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lovepookie · 4 months

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₊˚ෆ Favoring Roses Over Daisies - s.qr

♡ ︎sypnosis: daisies will forever and always be boring; they were the former queen’s—your mother’s—favorite flower. however, now that it’s your turn to ascend the thrown, you can’t help that roses are your favorite; just like the blood-red ones embellished on prince ricky’s black suit on the night of your suitor’s ball. but don’t get caught up in the pretty scent and petals, because where there is beauty, there is thorns. ricky is the prince of an enemy nation—and your whole life he has been nothing but a pest. a really pretty one.

♡ ︎genre: royal au, fantasy/magical, fluff, angsty, prince!ricky, fem!reader, prince!hanbin side pairing, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, the dramaaa

♡ 7.0k word count (i’m not sorry)

♡ ︎warnings: cursing, mentions of readers father passing away, misogyny mentioned, kinda angsty and dramatic, playful threats, please let me know if you’d like me to add any!

♡ ︎nano note: i know this is long asf, but i am not even the slightest bit sorry. been thinking about prince ricky for the longest and i just had to quench my forbidden love needs. feedback and fangirling in the replies w/ me is greatly appreciated! xoxo

.♡.

“Look at you…so beautiful.” Your mother said, standing behind you as you sat on your bench in front of your vanity. She placed a lavish gold crown on your head carefully, using pins to secure its place.

You manage to shoot her a faint smile.

Your older sister had dropped off the face of the earth when you were teens, and now that you’re becoming of age, you were the only heir able to be crowned.

It felt bittersweet.

Never once in your life did you ever want the title. You grew up thinking it was always out of touch because of your place as second to the thrown. And you were fine with that. You grew with the mindset that it was never yours to begin with and let your sister take reign.

You’d sigh in relief when she would be pulled away from your play dates for classes on her duties as a future leader.

It was a so bittersweet.

When she left.

Still, you stared at yourself in the mirror with a bit of poise.

This was your moment and you took it on with a great sense of responsibility; wanting nothing more than to be the best leader to your people. You had many plans now that you had been crowned, but nothing could prepare you for today.

Descending from your mother; you were shockingly only the second queen to be crowned as of a couple days ago. The ceremony came and went so fast with everyone making a big deal out of it. This catapulted misogynistic hate back into the thoughts and mouths of other nations who were still coming around to the idea of women in power.

On the night of your 21st birthday, you were notified that your mother would be stepping down as Queen. Your father had passed away a few months ago and because of this, your nation was now unable to continue to keep peace between the neighboring nation your father was great friends with.

This nation was Sector Four and they never really liked your sector, Sector Nine, for how they ruled. Your father, who was from Sector Three, was just miraculously married to your mother and was the sole driving factor to both nations recoiling from the long history of wars and bickering.

As your mother described it, she was just excited to meet boys on the night she was to find a suitor. She did not realize when she met your fathers eyes that they belonged to none other than a friend of the enemy.

He was a godsend to your nation and the very reason your mother says she was able to face such widespread disrespect that was thrown at her for being the first Queen.

But this didn’t matter anymore. That peace and sense of tranquillity vanished the moment your father’s breath did.

Now that your father is gone, the hunger for power and the ratification of misogyny was trickling back—you were nothing to them; so long as you were your mothers child.

Regardless, life went on and the fact of the matter was that you were now Queen of a nation too and therefore had to meet a suitor.

Today would be that fateful day.

Yes, you heard that right.

Only a few days as leader and every nation in question were lining up for a piece of the power.

It was laughable.

Still, you gathered your thoughts and made yourself knowledgeable of what had to happen. Unlike your mother, you’d be prepared—this wasn’t some joyous event created for you to find a man, this was so much more than that.

“Alright, your tiara is secure.” Your mother said, meeting eyes with you in the mirror as she smoothed down the sleeves of your dress.

You let another soft smile grace your face as you started to stand.

“Thank you, Mother.” You say, albeit a bit shaky.

You didn’t want to be nervous, but the time ticking by was starting to get to you. It was already evening, the ball that your mother put in place being seconds away from starting.

“Don’t worry. So many people may be waiting for you in there, but they all have an agenda of their own. Try to have fun, okay Daisy?” Your mother said, calling you by the nickname she gave you as a child.

She’d always loved daisies.

They were alright in your opinion.

You’d always prefer roses.

“I know. I’ll be fine.” You say, half trying to convince her, half trying to convince yourself.

“Very well, I better get going now. I’ll meet you out there okay? Remember to smile and have fun, alright?” She says as she walks slowly towards the door.

You nod at her.

“Yes Mother, I’ll try my best.” You say, the words being comforting to you somehow. She smiles and sends a flying kiss your way. You chuckle and catch it, much to her happiness.

Once she’s out of sight, you allow yourself some time to think.

Maybe tonight won’t be too bad. If you don’t find a suitor, so what?

There was no hurry, and you were sure everyone present was definitely not there for love. Everything is always meticulously planned when it comes to royal affairs, and anyone can rule truly.

It was just your lucky turn, so you could play by your own rules.

After talking yourself up and out of your nervousness, you decide it’s go time.

You make your way into the large hallway, it’s festive flowers lining the balcony that oversaw the foyer.

Wow, they really went all out.

Just a few halls down was the dining hall, so not many people were around. As you rounded a column in order to go down the stairs that were around the corner, you were quickly drawn out of your thoughts as you quite literally came face to face with someone else.

It all went so fast, suddenly you were falling backwards, a person falling over you too.

“Oh!” You yelled out.

My dress! This shit was hard to put on!

“Oh my! My apologies miss, I-“ Says a young man as he quickly gathers himself.

You crouch up on your elbows, looking up to meet his eyes.

He looked cute.

His features looked like a dear caught in headlights. You didn’t even know what headlights were, and you weren’t sure how you got that saying. Anyways.

“I- Your Majesty?” He utters out, as he stumbles to his feet. He was endearing.

You just stare.

“Your Majesty I’m so sorry, I should have been more careful.” He states, slightly bowing his head and holding out his hand for you to take.

You do so, placing your hand gracefully in his, the strength of his arm pulling you to your feet.

“It’s alright, I didn’t see you as well.” You say.

He clears his throat as he gets a good look at you for the first time, head slightly bowed still.

“You may be at ease.” You chuckle.

His cheeks go pink, a smile making its way onto his face. The dimples on his cheek bones poked through, his eyes forming into crescents in possible embarrassment.

A guinea pig.

He looked like a cute guinea pig.

“Well then, I take it I’ll see you during the reception?” You say, already endeared by his charms.

He looks back at you in shock and places a hand over his heart before bowing again.

“Oh- of course! It will be a pleasure to see you again Your Majesty.” He gets out, taking another bow.

You chuckle.

“Very well, I hope to find out your name then too.” You say, bowing back and making your way down the stairs.

His bow never falters, and you’re sure when you’re far enough you hear him scold himself.

You laugh to yourself.

He was endearing.

And only for a moment does it distract you from your responsibilities.

Within seconds your smile falters and you regained your poise.

It was time to address your guests.

As you walked into the corridor and greeted a bunch of royal caretakers, you greet the Royal announcer as well, making him aware of your presence so that he can announce your entrance. Once he did, everyone scrambled to make sure you were ready, fixing things unnecessarily to make things perfect.

You just let it happen of course—your nerves were starting to get the best of you anyways.

Within a few seconds, you were announced and the velvety ceiling-length curtains were opened.

You walked into the ballroom and were greeted by bright lights and loud cheers. The lighting blinded you for a second, but you didn’t let that show in your expression.

Once you were able to adjust your eyes to the room, you saw several hundred people. Some were smiling, some were serious.

You saw your mother and teachers, happiness evident in their faces to see you be announced as Queen to everyone in attendance. Then you looked over to the other nations and the suitors who were present for you.

My, oh my.

There were so many.

You let out a quiet nervous sigh as you continued through the people and made your way to your seat for the dinner to commence. Before you could sit, there were a few young men who passed near your area and bowed your way, hoping to get an early introduction in.

You chuckled.

One bowed generously, throwing you a wide gummy smile. He must be way younger than you, you note. Just as you slightly bow in response, you see him make his way closer.

He bows again before speaking, “Your Majesty, might I just say, your portraits do not do you justice.” He says, gummy smile coming back as he towered over your seated frame.

He was tall and built, but nothing could stop you from seeing his boyish nature. You let out a chuckle before replying, “And your name?”

“Gunwook. Prince Park Gunwook from Sector Five.” He says, shooting you another sly smile.

You decide to let your chuckle out a little louder this time.

“Noted, Prince Gunwook.” You smiled.

He bowed once more and walked back to what you assume is his royal friends.

Before you could catch the gazes of anymore cute faces, a plate was placed on the gold charger in front of you and everyone in attendance watched as you lifted your gauntlet of still-too-bitter wine; signaling the start of the dinner.

It was only a few hours of wining and dining under the gaze of many suitors before the most nerve racking part of the night was to commence. The classical music changed its tempo to that of dancing music, people making their way to the ballroom dance floor.

Your nerves were starting to build as the melodies played through the hall.

Looking over to your mother, you saw her gesture for you to join the dance floor despite no one asking for your hand to dance yet.

You sighed anxiously and stood slowly to your feet, your ball gown shifting to follow along. As soon as you do this, you see many figures moving, almost on par with your own movements.

Here we go.

It was obvious that the race to ask you to dance was finally here; and boy you wished your corsets hadn’t been so tightly hoisted around you.

Who even dances right after desert?

Still, you hold your chin up high and walk towards the floor as gracefully and as unfazed as you can. It’s there where you meet eyes with him again.

He smiled, whiskers reappearing. Without thinking, you walk towards him—much to everyone’s surprise. He looks shocked as he quickly aknowledges you with a bow.

“Your majesty-“ He starts.

“Would you like to dance?” You speak, cutting him off.

His shock is only evident for a moment, before he smiles bigger and holds his hand out for you to take. You smile back, already comfortable within his grasp.

Once meeting the dance floor, he turns towards you, grasping your waist and holding your other hand in his. You place your hand on his shoulder, and get a good look at him.

Please don’t be from Sector Four. Please don’t be from Sector Four. Please don’t be from Sector Four.

“Your Majesty, thank you for approaching me first, I really am flattered.” He speaks respectfully as he leads you into the dance.

The many people in the room become nonexistent as you let him guide you.

“No need to thank me, you were the first familiar face I’d seen, so naturally I approached you.” You say, smiling shyly under his gaze.

His intentions seemed so straightforward in the way he looked at you. He had seemed entranced.

Dare you say, taken.

You decided to stare at his royal blue suit, the intensity of his gaze becoming too much.

He chuckles.

“My name is Prince Sung Hanbin, Sector Two. Please call me Hanbin, Your Highness.” He says.

This took you by surprise, so you looked up at him and re-evaluated his face.

Your mother’s best friend had a son named Hanbin, but you’d never gotten the chance to meet either of them since she was a Princess of a far away nation. Suddenly his features matched up with that of the paintings you’d seen of your mother and her closest friends when she was younger.

It all came together so seamlessly.

“Oh, so you’re thee Hanbin…” You say, staring him straight in the eyes.

This garner’s you a laugh.

“With all do respect your majesty, I think you’re the woman of the hour.” He says slyly, passing you a smile.

He was smooth.

A very respectful kind of smooth.

Just as you were going to respond, another voice chimes in.

“Pardon for the interruption, but may I have the next dance Your Majesty?” Says a handsome man, confidence seeping through his demeanor.

Hanbin stops leading you and lets go of your waist. As you turn, you meet his eyes.

Sharp and confident, just like his tone, he came off very striking. He was stunning.

If Hanbin was endearing and Gunwook was adorable, this one was gorgeous.

“If her majesty would like to, of course.” Hanbin says, you notice a little protectiveness hidden in his tone as he looks your way.

You smile up at him, barely able to take your eyes off of the new gentleman in front of you.

You notice how his red hanker-chief and red embellishments stand out compared to the rest of his solid black suit. It was all very eye-catching.

When you look back up at him, you were met with a slight smirk. He smiles down at himself for a second, a boyish look on display for only a moment in time.

This, too, takes you by surprise.

You gather yourself as Hanbin clears his throat. You were probably being watched by so many people right now. You can’t help but take note of the evergrowing tension that was starting to cement amongst you three.

“My apologies,” You say, “I’ll be alright Prince Hanbin. Thank you for your time.” You finish, shooting him a smile of gratitude.

He reciprocates it kindly and bows, then passes your hand to the man in front of you.

You take a moment to look him up and down.

Why couldn’t you? You were the Queen for crying out loud.

As you grasped his hand, his other hand goes for your waist quite smoothly. When you place your hand on his shoulder, you hear a chuckle. Your eyebrows raise at this.

“Why do you laugh?” You ask, and you can’t help that your gaurd goes up.

Maybe it was time to go back to being skillfully observant and professional—because this one made you feel uneasy.

“I’m sorry Your Majesty, I wasn’t expecting your gaze.” He says, pulling you a little closer by the waist and staring down at you as he starts to lead you on the dance floor.

You note the vibrado in his tone this time, your heart doing something weird in the process. You also felt your face getting hot.

Why is it scorching in here?

“Pardon?” You say, trying to not drop into the floor.

He chuckles again as he stares down at you once more, “Nevermind that, Your Majesty. How are you feeling?” He asks.

This takes you by surprise—yet gratitude fills your heart at the fact that he even cared to ask.

“It depends. Which answer would you like to hear? The decent one….” You look up at him, meeting his playfull eyes.

“…or the truth?” You finish.

You see a glint in his eyes right before he spins you around, and when you meet again, his eyes find yours effortlessly.

“Whichever you’re willing to share, but I’d rather hear the truth.” He affirms, his serious and chic look taking reign again. You contemplate answering him altogether.

“Very well. But before I do, what’s your name? If you don’t mind me asking….” You stall.

“Apologies, Your Majesty. Prince Ricky.” He states, holding up your hand that was in his grasp and placing a kiss on your knuckles that were covered by your satin gloves.

Your breath gets caught in your throat at his actions, and you have to run what he says back in your mind over and over for you to even process his name.

“…It’s a pleasure to meet you…” You start, staring into his eyes as he continues making eye contact through the gesture.

You didn’t know from whomst he learned to be so smooth from, but you definitely wanted to meet them and say thank you.

He was sly like a feline.

“The pleasures all mine.” He responds and continues to guide you as the music plays.

Finally you decide to give him an answer to his earlier question.

“Truthfully, this is all planned and feels nerve-racking.” You state, deciding to stare at some people around you as you danced, getting a little too worked up by the young man’s continuous gaze.

“I can understand your majesty. Truthfully, are you even serious about finding someone tonight?” He asks a little daringly.

You roll your eyes playfully as he spun you once again, hoping you were moving too fast for others—your mother—to notice.

Ricky was making your graceful facade crumble right from beneath you, and it was something you thought you’d never let happen—let alone at the hands of someone you met a couple minutes ago.

“Truthfully?” You start, and he nods in response.

“Truthfully, yes. I need to do this for my nation.” You say, the conversation turning a bit more serious, your smile faltering.

You were starting to remember your responsibilities.

Right.

You had so much to uphold.

Ricky notices this—the change in mood.

He sighs and looks around as well, contemplating his response before he speaks.

“I can understand the heavy weight you must be carrying on your shoulders Your Majesty….” He mumbles.

Then he leans in, pulling you close so he can whisper in your ear.

“…but for now can we just be people?” He asks.

You feel your heart sink.

When he pulls away, you are met with a genuine look on his face. He smiles and looks down, a piece of his wavy blonde hair falling into his eyes. You go to move it out of his face, but just as you do, someone interrupts.

“May I have the next dance your majesty? Apologies for the disturbance-“ Someone starts, but before they can finish, a man who looks strikingly similar to Ricky steps up.

“Prince Quanrui, your mother is waiting.” He speaks, gaining Ricky’s attention.

Prince Quanrui?

You feel like the world starts spinning.

Prince Quanri.

No.

No…

NO!

“-Your Majesty!!” Your bestfriend and head-maid, Juni, exclaims, pulling you from out of your slumber, forcing you to sit up in your bed.

“Huh?!” You shoot up, chest heaving as you try to take in the feelings left behind from the dream you had just lived through.

“You wench, I’ve been yelling at you! You were starting to scare me!” Juni says, sending you a side eye as she gets up in an attempt to act irritated

All you can do is sigh in relief.

The people in your dreams resembled the same people in real life, but everything felt wrong.

Quanrui, or Ricky, had been the Prince of the neighboring nation that despises your mother, that much was true—but he was nothing like the boy you’d just interacted with in your dream just now.

From the moment you had met him as a child, he was insufferable. He’d always made fun of you and you always found yourself in constant arguments with him.

Tonight would be your suitor’s ball, but you were hoping it would go nothing like your dreams. You couldn’t even understand how you were able to dream of Ricky or see him in that light.

Yes, he was handsome, but that was besides the point.

“I’m sorry Juni, I was having a nightmare.” You say, gathering yourself and getting up from your bed.

It was time to start getting ready.

“A nightmare? ‘Oh- Prince Quanruiiii~ Oh! Do you want the truth Prince Quanrui??~’” Juni mocked as she pranced around your room with an embellished fan, obnoxiously fanning herself.

Your face went warm within seconds.

“Silence! Or I’ll make sure you’ll be serving Prince Yujin rather than Prince Jiwoong’s table tonight.” You say, daggers in your eyes being thrown her way.

Prince Yujin was your younger kid cousin, whilst Prince Jiwoong was a newly appointed royal over in Sector Eight, the latter being known for capturing the hearts of maidens across many lands.

To this, she pipes down like a startled cat, walking out of the room to do god knows what.

This leaves you alone in your room to get ready for the night—as well as all alone to your thoughts.

You sigh as you look yourself in the mirror after your bath. You brush through your hair, anxiousness coursing through your mind.

When your mother comes in and stands behind you to help you with your tiara just like you knew you’d seen before, you feel shivers go down your spine.

“Is everything alright?” She spoke with grace, making eye contact with you through the mirror.

You nod.

“Don’t worry…So many people may be waiting for you in there, but they all have an agenda of their own. Try to have fun, okay Daisy?” Your mother says, calling you once again by the nickname she gave you as a child.

Your face went pale, blood running cold at this statment.

You’d always prefer roses.

Still, she continued on like a broken record.

After getting ready and talking yourself through your possible insanity, you meticulously decide to take another route to the reception hall—this meant taking the long way through the castle in order to get there.

Just as you round a corner very carefully, a voice takes you by surprise.

“What are you doing?” A deep voice chimes in from behind.

You jump, immediately turning around to meet sharp and playful eyes. As soon as you see him, you deadpan, automatically irritated that he graced you with his presence.

“What are you doing following me?” You stammer back harshly, immediately turning your back on him and continuing on your way. He reaches out for you and grasps your hair as you run along, letting it pass through his fingers.

“Your hair has grown longer.” He states, a smile on his face as you turn to give him a weird look.

He just chuckles and catches up to you.

“Why are you speaking to me informally, put some respect on my name.” You state, walking faster to hopefully get some distance between you two.

“Oh I’m sorry, Your Majesty,” he starts, but before you can look his way, he spins you towards him and stares down at you.

You couldn’t read him really, but you knew he was probably doing this to embarrass you.

He did this to every lady.

You were sure.

“You look stunning tonight.” He states, brushing a stray part of your hair away from your forehead.

He watches as your face turns warm in color whilst doing everything in your power to try and avoid eye contact.

“Watch your trinkets Prince Ricky, I’ll make sure you go barren.” You say.

He quickly retaliates, immediately moving away—a wide-eyed smile playing on his face.

“Your Majesty, don’t speak that way. You don’t want your suitors to know you’re already thinking of me and children in your life.” He states, quickly sprinting off knowing you would resort to violence at his comment.

You catch his wide smile as he saunters off.

You were so tired of him.

With a fast heart beat, you ready yourself to take on the crowd for what felt like the second time today. You tried your best to get the events that just played out, out of your head; trying to convince yourself that your responsibilities and duties as a Queen were of the utmost importance. When the curtains open and your full name is announced, the same scenery you had dreamt of had come to life.

Your mom smiled the same way.

Your teachers did too.

The suitors all scurried to try and approach you just like you had seen before.

You walked over and sat in the same seat.

And there he was, that gummy smile introducing himself all over again.

It was unnerving this time.

The only thing that differed from your dream was the run in with the boy named Hanbin earlier within the day.

Instead, Ricky took his place. In a way, this excited you. Maybe what was to play out was that Hanbin would take Ricky’s spot too.

You smiled to yourself, the sound of music ringing throughout the hall as the strings and flutes played. This time, you didn’t need to search in your mothers eyes for what you should do next. You stand up, dress trailing in your wake.

You feel the room watching your every move. As you step out into the free open space on the dance floor, your eyes searching for him.

If everything play’s out like it did in the dream with only a few substitutions, it should all work out in your favor.

You turn gracefully, finding him on one side of the room. As soon as you see him and you make eye contact, he smiles, albeit a bit shocked.

Alright, you got this.

You take a step in his direction.

Then another.

And even when you see people make their way towards you, you continue towards him.

As you grow closer, his smile drops.

And when you stand in front of him, he stares you down, more serious than you had ever seen him.

“Would you like to dance?” You ask.

He looks around, fake smile on display to try and play off what was currently going down.

“Your Majesty, what are you doing?” He mutters, holding his hand out for you to place yours in.

“Just follow my lead.” You whisper as he bows before looking back up at you.

He takes your hand in his and pulls it towards his lips, taking you completely by surprise.

“You know they won’t like this.” He states, but gives you a smile contrary to his words.

He leads you out to the dance floor.

“I know,” You start, “…but I’m not doing this for you. Or them.” You say, making eye contact again with Ricky, his hand finding it’s way to your waist.

He chuckles at this, his smile reaching his striking eyes as he looks everywhere but at you, probably trying to sell the narrative that you two were having a decent conversation.

You two had always been around each other growing up, sworn enemies by the nations you both belonged to. It was just how it worked out, so you weren’t sure if anyone in the crowd was buying this.

“You sure? I see the way your cheeks go rosy when I tease you.” He speaks, looking back down to you.

This was the one time you recognize his height, because even though he’d tease you, you’d never stayed this close long enough to realize how his frame made you look almost sickly.

“I feel so sorry for you Prince Ricky. You’re so delusional, you don’t even realize how much you’ve rotted your looks away due to your own selfishness.” You mutter, starting to look around for the guinea pig who should be saving you at any moment from this hell.

If everything went to plan, the whiskered boy would take Ricky’s place and you’d dance the night away in contrary to how your dream turned out.

If everything went to plan.

“Oh, so you admit your attraction. I hate to break it to you Your Majesty, but I am not looking to be courted.” He says smugly, finally looking at you, mischief hidden in his eyes as his smile fades. It was almost a serious look.

You scoff at his words nonetheless.

“Say what you want. I know what I’m here for.” You say, continuing to look around.

Where are you?

Ricky notices this and starts to look around as well.

“Who are you searching for? You’re missing the whole reason you asked me to dance.” He says, half teasing, half confused.

You roll your eyes, but continue to search through the crowd.

“Right. Because i so badly wanted to dance with you.” You say, your tone contradicting your words.

Before you could hear out his next words, you were pulled closer by the waist. Your attention snaps to Ricky, meeting his eyes for the ninth time that day.

This time, he definitely looked serious.

A little too serious.

Despite this, you couldn’t look away. You take in the way his eyes look back and forth between each of your own. Without realizing your line of sight trails down to the swoop of his nose, and you see the way his cheeks smooth down to his sharp jaw. You didn’t even want to glance at the wording on the side of his neck. He was breathtaking—so long as he kept his mouth shut.

He looked just like the woman who hated your mothers guts.

When you trail to his lips, you see them upturn slowly. And just like that, you’re brought back to reality.

“Your Majesty-“ A voice chimes in, interrupting the moment.

You quickly snap your neck toward the voice.

Much to your dismay, it was a woman.

“Pardon Your Royal Highness, but may I steal Prince Quanrui for a dance?” She utters, smiling your way with innocence.

You hated that she too had whiskers.

You took in the way her yellow dress contradicted your red one; tailored to match her every inch, including her eye smile.

She was gorgeous.

And when you glance back at Ricky, that pretty entrancing look is gone from his eyes.

And he wasn’t Ricky.

He was Prince Quanrui.

“Ah- If I’m not interrupting anything, that is.” The girl states as she bows your way shyly.

You clear your throat and let go of Ricky’s shoulder, turning to reciprocate her bow.

“Of course. I don’t mind.” You say.

But you do.

You gave Ricky one last look, taking in the way his wavy blonde hair fell into his eyes. Naturally, his suit catches your eye again too; the pretty red roses looking a little different this time.

Roses had always been your favorite.

You send him a faint smile before you face the crowd again. It was an embarrassment that another suitor had taken away your current dance partner away. This was your suitors ball after all, but in that moment you couldn’t have cared less.

Guinea pig wasn’t here.

He didn’t ask you to dance.

Your dream was wrong, and he didn’t exist.

You walked back towards your seat, hoping to get a little rest after dancing for so long.

Despite how you were feeling, you kept your poise and grace as you went. Anyone watching would have thought you weren’t phased.

Everyone but your mother.

She met you back at your seat, brushing off suitors who were approaching you to dance in her wake.

“Are you alright, My Dear?” She asks, sitting down next to you whilst taking a sip of her drink.

You smile her way.

“Yes.”

“His eyes.” She mutters.

You stare at her in confusion.

“Your father got in the habit of gazing at me like that.” She finishes.

Within another minute, she was up and off, but not without leaving you with one last statment.

“Roses also deserve to be picked, regardless of their thorns.” She whispers, just enough for only you to hear, then you are once again left all alone to the maze that is your mind.

You look over to him.

He danced with this fake smile, his flirty eyes contrary to how lightly he grasped the young ladies waist.

It was all the confirmation you needed.

You knew he’d loved you your whole childhood.

You just knew.

Without thinking, you make your way across the ballroom floor.

Nothing could stop you.

No one.

“Your Highness?” A voice chimes up, trying to stop you on your way towards your destiny. You stop, but your eyes are still fixated on Ricky.

“Yes?” You say awkwardly, not even looking their way.

“Hello,” they bow, and you’re barely able to see their figure out of your peripheral vision, sight still set on one of the few blondes in the room.

“Uh- I’m a Prince from Sector Two, and I couldn’t help but-“ He notices your averted attention.

“-I couldn’t help but be in awe of-“ He follows your gaze.

Oh.

You finally take a moment to look towards the owner of the voice tripping over their words. You are met with a shy young man, smiling down in defeat, dimpled lines on the apples of his cheeks.

Him.

“I’m, sorry.” He says before he clears his throat to speak again.

“I couldn’t help but be in awe of your beauty, and it seems I know why.” He finishes. He finally looks you in the eyes.

Sung Hanbin, Sector Two.

“You have eyes I long for, but I see they burn for something else.” He finishes saying, a heartbreakingly respectful but sad smile gracing his face.

You just stare back in awe.

“Have a wonderful night, Your Majesty.” He says, defeat running rampant in his pretty eyes.

“I wish you happiness and health in abundance; truly.” He lets out, bowing before sending you one last smile.

He’s real.

You’re taken aback for a moment as you watch his figure fade back into the crowd, but then you remember the fire that was lit inside you before this interaction.

Right.

Whiskers was sadly the last of your worries right now, and the next thing that happens just confirms this.

When you turn back around, you meet eyes with him.

This time, he’s closer than you’d thought he’d be and you almost bump into his chest as a whole. With a few swift movements his hand finds your elbow, helping to steady you.

You can feel the warmth from him seep onto you—or maybe it was coming from you?

“There you are. I thought pretty boy might have entranced you.” He states, shooting a look in the direction whiskers had left. He over fixates on that area but you continue to look up at him and stare, taking him in all over again.

When he looks back down at you, the glint in his eyes change.

Ricky.

“Prince Quanrui.” You utter out.

His eyes turn blank.

You chuckle.

“Ricky?” You question, searching his eyes for change.

His eyebrows frown, and he tilts his head at you with his hands still placed on your elbow, but there’s that spark of life that’s ignited after you call him by his nickname.

“Yes, Your Majesty?” He questions, completely confused.

You smile up at him genuinely.

You’re not sure if you’ve ever regarded him as adorable before, but what was cute if not him right now?

“I really love daisies, did you know?” You ask, taking him in for all that he is, not caring if you two were stood standing in the middle of the banquet.

He speaks up quickly after registering your words, leaving no time or space to ponder them, “Nonsense, roses are your favorite—especially the red ones. Who are you and what did you do with the Queen?” He asks playfully, letting go of your arm and looking around like the playfull person he always was.

You stare at him, probably smiling like an idiot. He just waits for your response but when it never comes, he looks down at you in confusion.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” He finally decides to ask once his eyes land on yours.

“Ricky, I know you’re in love with me.” You state plainly.

His heart drops and you can see the warmth leave his face. He scoffs ironically, and looks around anxiously whilst he dusts himself off.

“Wow, that’s a good one, Your Highness. You’re really getting good at that-“ He starts, but before he can finish his fluster of a comeback, you grab him by the collar and pull him close.

It wasn’t close enough for your faces to be touching, but now your faces were closer than they’d ever been before. You can hear his breath get caught in his throat, and you watch as he gulps in order to cope with what was happening.

You smirk, looking into his eyes.

You were definitely starting to feel the power of a Queen alright.

“Ricky, I’m going to walk away. And when I do, I will continue to walk and never look back.” You whisper as you study him.

You watch as his eyes looked down to your lips and back up.

Precisely.

However, before you could even pull away, you are yanked forward as he brings his lips next to your ear.

“Let’s say you are correct; I am madly in love with you,” He starts out as a whisper, “…are you willing to deal with the repercussions?”

His tone is playful, and you can hear the smile in his words. He was definitely acknowledging the fact that you two had already been acting so inappropriately infront of all your guests—yet he did not care and was waiting for your permission to proceed.

Waiting for you to acknowledge him fully for what he was.

The sworn enemy who was supposed to hate your guts.

You smirk as you pull away.

“Rules and repercussions are for the people; I am your Queen.” You state boldly, a smile radiating onto your face.

He smiles too, your words garnering a laugh as he pulls away and slightly throws his head back in amusement.

He was really something.

When he leans back towards your face in an effort to keep the conversation between just the two of you, your heart to ascends into your throat.

“Y/n, are you serious?” He asks as he searches in each of your eyes for any sign of regret or even a glint of mischief. He really hoped this wasn’t a joke despite your two’s very playful attitudes.

You watch him, knowing that deep down this is all you’ve ever wanted. Then you send him a smile; and it’s all the confirmation he needs.

Within seconds he pulls you in, placing his pretty lips onto yours.

Finally.

Even the gasps you could hear from around you couldn’t tear you out of the moment you were having.

He was delicate with you; moving his lips on yours like you’d wither from beneath him. His hand that now held your waist inched you closer and closer; it was as if the act you two were in the middle of still wasn’t close enough for him.

When you finally pull away, he places one last kiss on your lips, before he stares down at them. A grin makes it’s way onto his face before he’s looking around at the people in the room without ever meeting your eyes.

He ignores the angry looks on his people’s face, deciding to shoot them the most dazzling smile you’ve ever seen as he focuses back in on you.

“I knew the dream potion would work, maybe meeting you through your dreams wasn’t a bad idea.” He mutters, grasping your hand and pulling you back in and close to him.

Your expression falls as your eyes go wide.

“What did you say?” You ask, half trying to process his words, half going to lose your mind if you heard him correctly.

He freezes and stares down at you like a dear caught in headlights.

Once again, you don’t know why that imagery popped in your head, but alas.

“It’s nothing, Your Majesty. May i have this dance?” He asks cheekily, not knowing if he should continue to play it off or make a run for it. He was always so playful and mischievous.

He was always so…himself.

He was always Ricky.

And you liked every bit of him unfortunately.

He was your favorite.

“Going once…Going twice…” He lets out playfully, holding his hand out closer towards you to take. You do so gracefully, a smile now making its way back onto your face.

When he leads you to the center of the dance floor, he pulls you close and urges you to rest your head near his heart. The music plays on and you could feel everyone’s eyes on you two in disbelief—but it did not matter.

This was your favorite place to be.

“Did you know I actually prefer daisies?” Ricky speaks out of nowhere, his soothing tone cutting through the music that played throughout the hall as you lifted your head and searched his eyes.

There it was again.

That pretty cat-eye gaze of his; fixated only on you.

“They’re my favorite, Y/n…”

“You’re my favorite.”

♡︎ please do not plagarize, repost, copy or translate any of my works. thank you.

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lvieee · 4 months

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0 km | shen quanrui ˚₊‧⁺˖

pairing : nonidolricky x reader

genre : fluff, angst

sypnosis : meeting up after months being away.

part 1

you were never more excited, after months being away from your boyfriend, the two of you finally get to meet up after being away for so long.

waking up after your afternoon nap as a result of not doing anything this morning because of sem break made you sleepy.

you reach out to your nightstand where your phone was placed before you slept. you turn it on to see a message from him saying he’s about to board the plane a few minutes ago.

ricky : about to board

ricky : be there in a few hours

you : okayy, safe flightt, cant wait to see you soon !

ricky : ❤️❤️

smiling at the hearts he sent. he doesn’t really use emojis that much when he texts you. you get up and went to take a shower, get ready to pick him up and dine out cause you know that by the time he arrives, it’ll soon be dinner time.

———

you : already here, waiting for you

you took a cab from your house to the airport. once you arrived, you quickly texted him telling him you’re here—waiting for him to come out then you two can spend time.

20 mins later

ricky : where are you?

your heart jumped at the notification of his message, looking around trying to find him. you spot him also looking around trying to find you. getting up walking towards him

you : i see you

feeling his phone buzz on his hand, he turned it on to see the notification. he then looks up to see you walking towards him with a big smile on your face.

pulling him into a big hug, nearly making him loose balance you giggled like a little girl. “i missed you so much” you say looking up at him arms still around him.

“i missed you too.” he says putting his arms around your torso. in the midst of your embrace, you suddenly hear his stomach grumble, reminding you that he hasn’t eaten. “someone’s hungry” you playfully joke. “how about we have dinner?” you suggest.

on the way to dinner, you remembered you haven’t asked him when he’s leaving. not that you wanted him to leave so soon, rather just to know what can the two of you do in during his visit.

“when are you going back?” you ask him breaking the silence in the car. diverting his attention to you, teasingly, he asks “want me to leave already?” smirking. “no, not that. i just wanna plan so we can make the most of our time together.” you say planning the moments ahead.

on the other side, he feels happy to finally be with you again after months being away, only talking to you through text messages and calls late at night.

“oh we should try out this cafe that just opened, maybe the night market tomorrow?, what else..” you suggest, planning your time together. the excitement evident in your voice. the idea of spending time together after not seeing each other for so long made you smile like crazy from the excitement.

reaching your destination, you quickly paid the fee before getting of the cab. since he was already hungry, you brought him to a food court not too far from your place to grab dinner.

walking in the store arm around his, you walk around to see what maybe you want to have. “ooh, i heard the noodles here are nice? what are you getting?” you ask him. he, unfamiliar with the place, responds “what do you recommend?”

———

after some time storlling around the place, the two of you finally decided to get the noodles from a while ago. he’s eager to pay for the bill, but you insisted that you should be the one paying for it cause he’s the guest causing sort of a tug of war between the two of you. the cashier caught in the middle, uncertain where to accept the money from.

in the end, you won—paying for food. all because you agreed that he’d pay for drinks instead.

growing up in an asian family deeply ingrained in the tradition of fighting to settle the bill, and it has been a second nature of him as he grew up adopting the habit. and now, whenever he goes out with anyone, the instinct to insist on paying is just a reflection of of what he’s used to witness growing up.

DAY TWO—you don’t know what got you into documenting every single moment with your boyfriend but you did. you went into the drawers in your room and look for the old camera you have that you hadn’t touched for a while.

you know it’ll still be on, just need to have the battery charged and you’re ready to go.

walking down the streets on the way to your next destination—the cafe that just opened. you pull out your camera from your bag and turn it on to start recording your surroundings, the sun shining brightly, wind blowing but not too much just eenough to not make your hair get blown like crazy. you bring the camera to him showing him walking, eyes swuinting shielding it from the bright sun.

pointing the camera at him, “we are on the way tooooo?” you say, elongating the last word to make it sound like a question, “i don’t know the name of the cafe, all i know is that it just opened.” he answers you. chuckling at him. you now move the camera to show the both of you. you leaned on him smiling and he does the same too—patting your head smiling at the camera.

finally reaching your destination after walking for a good 15-20 minutes, you look around to look for a seat. he finds one and points at it suggesting that the two of you should sit there, by the window showing a nice view of the morning city you live in.

you then started taking pictures of the place, taking pictures of him too, while the waiter comes to your seat and hands the menu to the both of you.

“just call me when you’re ready to order.” the waiter says before leaving the two of you to decide on what to have.

“this looks nice.” he says looking at the strawberry milkshake they have. “what are you getting?” he asks you, diverting his attention to you. “pointing at the dish you wanted.” he decides to get the same.

few minutes after talking, the food comes ready for you to indulge in. taking a few pictures to post on your instagram, also his and your drinks together before eating.

———

leaving the place after having your meal and taking a few pictures, you called a cab to bring you to your next destination—the art studio that you promised to bring him to when he comes. you’ve went here with a couple of your friends before but you didn’t mind going with him for the second time.

in the cab, you pulled out your camera from your bag again to show the view outside the car. then moving it to show him beside you, on his phone playing some type of game to kill time as the journey from the cafe you’ve just been to—to the art studio’s quite far away.

“we’re on the way to the art cafe/studio” you say quietly not wanting to be noticed by the driver leaning on to his shoulder. “yayy” he adds on, whispering. “i haven’t painted in so long.” he says to the camera. you chuckle at him—smiling, thinking about what’s going to happen later.

———

“we’re hereee.” you say to the camera showing your surroundings—walls filled with artwork hanging all over the place, art supplies casually scattered around ready to be used.

after picking your seat and ordering drinks he decides to order something different this time; mango juice—you two started working on your paintings.

“let’s make it connect” he suggests, thinking it’ll be cute to have one painting on two canvases connected to each other—you keeping the half and him keeping the other half to the painting.

“what do you mean?” you ask him, asking him to elaborate more on his idea. “we’ll decide on something to paint, a view? something like that but you’ll paint one half and i’ll paint the other half so i get to keep one half and you get to keep the other half and it’ll be one complete painting when we put it next to each other” he explains hoping you get what he’s trying to say.

“ohmygod yes yes we should definitely do that.” you say excitedly thinking it would be a cute thing to have matching pieces of art that you both created.

———

finsihing the painting, while being placed side by side to his. you, again took out your camera to take pictures, he did too—taking pictures on his phone to later post it on his instagram.

“we did well.” he says, proud of the artwork you two just created. “what about i take yours and you take mine?” he asks you his eyes bright, twinkling under the studio lights, smiling looking at you. he looks so cute.

DAY THREE— grocery shopping date, walking down the isles of the store, the two of you look for ingredients for the meal the two of you are going to cook at your place later.

looking like a lost cat following you, he stands beside you while you try to pick out the best out of the bunch of fruits and vegetables.

———

after checking off everything in the list of things to buy, you two make your way to the cashier.

“the total’s $153.73” you hear the cahsier say after scanning all the items in your cart. you widened your eyes hearing the total amount, reaching for your wallet in your bag. but you were stopped after seeing the cashier hand him the card reader.

“ricky what are you doing” you ask him “im supposed to be the one paying for this.” you continued.

“done, let’s go.” he says taking the bags walking towards the exit. “i’ll send you the money later” you tell him while walking, taking one the bags on his hand to lessen the burden. “it’s okay darl” he responds.

———

“could you get me the salt please.” you ask him, “oh where is it?” he ask you confused as to where you put the salt at. “in the cabinet there.” you say focused on stirring the soup.

“here.” he says handing you the salt. adding it into the pot of soup, stirring it, scooping some of it to try “try some.” you hand the spoon to him to try.

“ah hot” he says, his tounge burning from the hot soup. “its good” he says giving you a thumbs up before getting your cup of water you put on the table near the counter.

———

“food’s ready” you announce before turning of the stove, putting on mittens to take the pot out of the stovetop bringing it to the dining table infront of the kitchen of your place. while he takes the plates and utensils for you.

enjoying your meal as it rains outside, raindrops tapping on the ground. the falling rain creating a darker ambience indoors, with the absence of the sun in the rainy afternoon.

DAY FOUR— last day before he goes back. even though you wanted so bad for him to stay longer. you couldn’t, his and yours regular schedules are resuming soon and he has to go back to prepare.

the two of you are currently at a self photo booth, you suggested that the two of you should go after he told you that he’ll have to leave the next day.

“one..two..three..” the machine shows on the screen doing a countdown before taking the picture. you hear the camera shutter and strike another pose. you lean your head on his shoulder and he puts his hand on the side of your head, smiling.

the machine lets out another shutter noise after taking the picture. another one—“one…two…”running out of poses, you kiss him on the cheek “three” the machine lets out the shutter noise, his eyes widens, ears red, cheeks flushed after what you just did.

waiting for the machine to finish printing your picture, you stand there nervously, it’s just a peck on the cheek, no big deal…? yeah no big deal. but why are you so nervous?

he takes the printed photo from the machine and hands the other one to you. his cheeks still red from what just happened.

“let’s go” he says taking your hand, leading you to the way out of the place. “we’re going to that cafe next right?” he asks trying to clear the tension in the air.

“hm?…oh yeah” you respond back, still surprised after what you just did, you didn’t know why you made it such a big deal, it’s just a peck. you told yoursef that multiple times. but..you’ve never kissed him before, and he’s never kissed you before too.. what were you doingggg?? why are you like this?? your thoughts spiral.

in the midst of your thoughts, he holds your chin, bringing you closer to him giving you a peck on the lips.

your eyes widen at what he just did. out of nowhere?? all this in the same day’s making you go crazy. “there, we’re even now.” he says before continuing to walk.

DAY FIVE LAST DAY— you were never good with goodbyes, waking up and getting ready to send him off to the airport felt heavy to you. a few more hours and you’ll be back to text messages and video chats.

back then, you’d tell yourself—it wouldn’t be that difficult, it’s not like you wouldn’t be able to talk anymore or anything.

but reality proved you wrong. seeing people around you do regular couple things made you…bitter? you could say? not in a way you wished they’d fight and break up. rather in a way where you wished you could do the same with him.

being in a relationship with him was one of your most significant achievement. especially after having feelings for each other for so long. it brought you immense happiness, but as the saying goes—everything has it’s pros and cons. the only downside being the physical distance; seperated by oceans and time zones.

but did you regret it? not even a little bit. you’d always remind yourself—all the efforts the two of you put in at the moment will eventually pay off.

———

“thank you” he says once the two of you arrived at the airport, a few more minutes till the plane boards.

“stop you’re going to make me cry.” you say tears threatening to fall.

“i’ll miss you” you say hugging him snuggling your head on his chest. he kissed your forhead before lifting your chin “don’t cry” he says wiping the tears on your cheeks.

“take care of yourself yeah?”he says trying very hard not to let his tears fall, rubbing your back, comforting you. “don’t stress yourself out too much.” he continues. “you can talk to me if you need to.” he reminds you making you cry even more making his shirt wet from your tears.

lifting your head. “text me when you reach there.” you managed to let out. “you too, be careful. take care of yourself” you reminded him. “i’ll call you tonight.” he says before letting go of your embrace, his hands holding your arms “we’ll see each other again soon.”

the speaker’s announces, reminding the passengers the plane’s about to board. “i gotta go.” he says, giving you a quick peck on the lips. “i love you.” he adds.

you hum in acknowledgement as he walks away, heading towards the gate waving you goodbye. you wave him goodbye back before he disappears from your sight. you savor the fleeting moments, watching him until he’s put of view, carrying the echoes of his parting words with you.

note : not super satisfied with how i wrote this but here you gooerrrr.

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taeraemylove · 4 months

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I just know that Ricky would treat a girl with daddy issues so well, he’s literally the type to treat you like a princess and baby/spoil you cuz you’re his baby girl, he would probably give the best hugs and his words of encouragements would be so good, he’s such a comfort boy, sweet boy would probably give you so many compliments just cuz he can, Taurus boys often love very deeply so any girl dating Ricky would be so lucky

#zb1 #zb1 scenarios #zb1 x reader #zerobaseone #kpop fluff #kpop imagines #kpop scenarios #ricky shen #shim ricky #ricky x reader #ricky #shen ricky #zb1 ricky #shen quanrui #kpop drabbles

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nightmareonfire · 4 months

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joyous-vault · 6 months

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The Meadow of Oaths.

Through the eyes of Javiero Marlon.

I’ve always imagined the better days that would come. When I could sit aside of you, palms upon the palms—we would talk through our beamed smiles. We spoke of all the places we would love to go if we could—at last. If I had known that these strings would be fractured and I shall be walking down with my dour, I would tell you that I’ve adored you more than anything.

The Overview.

Capricorn’s flaring stars have solemnized my fate at the very first time I encountered your gaze. The hook renders my breath to be doomed and came to the tail end. Parchment be opened, I shall conceal myself beneath the persona of Shim Jaeyoon (Jake), which also be followed by Choi Soobin, Hong Jisoo (Joshua), Shen Quanrui (Ricky), and Kim Younghoon. ISFJ be carved and bestowed as my burnt-offering. The plate has Quality Time, Act of Service and Receiving Gifts be written as a chant. Once in years, the odes also will be ushered through Indonesian and English, also— perhaps, those are what may beguiled All types of relationship as the Dominant and Platonic Relationship.

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unwavering-tides · 6 months

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The Meadow of Oaths.

Through the eyes of Ethans Leighfourth.

The Overview.

Pisces’ flaring stars have solemnized my fate at the very first time I encountered your gaze. The hook renders my breath to be doomed and come to the tail end. Parchment be opened, I shall conceal myself beneath the persona of Lee Heeseung, which also be followed by Han Yujin, Park Jongseong (Jay), Shim Jaeyun (Jake), Park Sunghoon, Kim Jiwoong, Shen Qianrui (Ricky), and Lee Juyeon. ENTP be carved and bestowed as my burnt-offering. The plate has Words of Affirmation, Act of Service, and Receiving Gifts be written as a chant. Once in years, the odes also will be ushered through Indonesian, English, and Sundanese, also— perhaps, those are what may beguiled the BxG as the Dominant.

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netunleashed-blog · 6 years

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Luton v Sunderland: Carlos Edwards talks turbulent pasts at both clubs | Football News

http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=35450 Luton v Sunderland: Carlos Edwards talks turbulent pasts at both clubs | Football News - http://www.internetunleashed.co.uk/?p=35450 Sunderland and Luton have suffered five relegations between them since 2006/07 Few league clubs can claim a more volatile recent history than Sunderland, but their opponents on Saturday, Luton Town, have a strong case. How to follow the EFL on Sky SportsBetween them, the League One clubs have accumulated five relegations, 16 managers and multiple changes of ownership and player sales since they were last in the same division 11 years ago. New season offer Upgrade to Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football now for just £18 a month. Cancel any time. Sunderland clinched the 2006/07 Championship title at Luton’s Kenilworth Road before the Hatters began a descent through the divisions, including financial problems, points deductions and a spell in non-league.Despite appointing some big-name managers, Sunderland finished above 13th only once in their subsequent 10-year Premier League stay and dropped back to the Championship in 2017 before a successive relegation of their own last season. Carlos Edwards moved from relegation-bound Luton to promotion-chasing Sunderland mid-season in 2006/07 Winger Carlos Edwards moved mid-season from Luton to Sunderland in 2006/07, so is in a good position to assess the various calamities that struck both clubs.“At Luton, Mike Newell was a good manager. He did the best he could have done,” Edwards tells Sky Sports. Mike Newell left Luton in March 2007 after criticising the club for selling players “We had a really good squad. But the board killed him in a way because he didn’t have the backing from them.”Player salesUnder Newell, Luton were fifth 13 games into the 2006/07 season, but after complaining openly about player sales being the reason behind a drop in form, he was sacked in March.“Players just started to go,” Edwards says. “Once one left, players were thinking: ‘I need to go as well.’ It was like they were standing in front of a gun waiting for the trigger to be pulled.EFL: Who will go up and down?“That season, the team just went on a serious nosedive. Every time a club came in for one of the better players, it was the easy way out, they just sold them.“Players moved on, things moved on then the club didn’t really recover until a few years ago.” Dwight Yorke (right) captained the Trinidad & Tobago side Edwards played in Edwards’ switch to Sunderland came over the festive period and was influenced by fellow Trinidad and Tobago player Dwight Yorke, who was playing for his former Manchester United team-mate and Sunderland manager Roy Keane.Swapping relegation for promotionBy leaving mid-season, Edwards collected a title-winners’ medal rather than adding a relegation to his CV. Plus, he got to work with two legends of the game.Checkatrade Trophy first-round draw“Dwight phoned me after Luton played up at the Stadium of Light and asked if I was interested in moving. I saw it as a step up, no disrespect to Luton. I had the opportunity to play for one of the great former players in Roy Keane - and I look up to Dwight. He’s a hero and put Trinidad on the map. It was special.“Luton told me I could go and have a chat and they had accepted a bid so I went for my medical and met Roy Keane.” Roy Keane signed Edwards for both Sunderland and, later, Ipswich Keane, Yorke & the Premier LeagueKeane would later sign Edwards a second time when in charge at Ipswich, but Edwards was surprised on his first meeting with the famously intimidating Irishman.“You’re expecting this big guy, but when you see him, he’s a very hard guy but actually quite small,” says Edwards. The new season is here Get Sky Sports' dedicated football channels for over 500 live games of football this season. Find out more. “But I didn’t tell him that! I was so nervous. Imagine if I’d gone in and said that - he’d have told me to go back to Luton!”After Keane signed Edwards in January 2007, Sunderland won 15 of their final 19 league games, losing only once. Having started the season losing nine of their first 16 leagues games, it was quite a turnaround to go up as champions at Kenilworth Road in May. Yorke (right) celebrates winning the Championship title at Kenilworth Road in May 2007 “The way Roy rotated the team worked well. He gave players their chance and then if things needed to be adjusted, he would do it.“It was a great team chemistry that led us to become champions.“I had mixed feelings winning the title at Kenilworth Road. I did feel for Luton, but I had a job to do. They had already been relegated but I think the 5-1 scoreline rubbed salt into the wounds!“Some fans booed me but I think more in frustration than at me leaving. At the end of the day, Luton bought me for nothing and got a few quid, they made a profit.” Edwards was hit by injury during Sunderland's return to the Premier League and was sold in 2009 Change of ownershipKeane, Yorke and Edwards won promotion to the Premier League, where Sunderland would stay until May 2017, but none of those three would last long as the club began to change.American Ellis Short gained a controlling stake in September 2008 and Keane left shortly after to be replaced by Ricky Sbragia and, eventually, Steve Bruce. Short then bought the club outright in May 2009. For Edwards, this was a difficult time at the club.“When a new manager comes in, they want a fresh start and bring in their own players because at the time, they feel the players can’t do it for them,” Edwards says. Ellis Short (left) took over Sunderland in May 2009 and appointed Steve Bruce as manager “I had a word with Steve Bruce. I wanted to stay, but I didn’t want to be hard-balled, just sitting around, waiting and hoping. I wanted to play, I didn’t want to just sit on the bench and collect wages.”Players' commitmentThe difference is stark between the ethos installed by Keane and displayed by Edwards and stories of changing room disintegration at Sunderland in recent years, most obviously displayed in Jack Rodwell remaining at the club on high wages despite not playing.“When I was there,” Edwards explains, “we had a cohesion and die-hard mentality. We knew, for the fans, we had to roll our sleeves up and do the work. And we did. We knew we had to be on our A-game every week.“I think in the past two years, the players have not had a perspective that they would go out and do that. Jack Rodwell caused controversy for staying at Sunderland on high wages despite not playing “You can get away with driving along one or two players in a game, but if you are driving along three, four, five players then you have walking wounded. You need everyone on their game.“Everyone was a bit lackadaisical, maybe just going through the motions and hoping because they're Sunderland, that it, it’s a guaranteed three points. No, it’s never a guaranteed three points. You have to earn, to work for it.”Improving outlookEdwards, 39, is still playing at Woodbridge Town in Suffolk, while completing his UEFA B licence at Ipswich’s academy and has spent time coaching the Trinidad U17s. 5:29 Sunderland left it late to seal a 2-1 victory over Charlton last weekend Sunderland left it late to seal a 2-1 victory over Charlton last weekend He feels Sunderland have turned a corner - Short sold the club last season after going through nine managers in as many years - and can stop the rot following successive demotions, but he warns that they will not find it easy in League One.“They seem more settled now, a few have gone, they’ve been revamped. But they have to realise they are a big scalp in League One,” he says. 1:33 Luton lost at Portsmouth on the opening day despite a positive display Luton lost at Portsmouth on the opening day despite a positive display “Clubs going to the Stadium of Light are going to be in awe. A lot of players will never have played in stadiums like that. Clubs will want bragging rights and to be able to say: We won at Sunderland.”Kenilworth Road may not offer the grandeur of the Stadium of Light, but Sunderland fans will be hoping on Saturday it can prove as fruitful a venue as it did on their last league visit to Bedfordshire.Get Sky Sports' dedicated football channels with our new season offer to watch over 500 live games this season. Find out more. Fantasy Football is back! Fantasy just got real. Pick your Sky Sports Fantasy Football team for free here. 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