⚓ Beach

@☁ Mir Soojung couldn't help but to laugh when he grimaced at the water. She decided to just save him from the misery of having to slosh around in the water. She gently tugged on his hand as soon as she caught sight of another figure in the far off distance. It was probably just some villager but by the time the search party got there, the villager would've probably disappeared. "I have an idea." She said. She was about to yell when she heard a voice saying,

"There's nobody here. Let's search the cliffs instead." Did some miracle just happen? How in heaven's world did they just escape the search party's clutches. Soon enough, the search party had begun to head towards the cliffs instead. "Well, thank goodness they didn't get to catch us." She sighed in relief before turning to look at Mir and realizing that she was still holding his hand. All of a sudden, she felt shy. She didn't know what to say. She was simply at a loss for words.

"Let's get out of the water first." She finally said as she let go of his hand so that she could hold onto her ballgown with both hands to allow herself to move around a little easier. It was difficult, after all to move around in a sopping wet ballgown.


[I feel bad that this is so short OTL ]

@⚓ Soojung Mir swallowed hard. "Someone tried to kill you?" He scrunched his hand into a fist, anger bubbling up in him, suddenly having the urge to protect her. He searched her eyes, as if he could find something in their deep pools that would show him why anyone would ever want to kill her. Punishment for being royal? He averted his gaze, any words he tried to find dissolved in his dry mouth. He understood the fear of assassination. His previous king had been assassinated not long ago and the king before him, Mir was convinced, had been poisoned. In fact, at times, Mir feared that he would be the next target, being the current leader. But actually being targeted? Experiencing someone's attempt to kill you? He couldn't imagine that. And Soojung had been through that? Instinctively, Mir reached forward and bravely slipped his hand into hers. It was supposed to be a comfort for her but he supposed it was more to comfort him - to prove that she was really here, with him, and not lost in some assassin's grasp.

He didn't know what had pushed him forward. Maybe it was the look in her eyes, indistinct and something he couldn't quite grasp. Maybe he had wanted to find out what it was. Maybe it was just the heat of the moment, his mind swallowed up by distorted and salted feelings. But he had done it. He had leaned forward and kissed her.

And some time in between that moment and when she pulled away, his mind had switched on and he had inwardly cursed himself. She instantly tensed up and he thought that maybe he'd done something wrong. It was wrong of him to have even presumed she'd be open for him to do this. Maybe their friendship or alliance or whatever it was would be over in a flash. He was just about to pull away and profusely apologise, to collect whatever dignity he had left, when she reacted, kissing him back.

To say it took him by the surprise was an understatement. But soon, he was melting into it too, lifting his hand to her waist and wading closer to her so there was barely any inches between her. The fingers of his right hand were still holding hers but, with his left hand, he gently caressed her soaked ballgown clad hip, moving his lips in time with hers.

And then she pulled back and he obliged, pulling back, unsure where to put his hands. Finally, he registered the sound of the search party coming closer, snapping his gaze away from hers. "Come on," he whispered, pulling her hand and encouraging her around the boulder, trying to figure out an escape plan to no avail. He grimaced every time the water sloshed around his thighs, hoping that any body searching for them wouldn't be able to hear it.

{{Okay, you can control the search party now x3
also *FANGIRLS!!*}}

@☁ Mir "The assassin that had been the actual cause of my disappearance. I didn't run away with some servant like everybody thought I did." Soojung answered his question vaguely. Since she'd already mentioned an assassin, she figured speaking a little bit more about it wouldn't hurt. Besides, she didn't really want to delve too deeply into that subject which was still sensitive to her due to the nightmares it continued to bring her almost every night.

"I don't want to leave either.." Soojung admitted truthfully as she looked at him. She stood there silently, transfixed when their gazes met. It was also at that very moment that nothing really mattered to her. Let the search party come, let them leave, she didn't care. If they did find them, then well she'd simply have to come up with something. The next thing she knew, their lips had met. As a reaction to it, she tensed up for a moment with her eyes wide in surprise as her cheeks flared pink before she completely relaxed and her eyes fluttered shut, finally kissing him back. Time was a complete stranger to her then. It was probably only a few seconds when Soojung pulled away due to the fact that she could hear the search party coming in closer and closer as her eyes fluttered open. Well, it was a sure thing that her nightmares of the assassination would now be replaced by something else, perhaps a better dream.

However,she was still speechless by what had just happened, her cheeks still pink. She just knew if she spoke right now, whatever came out would be nonsensical since her mind was still spinning, almost as if it latched itself onto a merry-go-round.

[ I'm sorry it's so short ;A; ]

@⚓ Soojung "What assassin?" Mir asked in alarm, grabbing her by her forearms, his eyes snapped on hers. But she had already shaken away the mention and he knew that now wasn't the time to delve into such dark details. Whatever she had to do with an assassin, he had other things to worry about. Like not being shot or arrested under the accusation if kidnap of the princess.

He his bottom lip, listening to any sounds of the search party, their horns still off in the distance. "Maybe they don't know we're here?" He suggested, keeping her close to the boulder so that not even their shadows would be noticeable.

Mir laughed but cut it off before it echoed in the cold air. "There isn't a lot of people here who'd be bothered to look for me," he chuckled, knowing at least that was true. He often wandered around town anyway without the aid of his guards or servants - they were probably used to his antics by now.

But when it sunk in that Soojung was suggesting they return back to the castle, Mir realised that he didn't want to leave. He didn't want to leave her. Their night had just started. With pleading eyes, he said quietly, "I don't want to leave."

His hands on her firearms had loosened and now his thumbs were gently caressing her bare skin. His eyes were locked on hers, their surroundings suddenly not important. His mind was a mix of confused, unusual, explosions of thoughts. They were muddled and undefined and his body was reaction to them, something building up in his stomach and traveling up his arms and into the tips of his fingers. And it was driving him forward and suddenly, not even noticing the sound of the horns getting closer, he leaned towards her and slipped his lips against hers.

{{it was gonna happen eventually so I was like wth XD}}

@☁ Mir Soojung couldn't help but to burst into laughter at his reaction after he had pulled her up. She was covered with sea water from head to toe but she didn't mind. In fact, she didn't seem to even care about the fact that the both of them were standing in water when it's probably the middle of the night. "Well it was funny to me!" She retorted when he suddenly lunged forward, tickling her causing her to shriek with laughter as she attempted to push his hands away while squirming from the ticklish feeling.

She covered to muffle her laughter when he suddenly pulled his arm away. The sound of horns made her eyes widen as he grabbed her before leading her to a nearby boulder. At his words, she nodded her head lightly as her lips formed a slight pout. She didn't want the night to end just yet. She was having far too much fun to have it end just like that.

"It must be Hyerim, the girl earlier, that told on me." Soojung sighed as she leaned against the boulder next to him. "She always tells on me, it's almost as if she's a spy." She complained before letting out a gasp. "What if she is a spy?! Then that means that she was sent by that assassin from that time-" She covered as she realized that she may have spoken a little too much. She shook her head lightly as she squeaked a never mind.

"We should probably go back though... I'm sure your people are looking for you as well." She said. "But.. how are we going to go back looking like this?" She asked as she gestured towards their completely clothes.

@⚓ Soojung Mir shrugged, holding out a hand to her to help her tread into the water much more elegantly than he had. "I guess I have thicker skin." He chuckled, about to joke that he could keep her warm. But when he opened his mouth to say the words, he stopped himself. They weren't exactly appropriate to say to someone like her. Then he was cursing himself for still treating her like royalty. She didn't want that and it probably suffocated her when he did. It was habits, really. He was so used to be formal around company like her.

Resolutely, he told himself not to see her as a princess any more. Right now, she was just a girl he'd met at a ball - no, not even a ball. A normal girl he'd met in a foreign Kingdom. He'd keep telling himself that.

But even if he had decided to say those words, he wouldn't have had a chance to because she slipped and he instinctively lunged forward trying to catch her but, instead, she plunged underwater.

He let out a loud laugh, finding it funny that she had just done the same thing he had - he supposed they were really quite simple. But when she didn't emerge, his laugh died in his throat, in panic, he glanced around him, looking for any sign of her. With no show, anxiety filled up his throat - thinking firstly that he might have just killed her, and secondly thinking he'd be executed if he had. So, with a gulp of air, he dived into the water, desperately looking for her with squinted eyes.

And there she was, looking mischevious, and he narrowed his eyes at her, relief and irritation filling him. Swimming forward, he grabbed her by the waist, opened his mouth to speak but only bubbles came out. Rolling his eyes, he blew out of his nose, blowing bubbles and grinning before grabbing her and pulling her to the surface.

"That wasn't funny!" He insisted, blinking away droplets of water that had balanced on his eyelashes. But he couldn't help but grin. Than he lunged forward, tickling her. He laughed along with her before a sound stopped him.

"Shh," he pulled his arms away, glancing to the cliffs. The wind was blowing a sound of horns in their direction. He swore under his breath before grabbing Soojung's by her waist and leading her behind a nearby boulder protruding out of the waves. Pressing his back against it, he glanced around the boulder to the beach and the cliff beyond. "I think that's your search party," he smirked, winking at her. "Look what you've done!" He bit his lip in a grin, his voice hushed just in case it carried.

@☁ Mir Soojung burst into laughter upon seeing how his grin fell upon hearing her words of treating her to cake. "I was just kidding." She was still laughing when he said that he had a much better prize. She blinked upon seeing him go over to the waves and scooped up water. Every fibre in her mind was telling her to run away but she stood there frozen.

"You're not going to-" She closed her eyes when water rained on her. With a straight face, she wiped away the water from her face with her hand before opening her eyes, her face suddenly like a piece of stone, void of emotions. She badly wanted to laugh at his expression and especially when he muttered his words. There were question marks all over her mind when he suddenly turned and ran only to trip. This caused her to laugh again. She blinked when he called out as he broke through the surface once more.

"In there?" Soojung pointed at herself before pointing at the sea. At his question, a mischievous smirk decorated her face as she took a step forward. "Oho, they're going to faint from shock." Without a second thought, she joined him in the water only to realize it was cold. "You said it wasn't too cold-" She pointed at the sea, her lips forming a pout. "It is cold! In fact, it's very cold!" She said, shivering slightly. "But.." She started a few seconds later. "It's not too bad." She nodded slightly as she took another step forward with much difficulty but ended up slipping and falling under the surface of the water.

A prank instantly formed in her mind due to the situation and she stayed underwater since it was dark and he most probably wouldn't be able to see her. A few seconds passed but she still didn't reemerge from the water as she silently swam over to the other side of the waters. It was just a small stupid prank as revenge for tricking her earlier and of course, for pouring water over her.

@⚓ Soojung Mir smiled into her eyes, between the small space between them, her hair swept into the sand underneath her. "To answer your question," he breathed under his breath. "Obviously I'd take my string of lovers to help me out with that." He winked mischeviously. "It just so happened that none of them happened to be free tonight." His words were coming out of his mouth but slowly his brain wasn't connected to them. Instead, he was too distracted by how bright her eyes were here. He hadn't noticed that earlier. Maybe it was the effect of the sea air or the fact she was more free out here. Still, for a second, he was captivated by them and the reflection the starry ocean left in them.

He coughed, pulling himself to his feet, brushing off sand. It wasn't long before he had helped her join him.

Mir was proud of the expression he'd seen on Soojung's face when he'd burst forward and won the race. But his grin fell when he heard the mischevious words vacate her lips. "Excuse me," he huffed, exaggerating that the small distance had been a like marathon. "That sounds like more of a reward for you." He cocked an eyebrow before a plan clicked in his mind. He bit his lip in a grin. "I have a much better prize." Then he swooped down to the end of the waves, scooped up some water and sloshed it over her head. He let out a loud laugh before his expression changed into fear, afraid of her reaction. "Note to self," he muttered. "Don't spray water on a woman in a ball dress." Comically, he turned and ran, slipping into the waves. But he caught his foot on a rock and tripped under the surface. "I'm good!" He called once he'd broke the surface, his hair wet and sticking to his cheeks, his white shirt clinging to his toned torso. "Heh," he called cheerfully. "It's not so cold in here. You should come in." He grinned and pointed at her. "How would all those advisors feel if you dived into the ocean with a heck of an expensive dress?" He wiggled his eyebrows in a challenge.

@☁ Mir Soojung let out a laugh at his reaction. It was far too funny for her but she didn't turn back. Instead, she picked up her pace as she lifted her ballgown slightly higher to run. Soon, she was sprinting down the beach, barefoot. If any of her teachers or advisors saw her right now, they'd faint from shock.

She feigned a gasp when he said that she should be locked up. "but if I were locked up, who'll accompany you when random women chase after you?" She replied. "An undecided- OOOF!" Before Soojung could finish her sentence, he'd grabbed her by her waist and landed on top of her. Her face almost instantly flushed pink at the realization of how close they were at that particular moment. In all honesty, it was the first time she was so close to a male. Normally, she'd almost instantly push the person off her due to uncomfortableness but for some reason, she didn't push him off.

Soojung hadn't realize that she was deep in thoughts until he helped her to her feet. Shaking her head slightly, she looked at him when he asked if they could call it a draw. She nodded slightly and was about to reach for his hand when he sprinted towards the end of the beach which wasn't all that far from where they were. She let out a sharp gasp this time as she narrowed her eyes at him playfully.

"Oho-" She suddenly grinned mischievously. "Well, your prize is to treat me to cake!" She laughed. "Especially since earlier you pulled me away from my beloved cake." She pout slightly at the thought of earlier when he'd suddenly pulled her off to dance.

@⚓ Soojung For a second, Mir was transfixed. By the beauty of the sea, by the twinkling lights. His kingdom was a beautiful one but nothing so astrological as this. It was like the waves had plucked the stars from the heavens themselves, keeping them bottled up in little hard like fireflies.

"Yeah," he breathed, watching her crouch down and for a moment, he thought she'd reach out and touch them, he feared that, if she did, they'd jerk away and disappear. But then again, if anyone could touch such wonders, he wouldn't be surprised if it was her. She had proven to be much more than he had expected already.

"Hey!" His voice broke, caught off guard by her sudden movements. He quickly kicked off his shoes he knew would slow him down and chased after her. Thankfully he had longer legs and bigger strides, otherwise he didn't know how he'd be able to catch up with her. Plus, he didn't have to run in a ball gown.

"I thought you were all about justice!" He called after her, watching her sprinting body ahead of him. "So much for a princess! You should be locked up!" He laughed, pushing his body forward until he was in arms length distance of her.

"Oh no you don't!" He growled playfully, watching her approaching the end of the beach. "That undefined, undecided prize is mine!" And he leaped forward, grabbing her by the waist and tumbling forward, landing on top of her on the sand. He grinned, chuckling under his breath before he noticed how close their faces were - and how his body was possibly crushing her. He shifted his weight, pulling back a bit, but found himself reluctant to stand up.

But he did anyway, his duty and manners kicking in. Helping her to her feet, he held out his hand and offered, "Shall we call it a draw?" But before her hand could reach out and shake his, he'd kicked off his feet and sprinted towards the end of the beach.

"Woo!" He cheered, jumping up and down. "I win!" He grinned playfully at her. "Sorry, I'm not a gentleman in competitive situations."

@☁ Mir Soojung had a broad smile on her face as she ran down the path leading from the cliff all the way down to the beach. Her hand holding onto Mir's as she ran. Her hair was flying freely in the wind and she felt free except for the heels that were beginning to make her legs ache. Out of nowhere, she stopped at the side of the path and kicked off her heels that landed on the path a few metres away from them. Pulling onto his hand, she ran over to the pair of heels before picking it up with her free hand. With that same hand, she raised her ballgown ever so slightly before she began to run down the path once more, this time feeling even more free than before.

Soon, they finally reached the end of the pathway which was also where the beach was. At the sight of the neon blue stars up close, the smile on her face turned into a grin as she let go of his hand to walk over to the end of the sand, where the waves were just starting and bent down to look at the neon blue stars.

"They're even more beautiful up close.." Soojung said, her eyes filled with wonder and awe. The sea breeze was still blowing and tugging at her hair at every move she made. She turned to him before gesturing for him to walk over to her to see the neon stars up close as well. The light from the stars illuminated her face but it didn't make her look like a ghost. In fact, it was the very opposite. It made her look more less human and more fairy-like. She straightened up as she turned to look at him once more.

"I'll race you to the other end of the beach. Loser has to.." She paused as she thought for a moment. "I'll tell you what happens to the loser later!" She grinned as she placed a hand on his arm to catch his attention. "Ready, set," She ran as she shouted "Go!", giving herself a head start.

@☾ Kujou What? Onew blinked at the girl, completely confused by the words she had just said. Perhaps it was the howling wind and crashing waves that had distorted her words, changing their meaning and twisting them until they reached his ears.

"Huh?" He stared at her, bewildered, rain pelting against his face, wet hair sticking to his forehead. Did she say he was confused about her ? Was she deranged? Did this girl say that she wasn't a girl?

Onew shook his head, confusion over taking him. He flinched, pulling his hand back, finally noticing that the girl had been holding it to her chest. And then it finally clicked. This girl had no s. Her chest was flat. In fact, this girl had virtually no curves.

Was this girl really not a girl? Onew's eyes widened in shock, stumbling back.

But before Onew could contemplate the gender of girl-slash-boy-slash-person, they had looked towards his lighthouse and said something completely bizarre. "What?" He shouted, running up the beach in a frenzy. "There's someone in my lighthouse?!"

@❊ Jun.K Minah watched as he took the hint, at least a little bit, because he moved positions. She watched him as he bent down, taking her soft hand and kissing the top of it. She thought that was a very flirty move. His smile was even seductive in handsomeness. At least he wasn't pushing, wrapping an arm around her waist or something that would give her a good reason to get out a Nomad knife. Not that she would actually do it. "Why thank you" she did a little over dramatic curtsy, chuckling as a gentle smile played on her face. She looked out at the ocean as he talked about Dolphins. 'He must live here' she thought, and later she confirmed it when he asked where she lived. She smiled though. "Dolphins are really friendly creatures." she agreed, looking back up at him. "No, I don't live around him. Some ways away" she answered simply.

@☾ Minah The male laughed mentally inside , this must be a hard nut to crack as she didn't seemed quite impressed by his move . Minjun stretched a little more before taking his arms down and let one hand gently take her hand into his and bent down his head softly kissing it lightly . " I never seen such a rare beauty like you here before . So I was curious " he said with a smile letting go of her hand in order to not feel pushy towards her . " yet I come here everyday to take my usual morning swim . It's quite nice here at the beach , and there's Dolphins too around here , but of course , they are quite far away from the shore . So you actually had to drive by boat to see them . They are pretty friendly though . " he didn't know why he started to talk about Dolphins . Yet he did really enjoy the sea and their beautiful creatures and the secrets the sea contained . He were after all pretty close of becoming a marine biologist if it wasn't for the destined career of becoming a king , still he did read some books . " do you live here near the kingdom or ?" He asked out of curiosity , as he did know almost every lady around in the kingdom

@❊ Jun.K It was cold water, but it made her sigh and shiver at the same time. Living in a ditchy dessert cold was a privilege. Not that she didn't like heat. Funny how she only applied sun screen maybe once or twice a day, and we're talking 90 and higher weather, all day, and still her skin remained beautifully pale like she stayed in the house all day in shadowy corners.
She dunk her head under the water, closing her eyes and letting the water meshy and flow through her hair and body. Coming up seconds later she pulled all her hair back, gently swiping axcess water from her eyes and she turned just in time to see a male swim and come standing up next to her. When he came up, his pouster, coincidentally showed toned arm mucles and even flexing some abs off his torso. He didn't even say his name, he just did the old lady killer "why hello there gorgeous" move. She blinked twice, sort letting the words slip in one ear out the other, before she laughed.
'oh, i'm in this spot.' she thought, running a hand through her black hair. "Hi, nice to meet you to. I go swimming, that's what I do. And, you?" she raised an eyebrow, looking around the beach. There seemed to be maybe one runner, but not many other people. Great spot to swim...alone.

@☾ Minah " oh my ! Who is that man? " , " he must be rich considering that he owns a boat " , " a very good looking rich man" whispers of young gardeners , tending their flowers as he passed by. He had been walking this path where their flower shop was located every day since he moved to the seaside Kingdom. " good morning ladies " he said confidently and winked at them . As he passed them with only swimwear , pair of slippers and a towel slung over his shoulder. It was a sunny hot day. And the king was on his way to his regular morning swim. kim Minjun strolled down to the beach , smelling its salty odour and fresh air playing with his hair as it blew pass him. The first glimpse of the beach gave an impression of peacefulness and silence . One of many reasons why the young royal loved to come down there at a certain time. Less people , less to deal with . After all even a kin needed his peace . As he walked he could feel the sand curl up in between his toes, and on to his slippers . Taking them off, he stepped closer to the water , how it fuzzed so sweetly just like music to his ears . Soaking his feet and upwards it increased the deeper he went . Letting the grip of the wild sea eat him. Minjun took a deep breath and sighed in relief . Scanning the area only to notice one of the many treasures a beach could offer . A pearl, so beautifully shining to gain his attention . A young lady so fair , with curves and such physique absolutely a treatment for his eyes to be visioning . Clearing his throat, the male put on his so called charm and swam over to hers direction , standing up from the water as he lifted his arm , flexing his well trained a muscles before he brushed some of his soaked hair backwards , smiling softly at the young beauty " oh hello there .... I just wonder , what does a such beautiful young lady as yourself do here on a beach completely without company ?"

@❊ Jun.K
Minah sighed, closing her eyes and leaning her head back. Her raven black hair flowed down her back, flourished like the waves of the see, soft and smooth as a feather of a dove. She smiled, the sun warming against her pale face. She had been in the sun all day, and now, she had planned as a pit stop to hit the beach, see how cool the water really was.

She had been riding her new horses, Arrow and Mary, around tracks and over towns; training them on cantering, learning how stubborn they were, what food they liked, getting to know them better. She felt free to roan wherever she pleased; a perk of having Nomad blood and spirit. Even though you were kicked out of the royal city and were hated, she felt free enough to make her own choices. Their were little rules. She kind of liked that.

The horses were, as in used to be, some royal guard horses. Mary was Arrow's brother, and some other horse lover was kind enough to find them both. She had had Arrow a little bit longer than Mary, but she was glad she found and paid someone to find his sister. He was lonely, distant from other horses. He wasn't one to trust easily. But now, he was at least 70%, maybe 80% trusting toward Minah. So today, she took them out for a ride over the Ocean Kingdom territory, and then she set them up to rest and have some food, while she took a little swim.

Minah walked down the sandy beach, stripping off her top and shorts to reveal much skin with a bikini that showed off her milky legs and y toned torso. She took another minute to soak up some sun, just standing on the beach and closing her eyes. Then she opend them, feeling ready as she slowly walked into the water.

[post deleted by owner]

@❊ Jinki Considering the cold weather which howled so wildly, the young male didn`t really mind it as mesmerized by the different shapes of the shells he decided to collect, yet something was missing. He couldn`t really carry them all home in his skirt? Could he? Hm… perhaps.. Takemasa brought his knife up, stretching out his skirt, before he swiftly sliced a piece of fabric off from it, laying down the shells in it and folded it up and tied a knot. There.. He thought, now eyes turning to his left noticing the male foolishly would believe Kujou didn`t see. “ Stupid individual. You know your awkward actions evidently show me all?” he asked

Apparently this man would think of Takemasa as crazy, weird, as a girl? Well, he was started to get used to those reactions by fellow living species as him. Well, he kinda got tired of it too, so the male slowly made his way to the male, determined about his directions. Without saying anything he stretched out his arm to grab the others by his wrist, pulling the other to him as he placed the hand over the chest. “ If you are confused about my , then look twice. If not you aren`t really wise. “ Takemasa spoke darkly, sharpening his eyes as he raised his eyebrows in doubt that this man could be less airheaded.
Perhaps he reacted to fast between his actions and how to approach this man? Like things doesn`t really hang on line with the thread, or the line of structure of how things should be done. “ A young naïve soul, unaware about his surroundings. You need to be told things with a little corn poured little by little in a bowl. “ the green haired man closed his eyes, whey as he concentrated hard, his face directed towards the lighthouse. “ Spirit. Someone is watching over you up in the blue. “
( sorry if it )

@❊ Hongbin Sandara was altogether shocked by how serious Hongbin had become in the matter of seconds. Part of her just wanted to laugh it off, to pretend that he wasn't this serious, to return to their light hearted conversation. His sudden assurance that anyone would be lucky to have her made her feel encroached, like he was invading her space, her private thoughts.

Pulling her hand away from Hongbin's out of instinct, Sandars straightened her back, her shields whipping back up.

"I won't," Sandara said, her voice hard. She swallowed, lifting her head up high. "I don't."

What right did Hongbin have to say such things like that? He barely knew her. They had only met the day before and here he was, declaring that he knew her well enough that he could determine how lucky he was to have her.

She sighed. She was being ridiculous. Of course he had the right. She had given him to right when she'd said 'Yours' and agreed to be his. In fact, she'd probably given him that right when she'd agreed to go on a date with him in the first place.

For a moment, Sandara felt uncomfortable apologising. But her guilt tugged at her, insisting she did. So, with a sigh, she said, "Sorry. People are generally too intimated to tell me what to think." She laughed it off lightheartedly but she could still feel some awkwardness in the air. So, carefully, she lifted her gaze to meet Hongbin's. She hoped she hadn't screwed things up. Things had been going so great so far.

As a means of apology, Sandara picked up the chopsticks again and made a very determined attempt to use them. She got so far as to pick up some of the rice and lifted it to her lips before her chopsticks collapsed and the rice fell back onto the plate. She let out a sigh of frustration, exhausted.

It wasn't the first time Sandara had been out of place. But it was the first time she'd felt insecure because of it. She felt inadequate. Honestly, she wanted to adjust to this lifestyle, if only for Hongbin.

No. It was all for Hongbin.

But again she couldn't. She wasn't designed for typical living. She was a part of the desert, engrained in the sand. Her roots were in too deep.

She really was a fish out of water. Oh the irony of it.

She wanted to distract herself. To forget how out of place she was. She had not signed up for this when she'd agreed on a holiday here.

The only time she had felt like she had been able forget everything was when she'd been kissing Hongbin. He had incredible power to take over her senses when he kissed her. She wondered if it was the practice he'd had with plenty of other people, or just the fact that it was him. Was she really as special to him as he was to her?

Damn it, she really was getting wrapped up in this.

Sandara couldn't help but laugh at that despite her current mood. "Is that an invitation?" She chuckled, leaning forward seductively. She grinned, raising an eyebrow at him. To make a point, she crossed her legs, pursing her lips, hiding her smirk. Hongbin would have to work incredibly hard if he wanted to get between her legs, whether she was awake or not.

Teasingly, she swung her leg rhythmically, gently grazing Hongbin's underneath the table.

Nonchalantly, she picked up another oyster, dipping it in the sauce before plopping it into . She really did like him. She didn't want to jeopardise what they had just because of insecurities.

He was worth far more than that.

@☼ Dara He honestly didn't. Quite the opposite actually. Before this he had never loved another person the way he loved Dara, so he couldn't help but snort at her comment. But her eyes prevented him from making fun of her and teasing her, wanting to savor the moments where she showed him the same love.

Still, it didn't feel right to not deny it. "Actually, I don't. You're just special." He said, an easy smile on his face. She truly was. Incredibly special, actually. At least to him.

Sometimes it angered him how little she thought of herself, even if such a comment was only a joke. He knew it was supposed to be a joke, not something that he should take seriously. But that didn't stop him from saying, "Any man, or woman, would be insanely lucky to have you. Don't ever doubt that. Ever." He said sternly, his tone surprisingly serious. God, he was definitely in over his head.

Especially since if he had found out that anyone else he had been in the process of getting close to had mentioned any illness, even if it was just a sleeping disorder, he would have packed his bags and taken himself out of the equation. Selfish or not. He'd lived a life where he avoided complications. So for him to put that on hold for her, to ignore his basic instinct, proved that she was very special to him indeed.

More special to him than anyone else, and he reminded himself that he would need to tell her that often.

Those joking words had a harsh reality tied with them. He would never be able to see her easily. Not to mention he didn't have many means of contacting her while she was in the middle of the desert. When they were apart they would be completely and utterly cut off from each other, and the thought chilled Hongbin to the bone.

Hongbin could imagine trying to brave that trek, a man who was far more used to navigating water than land, and getting pitifully lost. The male didn't even know where her village was, let alone how he could have any hopes of finding it. Or know what he would need to bring during the trek, let alone where to get it. He seemed very screwed if he ever decided to leave the kingdom. But waiting for Dara would kill him.

He got slightly distracted by those terrible thoughts by the knowledge that she had been able to get her fill of sleep the night before.

His attempt to stifle his blush was lost as soon as she said that. Still, Hongbin found himself replying that was arguably able to bring the same blush to Daras cheeks. "It doesn't have to be an experience you won't have again." He said, meaning it in the only way possible. A very dirty way.

@❊ Hongbin Sandara's smile was inevitable. Everything Hongbin said only made her smile grow wider. She had to bite her lip before got too big for her face.

Then he was admitting all his feelings for her in one whisper. At first she was surprised. Then she grinned, catching his eye, watching the way his cheeks flushed. "You love quickly," she commented before promising him with her eyes that she felt the same way. It was hard enough the first time to say it aloud. How hard would it be a second time?

"As long as you think so," she smirked, squeezing his hand back and entwining their fingers together.

At first, Sandara was startled when Hongbin jolted at her words. She immediately wanted to take her hand back and pull up her shields, worried that Hongbin had somehow judged her for what she had said. She had made herself far too vulnerable. She had let him in and it had been a mistake. She should have stopped at the cave.

And then his features began to soften into worry and Sandara felt herself relax, her hand sinking into his. She had expected the worst. And yet Hongbin had defied all of her expectations so far. And he hadn't stopped.

Sandara laughed at that, the sides of her eyes crinkling. "Oh yeah," she played along. "I'll just pop over from the desert. It's only a five minute walk." She chuckled, amused at what he had said. She knew what he had meant; he was always here if she needed it. He'd always let her sleep here.

But it was true. It wasn't an easy trek from the desert to this place. At minimum, it was a two day walk. And that was if you knew where you were going. If you were lost, it could turn into a week.

As much as Sandara wanted Hongbin to be five minutes away at all times, he could never be. This was the truth of their relationship.

"Mmmm," Sandara hummed in agreement. For the life of her, she really did want to stay the night. She wanted to feel Hongbin's arms around her and easily slip into sleep. Yet she knew she couldn't, no matter how much she'd promised him. "It did," she smiled in agreement, wistful. "Though, bizarre waking up in a cave with a very attractive guy between my legs. Now that's an experience I won't have again."

She chuckled, squeezing his hand to assure him she was joking. She didn't mind him at all. In fact, she was quite in love with him.

@☼ Dara Hongbin thought that she was adorable, and rather enjoyed helping her. It made him feel a bit more important to her, like he wouldn't be completely worthless as a boyfriend.

He could at least help her with the things she didn't know how to do.

He ate an oyster as well, coating it in the sauce. He loved this type of sauce, and it seemed that despite her lack of experience she could manage quite well. "I've never met someone who doesn't use chopsticks. It's cute." He said, feeling the need to reassure her that he didn't find her any less desirable over something so stupid and small. He'd be a fool to leave her over chopsticks.

Especially when he was positive that she could find someone else to replace him in a second.

Laughing at her mocking look, he gasped mockingly and made it look as if he was going to lunge after her before sitting back down as well. He couldn't remember the last time he had smiled so easily and calmly. It felt good to smile, especially since she was the one making him do it.

"I love you so much." He said softly, the words slipping out without him even realizing it at first. He blushed at his own words, but thankfully his second blush couldn't be seen now. Was he really this special to her? And was he her first official boyfriend? He wanted to ask but decided against it. It wasn't any of his business, even though it would give his ego a huge boost.

He still scoffed. "You're amazing girlfriend material." His eyes glanced down at their hands, giving her hand a tiny squeeze.

They were truly from two different worlds. Hongbin was always on display. He never had to steal, since other children or the women running the shops would give him food for free. He remembered them saying how they couldn't let a pretty boy like him starve while most of their husbands stared at him with a weird look. He now realized that that look had been hunger and lust. It disgusted him now when he thought about it. How all those men must have had dirty thoughts about him, or thought his torn clothes and innocence had been arousing.

How even today he even caught some of them peering out of their shops to get a look at him.

His ears honed in on her voice, listening to her easily. When he heard that he jolted in surprise. She couldn't sleep? She was an insomniac? He pondered this over in his mind, feeling concerned for her.

Then his thoughts immediately went to last night. Had she not been able to sleep then as well? He felt terrible, sleeping so soundly like that with the thought that she could have been up for hours. It made him feel terrible. "Last night.." He began, thinking about if he should apologize or not.

But when she said that it felt as if a thousand tons had lifted off his chest. He was so relieved. Giving her hand an extra firm squeeze, he smiled at her widely. "If you ever have trouble sleeping one night you can always visit me. My bed will always be open for you." After saying that he realized how dirty it sounded and immediately flushed crimson.

Hongbin couldn't remember the last time he had blushed after saying something ual, and realized that Dara must have more of an effect on him than he thought.

Trying to change the subject, he said, "Well, you'll be able to sleep well tonight again. It must have felt good." He said, trying to hide how flustered he had become.

@☾ Kujou Okay, this girl was crazy. She kept frolicking around, completely oblivious to the wild wind battering at the beach, attacking her. Onew himself had trouble just standing in one place, his body struggling to stay upright under the force of the wind.

And then she suddenly ran towards the lighthouse, yelling in excitement.

"Hey!" Onew shouted in alarm, his eyes widening, running after her. "You can't go in there, that's mine!" He hadn't realised how protective of the lighthouse he was. It was, after all, his livelihood and where he hid away when he needed time to himself. He wasn't prepared to let some crazy girl inside, even if she was soaking wet and had a high chance of freezing to death.

Okay, maybe dying was an exaggeration. But she could definitely catch a pretty mean cold.

Relief filled Onew when he say her attention was suddenly direction to the shells on the sand and she quickly scurried along, collecting them into her skirt.

Thankful for the distraction, Onew glanced back at his lighthouse, hoping to be able to slip away unnoticed.

"Well..." He said into the wind. "You have fun!"

And, as quickly as he could, he scurried up the beach, trying to slink away.

{{sorry it's crappy x.x}}

@❊ Hongbin Sandara lifted an eyebrow when Hongbin offered the oyster to her. But, instead, of refusing, she simply pleased forward and took the oyster from his chopsticks with , smirking as she chewed.

"Thanks," she said once she swallowed, feeling an odd blush tinge her cheeks. Was she embarrassed? Had she just made a fool of herself in front of Hongbin? Damn it, she'd probably ruined the mood with her impatience and lack of skill.

It wasn't that chopsticks didn't exist in the desert. For people who wanted to use them, they were there. But Sandara had always made a point of distancing herself from the life of the Townspeople when she was at home. She'd already made a conscious decision that she never wanted to be like them. So to stand out was the best way to succeed.

Then again, standing out wasn't exact the best tactics for a thief. Heck, she worked with what she got.

"Aha," Sandara chuckled, catching him rolling his eyes. "Now I have revealed all your secrets. Not the best boyfriend? Nonsense." She grinned before making a mock shock face. "But if you insist, I better make my escape now!" Sandara began to stand up, as if she were going to run for the door, but instead she just laughed and sat back down.

"Like I care," she reassured him with a confident smile. "I'm probably not the best girlfriend material. Not that I've let many people test that out."

At that, Sandara reached across the table to capture Hongbin's hand. She remembered he'd said he was left handed (and she could clearly see that he was holding his chopsticks in that hand) so she took his right hand. Hongbin must have had an eventful childhood to say the least. And she didn't know if it had been harsh on him or not. But she supposed she wanted him to know she didn't care.

She herself didn't remember much of her childhood. It hadn't been much of one, she knew that. She vaguely remembered spending a lot of time on the streets of the town, her parents too occupied with work to spend any quality time with her. She didn't even remember what they looked like.

There, on the streets, had been where she'd honed her skill for pickpocketing and thieving from stalls. Yet she'd always been fascinated with the desert beyond the Town walls. She'd loved to watch it's endlessness, it's freeness.

It was no surprise that she had run away from that Town as soon as she'd heard that there were a group of people that had escaped out into desert to create a new life. It had sounded too perfect not to go for it.

Ever since then, she had always been reckless. She loved it.

"Something I've never told anyone..." Sandara thought aloud. She couldn't exactly tell him she was a thief - that was a given. If she did, she was sure he'd run away from her. And, besides, everyone in the desert knew she was a thief. She didn't reveal that fact in the Town, of course. But it wasn't exactly a secret, especially when she was so proud of it.

"I can't sleep." She said it so suddenly that she had to fumble around to explain what she meant. "I mean, I can sleep. It just... takes me a while." She looked up at Hongbin, almost like she was revealing her whole soul to him. "I just... I guess I'm just too scared to." She laughed at how stupid that sounded but it was half hearted. She couldn't even explain what insomnia felt like. It felt like frustration and fear but so much more.

She didn't know if was something in her childhood that had made her this way. It was some irrational fear, something she'd forced her body conform to. But it was definitely something she'd never told anyone. Not even Hamin knew. Of course he didn't - he was always asleep when it happened.

"I guess," Sandara laughed under her breath, thinking to herself. "Back at the cave... I felt safe." Maybe that's why she could sleep so easily.

@☼ Dara Hongbin watched her with amusement, going purposely slow so she could watch and learn. He smiled, thinking her lack of ability towards using the utensils was cute. He was about to offer to help her when she suddenly slapped down her chopsticks, making him jump slightly.

He watched her with wide eyes, pausing for a second before chuckling quietly. He covered his mouth, trying to silence his laughter. "Need help?" He offered, picking up one of the oysters easily and eating it. He'd almost forgotten that they had come from two different worlds. In hers, it seemed like chopsticks weren't used often.

Before she could grab another oyster with her bare hands Hongbin stood, picking up and oyster himself, dipping it in the sauce, then blowing on it before offering it to the girl. "I'll teach you how to use chopsticks another day, but for now I'll just feed you." He stated simply, not intending on being argued with on this subject.

He chuckled, still standing. "It's okay, I would be surprised too. It's not something most people can say." He was honestly glad his mother hadn't made the trade for many reasons. One of those reason was the fact that there was no telling how many times the king would try or succeed in molesting/ him. The thought of the old kings ed fingers running across his skin made him want to shiver. But he was also glad because if he'd been married to either one of them he would have never have gotten to meet Dara or pursue his dream.

Hongbin rolled his eyes at that. "Anyone within their right mind. I don't know how I managed to fool you but I'm not exactly the best boyfriend material. I don't think anyone that has ed most of a kingdom would be good boyfriend material. Great at , but not great boyfriend material." He said, smirking and winking at her.

Again, Hongbin rolled his eyes. "You already have. You're much more beautiful and kinder than he ever was. Plus he probably would have done disgusting things to me when I was only a child." He said, and it seemed very likely that the old king would do something like that. He'd probably make him wear a robe that only went down to his mid-thigh at all times. That thought was both something he'd have to try later and something that disgusted him. If his mother ever had one thing it was nerve.

He watched her eat, and he couldn't help but wonder if this was really how people ate where she was from. It almost felt as if she was acting just to trick him. He nodded quickly, trying to use that as a way to distract himself. "Tell me something you've never told anyone else as well~" He said, smiling as he thought about all the secrets she possibly possessed.

@❊ Hongbin Sandara watched him curiously before she picked up the chopsticks awkwardly and attempted to pick up the oyster like he had. Every time she tried, the oyster slipped from her utensils, or she couldn't work the chopsticks properly. Glancing up at Hongbin, she tried to catch him eating again, prepared to follow his steps.

Yet frustration and hunger took over her and she slapped her chopsticks down, diving her hand into the bowl of oysters. Wincing at the heat, she picked one up and quickly pulled it out as if it were going to come alive in her hands, and dropped it onto her plate.

Sandara laughed sheepishly, glancing up to see if Hongbin had caught her. She shrugged, commenting, "If you want me, you've got to have it all." She stuck her tongue out at him before braving the heat of the oyster, picking it up, soaking it in the sauce and plopping it into . She chewed into it, surprised at the texture and flavour. Impressed, she nodded, diving in for another.

She almost choked when Hongbin announced he'd almost been a prince. Swallowing quickly, she coughed, grabbing her wine glass and swallowing a gulp to soothe . "Sorry," she blinked away the bitterness of the alcohol. "I was just surprised."

Then she laughed at herself. "No, okay, not surprised." Grinning, she glanced at Hongbin. "I mean, look at you. Who wouldn't want to marry you?" She smiled before she realised that this might be a sensitive subject for him. "I was just..." She tried to find the right words - shocked? Amazed? Bewildered? - but none of the words seemed to fit.

So, instead, she said, "Well, unfortunately, I can't beat that." She chuckled to herself before chewing on another oyster, swallowing it quickly. "But, I can say, your mother must have some guts to refuse the King!" She lifted her glass as if to cheers to her. In one sense, she admired Hongbin's mother. In another, she was thankful to her; for protecting Hongbin and for refusing to sell him off. She almost felt like Hongbin's mother had been reserving him for someone else - for Sandara.

She was glad he wasn't married now. She was glad to he was free to love who he wanted.

"I suppose you want to know something about me, now," she chuckled, picking up the rice bowl and shovelling some onto her plate with her chopsticks.

@☼ Dara Her smile confirmed that she believed him. What was there not to believe? She truly was the most beautiful person he had ever seen. He chuckled lightly at her words, his eyes still sincere. "You are. Don't worry, you are." He assured her. He couldn't think of any other person he would want to spend eternity with. Any other person that he wanted completely for himself.

He'd never wanted a person, just wanted them. There was usually a reason why he wanted them, and once that reason was fulfilled he didn't necessarily want them anymore. But not for Dara. He wanted specifically her, and the thought of anything taking her away from him made his heart sink.

He really was in love. Stupidly in love, at that. It was weird, actually caring about another human beings feelings. He didn't know if he'd ever get used to it. He probably wouldn't.

A wide smile graced his lips, happy that the other wanted this to be as meaningful as he wanted it to be. He was already planning for that night, or day. Would rose petals be too cheesy? Definitely hard to clean up. Beach sec was out of the question since sand would get everywhere and ruin the mood. Table wasn't exactly romantic. It seemed like bed was the only way to go, and he didn't mind very much about that.

He thought about how it would be in those very few moments. Of course, he imagined it to be amazing. Both of them were skilled in seduction, so he thought it was safe to assume they were both good at the act.

When they kissed every thought drifted out of his mind, and was instead replaced by Dara. His Dara. He'd never get used to the feeling he felt when he kissed her.

He covered his mouth to stifle his laughter, trying to act serious. He kissed her cheek before sitting down in his own seat, picking up his own glass and clinking it against hers. "Cheers." He said, before taking a sip. Picking up his chopsticks he reached into the bowl and grabbed an oyster, dipping it in the sauce, and then eating it whole.

He waited until he was finished chewing to answer.

He let out a small chuckle, tapping his chin before thinking about all the things he had never told anyone. "I'm the son of the poorest people in the kingdom and the king once came to see me when I was young because I was considered to be the most beautiful person in the kingdom. He tried to arrange a deal for me to marry either him or his son, probably so he could do ed things to me, and my mother rejected. So yeah. I was almost a prince." He said, before eating some of the rice from the bowl.

@❊ Hongbin Sandara visibly flinched at that, feeling his eyes trail down her arm. Was she really that skinny? Too skinny? Did she really care?

Yes. She did if it had anything to do with Hongbin. She had discovered that recently; that she cared about a lot of things when she was around him, things she'd never have paid attention to before.

She caught sight of Hongbin's sincere eyes when he told her he loved her body. She studied him, silent, watching for any sign of denial, any flicker of what he really thought. Yet there was nothing. Either Hongbin was really good at hiding things or he was the complete opposite - and he meant everything that he said.

Sandara smiled slowly at hearing his words assure her that she was the most beautiful person he'd ever seen. She wanted to roll her eyes, to make a joke of it, but it didn't feel like the right moment for that. So, instead, she rested her hand against his, the one that was gently cupping her face, and her eyes lifted up to meet his.

"I hope you're not joking around," she said quietly, truthfully. Vulnerable. "Because I really want to be." It wasn't about being vain or even having the title of 'most beautiful'. She wanted to be something special to Hongbin. Someone he'd remember. Someone he wanted to be with, spend time with.

It was selfish, she knew, but she wanted Hongbin all to herself.

Sandara's cheek felt cold when Hongbin took his hand away and had gone to fetch the wine. She watching him peacefully as he poured it into two glasses and smirked when he came over and pecked her on the nose.

And for a moment, she was breathless. His words somehow had managed to crack the shell of her heart and had slipped in. "Thank you," she whispered, keeping eye contact with him. She didn't know what else to say. He had said everything she had wanted to hear. She'd known everything they had been doing had been going in the direction of . But she didn't want it. Not this soon. She didn't want to be another of his one night stands.

So, meaningfully, she smiled, "I do too." And she kissed him back, gently, lovingly, when he lifted her chin up so his lips could meet hers.

They only broke away when he moved to pull out a chair for her. She smirked, mocking a curtsy with the ends of his shirt she wore, and moved to sit down. "Why, thank you," she chuckled, sitting in the chair and waiting for Hongbin to join her across the table.

When he had finally taken his chair, Sandara lifted her wine glass and offered it towards him. "Cheers?" She smiled.

"So, Hongbin," she said, smiling secretively and lifting her gaze to meet his. "Tell me about yourself. Isn't this what we're supposed to do for a first..." She corrected herself. "Second date?" She chuckled before adding meaningfully. "Tell me something that no one else knows."

@☼ Dara He blushed at that, nodding and biting his lip. Okay, yeah it was definitely his fault. Maybe having her dance for him was going to be a bad idea after all. He glanced over, seeing her straightening out the chopsticks and smiled to himself. Hongbin wasn't a complete clean freak, yet he was glad to have some cleanliness or order.

Hongbin made a mock offended look, knowing that it wasn't that harsh of a threat. But he did stop with the whole Hamin thing, not wanting to take any chances. He rolled his eyes and stuck his tongue out at her, before smirking at her as he began twirling the towel again. "You better start running. And what boundaries?" He said, a playful smile on his facs but he still put the towel down anyways.

He pouted at her, kissing her lips again. "Don't tease. I really do want you to have as many meals as you need. You're almost too skinny." He said, examining her arm. "But I love your body. Whether you gain a few pounds or lose some I won't care, you're the most beautiful person I've ever seen." He said, gently caressing her cheek with his thumb. He was definitely serious, the tone he had and his eyes easily showed that.

Picking the said small bottle of wine out of the fridge, he went over to her after grabbing two wine glasses. He set them down next to each plate, pouring both of them half full. Before sitting he went over to her, planting a kiss right on her nose. "Remember, just because I made you a fancy dinner doesn't mean that you have to give yourself up to me if you don't want to. I may tease but I've never been truly serious or have expected anything. I want our first time to be special." He murmured, tilting her head up and giving her a soft kiss.

"You're my girl, and I want to take care of you as much as I can." He added, before smiling his big bright smile and pulling the chair out for her to sit. "Madame," He said jokingly, gesturing towards the seat.