chapter one
Changmin was born on a bright and sunny day to the house of Gaya, and though such a day should be one to remember, time would prove otherwise. His mother coddled him for a few years, long enough that he could finally go off with the nannies without throwing a fit. But thankfully, Changmin was never a fussy child. If anything, he was probably the easiest Gayan child to handle. However, it wasn't long before his mother and father seemingly forgot that he was even their child. He spent more and more time being raised by the nannies and his siblings, all who couldn't seem to keep a handle on him. Between escaping from their clutches and simply never being able to be found, Changmin was flighty and unreliable. That is, until he thought that he was going to be needed.
chapter two
Changmin never lost his sense of adventure, even after he was more intent on learning the ways of being a royal. Despite being forced into studies years before, it was after his brother's accident that he took his studies seriously. Spending time with his nose buried in books, watching the way things ran around the castle, Changmin wanted to be someone that could be relied on. Regardless of everything he was doing for his family, he still took time for himself. He ran the streets with his friends, he did his part to make his family proud, but it only ever seemed to go under the radar. He wasn't bothered, not too much, especially because he was used to it. But over time, he was more likely to disappear when he wasn't needed rather than stick around to watch out and take notes. It was tiring, being a prince, he reasoned.
chapter three
Though he generally had a good relationship with his siblings, Changmin didn't always feel like he was a part of the family. so most of his free time was spent at the local animal shelter where he volunteered, or simply away from the family home. He had always a very carefree spirit, and perhaps because he was never really told he had to grow up, he was still rather childlike at heart. His heart was set on making people happy: and it will always be that way, regardless on if his own happiness would suffer or not. He was a kind and sweet kid, despite the world being a little harsh on him, and he would never let that get him down, at least in theory. Now only if someone could remember his birthday for once...
chapter four
It was the summer of 2020. The summer festival was the highlight of the year. It was, at least until the first shooting happened. It was a tragedy, a loss of life, an injured prince. But it also brought a new light to the young prince's life. He had fallen in love with a prince from Napaj, who had been visiting for the festival. They grew closer over the week that the foreign prince was staying in Aerok. Then, tragedy struck again. As he was being pulled in for a kiss, Changmin had been shot in the shoulder. Rushed to the hospital, he was put in stable condition and then operated on. Despite being confined to a cast for some time, he moved on with his life, and yet, he was still in love despite the situation. The prince from Napaj had stayed by his side throughout everything, helped him, encouraged him. Changmin was even going to call off his engagement to the Goguryeo princess. And he did. Right as he sent in the official statement, however... everything changed. He had gotten a letter, and everything was slow to sink in: his lover had passed away, and was buried peacefully in his land. At least they had the decency to tell him, Changmin reasoned, despite the deep sadness that began to settle in his bones.
