Uk immediately taken aback. His face fell in shock. Whether Min Jun aware or not, that wasn't a mere teasing anymore.
It's a love confession, in the most subtle way.
"I gotta go," Uk stood up hastily from the chair. The sudden proposal created a mixed feeling inside. He knew if he stayed, things will be hard for him.
"Hyung-nim, don't leave just yet!" Min Jun halted him midway. He stood in front of Uk, looking at the man in serious note.
"Daegum..."
"I just want to show you that love is worth to fight for. If you let the person go so easily like that, it means you never love the person that much. That's why you never really care about it," Min Jun tried to justify his action.
"Daegum, you don't have to proof it to this extend. I don't want any of us to get hurt in the future. Whether it's you... Or me," those words pricked the prince's heart a bit. It might sounded like a normal conversation.
But, actually, it's a hidden confession that born straight from Uk's deepest heart.
"You do like me, hyung-nim..." Min Jun came in realization. Uk looked down, staring at his ground that he stood on. The same ground but in the different level. The space between them felt like the gap between the Heaven and the Earth!
"As someone who is older than you, I have an obligation to stop you for making a mistake that will cost your future, Min Jun daegun. You're a prince, although you're not enthroned, still..."
"So, a prince can't fall in love at all? We're human being, hyung-nim, not a rock!" Min Jun looked disappointed. There was an anger in his voice. The whole room felt shaken by his inquiry. His reaction made Uk sighed in frustration.
"I don't wanna hurt you, daegum..."
"I got slashed on my abs, hyung-nim. I even have a terminal illness. I was born to get hurt."
"Anyone or anything might chose to hurt you. But, not me. The last thing that I want to see is your tears, daegum..."
"And you still rejected me. How can you not seeing me cry?"
"I'm doing this because I care so much about you, daegum..." Uk said, with a fainted note. Anyone will noticed his rattling voice, like he hopelessly hanging on dear life to make Min Jun accepting his rejection.
"If you care about my feelings, date me then! I want you to date me. I want you."
"Daegum..."
Min Jun suddenly charged forward. He held Uk's face with both of his palm and making him looking into his earnest eyes. He wanted the older to realize the love that he had for the man.
Looking at Min Jun's sorrow hurt Uk so bad. He knew the prince loved him so much. But, he also realized that all of this were unacceptable. With so many burden to weight on, he refused to have a complex relationship, just like he used to have before. He hated being hurt. And he knew how hard it was for Min Jun if he's walking in the same shoes as he used to.
Just thinking about it made him sad.
"Deagum... I'm scared if I hurt you..."
"You will never hurt me, I know..."
"What if I did? Will you forgive me? Will you moving on if one day this doesn't work for us?" said Uk.
"Hyung-nim, you do realize that I don't have much time left in this world, right?" Min Jun let out a helpless laugh. Those words feel like a slap on Uk's face.
"Don't say that, daegum..." Uk pressed his finger against Min Jun's lips. The prince grabbed Uk's hand, put it aside, and smile at him.
"Then, care to give the love to me, hyung-nim?" Min Jun asked Uk again. He had already planted the determination. He will keep asking until Uk say yes. Even if he had to repeat the same words all night.
Looking at Min Jun's determination, Uk slowly melted inside. As much as he's afraid that he will hurt the prince, he can't deny his feelings for him was so strong for him to fight.
"Fine. But... I want to take things slow. You have to court me, make me fall for you until I can't see anyone else but you. Proof your theory of love. And we'll see from there," said Uk. He had done his best, but it seemed like he had no choice but to give Min Jun a chance.
"You do know I like challenges, hyung-nim. And, this already sounds fun for me!" Min Jun finally drew a wide smile on his face. He and Uk exchange nods, putting a seal on this agreement of courtship.
"And, one more thing..." said Min Jun. Uk bobbed his brows up, giving a way to Min Jun.
"Can I kiss you, hyung-nim?"
As Min Jun leaned closer, Uk pressed his finger against the prince's forehead. The older pushed Min Jun away from him, put a halt on the prince's action.
"We'll kiss when I say I'm ready for it. Until then, keep your hands to yourself and be patient," Uk patted the prince's shoulder, moved him to the side and gave Min Jun a teasing glare before took a leave from the room.
Min Jun left breathless there with the daring action from Uk. He held his chest that thumping like crazy with a wide helpless grin on his face.
It's okay, Min Jun. Old folks said, forbidden fruits always taste sweeter... He coaxed himself so he can keep his patience intact.
***
Uk dashed straight into his room after that heated encounter with the prince. He held his chest tight, letting out his nervous feeling from himself. He crinkled his face, supressed the rattle inside him and tried his best to calm his heart.
"What just happening? Since when I became so bold!?" Uk scolded himself, tapping his cheek a few times in shyness. He hid his face with his palm and yelled by himself.
"I need to prepare myself. Things will get aggressive after this," Uk warned himself, planting those idea in my head over and over again.
When he's done, he slammed himself under the futon, shrieking loudly with a pillow covering his face.
"I don't think I can sleep tonight!" he sighed helplessly.