DISCLAIMER - I Love Yoo and its characters belongs to Quimchee and Line Webtoon. I'm just a reader who's borrowing those said characters for the purpose of this fanfic. I intend to make no profit out of this.

This is a multi chapters fanfic that will mostly follow two POVs - Yeong gi and Shin ae (with occasional Yui and Sangchul pov thrown in between). The story is already outlined but I don't have any drafts ready, so updates will be slow and irregular. I hope to wrap it up within 10 -12 chapters, though.

It is a simple plot line, a bit heavier on romance. And the characterisation will be based on my understanding of ILY characters and what traits will suit the story/circumstances.

A rather hot, sultry day found two children of around ages ten or eleven playing together in the sprawling Royal garden. Their laughters piercing through the air as they chased one another in a game as old as time itself. The guards posted around in the vicinity ignored them as they chatted among themselves animatedly, exchanging insignificant rumours and gossip from the neighbouring town of Hira-machi, throwing a casual glance every now and then to the red headed kid between the two, they were duty bound to protect.

The slightly older boy had nearly perfected the art of casual indifference as he focused all his energy and focus into chasing his playmate across the vast landscape. Shin Ae, despite possessing a rather slim build was rather quick footed and lithe enough to give him a hard time. She jumped over rocks and skirted around trees and fountains with a grace he couldn't help but envy but his admiration was cut short as her next words were even swifter in wounding his pride.

"What? Can't catch up with a girl?" Yeong gi furrowed his brow as the glint of mischief in her eyes fueled his more competitive side, and in next to no time, he had her cornered as he skirted around the opposite end with a dive roll. She squealed with surprise that evolved into pearls of laughter as they both went down in a bundle of entangled arms and legs.

"Gottcha," Yeong gi called out as they separated, a wide grin plastered across his face as they unentangled.

Shin Ae's pout barely lasted a second. "That was so cool. You have to teach me that next time. Where did you even learn it?" her eyes widened with burning curiosity.

"Oh, that. The arms master," he shrugged. As the heir in line for the throne, he was expected to attend all sorts of trainings under more capable guides with passing years.

"Mmm," murmured Shin Ae as her fingers gently plucked a blade of grass. "You're busy learning all these new things, soon you won't even have time for us anymore."

"That's not true," Yeong gi protested, "I'll always make time for you. You're my best friend."

That brought a smile across Shin Ae's lips. She fell flat on her back with a flump. Yeong gi followed suit by her side. The clear blue sky with cotton-like fluffy clouds came into their view, interrupted only by the gigantic towers of the royal Palace, soaring high into the sky. Shin ae's fingers traced the smooth outlines of the cumulus clouds when her eyes landed on a crown of raven hair, looking through the bay shaped window glass, at them lying supine on the grass.

After a second, she waved a hand in greeting which was responded to by a quick turn of the head as the boy disappeared back into the shadows. Shin ae frowned.

"Leave him be," Yeong gi muttered by her side. "He thinks he's way too good for us." There was a touch of animosity and a hint of hurt to his words.

Shin ae nodded, bringing her arm back to her side, but she couldn't help thinking he looked lonely.

Time passed quickly for the two kids and the boy grew up in size and fame, quickly surpassing the girl in terms of height and build. The girl grew up into a young lady, better known as the medic's assistant with a kind heart and caring hands, always quick to help. Whereas she devoted most of her time in helping her father nurse his patients or her study books, the young man was busy training in all sorts of combat styles and tactics, as expected of someone of noble blood. And although both grew distant in terms of hours they could freely spent together, their bond only grew closer and stronger with time.

Their evenings were rather spent on genial conversations and daily updates than playing around in fields. And the eve of King's birthday bash found them engaged in their usual playful banter while taking a casual walk through the gardens that was once their playing ground.

"Can't believe you weaseled your way out of that dance lesson," Shin ae shook her head in amusement. "I didn't expect you to come at all."

"And let you bask in a peaceful stroll?" Yeong gi grinned. "Not a chance!"

"Just my luck," Shin ae let out a theatrical sigh before returning the smile. "How would it look if the heir fumbles up his dance steps midway through the ball?"

"You're forgetting Kousuke," Yeong gi furrowed up his brows. "He's the Queen's son. That makes him more eligible for the throne."

"Haven't you been hearing the rumours?" Shin ae raised an eyebrow. "You're the public favourite! They want you. I'm sure that's what the ministers are saying too! And I agree, you'll make a great King."

"And the first thing I'll do is ban all sorts of dance lessons for eternity. And vegetables will be banned too. So will be those boring lessons in history and calligraphy. I wonder if I can sack that old.. " He was cut short by a light slap to his head.

"Forget what I just said. You'll make a terrible king," Shin ae rolled her eyes. "God save our kingdom!"

"Hehe," he quietened down as his brother entered the premise, flanked by two guards on either side. He gave them a cursory glance before making his way to a park bench and burrowing his head behind a book. "Pretty sure one person would hate it anyway."

Shin ae could feel the subtle tension rolling off his shoulders. "C'mon. Tomorrow is a big day. Lots to prepare," and she dragged him out of the area.

The evening of the birthday bash turned out to be a miserable affair. The weather conveniently chose the day to rebel and it rained all morning and all afternoon but thankfully relented after dusk. However, the air hung heavy and there was an undercurrent of gloom enveloping the entire Palace. If it wasn't for the lights and festive decoration, nobody could have guessed that it was supposed to be a day of celebrations. Least of all the King himself.

"And I've said this a hundred times. No means No. I promised his mother that I'll name the more eligible candidate my heir and Nol has proved himself to be more competent than Kousuke in every sphere." Rand banged his fist on the desk, his eyes defiant as they met the steely gaze of his wife across the table.

"And what about me?" said Yui in a deadly whisper. "I'm the reigning Queen and he's our first born son. How would it look on him when his own father discredit him in royal court? How would that look on me?" her voice climbed up another notch.

"I'm not disowning him," Rand gave a dismissive gesture. "Running a Kingdom requires a unique kind of strength. A fortitude that he doesn't possess. That doesn't make him any lesser. But as the King, I'm duty bound to be impartial and fair. People's welfare comes first and Nol is more in tune with the social culture."

"That ruffian knows nothing!" screamed Yui. "You dare not.. Dare not do this."

Rand met her gaze squarely in the eye as all colour fled from Yui's face and that's when she knew that he will never change his mind.

The grand ballroom was splendidly decorated with ornate golden lights and the magnificent chandelier burned in all its majestic glory over the dance floor. The fragrance of thousands of bouquets and garlands sweetly permeated the air and the music swelled over the scene in a masterly display of creativity and craftsmanship. Women wore resplendent gowns of satin and silk whereas the men were handsomely clad in tuxedoes made out of the finest fabric. Wine and Champagne flowed endlessly as the waiters made rounds through the gossiping crowd.

Shin ae was undoubtedly impressed. No amount of rain or storm could suppress the will of the high society to indulge in luxurious debauchery.

Yeong gi tapped his foot impatiently by her side. "When will this evening end?" he groaned, his hand moving up his throat to loosen up his bow tie.

"You still think you can get away without a dance? Look at those girls. They have been casting hopeful glances your way all night."

Yeong gi paused and studied the ladies Shin ae was referring to, who burst into nervous bouts of chuckles and snickers when their eyes met his. Intermittently throwing coy looks his way. He grimaced.

"What the hell is wrong with them?" he muttered. "Where is Kousuke when you need him?"

"Apparently in Lady Yu Jing's arms," observed Shin ae, "That's like no competition. They stand no chance in front of her." Lady Yu Jing carried herself with a grace and poise that Shin ae couldn't help but admire. She had to admit, Kousuke and Yu Jing made a handsome couple, fit for the Royal Court.

Yeong gi scrunched his nose. "Did he really have to dance? He's making me look bad. Damn, he dances good. All those hours with the tutors are definitely paying.. Hey, watch out buddy!" Yeong gi's arm shot forward to catch a guy who had tripped over his foot. "Oh,..Sangchul," he stated briskly.

Shin ae looked around to see Lord Kim's son, completely wasted, scowling back at Yeong gi.

"Hands off."

"Sure," Yeong gi let him go, brushing off his hands, "But you need to look out for yourself. Can't have you tripping over a ladies' gown. You've created enough scandals for a lifetime, won't you agree? Carry on like this and you'll lose the last remaining favour of the King."

"What does it matter?" he smirked, "I've as good a chance of getting the title as you have of being nominated the heir." He analysed him for a second, before smirking even wider. "You better watch out. Your good days are numbered even less than mine."

Saying that he skirted around them two, leaving them both to their incredulous expressions.

"What did he mean?" wondered Shin ae.

"Beats me.. Oh god, looks like someone has mustered enough courage to ask me out for a dance," he groaned, as a girl extricated herself from the giggling crowd and confidently made her way towards him. "Catch up with you later," he hastily muttered as he darted across the room.

"Good luck," Shin ae called out to which he responded by raising a thumb without sparing a backward glance. She shook her head, before thinking she had little else to do there anyway. No point in sticking around. Doubting that anyone will even miss her presence, she decided to call it a day and made her exit through the side door.

The weather had barely cheered up but somehow, Shin ae didn't mind that. She liked the humidity, the rain drops clinging to the leaves and twigs. The cobbled pathway cut through the mini pavillion when her steps faltered as she recognised a familiar silhouette leaning against the balustrades. The figure looked up, startled but eased-up when his blue eyes met her brown ones.

"Oh, it's just you."

Shin ae threw a cautious look over her shoulders. She didn't expect to run into Kousuke Hirahara here of all places when there was a party in full swing inside. "Fancy seeing you outside. Are you alright?" she cautiously asked.

Kousuke shrugged, looking away. "Yes, thank you for asking," his speech felt formal and practiced.

"Oh." Shin ae wondered if she should simply walk out. There was an air of awkwardness between them that she had no idea how to navigate.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be dancing?..With Nol?"

"What? Yeong gi?" Shin ae dissolved into fits of laughter, in response to which Kousuke gave her a quizzical look, as if worried she had suddenly gone crazy. "Sorry. Sorry. I'll quit now," she grinned. "You think just like everyone else. We're not together. We're friends! Best friends!"

Kousuke's eyes widened in surprise as she returned a proud grin. "I see.. That's good," he backtracked as she threw him a sharp look. "I meant.. Father might get angry if a scandal breaks out. There's an image to maintain." he mused.

"Was that what you were doing?" Shin ae frowned, recalling his stiff posture back at the ballroom. "With Lady Yu Jing?"

"Bold of you to make that assumption," he stated dryly.

"You didn't look too happy," she challenged. "Not that I can comment. Dancing looks like an utter miserable affair." she shuddered.

"That's why you weren't dancing?"

"That too," she answered, making her way to the railing and taking in the deep night air and scattered lights spread out wide. "And also cause no one asked."

There was a pause as they both looked over the garden. The gentle music sweeping over them both, pulling them into an easy silence. Shin ae closed her eyes, basking in the tranquility.

"May I have this one dance?"

A surprised Shin ae looked up to see a calm but sincere expression in Kousuke's eyes and an extended hand.

When she didn't move, a half smile lightly caressed his lips. "Dancing is not that bad once you give it a chance," he remarked.

Shin ae didn't say anything as a million doubts circulated through her head. He was the heir. It was just a dance. She hates dancing. Says who? People will gossip. But nobody was there. And since when did she care?

She slowly nodded, taking his hand.

Yui unclasped her heavy necklace as her husband entered their marriage chamber, a marriage if she was being honest dissolved years ago, and whatever traces remained, remained only on paper. Her eyes followed his figure as he didn't even spare her a glance and directly made his way to his side of the bed, before pouring himself a drink. Yui smiled.

"Lord Gun Kim has agreed to my proposal. I only need one more minister on my side before we can officially nominate Kousuke the crown prince."

"You're back at it, again? And what did you offer Lord Kim in return?"

Yui's smile hardened. "You have absolutely no trust in me, dear husband. That breaks my fragile heart!"

Rand massaged his brow. "Just give up on these games. And go to sleep. If it wasn't for the guards outside, I wouldn't even have returned to this chamber. There're already rumours of our disagreement. It will be to your advantage if you choose to co-operate in this instance."

Yui didn't reply for a long time and Rand had started feeling uneasy.

"If all fault lies with me, then where does that leave you?" whispered Yui in a voice devoid of all emotions. "How does it feel to put all the blame on me and play the helpless victim?" Rand was having trouble concentrating on her words as a sense of doom slowly engulfed him..

"Yui.."

"You never paid any attention to Kousuke. You never paid any attention to me," she continued, not taking her eyes off his face. "May I ask why? What did I not provide? Am I your wife only in name?"

Rand tried to cry for help as his palpitations overwhelmed him, it felt like something was choking him deep inside. His eyes darted to his glass. But how? He used to keep it locked away in his cabinet under the night stand. He gasped for breaths that seemed just beyond his reach. His hands flailed as they finally clasped around her own in desperation, a pleading look glazing over his eyes.

"You can't even tolerate my presence without drinking yourself drunk every night," Yui gave a sad smile. "Farewell, my dear. I'll take really good care of your kingdom for you."

Notes-

Reviews are always welcome!