, he bent down to whisper to the lump on top of the pillow. “Hey, are you cold?” Kyungsoo didn’t answer, already asleep, but he was shivering. Prince Suho gnawed his lip, torn. Finally, with a wrinkled nose, he gingerly lifted the pillow onto his bed. Then, he pulled the blanket over Kyungsoo so that all but his little head was covered. “He’d better not drool onto my sheets...” Prince Suho mumbled into his own pillow as he was carried off into dreamland. After a week, Prince Suho calmed down sufficiently to hear Kyungsoo’s side of the story. He scribbled furiously into his journal, transcribing Kyungsoo’s sorry tale with an increasingly furrowed brow. “So... you’re not a spy sent to discredit my family’s name and reputation?” Prince Suho asked, after Kyungsoo had finished. “No.” “You weren’t trying to steal information about my family?” “No...” “You weren’t trying to con me into a marriage to steal my inheritance?” “Of course not!” Kyungsoo shuddered at the idea. “I’d never marry someone like you.” Or anyone. “Excuse me?” Prince Suho’s mouth dropped open, and his quill dropped from his hands. “What’s wrong with someone like me?” “You mean, aside from the fact that you put me in a cage?” “You poisoned me!” “...and a load of good that did.” Kyungsoo replied, unrepentant. “I should’ve picked your older brother Xiumin, if he’s as great as everyone says he is. I’m sure he would’ve been a lot more fun to be around.” Prince Suho’s face twisted, and belatedly Kyungsoo wondered whether he might’ve hurt the other’s feelings. But then his expression returned to his usual pleasant blankness. “Fine, you just wanted a kiss?” “That’s what I said--Wait, what are you--!” Kyungsoo stammered as Prince Suho picked him up. Seconds later, the prince’s shaky lips touched his, for the first time, and Kyungsoo felt faint. They were both still, for seconds. Then, Prince Suho drew back. “Did it work?” Kyungsoo cleared his throat, feeling like the ground had been pulled out from underneath him. “Um. Clearly not.” Prince Suho bit his lip. His lips were very pink. His teeth were very white. “Should I try again?” “I...um.” Kyungsoo coughed. “If you want.” Two more kisses and a very embarrassed frog and prince later, Kyungsoo was still as amphibious as ever. “You can go wash your mouth,” Kyungsoo told Prince Suho. “I didn’t say anything!” “You look like you’ve swallowed a lemon but you’re just too polite to say so.” “...I was trying to be nice,” Prince Suho muttered as he pulled out a handkerchief to wipe at his lips thoroughly. “But why didn’t it work?” Prince Suho sounded slightly put out. “Is there something wrong with my kissing?” “No, there’s nothing wrong with your, um.” Kyungsoo coughed. “yourkissingwasfineANYWAY. It’s probably because you’re not my true love. It has to be a true love’s kiss.” “That’s unfortunate...” said Prince Suho, sounding slightly pitying for the first time. “No sane person would love a frog.” “Trust me,” said Kyungsoo gloomily, for once in agreement. “I know.” one | two