Chapter Text
A feeling no one dares to care, feelings meant to fade in time, feelings amidst of wars and a country that pleads for reformation, the thing most unheard for, unnecessary? they say, a story that would never found its real meaning beyond those words full of lies. "Eight years old, Jeon Jungkook" their first meeting still fresh on his mind, a little boy the same height as him, with raven hair falling freely that almost covers the hard expression he wears, he knew time would allow this little boy would grow into a rough, emotionless and eccentric ruler, the image was imprinted on the back of his head for a second until the raven haired boy tilted his head, earning his attention "It's not good picturing someone's future based on their behavior, you know?" He remembers those all knowing eyes, dark eyes, piercing through his soul, holding a bit too much knowledge for just a kid, his nonchalant expression changing into a bright one, lips forming a smile as his sharp eyes widens like that of a puppy, innocent yet dangerous "Too bad, I'm the son of the Emperor"
They were born in the same year, just a month difference and were raised at the same palace until both turned four, one moved in his rightful place and was introduced a butler? bodyguard? a friend to look after him, meanwhile the other one was left in a place where books are preffered over toys and swordsmanship must be honed at the age of six. If Jimin wasn't told all these informations, that got to be the very first interaction Jimin had with his cousin, also known as the son of the Emperor from the Jeon Clan
Jungkook doesn't know the word hate, technically he does and he considered it as one of the prominent emotions in the kingdom, but he himself haven't experienced that word yet, what does it mean to hate someone? Do you wish to kill them? Behead in front of the citizens to see? Certainly, but he decided that if he were to hate someone, it should be his second cousin from the North, Park Jimin. He had read books where one who was raised with swords at such an early age were considered the less fortunate, whereas one who grew up with rainbows and toys are considered blessed and thus the hate on the latter is normalized. But to Jungkook, it's different, he's amused how an environment and place one grew up with is a huge factor in determining how they behave, if his one year old self could decide the road he would like to walk on he would choose this path, it's like everything is already set before he was born, that thought brought shivers down his spine as he, no doubt love that idea.
When Jimin and him met, both at the age of 8, finally with the ability to establish an own thinking skill, he was delighted, he wanted to impress the latter and tell him that the road he was given is the superior one, he's obsessed at their difference. His cousin possessess feminine features and he can't help but think was it from the environment? but then he remembered he had read a book about genetics when he was six years old, Park Jimin had probably acquired his beautiful features from their late grandmother that has a huge portrait hanging on the palace wall. Jungkook himself couldn't understand why is he so interested with these stuffs when no one else does? He feels so lonely, he thought that Jimin would be different but all he did was huff and sigh everytime Jungkook throws him a question with a tone that demands for answer.
Little Jimin tried hard to work it well, really, tried to ask his cousin about his favorite toy, but all he got was a book titled as The Little Prince, tried talking about his favorite desserts but all he got was a lecture about insulin, he had no idea about the word and little Jungkook could care less about explaining everything. Jimin only receives questions he couldn't understand so he gave up, it's like the latter only wanted to be catered on its own little world, not that he dislike it, truth be told is that he's a pleaser, but his brain cells beg to differ this time. When Jimin's visit is almost over, he had told Jeon Jungkook an honest "You will never have a friend, Gukkie" making the latter froze from its tracks, books settling down on the table alongside forgotten snacks "But you're my friend now" poor little Jimin's lack of comprehension on what expression Jungkook is wearing doesn't cross his own mind back then "right?" but certainly "Jiminie" the sudden shift of tone and the light that appeared for a second in those dark eyes wouldn't go unnoticed by him.