the dance, the night
➳ Princess Minjung wouldn’t have thought that she would enjoy her night.
characters ➵ Jung Minjung, Jackson Wang
warnings ➵ fluff
“You look beautiful, Princess!”
“The most elegant princess out of all the princesses!”
Princess Minjung turned towards the 2 royal maids with a straight face - causing them to lower their heads in embarrassment.
“I don’t think this fits me. I don’t know… I have never gone to galas or masquerades..” Princess Minjung muttered and the 2 young royal maids went to her sides.
“And that is why Queen Jung assigned us—
“Your 2 royal maids that has been serving you since young—
“To be the one to choose your gowns! We took care of other royal kingdom’s princesses' gowns, so trust us!”
Princess Minjung’s young twin royal maids, Hyeri and Hyerin exclaimed as they were given a task which is to choose different gowns for the princess and they were happy to help the princess regarding the choosing of gowns.
“I trust the two of you but.. I’m not confident wearing the gowns.. Can I just wear the usual royal suits?” Princess Minjung turned towards the twins as their eyes widened in unison then shaking their heads in disagreement.
“No, your highness! This was an order given by the Queen! We would be punished if you wear the usual royal suits!” Hyeri, the older twin, expressed herself with a terrified expression - making the princess turn her sight towards the mirror, observing her own reflection.
Princess Minjung was in a purple gown, most of the fabric on the outer layer are veils but the inner layers are silk so it was quite comfortable for the princess. There were sparkly designs on her waist area causing the attention to be on her small waist.
The princess hoped that the ball room wasn't going to be cold as her shoulders and arms were exposed as well as her chest area even though there were veils covering them.
With a sigh, Princess Minjung gave the approval signal for the twins to continue helping her do her face and hair. Hyerin, the younger twin was clever enough to put on a light layer of makeup on the princess while the older twin decided to just slightly curl her hair.
It was all about minimalism regarding her makeup and hair.
“Thank you, you two.” muttered the princess as her gaze went towards the window to see cars lining up - knowing it was the royal families from different kingdoms. There were families she recognized as Princess Minjung were the ones who attended meetings together with King Jung.
“Everything is going to be fine, Princess. Prince Jackson is going to be there,” Hyerin commented as the princess’s head snapped towards her with a slight frown.
The twins giggled towards each other, watching the princess walk back and forth in nervousness.
“Face it, Princess. You like him and he likes you,” Hyeri added and Princess Minjung slightly tilted her head as she looked at the young maid.
“I don’t think he likes me in terms of having romantic feelings for me. We are just friends - best friends,” answered the Princess as she leaned against the nearby book-shelf.
“But best friends don’t kiss each other on the cheek whenever you part ways,” asserted Hyerin while raising her eyebrows.
“Yeah, especially a Prince. Princes don’t kiss a princess on the cheek - usually they would kiss the Princess’s hand on the back.” Hyeri added and the princess groaned in annoyance hearing her childhood friends teasing her.
“Prince Jackson is an exception.” Princess Minjung muttered as she smiled a little, remembering the times when they were together.
Ever since Princess Minjung saved King Wang from the evil general from the finance department, King and Queen Wang would always call the Princess of Jung Kingdom over for tea sessions - wanting to know more about the Princess.
It was normal for Prince Jackson to join the session - yet Princess Minjung was actually thankful that the young prince joined. The Princess felt awkward since there were 2 adults and she was the only young one.
With the addition of the Prince, the princess was able to communicate well plus Prince Jackson is like a friend to her and the way he talked to his parents was informal - the princess was amazed that King and Queen Wang didn’t bother to correct him.
Since then, Princess Minjung would teach Prince Jackson more about archery and swordsmanship - training to become an expert and because of the regular practice, both of them naturally became close with Prince Jackson asking the princess if he could be comfortable with her and without knowing his context, Princess Minjung just agreed.
Until one day Princess Minjung figured out what he meant if he could be comfortable is whenever they are alone Prince Jackson would lean on the princess’s shoulder whenever they read a book together or just talk about their royal duties.
What made Princess Minjung’s heart race was the times Prince Jackson gave a kiss on her cheek whenever she would leave to go back to her own Kingdom.
He would always accompany her to the front entrance - even when he had to attend a meeting but he decided to prioritize the princess first, vice versa - even when Prince Jackson drops by the Jung Kingdom for the royal meeting of both kingdoms and Prince Jackson would always give Princess Minjung a kiss on the cheek before leaving to go back to his own Kingdom.
The topic is still being discussed by the royal maids and butlers regarding the Prince and Princess’s relationship.
They thought it was cute and romantic but they didn’t know if it was appropriate if the King and Queen of both Kingdoms knew about it.
“C’mon, Princess. I think all of the royal families have arrived.” Hyeri suddenly looked towards the window as she began to rush her younger twin.
Princess Minjung sighs as she hoped the night would end early for her.
Princess Minjung slightly bowed her head towards the other royal families and she thanked the royal twins that her dress wasn’t as heavy as she thought it would be. She could move around freely but not as freely as wearing her usual formal suit.
She couldn’t help but have her eyes downcast, feeling the obvious stares from other Princes and Princesses. Princess Minjung knows that they were surprised that she showed up - compared to the previous gala events where she decided to just ghost out.
Princess Minjung went towards the corner with a glass of wine - just observing everyone when her attention caught towards other princesses who were giggling and just whispering towards a certain direction.
Princess Minjung decided to follow their gaze and she was foolish enough to take a sip while looking - the princesses were looking towards the main entrance, to see the King and Queen of Wang Kingdom, with Prince Jackson at the back just looking around.
When Prince Jackson caught the one that he was looking for, Princess Minjung nearly choked on her wine as she quickly gulped onto her drink quickly - seeing him walking in a fast pace towards her direction.
She has to admit that Prince Jackson looks stunning and hot.
Prince Jackson really looks… like a prince..
Damn, Minjung. He is a prince!
“Minjung! What are you doing here in a corner!?!” Prince Jackson was already beside the dazed princess - causing her to blink furiously at him.
“Are you drunk? How many glasses of wine did you drink!?!” Prince Jackson exclaimed dramatically as he put his hand on the princess’s forehead.
Princess Minjung dodge his touch as she nervously looks around - seeing other royal families glancing towards them with cheeky smiles.
“Just.. a glass. Galas and me don’t match well,” muttered Princess Minjung as her eyes turned towards the prince who gave her a side look.
“Really? I guess…. we’re the same…” Prince Jackson muttered as he smiled slightly, seeing the Princess’s taken aback expression.
“You don’t like galas too?”
“Not all galas. Just the one that involves contracts, meetings and just forced ones. You get what I mean,”
“This gala involves all of that too, Jackson.” Princess Minjung asserted as she looked at him, amused.
Prince Jackson smiled slightly before continuing his words.
“I know. I actually wanted to skip this one but as soon as I heard you were attending, I couldn’t help but to come and see you,” Prince Jackson muttered - only making the princess hear his words.
The Princess didn’t know if it was the glass of wine that made her blush or just her own emotions when Prince Jackson had his eyes on hers.
There was something with his gaze that made her stomach filled with butterflies.
Prince Jackson too had butterflies on his stomach when he saw Princess Minjung on the corner wearing a purple veil gown and a glass of wine.
He knew she would be there and he knew that everyone’s attention would be to her - hearing that the Princess of Jung Kingdom would not come for galas or masquerades due to her attending wars and battles and staying over at another kingdom’s cabin hence the timing was a bit off.
But Prince Jackson didn’t know how gorgeous the Princess of Jung Kingdom looked in a purple gown. He was so mesmerized with her that the King had to shake the young prince off, noticing his son was staring into space.
Prince Jackson’s eyes went towards the Princess’s lips then noticing his own actions as he quickly looked away, as he covered it up with him taking a step back, standing up straight while extending his hands towards her.
There was no way Prince Jackson would miss a chance to dance with Princess Minjung.
“We could pass the time by dancing. Would you like to have a dance with me, Princess Minjung?” Prince Jackson questioned confidently and his lips immediately curved upwards as soon as the princess took his hands.
“You’re good at dancing, Minjung.”
“Doesn’t mean I didn’t attend galas, it does not mean I have no idea how to dance, Jackson,” Princess Minjung muttered in a matter of fact - causing the Prince to chuckle, guessing himself that he might pissed the princess off.
Both of them were in the center of the ballroom and Princess Minjung was surprised on how Prince Jackson would make her feel comfortable - seeing one of his hands on her back and other hands clasping onto her hands.
Their faces were just inches away from each other.
“Do you often dance with other princesses?” Princess Minjung questioned softly, seeing a small smile from Prince Jackson as he proceeded on twirling the Princess, then slightly pulling her towards him - his hands moving towards her hips.
“Not often. Maybe once or twice and I would instantly leave.” answered Prince Jackson as his expression changed to a smirk.
“Do you know the lift move?” asked the Prince with a hint of tease - Princess Minjung can’t help but raise an eyebrow while pulling the Prince towards her.
That made Prince Jackson’s heart jump slightly, seeing how close their faces were.
“Try me,” whispered Princess Minjung and Prince Jackson smirked deepens - with him beginning to spin her around then doing the advanced move which is him lifting the Princess up, that caused other royal families attention to the both of them.
Prince Jackson and Princess Minjung were in their little world - with the Princess chuckling when she accidentally stepped onto the prince’s shoes and him stepping onto the hem of the Princess’s dress.
They were having lots of fun - which is a first for both of them.
“It seems that we have caught other people’s attention,” Prince Jackson whispered as he brushed his lips on Princess Minjung’s ears.
Her gaze then went towards her surroundings as they were being greeted by other princes and princesses compliments regarding their performance - more royal families were on the dance floor, and that was the queue for Princess Minjung to leave.
“Jackson, I’m thirsty. Can we drop by the liquids section?” Princess Minjung turned her sight towards him as the Prince quickly nodded - surprisingly knows the code as both of them bowed towards each other, ending the dance and Prince Jackson guided the Princess towards the liquid sections.
“No more wines for you. A glass of water should be okay. You’ll get sick as soon as tomorrow comes.” Prince Jackson grabbed a glass of water, then handing it to the Princess - as she muttered her thanks to him before gulping the water.
“That was fun,” Princess Minjung commented as she turned towards the Prince who was sipping a glass of wine while staring into the other royal couples dancing on the dance floor.
“Really? I had fun too.” muttered Prince Jackson as he turned towards the princess, who had her head turning towards what he was looking at.
The Prince blames the wine that he feels warm on his cheeks - his gaze was more intense as he stares at the Princess.
I would lose myself if I kept drinking this wine.
“Princess, should we have a dance one more time?” Prince Jackson questioned out of nowhere, making the Princess snap her head towards him with a slight frown.
“What—
“Okay! Let’s go!”
It was obvious that Prince Jackson is really drunk by the way he was lifting the princess up and the way he twirls her around - with his slightly reddened cheeks and ears.
The only way for Princess Minjung to stop the Prince was stepping onto his shoes - The prince needs some fresh air and a plain glass of water.
Princess Minjung hurriedly went towards the liquid corner then returned to find Prince Jackson with a glass of water - to see him being nowhere.
The Princess looked around the area - from the ground floor to the 2nd floor and to each room when she had no choice but to ask the butlers and thank god one of them knows where he went.
Princess Minjung had to leave the ballroom - her feet taking her to the royal garden where there were benches and seat cushions on the floor by the pond, it was meant for the Queen and the royal duchesses to sit on when there were tea sessions.
Her eyes traveled towards a familiar back of a dark blue suit worn by a Prince that she had a dance with previously.
The Princess silently made her way towards him, as she took a seat beside.
“It’s beautiful as soon as night time arrives here,” Prince Jackson muttered as his gaze went onto the pond - with lights on the sides of each corner of the pond.
“Jackson, you need to chug down a glass of plain water. Or else you will be down with a fever,” It was the Princess turn to mention him being sick, the table had turned previously.
Prince Jackson let out a smile before grabbing the glass from her hand.
“Thank you, Princess.” thanked Prince Jackson as the Princess bowed her head slightly - then turning her head towards the pond.
“I didn’t say this before but, you look beautiful.” said Prince Jackson after he finished drinking, his gaze turned towards the princess who just smiled.
“Thank you, Jackson. You know, I was looking forward for this gala to end but it seems with your presence here and with how we enjoyed ourselves back at the dance floor, I wished we could have more time together,” confessed Princess Minjung, her gaze went downcast as she let out a slight smile - a sad one.
Princess Minjung turned towards Prince Jackson as she caught him staring at her - with his head turning towards her.
“I always enjoy my time with you, Princess. Never once it would be boring. It seems that I am attracted to you,” Prince Jackson admitted as his body shifted nearer towards her.
Princess Minjung watches him leaning towards her - his face inches away from her. His head tilted slightly while his sight went towards her lips then towards her eyes, asking her if he could kiss her while giving a knowing look.
The Princess approved of his action by leaning towards her.
“Prince Jackson! Your highness!”
Both the Prince and the Princess automatically leaned back and immediately stood up.
Prince Jackson had a deep frown, as if he looked really pissed while turning toward who was calling him.
“King and Queen Wang mention that it’s getting late and they want you back immediately,”
“Okay. Give me 5 minutes.”
“But—
“5 minutes! Please.” Prince Jackson yelled, looking towards the butler with a pleading look. The butler could only bow as he quickly left the Prince alone with the Princess.
“The King and Queen is right. It’s getting late.” Princess Minjung mentioned with a small smile, making Prince Jackson to instantly smile.
“I hope this is not weird but did I mention that you have a beautiful smile?” Prince Jackson complimented - earning a slight laughter from the Princess.
“I think all princesses have a beautiful smile, your highness.”
“Yes, but yours is different. Whenever you smile, there is a twinkle in your eyes and I like it,” Prince Jackson confessed and Princess Minjung immediately chuckled as her eyes went downcast.
“Thank you for today, Jackson. Being my dance partner and my wine partner. I really enjoy my night.” Princess Minjung thanked the Prince as she slightly bowed towards him.
The Prince could only stare at her, admiring her gestures.
He wanted to converse more with her, there were so many things he wanted to discuss with her but it seems time decided to pass by fast.
“Your highness—
“I’m coming!” Prince Jackson immediately yelled towards the voice calling for him - an annoyed tone came out from his voice.
“Thank you, Princess. I’m afraid I have to go,” Prince Jackson muttered with a slightly frown.
Princess Minjung nodded as she stared at him, afraid of what she was going to do next.
It was time for her to initiate the gesture - Princess Minjung leaned towards his face, planting a deep kiss on his cheeks, a smack could be heard only for the both of them.
A smile was being formed on Prince Jackson’s face as he decided to embrace the Princess with a tight hug - feeling his breath and him planting a soft peck on her bare back.
Prince Jackson then grabbed her hand as he kissed her knuckles - before bowing to her, as a queue that he will be leaving.
He was about to walk away when he decided to turn back, giving the Princess a last look - before really leaving her.
Princess Minjung could only watch him until she couldn’t see his figure - releasing a shaky sigh.
“If only I was brave enough to just confess to him,” muttered Princess Minjung to herself as she felt tears clouding on her eyes.
It’s weird for her.
She knows that she would be seeing him again but why does it feel like they were separating?
“Your highness! Princess! What are you doing there!?” A familiar voice called for her as the Princess turned to see the familiar twins running towards her on the grass.
“What are you doing out here all alone?!” The older twin nagged as she looked around the area - finding there was no one while the younger twin put a cloak on the princess, observing the Princess.
Seeing that there were tears on the Princess’s eyes, Hyerin looked towards the older twin - giving her a look.
“Let’s go, Princess.” Hyerin softly muttered as she hooked her arms onto the Princess’s arms.
Princess Minjung can’t help but look back towards where she sat with the Prince as her feet entered the usual noisy palace.
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