Chapter Text
Waking up in a bed too soft and a room too big was certainly not in Ivan's plan but here he is. Being pampered by women dressed in maid outfits and getting carried outside by buff males cosplaying as a knight.
Did he have too many to drink last night?
Don't get him wrong, this was heaven for him. Having to do nothing but just sit there and look pretty has always been his aspirations ever since college but who wouldn't be confused when that dream suddenly came true.
So when the first person who visited him looked too much like his best friend, of course he had to tell her the truth.
"Hyuna I know said I wanted to be a trophy wife but what the fuck?"
She laughed at him for hours.
Ivan had to sit in his humongous bed- that was as soft as a feather and he was practically sinking in it- pouting at the woman who was cackling like a madman.
"I was wondering when you'll finally arrive" She howled, rolling on the bed while clutching her stomach as she laughed.
Ivan slapped her arm in anger, "What do you mean? Where are we!" He shouted as he shook her frantically.
"Don't tell me… We've been kidnapped!" He dramatically touched his head, fainting on the bed at his frightening words.
Hyuna just laughed at him once again, "You're so dramatic!" She roared out, face red and growing faint from how hard she was laughing.
"Yah! Just tell me everything!" Ivan sprang up and proceeded to hit her with his fluffy pillow until the woman stopped laughing.
Boy was he in for a surprise.
If Hyuna were to describe his face as she recounted her memories, he had the exact same look as the shocked pik*chu face meme.
It was hilarious.
"What do you mean we're in a game? Hyuna, what did you do?!"
Ivan was freaking out at their situation while Hyuna was having the time of her life. He truly was her little happy pill. Seeing him freak out was honestly the best and she was dying for some popcorn right now.
Apparently, both Ivan and Hyuna had partied too hard and drunk too much causing them to pass out. Hyuna was the first to awaken and she found herself in a ducal household as the heir of the family and was then whisked off to maintain the friendship between the two dukedoms because apparently, Ivan was also the heir of another ducal family.
While she was practically thrown in a carriage, she remembered why this was all familiar to her.
They were in a very popular otome game titled "Reign my Love". Hyuna knew because she was curious so she played the game and proceeded to tell Ivan the whole story during their weekly sleepover despite him falling asleep on her every time.
The game was centred on the female lead Mizi and her best friend, Sua. Mizi was a noble from a rural town and had just entered high society. With Sua by her side, she managed to traverse the thorny road of nobility and successfully integrated herself as a noble lady.
While also capturing the attention of the most highly coveted bachelors in the whole empire.
The first male lead was Till, the lone wolf heir to the archduke, a man whose very presence commanded attention and fear in equal measure. Known for his aggressive demeanor, Till seldom let anyone come near him however, his status as captain of the Silver Light, the empire’s strongest mage order, made him a desirable bachelor among noble families.
The second male lead was Luka, the enigmatic Crown Prince of the empire. The public views him as delicate with a disarming charm that he uses to deceive the public. In the game, he was cunning like a snake, masking his true ambitions as he plotted to seize control of the royal family. He was calculative and ambitious, making him one of the most popular route to be taken.
The last male lead was Hyunwoo, the righteous and energetic brother of Hyuna. He was known to be enthusiastic and was a stark contrast to Till's aloofness and Luka's cunning behavior, Hyunwoo wore his heart on his sleeve and was loyal to a fault, making him a beloved figure among the people. As the captain of the Crimson Knight, the strongest knight order in the empire, his status just further propelled him as a top candidate for marriage.
The three were extremely high profile and highly coveted but their hearts were all captured by a single woman who would do anything to make her happy. Even destroy any pests that bother her.
Which comes down to Ivan. He was a minor villain in the game as the fiancé of Till and was an annoyance to Mizi and Sua.
Born as a pampered child, Ivan was used to getting whatever he wanted. His rank in high society also furthered his arrogance. Frequently whining and always commanding others, it was a wonder that no one had commented on his behavior.
It was in the middle of the game did he got his punishment. He had almost caused Mizi harm due to his schemes and was banished to the monastery for his crimes where he served as a lowly servant for the rest of his life.
"Are you… serious?!" Ivan exclaimed after Hyuna finished her story, hitting her with his pillow more.
"Of all the people I could get transmigrated into, why this character?!" He shouted due to the unfairness of it all.
Hyuna chuckled, "Probably because you share the same name" She pointed out with a grin.
Ivan grits his teeth, glaring at the woman before he proceeded to hit her again.
Hyuna laughed, covering her head with her arms, "Stop hitting me already, it's not like I'm the one who did all this" She told him.
Ivan paused at that, hands poised on top of his head. He sighed, throwing the pillow aside to flop down next to her.
"Yeah you're right… But what am I supposed to do? I don't want to be sent to a monastery" Ivan whimpered, tears prickling the corner of his eyes.
Hyuna pat his head, "Don't worry, just don't act like the original Ivan and you'll be fine"
"Besides, there's still time since the game's story won't be starting for a few months"
Ivan laid on his bed, bored out of his mind. He was on his stomach and his feet were in the air, a pillow in his arms that he was hugging.
It had been a few weeks since they entered the game.
Ivan had fun surprising the people with his change of attitude. The original Ivan didn't like walking so he was always being carried by the knights. The first time his feet had hit the ground, the maids almost fainted in shock and the knights were scrambling to lift him up.
Instead of reassuring them, Ivan had the bright idea of running away. His laughter filling the once dull hallways and the sound of his feet echoed around the villa.
He was caught immediately but the change of pace caught them all by surprise. Their young master had changed and they liked his new behavior much better than the previous one.
This new Ivan was easier to talk to and didn't berate them for the littlest thing. He stopped mistreating the staff and would instead, chat with them to ask for the latest gossip. He liked to be dressed up in clothes that made him look cute like a princess and have his hair styled with clips or bows.
The dukedom was more energetic and they didn't mind that the villa was noisier now that Ivan and Hyuna constantly wreaked havoc everywhere.
"Young master, Lady Hyuna is about to arrive. You should change outfits" A maid informed him. Ivan rolled on the bed, turning his back on her. She chuckled at his behavior before she pulled his arms to force him to sit up.
If it was before, she would never have the courage to touch him. The young master hated being touched without his permission but he was lenient and more relaxed than ever. To them, he resembled a spoiled pomeranian who likes to run around all day long.
"It's just Hyuna, she's seen me worse so why should I change" Ivan rolled his eyes, letting his body turn to rock so that the maid would let him go and allow him to be one with the bed.
It didn't work. Compared to him, the maids were used to dealing with messes and lifting heavy objects. Holding him up was easier than breathing to them.
"Young master please" She laughed lightly.
Ivan pouted but his eyes brightened as an idea popped into his head.
"Hehe you'll have to catch me first!" Ivan cackled as he jumped up and through the balcony door. He heard her scream his name but Ivan's mind was set. He knew that beneath his balcony were filled with bushes meant to cushion his fall if he ever fell from there.
It was a safety precaution his parents had set even before he was born showing just how much they cared for him.
But this time, he would use their kindness to his advantage ദ്ദി(。•̀ ,<)~✩‧₊
Ivan jumped, closing his eyes and bracing for impact. Instead of the scratchy bushes he was expecting to hit, muscular arms caught him in their steady hold. Opening his eyes in surprise, Ivan came face to face with startling gray eyes and a familiar face.
"Haha Ivan look at your face!" Hyuna burst out laughing from the side. Ivan whipped his head to see her bent over with her hands on her knees.
"Are you alright?" The man holding him asked with a smile. Ivan's face burst into flames at how handsome he was.
It lost color however when he heard the maid shout from above, "He's by the garden!".
Ivan grabbed the man's hair and pulled, "Hey hurry up and run!" Ivan screeched. Hyuna was dying at this point, seeing the man she was with wincing at the death grip Ivan had on his hair.
"Let's go Hyunwoo, you'll go bald at this rate" Hyuna teased, running ahead.
The man, Hyunwoo, followed after her, sighing in relief when Ivan let his hair go once they left.
Ivan guided them deeper into the garden until there were no paths left and only trees surrounded them.
"We should be safe here" Ivan said, patting Hyunwoo's chest to let him down. He did so and Ivan gracefully stepped down and ran to a bush.
Hyuna followed him and peaked at the side, curious as to why he was digging there. She let out a small chuckle when Ivan raised a picnic basket out of nowhere.
"Yooo, how long has that been hiding there" Hyuna asked in appreciation, helping Ivan lay out a cloth for them to sit down.
Ivan whistled, eyes looking to the side, "Oh I don't know, I just had a gut feeling it was here" He answered.
Hyuna grinned wickedly, punching Ivan on his shoulder. "Don't lie, I heard you've been raising hell here"
"Running around barefoot, gardening wearing nothing but a chemise, sneaking out at night, setting fire to the kitchen"
As Hyuna continued to list down all the things Ivan had done the past few weeks, Hyunwoo had his eyebrows raised at the absurdity of it all.
"Who said all that? They're clearly lying. I'm such a sweet child, I would never do that"
When those words left Ivan's mouth, Hyuna immediately burst out into laughter. Annoyed at her reaction, he hit her shoulder a few times until she calmed down.
"You? Sweet? That's such a lie" Hyuna mocked him. Ivan stuck his tongue out at her and she retaliated by grabbing his hair. "Yah!" He exclaimed, automatically grabbing hers.
"Let go, I worked hard on maintaining my hair!" Ivan yelled. Hyuna giggled and yanked instead of letting go.
Hyunwoo watched in disbelief as his sister and the boy rumoured to be evil grabbing each other's hair and rolling around on the grass. Hyuna even had a gleeful expression as she tugged extra hard while Ivan only had her hair in his hand, not doing anything to hurt her and allowing the woman to mess him up.
"Say please and I'll let go~" Hyuna sang, eyes gleaming in amusement. Ivan struggled below her, eyes turning dead when he saw she ripped some strands of his hair.
"Argh! Please let go (っ˃̣̣̥ -˂̣̣̥ς)"
Hyuna stopped and stared at him incredulously, "How did you even say that?" She asked in disbelief.
Ivan gave her a smile, "(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧".
Hyuna recoiled violently and scrambled away from him. "Gross! Stop that!" She cried out.
Sensing her weakness, Ivan ran after her, "(๑´>᎑<)~*" He said causing her to wretch and hide behind Hyunwoo. He stood there stiffly as the two circled around him while goofing off.
Hyunwoo was uneasy. He had followed his sister here because he was worried that Ivan had been bullying Hyuna.
It was no secret that Ivan was a wicked person and befriending him would only lead to trouble. He was a scoundrel, a person who strived to humiliate and use his status as the future duke to trample on others.
But seeing him act differently was disorientating. Hyunwoo had personally seen him humiliate Till, forcing the man to get on his knees to kiss Ivan's foot in public causing him to be hated by his fiancé but he couldn't see that behaviour now.
Ivan seemed more like a mischievous kid who only wanted to have fun and play around, uncaring whether others saw him as childish. Gone was the perfect, arrogant noble, and was replaced by a relaxed and carefree young man who seemed indifferent to how others perceived him.
A rustle caught Hyunwoo's attention, he shifted his stance, hiding both Ivan and Hyuna behind him as he stared at the direction of the sound. An old man emerged and Hyunwoo relaxed, recognizing who he was.
"Sir Vincent, it's been a while" Hyunwoo greeted, bowing slightly at the man.
Vincent was his combat instructor along with Till and the crown prince Luka. Seeing him here gave him a small shock since he had heard that the man had long retired.
"Hyunwoo, it's nice to see you again" Vincent let out a gruff laugh.
Seeing him, Ivan jumped slightly. Hyunwoo turned his head and saw the boy get on his knees to discretely leave but was caught by the old man.
"There you are young master" Vincent grinned, lifting Ivan up like a cat. Ivan squirmed, trying to get out of his hold but the man just tossed him in the air like a child, causing the boy to shriek in fear.
"Me too, me too!" Hyuna exclaimed as she stood beside Vincent. Tucking Ivan underneath his arm, he ruffled Hyuna's hair. "Let's go back to the manor first, Ivan here has caused quite a stir among the servants" He said.
"Noooo, I don't wanna go back~" Ivan whined out but Vincent ignored him. He gestured for the two to follow which they did so.
Hyunwoo made sure they were had a slight distance before he addressed Hyuna.
"Noona-"
Hyuna beat him to it, cutting his words, “It’s strange, isn’t it? The same boy they call a villain, the one who everyone thinks is only out for himself… with me, he’s different. I can be myself around him, my real self. No pretenses, no expectations. He doesn’t judge or demand anything from me. All the weight of who I’m supposed to be just… fades away”
Hyunwoo watched her, slightly taken aback. His sister wasn’t one to speak this openly about anyone, let alone someone with a reputation like Ivan’s. He was used to seeing her cool, composed demeanor, the mask she wore to keep everyone at a safe distance as the weight of being an heir brought her down. Yet now, that mask was gone, replaced by a warmth that felt foreign, almost unreal.
“He’s… fun,” she continued, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Not in the way people think he’d be. It’s subtle, sometimes, but Ivan has this way of turning any dull moment into something enjoyable. Just the way he complains about the heat or whines about having to wake up in the morning even though it's already the afternoon, it’s hilarious. I’ve never laughed so much with anyone else”
She turned to look at her brother, a faint sparkle in her eyes. “They say he’s cold and calculating, that he uses his position to push others around, but that’s not the Ivan I know. My Ivan is… playful, a little stubborn, and maybe a bit bratty, but he’s never cruel. He’d rather lounge in the garden with his face to the sun than cause harm to anyone.”
For a moment, Hyuna fell silent, her gaze steady and contemplative. “They call him a villain because they can’t see past his actions, but the truth is, he doesn’t do it for fun. I think he does it because he doesn’t know how else to protect himself. For him, it's better to be a villain than to be seen as pitiful after all”
She let out a small laugh, staring at the figure of Ivan in Vincent's arm with an endearing and soft gaze, “But with me, he’s just Ivan... And for once, I feel like I’m just Hyuna.”
Her words hung in the air, carrying a warmth that Hyunwoo hadn’t seen in her before. In her eyes, Hyunwoo saw not the judgment he might have expected, but genuine affection, a fondness that was unexpected.
She hurriedly moved forward so she was standing next to Vincent and started making fun of Ivan, palms sweaty.
'Thank god we talked about what we'd say when people ask about our relationship' She thought exhaling in relief at all the nonsense she just spouted seemed to convince Hyunwoo.
The three were now in the sitting room. Ivan was slumped on the couch, practically being one with the chair. Hyuna was doing the same and both were kicking each other's foot as they were berated.
"This is the 5th time you've run away young master! I told you to at least bring a knight with you!" A maid scolded, hands on her hips as she glared at the boy.
"Lady Hyuna, please stop enabling him and joining his antics!" She turned to Hyuna who let out a small eep before nodding.
"and Sir Hyunwoo, I hope the next time you visit, please restrain the two. They've been causing too much trouble" She tiredly gave a sigh. Hyunwoo nodded and she knew the other would keep his words and take care of the two troublemakers.
"I'll leave you three then. Young master, don't cause any trouble" She gave Ivan a glare who only smiled innocently at her.
Ivan decided to ask a question now that they were alone. "Why's that guy here?" He pointed at Hyunwoo while munching on a cupcake the maids brought for them.
Hyuna shrugged, "To keep an eye on me? Make sure you're not bullying me? I don't know" She said.
Ivan gave an offended gasp. "Bullying you? You're the one who bullies me!" he cried out in injustice. Hyuna gave him a grin and continued to stuff her face with desert, not denying his words because it was true, she's the one who bullies and not the other way around.
"Can't he leave then? It's kind of awkward that he's just sitting there with a smile" Ivan leaned to whisper to Hyuna. She glanced at her brother who was looking at their interaction with a neutral smile. "He can't. He's with me for a reason dumbass, there's no way he'll leave" She replied.
Ivan groaned, slouching further onto the couch until he was one with it.
"Are you guys finished yet? Can't you leave already?" Ivan complained with a petulant glare.
"No way. I'm bored, you're bored, we're gonna be bored together" Hyuna said indifferently, focusing all her attention on the food laid out.
Ivan groaned, grabbing a pillow to lay down and stare at the ceiling to think.
What was he thinking? Nothing. Ivan's head was blank as he just stared at the wall. The staff had gotten used to his antics and were quicker to react than before. At the start, he used to be able to escape their grasp until midnight but now, he only lasted a few hours at best.
Vincent was very good at finding his hideouts.
Hyunwoo cleared his throat, "Will you be attending the ball next month Sir Ivan?" He asked, trying to dispel the awkwardness.
Ivan turned his neck, confusion in his eyes. Hyuna laughed and shoved Ivan with a grin. "Don't tell me you didn't reply to the Royal Family's letter" She teased but paused when she saw Ivan looking at her in panic.
"Wait! You replied right?!" She exclaimed, holding Ivan's shoulder and shaking him frantically.
"I didn't get a letter" He cried, stopping her action.
The two shared a confused look, tilting their heads to the side with arms crossed. Hyuna slammed her hand on her palm with a grin. "I think I know why you didn't get an invite" She said with an amusing gleam in her eyes.
"Why why?" Ivan asked, leaning forward curiously. Hyunwoo felt uncomfortable, feeling like he knows what Hyuna was about to say.
"It's because the Crown Prince and Sir Till hates you" She burst out in laughter, startling Hyunwoo that she wasn't even angry. What shocked him the most however was Ivan's indifferent gaze.
"Stop laughing already" He pouted, rolling his eyes. It wasn't a secret to anyone in nobility that the two despised his existence but Ivan didn't care. He was too pretty to think about their feelings for him. They weren't the only fish in the sea and with his charm, Ivan could just hook in some other fishies instead.
Hyuna wheezed and wiped the tears in her eyes, giving a grin. "Let's just skip it, there's a festival happening that night anyway so let's go have fun" She nudged his shoulder with hers and smiled reassuringly.
"Festival?~" Ivan gasped in delight, jumping to his feet. "Yeah yeah! Lots of food and meat!" Hyuna chirped, standing up as well.
They held hands and jumped in circles. "Meat! Meat! Meat!" They chanted, stars in their eyes and drool in their mouth.
Hyunwoo watched the two fool around, a hand coming up to cover his frown. I need to tell the two of this development, he thought, calculating eyes fixated on Ivan's smiling face.
If the two had glanced in his direction, they would have surely been scared at the change of attitude. Hyunwoo was anything but the righteous and energetic character they thought of him. It was a mask that he hid behind and used to his advantage after all.
"Are you seriously not attending the ball Sister?" Hyunwoo asked incredulously. He was pacing back and forth in Hyuna's room, frustration evident in his steps.
Hyuna stared at him through her mirror, combing her hair with blank eyes. "Yes, there's no use in attending if Ivan's not there anyway" She replied, closing her eyes with a sigh.
Hyunwoo ruffled his hair roughly, "Why? I understand that you like Sir Ivan but this is a ball arranged by the royal family. You do know the consequence of not attending right?" He told her with a frown.
Hyunwoo couldn't understand her and the way she clung to that pest. No matter what Hyuna says, he's seen and heard enough of Ivan that he doesn't want the other to be associated with his sister.
"Enough Hyunwoo"
The strength in her tone caused him to stop and unconsciously straighten his posture. Hyunwoo knew his sister was displeased and the glaring eyes that showed through the mirror expressed her discontent at the evident disgust in his tone.
"Did you think I don't know what your thoughts are with Ivan?" She laughed lightly and Hyunwoo shivered, slight fear tingling down his spine at the murderous aura she exhibited before she forcefully pushed it down.
Hyuna turned around to fully face him, "I'm tolerating you because you're my brother but don't test me".
"I won't allow any harm to come near him, be it from you. I'll kill you if you touch even a strand of his hair"
The threat in her words was real and Hyunwoo knew that she would fulfill it no matter what. There was a reason why Hyuna was made the heir of the family and not Hyunwoo despite his strength and growing achievements in the military. Little knew that Hyuna was actually much stronger than him and even now, he couldn't beat her in a battle.
If Hyuna was serious, she would cut him down. Their relationship was nothing in the face of protecting Ivan.
Just what was it about Ivan that made Hyuna care more about him than her own brother?
Hyunwoo bit his lips, head bowed slightly as he let Hyuna go, watching her walk away from him disinterestedly.
This couldn't be, Hyunwoo had to know what Ivan did to bewitch his sister.
So here he was, standing in front of Ivan's villa without Hyuna. This was the first time he had come to the villa on his own. He never would have imagined to find himself standing here on his own two feet.
Hyunwoo had sent a letter in advance, requesting to meet up with Ivan alone but the boy rejected him, stating that he had no reason to accept.
He tried again after a few days and was rejected once more.
So he tried again.
and again.
and again.
Until Ivan sent him an angry letter that just basically read for Hyunwoo to come to the villa and he won't be going outside with him alone.
Now he was standing awkwardly, not knowing when he could enter the manor.
Thankfully, the butler came to save him. "Sir Hyunwoo, please follow me" He said, a hand outstretched to gesture Hyunwoo to come inside.
The man followed until they entered a hall filled with bustling life. The maids were all moving, carrying some stuff with them with a huge smile. Some had stacks of clothes on their arms while others were carrying bags of flour.
They were all chatting with each other and yelling as they navigated the tight space.
"Watch your step Sir Hyunwoo" the butler informed him as they entered the kitchen.
There, in the middle of all the throngs of maids, was Ivan. His face was set in a concentrated expression, tongue poking out as he carefully poured liquid onto a bowl filled with sugar. His bangs were swept up using a headband and a pink, frilled apron was covering his front body.
"That should be enough Ivan!" A maid exclaimed. Ivan hurriedly stopped pouring and grabbed the whisk that was offered to him and started stirring.
"Now you have to make sure that the butter is well incorporated with the sugar before adding eggs" Another one lectured. They were all standing there just watching with excited eyes but the atmosphere was broken when the butler coughed in his hand.
Multiple pairs of eyes stared at Hyunwoo and he slightly flinched at the intensity in their gaze.
"Ivan, Sir Hyunwoo is here for you" The butler told him with a gentle smile. Ivan stopped his whisking and looked up in surprise, "Oh right, I told you to come by" He muttered to himself with a small frown.
Ivan turned to the maids with an apologetic smile, "Sorry! Can you guys give us some alone time?" He asked. The maids frowned, scrutinizing Hyunwoo from head to toe.
"I think it's better that at least one of us is here, we can't leave you alone in the kitchen" A maid spoke up, glaring at Hyunwoo.
Ivan laughed, "It's fine, I have the recipe with me and I'll just call you guys if I'm having a hard time" He commented. Knowing that they couldn't change his mind, they all relented and left the kitchen leaving only Hyunwoo and Ivan.
His expression sharpened, and every hint of warmth or humor vanished, leaving only a stony mask in its place. His eyes narrowed, cold and gleaming with an unspoken threat that made the air between them feel thick and stifling.
At this moment, Hyunwoo finally saw the Ivan he knew. Hyuna's Ivan was someone who smiled largely, eyes crinkled like crescent moons and with constellations in his eyes. Someone who whined and acted like a brat, who knew he was spoiled and loved, who had people bending for his whims.
In front of him was the Ivan that people whispered about at every gathering and whose mere presence could freeze a room. The person that Till despised and who disgusted Luka.
"So, what do you want?" Ivan's lips were pressed in a tight line, jaw set as if the idea of even acknowledging Hyunwoo's presence was an annoyance he was barely willing to tolerate.
Hyunwoo paused and then chuckled lowly. Seeing this, Ivan's brows tightened and his frown deepened. To Hyunwoo, he looked like a child pouting in anger and he couldn't believe he would even use such term for a villain such as him.
"Hyuna wants us to be friendly with each other" Hyunwoo started off, amused when Ivan's face contorted at the mere thought.
"I'm here to be friends with you Sir Ivan" Hyunwoo gave him a huge smile, all teeth and no emotion. This was an expression that would have people clinging on to him due to his facade but it obviously didn't work on him.
Ivan gave him a disgusted glance, arms crossing and head jerking towards the door. "Ha! How ridiculous, you don't even believe the words that are coming out of your mouth"
"Just do both of us a favor and leave. I'll tell Hyuna to get rid of her ridiculous thoughts myself" Ivan turned his back to Hyunwoo, grabbing an egg to crack it onto the bowl and whisking once more.
Hyunwoo stood there, watching Ivan with a strange, unreadable expression as the other man continued baking, completely uninterested in his presence. His movements were surprisingly practiced, and precise in a way that contradicted everything Hyunwoo thought he knew about him. There was a calmness to Ivan’s demeanor as he focused on his task, the usual sharpness and arrogance softened into something almost... soft.
As he mixed the ingredients with a steady rhythm, Ivan’s gaze never once shifted to Hyunwoo, as if the man wasn’t even worth acknowledging. The way he whipped the batter was with an aggressive force, and Hyunwoo understood why. His lips were set in a thin line, his brow furrowed in annoyance as he whisked faster the more Hyunwoo continued to stand and watch.
Hyunwoo couldn't tear his eyes away. This wasn’t the Ivan who was known to toy with people’s weaknesses like a cat with a mouse, the one who humiliated rivals with an ease that bordered on cruelty. Instead, this Ivan was raw and strangely genuine, showing an unexpected side of himself through the simple act of baking a cookie. Hyunwoo's own mask slipped just slightly as he stared, feeling a crack of confusion and intrigue creeping in. Ivan had seen through his "friendly" front in an instant, peeling back the layers of his hollow smile and reading him effortlessly.
It unsettled Hyunwoo. How was it that Ivan, of all people, could so quickly see through him like the mask was nothing but a translucent mirror?
"I… Wish to genuinely know you Sir Ivan. If you would allow me to"
Hyunwoo's words broke through the tension. Ivan glanced up abruptly, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. For a moment, his usual mask of indifference slipped, his guarded expression wavering as he met Hyunwoo’s gaze directly. Ivan’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly, scanning Hyunwoo’s face with an intensity that felt almost piercing.
Hyunwoo could feel Ivan measuring him, testing for any crack in his composure, any hint of insincerity. But for once, he stood firm, letting his expression soften to show he meant every word.
Ivan’s lips parted, as though he was about to dismiss him with a sharp retort or a mocking smile, but instead, something softened in his gaze, a barely visible flicker of surprise— and maybe, just maybe, a hint of curiosity. His voice was quiet when he finally spoke.
“Why?” Ivan asked, almost as if he couldn’t believe anyone would say that, let alone mean it.
“Because,” Hyunwoo replied, feeling the words as deeply as he spoke them, “you’re more than what people think. I… I want to know that side of you, the one they don’t see, the one who only Hyuna can know” He hesitated, then added with a small, genuine smile, “The one that can laugh, and maybe… bake sweets”
For a moment, Ivan’s expression was unreadable, his face carefully neutral. Then, slowly, a small, almost shy smile broke through, lighting up his face in a way that was startlingly warm. He didn’t say anything, just gave a slight nod, and the two stood there, wrapped in a quiet understanding that felt as fragile as it was precious.
Ivan’s soft, almost hesitant request broke the silence between them. "Will you help me place the trays inside the oven, Sir Hyunwoo?"
Hyunwoo blinked, momentarily stunned by the shift in Ivan’s tone. It wasn’t the sharp, cutting voice he was accustomed to hearing, nor the sarcastic taunts. This was… genuine, even a bit gentle. With a nod, he stepped forward, a warmth rising in his chest as he took the tray from Ivan’s hands. Their fingers brushed briefly, and Hyunwoo felt his heart skip a beat, his usual composure slipping as he fumbled to steady the tray.
Carefully, they placed the trays in the oven together, their movements oddly synchronized. Hyunwoo couldn’t shake the feeling that he was seeing a side of Ivan that no one else had, a privilege that was blessed to him.
As they closed the oven door, Ivan's face softened, his usual sharpness softened as he gave him a rare, genuine smile. It was small, barely a lift of his lips, but it held a warmth, that resembled the first spring after a long winter.
It was a look that Hyunwoo hadn’t realized he craved to see. Ivan chuckled softly, saying something that Hyunwoo couldn’t quite catch, his voice barely a murmur as he seemed lost in his own joy.
Hyunwoo found himself staring, completely entranced. The way Ivan’s face lit up, the quiet warmth in his eyes, it was disarming, mesmerizing. His heartbeat quickened, pounding loud enough to drown out any lingering thoughts of skepticism. At that moment, Hyunwoo realized with a start that maybe, he had misjudged Ivan.
The oven’s timer beeped, snapping him back to the present. Flustered, Hyunwoo quickly moved to help Ivan pull the trays out, trying to mask the blush creeping up his cheeks. As Ivan packed some of the cookies, he handed a small, cutely wrapped bundle to Hyunwoo, smiling in a way that left Hyunwoo feeling off-balance.
Moments later, Hyunwoo found himself sitting in the carriage back home, staring down at the little package of cookies, tied with a ribbon that Ivan had tied just for him. The paper crinkled softly under his touch, and he was filled with a strange, dizzying warmth he couldn’t shake. His cheeks flushed, and his hand instinctively went to cover his mouth, as if he could somehow keep himself from smiling too widely, trying to steady his breathing as the realization sank in.
He had fallen for Ivan.
"Sir Hyunwoo can I be your partner for the next dance?"
"No! Sir Hyunwoo please be my partner!"
"Sir Hyunwoo will dance with me!"
"No me!"
In a sea of people, all desperate to grab the chance to be his partner, Hyunwoo's smile strained as he waved off the group. "I'm sorry but I won't be dancing today" He informed them. Disappointment rang through the air as they slowly dispersed.
Hyunwoo gave a tired sigh, eyes glancing the hall to catch a glimpse of Ivan and Hyuna despite knowing that the two were absent and were off having fun at the festival. He wanted to be there with them instead of here.
Hyunwoo could imagine Ivan darting from one stall to the next, eyes wide with wonder, his face lighting up at the sight of festival food and trinkets, perhaps whining to Hyuna about the price or dragging her to see the games with all the eagerness of a child.
He wanted to see Ivan’s true self again, to watch him abandon his usual mask and just… be. He wanted to witness Ivan’s laughter ringing out loud and carefree, to see him whining about his aching feet or pouting because he couldn’t win a game.
But he was stuck here, mask in place and weariness seeping through his bones. He moved towards the corner, blending in with the background as the noise became too much for him.
"Are you alright Hyunwoo?"
Glancing up, he saw Luka and Till standing in front of him. Till had a frown on his face, arms crossed at the ladies who were watching them with hearts in their eyes. Luka was beside him, face set on that neutral smile the two knew he used when he was annoyed.
"I'm fine" He answered with a small smile. The squeals they heard made them grimace and Luka beckoned them to leave. They made their way to his private room and relaxed once they finally had some peace.
"I'm surprised your fiancé didn’t come Till" Luka mocked, his lips curling in a half-smirk as he sat on the couch with grace.
Till laughed, the sound sharp and almost delighted. "I was sure he'd show up, even without an invitation. I was looking forward to the scene he'd cause when the guards turned him away"
The two of them chuckled. For them, Ivan was nothing more than a plaything meant to amuse them. They had seen his behavior, knew how obsessed he was with Till, and how he had openly made a fool of himself in every event due to his jealousy.
It angered Till at first, but it wasn't like he was on the receiving end. Ivan would always fight other nobles who would get too close to him. His jealousy made him crazy and he deluded himself into marrying Till. The worst was it really had happened and Till found himself engaged to Ivan. Being forced onto his knees to kiss Ivan's feet as a sign of his servitude to the boy.
After that, Till had made sure to humiliate Ivan in every way. Luka had joined him on the fun and now, they always tried to find new ways to shame him.
Hyunwoo felt his hands curl into tight fists at his sides, his nails digging into his palms. They didn’t know Ivan like he did, had never seen the side that only he and Hyuna knew. The side where Ivan laughed loudly, head thrown back and eyes crinkled like crescent moons. The side of him that shone away from the scrutiny of eyes that only ever saw him as a villain.
He told himself he shouldn’t be angry. They only knew the Ivan he allowed them to see, the calculated mask that kept them at bay. The real Ivan was a hidden secret, known only to him and his sister. It was something that belonged to them alone, but no matter how much he tried to reason with himself, their laughter kept grating on his ears, his body wound tight as he suppressed the urge to defend Ivan openly.
“Enough”
The word came out firm, unwavering, causing the two men to pause and stare at him. Hyunwoo kept his head down, his jaw set, his shoulders tense as he resisted the urge to speak further.
"Hyunwoo?" Luka asked, his eyebrow raising as he stared at him. The two had noticed how Hyunwoo's posture had grown tense with barely controlled anger the moment Ivan’s name was mentioned. They kept quiet, watching and observing his actions so when he finally broke, they were curious on why he had reacted as such.
"Sorry" Hyunwoo finally uttered, his voice strained. “I think I’ll be leaving early” He straightened, not sparing either of them a glance as he made his way towards the door.
Hyunwoo would leave and make his way towards the town. He would join Hyuna and Ivan, despite knowing how the two were still wary of him, and explore the festival. He would make sure to indulge the two with all the activities the festival would offer and watch Ivan as he enjoyed the festivities.
He could imagine the smile on the other's face, eyes twinkling as he took in all the stalls. Hyunwoo was sure Ivan would look breathtaking despite the crowded area. His eyes would never stray away. No, it could never. Not when in the sea of people, Ivan shined the brightest.
Till grabbed his elbow, grip tight. "What the hell is wrong with you?" He growled out, annoyance dripping in his tone.
Hyunwoo yanked his arm away, turning to face the two. He locked eyes with Luka and knew that the secret he desperately wanted to hide would be broken. He could see the order Luka was giving him and he sighed knowing he could not disobey.
"Ivan… He's different" Hyunwoo said.
Till let out a small laugh, absurdity evident in his gaze. "Ivan? Different? Did you fall for his tricks Hyunwoo? That guy will never change" He mockingly said with a roll of his eyes.
Luka covered his mouth with his fist, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Are you seriously upset because of him?"
Hyunwoo could feel how the two were judging him. Despite how they were laughing at him, he knew the two were observing him. They had been friends since childhood and had been with each other for years. There was a reason the three hated Ivan but the fact that Hyunwoo suddenly had a change of behavior showed that whatever he discovered about Ivan had shifted his perception of the other.
With a deep sigh, Hyunwoo finally told the two everything starting from the day he joined his sister due to her sudden friendship with Ivan.
Listening to his retelling, the two had a distrustful look. The Ivan Hyunwoo was speaking off seemed like a different person. There was no way someone could change their behavior and they didn't believe Hyunwoo that Ivan was hiding his true persona.
Why would he? Ivan was a child of a ducal family. He was the heir and was so loved that his parents were willing to do anything for him. They spoiled him so much that not even the royal family could stop him.
So why act in a way that you would get hated by everyone? There was no need for him to play the part of a villain when he was so cherished.
Hyunwoo scratched his jaw, understanding their reaction. He was in the same boat before. Even now, he still couldn't understand why Ivan decided to act in such a way. "They're at the festival right now. I'm planning to find and join them" He informed them, turning around and finally leaving.
Till and Luka shared a look, already knowing what their next course of action was.
A frown adorned Till's face, stomach churning at the thought of Ivan fooling them all once more. He had to find out just what he was planning.
After all, only he can reign in Ivan.