Trap

{2}

⚠Everything in this story is fictionalized. Nothing's connected in real life. There would be cursing and errors. My third language is English, but I'm not that good at it.⚠

{Story reminders!

Bold - protagonist narrating the story

Italic - characters' thoughts}

Enjoy the story!!

"King Luka," she bowed. "I'm so happy to meet you again. And who do we have here?"

"He's my bodyguard, Con-"

"Oh, my goodness!!! Connor!!!"

"Wait, you know me, Lady Fallon??"

"Of course!! You little baby! Come here!!" she hugged him. "Uh, excuse me, where's Liam?" she asked the maid.

"He's in the bathroom, Lady Fallon."

"Oh, that's fine. I'll tell him later. By the way, Connor. You and Luka are back together now? No more conflicts or whatever?"

"What?? And if I may ask, how do you know me, Lady Fallon?"

"Awww, I see what's going on here! I can't believe you went with plan B!!"

"Plan B"???

"King Luka, would you mind if I borrow Connor for a while? I just need to talk about something with him."

"I believe I can't leave His Majesty alone, Lady Fallon."

"Connor, it's okay. I have these other bodyguards. You can go with her. But be back soon, alright?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Fallon took me out of the living room. To keep it short, she took me upstairs.

"So, what is it that you wanted to say, Lady Fallon?"

"You seriously went for plan B," she pouted. "You erased your memories, didn't you?"

"Wait, you know about that?"

"Oh, I certainly do. And I feel sorry for you and Luka."

"Why......?"

"You'll know in the future. Besides, you told me not to tell you about that. Yet, I mean. I'll tell you when the time comes."

"So, would you like to get it straight with me?"

"I hold your fourth clue."

"I dragged you in this???"

"You certainly did. Well, I don't mind helping my little baby. Liam's too, if I may say."

"So what's the clue?"

"Raise your guard up. Something's coming at you. Body's made of wood, feathers, and a pointy head. Its partner is made of wood and strings. They blend together to put you in danger."

"What........."

"Do, do you know what it is?"

"I clearly have no idea. But I'll figure it out later on."

"Oh, no, no, no, baby boy. You gotta figure it now. That thing will come out for ya the second you step into the castle."

"Huh? "castle"? What castle?"

"Well, figure it out. Now."

"Hey, Fallon- who are you with?"

"Our son, Connor!!"

"Why do you keep calling me "your son"? I'm not your son! You're not Herridonian! And you're not a werewolf- wait, if you know all of this, I'm sure you know what I am, right?"

"Of course, she does. And I do too."

"We're not your biological parents, but we're your foster parents."

"Eh?? "foster-" what??"

"We adopted you."

"And I don't really remember."

"Of course, you won't, silly. We'll tell you the story on another day. It's a long, long story."

"O...kay, moth...er.....? Listen, I have to go back to Luka now."

"Oh, you guys are back together? Like no more conflicts-"

"Liam, Liam. Our son went for plan B. So, he doesn't really remember that part."

"Connor, did you really have to?"

"As much as I want to chitchat with you, mother and father, I have to guard His Majesty from Collin."

"Well, I do too. Let's all go downstairs."

We went down, and I stood very near to Luka. He held my hand and pulled me down to sit. I tried to stand again, but he didn't let me. Damn, what's up with him???? And I can see my "mother" and "father" looking at me... and Luka with cheeky smiles. Am I missing on something???

~•Time Skip•~

We're back in the palace, and Luka looked tired. We went to his office and saw........ Hantae?!!!

"Carson? How are you here?"

"You know him?"

"Yes, I so do. But Luka, how do you know this scumbag?????"

"Excuse me? This is the first time we've met, and you're calling me a scumbag??? Excuse you!"

"Why are you reacting like that? Besides, how did you even get here?"

"I simply opened that door you're touching."

"Oh, I see what's going on. I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone."

He's Carson's counterpart, huh? But he's meaner, though.......

"Don't talk to me. I don't wanna talk to you."

"Stop barking at each other. I'm too tired to listen to barkings right now, alright? Hantae, continue doing my work. Dealing with Collin gave me a big headache."

"Want me to massage your head??"

"No, Connor. It's fine. I'll just sleep."

"Luka."

"What?"

"Sleep well."

"Mhm, I will," he smiled.

He entered his room and locked it. His room is actually just a few meters beside his office desk. I stood tall beside the desk.

"Yah, why are you calling King Luka just by his name?? That's against the rules, newbie."

"I thought you didn't wanna talk to me?" he chuckled.

"Just answer."

"Alright. He told me that he wants to be friends with me and that I should call him by his name whenever we're not in public."

"He said that?"

"Mhm."

"I've been working for him for nearly 2 years, but he hasn't told me that we can be friends........"

"Let's be friends then!"

"No. Shut it. Quiet, I'll continue to do His Majesty's work."

"I'm sorry I replied to you- ACK!!!!!"

"I said, shut it!!"

"Close the window. CLOSE THE WINDOW!!!"

"Why would I?"

"Just close it!!!"

"I said- OH MY- YES, OF COURSE, I'LL CLOSE IT."

He quickly stood up and closed the window.

"Good. Now, take the arrow off."

"What? No!"

"Take it off!!"

"Are you crazy?!"

"Just. Take. It. Off."

He scooched some of my hair to the side and forcefully removed the arrow. It was painful, but I felt my wound healing. Now I gotta erase what he saw.

"Look, don't be freaked out-"

"This....... mark....... Your Highness!!"

"Huh? Did I wake him up from all that shouting??" he asked with worry and turned to the direction of Luka's room door. "Yah, you scared- why the f**k are you bowing down on me???"

"Your Highness, I'm sorry for being so rude a while ago. Please spare me."

"Please know you're creeping me out."

"You're Damien, the next alpha of Werewolf Kingdom, aren't you?"

"Uhm....... are you supposed to know that????"

"I'm a werewolf too, Your Highness."

"How am I supposed to believe you? I'm the only one who knows how to open the portal through the Werewolf World. Well, that was before. I don't remember how now."

"What???????"

"I made a mess, which I don't know and...... I erased my memories so, don't be surprised if I don't know anything about the Werewolf World except me being the next alpha."

"You really don't??"

"Do you think that I'll still stay here if I knew how?"

"No.........."

"Thank God you're not an i***t like Carson."

"But I am Carson?"

"Well, I meant your counterpart."

"You know my counterpart?????"

"Yes, I do. He's an idol. Me, Luka, Alex, you, and Asher are idols. Now back to my question a while ago before you ranted, how did you get here? Only royal blooded werewolves can open the portal."

"I'm friends with your brother. He's the one who sent me here."

"What? You're friends with Colton?? My brother? Wait, the last time I remember, he's not a royal-blooded werewolf. He's not one too! Plus, he's not even my real brother, to begin with!! So how did he open the portal? And send you here?"

"What? Colton who? I was talking about your real brother, Your Highness."

"You're weirding me out. Just call me "Connor." okay? And wait, I have a brother? Who?"

"Alex."

"Wait, that son of a b***h is my brother?!!"

"Uhm..... yes?"

"I'm......... so amazed!!! I can't believe that that son of a b***h is my brother!!"

"Uhm..... yay hehe?"

"Carson, give me that arrow."

"You mean this? Why?"

"Just give it."

He gave it to me, and I looked at the arrow. There's a note with it?????

"Get away from Luka. He's mine. If you don't get away from him, you're gonna die. -CN"

"What on earth are you saying???"

"Raise your guard up. Something's coming at you. The body's made of wood, feathers, and a pointy head. Its partner is made of wood and strings. They blend together to put you in danger."

"What kind of bullshit are you saying????"

"That's it!!! An arrow! Of course! That's what that clue is talking about!"

"What????"

"Wait, why am I getting a feeling he is Luka?"

"What??? First an arrow, and now His Majesty?? Are you high?"

"No, it's not like that, you dummy dumb dumb! Fine, I'll explain it to you."

I basically summarized everything that has happened so that he would understand. After I told him everything, he went back to his work. He can't slack off, or else Luka will get mad.

~•Time Skip•~

It's morning, and I feel so tired. I didn't sleep at all. And I'm so hungry!!!!!!

"Good morning, Conor!!!"

"Good morning, too, Luka!"

"You look worn out. Didn't you sleep???"

"Well, I had to guard you. And I don't wanna slack off."

"Still, you should've slept. Or at least rest for a bit. Eat breakfast with me."

"Huh? Isn't that f*******n according to the palace rules?"

"Whom will you follow? Me or the palace rules?"

"Y-You........"

"So let's go!!"

'Cause ah ah ah I'm in the stars tonight. So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight~ Joke~ He smiled like a bunny and placed his arm on my shoulder. Then he smiled again and led the way to the castle's fancy dining room.

"Damn, this is bigger than my house!"

"Sit wherever you may want. I'm kidding~ Of course, you'll sit with me."

"Wh-What? Come again??"

"I'm here, and you'll sit here beside me. We'll sit together~"

He's so cute~ Wait, what am I saying?????

"O-Okay........"

"Why does it seem like you don't want to?"

"What? No! It's not like that. It's just...... because I'm shy?"

"Why?"

"I mean, like, you're a king, and I'm....... just a mere bodyguard......"

"Yah, don't think like that. For me, status doesn't matter. What matters is that you have a kind heart. And you have a kind heart."

"I-I....... do???"

"I did a background check on you."

"O-Oh......."

"You helped a lot of people and played with the kids in the orphanage."

"You also know that?"

"Remember when they said to wait for 2 weeks??"

"Yeah."

"There were three days for applying for the job, right? If I'm not mistaken, you went on the last day?"

"Mhm."

"When I saw how skillful you are, I told the people who were making the results and commanded them to stop."

"Why?"

"You piqued my interest."

"Woah, I'm speechless."

"I observed you for 2 whole weeks with my 2 eyes. See? I don't decide like it's just a walk in the park, Connor. I choose wisely and carefully."

"So, you saw how crazy Colton and I are??"

"Of course I did," he chuckled. "I envy you. I never had a brother like yours," he sadly smiled.

"What about Carson?"

"To be honest, I'm scared of him," he whispered. "I wanted to be friends with him, but he's too scary."

"That scumbag scares you???" he laughed.

"Yah~!!!" he cutely pouted.

"You know, Car is not really scary. He's just ill-tempered."

"You guys were barking at each other yesterday, and now you guys are suddenly close that you already gave him a nickname?"

"I told you, he's kind. He's just ill-tempered."

"Okay~" he chuckled.

"Great then!"

"Connor, thank you.

"Huh? Why? About what?"

"You never hesitated to tell me about Blake though you know how dirty he works and warned me. If it weren't for you, I'm sure that person will never tell me."

"Anything for you, Luka. What friends are for, right?"

"Mhm!" he smiled brightly.

A lot of maids came in and with loads and loads of food. WOW!!!!!!

"Dig in!"

"I love to eat, but I....... don't think we can finish this, Luka."

"It's okay. If we don't finish these, we'll give it to them. Then nothing goes to waste, and their stomachs will be full."

"Not bad."

"Your Highness, I'm here."

"Carson! Sit down! Eat with us."

"No, thanks, Your Highness. I'm still full-"

"Yah, don't be KJ. Just sit down and eat with us. Didn't you text me asking if I have food with me 'cause you're hungry?"

"Fine, fine. Coming."

"Carson, stop being so ill-tempered."

"Eh?? Since when am I ill-tempered?"

They just stared at him.

"What????"

"You're like an old lady, you know?"

"No, I'm not!!"

"Luka, what did he say last time, again?"

"Don't talk to me. I don't wanna talk to you."

"With a cold voice!!!"

"Oops.......?"

"Let's just eat, guys!"

We ate with bickerings on the side. This is the most fun day I had ever since this whole find Luka thing started. Though, I already know who he is.

"Carson, you know what to do. I still have to tour Connor around the palace. He needs to know every single corner of it."

"E-Every corner?!! The palace looks as big as Atlanta!!"

"Atlanta? Where's that place?"

"Uhm........ somewhere I know??"

"Don't worry, I'll only tour you around the castle."

"You mean the whole castle????"

"No. Only on the first floor. Tomorrow, we'll be on the 2nd floor. I'll tour you first in the palace for 2 weeks since there are 14 floors of this palace. Then we'll be visiting all of the 100 establishments built in this palace."

"What?!?!?!"

"Oh, come on, it will be fun!! We'll get to bond then!! And Carson, you will be able to go with us on our small tour. I just need to find a replacement for you. You'll no longer work for me. You'll be my friend."

"Wait, really????"

"Yes, really. But for now, keep on doing your work. I promise it won't take long."

"Thanks, Your Majesty-"

"Hep hep-"

"Hooray!!!"

"Damn you."

"What I meant was that you can call me "Luka" now. To be honest, I tried to befriend you before, but I was too scared of you."

"Eh?????"

"Told you. You're ill-tempered."

"Dang it........."

"Connor, let's go. This establishment is big. I don't think that a day would be even enough."

We started on the first floor. To be exact, we started in the lobby. The pictures of the previous kings before Luka are displayed.

"I think you know who these people are?"

"Of course, I do. They were the kings before you."

"Correct! Wait here. I'll just go to the bathroom."

"Alright~!"

"Oh! It's King Ha- there's a paper in the frame????"

Wtf is this?? "Beware beware. Someone is doing nothing at you but glare." Why do I feel like this is a warning and not a clue??? Wait, that's it!! They're not just clues but also warnings!! From whom, though????

"Have you gone mad? Who are you talking to?"

"No one!! I was just talking to myself!"

"You really are crazy. Let's go. The next would be the living room. "

As we walked there, I saw something odd on the floor. It's a warning note.

"Why is there trash here?! I said I wanted it to be spotless!!"

"Luka, stop ranting. It's just a paper. Let it be. I'll just get it."

I knew it. It's another warning note. Warning for what, though?? I read it secretly while Luka wasn't looking. "Watch out. It will lead him more into confusion. Still, don't let it be weird between." Eh, what?? I stood beside him, just a little more forward.

"As you can see, that's the picture of my family and me. We look happy, but the truth is those are just fake smiles. My siblings hate me for being the king. They always tell me, "I should've been the king! If you weren't just being a goody-two-shoes in front of mom and dad, I would've been! You're the worst brother ever!" And my parents, they're always away for a vacation on other kingdoms. I feel so lonely, Connor....."

Wait, why am I feeling sad? I mean like, super, sad. Why?????? I looked at Luka, and he was crying. I feel sorry for him. He doesn't deserve to be treated like this. He's a good person. I wonder why his family's like this to him. I went to him, and I wiped off his tears. I looked into his eyes and said,

"It's okay, Luka. It's okay to cry and feel lonely about that. But now I'm here. I'm gonna be your family too. And I'm never gonna leave you or hate you the way they always do to you. I'm gonna be the family that you really deserve."

I placed our foreheads together. Whenever I'm sad, Colton always does that. Trust me, it makes me feel better and secured.

"Thank you."

"Anything for-"

He kissed me. It lasted a little bit longer, and I'm still so shocked. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, so that's what the warning meant!!!! "Watch out. It will lead him more into confusion. Still, don't let it be weird in between."

"You might wanna explain that kiss?"

"I-I...... don't know. I'm sorry. Oh, I'm so confused!!! Are you gonna leave me now? Do you hate me?" he cried.

"Hey, hey. It's okay. It's okay to be confused right now," I held Luka's hand and wiped his tears. "And no, I won't leave. And I will never hate you. Hey, it's okay. It's okay. Come here."

I hugged him to assure him that I won't leave him. He's scared of people leaving and hating him. I saw it in his eyes. I think I'm the first friend he ever had. I gently made him sit on the sofa, and I made him lean on my shoulder.

"Luka, am I the first friend you ever had?"

"Mhm."

"I see now. You really are confused, aren't you? But it's okay, I understand. I won't end our friendship just like that."

"Thank you."

"You're also the first friend I ever had, Luka."

Yes, you heard me right. Luka is the Luka I've been looking for.

"Luka"??

"You look like a bunny! And you're so cute!"

"I know~" he chuckled. "Let's go. I'll still tour you, remember? I can't be like this all day long.

Now, that sounds better. Let's go~"

~•Time Skip•~

It's nighttime. We finished touring around establishment 1 and came back to the office.

"Ow~ My feet hurt ~"

"Sit down. I will massage them for you."

"Eh? No, no. It's fine."

I made him sit and removed his shoes and socks off. Is he shy? Why? We're friends, aren't we? I started to massage his feet and I can see his face starting to become more calm and relaxed.

"Feel better?"

"Yeah! You're better than my personal massage therapist!"

"Well, what can I say? This is what I do when Colton is tired."

"Colton?"

"My brother."

"Oh~ Hm, will you give me a nickname?"

"What about Star?"

"Wa~ That's lovely!"

"Oh? Really? But Luka's more lovely~"

"Hmm, but why "Star"?"

"Because you shine like a star."

"Aw~ You're-"

"STOP!!!!!!! STOP THAT!!!"

"Huh? Why? Something wrong? And stop what?" they both asked.

"YES, I DO HAVE A PROBLEM. YOU! YOU TWO!!"

"Us?? Um, why?"

"YOU TWO WILL KILL ME FROM YOUR GUYS' CRINGINESS!!"

"..............."

"I'M NOT EVEN HALF DONE WITH THESE PILES OF PAPERS AND YOU TWO ARE BEING LIKE THAT?! TRY DOING THESE WHILE THERE ARE TWO IDIOTIC FRIENDS FLIRTING WITH EACH OTHER!!!" he threw a pillow at them.

"I told you, he's scary!"

"I couldn't agree more!"

"Wtf? You guys even have the audacity to whisper?!"

"Well, that's none of your business anymore! Just continue that work of yours, and we'll shut up! Deal?!"

"Deal!!!"

"No, actually, Carson, go home. I'll continue from where you stopped."

"Thank God! Finally, I can come home! Ow, my back hurts."

"Aren't you tired too? Go to sleep and just continue your work tomorrow."

"Well, I can't really do that."

"You guys can flirt as much as you want now 'cause I'm going."

"We're not flirting!!!!"

"Well, I wonder what the two of you were doing a while ago. Well, toodles! I'm going, you idiots!"

"Yah!!!"

He got his bag and left. Aish, that scumbag, seriously!! Luka sat on his chair and started to continue what Hantae began. I went to him and made pushed him gently inside his room, then made him sit on his bed.

"Yah! I said I was doing work!"

"You better not. You're tired! Let's get you to sleep."

"Well, I can't really sleep right now. I'm not sleepy."

I removed my shoes and socks off and got on the other side of the bed and leaned on the wall. I tapped my lap, indicating him to rest his head on it. He did do it, then I got a pillow and placed it under his head. Then I got another one and placed it on my back.

"I'm gonna sing you to sleep."

"How?"

"You'll see."

"Hmmm, sure. What are you gonna sing?"

"Nap of a Star"

"Never heard of that."

"Now, you will. So close your eyes and just listen to me."

"Sure."

"I can see~ 내 앞에 니가 없었던, I feel you."

I continued to sing until I finished the song. He was asleep before I was even at the bridge," he giggled. "Cute as always. I sang Maze in the Mirror until I fell asleep too.