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“Did you hear? The prince is returning from battle.”
“I heard he burnt down villages!”
“I heard he fought mountain lions. He’s like a monster!”
The townsfolk spoke in hushed whispers, trading items with one another. Jimin tends to mind his own business, picking flowers to greet his new brother in law, yet his ears pick up on every single rumor about the other prince. He grabs a random bouquet, giving a few coins to the elderly lady running the cart before returning to the palace.
Jimin was different. He knew that. People in town knew. The higher ups knew especially, using that insecurity to try and get him to turn the crown down. But his family needs the money, his father no longer works in the coal mines and his mother can brag about him to others for once. Jimin’s beauty was beyond the standard, and still people thought he was weird because he would rather practice traditional dances with the women rather than pick up a sword like the men.
The ceremony for the prince’s return was tonight, so Jimin got his best hanbok, pink silky material that goes perfectly with his blonde locs. His marriage was in no less than three months, so he wants to get the future king’s approval before marrying his lovely sister. The palace was a beautiful place, enough garden space for Jimin to explore and read his poetry books, and a ballroom large enough for Jimin to dance around in. He loves it.
He places the bouquet on his chest drawer, asking one of the maids to prepare his clothes so he could bathe. He enters the royal bathhouse, knowing it's always empty during this time of the day aside from the few maids that tend to it. He removes his robe, his shoulders relaxing once he walks into the pool. He avoids wetting his hair, not wanting to wait around for it to dry. He relaxes in the shallow part of the pool, leaning back and closing his eyes.
One of the maids shakes him awake frantically, Jimin rubbing his eyes as they open. The look on her face is panicked, causing Jimin to panic as well, seeing the sky outside has gotten darker.
“We’ve been looking for you everywhere, your grace.” The maid whispered as Jimin hopped out of the pool, throwing his white robe around his shoulders before rushing back to his chambers. He clampers inside the room, slamming the door shut before quickly changing into his hanbok.
He could hear the ceremony starting from inside his room, causing him to pause and stare at his reflection in the bucket of water on the floor. He changes quietly now, not bothering to put makeup on his face as he jumped out of his window and ran across the lawn. The garden wall was tall, two metres high to be precise, but the growing vines looked stable enough for Jimin to latch onto and climb.
For the next few minutes Jimin struggles against the wall, the hanbok getting stuck on branches and every vine he grabs keeps ripping apart. He's half way up the wall when someone clears their throat, almost making Jimin fall from shock.
“Hello, sir. Are you in need of any assistance?” The voice is deep, almost sounding amused at Jimin’s distress. Jimin rolls his eyes, turning his head half way.
“Uh, I am quite fine thank you. Now you can go back inside by the other gawkers and stare at the Prince.” Jimin snaps, huffing as he places his foot on the wrong place again and almost falling.
“I will, but I’m curious. What exactly are you doing?” The man asks again. Jimin’s about to go off at the man’s nosy behavior, but right now he’s on a mission.
“Nothing!”
“You’re doing something.”
“I am not.” Jimin opposes it.
“You are.”
“I am not.” Jimin repeats.
“You are!”
“Fine. If you must know, I am trying to ascertain the best way to climb over the garden wall.” Jimin speaks, dusting his hands off before trying again.
“Climb… whatever for?”
“I think he may be a beast.” Jimin mumbles quietly.
“A beast?” The voice sounds shocked, on guard as the metal sound of his sword being pulled out echoes in the air. The night sky is painted beautifully with white dots, the air crisp as the town folks celebration can be heard. “Whomever are we talking about?”
“Okay pack it up officer, none of your business.” Jimin rolls his eyes. He observes the wall quietly, tears welling up in his eyes. He was different, everyone knew that. But that somehow changed when his parents offered his hand in marriage to the princess, and now not only has he let her down but his tardiness to the prince’s ceremony has already given him a bad rep. So he's running away. Well trying to. “The Prince, no one will tell me anything. No one will speak of him. He is clearly a beast.”
“Understood.”
“Wait… you know if I grab there— perfect! Maybe you could assist me by lifting me up there.” Jimin gets into position, waiting for the stranger to help him up. The stranger doesn’t oblige immediately. “Don’t worry, under all this cloth I’m scrawny, easy to lift. Now, chop chop, we don’t have all night.”
“I have absolutely no intention of helping you.” The voice is amused again. Jimin pulls away from the wall, finally, turning towards the male.
“I am a person in distress. You refuse to help a person in distress?” Jimin argues, his glare making the male grin in amusement once again.
“I refuse when that person in distress is trying to go over the wall so he doesn’t have to meet me.” Jimin’s face turns pale at the confession, the sweat building up on his forehead. He immediately bows down. “I suppose you’re Minji’s fiancée?” Jimin nods, afraid to speak. He doesn’t look into the prince's eyes like he did before, opting to look at the ground.
“Look at me when I speak to you.” The prince’s stoic voice makes Jimin’s skin crawl. He flutters his lashes, looking up as pink dusts his cheeks. The Prince, Jung Hoseok, looks handsome under the lantern lights. “Hmm, not bad. Can you wield a sword skilfully?” Jimin shoots his head down at the harsh tone. He shakes his head. A sword is thrown at the tips of his feet, his eyes widening. The prince wants a duel.
“Pick it up.” The prince speaks coolly. Jimin quickly bends down, picking up the piece of heavy metal. He pulls the sword out of its casing, wincing at the sight of the blood stained metal. “If you can touch me once, I will give you my blessing.”
Jimin almost screams when the prince slices the air above his head. He ducks and covers as he's shoved back against the wall, now vulnerable under the Prince’s gaze. He drops his sword as the older holds his own sword against his neck.
“Oppa! Get away from him!” A shriek is heard from afar.
“Don’t worry minji, I’m just making sure he has the right strength to protect you.” Hoseok’s sword is resting against Jimin’s neck. Jimin whimpers. “Save your time, Minji. He’s too much of a coward—“
Jimin’s balled up fist makes contact with Hoseok’s left cheek. Jimin falls to his knees shakily, breathing hevily as he stared at the prince with teary eyes.
“I have nothing to prove to you.” Jimin’s chest heaves. “Blessing or not, I’m still marrying Your sister whether you like it or not.” Hoseok just stares at him, his jaw clenched and eyes cold.
“Whatever.” He says simply before turning away. Jimin sighs, not expecting their first encounter to be so intense. Minji hauls him off the ground, helping him back inside.
——-
Breakfast the next morning was tense. Jimin had his head bowed down in shame as the queen stared at him with disgust. He had been caught trying to help the ladies in the kitchen with their chores, like a peasant, as the queen quotes once she snaps him. Jimin apologized quietly, now being told off for crying like a girl by the king. That's right. Boys don't cry. That’s why Jimin was strange, or so he thinks.
The princess has been giving him the silent treatment ever since the ceremony last night, not bothering to look his way. The only one giving him attention was his brother in law, though his eyes were always cold and his lips turned downwards. Not that Jimin was observing his lips, no.
“From now on you will be living in the same chambers as the princess. A few months and you will officially be a royal.” The king said sternly. “You will need to produce an heir soon after the wedding anyways.”
“An heir?” Jimin’s eyes are wide. He wasn’t ready to be a father. God he can’t even look after himself, much less a child.
“Yes, an heir. I can’t produce an heir because well, I’m a homosexual.” The prince speaks up from his side of the table.
“Y-you’re gay?!”
“You got a problem?” Hoseok’s glare deepens, his chopsticks hovering mid-air. Jimin gulps, shaking his head. “Good, or we would have problems.” Hoseok snaps, eating his food quickly before standing up and leaving the table.
Jimin can’t even eat his food, the pressure on his shoulders getting the best of him. He leaves the table soon after, grabbing the boquet of flowers that he had purchased the day prior. His hand hovers over the wooden door, but before he could knock the door is yanked open.
“Are you going to stand there like a creep or knock?” Hoseok says, his voice laced with annoyance.
“I-I came to apologise. I was out of place for trying to avoid our meeting during your ceremony.” Jimin holds the boquet behind his back. “I also bought you a gift—
“I don’t need your gifts, I most definitely do not need your ass kissing excuses.” Hoseok spits. Jimin’s eyes get teary, but he holds himself back.
“Right. I better go.” He clutches the flowers tighter as he spins on his heel, booking it down the hallways. Hoseok watches him until he disappears.
————
Jimin has been avoiding the prince for a couple of days, ducking behind the walls whenever he passed by, or hiding in the gardens during supper. He would even pretend to sleep when the princess suggest they spend time with him, since she had missed him. Right now he’s hiding in the gardens again, reading his favourite poetry book.
He had skipped sword training with the general, giving him a poor excuse of feeling feverish. He flips the pages, his finger tracing every sentence. The scent of lavender calms him down, mixed with the smell of wet soil.
“You don’t belong here.” That same taunting voice thats been giving him migraines for days spoke up from behind him. He jumps, dropping his book on the dirt path. The prince looks stoic as usual, his hair styled in a way that kind of intimidates Jimin in a way.
“Sorry, I didn’t know you owned these parts of the gardens—
“I mean here. In the palace.” Hoseok says, his frown deepening as he gives Jimin a scrutinising gaze. Jimin swallows the lump in his throat, already used to hearing those words.
“Right.” Jimin sucks in a breath as the prince approaches him, his steps slow and calculating. They’re only mere inches apart when Hoseok bends down to his level, scanning his figure with judging eyes.
“You don’t seem too keen on marrying my sister.”
“I beg your pardon, your grace?”
“You don’t love her, do you?” Hoseok steps forward, though Jimin doesn’t back down, taking his own reluctant step forward.
“You’re really nosy for a prince.” Jimin snaps. “Have you ever heard of privacy?”
“Please. Royalty has nothing to do with privacy, but secrecy can get you further into it.” Hoseok says. “Now, tell me. Do you fancy my sister?”
“I do indeed fancy your sister.” Jimin turns his chin upwards. “Matter of fact, we are going on our monthly moonlit picnic tomorrow night.”
“Oh, you mean those lousy dates that she always complains about to me.” Hoseok smirks at the younger’s distraught expression. “She tells me you’re too afraid to even kiss her, much less even hold her hand.”
“She… she thinks our dates are lousy?” Jimin’s eyes are once again glossy. He had tried his hardest to please her, to become the perfect person for her. He didn’t want to rush into things quickly. “I see.” He walks away, shoving past the prince.
Hoseok stands there, replaying the hurt expression on Jimin’s face in his mind. He sighs loudly, rubbing his face. He doesn’t know why he told Jimin that. It was supposed to be a secret between him and his sister. He begins to feel guilty.
Just as he was about to retreat back to his chambers, he catches a glimpse of the discarded poetry book. He picks it up off the dirt path and dusts it off, his thumb tracing over Jimin’s name at the bottom. He tucks it under his arm and leaves the garden.
Later that night Jimin is frantically searching every corner of his room for his poetry book. He flips every single piece of furniture, whimpering in silence as he throws everything he owns around. He looks outside his window, eyes widening.
Its midnight and its raining, and he remembers now. He had left the book on the dirt path, and he knows it’s crazy but it doesn’t stop him from grabbing his lamp and making his way outside. He runs around like a madman, choking on his sobs as he tries to shield himself from the rain.
He drops on his knees, lantern light long gone out as he feels around the ground where he previously stood. A hand grabs his shoulder and he screams and shoves them away without a care, still feeling around the ground. He’s a mess, tears streaking his cheeks, mixing with the raindrops as the sound drowns out his cries.
“Park, you need to fucking get it together.” The prince shouts, kneeling in front of him. “What the fuck are you doing out here? What’s wrong—
“Leave me alone!” Jimin sobs, trying to pull away. “You’ve been nothing but an asshole to me! I try to be nice, I-I—
Hoseok grunts, slamming their lips together. Jimin freezes, his eyes wide and chest heaving once again, until they flutter shut. Hoseok lingers for a moment longer before pulling away, staring at the younger’s rosy cheeks and swolen eyes.
“Let’s get you inside.” Is all he says, lifting Jimin off the ground, and all Jimin could do was let himself be carried into the saftey of the palace. Hoseok walks past his chambers, confusing Jimin even further.
“Where are we going?” Jimin whispers.
“We are going to my suite.” Hoseok says coldly, though his eyes hold a comforting warmth in them. Jimin’s mind drifts back to their kiss and his heart begins to go haywire. He flushes, biting his lip.
Hoseok opens the door with ease, stepping inside the comfort of his room before he puts Jimin down gently. He ignored the younger’s questioning gaze, walking towards the corner of his room to grab a towel to dry the both of them.
Jimin hovers awkwardly near the entrance, letting the prince wrap the towel around his shoulders. This is the longest they’ve ever gone without bickering, and Jimin likes it. Hoseok is digging through one of his baskets full of clothes, minding his own business.
“T-that was my first kiss.” Jimin says, coughing soon after.
“Sorry. I didn’t know how to calm you down.”
“I… I kind of—
“Look, it was a fucking mistake, yeah? Something that just happened in the heat of the moment.” Hoseok spits, slamming his fist in the side of the basket. “You actually think I would want to kiss you willingly?” A scoff. “It was the only way to shut you up.”
“You’re acting like I was begging for you to kiss me!” Jimin raises his voice, despite his throat feeling scratchy from all his screaming and crying. “You could’ve left me out there! Why did you even bring me here if you’re just going to act like an asshole!”
“Listen—
“No, you fucking listen to me.” Jimin’s breath is ragged, but that doesn’t stop him. “I’ve put up with your fuck ass behaviour for far too long, Prince or not, to me you’re still a fucking—.” Hoseok yanks him in by the waist, kissing him roughly. Jimin whines and hits his shoulder.
“Stop fucking resisting.” Hoseok groans against his lips, hands tightening on his waist. Jimin moans against his mouth, wrapping his arms around his neck to pull him closer. “You need to learn how to keep your mouth shut.” Hoseok grunts, taking Jimin’s bottom lip between his teeth.
“Just shut up and kiss me.” Jimin mutters, tilting his head to the side to deepen the kiss. Hoseok lifts him up and takes him to his bed. The prince trails kisses along the younger’s jaw, letting his hands explore the damp skin of his body before Jimin jolted, shoving him off. “Fuck, fuck, fuck! That was not supposed to happen.”
“What’s your problem?” Hoseok rolls his eyes.
“My problem is that I am engaged to your sister and I just kissed her brother!” Jimin grits through his teeth. He scrambles off the bed. “I need to get out of here.”
“I didn’t take you as the type to hit and run, Jimin-ssi.” Hoseok smirks, leaning on his elbows as he watches the younger grab his things. Jimin flips him off, before running out of the room. He even forgot about his book.
———
The night after rolls around quickly, Jimin having already set out the picnic blanket and food. He waits patiently near the lake, beneath the willows, the only source of light being the moon and his lantern. He notices he's not wearing his best outfit, but he’s too uninterested to care.
“Jimin-ssi?” The princess steps out from the dark, looking as beautiful as ever. She’s wearing her most beautiful gowns, pearls and jewels gracing her neck and fingers. Jimin should be absolutely mind boggled at the sight, but he lacks any reaction.
“Let’s eat.” He says simply, giving her a curt smile. She shyly tucks her hair behind her ear before settling down on the cushion set out for her. The dinner was silent, as usual. Jimin has nothing special to share, always opting to listen to the princess gossiping instead.
“Minji-ah, his highness wishes to speak to you in private.”
“Oh! Okay, Oppa.” She hops up, leaving a quick kiss on Jimin’s cheek. “I’ll be right back.”
Jimin waves her off, deciding to carry on eating instead of acknowledging the Prince’s presence. He can feel the royal’s eyes burning holes into the side of his head, and as nonchalant as he wants to be, he decided to throw a glare into the older’s direction.
“Staring is rude.” He spits, hoping his glare doesn’t waver.
“You choosing to ignore my presence is rude.” Hoseok says in his nonchalant voice, lacking any reaction to Jimin’s subjective anger.
“I’m not choosing to ignore you. I’m trying to avoid you.” Jimin speaks as a matter of factly.
“Thus confirming my suspicions.” Hoseok squats to his level, face close enough to feel the others breathe, fanning his mouth. “You aren’t in love with Minji.”
“What makes you say that?” Jimin frowns.
“You’re only avoiding me because of what happened that night in my room.” The prince whispers, eyes flickering down to the younger’s lips. “Not only are you wearing the most unpleasant clothes known to man, but you’re also putting less effort into these so-called picnics.”
“You know nothing about me.”
“Yet you’re so easy to read.”
“Am not.”
“Admit it.”
“I have nothing to admit.”
“Then why do you keep looking at my lips instead of into my eyes?” Hoseok smirks. The heavy breathing between them gets louder, and Jimin is about to give in before the sound of the princesses' slippers scuffling against the pavement snaps him out of the daze. The prince’s smirk deepens, leaning back.
“Oppa, father said he didn’t ask for me?” She says with a pout. Jimin is quick to shoot to his feet and link their arms together. Hoseok’s eyes darken at the sight, his jaw clenching, and Jimin thinks he’s won.
“He didn’t?” Hoseok says. “Oh well, maybe I misheard.”
“Oh, that’s fine then.” She smiles, looking at Jimin. She leans her head on his shoulder, and Hoseok wants to laugh at his disgruntled face.
“Minji-ah, while you were gone, Jimin-ssi and I were talking.” Hoseok smirks at the way Jimin’s eyes widen. Jimin is about to speak up until the prince continues. “He asked me to ask you if we could take a walk and get to know eachother better.”
“Why didn’t he ask me himself?”
“He’s too shy.”
“Aww, okay then.” She turns to Jimin again, but the boy is at a loss for words. “I was thinking of heading back in anyways, I need some beauty sleep.”
“Okay, my love. I’ll see you inside.” Jimin smiles when she gives him another kiss on the cheek. Once gone, his smile vanishes, the only emotion settling on his face was pure annoyance.
“What’s with the dull look, darling?” Hoseok smirks, stepping closer. Jimin turns away from him, making his way towards the small stream. “Ignoring me again? I didn’t take you to be a rude person jimin-ssi.”
“Oh, my clear annoyance is only reserved for you my dear prince.” Jimin bites back, walking further away from the latter. Hoseok’s grin only widens as he skips towards the younger.
“You called me dear!”
“In a derogatory sense.”
“Still counts.” The prince chirps.
“It doesn’t.”
“Does too.”
“Look, what do you want from me?” Jimin asks suddenly, his glare hardened. “Are you here to test my loyalty? Or are you trying to get a rise out of me?”
“You just simply intrigue me.” Hoseok smiles softly, but Jimin only rolls his eyes. “You’re a very peculiar person, Jimin.”
“And You’re nothing but a rude, uptight asshole!” Jimin hisses, continuing to walk further. Hoseok grabs his waist, spinning him back.
“I’m rude? You’re the one walking away from me mid conversation, love.” Hoseok whispers. Jimin feels his chest tighten at the close proximity, his hand finding solace on the prince’s shoulder.
“Don’t call me that. Stop with the endearing nicknames.”
“Does it bother you?”
Jimin is silent for a moment, his heart beating dramatically at the thought. It doesn’t bother him one bit, and that scares him to no end. But he has a responsibility, a facade to uphold. He has his honor just like Hoseok.
“Yes it bothers me.” Jimin lies through his teeth, yanking himself out of the prince’s hold. Hoseok staggers for a moment before bowing politely.
“My apologies, I just got the wrong idea.” Hoseok becomes distant, forcing his face back to his usual stoic position. “I wish you good night, Jimin-ssi.” And oh, his name sounds indifferent now that the prince addresses him by it. Jimin only nods at him, watching the prince turn on his heel and head back towards the palace.
He decides to sit under the willows again, looking out at the lake. He wishes he had his poetry book, but he can’t find it no matter how hard he tries.
———
“Park, that’s the fifth water break we’ve taken today, and it’s only the morning.” General, Min Yoongi, says as he retracts his sword. “What’s on your mind?”
“Can I confide in you, hyung?”
“Of course.”
“There’s this person.” Jimin bites his lip. “He is the most irritating person I know yet I want him to be as close as possible to me. He’s cold but I know it’s all a facade, a mask he puts up.”
“And this person, is he important to you?” Yoongi asks.
“He shouldn’t be. He has been nothing but an asshole to me, sorry for my language.” Jimin says as the older male nods. “But I can’t help but search for him in crowds. I can't help but feel insecure around him.”
“Maybe, and I’m just putting this out there.” Yoongi starts, placing a hand on Jimin’s shoulder. “You need to take a step back and rethink this entire marriage if this anonymous person is taking up all of your thoughts.”
“You’re right, hyung.” Jimin gives him a wilted smile. Yoongi brings him into a hug, giving him a comforting pat on the back.
“I’m always right, kid.” Yoongi gives him a gummy smile, unbeknownst of the glare he’s receiving from a distance. Jimin decides then and there that he will speak to the prince at the ball in a few days, needing time to gather his thoughts. They finish up their training, Yoongi letting Jimin off early as he had to run some errands. Jimin grins, skipping away from him.
“The prince is going to the neighboring kingdom, apparently he’s found a suitor.” He heard one of the maids, Momo, talking to another. His breath hitched, throat beginning to tighten. “He’s young and handsome.”
“What? I thought he planned on staying longer.” The other maid, Sana, whispered. Jimin swallows the lump in his throat.
“Apparently he pushed the plan’s forward this morning. He’s leaving the night before the ball to save the hassle of a farewell.” Momo says, dusting her hands off. “He will stay there for a few months and be wedded before taking over the throne here.”
Jimin couldn’t stand there for a second longer, wiping his teary eyes before storming off towards the prince’s headquarters. He bangs his fist on the door, frightening a few maids nearby. When theres no answer he slams his fist on the door again.
The door swings open with ease, the prince standing there in all his glory. Jimin is speechless, the burst of confidence suddenly disappearing.
“What do you want?” Hoseok sighs, sounding tired. Jimin forces his way through the door, closing it with his foot. They stare at eachother intensely, the only sound is their heavy breathing. “Park, what are you doing here?”
“I-I don’t know.” Jimin whispers. “All I know is that I need to be here.”
“You are not obligated to be here, Park.” Hoseok mumbles, rubbing his temple to try to soothe his oncoming headache. “Besides, wouldn’t you rather be flirting with the general.”
“I beg your pardon?” Jimin questions, crossing his arms over his chest. “What do you mean?”
“Stop acting a fool, Park.” Hoseok turns his back on him, hiding his frustration. “You kiss me then you go and flirt with General Min, I didn’t know you were the promiscuous type.”
“You kissed me first! And what are you going off about?” Jimin shouts, not a care in the world if anyone hears. “I have not been flirting with General Min!”
“Don’t lie to me! I saw you hugging and smiling.” Hoseok raises his own voice. “You two seemed happy in your own little world. Tell me, does he give you private lessons as well—.” Jimin slaps the prince across the face, his hand shaky and red. His eyes are glossy once again.
“I can’t believe that you would imply something like that.” Jimin’s voice is watery, a hiccup passing through his lips. “I can’t believe I was going to beg you to stay.”
“You were going to… but I thought you—
“Forget it. Forget I even came here.” Jimin snaps, shoving the prince. “Just leave, go on. I didn’t need you before and I most definitely don’t need you now!”
“Jimin…” Hoseok tries to reach out but the younger man had already turned on his heel and left the room. Jimin takes a deep breath, heart dropping at the sight of the princess. She stared at him with pity, giving him a sad smile.
“Minji I—
“It’s fine, Jimin-ssi.” Minji whispers. She reaches a hand out to Jimin and he immediately takes it, letting her drag him away. They find a clear spot in the dining hall, secluded from maids and guards.
“Now, tell me what’s been going on.” Minji says. Jimin spills everything, from their first encounter to their most recent argument. He blushes when he tells her about their shared kiss, and she nods understandingly. “I’ve been suspecting something lingering between the two of you. Must’ve been the unresolved sexual tension.”
“There is no sexual tension!” Jimin sputters, his blush deepening. The princess gives him a pointed look, making him cave into himself. “What do I do, Minji-ah?” He sighs.
“Well first of all, we need to cancel this engagement. Scrawny guys were never my type anyways.” She laughs at the offended look on Jimin’s face. “And then I want you to tell Seokie about how you feel before it’s too late.”
“I’m sorry that I couldn’t be the perfect husband for you, Minji.” Jimin pouts, squeezing her hand. His eyes are so swollen from the crying that she almost coos at the sight of him.
“I’m fine. I mean look at me, I can get any guy I want.” She says, flicking her hair back. Jimin laughs at that, bringing her into a short hug. “Now go get your man.” She smiles, giving him one last peck on the cheek.
__________
Hoseok lays awake with swollen eyes. It’s midnight and he can’t sleep because of all the crying. He can’t even remember the last time he cried so hard. He keeps reading over the poems in Jimin’s book, letting his tears fall on the paper.
He contemplates whether he should go and beg for the younger’s forgiveness, to tell him how much of an idiot he’s been. His thoughts are cut short when he hears soft knocks on his door. He drags himself off the bed and swings the door open. Jimin, equally as sad, stares at him with small eyes.
“Can— Can I please come in?”
Hoseok pulls him in gently, closing the door behind the younger as he hugs him desperately. Jimin returns the hug almost immediately, finding consolation in the warmth of his arms. Hoseok inhales the daffodil scent from Jimin’s hair and feels at home.
“I’m sorry for implying that you were somewhat of a whore. The term is disgusting and I am beyond appalled that I even said those words to you.” Hoseok whispers. “You’re lucky that you aren’t marrying an asshole like me.”
“I broke off the engagement with Minji.” Jimin cuts in, pulling away as he holds Hoseok’s face. “It was more of a mutual decision, but I had to before I realized my feelings a little too late.”
“Your feelings?”
“I love you—
“You cannot.”
“You don’t have the authority to tell me what I feel.”
“Jimin, People call me a monster for a reason.” Hoseok explains, his throat tightening. “I don’t know where I stand— the heavens and the earth collide.”
“Do you love me?” Jimin asks.
“You do not wish a life with me for yourself.” Hoseok says quickly, avoiding the question. “No one wishes that.” He turns his face away.
“Hoseok.” Jimin tightens his grip on his chin and pulls the prince’s gaze back with ease. “I will stand with you between the heavens and the earth, I will tell you where you are. Do you love me?” He bites down on every single word.
“I love you.” Hoseok finally confesses, Voice strained. “From the moment I saw you trying to go over the wall. I have loved you desperately, I cannot breathe when you are not near, Jimin. I love you, Jimin.” Hoseok cries. “My heart calls your name—
Jimin pulls him in for a kiss. This time it was soft, more calculated as he pulls with need and pushes with want. Hoseok snakes his arms around his waist, humming softly.
“I love you. I love you so much.” Jimin mumbles, feeling his heart lighten at the confession. He remembers a quote from his poetry book, and he wants to laugh at the irony.
The tears that fall on the window of my heart.
They answer me.
You’re someone who I can’t have
A person I have to forget
🏹 🏹 🏹
“You didn’t tell me why you were crying in the rain that night.” Hoseok whispers, rubbing Jimin’s bare shoulder as they lay in their marital bed. It’s their honeymoon, Hoseok just crowned king and Jimin Prince of korea. Jimin kisses his shoulder, laying his head on his husband’s chest.
“I lost my favorite poetry book. It was a gift from my grandmother before she passed away.” Jimin whispers against his chest. “Until this day I don’t know where it is.”
“Wait. Is it a green book with gold letters on the cover?” Hoseok asks, reaching over to grab his lantern. Jimin nods, sitting up as Hoseok walks over to one of his many bookshelves, grabbing out the all too familiar book.
“You…? But how?”
“I picked it up after you left and it’s been with me since.” Hoseok tells him as he flicks through the pages. Jimin grazes his fingers on the tear streaked paper, pouting towards his husband.
“My love, are these your tears?”
“Look, I thought you hated me and the book gave me a sense of comfort.” Hoseok mumbles shyly, turning away as a faint blush tinted his cheeks. Jimin tosses the book to the side and crawls across the bed.
“I love you, beyond the heavens and the earth.” Jimin holds his husband's cheek, pecking his lips softly. Hoseok gives him a small smile, returning the gesture as he mumbles the same thing in reply.
The End.