A memory from the past

The colors of the mountains

The chrysanthemum you like

I watch you count them

Little by little, day by day

Under the echoing valleys

Amidst long forlorn paths

My feet remain steady

Your smile in my memory

The lovely song you whisper

That somber night in a cold breeze

All seasons, day and night

From zenith to nadir

Through different lifetimes

Embedded in my soul

You, eternally

Chunhee smiled as he reread the poem for the thousandth time. It was one of his favorite pieces, one that he knew, would forever be etched in his heart and mind.

Just then, an arm reached out and pulled him to a certain bosom.

Chunhee's ears turned red as he realized the playful Crown Prince had captured him in his arms again. It was the sixth time this week, if Chunhee's count was right. Blushing, Chunhee called, "Y-Your Highness-"

"What are you doing here? I've been searching for you everywhere," 20-year-old Crown Prince Yujin was pouting as he stared down at the shorter and younger man. Even with his phoenix eyes that gave off the feeling of an indifferent and merciless heir, the small pout on his thin lips actually showed that he was anything but one. That, or he was just simply warm and different when it came to the person he was holding.

Chunhee was quick to look around, consciously giving a look at Yujin as if trying to warn him of his careless actions. He cleared his throat and said in a respectful tone, "Your Highness can't do this… He must refrain from physical contacts with this scholar. Others might come and see..."

Yujin's gaze became serious, his arm wrapped around Chunhee's waist stronger as before. "Then let them see. I don't care." Saying with such a low and sexy voice, Chunhee's heart couldn't help but skip a beat.

Ever since Chunhee entered the palace, he couldn't stop falling for this handsome and intelligent prince. Yujin was just too attractive, his character full of grace, his body radiating a strong sense of superiority and bravery. He was an epitome of a demigod descending to the mortal world, owning the highest throne there was. Simply, he was made to conquer and rule.

Chunhee was aware Yujin also longed for him. Even as a Crown Prince, he decided to have the simple scholar Chunhee to stay with him at all times, never letting him leave from his sight. He pampered the scholar every chance he got. Deep inside his heart, Chunhee realized the feelings they had for each other was getting stronger and deeper each day.

But this kind of relationship, where was it headed? They shouldn't, it was a taboo to have a relationship with this person. The consequences were scary to even think about.

But Chunhee was just a simple person. His heart could be stubborn, too. Every day, he longed to be closer with the Crown Prince. Every night, he dreamt to be in his arms. For a long time, he resisted the prince's advances, always pushing him away, always avoiding to respond to his sweet and warm words. But it was getting stronger every day. He was afraid he could no longer stop, his control on his heart was long handed to the man before him.

Was there truly a future for him and the Crown Prince together? If the heavens allowed their meeting, by chance or by fate, would it also be safe to believe that they would allow them to live together, in peace, full of love and warmth, in the future?

Yujin, upon seeing Chunhee's resistance diminishing each second, couldn't stop himself any longer either. One arm pulled Chunhee closer by the waist, the other held Chunhee's face tenderly as he leaned down and kissed Chunhee's lips.

Chunhee's heart was filled with bliss, his body radiated with an incredible amount of warmth as Yujin's lips touched his. He hesitated for a second, mind going blank but felt his heart started beating wildly against his chest, screaming the name of the person before him. Slowly, he closed his eyes, his arms went up to encircle Yujin's neck as he responded to the kiss. Yujin leaned down further, deepening the kiss and embracing Chunhee with overflowing love and tenderness.

The paper scroll dropped to the ground, silently, as two bodies connected, like flowers destined to bloom in a season, like two souls bound to meet.

Time and time again.