Chapter Text
Crown Prince.
Your Royal Highness.
Prince.
Kim Taehyung.
Being the prince and only heir to the throne naturally comes with countless responsibilities. Attending ceremonies, public events and always making sure to maintain the perfect image Korea’s future king should have are just a small part of the list.
One wrong step and irreversible damage could be done in the matter of a millisecond. One wrong look, one slightly off smile. It would be enough to stir up the public and result in a scandal about how the future of Korea is in the hands of someone unworthy, someone who takes the role for granted.
Luckily, in his 23 years of being alive, he has been able to prevent such things from happening, always taking care of how the public views him and what they think of him.
But despite all of his efforts to satisfy the people of Korea and most importantly, his parents, it’s the latter who he never seemed to fully satisfy. No matter how hard he tried, he was never able to meet their expectations.
Stand upright.
Speak more clearly.
This is the wrong knife to cut the steak.
Don’t be so easily distracted, you’re Korea’s next king, remember?
Oh, how could he ever forget that?
But truth be told, his life wasn’t really that bad. Sure, the responsibilities and duties were exhausting, but he knew he could have it far worse. And that’s what keeps him going. That it could always be worse, that he actually was living a good life.
That was his mindset up until a week ago, when his parents called him in for an urgent meeting, seeming desperate to talk to their son. He walked into the room with curiosity, only to leave it filled with rage and disappointment a few minutes later.
“It’s for the country, dear.” His mother said, eyes filled with pity, while his father just stood beside her, hands on her shoulders.
For the country.
But what about him? About his happiness, his well being?
“Marrying Lady Min Jihye will be beneficial. And son, it’s about time you start thinking about marriage.” The king sighed. “We gave you time to find the girl you desire, and not once was it successful.”
Taehyung scoffs just thinking about the conversation, how ridiculous it was. A ‘girl’ he’d desire should be a man and have a cock.
But of course he couldn’t just talk back, or even worse, tell his parents that he'd much rather marry the brother of whatever girl they had in mind.
The same evening, he decided to look up Lady Min Jihye, trying to find a good reason for why he shouldn’t have to marry her. But even after hours of digging, he wasn’t able to find a single flaw about her.
She has been spending the last few years using her power and fortune for good causes, donating to charities, and volunteering at orphanages. His parents were right, she really is perfect. But not for Taehyung.
To no surprise, after scrolling through the nth article, his eyes started to grow tired. One look at the clock was enough to tell him that it’s the middle of the night and that he should wrap this up. He closed his eyes for a moment, frustrated about not finding any reason to turn this marriage down.
But just when Taehyung was ready to turn off his laptop and call it a night, an ad popped up. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a vibrant banner advertising Seoul, something that really shouldn’t have grabbed his attention the way it did.
Explore Seoul in one night! Discover hidden gems, enjoy street food and experience the magic of the city after dark. You're just one click away from your adventure. Taehyung stared at the ad, intrigued.
See, living in Seoul for your whole life should be enough reason as to why someone wouldn’t be interested in such a pop-up ad. But being a prince changes everything.
There hasn’t been a single time Taehyung was able to leave the castle by himself, not to mention how he’s not allowed to leave it at night due to possible risks in the dark. So in reality, he doesn’t even know the city he lives in.
That very night, he started fantasizing about how it would be to experience one night of being a normal civilian, one night of freedom. And no matter how hard he’s been trying to shake off those fantasies, he couldn’t help but yearn for more.
⚜️⚜️⚜️
“Taehyung, if you get killed, I’ll bring you back to life just so I can kill you again.” Jimin warns him as he places a pile of clothes on the prince’s bed.
Being the prince doesn’t really allow the possibility of having any friends who aren’t also somehow involved in this world. This is also the case for Taehyung, thus being friends with the children of some of Asia’s most powerful people. All of his friends came from either royalty or old money.
Everyone, except for Jimin.
He remembers meeting him for the first time when they were just little boys, playing hide and seek in the castle when Jimin’s mother had no choice but to bring her son to work with her. She has been one of the king and queen’s most trusted assistants since before Taehyung’s birth, which is why the royal couple had allowed her to bring her son with no hesitation.
And ever since that day almost 18 years ago, the two of them have been inseparable. Quite frankly, Jimin is Taeyhung’s only friend who he could stand to be around for longer than an hour, all of the others somehow finding a way to talk about politics. Something Taehyung hates with all his heart.
Taehyung lets out a chuckle while Jimin lets himself fall down onto a sofa. “I’m not getting killed, calm down.” He shakes his head in amusement, looking through the clothes. “It’s just one night, I’ll be back before sunrise and no one will know I was ever away.”
“And that I helped you.” Jimin adds, mumbling, while getting more comfortable by rearranging the cushions. “I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” He tsks, taking out car keys from his pockets.
“It’s because you love me, Jiminie.” Taehyung shoots him his signature boxy grin before he takes off his silk shirt and replaces it with an oversized white t-shirt and a hoodie. “How do I look?”
“You look ridiculous still wearing those dress pants and oxford shoes in combination with a hoodie, Tae.”
Taehyung scoffs and kicks off his shoes while unbuttoning his pants. “Rude! I was talking about the rest.” It doesn’t take long before he’s fully changed into the rest of the clothes, now also wearing a pair of baggy pants and white sneakers.
He turns to Jimin and immediately earns an enthusiastic nod accompanied by a thumbs up. “Now you look ordinary.. apart from the fact that everyone in Korea knows who you are.”
“This is why..” Taehyung grins and starts putting on a cap and mask. “Ta-da!”
“Now you look like Joe Goldberg.”
“He’s hot.” Taehyung rolls his eyes and pulls the mask down to his chin before checking himself in the mirror. “No one will recognize me. Besides, they wouldn’t think that the prince just walks around without security, so I’ll be fine.”
He walks over to Jimin to take the car keys, playing around with the keychain in his hands. “This night will be awesome.”
“Like your last free night as a single man. You sure you can drive a car without crashing and dying?” Jimin cocks an eyebrow when Taehyung almost drops the key from fidgeting around with it too much.
“It’s my first free night ever. And I won’t meet her for.. I don’t even know.” He shoots Jimin a death glare, putting the keys in the back pocket of his jeans. “I’ve had my driver’s license since I was 17, I'll be fine. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have plans for tonight.”
Half an hour later, he’s driving through Seoul, trying to think about what to do and where to go. Because in reality, he knocked out a minute after clicking on the ad, meaning he actually has no idea how to spend this night.
Seoul looks even more mesmerizing at night, the streets filled with countless colorful lights making it seem like the city is even more alive now than it is during the day.
After driving around for another few minutes, he decides to park the car in an underground garage and continue his journey on foot.
The pedestrian area is more crowded than it seemed like when he was driving around. Taehyung tries to remember if he has ever even been to Hongdae, but he recalls some of his guards telling him that the crowds of people make it hard to keep him safe.
A wide smile forms under the mask as he strolls through the streets and enjoys his newfound freedom, even if it’s only supposed to last one night. It feels strange walking around without at least three guards by his side and even more scattered around wherever he currently is, but at the same time, he’s never felt more free, more alive.
A lot is happening at the same time, some people seem to be on their way home from working late, others are just leaving the house to go clubbing. Everyone is in their own world, living and enjoying their life, and Taehyung envies it.
Wishes that he could switch lives with someone else so he can enjoy this feeling for longer than just one night. But he decides to be thankful for what he has, it’s a miracle he made it out of the palace without being caught anyways.
The more he walks around, the more he gets a feeling of how the people are like, of what they enjoy doing. It’s mostly elderly people running street food stalls, selling various types of little dishes. He’s torn between a portion of tteokbokki and hotteok, when something else catches his attention.
Just a few feet away from him, people are crowded around something, or rather someone. As curiosity gets the best of him, he decides to leave the food for now to check out what everyone seems to be watching. The closer he gets, the better he can hear the music and someone singing to it.
He makes his way through the crowd, finding gaps and openings to squeeze through and make out what’s happening. When he reaches the first row, he sees a girl, probably in her late teens, playing the guitar and harmonizing with the melody.
Goosebumps form on Taehyung’s body at the clarity of her voice and the way she seems to be doing this with all her passion. He stands there, still, enjoying the music while letting his thoughts wander.
But his train of thoughts is quickly interrupted by someone harshly stepping on his foot, the action sending a bolt of pain through Taehyung’s leg.
“Ouch-!”
“Oh shit, I’m so sorry.” The man immediately starts apologizing and bowing. “I was just trying to get a better look at what’s going on and– is the shoe okay?”
Surprised by the boy’s concern, Taehyung lets out a soft chuckle and nods. “It’s just a shoe, don’t worry too much.”
The boy makes a face and slowly nods. “Okay, thank god, because I really couldn’t afford new shoes for someone now.” He breathes out and his gaze shifts to the girl.
Taehyung can’t help but get a better look at him, eyes on the boy instead of the performer. He must be around his own age, with big brown eyes that reflect the colorful lights in them making it seem like there’s a whole galaxy hidden in the dark pupils.
Besides his eyes, his nose is probably the most dominant feature in his face, a small mole being right above one of his nostrils.
The prince’s eyes wander around more, now set on the boy’s slightly opened mouth, most likely because he’s focused on watching the girl. Taehyung can’t help but smile when he sees his wide, bunny-like smile after the girl succeeds at a high note.
“She’s amazing, isn’t she?” The doe eyes suddenly look up at Taehyung, and his breath almost gets stuck in his throat.
“What?”
“The girl.” The man gestures towards the performer who’s currently busy picking her last song. “Her vocals are crazy good, she should be an idol.” He shrugs. “Maybe she is one, I don’t know a lot about kpop.”
Taehyung stays quiet for a moment, taken aback by the boy’s enthusiasm, but he quickly nods. “Yeah, she’s really good. But I think the place would be swarmed if she was an idol. Also, there aren’t any bodyguards.” He chuckles, earning the bunny smile again.
“Hm, you might be right.” He looks back at the girl for a second before looking at Taehyung. “I’m Jungkook, by the way.” He introduces himself, smile still on his lips as he holds his hand out.
Taehyung looks down at Jungkook’s hand, not used to someone being so social, when the boy’s eyes widen and he quickly puts his hand in his pockets. “Right, sorry. In Korea it’s not so common to just.. Shake hands with strangers, huh?” He jokes to cover his embarrassment.
“Oh, you’re not from here?” Taehyung asks, a surprised look on his face. “I was just surprised, I didn’t want to come across as rude, sorry.”
Jungkook looks back up at him and whines. “Why are you apologizing now?” He laughs.
“I don’t know I just-“ Taehyung shrugs, chuckling. “Taken aback, I guess. If you’re not from here, where are you from?”
“Well, it’s kinda complicated. I was born here but we moved to Canada when I was two. Now, like 20 years later, I decided that I want to come back here for my studies and my friend is nice enough to let me live with him. My parents have always only spoken Korean to me, so I don’t think I have an accent, but I– God, why am I telling you my whole life story now? I’m sorry.” Jungkook visibly cringes at himself and Taehyung can’t help but laugh.
“I’m Taehyung. Nice to meet you, Jungkook.” he now holds out his hand, and the smile on Jungkook’s rosy lips slowly returns before he shakes Taehyung’s hand.
Taehyung is so focused on the boy, he doesn’t even notice the crowd slowly getting smaller while the performer starts packing her things. He quickly goes forward to drop some money in her case and earns a smile in return.
“So, you live here?” Jungkook suddenly asks from behind, and Taehyung turns around, nodding. “That’s so cool! Could you maybe show me around a little? This is my first night here and I’m honestly lost.”
Taehyung internally curses. He just confirmed that he lives here, but he actually has no idea about anything. “Uhm..” he readjusts his cap. “Actually, I just moved here from another city, so I don’t really know any good spots either.”
“Oh, then we’re both lost. What a pity.” Jungkook sighs and a small pout forms on his lips, making Taehyung soften and feel the need to make that pout go away.
“Well, we can be lost together, no?” He proposes, and just like he had hoped, the pout disappears and is replaced by Jungkook’s flashing smile.
“Really? Then let's.. Just walk around until we find something that speaks to us? It’s only 10 PM anyway and I slept through the whole flight.”
Taehyung nods and follows Jungkook’s lead, although neither of them know where they’re actually going. And while Taehyung was planning on spending some quality time by himself, he can’t deny that having some company feels nice.
Every few steps, Jungkook gets distracted by something, and Taehyung can’t hold back his smile at his motivation to want to check out everything up close.
The more they walk and get away from Hongdae, the less crowded the streets get. The silence is comfortable, enabling them to just clear their mind, but Jungkook seems to be the type to avoid silence at all cost.
“So..” He looks at Taehyung. “You just moved here too, can I ask where you’re from? Also, why are you wearing a mask and cap, is it to cover up?” Jungkook stops walking, and Taehyung does the same, unsure of what to say when the man shoots him a skeptical look.
“Wait.. Are you a kpop idol? I knew it.” He tsks, shaking his head. “No, I don’t want an autograph.”
Taehyung laughs at Jungkook’s face. “You really have a blooming mind. Like I said earlier, idols always have bodyguards with them, and..” He looks around them. “I don’t see a single soul here.”
Jungkook lets out a giggle. “Alright, mister. Then why don’t you take off the mask? Or are you trying to kidnap me?”
“What? No–” The prince gulps, hesitating. “You really don’t know anything about Korea?”
“Well, of course I know some things. But if you ask me anything about kpop or politics, I’m out.” Jungkook puts his hands on his hips and furrows his brows. “Stop changing the topic. I’m starving, by the way, so when we’re getting food, you’ll have to take it off anyways.”
A breathless laugh leaves Taehyung’s lips at Jungkook’s frown and he pulls down the mask to his chin. “There, happy?” He looks at Jungkook with an amused look, but Jungkook’s mouth falls open.
Shit.
“Jungkook?”
“You- You’re..”
Taehyung immediately regrets showing him his face. He can already think of how the media will be flooded, of how Jungkook will say something stupid about him or–
“You’re so hot, my god.” Jungkook whistles and claps while eyeing him up and down. Taehyung just stands there completely dumbfounded.
“That.. That is why you were so shocked..?” Taehyung asks with a questioning look on his face, still trying to recover from almost getting a heart attack just now.
Jungkook shrugs. “Well, yeah, I mean–” His face drops. “Oh, right, you’re all conservative right? You know, just because I’m gay and I’m calling you hot, it doesn’t mean I’d like, bang you. So if you can’t take a compliment because of your toxic masculinity, then–”
Taehyung puts his hand on Jungkook’s shoulders and gently shakes him to stop him from continuing. “Jungkook, calm down. I like men, I can take a compliment.”
Jungkook’s lips form into an o and he opens his mouth to say something, only to close it again and laugh awkwardly. “Oh.”
“Yeah, oh.” Taehyung laughs and lets go of him. “Now that that’s settled.. I’m also starving, so let's find something to eat. What are you in the mood for?”
They continue walking and Jungkook stays quiet for a moment, seemingly to weigh out some options. When he looks at Taehyung, he has an unsure expression on his face that makes Taehyung raise an eyebrow.
“Well..” Jungkook hesitates. “I know it’s like a tourist cliche and since I’m going to uni here now, I know I’ll have countless opportunities but.. I really want to go to one of those convenience stores.” He sighs, pushing his bottom lip forward. “Please?”
Taehyung’s face lights up, thinking about how he has seen those stores on social media but never had the chance to go there himself. It’s not classy, so it’s not suitable for a prince, like his mother would say.
“Hell yeah, I’ve been dying to go to one too.” He grins, and Jungkook looks at him with a confused look.
“You mean you’ve never been to one even though you’ve lived in Korea your whole life?” He scoffs, grabbing Taehyung’s wrist. “Unbelievable, Taehyung.”
Before he knows it, Jungkook is dragging him along in search of a 24 hour convenience store. It doesn’t take long before they’re back in an area with more people and Taehyung pulls his mask back up. This results in Jungkook giving him more skeptical looks, but he’s satisfied after Taehyung explains to him that he’s just cautious because of the bad air.
When the younger man pushes open the door, they’re greeted with the coldness of the AC running on full blast, making both of them shiver for a moment. They mutter a ‘good evening’ under their breath before grabbing a basket.
The store is a labyrinth of shelves and Taehyung decides to just follow Jungkook through the aisles, amused by how excited the younger man is about something as simple as snacks and noodles.
Jungkook eagerly picks up a bag of chips and holds it up with a grin. “Can you believe they have chips with honey butter flavor? That’s crazy!” He shakes his head, eyes wide like a child in a candy store.
“I’m going to miss this when I go back to Canada..”
Taehyung chuckles before pulling a packet of dried seaweed from a shelf. “I thought you said you live here now.”
“Yeah, but still..” Jungkook says with a shrug. “It’s not like I’ll stay here forever, and I’m already loving it here.”
They continue walking through the aisles, each of them picking out one thing after the other.
When Taehyung learns about how Jungkook almost got hit by a bike in the middle of the airport (Taehyung decides not to question it further), he can’t hold back his laugh.
Jungkook’s energy is contagious, and for the first time in a long while, Taehyung feels completely at ease. He’s not the prince right now, he’s just a normal guy who’s spending the night with a complete stranger.
Eventually, the younger one turns to him with a grin. “Alright, we have snacks, but we’re missing the most important thing.”
Taehyung raises an eyebrow. “What’s that?”
“Drinks, duh.” Jungkook says, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “You can’t eat all of this without the perfect drink!”
“How foolish of me” Taehyung responds, matching Jungkook’s dramatic tone as they make their way to the refrigerated section.
When they’re standing in front of the coolers, Taehyung immediately reaches out for a bottle of iced tea, but Jungkook is quick to try and take it away with a laugh.
“Nope, you need to try something new! Let’s get something wild.” He insists and grabs a bottle filled with a pink liquid.
Taehyung looks at it skeptically, but Jungkook gives him an encouraging nod. “Do it for the plot.”
With a chuckle, Taehyung puts the iced tea back and grabs the same drink in neon green. “Alright.”
They head to the counter, Taehyung holding the basket of food and drinks. The cashier smiles politely at them while they pay, and Taehyung feels uncomfortable at the thought of being recognized.
However, his worries quickly fade when Jungkook tugs at his sleeves, ready to leave the store. “Where should we eat? They don’t have tables here.”
“Good question.. We could find a park?” Taehyung suggests.
Jungkook laughs, and this time, the sound makes Taehyung’s chest tighten in an unfamiliar way. “At this hour? Are you sure we won’t get, like.. mugged?”
“Isn’t that the fun part? I mean, c’mon, /do it for the plot/.” Taehyung replies with a grin, repeating Jungkook’s words from earlier.
Jungkook snorts, shaking his head. “You better protect me. So lead the way, Tae.”
Taehyung somehow ends up leading them into a small park in a rather quiet area and Jungkook walks straight to the swings, still holding the bag of snacks. He drops into one with a soft thud and grips the chains while swaying lazily.
“So, do people actually get mugged in spots like this? Or was I just being dramatic?”
Taehyung stays a few steps behind, watching the way Jungkook leans back and forth. “Definitely overdramatic.” He says, finally sitting in the swing next to him. “It’s pretty safe here.”
“You say that now.” Jungkook mutters, kicking off harder to start swinging. “But when it happens, I’ll let them take your stuff while I flee.”
Taehyung jokingly rolls his eyes and leans slightly forward. “I’m sure the muggers will be lining up for banana milk and uncooked ramen.”
Jungkook lets out a laugh and almost loses his grip on the chains. “Hey, we've got more than that! Don’t downplay our snacks.” He slows his swings to pull the bag onto his lap, holding it open.
“Speaking of, want something? I’m pretty sure those chips are life changing.. Number one in Korea.”
Taehyung eyes the bag, a smile tugging at his lips. “For someone who’s never had honey butter chips, you’re really hyping them up.”
Jungkook tears the bag open and hands it over, waiting for Taehyung to take one.
“They’re.. Good.” Taehyung says after a moment, chewing them slowly. “Nothing revolutionary though.”
“Nothing revolutionary? I can't believe that.” Jungkook gasps, pulling the bag back. “You’ve gotta try them again, maybe your taste buds just need a warm up.”
Taehyung laughs, watching as Jungkook shoves a few chips into his mouth while gesturing for him to take more. “They’re even better than I thought, oh my god!”
It feels easy to be with Jungkook. Too easy. And for someone like Taehyung, who’s used to second guessing everything, it’s weird in a way that feels good.
When they’re done with the chips, Jungkook hops off the swing and stretches, reaching his arms high above his head.
Taehyung catches a glimpse of skin revealed under his hoodie and immediately looks away, internally cursing himself for even looking.
“You’re not gonna swing?” Jungkook asks, spinning around to face him.
Taehyung shrugs. “Not really a swing type of guy.”
“That’s tragic..” Jungkook pouts, walking behind him and gripping the chains of his swing. “Ever been pushed?”
“Don’t even think about–”
Before Taehyung can finish, Jungkook gives him a gentle push, making the swing move.
“See? Fun.” Jungkook says, a proud smile on his face.
Taehyung shakes his head, but he’s smiling too. “You’re ridiculous.”
“And you’re boring.” Jungkook whines, stepping back. “Come on, boring guy. Let’s find something else to do.”
Taehyung stands up, brushing off his pants. “You’ve got a lot of nerve calling me boring when you just spent so much time hyping up a bag of chips.”
“That’s different.” Jungkook says, grin widening as they start walking again. “I’m passionate, you should try it sometime.”
Silence falls between them, but once again, Jungkook is quick to put an end to it. “So, is this what you do? Wander the streets at night, talking bad about perfectly good chips and refusing to have fun?”
Taehyung scoffs and shoves his hands into his coat pocket. “You make it sound so sad.”
“Not sad.” Jungkook says, turning to face him as they walk. “Just.. weird. Maybe even mysterious.”
“Mysterious?” Taehyung repeats, raising an eyebrow. “I don’t think wandering around with a stranger at night qualifies as mysterious.”
“Depends on the stranger. I’m pretty interesting.” Jungkook says quickly. “But look at you, hands in your pockets, all nonchalant.”
Taehyung laughs, tilting his head while studying Jungkook’s cocky grin. “You’re pretty full of yourself for someone who almost got hit by a bike earlier.”
Jungkook stops mid step, throwing his hands up. “Okay, first of all, that wasn’t my fault. He came out of nowhere! Who even uses their bike inside an airport? And second..” He pauses, stepping closer. “You didn’t deny that I’m interesting.”
“You’re right, I didn’t.” Taehyung shrugs, looking down at him.
Jungkook stares at him for a moment, slightly caught off guard by how effortlessly Taehyung makes being hot seem.
“Careful.” He says after a moment. “If you keep talking like that, I might think you actually find me interesting.”
Taehyung hums, his smile widening. “Who says I don’t?”
Jungkook blinks, suddenly very aware of how close they’re standing. He clears his throat, looking away like the street lights beside them suddenly became super interesting.
“So..” He mumbles, still avoiding eye contact. “What do people normally do here at night? You must have at least some suggestions.”
Taehyung shrugs, adjusting the cap on his head. “Not much to do this late unless you like bars or clubs.”
“Do you like bars or clubs?”
“Not really.” Taehyung replies simply, his tone neutral.
Jungkook hums thoughtfully and he narrows his eyes at him. “You’re really hard to figure out, you know?”
“Am I?” Taehyung looks at him, holding back a grin. “Maybe you’re just not trying hard enough.”
Jungkook giggles, shaking his head. “Oh, I’m trying, trust me.” He points at him. “You just don’t give much away, but I’ll crack you eventually.”
Taehyung chuckles under his breath, amused by Jungkook’s determination. They turn a corner, the street even quieter now and full of already closed shops.
“Okay.” Jungkook says after a moment, turning to walk backward so he can face Taehyung. “If you had the whole night to do whatever you want, no rules, no responsibilities.. What would you do?”
Taehyung blinks, caught off guard by the question. “No rules?”
Jungkook nods, grinning. “None. Just you and the night. And maybe me. What would you do?”
For a moment, Taehyung doesn’t answer. His gaze shifts upward to the dark sky, the stars barely visible above the city lights. “I’d.. walk around, I guess. Go to places I’ve never been before.”
Jungkook tilts his head. “That’s it? No crazy adventures or wild parties?”
Taehyung looks at him with a small smile. “Sometimes just being free is enough.”
Jungkook stops walking and his expression softens. “Yeah..” He says quietly. “I get that. Sometimes it’s j– Oh shit!”
Taehyung’s eyes widen. “What?”
Jungkook groans, pushing a strand of hair out of his face. “The bag with our food! I left it at the playground.”
The elder blinks, then snorts softly. “All that effort picking out snacks, and you just abandon them?”
“Hey, in my defense, I was distracted by someone’s mysterious aura.” Jungkook shoots back, already turning around to walk back.
Taehyung shakes his head, but there’s a smitten smile on his lips as he follows.
When they get back to the playground, the bag is nowhere to be found. Jungkook scans the area, hands on his hips. “Gone. Just like that.” Taehyung leans against the swings, arms crossed. “Looks like someone took it.”
Jungkook stares at him, jaw dropping. “Are you saying we actually got mugged?” Taehyung huffs a laugh. “It’s not exactly mugged if we weren’t even there to stop them.”
“It totally counts!” Jungkook insists, stepping closer with an exaggerated pout. “Our precious snacks, stolen in the dead of night.. We never even got to try those drinks. Tragic.”
“You’re very dramatic for someone who left them behind in the first place.” Taehyung counters and raises an eyebrow. Jungkook shrugs. “Well, they were kinda your snacks too. So technically, you’re partially responsible.”
Taehyung laughs under his breath. “So it’s like we had shared custody?” He asks, earning a nod. “Fine, next time I’ll keep a closer look on them.”
1:57AM
“Hey, look!” Jungkook suddenly says. “That building’s open.”
Taehyung glances over to see a community center with its doors opened just enough to catch a glimpse of light coming from inside.
“And what’s your plan?” Taehyung asks, already suspicious of Jungkook’s grin.
“I dunno, let’s go and see what’s inside.”
Taehyung sighs, shaking his head, but the idea of exploring a new place in the middle of the night intrigues him. “What if we get caught?” Jungkook shrugs. “Maybe we’re even allowed in there.. And if not and we get caught, I’ll put on my perfect Canadian accent and pretend we’re tourists. Come on!”
They slip inside, now standing in a dimly light lobby. It’s quiet, almost peaceful, with seemingly no one else being around. “See? Everything’s fine.” Jungkook whispers, dragging Taehyung in further.
Just when they step around a corner, Taehyung spots a dusty old piano near a wall.
Jungkook’s eyes immediately light up. “I knew there’d be something cool in here. Just a shame I can’t play it.”
“Well.. I do play a little piano.”
“No way! Really? Let me hear you play, pleaseee–” the younger one immediately starts begging with his best puppy eyes. “Fine, fine.” Taehyung rolls his eyes, but he can’t suppress a smile when he sees Jungkook already walking towards the piano and motioning him to follow.
Taehyung sits down on the bench and runs his fingers over the keys. “They’re slightly out of tune, but they’ll do.”
He plays a few simple chords, the music filling the room. Jungkook watches him, his mouth slightly opened just like earlier when they were watching the street performer. “You really are a mystery.. What else are you hiding, huh?”
Taehyung looks up, his fingers still moving over the keys. “I’m not exactly the open book type, but.. you’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”
“Oh, you’ve got no idea.” Jungkook grins, leaning against the piano. “What if I tell you I’m the type to get what he wants?”
Taehyung meets his eyes. “Is that so?”
Jungkook just shrugs, not breaking eye contact while biting down on his bottom lip. “You’ll see.”
“Yeah? Then impress me. Let’s see how you play.” The elder says before getting up, and without hesitation, Jungkook takes his place, fingers hovering over the keys.
“Can’t be that hard.”
For a moment, the only sound is the soft clink of the keys as Jungkook awkwardly tries to play something. He quietly laughs at himself. “See? I’m a natural.”
“Not bad.”
Jungkook looks up. “I’m a quick learner, you know?”
“We’ll see about that.” Without another word, he sits down next to Jungkook, the two of them now close enough that their legs brush against each other.
Taehyung shifts slightly in order to show Jungkook the right way to position his fingers over the keys.
“Okay, watch.” Taehyung presses his fingers into the keys, playing a few simple notes. It’s not a difficult melody, and Jungkook watches with big eyes.
“Now you try.”
Jungkook nods and tries again, this time copying Taehyung’s hand movements and pressing the keys a tad more gently. His first few notes are off, but the sound is better than before.
“Wait..” Taehyung says, his voice calm. “You’ve got to press them softer, like this.” He leans in just a little more, guiding Jungkook’s hand to reposition his fingers over the piano.
Jungkook feels his breath catch, and for a second, he forgets about the piano altogether. His heart picks up, but he forces himself to focus. “Like this?” He asks, though his voice comes out a little breathier than he wanted to.
Taehyung nods, a small smile forming on his lips. “Yeah, but let your fingers just.. fall, I guess? Don’t overthink it.”
While the elder explains, his hand gently wraps around Jungkook’s, guiding him to play the chord again. His thumb slightly brushes against Jungkook’s wrist and the simple touch almost sends a shiver down his spine.
“Feel it?” Taehyung asks quietly, his face inches away from Jungkook’s. “It’s not just about hitting the right notes, you have to feel it in your hands.”
Jungkook swallows hard, nodding, but the only thing he can focus on is Taehyung’s breath, warm against his ear. He wonders if Taehyung can hear his heartbeat too. Taehyung looks down at their hands, still resting together on the keys. He wants to pull back, but he doesn’t. He can’t.
“There you go.” Taehyung murmurs, and Jungkook feels his thumb lightly trace over the back of his hand. The sensation is small but enough for Jungkook’s stomach to flutter. “You’re getting it.”
Jungkook can barely focus on the piano anymore, his mind just wandering. The small touches, the heat of Taehyung’s skin against his. His breathing feels a little too fast, mind too messy but he forces a cocky smile.
“I told you I’m a fast learner.”
Taehyung’s smile softens and his gaze flickers down to Jungkook’s lips before he quickly meets his eyes again. “You are.” He nods. “But I think you’re a little distracted.”
Jungkook laughs nervously, and his face flushes. “Maybe.” He says, but he really can’t help it. The way Taehyung is looking at him, the way he’s so close, the way his thumb is still moving lightly over his skin–
Jungkook leans in a little closer, his shoulder brushing Taehyung’s, and their faces are so close now, the younger one feels like he might explode any second. “So.. what now?” He whispers, almost inaudibly.
“How about–”
“Is anyone here?” The voice sounds distant but near enough for both of them to freeze in place.
“Shit.” Taehyung mutters under his breath, quickly glancing around while the sounds of footsteps are coming closer. “We need to go. Now.”
Jungkook barely has time to react before Taehyung stands up abruptly and reaches for his hand to pull him to his feet as well.
“Where do we–” Jungkook starts, but Taehyung is already dragging him towards another door where they start running. They rush towards a small alley, still holding hands when Taehyung pulls him into a dark corner, pressing them both against the cold brick wall of a nearby building.
Jungkook’s heart is racing. Partly from the running, partly because of the man who’s currently pressing him against a wall. “That.. was too close..” Jungkook whispers, but he can’t help the giggles escaping his mouth.
Taehyung glances at him, his expression unreadable for a moment, when he starts grinning. “You’re lucky I’m fast.”
“I’m lucky I’m with you.” A sly smile forms on his lips as his hands find their way to Taehyung’s arms, and the touch feels weirdly natural.
Taehyung tilts his head, gaze wandering down to where Jungkook’s hand is resting on him before meeting his eyes again. Before either of them can say anything else, they hear the guard’s voice again, closer this time.
“We’ll have to go the other way.” Taehyung mutters, his hand finding Jungkook’s again to pull him towards a quieter side street.
2:43AM
The comfortable silence between them is once again interrupted by Jungkook, but this time it’s because of his growling stomach.
“Hungry?” Taehyung asks, trying not to laugh. Jungkook nods. “Starving. I haven’t had anything since.. Well, the chips. I’m still sad about our stolen snacks.”
“I’m sure we can find something proper to eat.” He gives him a small smile, his fingers subtly brushing against Jungkook’s.
They walk a little further before spotting a food vendor. The smell of tteokbokki and grilled meat fills the air and suddenly, Taehyung’s stomach starts growling too.
The vendor, an older woman, waves them over. “What can I get you two?”
“I’ll have.. Tteokbokki and an order of fish cake with some beer, please.” Taehyung says before glancing over at Jungkook, who nods in agreement.
“Same for me, please.”
Taehyung hands the vendor enough cash before Jungkook even gets the chance to pay, resulting in a huff. “It’s on me, don’t worry about it.”
Jungkook frowns slightly, then shrugs. “Fine, but I’ll pay next time.”
They take their order and walk to a nearby bench to sit, and Jungkook doesn’t waste another second before digging in. “This is fire.. I could eat this every day. I wish we had authentic Korean food in Canada too, but it’s like– super expensive.”
Taehyung’s eyes linger on him for a moment before he takes his first bite too. “The simplest food is always the best.”
Jungkook washes his next bite down with some beer before leaning back slightly. “You know, I’m pretty sure you have a whole story behind you. Maybe you’re a spy, or–”
“A spy, huh? Damn, you got me there.” Taehyung chuckles as he takes a sip.
Jungkook watches, his pulse quickening at how Taehyung’s neck moves when swallowing, but he doesn’t look away. “I’m nosy. You can’t keep secrets forever.”
“And if I like to keep you guessing?” Taehyung raises an eyebrow.
Before Jungkook can respond, Taehyung’s hand slides over to rest on top of his, fingers gently curling around his. It’s slow, almost like he’s testing to see how far he can go, but Jungkook doesn’t pull away.
“Your hands are warm.” Jungkook says quietly, like he’s trying to stop the silence between them with something. Anything.
“I like the way your hand feels in mine.”
Jungkook swallows hard, the simple words sending a wave of heat through his chest. His fingers shift just the slightest bit, brushing Taehyung’s palm again.
3:18AM
The food is gone, the drinks are empty, but neither of them make a move to leave the bench. Taehyung’s hand still loosely holds Jungkook’s, his thumb absentmindedly tracing small circles on the back of it.
“Do you always do that?” Jungkook asks suddenly, tilting his head toward Taehyung’s hand on his.
Taehyung looks down, his lips curling into a small smile. “Do what?”
“Touch people like that.” Jungkook says as calmly as he can, but his heart feels like it’ll jump out of his chest at any moment. “Is this like.. Your thing or something?”
Taehyung holds back a snort. “Maybe. Why? Does it bother you?”
Jungkook narrows his eyes. “I don’t know. Do you hold hands with everyone you meet?”
Taehyung hums thoughtfully. “Oh, yeah, all the time. It’s kind of my signature move.”
Jungkook gasps and yanks his hand away. “Unbelievable.” He huffs, pushing out his bottom lip in a pout. Taehyung blinks at him innocently. “What? You don’t want to be just one of many?”
“Obviously not!” Jungkook exclaims, but his pout turns into a laugh. “God, you’re terrible.” Without a word, he reaches out and takes Jungkook’s hand again, this time intertwining their fingers. “And you’re the only one whose hands I hold. Better?”
“Much.” Jungkook mutters, trying to ignore the way his pulse quickens again.
Is it stupid to think he and the guy he met during his first day in Korea is destiny? Maybe. But will that let him stop his delusions? Absolutely not.
The next moment, a cold droplet hits Jungkook’s cheek and he blinks, startled. “Oh come on..” He groans when he looks upward, only to see rain beginning to fall.
“Better than a bird doing its business.” Taehyung laughs and also looks up at the sky to see the raindrops start to fall faster. “Guess the universe thought we needed a shower.”
“You’re way too calm about this! This warm summer rain is disgusting” Jungkook whines and tugs on Taehyung’s hand to drag him away from the rain.
Taehyung lets himself be pulled along until they reach a narrow overhang outside a closed shop to protect themselves from the rain. They squeeze together, making sure to not get even more wet, if that’s even possible.
“Why do I feel like this is your fault?” Jungkook grumbles, his hoodie damp and completely clinging to his body.
Taehyung raises an eyebrow, brushing his wet hair out of his eyes. “How is this my fault?”
“You also manifested our snacks getting stolen, I wouldn’t be surprised if you jinxed this too.” Jungkook mumbles, cringing at the feeling of the wet fabric against his skin.
“How?” Taehyung asks, holding back a laugh, but Jungkook remains as serious as he can.
“Well.” He sighs. “With your mysterious vibes.”
Taehyung chuckles and steps even closer, his voice dropping. “Still haven’t changed your mind about that?”
Jungkook doesn’t back away, but his breath stops for a moment when Taehyung’s hand comes up to brush a strand of damp hair behind his ear. “Yeah..” he says, his voice quieter again. “But I like it.”
As much as he’d like to enjoy the moment, Jungkook can’t help but shiver, rubbing his free hand along his arm. “Okay, rain? Cute at first. Now, not so much. I feel disgusting”
Taehyung chuckles, hair plastered to his forehead. “Agreed, we’re definitely catching a cold if we stay out here.”
Jungkook looks around, but the streets are weirdly empty. “Yeah, but.. I don’t see anything that’s open. Do we just keep walking until we find something?” Taehyung hums thoughtfully before gesturing toward a lit building in the distance. “Is that a hotel? Might be our best bet.”
Jungkook wiggles his eyebrows. “Are you suggesting we get a room?”
Taehyung smirks, pulling him closer. “Unless you’d rather stand in the rain all night.”
Without waiting for a response, Taehyung tugs on Jungkook’s hand, leading him down the sidewalk. Jungkook lets out a startled laugh but follows, his heart racing at the thought of being alone in a hotel room with Taehyung.
3:43AM
Jungkook steps out of the bathroom, hair damp and messy. He’s still in his rain soaked clothes, the fabric clinging uncomfortably to his skin.
After already getting rid of his hoodie, Jungkook tugs at his own shirt with a grimace and looks over at Taehyung who’s sitting cross legged on the bed, seemingly unbothered by his own wet clothes.
“You know..” Jungkook starts, wringing the hem of his shirt. “I should probably question how you just paid for this room with a black card but I’m much more surprised by how you’re sitting here like you didn’t also just get completely drenched. That’s weirdly impressive.”
Taehyung looks up from his phone with an amused smile. “Should I be offended or flattered?”
“Both, maybe.” Jungkook hums and flops down on the other side of the bed. “But like, should I.. question the whole black card thing or?”
Taehyung shrugs and sets his phone down. “Depends. Do you really want the answer?”
“That sounds suspicious.”
“I’m just good at keeping my secrets.” Taehyung grins. “You, on the other hand, are terrible at hiding anything. You might as well just wear your thoughts on your face.”
Jungkook scoffs, sitting up straighter,. “Not true!”
Taehyung does the same, clearly amused by how offended the younger one is. “Oh really? What are you thinking about right now?”
Jungkook opens his mouth, then closes it again while the red creeps back onto his cheeks. “Nothing.”
“Liar.” Taehyung says softly, his voice sending a shiver down Jungkook’s spine.
Jungkook looks away, flustered, and he awkwardly clears his throat in an awful attempt to shift the tension. “I’m not lying..”
Taehyung watches him closely before he leans forward just a little, his hands resting on his knees. “You sure about that?”
Jungkook hesitates, his fingers nervously tugging at the wet sleeves of his shirt. “Well, maybe I was just thinking about how cold I am.” He says, laughing nervously. “But it’s nothing.”
Taehyung’s lips curve into a half smile. “Is that so?” He shifts closer and his scent, a mix of rain and something musky, fills Jungkook’s nose.
“Y-Yeah–” Jungkook murmurs, his voice betraying him by cracking completely. “Totally nothing.”
Taehyung lets the silence stretch between them, his eyes never once leaving Jungkook’s face. Then, without a warning, he places a hand on Jungkook’s arm. “You’re a terrible liar, you know that?” He says softly, leaning in close enough that their faces are inches apart.
Jungkook freezes at how close they are and he swallows hard, trying not to back down. “I’m not lying.” He repeats, but his voice is weaker now.
“Mh, I think you are.” Taehyung says, wetting his bottom lip. “What are you really thinking, Jungkookie?”
Jungkook opens his mouth to respond, but his words get stuck somewhere in his throat. All he can do is stare at Taehyung with wide eyes, unable to think properly. Taehyung studies him for a moment, before his hand gently slides down Jungkook’s arm, his fingers grazing the bare skin just above the wrist.
The touch is so light, but it sends a jolt through the younger one’s body. He shivers again just slightly, but this time, not because of the cold.
“Tae..” He whispers, his voice barely audible.
Taehyung doesn’t say anything at first, just leans in even more, until Jungkook feels his breath against his skin. “What do you want?” Taehyung murmurs, his lips brushing against Jungkook’s ear causing shivers all over his body.
Jungkook gasps quietly, and he’s not sure what to say. He’s not even sure what he wants, his mind is too foggy, too messy, but one thing is clear.
He wants more. More of whatever this is, and definitely more of Taehyung’s touch.
Before he can second guess himself, he pulls back slightly to look Taehyung in the eyes, the tension between them almost suffocating. “I– I think you know what I want.”
The words echo between them for a moment, and Taehyung’s face softens while his hand moves from Jungkook’s arm to the side of his neck. “I do.” Taehyung says. “But I need to hear you say it.”
Jungkook swallows hard, his body reacting to Taehyung’s touch in ways he doesn’t even remotely understand. His hands shake as he reaches for Taehyung, his fingers curling around the collar of his shirt to pull him just a little closer.
“I want you..” Jungkook whispers, the words coming out of his mouth before he can rationalize them.
Taehyung’s eyes darken and the corner of his lips pull into a satisfied smirk at the younger man’s words. He leans in further, his breath hot against Jungkook’s skin, when his voice drops. “Good.”
His slender fingers trace the line of Jungkook’s jaw, lightly stroking the flushed skin. Jungkook’s breath stops at the contact.
Taehyung’s eyes flicker down to Jungkook’s lips, and said man can’t help but follow the trail of his eyes. His heart races, palms sweaty when Taehyung leans in just enough to close the space between them.
The moment Taehyung’s lips brush against his, a cold shiver runs through his body. The elder’s lips are soft. So, so soft. It almost feels like he’s teasing him, like he’s waiting for Jungkook to do the next move.
And Jungkook does. His hand moves from the collar of Taehyung’s shirt to his shoulder, pulling him even closer and deepening the kiss. The kiss is quick to turn more urgent, sloppy even, when Taehyung’s hand slides to the back of Jungkook’s neck to hold him there with a possessiveness that makes heat pool in Jungkook’s lower stomach.
Jungkook’s body responds before his brain can catch up, his hands lazily wandering and exploring Taehyung’s chest, feeling the warmth of his skin through the soaked fabric.
His senses are overwhelmed by Taehyung. The taste of him, the way his lips feel, the way his body feels pressed against his own. And when they break apart to catch their breath, Jungkook can’t stop himself from leaning in again, desperate for more. This time, his lips land on Taehyung’s neck, pressing soft kisses against the smooth skin.
He feels Taehyung’s hand move from his neck to slide down to his waist, and it’s all it takes for Jungkook to realize how much he wants Taehyung, a low whine escaping his lips.
Taehyung stops for a moment, pulling back enough to look at him. His eyes are dark, filled with something Jungkook can’t quite name, but it makes his heart skip another beat instantly.
“Are you sure?”
Jungkook nods quickly, his chest rising and falling with each breath. “I want this. I want you.” Taehyung’s fingers move to the hem of Jungkook’s soaked shirt, tugging at it lightly. He doesn’t say a word, just looks at the younger man for confirmation.
Jungkook hesitates for only a second before nodding and raising his arms. The wet fabric clings to his skin, but Taehyung takes his sweet time taking it off.
“You’re beautiful, Jungkook..”
The elder leans in to connect their lips once again, but this time in a slower, deeper kiss. His hands wander up Jungkook’s bare sides, tracing the soft lines of his waist before settling on his hips.
Jungkook trembles under the touch while his hands move up to grab the wet fabric of Taehyung’s shirt. He pulls gently, signaling what he wants without a word. Taehyung pulls back slightly, a smirk forming on his lips as his hands slide to the hem of his shirt. “Impatient?” He chuckles, gaze still locked on Jungkook.
The younger one doesn’t deny it, his wide eyes following Taehyung’s hands as they take off his shirt. The sight of the man’s toned torso and smooth honey like skin makes his breath hitch.
“You’re staring.” Taehyung mumbles in an amused tone.
Jungkook blinks, ears turning red. “S-sorry..” He stammers, quickly looking away, but Taehyung tilts his chin back toward him.
“Don’t apologize.” Taehyung says. “Keep staring.”
The words send a fresh wave of heat through Jungkook, but before he can react further, Taehyung’s hands are moving again, fingers trailing down Jungkook’s arm, tracing his tattoos. Taehyung guides Jungkook’s hands to the waistband of his pants, making Jungkook swallow hard.
His fingers fumble slightly when he tugs at the fabric of Taehyung’s pants, and when they finally slide down his hips, a soft gasp escapes Jungkook’s lips. The way Taehyung’s boxers stretch leaves little to the imagination.
Taehyung can’t help the grin creeping back onto his lips. “Like what you see?”
Jungkook can only nod, his face flushed as he seems to forget how to breathe. His hands are still at Taehyung’s sides, hovering awkwardly and unsure of what to do next.
Taehyung leans in and softly cups Jungkook’s face with both hands. His thumbs brush gently over Jungkook’s burning cheeks in an attempt to calm him. “Breathe, Jungkookie..” He whispers.
Jungkook exhales shakily, and he tries to do as the elder tells him to.
“Better?”
Jungkook nods, biting his lip as he glances up at Taehyung. “Y-Yeah, just.. you’re so..” he trails off, unable to form a proper sentence. Taehyung smiles, leaning in to press a kiss on Jungkook’s lips. “You’re doing fine.”
Jungkook is still in his jeans and underwear, feeling more exposed than Taehyung even though he’s not fully undressed. His eyes keep drifting back to Taehyung, unable to look away. Taehyung, on the other hand, is watching him patiently, a subtle smirk forming on his mouth. “Take off your pants.”
Jungkook’s fingers begin to shake again when he starts to unbutton his jeans. The sound of the zipper being opened feels so loud in the quiet room, it makes the younger man want to disappear.
He pulls the pants down slowly, his eyes never leaving Taehyung, who’s still focused on him. Jungkook pulls off his pants completely, leaving him in just his boxers.
“You’re perfect.” Taehyung says quietly, almost to himself, and for a moment, Jungkook doesn’t know what to say. His whole body feels hot under Taehyung’s stare.
Taehyung’s hand moves to Jungkook’s waistband, fingers grazing lightly over the soft, milky skin. Jungkook shivers at the touch, his body reacting immediately.
Taehyung gives a small smile before pulling Jungkook’s boxers down too. The younger one’s eyes close shut now that the last piece of clothing is gone, his body completely exposed in front of someone he just met hours prior.
Yet, it feels right.
An impatient whine escapes Jungkook’s lips when he feels Taehyung’s hands travel all over his body, softly pinching his nipples.
“Sensitive spot, huh?” The elder purrs, and Jungkook is pretty sure he must’ve saved a whole universe in his past life to end up where he is right now.
Jungkook inhales sharply before opening his eyes and daring to look at the elder’s body again. He’s perfectly toned, arms muscular, which is only more highlighted by the dim lighting in the room.
Deciding to take things into his own hands for now, Jungkook sits up, pressing their foreheads together. His hands travel down to the waistband of Taehyung’s last remaining piece of clothing, not wasting another second before pulling it down.
And it’s the way Taehyung is even bigger than visible through the fabric, the way his cock is standing thick and proud, leaking with precum, that makes Jungkook’s jaw drop.
“You alright?” Taehyung grins, his ego visibly boosted by the younger man’s reaction. “I can–”
“Wanna ride you.” Jungkook blurts out, biting his bottom lip. A soft giggle escapes his lips, like he didn’t just admit to wanting to bounce on the elder’s cock, while he softly presses said man into the mattress, changing their positions.
“Didn’t think you were the type to want to be in control, doll.” The elder chuckles softly.
But even with Jungkook now being on top, it feels like Taehyung is still the one in charge. He gently cups Jungkook’s face and kisses him before his hands move down to the younger’s waist.
Jungkook feels Taehyung pinch him right when his tongue runs over his lips, making Jungkook gasp. Taehyung gladly uses the opportunity to slide his tongue inside Jungkook’s mouth, swirling their tongues together.
Taehyung pushes his knee upward right against Jungkook’s throbbing, pink erection, and a choked moan leaves his mouth. “H-Hyung.. Fuck me, please.”
“I need to prep you. Turn around for me, hm?” Taehyung breathes out, but Jungkook doesn’t seem to be a fan of the idea. Instead, he crawls to sit between the elder’s legs to let a generous amount of saliva drop on the tip of Taehyung’s cock.
Taehyung, surprised by the sudden warmth and wetness, supports himself on his forearms, eager to get a better look. Jungkook slowly leans down, deliberately arching his back to make sure the elder would get a good look at him.
Almost teasingly, he leans in, licking the precum mixed with his own saliva off of the tip before taking it in. The blow job is slow, and Jungkook’s only goal is to get it to be as wet and messy as possible.
He’s quickly rewarded with low groans escaping Taehyung’s mouth while mumbling praises, but instead of enjoying them, he pulls away after just another moment.
“Baby, what–” Taehyung starts, but stops himself to watch Jungkook climb over him, positioning himself right above Taehyung’s cock. “There’s no rush, I can prep you–”
“Wanna take you raw, hyung..” Jungkook sighs impatiently, hand reaching down to palm Taehyung’s cock. “Please, let me feel you completely.. I can handle it. P-Promise I’ll make it fit.”
And who’s Taehyung to turn down such a pretty boy begging to sit on his cock?
“Alright, fuck– yeah, yeah, c’mon..” He reaches out to support Jungkook by holding him by his waist, helping him adjust the position. Still holding Taehyung’s cock, Jungkook gives it a few pumps before slowly sitting down.
A shaky breath leaves his lips at the stretch being worse than he expected, but he won’t back down now. When he finally fully sits on the elder’s cock, he remains in that position for a moment, breathing as steadily as possible to adjust to his size.
“H-hell, you’re so tight–” Taehyung moans, biting his lip. “You alright?” He suddenly asks with big eyes, but Jungkook just nods quickly, moving his hands to rest on the elder’s chest.
“I’m f-fine.” Jungkook assures him before slowly starting to move by grinding his hips against Taehyung’s. Immediately he’s hit with a wave of pleasure at the feeling of his cock sliding in and out.
Jungkook bites down on his bottom lip, partly from still getting used to the feeling, but also partly to not be too loud. “Hey, wanna hear you..” Taehyung rasps out, looking up at the younger man.
“I don’t wanna be too–” Jungkook begins, but Taehyung starts moving his own hips, quickly turning him into a whiny mess.
“You’re so fucking pretty.. Making all of those sounds just for me, huh? What a good boy you are, taking me whole like you’re made for it, aren’t you?” Taehyung whispers, his fingers digging into Jungkook’s hips when said man starts moving again too, bouncing on his cock.
“H-hyung–” Jungkook cries out, eyes slowly filling with tears from pleasure. “F-feel so good.. I’m so close..”
“Wanna cum, baby?” Taehyung asks instead of teasing him, making the younger man nod quickly.
“P-please.. wanna cum so bad, you’re t-too big, can’t hold it–”
“Then let go baby, hm? Make me proud, just let go.” Taehyung reassures him, increasing the speed of his thrusts.
And Jungkook, being the good boy he is, does as he’s told. A whimper leaves his lips when he finally reaches his climax, a wave of pure pleasure washing over him.
The clenching makes the elder roll his eyes back, reaching his high shortly after and filling him completely. “S-Shit, you feel so good..”
A lazy smile forms on Jungkook's lips before he just drops onto Taehyung’s torso, closing his eyes in an attempt to calm himself faster.
“Everything okay?” Taehyung whispers, still inside of him, hands softly running through Jungkook’s hair. Jungkook nods sleepily. “Mhm.. Just, need a minute.”
7:39AM
Jungkook wakes up to the sound of knocking on the door. He blinks a few times before he realizes where he is and glances over at Taehyung, who’s still asleep beside him. Yawning, he sits up, when it knocks again, louder this time. Jungkook frowns and reaches over to lightly tap Taehyung’s arm.
“Taehyung..hey, wake up.” Jungkook mumbles, voice still a little raspy from sleeping.
Taehyung grumbles but doesn’t seem to want to get up. Instead, he just quietly murmurs when he turns toward Jungkook. But the knocking keeps going, getting louder with each time.
Jungkook glances at the door and feels his stomach tighten. “Taehyung.” He says again, feeling uncomfortable at the thought of someone who might want to enter their room so urgently.
Taehyung finally opens his eyes, looking confused at first. His gaze shifts to the door, and his expression changes immediately. He blinks a couple of times before his eyes go wide and he sits up a little too quickly for Jungkook’s liking.
“What’s going on?” He asks the elder, a little unsettled.
Before Taehyung can respond, there’s another loud knock. This time, it’s followed by a voice. “Sir, we need to speak to you.”
Jungkook’s eyes widen and he looks at Taehyung, who’s already getting up. “What’s happening?” Jungkook asks again, his heartbeat starting to pick up.
Taehyung doesn’t answer, instead, he quickly grabs his pants from the floor and puts them on without a word. Jungkook sits up, feeling completely lost and confused.
“Taehyung, what’s going on?” Jungkook asks, his voice quieter now.
Taehyung’s gaze flicks to Jungkook before he finally speaks. “Stay here.” He says in a hesitant voice, like he’s trying to hide something.
Jungkook watches Taehyung move to the door, and regret starts settling in about going to the hotel with a stranger. He joked about Taehyung being a spy, but the black card should’ve told him to keep pressing for an answer, to–
“We know you’re in there, sir. Please open the door.”
Taehyung pauses at the door before opening it just enough to peek outside.
“Sir, we’ve been sent to find you.” A low voice says. “The king is looking for you.”
Jungkook’s heart skips a beat. The king? Taehyung stares at the men for a moment, sighing. “How did you even find me?” he asks.
“Your card, sir. The king told us to monitor the transactions, leading us here.”
Taehyung exhales sharply, a sigh escaping his mouth. “I see. Can I at least get dressed first?”
“Of course, sir. We’ll wait right here.”
Taehyung steps back into the room, closing the door behind him with a soft click. The moment the door shuts, Jungkook jumps up from the bed and grabs a robe to throw on before approaching the other man.
“What the hell, Taehyung? What’s going on?”
Taehyung turns to him as he starts putting on his own clothes, and the silence only makes Jungkook’s frustration grow.
“Who are they?” He continues, his voice louder now. “What do they want with you? What does the /king/ want with you?”
Taehyung stops for a moment, his expression conflicted. He finishes putting on his shirt and sighs. “Jungkook, please.. It’s not what you think it is.”
Jungkook takes a few steps toward him, eyes narrowed. “I don’t even know what I think is happening right now!” He lets out a frustrated huff.
“You let me think you were just some random guy I met in the streets, and now there’s people knocking on our door talking about the king looking for you. Are you really just gonna stand here and tell me you don’t owe me an explanation?”
Taehyung opens his mouth, then closes it again, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t want this to happen, nor to drag you into this.” He sighs, voice low. “I didn’t even want to stay here all night or–”
Jungkook’s heart is pounding in his chest and he tries his best to stay calm. “So what? You thought you could use me for one night and then disappear? I thought–” He scoffs. “I thought we had.. something. God, if you just wanted a quick fuck, you could’ve said that before spending the whole night exploring this stupid city with me and now pulling this act!”
Taehyung swallows hard, his hands clenching at his sides. But instead of saying something, he looks away, avoiding Jungkook’s eyes completely.
“Taehyung.” Jungkook says again, trying to ignore the knot forming in his throat. “Say something. Anything. Because right now, I feel like a complete idiot just standing here.”
Taehyung freezes mid sentence, clenching his jaw. “I’m not using you.” He finally manages to say.
“Then tell me what’s going on!” Jungkook snaps, his frustration finally boiling over. “I don’t need those cryptic excuses, I want answers. Why are there men at the door and what does the king want with you?”
Taehyung’s eyes flick toward the door, then back to Jungkook. “It’s.. complicated.”
Jungkook throws his hands up in disbelief. “Of course it is.” He says, letting out an ironic laugh. “But maybe it doesn’t have to be! You could just tell me the truth instead of talking around it.”
Taehyung takes a step back, his expression conflicted. He looks like he’s about to say something but stops himself, his shoulders sagging a little. “I didn’t want you to find out like this.” He mutters and finally meets the younger man’s eyes again. There’s guilt in his eyes.
“Find out what?”
Taehyung exhales sharply. “I’m.. not just some guy you met in Hongdae, okay?”
“No shit.” Jungkook rolls his eyes.
“I’m the prince.”
Jungkook freezes, staring at Taehyung like he’s lost his mind. “You’re.. what?” he says, a nervous laugh coming from his mouth. “You’re joking, right? I mean, come on.” He gestures toward the door, where the guards are still waiting outside. “This is a prank, right? What, did your friends hire some fake guards to mess with me?”
Taehyung doesn’t respond immediately. His eyes stay on Jungkook, and it’s the seriousness in them that makes Jungkook’s laughter stop.
“You’re not joking..” he murmurs, his heart sinking.
“It’s not a joke.” Taehyung says quietly. “I’m the prince. And those guards are here to take me back to the palace.”
Jungkook blinks at him, his mind racing to process the words. “No.” he says quickly, shaking his head. “No way. I mean, why would a prince be wandering around Hongdae watching street performers? Why would a prince-”
He falters, heat rising to his face. “Why would a prince spend the night with me?”
Taehyung sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Because I wanted one night..” he admits. “One night to be free, to be normal, to feel like someone other than.. the prince.” He gestures vaguely toward himself.
“And then I met you, and you made it so easy to forget. For a while, it was like I really could be someone else.”
Jungkook stares at him, realization finally setting in. He glances toward the door again. “You’re serious..” he mutters. “You’re actually serious.”
Taehyung nods. “I know it’s a lot to take in, but I didn’t want you to find out like this. I-”
Jungkook cuts him off with a sharp laugh, though there’s no humor in it. “No, of course not.” he says, throwing his hands up.
“You just weren’t going to tell me at all, right? You were going to sneak out, go back to your palace, and I’d be none the wiser. Just some random guy you met on your night of freedom.”
“It’s not like that.” Taehyung cuts him off. “I didn’t plan for this to happen.”
“Didn’t plan for what?” Jungkook snaps. “For me to find out? For me to care? Or for me to feel like an idiot because I thought we actually-” He stops himself, exhaling sharply. “This is insane.”
Taehyung takes a small step closer, his expression softening. “Jungkook, I never meant to hurt you.” he says quietly. “I didn’t want you to get dragged into my life. It’s not fair to you.”
Jungkook huffs, crossing his arms. “Yeah, well, it’s a little late for that now, isn’t it?” He looks at Taehyung. “You could’ve told me the truth. You /should’ve/ told me.”
“I know.” Taehyung admits, his voice barely above a whisper. “I just.. I didn’t want it to end. I didn’t want to lose that feeling of being normal, even if it was only for one night.”
Jungkook shakes his head, taking a step back. “I don’t even know what to say to you right now.”
The room falls silent and Jungkook’s gaze moves between Taehyung and the door, where the guards are still waiting.
“I need to go.” Taehyung says after a moment, his voice breaking the quiet.
Jungkook’s chest tightens, but he forces himself to nod. “Fine. Go, then. Go back to your palace and your guards and your royal duties and go fuck yourself.” He swallows hard, his voice dropping as he watches Taehyung leave the room.
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Jungkook drags himself into the dorm, throwing the door shut behind him. He leans back against it for a moment, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath.
A voice cuts through the quiet. “Hey, you okay?” Jungkook’s eyes snap open and he spots Hoseok sitting on the couch, a bowl of cereal in his hands.
“Uh, yeah.” Jungkook mumbles, pushing off the door and heading further inside. He drops his bag near the couch, avoiding Hoseok’s gaze. “Just.. tired.”
Hoseok sets the bowl down on the coffee table and leans forward slightly. “Long night? First day’s always rough, I told you not to go out immediately.” He smiles warmly. “But I promise you’ll love it here. As long as you don’t spend all of your free days clubbing, I mean.”
Jungkook forces a small smile but doesn’t respond, instead shrugging off his jacket and sitting down next to him.
“Hey..” Hoseok says softly, tilting his head. “You sure you’re okay? You seem.. Off.”
Jungkook sighs and rubs the back of his neck, trying to think of what to say. He can’t exactly explain what really happened; meeting the prince, spending the night with him. “I just had a weird night, that’s all.” Jungkook finally says, voice quiet.
Hoseok sighs, but doesn’t push. “Well, if you wanna talk about it, I’m here. No pressure, though.”
Jungkook nods, grateful but still unsure of how to even begin to explain last night. “Appreciate it. But I think I’ll go and unpack my things.”
Jungkook drags his duffle bag into the room Hoseok set up for him. He drops it by the bed with a thud and stands there for a moment, staring at the neatly made covers.
With a sigh, he crouches down to unzip the bag, taking out his clothes one by one. He feels like he’s on autopilot, folding and stacking them into the small dresser by the wall.
No matter how hard he tries to focus on this simple task, his mind keeps going back to last night. The sound of Taehyung’s voice, the curve of his smile, the way his body felt pressed against his own.
He shakes his head, frustrated, and grabs his toiletries bag before heading to the bathroom. Maybe a shower will help.
Moments later, the hot water is pouring down on him. It seems to sooth his muscles, but it’s doing nothing to distract him. He scrubs his arms, his chest, his neck, and that’s when his hand stills.
His fingers brush against something he can just slightly see in the reflection of the glass shower wall.
A hickey.
He stares at the purplish mark in the mirror, his heart sinking. It’s faint and almost completely hidden by his jaw, but it’s still there.
Jungkook swallows when the memories rush back. Then memories of Taehyung’s lips against his jaw, the way his fingers grazed so gently over that very spot.
Last night, it made him feel safe.
Now he wants to rip it off.
His throat tightens, and he forces himself to look away, now washing his hair. “Stupid.” He mutters. “You’re so stupid, Jungkook.”
He presses his palms against the shower wall, the water now hitting his back. When tears start to form at the corners of his eyes, he clenches them shut, determined not to cry, not to shed a tear for him.
But it’s no use. They start spilling out one by one, mixing with the water running down his face.
He feels ridiculous, crying over someone he hasn’t even known for a full day. Someone who used him, lied to him, and then left all alone in a hotel room.
Jungkook wipes his face harshly in an attempt to pull himself together, but the knot in his chest refuses to loosen.
He stays in the shower far longer than necessary, hoping the water will wash away last night’s events. But when he finally turns off the water to step out, the mark on his neck is still there.
So is the memory of Taehyung. And worst of all, so is the stupid hope that maybe he wasn’t completely wrong to feel something for him.
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Jungkook wakes up with little to no sleep in his system. His eyes and shoulders are heavy when he drags himself out of bed. Today is his first day at the university. He should be excited, after all he’s been planning this for months, saving up and preparing himself for this new chapter.
After downing two cups of coffee, he’s ready to leave, Hoseok insisting on walking to the campus.
“You’ll do great.” Hoseok says with a wide grin when they near the entrance gate. “Just be yourself and you’ll make friends in no time.”
The campus is already filled with countless students, some rushing to lectures, others enjoying their free time on the grass.
Jungkook checks the map on his phone, trying to figure out which building he’s supposed to be in. The first lecture goes by in a blur. Jungkook listens to the professor talk about some basics, takes some notes and answers some questions when prompted, but that’s about it.
During lunch, which he sadly has to spend without Hoseok, he’s sitting alone in the cafeteria. He’s in the middle of poking his kimbap with chopsticks when someone plops down across from him.
“You’re new, right?”
Jungkook looks up to see a guy with a bright smile and warm eyes. His hair is dyed a soft, washed out orange, but it weirdly suits him.
“Uh, yeah.” Jungkook says, blinking.
“Thought so.” The guy says, already pulling out his own lunch. “I know almost everyone in my year, but you’re a new face.”
Jungkook manages a small smile before taking a bite. “I just started today.”
“Figured.” The guy leans forward, his chin leaning on his hand. “What’s your name?”
“Jungkook.”
“I’m Jimin.” The guy replies with a grin. “Nice to meet you. And let me guess.. You don’t know anyone else here, right?”
“Not really.” Jungkook shakes his head. “I’m staying with my friend Hoseok, but he’s not in my year, so..”
Jimin’s eyes light up. “Hoseok? As in, Jung Hoseok?”
Jungkook’s brows furrow. “You know him?”
“Yeah!” Jimin grins, leaning back in his chair. “We’ve been friends for years. He’s, like, the nicest guy I know. How do you know him?” Jungkook suddenly feels a little less lost at the mutual connection. “He’s my hyung. Well, sort of. Our families are close, so he offered to let me stay with him while I’m studying here.”
“Ah, that sounds like Hobi hyung.” Jimin says, laughing. “Always taking care of people. You’re lucky, in good hands with him.”
Jungkook relaxes a little, grateful that Jimin is extroverted enough for the both of them. “Yeah, he’s been great so far.”
“Typical. I bet he was all ‘You’ll do great! Be yourself!’” He mimics Hoseok’s bright tone perfectly, and Jungkook can’t help but snort.
“That’s.. actually exactly what he said.” Jungkook shakes his head in disbelief.
The conversation continues easily after that. Jimin asks about Jungkook’s classes and his interests, how he’s enjoying Korea so far and even offered to give him a tour sometime if Hoseok is too busy.
“You’ve gotta know the best coffee spots too if you wanna survive here.” Jimin continues before stealing a piece of Jungkook’s kimbap. “The one near the library is an absolute lifesaver during finals.”
“Noted.” Jungkook says, watching him as Jimin helps himself to another piece.
When Jungkook mentions not being sure about where his next lecture will be, Jimin immediately decides to escort him.
“Your next class is in that building.” Jimin says, pointing ahead as they walk down a weirdly secluded path. “The layout is weird, but you’ll get used to it.”
Jungkook nods, a smile on his lips. “You’ve been really helpful, thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” Jimin gently nudges his shoulder. “It’s always nice to have someone around who doesn’t already know everyone else.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well..” Jimin shrugs. “A lot of us here went to the same schools or grew up in similar circles, so it can get kinda.. cliquey? Fresh faces are always good.”
Jungkook laughs softly. “Guess I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should.” Jimin grins, but before he can say more, his phone buzzes. He glances at the screen and his expression shifts slightly. “Ah, sorry, I have to take this. I’ve been ignoring my friend since yesterday and he’s a diva, so– See you later?”
“Yeah, sure.” Jungkook nods, watching Jimin go into another direction and disappear into the crowd.
7:19PM
Jungkook sits on the couch, scrolling through his phone while Hoseok is busy making them some tea. He’s still processing everything from earlier, from the classes to even meeting his first ‘friend’.
“So.” Hoseok calls out. “Heard you met Jimin. You got along well?”
Jungkook looks up, startled out of his thoughts. “Uh, yeah. He’s cool, seemed really friendly.”
Hoseok enters the living room holding two mugs and setting one of them down in front of Jungkook. “He’s really nice, always looking out for others.”
Jungkook nods, wrapping his hands around the warm mug. “Yeah, and it’s good to know someone. Makes things a little less.. Overwhelming.”
Hoseok smiles, plopping down into the armchair across from him. “Exactly. And Jimin’s a social butterfly, he knows everyone. Just stick with him and you’ll get to know half of Seoul.”
Jungkook lets out a soft laugh, but takes a sip of tea instead of answering.
“Anyway.” Hoseok continues. “He mentioned that he might swing by later this week. I’ll make sure you’re also here so you guys can keep bonding.”
“Sure.” Jungkook says. “That’d be cool.”
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Over the next few days, Jungkook tries to focus on adjusting to his new life in Korea as a student. His classes keep him busy, and Jimin’s friendly demeanor makes his lunch breaks easier and entertaining as well.
Still, there’s something that just won’t seem to let Jungkook relax his thoughts. Nights are the hardest. When it’s quiet, his thoughts always drift back to Taehyung, forcing him to replay their night together.
He even ended up typing Taehyung’s name into Google, making his heart race when he scrolled through all of the images and articles. He’s still processing what the man said about being the prince, but he can’t ignore the evidence, even if it feels unreal. Taehyung’s face is everywhere: galleries, interviews, even charity events.
One afternoon, Jungkook meets up with Jimin and Hoseok at a cafe. When he enters the cafe, they’re already sitting at a table, coffee in hand.
“Jungkook! Over here!” Jimin waves him over, and Jungkook chuckles when he heads over.
“Hey.” He greets as he sits down.
“You’re late! I was starting to think you got lost somewhere..” Jimin pouts, crossing his arms.
Jungkook laughs. “I got caught up in classes, you know how it is. But I’m here now.”
Hoseok, who’s been busy staring at his phone, looks up and grins. “Took you long enough. You sure you’re not avoiding us?”
“Pff, as if I’d do that!” Jungkook chuckles. As much as his mind has been preoccupied with Taehyung, he’s not about to let that ruin his time with his friends.
“So, what’s the plan for today? It’s Friday, are we doing something fun?” Jungkook asks with big eyes before taking a sip of the coffee his friends had already ordered for him.
Hoseok leans back in his chair and nods. “Well, Jimin’s been talking about hitting up a karaoke spot later, said he’s a born singer. So I think we should test that out.”
Jimin snorts, rolling his eyes. “I mean, Hoseok has seen me perform, right? He knows I’m basically a superstar.”
Jungkook raises an eyebrow, amused. “I’m starting to think you’re a little full of yourself, hyung.”
“Oh, you wanna see for yourself?” Jimin gasps, leaning forward. “We can totally do a duet, but don’t cry when you lose.”
“You’re on, I’m not scared.”
“Alright, alright.” Hoseok interrupts them, checking the time. “We’ll make this happen. Get ready to sing your heart out, Jungkookie.”
“I’m already planning my victory speech.” Jungkook grins. Maybe a karaoke night won’t be a bad distraction after all.
11:49PM
Jungkook claps excitedly when they’re escorted to their own karaoke booth that’s decorated with countless neon lights.
“You sure you can handle the competition?” Jimin teases before letting himself plop onto the sofa and grabbing a mic.
“Duh! We’ll see who’s the better singer.” Jungkook grins. “You’ll be begging me to stop destroying you.”
Jimin laughs, hitting the button to select songs. “We'll see about that.. Alright, let’s start with something easy.”
A couple songs and multiple drinks later, they’re feeling the full effects of the alcohol. Jimin, who seemingly had a little bit too much already, leans against Jungkook with a grin.
“Alright, Jungkookie.. time for a real challenge.” He declares, pushing the remote toward him. “You and I, right here, A duet.”
Jungkook giggles, tilting his head. “Oh, you wanna go up against me? Think you can really handle this?” Jimin nods, grabbing his mic and flipping his hair dramatically. “I’m born ready.”
Hoseok, who seems to prefer watching the two of them instead of participating, raises his glass. “I’m placing my bets on Jimin, though. But good luck.”
Jungkook grabs the second mic before shooting Hoseok a warning look. “I’ll remember that.”
The song starts, ‘I Am the Best’ by 2NE1, a classic. They start singing together, and at first, it all goes smoothly.
But by the time the first chorus passes, their competitiveness rises. Jimin tries to score more points with a high note and Jungkook does the same, which ends with them both screaming into the mic.
“Ohhh Jiminie, you’re going down.” Jungkook slurs his words, but seems more confident than ever.
“In your dreams!” Jimin shoots back before attempting to yank away Jungkook’s mic.
The two of them are laughing now and almost lose their balance, while Hoseok is almost in tears from laughing too. “You guys are making my ears bleed.” He chokes out between laughs and covers his ears.
Before they realize it, the song comes to an end, and all of them are out of breath and giggling uncontrollably. “That was..” Jungkook starts, but Jimin interrupts him.
“I won!” He cheers, pointing at the screen. “I got two more points than you!”
Jungkook squints at the screen. “That’s rigged! No way you beat me, that machine’s broken.”
“Excuses, excuses..” Jimin singsongs and drops onto the sofa. “Face it, I’m the best. Just like the song says.”
“You cheated!” Jungkook accuses, dramatically pointing a finger at him. “That high note wasn’t even on key. You just screamed!”
Jimin gasps in offense. “I’ll have you know my screaming is artistic!” he says, flipping him off.
Hoseok, still wiping tears of laughter from his face, shakes his head. “If that’s art, then Jungkook’s growling during the bridge was a masterpiece.”
“It /was/ a masterpiece.” Jungkook agrees, holding his chin high, though the slight slur in his voice makes it less convincing. Jimin rolls his eyes but laughs, tossing the microphone back on the table. “Alright, alright, sore loser. Let’s call it a draw before your ego explodes.”
Jungkook grins and leans back, taking a sip of his drink. “Fine. But next time, you’re going down for real.”
“Next time?” Jimin raises an eyebrow, his smirk playful. “Don’t tell me you’ve already fallen in love with losing to me.”
“In your dreams.” Jungkook retorts, chuckling.
By the time they leave the karaoke bar, it’s well past midnight. The cool night air hits Jungkook’s face, making the alcohol hit him even harder.
Jungkook giggles while they keep walking, his steps wobbling "Guys, guys, okay! I have a fun fact.” he slurs.
He stumbles a little, catching himself on Hoseok's arm, and grins. Hoseok raises a brow. "What's the fun fact, Jungkook?"
Jungkook giggles again, leaning closer like he's about to share the world's biggest secret.
“The.. the prince of Korea fucked me," he whispers, dragging out the words. He bursts into laughter, clutching Hoseok's arm for support. “Can you believe it?”
Both Hoseok and Jimin freeze mid-step.
"Wait-what?" Jimin blurts, his wide eyes snapping to Jungkook. "No, no, hang on-“ Hoseok cuts in, his voice full with disbelief. "What did you just say?"
Jungkook nods enthusiastically, stumbling back a little as he waves his arms for emphasis.
“The prince! Y'know, the stupidly handsome one with the.. the..”He gestures vaguely around. "..face. He was all like, 'Oh, I'm so mysterious and hot’, but he's actually just a big dick. He also has a big dick-“
Jimin blinks, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "You're drunk.” he finally says, laughing nervously. "You had way too much ."
Jungkook giggles at him. "I /am/ drunk! And it's true!" He clutches his stomach before bursting into giggles again. "We hooked up, like, for real. He's the worst. I should've known something was off. He's too perfect! Like, ugh, get a flaw or something!"
Hoseok's jaw drops, and he looks between Jungkook and Jimin, trying to understand if this is some kind of joke. Meanwhile, Jimin's face slowly drains of color.
"Wait.." Jimin's voice cracks slightly. "Are you talking about Kim Taehyung?"
Jungkook squints at him, his drunken brain taking a moment to catch up.
"Yeah, that's the guy!" he says with a dramatic voice. “Oh, my god, you know him too?" He gasps, his face lighting up like this is the funniest coincidence in the world.
Jimin's laugh is high pitched and nervous now. "Uh.. no? Maybe? I mean.. everyone knows the prince, right?" His words are rushed, and his hands are shaking as he tries to wave off Hoseok's questioning look.
"Jungkook, are you sure it was him?" Hoseok asks, his brows furrowed.
"Of course I'm sure!" Jungkook says, puffing out his chest like he's proud of himself.
“He was all princely and broody and stupidly good looking. You can't miss a guy like that. But he's such a liar, too! Like, who pretends to be normal when they're literally royalty?"
Jimin lets out a strangled cough, and Hoseok shoots him another questioning glance.
"And another thing!" Jungkook continues.
"He made me think he was just some guy! But then- boom! Guards at the door! What kind of psychopath does that?" He pauses, then hiccups. "Okay, but, like, he's also kind of hot. But that's not the point!"
Jimin looks like he's about to faint, but he manages a weak laugh, trying desperately to steer the conversation away. "Wow, Jungkook, you're really.. creative when you're drunk!"
Jungkook pouts at him. "I'm not lying!" He flips Jimin off, then stumbles forward, tripping over his own feet. Hoseok catches him before he faceplants, laughing.
"All right, buddy..” Hoseok says, steadying Jungkook.
“But I’m also so sad..” Jungkook sighs, putting on his best puppy eyes. “I told him to fuck himself because I thought it’ll make him turn back and propose or so, but.. He just walked out!”
"I think you've had enough fun facts for tonight." Hoseok shakes his head, still holding the youngest.
Jimin nods stiffly, his face pale and he avoids eye contact. "Yeah, totally. Time to get this one to bed."
⚜️⚜️⚜️
"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Jimin shrieks, winding up for another slap.
"Ah- stop!" Taehyung yelps, trying to protect himself as Jimin's palm hits his shoulder this time. “What did I even do?"
"What didn't you do?" Jimin snaps, hitting him again for good measure. "Are you serious right now? You had a one-night stand with Jungkook?!"
Taehyung freezes, eyes widening. "Wait- how do you-"
"Don't even start with me!" Jimin interrupts, hitting him again. "He told me! He told me and Hoseok, but that's not the point!"
Taehyung rubs his arm, wincing. "Okay, first of all, you need to calm down-"
"I will not calm down!" Jimin yells, smacking him right on the chest. "You're the prince of Korea, Taehyung! You can't just go around sleeping with people like some horny stupid idiot!"
"I'm not-!" Taehyung protests, only for Jimin to slap him again.
"Don't lie to me!" Jimin shouts, glaring at him.
“Do you have any idea how much you've hurt Jungkook? He thought you were just a normal guy, Taehyung! A normal guy! He trusted you, and what did you do? You-" Jimin smacks him again for emphasis. "-screwed it all up!"
Taehyung groans, holding up his hands to surrender. "I didn't mean to screw anything up, okay? I didn't plan for any of this to happen!"
"Of course you didn't.” Jimin snaps, hitting him on the shoulder. "Because you're an asshole!"
"Ow- Jiminie!" Taehyung whines, dodging the next hit. "Can you stop hitting me for like two seconds?"
"No!" Jimin smacks him again. "You deserve this!"
"Fine! I'm sorry!" Taehyung shouts.
Jimin pauses, glaring at him. "You're sorry?"
“Yes, I'm sorry!" Taehyung says, rubbing his sore arm. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I didn't even plan on staying the whole night, but then-" He hesitates, his voice softening. "Then I got to know him, and I didn't want to leave. That’s why I called you a few days ago, I just didn’t want to tell you over the phone."
Jimin stares at him for a moment before shaking his head and smacking him again.
"Ah, come on!" Taehyung groans. “How do you even know him? Did he tell anyone else? Fuck-”
“Should’ve thought about the consequences before shoving your dick up his ass.” Jimin rolls his eyes, finally taking a step back. “I know him from uni. We were out for karaoke when he told me and another friend, but he was super drunk, so you’re good.”
Taehyung lets out a relieved breath, closing his eyes for a moment to recover from Jimin’s slaps.
"You're hopeless..” Jimin mutters, crossing his arms and watching Taehyung. "Completely hopeless. And I’m mad at you, because Jungkook is a sweetheart and he did not deserve that."
Taehyung sighs. "What do you want me to do?"
Jimin narrows his eyes. "You're going to fix it. Somehow. I don't care how, but you're going to make this right. Because if you don't.." He leans in closer, his tone dropping. "I'll make your life a living hell."
Taehyung nods quickly. "Okay, got it. I’ll fix it. I heard you loud and clear."
"And stop being so horny." Jimin adds, smacking him one last time before turning to sit next to him.
"Yeah, sure..” Taehyung mutters under his breath, whining when he rubs his arm that’s already sore. “But how should I do that? I can’t just show up and talk to him, Jimin. I don’t even know what he said but I’m sure he’s furious with me.”
Jimin, now sprawled out on the couch, lets out a loud sigh. “Of course he’s furious. You screwed him over, literally.” He waves a dismissive hand when Taehyung glares at him. “Fine, fine. So you can’t just talk to him. What do you want /me/ to do about it?”
Taehyung turns to face Jimin, his face suddenly lighting up. “The masquerade.”
Jimin groans immediately, flopping his head back against the cushions. “Oh, no. Nope. Absolutely not.”
“Hear me out!” Taehyung insists, practically jumping to his feet. “The annual royal masquerade is next week. What if.. what if I could meet him there? Anonymously.”
“Anonymously.” Jimin repeats skeptically.
“Taehyung, you’re the literal prince of Korea. Do you really think you’re going to be /anonymous/ at your own masquerade?”
Taehyung nods immediately. “It’s perfect! Everyone will be in masks. I won’t be in formal prince attire. It’s one night where I could.. just be a guy again. A guy who wants to apologize and make things right.”
“And you think Jungkook is just going to show up at a royal event like that?” Jimin asks, sitting up and crossing his arms.
“That’s where you come in.” Taehyung says, pointing at him with a grin.
Jimin pinches the bridge of his nose, already regretting his friendship with Taehyung for the nth time. “Oh, for God’s sake.”
“Please, Jiminie.” Taehyung’s voice softens. “I can’t just let things end like this. He deserves an apology- he deserves more than that. And I want to give it to him. I just need a chance.”
Jimin groans again, but he knows how stubborn Taehyung can get. “You’re such a pain in my ass.”
“I’ll owe you forever!” Taehyung promises.
“You already do.” Jimin mutters, rubbing his temples. “Fine. I’ll try to get him to come, but if this backfires and he hates you even more-”
“I’ll take full responsibility.” Taehyung interrupts, his tone firm.
Jimin sighs heavily. “You better. Because if I get dragged into your drama any further, I swear I’ll make you regret it.”
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Jimin sighs dramatically and leans back into his chair, eyes glued onto Jungkook. It’s been a few days since they went out to karaoke and weirdly, ever since, Jimin has been following Jungkook around like a lost puppy.
“Don’t you have work to do?” Jungkook asks, raising an eyebrow. “Or a social life? Or anyone else to bother?”
“Why would I bother anyone else when you’re so easy to irritate?” Jimin smirks, sitting up properly. “But actually, I’m here with a purpose today.”
Jungkook narrows his eyes. “Uh huh.. And what is that?”
“Well.” Jimin begins, leaning forward, elbows on the table. “There’s this thing coming up. Like.. an event. It’s huge, fancy, and many people will be there.”
“And you’re telling me this because..?”
“Because you’re my friend now.” Jimin says, flashing his sweetest smile. “And friends go to parties together. Especially when there’s free food, drinks and a ton of people to meet.”
Jungkook sighs softly. “What kind of party are we talking about? Frat party? A company thing? Do I need to bring my own Tupperware?”
Jimin gasps. “How dare you! This isn’t just any party, it’s the annual royal masquerade.”
Jungkook, in the middle of sipping his coffee, suddenly freezes. “The what?”
“The masquerade.” Jimin repeats, waving it off. “You know, one of those bougie things where everyone dresses up, hides their faces and what not. In reality they’re just there for the booze and gossip but you didn’t hear that from me.”
“Why are /you/ invited?” Jungkook asks, ignoring the rest of what his friend just said.
“Excuse me?” Jimin places a hand on his chest, gasping on offense. “I’ll have you know I have very important friends in high places.”
“..Like Hoseok?”
“Well, yes. And others.” Jimin clears his throat. “Anyway, I thought it’d be fun for you to come. Live a little, meet some more people, maybe even have a little romance?”
Jungkook shakes his head, snorting when Jimin wiggles his eyebrows. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not really in the mood for romance, and a masquerade does sound a little ridiculous.”
“Come on, Jungkook!” Jimin pouts, grabbing his arm.
“Also I know that I was shitfaced drunk after karaoke and kinda blacked out, but I do remember telling you about me and the prince. “ Jungkook crosses his arms. “Even if you won’t believe me, I know it’s true. And guess what? I really don’t wanna see him there.”
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity! Do you really think you’ll just run into him there? You can be like Cinderella, just buff and with tattoos.”
“Literally how?” Jungkook groans. “I’m just trying to get through my classes without falling asleep.”
Jimin lets out a whine at Jungkook’s stubbornness. “Okay, look. Let’s make a deal.”
“I don’t do deals.”
“You will now.” Jimin says. “If you come to the masquerade with me, I’ll owe you one, no questions asked. Please, I really need a plus one!”
Jungkook remains quiet for a moment, weighing out his options. “Anything?”
“Anything.”
“Fine.” Jungkook nods, shaking Jimin’s extended hand to seal the deal. “But I don’t even have anything to wear.”
“Leave it to me.” Jimin says. “I know people.”
⚜️⚜️⚜️
The days leading up to the masquerade go by faster than expected, with Jimin giving him daily updates about outfits and how it’ll go. True to his word, Jimin takes full control of Jungkook’s wardrobe, dragging him to fittings whenever they have time between lectures and ignoring all of his complaints.
“This is.. horrible.” Jungkook grumbles, staring at the mirror. The black suit Jimin picked out for him fits like a glove, and the gold details make it feel even more luxurious, but it feels off.
“It’s perfect.” Jimin shakes his head and adjusts Jungkook’s collar. “You’re just not used to it. Trust me, you’ll thank me when everyone’s drooling over you.”
“I doubt that.” Jungkook rolls his eyes, but decides it’s best not to argue any further.
On the evening of the masquerade, Jungkook is standing outside the venue, mask in his hands. The building is even more luxurious than he imagined, which is no surprise considering it’s a royal event.
“Ready?” Jimin asks, breaking his gaze away from the countless people stepping out of expensive cars. His own mask is silver with tiny crystals all over, sitting perfectly on his face.
“I guess.” Jungkook replies before putting his own mask on. To be honest, he debated on possibly cancelling at the last minute when he remembered that Taehyung would be present as well, but he didn’t want to disappoint Jimin.
The moment they step inside, Jungkook feels like he just entered a completely different world. It’s a huge hall, filled with masked faces in every corner and even a live band. It’s truly just like Jimin described, something you usually only get to experience once in your life.
“See? Isn’t this better than sulking in your dorm?” Jimin grins, dragging him further into the crowd.
“I’ll let you know once I figure out how to breathe in here..” Jungkook replies and tugs at his collar. Jimin rolls his eyes and starts steering them toward the bar. “A drink will help you relax.”
“Like when we went to karaoke?”
“I said /a/ drink, not twelve.” Jimin warns before turning to the bartender.
Jungkook doesn’t argue further, just grateful to have something to make his hands stop fidgeting. When he sips his drink, he looks around to get a better view.
He sighs when he notices the mask slightly itching against his skin, but he keeps it on, not wanting to stand out even more. Jimin, on the other hand, is having the time of his life.
Jimin’s chatting with a group of strangers, making them laugh at something he says. Just their laughter alone sounds expensive enough to make Jungkook feel broke.
Jungkook watches him from the bar, sipping his second drink and wondering why Jimin needed a plus one if he’d end up ditching him anyway.
He leans against the bar, fingers nervously tapping against his glass. The room feels too big, too loud. Everywhere he looks, there’s gold and glitter reflecting back at him and making him want to rip his eyes out.
He sighs and takes another sip, regretting that he didn’t just stay in.
But then he sees him.
A man dressed in a golden suit standing out from all the other guests. The fabric might as well just be made out of pure gold the way it reflects the lights with every movement, calling Jungkook poor in every language.
The man’s mask is simple, a sleek black, and it does a horrible job at hiding his features. Jungkook freezes.
It’s Taehyung.
His heart drops to his stomach.
Taehyung is laughing at something, lips curved into that stupid smile Jungkook found so addicting to look at. He looks at ease, like he hasn’t completely thrown Jungkook’s life off balance just a few weeks ago.
And then Taehyung looks at him.
For a second, Jungkook hopes the mask will make him invisible, but Taehyung doesn’t look away, his eyes narrowing slightly. Jungkook can tell the exact moment Taehyung recognizes him, the man’s smile fading.
He sets his drink down and turns away from Taehyung, heart pounding in his chest. He needs to leave. Now.
Without wasting another second, Jungkook starts rushing through the crowd, mumbling apologies whenever he bumps into another guest.
Of course Taehyung would be here, why wouldn’t the prince be at his own gathering? He glances over his shoulder, Taehyung nowhere to be seen, and it’s making him feel like he’s being chased.
Jungkook curses under his breath and keeps walking, but the crowd is making it hard to move fast.
“Jungkook.”
The voice is soft and quiet, and Jungkook doesn’t know how it was even possible that he could hear him considering the amount of people chatting.
“Jungkook, wait.”
He doesn’t turn around. If he just keeps moving, maybe–
A warm hand grabs his wrist, stopping him from going further. Jungkook clenches his jaw and finally dares to look back, almost choking on his saliva when his eyes meet Taehyung’s.
“What do you want?” Jungkook says a little sharper than intended.
Taehyung lets go of his wrist but doesn’t step back. “Didn’t think you’d be here.”
“Yeah, well. Neither did I.” Jungkook crosses his arms, trying to look unaffected even though he’s anything but that. “Small world, hm?”
Taehyung’s lips press into a thin line, and Jungkook decides he doesn’t deserve the chance to speak.
“Look, I don’t know why you followed me or what you’re expecting now.” Jungkook says. “But I’m not here for a reunion, so let’s not do this.”
Taehyung’s expression drops. “Jungkook, I–”
“No.” The younger man cuts him off. “You don’t get to say my name like that.”
Taehyung flinches, and for a second, Jungkook almost feels bad. Almost. But before Taehyung can respond, Jungkook steps back. “Enjoy your party.”
Jungkook tries to step around Taehyung, but the prince catches his arm. “Jungkook, please.” Taehyung says. “Just hear me out for a minute.”
Jungkook looks around the crowd, knowing that Taehyung won’t just let him go. He lets out a frustrated breath, his patience wearing thin. “Fine.” He mutters, his voice barely audible. “But we’re not doing this here in the middle of everyone.”
Taehyung looks as if he’s holding back a smile, before nodding and leading them both through the crowd. The music starts to get more quiet when they enter a dimly lit hallway, far from the main hall.
Jungkook already feels more calm when the noise of people chatting fades, leaving only the sound of their footsteps. The younger man leans against the wall, closing his eyes for a moment. “Don’t make me regret this even more.”
Taehyung stands a few steps away, clearly not knowing how to start. He looks at Jungkook, then down at his hands, before taking a deep breath.
“I never wanted to hurt you.” Taehyung says again.
Jungkook crosses his arms, almost like he’s shielding himself from the elder. He hates how vulnerable he feels. “Then why did you?”
“I made a mistake.” Taehyung admits, looking at Jungkook. “I’ve never done anything like this before. And I shouldn’t have.”
Jungkook snorts in disbelief. “You’re right, you shouldn’t have.” His tone is bitter, but he can’t help it. Taehyung deserves to know how angry he is.
“I know.” Taehyung says, voice even quieter. “And I’m sorry. I never meant for you to feel like.. like you’re just a one night stand.”
Jungkook’s stomach twists at the mention of it. He doesn’t want to feel like this, he wishes he didn’t care, but he can’t help it. “Well, that’s exactly how I felt.” Jungkook says, his tone matching Taehyung’s.
There’s silence between them that almost feels suffocating, but Jungkook can’t bring himself to break it. “I wish I could take it back.” Taehyung murmurs. “Not the night we had, but that I lied. But I can’t, and all I can do is try to show you that I’m not just some.. asshole.”
Jungkook looks at him with a confused expression. “Why do you want that? Why do you even care if I think you’re an asshole?”
Taehyung hesitates, gaze drifting away. “Because I don't want tonight to be the last time we talk, Jungkook.” He finally looks at him. “That night.. It was the best night of my life. For the first time in a long while, I just felt normal.”
Jungkook feels a lump form in his throat at the words, swallowing hard. “Taehyung..”
The prince shrugs. “I know, everything’s complicated, alright? I’m the prince of Korea, I’m supposed to get married next year and I just– don’t have the luxury of being myself.”
He pauses. “That night with you was the only time I felt like I could just be Taehyung. Not the prince, not someone’s future husband.. just me.”
Jungkook bites the inside of his cheek, torn. He doesn’t know what to say, how to react. “You know you can’t just expect me to forget all of the crap you pulled. It’s not that simple.”
Taehyung steps a little closer, lowering his voice, and Jungkook holds his breath. “I know. But I can’t forget you, Jungkook. And I don’t want you to forget me either.” Jungkook tries to step back, but it feels like he’s glued to the floor. “I.. don’t know what you want from me, Taehyung.” He murmurs, unsure.
Taehyung takes another step forward, his eyes never leaving Jungkook’s. “I don’t want what we had to be a one time thing. I want more than one night with you.”
Jungkook’s heart skips a beat. “It’s too complicated.” Is all he manages to say, voice breaking when Taehyung’s hand brushes slightly against his arm. He’s so close now, so impossibly close.
He wants this more than he should.
“Maybe.” Taehyung whispers, his lips brushing against Jungkook’s ear. Jungkook’s body reacts instantly, every muscle tensing up. “But I can’t stop thinking about you. I can’t stop wanting you.”
Jungkook’s eyes flicker down to Taehyung’s lips, and before he can stop himself, he leans in. When their lips first meet, it’s soft, almost testing.
But the kiss is quick to deepen, their lips crashing together aggressively. Jungkook’s hands move to Taehyung’s shirt, not caring about possibly ruining the fabric and pulling him closer.
Taehyung’s hand slides to the back of Jungkook’s neck to deepen the kiss further, as if he can’t get close enough. The kiss is hungry, desperate, and none of them care about possibly being caught. Taehyung pulls away for a second, only to grab his mask and yank it off without another thought.
Taehyung presses him back against the wall, his body pinning Jungkook there while their mouths meet again. The wet sound of their kissing echoes through the hallway, alongside some muffled sighs coming from Jungkook’s mouth.
His hand finds Taehyung’s and he pulls it gently to the nearest room. Taehyung hesitates for a moment at the door, but Jungkook doesn’t let go, guiding him inside.
The room is small, probably just used for storage, and for a moment, they just stand there, breathing heavily.
Jungkook presses a kiss on the prince’s lips before locking the door with a soft ‘click’ and turning back to the elder. Without a word, he sinks to his knees in front of Taehyung, hand’s holding onto his belt.
His head is foggy, too consumed by the desire to make Taehyung feel good, to give him something else he can’t forget about.
He looks up at Taehyung, doe eyed, when the prince’s hand finds its way to Jungkook’s hair. Taehyung’s fingers curl gently into the strands, loosening the mask that’s still sitting on Jungkook’s face and making it slip off.
“Jungkook..” Taehyung whispers, tightening his grip in Jungkook’s hair.
Said man licks his slightly swollen lips, making them glisten with saliva. A grin spreads across them as he leans closer, his fingers taking their sweet time working open Taehyung’s belt.
Taehyung watches him, his breath hitching slightly at seeing Jungkook in such a state.
Jungkook doesn’t wait, his hands quickly loosening the belt and pulling down the elder’s pants. He reaches out to palm Taehyung’s cock through the fabric of his boxers, immediately earning a low groan in response.
It makes a comfortable shiver run down his spine, encouraging him to apply a little more pressure. “Stop teasing, fuck..” Taehyung whispers, looking down at him, but Jungkook just gives him a cocky grin.
“I think I deserve to tease you as much as I want, Prince Charming.”
Taehyung opens his mouth to talk back, but Jungkook quickly pulls down the boxers too and grabs his cock to start planting wet kisses on the tip.
The elder closes his eyes, savoring every moment of Jungkook’s warm mouth around his erection while tightening the grip on the man’s hair.
“Shit, you’re amazing..” Taehyung groans, biting down on his bottom lip to keep himself from being too loud.
Jungkook holds back a proud smile at the praise, slowly taking him in more and more. Ignoring the tears forming in his eyes, he holds the position before sliding it all the way out again and softly licking the head.
“Hyung..” Jungkook whines, looking up at Taehyung to meet his eyes. “Look at me.”
And Taehyung does. He does, as Jungkook lets his tongue slide slowly from base to tip before taking him in as deep as possible, not breaking eye contact once.
“F–Fuck–” Taehyung gasps. “Keep going..”
Trying to ignore the pooling heat in his own stomach, Jungkook keeps going, feeling Taehyung’s cock pulse in his mouth. He breaks away for a moment, a string of saliva connecting his pink lips to the glistening tip, and he starts sucking softly on it.
It’s a gentle motion, but enough to make Taehyung feel like he just entered a whole new universe. Eyes rolling back, he curses quietly while Jungkook continues to deep throat him like it’s the only thing in the world that counts.
Taehyung’s breathing starts to get short and shallow and Jungkook knows he’s close. It only motivates him to keep going as he caresses the base of Taehyung’s cock with his hands.
“D-Don’t stop.. I’m close, shit–”
When those words leave the elder’s mouth, Jungkook takes him in whole, suddenly remembering that getting his suit dirty wouldn't be a good idea.
The next moment, there’s a sudden warmth hitting the back of his throat, almost making Jungkook choke. Taehyung, cursing and tensing up under his touch while the younger man is busy swallowing it all, is making sure not to spill a single drop.
Jungkook slowly pulls back, his breath uneven and lips even more swollen when he looks at Taehyung. For a moment, neither of them speak, both calming their breath.
Taehyung’s hand remains tangled in Jungkook’s hair, fingers brushing through it in an almost absent minded way. Jungkook wipes the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand before getting up and patting his clothes.
Taehyung’s thumb traces a soft line along the younger’s jaw, tilting his chin up slightly. “Come here.” He whispers softly, and Jungkook barely has time to react before the elder leans in to press their lips together into the gentlest kiss.
This time, there’s no urgency, no hunger, just them enjoying each other’s presence. Jungkook lets himself sink into the sweetness of Taehyung’s lips, sighing softly.
When they pull back, the look on Taehyung’s eyes makes Jungkook’s heart weak, his thumb still brushing lightly over the younger man’s cheek. Jungkook bites his lip, suddenly feeling shy.
He clears his throat, quickly reaching down for his mask on the floor. “We should get back before someone notices that you’re gone.” Jungkook murmurs.
Taehyung nods, still looking at him like he’s the only person in the world. “Yeah.” He agrees, watching Jungkook adjust the mask over his face. “You know, I still think we should talk about how–”
They leave the room, returning to the hallway, where guards are rushing through, calling out commands. “Search everywhere! The prince’s mask has been found, he might have been taken!”
Taehyung and Jungkook exchange wide eyed looks, standing there completely frozen while guards are still sprinting past them.
The two stand there awkwardly, Jungkook adjusting his mask nervously while Taehyung tries to step into a corner, but his suit is not really helping his attempt of blending in.
One of the guards briefly glances at them but doesn’t stop, seemingly too preoccupied with shouting something into his earpiece.
Jungkook leans closer to Taehyung, whispering. “They think you got kidnapped?”
Taehyung lets out a soft laugh and runs a hand through his hair. “Apparently. Though they should know better after I snuck out that night.”
Jungkook sighs, but can’t suppress a smile. “You should probably go, we wouldn’t want to cause more drama, hm?”
Taehyung hesitates, clearly not a fan of the idea of parting ways with Jungkook again. “I will.” He nods, his hand brushing against Jungkook’s before stepping away.
“Jungkook.” Taehyung calls, looking over his shoulder. “Thank you. ”
Jungkook just nods, glad that the mask does a somewhat decent job at hiding his flushed face. “You’re not gonna escape that talk we’ll have.” He warns, before he makes his way back to the ballroom.
As soon as he enters, he spots Jimin standing by one of the drink tables. His friend waves him over with an expression Jungkook can’t quite make out.
“Where the hell did you disappear to?” Jimin asks as soon as he is near enough. “You were gone so long I thought you left! Don’t tell me you’ve been hiding all night.”
Jungkook hesitates, trying to come up with an excuse, but Jimin squints his eyes. “I, uh– needed some air, you know how it is.”
Jimin raises an eyebrow. “Air, huh? That’s what they call it now? So it’s just a coincidence I saw you leave with someone in a very not so subtle golden suit?”
Jungkook stiffens. “What?”
“Oh, come on.” Jimin grins and leans closer. “You two disappeared and now you’re back looking all.. Like /that/. What did you do?”
Jungkook’s jaw drops, his cheeks heating up. “What– Nothing! What’s wrong with how I look? I didn’t do anything!”
“Sure.” Jimin grins, crossing his arms. “You expect me to believe that? Taehyung hasn’t texted me all night, so something must’ve happened.”
Jungkook miserably fails at trying to build another sentence, but then freezes. “Wait, how do you know him?”
Jimin blinks, then lets out a sigh. “Okay, so maybe I left out the teeny tiny detail that Taehyung and I are kind of best friends..” He pauses and watches Jungkook’s expression change from shocked to confused. “Oh, and he begged me to make sure you came tonight.”
Jungkook stares, absolutely dumbfounded. “He /what/?”
“Yeah, you know, just begged me to convince you to come, that’s all.”
Jungkook can feel his brain short circuiting. “And you didn’t think to tell me this earlier? Instead you said you don’t believe that we slept together while knowing the whole thing?”
Jimin shrugs, clearly enjoying this too much. “Didn’t feel relevant. Besides, I thought you wouldn’t show up if I told you the purpose of why you should come.”
Jungkook groans. “I don’t even know if I should feel betrayed or thankful right now. Like, at least we’re on somewhat good terms now–”
“Good terms, huh?” Jimin grins.
Jungkook sighs, deciding to ignore it. “But also it’s so much more complicated now? We wanted to talk but then guards came looking for him. Also I kinda wanna crawl into a hole and die?”
Jimin giggles and reaches for his drink. “Complicated? Let me guess.. you two kissed, didn’t you?”
Jungkook’s silence is enough of an answer, making Jimin nearly choke on his drink. “Oh my god, you did more than kiss!”
⚜️⚜️⚜️
If someone asked Jungkook to sum up the events of the past few days, he'd probably have to make it a whole novel. After Taehyung quickly calmed the whole drama about him being ‘kidnapped’, the masquerade went on like normal.
Well, besides the fact that he and Jungkook kept looking at each other all night like teenagers in love, Jimin groaning every time. When it was time to leave, Jungkook had begged his friend to see Taehyung again, which resulted in Jimin holding a speech to enable them to sneak off.
Truth be told, they don’t know how to move forward, but going with the flow seems more easy than planning everything out. And that’s also what they agreed on doing, at least for now.
Jungkook sits back on his bed, his laptop open in front of him, showing Taehyung’s face on the screen. The soft lighting in Taehyung’s room makes him seem even more dreamy, and Jungkook can’t help but smile.
Taehyung leans in closer to the camera, his eyes lighting up when he sees Jungkook. “You’re so cute.” he says, his voice almost a whisper. “I still can’t believe this is real.”
Jungkook feels a warm blush creep up his cheeks at the compliment. “Stop, I’m not even doing anything..” he mumbles, rolling onto his side, his face turning a shade darker.
Taehyung laughs “No, but you’re just.. adorable. I don’t think you realize it.”
Jungkook looks down at the bed, trying to hide the smile tugging at his lips. “You’re cheesy..” he says, voice soft with affection. “But.. it’s sweet. Hearing that from you, I mean. A nice change from being left at the hotel.”
Taehyung’s expression turns more serious. “You said you’d stop bringing this up!” Taehyung whines, only making Jungkook giggle at how easy it is to irritate the elder.
He pauses, his voice quieting. “I know you’re joking around but I still feel horrible. I just- I really like you.”
Jungkook’s heart races at the words, and he swallows, trying to find the right words. “I like you too, it’s just.. new for me..? I didn’t expect to be in this situation at all, especially with everything that’s going on with you. But I absolutely won’t stop bringing that up.”
Taehyung sighs, shooting him a playfully mad look. “Idiot.”
Jungkook shifts. “But how is this supposed to work? With everything going on with your family, your engagement..” He hates to be the one to ruin the mood, but he knows he has to stay realistic.
Taehyung’s face turns more serious. “I don’t know, I’m still figuring it out. But what I do know is that I won’t let you go.”
Jungkook nods slowly. “I don’t want to hold you back, Taehyung. I really don’t. But I need to know where I stand. I don’t want to get caught up in some kind of scandal or get you in trouble.”
There’s a long pause before Taehyung finally speaks, voice low. “That won’t happen. I promise we’ll figure it out together step by step. I’ll make sure of it.”
Jungkook takes a deep breath, not sure how it will all work. But Taehyung is right, they can take things one step at a time.
“Okay.” Jungkook says quietly. “I trust you.”
As soon as Jungkook finishes speaking, a loud knock comes from the door, followed by it swinging open. Hoseok steps in, grinning.
“You’re still FaceTiming?” He asks. “I’ve been single my whole life, and Jungkook’s been in Korea for, what, two months? And now he’s dating the literal prince?”
Jungkook jumps, quickly sitting up in bed, his face turning red. “Hobi, please- Shh!” he mutters, glancing at the laptop, hoping Taehyung didn’t hear.
Hoseok grins, leaning against the doorframe. “Shhh? I’ve been waiting years for something to happen around here, now you’re here and boom.” He practically beams with excitement. “But hey, at least send me an invite to the wedding. Promise I won’t steal his spotlight, but I’m a good dancer.”
Jungkook groans, his face burning. But he can’t help laughing at Hoseok’s ridiculousness. “Stop it, I haven’t even-” he cuts off, sighing.
His agreement with Taehyung not to tell anyone failed quickly when Hoseok overheard him and Jimin talk about it. “I’m not even dating him. We’re.. exploring, not putting a label on it.”
Hoseok raises an eyebrow. “You’ve been acting all cute and couple like, and now you’re saying you don’t wanna label it? I’m just waiting for the wedding invitations at this point.”
Jungkook drops his head into his hands. “Hoseok, I swear-”
Taehyung chuckles softly, his eyes staying on the screen. “Hoseok, stop teasing him, the poor boy will cry.” He says laughing, trying to calm Jungkook. “It’s still a work in progress, but we’ll manage.
Jungkook feels the heat in his face increase, but it’s not all from embarrassment. He shoots Hoseok a pained look.
“Just /really/ don’t tell anyone.” Jungkook says seriously.
Hoseok shrugs, hands up. “I got you, I got you. No one will find out about you.”
“Thanks.” Jungkook mutters, giving him a smile before glancing back at the screen. “So, um, I’ll text you later, right?”
Taehyung smiles, nodding. “Yeah. Talk soon.”
The call ends, and Jungkook lets out a sigh of relief. Hoseok, of course, is still standing there, grinning from ear to ear. “So.. how’s it feel to be a royal prince’s secret? I was thinking of writing a fic about it.”
Jungkook throws a pillow at him, groaning as he flops back onto the bed. “You’re impossible.”
Hoseok just laughs, dropping in the chair near the desk. “But seriously, you okay? I can only imagine this is a lot to handle.”
Jungkook doesn’t answer right away, staring at the ceiling. He’s still unsure about everything, but he wants to be with Taehyung. He wants to trust him, even if it’s all messy right now.
“I don’t know, Hoseok. I really don’t know what’s going to happen.” he admits quietly. “But I’m trying to trust him.”
Hoseok leans forward, his teasing expression softening. “If you trust him, then it’ll work out. But you’ve gotta figure it out together, okay?”
Jungkook nods, a small smile appearing. “Thanks, hyung.”
“Anytime.” Hoseok stands up and heads for the door, pausing to glance back at Jungkook. “By the way, if you marry him, I’m definitely your personal assistant. I could drop out of college and still be rich, just-“
Jungkook throws a pillow at him again, trying to hold back his laugh. “Now go!”
Jungkook flops back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. As much as he hates to admit it, he knows Hoseok is right. /How does it feel to be the prince’s secret?/ It was a joke, sure, but it hits a little closer to home than he’d like.
And if he’s already feeling like this after not even a week of ‘dating’, then how would he feel after a few months? Or when Taehyung’s engagement comes closer?
Could this even work in the long run?
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Jungkook sits in the corner of a small cafe, his book and laptop ready for a study season. He checks the time and frowns. Jimin is late.
They were supposed to meet to study half an hour ago, and while he knows that Jimin isn’t punctual, the elder usually texts him at least.
Jungkook sighs, pulling out his phone to send another message when he sees from the corner of his eye that someone is approaching. He looks up, ready to scold Jimin, and freezes.
“Surprise.” Taehyung says, slightly pulling down the mask that’s covering his face. His smile is wide, boxy, and Jungkook just blinks, his mouth repeatedly opening and closing.
Jungkook’s jaw drops. “What– What are you doing here?” He sits up straighter, and he can’t help looking around the cafe, afraid of someone recognizing the elder.
“I heard you had plans to study.” Taehyung replies, his grin wide when he sits down across from him. “And Jimin may have.. shared the location.”
“Are you serious?” Jungkook hisses, trying to keep his voice down. “What if someone sees you?”
But Taehyung just shrugs casually. “That’s why I’m wearing a hat and mask.” He says, gesturing to his face. “Don’t I look mysterious?”
Jungkook stares at him, not knowing whether he should be amused or shocked. “No, you look like a celebrity trying not to stand out. Spoiler alert, it’s not working.”
Taehyung chuckles, leaning back in his chair. “I missed you.” He suddenly says in a more quiet voice.
Jungkook feels his face heat up, something that he has gotten used to happening when being with the elder. “You saw me two days ago.” He mumbles, picking at the corner of his notebook.
“That was on FaceTime, so it doesn’t count.”
“I didn’t expect to see you in person so soon again.” Jungkook mumbles, eyes big. “Not that I’m complaining.”
“I know.” Taehyung replies. “But I wanted to see you. And honestly, I needed a break.”
“I missed you too.” There’s a few moments of silence between them and Jungkook makes use of it by taking a sip of his iced americano. “Is everything okay?”
Taehyung nods slowly. “Yeah, just.. A lot of things are piling up. And my parents aren’t particularly happy about me sneaking off at the masquerade, so let’s just hope they won’t find out about this.” He looks up, meeting Jungkook’s eyes.
“Being here with you feels normal. And I like that.”
Jungkook’s heart does a little flip. “I guess I’m pretty normal.” He jokes, not knowing what else to say. “Hm, not to me.” Taehyung’s lips curve into a small smile.
Jungkook doesn’t know how to respond, so he takes another sip of his drink. The silence between them isn’t awkward, and it feels like Jungkook can see Taehyung for who he really is.
Not just the prince, but a person trying to figure out how to handle his duties and.. whatever they have going on.
“So..” Taehyung says after a moment “What are we doing?”
Jungkook snorts, shaking his head. “Well, if you’re going to sit here, you might as well make yourself useful. Jimin was supposed to help me with this.” He says, pushing one of the notebooks toward Taehyung.
The elder glances at it, eyebrows furrowing. “You mean I’m taking Jimin’s place? Dunno if I can handle this responsibility.”
“Yeah, sure.” Jungkook rolls his eyes. “Now, what does Prince Charming know about business statistics?”
Taehyung leans back in his chair, dramatically placing a hand on his chest. “Ah, you hurt me. I came here for quality time and you’re making me do math?”
“You came here uninvited.” Jungkook points out, holding back a giggle as he flips open the notebook. “And I have to get this done, so..”
Taehyung sighs, leaning forward again. “Alright, explain it to me. What are we looking at?”
Jungkook blinks, trying to figure out if Taehyung is serious. When he doesn’t back down, Jungkook begins explaining the problem.
“So wait.” Taehyung interrupts, frowning. “If X equals this thing, and Y equals that, then why can’t we just.. make up a number in the middle?”
“Because that’s not how statistics work.” Jungkook says, snorting.
Taehyung grins. “Well, I could propose we declare it the royal number and move on.”
Jungkook opens his mouth to say something, when the cafe door jingles again, making him look toward the sound. His breath catches for a moment when he notices a couple of people standing near the counter, looking their way.
Taehyung notices it too, putting a hand on top of Jungkook’s. “Hey.” He says softly. “Don’t worry.”
Jungkook nods, but he still feels a little uneasy. “Maybe we should wrap this up.” He murmurs, closing his notebook.
Taehyung looks disappointed for a moment but quickly hides it with a smile. “We could just go somewhere else.” Jungkook looks at him, hesitant. “Are you sure? I really don’t wanna get you into trouble or–”
Taehyung cuts him off with a wave of his hand. “It’s fine. Honestly, I’d rather spend some time with you somewhere less.. Crowded.”
Jungkook chews on his lip, thinking. “There’s a park not too far from here. It’s usually quiet at this time.”
Taehyung perks up immediately. “Perfect, let’s go.”
It doesn’t take long for them to reach the park, the soft crunching of leaves filling the quiet. Jungkook keeps his hands shoved in his jacket pockets, trying to steal subtle glances at the elder.
Their arms occasionally brush against each other, and each time it happens, Jungkook feels a tiny jolt in his chest. He hesitates, biting his lip.
Should he? Would it be weird? Too soon? His fingers twitch in his pocket while debating whether to reach for Taehyung’s hand.
Taehyung doesn’t seem to notice Jungkook’s struggle.
Or so Jungkook thinks, because the next time their arms brush, Taehyung slows down a little, sliding his hand into the pocket of Jungkook’s jacket.
Jungkook freezes for half a second before glancing up, his heart pounding. Taehyung’s gaze is fixed ahead, but it’s obvious he’s holding back a small grin. “It’s cold.” He says casually. “Your pocket looked warm.”
Jungkook blinks. “You could’ve just said you wanted to hold hands.”
“Could say the same thing about you.” Taehyung glances at him, chuckling.
Jungkook tries to act normal, but his ears are burning, and he knows his face must be bright red too. In an attempt to be a little more confident, squeezing the elder’s hand.
The moment is interrupted by a buzz of Taehyung’s phone. Jungkook looks up at the sound and Taehyung sighs, reluctantly pulling his hand out of the pocket to check the screen.
“My chauffeur’s here.” Taehyung mumbles, not sounding too happy. “I have to go. I bribed him so he’d keep quiet, I don’t wanna test his patience.”
Jungkook nods, holding back a laugh at the thought of Taehyung bribing an old guy. “Okay.”
Taehyung hesitates for a moment, looking down at him. “I had a really good time.” He says softly. “Sorry I wasn’t any help with your homework.”
“Me too.” Jungkook says, his voice barely above a whisper. “And don’t worry, I’ll just force Hobi to help me.” He smiles while stuffing his hands deeper into his pockets, unsure of what to do now.
Taehyung smiles, taking a step closer. “Come here.”
Before Jungkook can process, Taehyung leans in and wraps his arms around him tightly. It takes a moment before Jungkook returns the hug, enjoying the warmth radiating from Taehyung.
When the elder pulls back, he pulls his mask back up, though Jungkook can tell he’s smiling by his eyes. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”
Jungkook nods, managing a small smile. “Okay.”
He watches Taehyung walk off toward a black car parked nearby. Taehyung turns back before climbing into the car, waving at the younger man.
Jungkook waves back, his hand still feeling warm from holding Taehyung’s. When the car starts driving off, he turns around and starts walking home.
He knows he must look ridiculous, smiling to himself like an idiot, but he doesn’t care.
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Taehyung sits at the huge table, silently picking at his food. His parents sit at the opposite end, their expressions a mix of disapproval and frustration.
“You /have/ to take this seriously, Taehyung.” his father says, cutting through the silence.
He places his fork down and turns his full attention to his son. “Meeting Lady Min Jihye isn’t optional. It’s part of your responsibility as the crown prince.”
Taehyung exhales sharply, his appetite now completely gone. “I already told you, I don’t want to marry her. Or anyone else you try to set me up with.”
His mother’s grip on her wine glass tightens, her lips pressed into a thin line. “You don’t have a choice in this. You think your feelings matter more than the future of this kingdom?”
“I’m not saying that!” Taehyung’s voice rises slightly, but he quickly clears his throat.
He pushes his plate away and sits back in his chair. “I’m saying I can’t marry someone I don’t even know, someone I don’t /want/. I don’t care if she’s perfect on paper or if it’s what’s expected of me.”
His father leans forward, his tone growing colder.
“You don’t care? Taehyung, you’ve been reckless for weeks. Sneaking out of the castle, lying about where you’ve been. You spent an entire night at a /hotel/, and then you disappeared at the masquerade ball. People thought you got kidnapped. Do you know what that looks like?”
Taehyung tightens his grip on the edge of the table, trying to keep his composure.
“I know.” he mutters, his voice low. “I /know/ I messed up. But none of this would’ve happened if you just gave me room to breathe! I’m not some puppet you can parade around.”
“Room to breathe?” his mother repeats, setting her glass down with a little more force than needed.
“You’ve had more than enough freedom. And now, you want to cancel your meeting with Lady Jihye? You’re acting like a child, Taehyung. You don’t realize the damage you’ve already caused.”
Taehyung is about to talk back when a knock echoes through the room. An assistant enters hesitantly, holding a tablet. He bows low before approaching the table.
“Your Majesties.” the assistant begins, his voice nervous. “I apologize for interrupting, but you need to see this.”
He places the tablet between the king and queen, and they lean in to look at the screen. Taehyung watches as their expressions shift.
His mother’s lips part in shock and his father’s face is filled with fury.
“Is this.. from the masquerade?” the queen asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
The assistant nods. “Yes, Your Majesty. It’s circulating widely. There are rumors that Prince Taehyung disappeared with someone for over thirty minutes during the event. This is why the guards suspected a kidnapping.”
Taehyung’s heart skips a beat. He leans forward slightly, catching a glimpse of the footage. Though the quality is poor, it clearly shows him slipping out of a side door, Jungkook closely behind.
His father slams his fist on the table, making the silverware clatter. “You’ve gone too far this time, Taehyung. Do you realize the damage this will do to our reputation? People think you were kidnapped, now there’s footage of you running off with some man?”
Taehyung forces himself to breathe. “It’s not what it looks like.” he says carefully. He knows there’s no way to explain without revealing too much. And he won’t drag Jungkook into this mess.
The queen narrows her eyes at him, her voice cold. “Then /what is it/, Taehyung? Who is that man with you? Why did you leave the ball with him?”
Taehyung swallows hard, his fists clenching under the table. “It’s none of your business.” he says finally.
“None of our business?” his father repeats, his voice echoing through the whole dining room.
“You’re the crown prince, Taehyung! Everything you do reflects on this family. And now, thanks to your recklessness, there’s a scandal we cannot afford to have.”
Taehyung meets his father’s gaze, refusing to back down. “You want me to take responsibility? Fine. I’ll handle the scandal myself. But I’m not going to be forced into marrying someone.”
His parents are stunned into silence, taken aback by Taehyung’s anger.
“Taehyung-”
But he doesn’t let them finish. He pushes his chair back, the legs scraping against the floor, and storms out of the room.
Taehyung slams the door behind him as soon as he enters his room. His heart pounds in his chest, while the words from his parents echo in his head.
He locks the door and leans against it, his hands shaking slightly. He can’t stay here. The pressure is too much, and he feels suffocated by his own room.
He looks over at the window, and without thinking, he moves toward it. Opening the window, a wave of fresh air hits his face, and he takes a deep breath. The calmness of the night should help him calm his mind, but it doesn’t make him feel any better.
Taehyung climbs out the window with no issue, knowing exactly where the guards are and when they’ll be making their rounds. He moves quickly through the garden, careful not to make any noise or being caught looking like a burglar in his mask and hat.
After what feels like an eternity, when he’s far away from the castle. he pulls out his phone and dials Jimin’s number.
“Tae? What’s going on?” Jimin’s voice is tired, like he’s just woken up.
“I need Jungkook’s address.” Taehyung says, his voice a little out of breath.
There’s a long pause on the other end. “Why? What happened?”
“I just.. I need to see him.” Taehyung replies quietly.
Jimin sighs, clearly confused but agreeing. “Fine. But don’t do anything stupid, got it?”
After a few moments, Jimin sends him the address, and Taehyung hangs up without another word. He calls a cab, gets in as soon as it arrives, and makes his way to Jungkook’s place.
The ride feels long, but it doesn’t matter. The whole time, Taehyung’s mind is elsewhere, thinking about his parents’ angry faces.
When the cab pulls up in front of Jungkook’s building, Taehyung hesitates for just a second before finally getting out. His palms are sweating, and his heart is still racing, but he knows he can’t go back now. He rings the bell and waits.
Hoseok answers the door, eyes widening when he sees Taehyung standing there.
“Uhm- Your Highness?” Hoseok says, clearly surprised.
“Just Taehyung.” he replies, his voice soft. “Is Jungkook here?”
“Uh, yeah” Hoseok says, stepping aside. “Come on in.”
Taehyung follows him hesitantly, slowly walking behind him. Jungkook appears a moment later, his face resembling a big question mark when he sees Taehyung standing there. “Taehyung?” Jungkook asks, raising an eyebrow.
“First at the cafe, and now you’re here? Stop or I’ll get used to it.” He laughs lightly, but his smile fades when he sees the look on Taehyung’s face.
Taehyung doesn’t say anything. He steps forward and wraps his arms around Jungkook tightly, burying his face in his neck.
Jungkook freezes for a second, surprised, but then slowly relaxes into the hug, his hands resting on Taehyung’s back.“I.. can I stay the night?” Taehyung whispers against his skin.
Jungkook pulls back slightly, looking at him with concern. “What happened?”
“I just don’t want to be alone tonight.” Taehyung answers, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jungkook nods slowly, knowing not to push any further. “Sure. Of course you can stay.”
Hoseok, still standing nearby, raises an eyebrow at the situation. “Do I need to get the royal guest room ready?”
Taehyung manages a tired smile before taking off his mask and hat. “No, the couch will be fine.”
Jungkook shakes his head. “You’re sleeping in my bed.” Before Taehyung can protest, Jungkook places a finger on his lips, shushing him. “With me.”
Taehyung looks at him for a long moment, his heart thumping in his chest. “Thanks.” he says quietly after Jungkook removes his finger.
Jungkook leads him to his room, and as they pass by, Hoseok mutters something under his breath, but Taehyung doesn’t hear it. He’s too focused on Jungkook. On the way his hair is slightly messy, sticking up in a few places like he’d been lying down before Taehyung arrived.
On how his oversized sweater practically swallows him, the sleeves covering his hands completely, leaving only his fingertips peeking out. It’s unfair, really, how someone can look so effortlessly perfect.
Jungkook opens the door to his room, stepping aside to let Taehyung in first. Taehyung stops for a second, taking in the small, cozy space.
It’s so different from the grand, overdecorated rooms back at the castle. There’s a desk pushed against the wall with a few scattered notebooks and a laptop, a small bookshelf overflowing with video games, and a bed that takes up most of the room.
It feels lived in. Comfortable.
“Sorry it’s kind of a mess.” Jungkook says, scratching the back of his neck and quickly kicks some of his things on the floor out of the way.
Taehyung shakes his head, stepping inside. “It’s perfect.” he says softly, and he means it.
Jungkook pulls a spare blanket from the corner and sets it on the bed. “You can borrow some clothes if you want. Might be a bit tight on you, though.” He grins a little, trying to lighten the mood.
Taehyung glances down at his own clothes. He’s still dressed far too formally for someone who just climbed out of a palace window. “Thanks. Anything’s fine.”
Jungkook rummages through his drawer and pulls out a hoodie and some sweatpants before handing them over. Their fingers brush for a moment, and Jungkook’s hand lingers before he quickly pulls it back, his ears turning pink.
“The bathroom’s just down the hall, you can’t miss it.” Jungkook says, clearing his throat. Taehyung changes quickly, folding his old clothes neatly and placing them on the chair in the corner.
When he comes back, Jungkook’s already sitting on the bed, scrolling through his phone with his back leaning against the headboard. He looks up, and for a moment, neither of them says anything.
“Feel better?” Jungkook asks.
Taehyung nods, sitting down on the edge of the bed. The hoodie is soft and smells faintly of detergent and Jungkook.
They sit in silence for a moment, the kind that isn’t uncomfortable, but Taehyung’s mind starts racing again.
Jungkook shifts slightly, patting the spot next to him. “You can lie down if you’re tired.”
Taehyung hesitates, but then he moves closer, slipping under the blanket Jungkook put there earlier. The bed is small, and they’re lying shoulder to shoulder, close enough that Taehyung can feel the warmth coming from Jungkook.
“Thanks.” Taehyung whispers, turning his head to look at him.
Jungkook glances over, meeting his eyes with a smile. “You don’t have to thank me.”
Taehyung wants to say more, to explain everything, but the words catch in his throat. So instead, he just watches Jungkook.
The way his lashes cast faint shadows on his cheeks, the slight pout on his pink lips when he focuses on his phone again. It’s just too endearing to watch.
Eventually, Jungkook sets the phone aside, letting out a soft sigh. He turns his head slightly, their faces just inches apart now. “You okay?”
Taehyung nods, but his heart is racing. “Yeah. Just.. glad I’m here.”
“Anytime.” Jungkook says, his voice soft.
The room falls quiet, the only sound being the faint hum of the TV in the living room. Taehyung’s eyes grow heavier and the exhaustion starts slowly catching up to him.
But before he’s about to drift off, he feels Jungkook shift slightly.
A moment later, their fingers brush under the blanket, and then Jungkook’s hand wraps loosely around his. Taehyung’s lips curve into the faintest smile, his hold tightening just a little in return.
And for the first time that night, his chest doesn’t feel so heavy.
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Jungkook wakes up slowly, the light of the sun coming in through the curtains. He feels something warm next to him, and it takes a second to realize it’s Taehyung.
They’re tangled together, with Taehyung’s arm draped over his waist. Jungkook freezes for a moment, his heart skipping a beat.
Taehyung shifts slightly, his nose bumping against Jungkook’s shoulder, and Jungkook bites back a giggle. His hair is messy, curling softly at the edges, and his lips are slightly parted. Jungkook wants to move, but he doesn’t want to wake the elder.
Then Taehyung stirs, his eyes fluttering open. For a second, he looks confused, but then his gaze lands on Jungkook, and he smiles. “Good morning.” His voice is deep and raspy, making Jungkook’s stomach flip.
“Morning.” Jungkook smiles back, trying to act normal even though his face feels hot. “Did you sleep okay?”
Taehyung hums, stretching lazily without letting go of Jungkook. “Better than I have in a long time.” His hand lingers on Jungkook’s side for a moment before he pulls it back, propping his head up on one hand instead.
They stay like that for a while, just looking at each other, the silence comfortable.
Jungkook wants to say something, but he doesn’t know what. His eyes flicker to Taehyung’s lips, and for a second, he thinks-
A loud knock on the door makes them both jump.
“Jungkook!” Hoseok’s voice cuts through the moment. “You two aren’t skipping breakfast, are you? I’m making pancakes.”
Jungkook groans, dragging a hand down his face. “We’ll be out in a bit, hyung!” Taehyung chuckles, rolling onto his back. “Saved by the knock, huh?”
Jungkook throws him a glare but can’t hold back a smile. “Who says I wanted to be saved?”
Taehyung blinks at him, a bit caught off guard by the answer, but then he grins, his expression softening. “You’re cute, you know that?”
Jungkook’s ears turn red, and he quickly looks away, grabbing Taehyung’s hand without thinking. “Shut up.”
Taehyung lets him take his hand, watching Jungkook absentmindedly play with his fingers. He traces over the lines on Taehyung’s palm, presses lightly on the pads of his fingertips, and twirls his rings.
“Wanna talk about yesterday?” Jungkook asks after a moment, his tone quieter now.
Taehyung hesitates but nods. “I just.. had a fight with my parents.”
Jungkook glances up, his fingers stilling. “About what?”
Taehyung sighs, staring up at the ceiling. “About the engagement. They want me to meet her soon.”
“Oh.” Jungkook doesn’t know what else to say. Although the elder already told him briefly about it, it feels weird now that it’s so close.
It was something he’d have thought to be in the future, not something to worry about at this very moment.
Taehyung looks at him, his expression unreadable. “I told them I didn’t want to meet her. I told them I’m not interested in.. that.”
Jungkook nods slowly, his grip on Taehyung’s hand tightening just a bit. “That must’ve been hard.”
“It was.” Taehyung’s voice is soft, but there’s a hint of frustration. “They didn’t take it well. Said I was being reckless. Brought up the hotel, the masquerade.. dunno if sneaking out again was a good idea.”
Jungkook winces. “I’m sorry.”
Taehyung shakes his head. “It’s not your fault. I just.. I didn’t want to be alone last night. So, thanks for letting me stay.”
Jungkook looks down at their joined hands, his thumb brushing over Taehyung’s knuckles. “You can always stay. You know that, right?”
Taehyung doesn’t answer right away, but when he does, his voice is quieter than before. “Thanks, Jungkook.”
Jungkook doesn’t let go of Taehyung’s hand, his fingers curling slightly to hold on. “You’re warm..” Jungkook murmurs, almost to himself, his gaze fixed on their hands.
Taehyung’s lips twitch into a small smile. “Then don’t let go.”
Jungkook looks up at Taehyung, his cheeks slightly pink. “So..what are you gonna do now?”
Taehyung exhales deeply, his head leaning back against the pillow. “I don’t know.” He’s silent for a moment, then turns his head to look at Jungkook.
“I feel like everyone at home is against me. They don’t care about my interests, about what I want. I know I’m not being the best prince for this country either but that doesn’t justify their actions.”
Jungkook doesn’t say anything right away. He looks at Taehyung, taking in the slight furrow of his brows, the tiredness in his eyes. It’s strange seeing him like this, so vulnerable and unsure.
“I think..” Jungkook starts, then hesitates.
Taehyung raises an eyebrow. “You think what?”
“I think you’re handling it better than you realize.” Jungkook says, his voice soft. “I mean, you stood up for yourself. You left because you needed space. That takes courage.”
Taehyung blinks at him, and for a moment, he doesn’t say anything. Then he huffs a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “You’re way too optimistic, you know that?”
Jungkook shrugs. “I’m just saying what I think.”
Taehyung hums, his thumb brushing over Jungkook’s hand absentmindedly. “And I think I made the right choice coming here.”
Before Jungkook can reply, Hoseok’s voice echoes from the kitchen again. “Jungkook! Pancakes are getting cold!”
Jungkook groans, flopping back against the pillow. “Hyung’s gonna kill me if we don’t go out there soon.”
Taehyung chuckles, sitting up slowly but still holding onto Jungkook’s hand. “We wouldn’t want that. Besides, I’m starving. I don’t think I’ve had a proper meal since yesterday.”
Jungkook sits up too, glancing at their joined hands. He hesitates for a moment, then clears his throat, letting go and rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah, let’s go before he drags us out.”
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Jungkook stares at his phone for the fifth time within 30 minutes, unlocking it and checking the chat with Taehyung.
No texts. No calls. The last message still sits there from two days ago.
‘Thank you again for letting me stay, talk to you soon <3’ He remembers how his heart raced when the message popped up after Taehyung left.
But since then, nothing.
He’s tried not to let it bother him. Taehyung probably has a lot going on, right? Being a prince comes with responsibilities Jungkook can’t even imagine. But still, the silence is messing with his head.
“Hey.” Hoseok’s voice pulls him out of his thoughts. Jungkook looks up to see his hyung leaning in the doorway, arms crossed. “You’ve been staring at that thing like it owes you money.”
Jungkook quickly locks his phone and shoves it into his hoodie pocket. “I’m not.”
“Uh-huh.” Hoseok walks over and sits on the arm of the couch. “Still nothing from Prince Charming?”
Jungkook sighs, running a hand through his hair. “No. I mean.. it’s only been two days, but-”
“But you’re going crazy.” Hoseok raises an eyebrow.
Jungkook groans, burying his face in his hands. “I’m not! I don’t know! It’s just.. he’s the one who said he wanted to give us a chance. So why isn’t he texting me?"
Hoseok hums thoughtfully. “Maybe he’s in trouble. You said he had that big fight with his parents before he came here, right? And Jimin mentioned they were pissed about him sneaking out again.”
Jungkook lowers his hands, frowning. “You think they grounded him? Or.. I don’t know, punished him or something?”
“Maybe. They’re probably watching him like hawks now. Could explain why he’s keeping his distance.”
“Yeah, maybe..” Jungkook says, but his chest still feels tight. Hoseok grabs the remote and turns on the TV. “Stop overthinking. If he’s interested, he’ll reach out. If not-”
Jungkook glares at him. “He /is/ interested.”
Hoseok smirks, tossing a pillow at Jungkook’s head. “Fine, whatever you say.”
The TV screen flickers on, filling the room with noise. It’s the news, some upbeat music playing over an image of a breaking story. Jungkook barely glances at it until he hears a name that freezes him in place.
“-Prince Taehyung was spotted dining with Lady Min Jihye last night.” the anchor announces, her voice professional.
Jungkook sits up straighter, his eyes fixed on the screen. The news cuts to a photo of Taehyung and a stunning woman sitting across from each other at a fancy restaurant.
Taehyung looks as calm and elegant as ever, dressed in some kind of expensive outfit, a faint smile on his face. The caption below reads: ‘Prince Taehyung and Lady Min Jihye - Engagement News?”
“Rumors of a possible engagement continue.” the anchor continues. “The two were seen in deep conversation, fueling speculation that the royal family is moving forward with plans for the prince’s future. We’re excited for an official statement”
Jungkook’s stomach sinks. His hands clench into fists at his sides while the screen flashes more photos from the same night.
“Damn.” Hoseok mutters, glancing at Jungkook. “Guess that explains why he’s been offline.”
Jungkook doesn’t respond. He feels like someone just punched the air out of his lungs.
“You good?” Hoseok asks, tilting his head. “Yeah-“ Jungkook says quickly, standing up. “I just.. I need some space.”
Without waiting for a response, he walks out of the living room and shuts the door to his room behind him.
He sits on the edge of his bed, his mind races. He knows Taehyung’s life is complicated, and knows this was probably something his parents forced on him.
But seeing those photos, that perfect smile Taehyung gave someone else, hurts.
Jungkook picks up his phone and stares at their empty chat again. His fingers hover over the keyboard, but he doesn’t type anything. Instead, he tosses the phone onto his pillow and lies back, staring at the ceiling.
The day drags on, way too slow for his liking. Jungkook avoids Hoseok’s knowing looks and spends most of his time holed up in his room, scrolling aimlessly on his phone.
Every time he opens his chat with Taehyung, his fingers itch to send a message, but he doesn’t type anything. What would he even say? ‘Why haven’t you called? Are you getting married?’
The questions feel too heavy to send. Too personal for someone he’s suddenly not even sure anymore he has a right to be upset with. It’s ridiculous how he fell for his stupid promise.
When the day nears its end, Hoseok knocks softly on his door. “Jungkook? You wanna talk?”
Jungkook doesn’t answer.
Hoseok sighs. “Okay. I’ll be in the living room if you change your mind.”
Jungkook stays quiet until he hears Hoseok walk away. He closes his eyes, his mind replaying the images from the news. Taehyung looked so at ease with her. So natural.
A knot tightens in his chest, frustration building until it feels like he might burst. Finally, he sits up and grabs his phone. He doesn’t check their chat this time. Instead, he opens Jimin’s contact.
/Jungkook: hey, can I ask you something?/
The reply comes almost instantly.
/Jimin: sure, what’s up?/
Jungkook hesitates. He doesn’t want to sound jealous or desperate, but the words type out before he can stop himself.
/Jungkook: did taehyung say anything to you about meeting someone? lady min jihye?/
This time, Jimin takes longer to reply. Jungkook stares at the screen, the three dots taunting him.
/Jimin: oh/
/Jimin: you saw the news?/
/Jungkook: yeah./
/Jimin: look, I don’t know the full story, but it’s probably nothing. you know how his family is, they’re always pushing him to meet people/
/Jungkook: so he didn’t tell you anything?/
Another pause.
/Jimin: not really. I mean, he mentioned something about a dinner, but I figured it was just his parents forcing him./
Jungkook exhales, his chest feeling a little lighter. But the knot doesn’t completely go away.
/Jimin: don’t overthink it, okay? Taehyung’s under a lot of pressure/
/Jungkook: yup, i know /
/Jimin: he really likes you a lot/
He puts his phone down and lies back on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Jimin’s words help, but only a little. Because at the end of the day, Taehyung still hasn’t reached out.
The next morning, Jungkook forces himself out of bed. He doesn’t bother checking his phone. It’s too early to hope for a text or call and frankly, he doesn’t want to feel even more ridiculous.
He joins Hoseok in the kitchen, where breakfast is already on the table.
“Morning.” Hoseok says cautiously, watching him sit down.
“Morning.” Jungkook mumbles, picking at his food.
Hoseok lets the silence linger for a bit before speaking. “You okay?”
Jungkook shrugs. “I don’t know. Maybe I overestimated whatever this is.”
Hoseok looks at him for a moment before sighing. “Look, Jungkook. I don’t know what’s going on with him, but you’re not wrong to be upset. If he cares about you, he should let you know what’s happening. Being the prince doesn’t give him a pass to do whatever he wants."
Jungkook nods, but he doesn’t say anything.
Just when his hyung is about to respond, there’s a knock at the door. “I’ll get it.” Hoseok says, standing up.
Jungkook doesn’t think much of it until he hears Hoseok’s surprised voice.
“What are /you/ doing here?”
Jungkook’s head snaps up. He jumps to his feet when Hoseok steps aside, revealing Taehyung standing in the doorway.
He’s dressed casually in a hoodie and jeans, but there’s something different about him. His shoulders are tense and his expression unreadable.
“Hey.” Taehyung says softly, his eyes locking onto Jungkook.
Jungkook crosses his arms, glaring at Taehyung from across the room. “You’ve got a lot of nerve coming here.” Taehyung flinches at the tone, and he seems like he’s unsure whether to step inside or leave. “I know.”
“Do you?” Jungkook steps forward, his voice rising slightly. “You disappear for days. Ignore my messages. Then I see you on the news, looking all cozy with Lady Min Jihye. And now you show up here like it’s nothing?”
Taehyung closes the door behind him slowly, meeting Jungkook’s eyes. “It’s not nothing.”
Jungkook scoffs, throwing his hands up. “Right. So what is it, then? You show up to explain why you’ve been avoiding me? Or maybe to tell me you’re engaged now?”
Taehyung’s jaw tightens, but he doesn’t look away. “I told her I can’t marry her.”
Hoseok’s gasps, making the both of them look at him and he decides it’s best to let the two of them talk it out by themselves.
When Hoseok disappears into his room, Jungkook closes his eyes for a second, the words sinking in. “What?”
“I told her no.” Taehyung repeats, his voice steadier now. “At the dinner. I told Lady Min Jihye and my parents that I can’t marry her.”
Jungkook stares at him, his brows furrowed together. “Why? We both know it’s not that easy, you can’t-“
Taehyung steps closer, his gaze softening. “Because I’m in love with someone else.”
The words hang in the air between them, and Jungkook’s heart skips a beat, but he forces himself to keep calm. “Don’t say that just to make me forgive you.”
“I’m not.” Taehyung says, shaking his head. “I never felt like this for anyone, and we never labeled what we are, so I just..“
Jungkook shakes his head, taking a step back. “Then why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you text me back or call me? You left me here, wondering if I was just some.. some fling you could forget about.”
“You’re not a fling, and you know that.” Taehyung says, his voice almost desperate now. “I didn’t know how to talk to you after everything. I didn’t want to scare you off by telling you how I feel about you. My parents were furious, and I thought.. staying away would keep you out of the mess.”
Jungkook narrows his eyes. “Do I look like I care about their anger? You should’ve told me, I deserve that at least! I’m starting to get tired of this.”
Taehyung sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I know. I was stupid. I thought I was protecting you, but I just made things worse. I’m sorry, Jungkook.”
The sincerity in his voice slowly melts Jungkook’s defenses. He looks away, clenching his fists at his sides. “I don’t know if I can just.. trust you. Will it always happen like this? You doing something stupid and me forgiving you?”
Taehyung nods slowly, accepting the blow. “I get it. I do. But I’m here now because I’m willing to do whatever it takes to show you that I mean what I said.”
Jungkook lets out a bitter laugh. “And what happens when your parents find out about me? About us? Are you just gonna disappear again? Or are you going to decide I’m not worth the trouble?”
“They already know.” Taehyung admits, his voice quieter.
Jungkook blinks. “What?”
“They know.” Taehyung repeats. “About us. About you. Me disappearing at the masquerade made them suspicious, so I confirmed their suspicions during the dinner.”
“And?”
“And I don’t care.” Taehyung says firmly. “I don’t care what they think or say. I told them I’m not marrying Jihye, and I’m not giving you up. And whatever it is that we have.”
Jungkook’s chest tightens at the words. He wants to believe him, but the fear of being hurt won’t stop. “Taehyung..” he starts, his voice barely a whisper.
Taehyung steps closer, closing the distance between them. “You don’t have to forgive me right away. But please.. let me prove to you that I mean it. That I’m not going anywhere this time.”
Jungkook searches his face, looking for any sign of doubt or insincerity. He finds none. After a long pause, he finally exhales and drops his arms. “You better not screw this up.”
A small, relieved smile tugs at Taehyung’s lips. “I won’t. I promise.”
Jungkook stands rooted in place, his chest rising and falling while Taehyung inches closer. Jungkook’s jaw is clenched tight, his arms hanging stiffly at his sides like he’s holding himself back from fully believing the elder’s words.
“I really mean it.” Taehyung says, noticing Jungkook is still being torn. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Jungkook exhales sharply, shaking his head. “You’re such an idiot..” he mutters, though his voice has lost its anger.
Taehyung huffs out a breathy laugh. “So I’ve been told.”
“That’s not funny.”
“I know.”
Taehyung takes another step closer, his hands fidgeting like he’s waiting for a signal.
Jungkook doesn’t move. His heart is racing, his pulse loud in his ears, and every logical part of him is screaming that it’s naive to trust him so fast again.
When Taehyung lifts a hand, brushing his fingers against Jungkook’s cheek, Jungkook’s breath catches. He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t pull back.
“Tell me to stop, and I will.” Taehyung says quietly, his eyes searching Jungkook’s face.
Jungkook doesn’t. He can’t. His gaze flickers to Taehyung’s lips for a second, and that’s all Taehyung needs.
Taehyung leans in, slow enough for Jungkook to change his mind, to push him away. But Jungkook doesn’t. When their lips meet, it’s soft and hesitant, like neither of them wants to rush it.
Jungkook freezes at first, but the warmth of Taehyung’s lips against his own is enough to help him relax. His eyes flutter shut, and his fingers reach out, grabbing onto Taehyung’s shirt.
The kiss deepens, slow and unhurried. Taehyung’s hands slip to Jungkook’s waist, holding him. It’s nothing like the kisses they had shared until now, yet it’s everything he didn’t know he needed.
When they finally break apart, their foreheads are pressed together, both of them breathing hard.
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Jungkook tries not to let his nerves show while the black car slowly goes up the long, winding driveway aiming at the castle.
“Taehyung, this is a bad idea.” Jungkook mutters under his breath, looking out the window as they approach the gates. “I can’t do this.”
Taehyung, sitting calmly beside him, just glances over with a small, reassuring smile. “You’ll be fine. My parents aren’t as bad as they seem.”
“Yeah, they only control the fucking country-“ Jungkook says, barely able to suppress his nervous laughter. His hands are sweaty, his heart racing. The moment they pull up to the entrance, Jungkook’s stomach sinks.
He can barely look at the giant stone walls, the perfect lawns, the whole thing.
It feels like a fever dream that only a few days ago, he was sure that he and Taehyung were over, and now he’s meeting his parents. Not to mention how they still haven’t talked about what they are.
Dating? Taking it slow?
The chauffeur opens the door, and Jungkook takes a deep breath. “Okay, I’m not gonna throw up. I’m not gonna throw up-“ he mumbles to himself, gripping the doorframe to steady himself.
Taehyung chuckles softly, clearly amused by Jungkook’s anxiety. “You’re going to be fine. I’m here the whole time.” he repeats, sliding out of the car. “Come on.”
Jungkook hesitates for a moment, then reluctantly follows Taehyung out, his legs feeling like jelly.
As soon as he steps through the entrance, it’s hard not to feel out of place. Everything here is pure perfection, like it belongs in a museum.
They make their way further inside the castle, the massive doors swinging open to reveal the grand foyer.
It’s all marble floors and gold chandeliers, and everything feels far too expensive for someone like Jungkook to even breathe in.
Taehyung turns to him, offering a reassuring smile. “It’ll be okay, I got you.”
Jungkook forces a smile, trying to calm his nerves, but his heart’s still pounding. “Yeah, right. I’m supposed to just waltz in there and tell the King and Queen I’m in love with their son, and hope they don’t throw me out the window.”
“You’re overthinking it.” Taehyung says, still trying to reassure him. “They just want to see you’re serious.”
“Well, I’m serious, but they’re the King and Queen!” Jungkook’s voice rises a little and he lets out a whine. “This is a nightmare.”
When they finally reach the main hall, Jungkook tries to adjust his posture, in an attempt to stand taller and look more confident, but he feels like he’s failing miserably.
He’s still wearing his casual clothes, the oversized hoodie and jeans he always wears. Something tells him this was his number one most stupid idea.
They stop just outside a massive set of double doors. Jungkook’s throat feels dry, his palms sweating again. “Taehyung, I don’t think I can do this. I’m just.. I’m not like you. I don’t fit in here. I don’t belong in this world.”
Taehyung turns to face him, his eyes soft. “You belong here because you belong with me. And if you don’t fit in, that’s okay. I don’t expect you to change for anyone, least of all my parents. Just be yourself.”
Jungkook swallows hard, trying to calm the nervousness. “I don’t know if I can just be myself in front of them. What if they don’t like me? Or if they hate me?!”
Taehyung smiles warmly, a little chuckle escaping his lips. “I don’t think there’s a single thing they could hate about you.” He steps forward, cups Jungkook’s face and places a soft kiss on his lips.
“Come on. Let’s just get this over with.”
With a deep breath, Jungkook nods. His stomach feels like it did a 360, but he knows he can’t back down now. Taehyung leads him through the doors, and the moment they walk into the hall, everything feels even more overwhelming.
The King and Queen are seated at the head of a long table, looking like something out of a history book. They’re dressed incredibly, quite literally screaming royalty, and for a moment, Jungkook freezes in place, unsure of what to do.
Taehyung doesn’t hesitate for a second. He walks straight toward his parents, greeting them. Jungkook follows hesitantly behind, his heart thudding in his chest.
The queen’s eyes flicker over Jungkook as they approach, her gaze cold. She’s beautiful, elegant and the way she looks at him makes Jungkook want to disappear.
The king’s expression is somewhat unreadable, and Jungkook doesn’t know if that’s a good sign or if he should run.
“Mother, Father.” Taehyung says respectfully, bowing slightly. “This is Jungkook.”
The queen raises an eyebrow but says nothing, her gaze still fixed on Jungkook. The king watches for a moment, his lips pressed together in a thin line.
After a long, heavy pause, he finally speaks, his voice deep. Now Jungkook at least knows where Taehyung got it from. “So, this is the young man who’s captured our son’s attention.”
Jungkook’s stomach churns. and straightens up, forcing himself to speak. “Yes, Your Majesty. It’s an honor to meet you.”
The queen’s lips twitch ever so slightly, but she says nothing. Instead, she looks at Taehyung.
“You’ve brought him here without much of an introduction, son. Do you think this is wise?”
Taehyung doesn’t back down. “I believe it is. I’m not asking for your approval, but I am asking for your understanding. Jungkook means a lot to me.”
Jungkook’s heart skips a beat at the way Taehyung says it, like it’s so simple, so sure. He glances nervously at the king and queen, who are both watching him like they’re waiting for him to explain himself.
Jungkook’s palms sweat again, but he stands tall, trying to meet their gaze. “I care about Taehyung a lot. I know I’m not the person you expected for him, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he’s happy.”
The queen doesn’t seem convinced. “And how do you plan on handling the public, young man? The press will be relentless once they hear about this.”
Jungkook clenches his jaw, trying not to let the pressure overwhelm him. “I can’t control the public’s reaction, but I’m not going to abandon him if that’s what you’re implying. I’ll face whatever comes.”
There’s a long silence. The king and queen exchange glances. Finally, the king speaks again, his voice softer but still firm. “We will see. I believe you have made your intentions clear, but actions speak louder than words.”
Jungkook nods, trying to keep his cool. “I understand, your majesty. And I’ll prove that I’m serious.”
The king and queen exchange one final look, and then the king nods slightly. “You may go, but you’ll stay for dinner.” he says in his deep voice and it’s a command rather than an invitation.
Jungkook’s stomach sinks. Stay for dinner? He’s not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing. He can’t even think straight right now.
Taehyung smiles at his parents, nodding. “Thank you, Mother. Father.” Then he turns to Jungkook, offering a reassuring smile. “Let’s go.”
When they walk away from the grand hall and they’re far enough for Taehyung’s parents not to hear, Jungkook can’t help but mutter under his breath, “I think I totally messed up. They hated me.”
“No, they didn’t.” Taehyung says, squeezing his hand gently. “You did great, honestly.”
Jungkook glances up at Taehyung, shaking his head. “I don’t know. The way they looked at me..” Taehyung lets out a soft laugh, nudging him. “If they hated you, they wouldn’t have invited you to dinner.” He looks over at Jungkook with an affectionate smile.
“They just wanted to see if you‘re serious about being my boyfriend. And you are. Trust me, you did great.”
Jungkook stops dead in his tracks, eyes wide with disbelief.
“Wait, wait- did you just say the b word?” Jungkook’s face turns bright red. “Serious about being /your boyfriend/?” He stammers, clearly caught off guard. “Like.. official /boyfriend/, boyfriend?!” He stutters a bit, his expression a mix of shock and confusion.
Taehyung smiles, at the panic rising in Jungkook’s voice. “Yeah, that’s what I said. You didn’t think about it?”
Jungkook groans dramatically, throwing his hands up in the air. “I mean, of course, I thought about it! But-” He pauses, whining while he tries to find the right words.
“I thought you’d, like, put in some effort! Like, I dunno, think of something cute or so. Maybe, like.. ask me /properly/?” He narrows his eyes. “You can’t just drop the ‘boyfriend’ bomb like that on me without, I don’t know, a little buildup.”
Taehyung stares at him for a moment, the smile on his lips turning into a laugh. “You’re cute when you get all dramatic, you know that?”
Jungkook huffs, still trying to wrap his head around it all. “I’m not being dramatic, I’m being /romantic/. I’m supposed to get some kind of.. special moment, not just a casual conversation in a hallway, Taehyung!” He pauses, frowning.
“I’m just saying, Prince Charming could’ve done a little more to make me feel special. You don’t deserve that nickname anymore..”
Taehyung looks down at him, biting his bottom lip. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
Taehyung pushes the door open, gesturing for Jungkook to walk in first. Jungkook hesitates, but curiosity gets the best of him. The moment he steps inside, he feels his jaw drop.
The room is huge, easily twice the size of Hoseok’s entire apartment. The walls are lined with shelves holding books, decor and art that Jungkook doesn’t even have time to fully process.
In another corner, there’s a massive four poster bed with covers out of rich fabrics, which is near tall windows that let in the golden evening light.
“Damn.” Jungkook breathes, spinning slowly to take it all in. “This is your room? It’s like.. a suite in a five-star hotel.”
Taehyung laughs softly, closing the door behind him. “You were expecting less from /Prince Charming/?”
Jungkook turns, narrowing his eyes. “You mean the same Prince Charming who can’t even ask someone to be his boyfriend properly? Yeah, maybe I was expecting less.”
Taehyung’s grin widens. “Told you I’ll make it up to you.”
“I know you will.” Jungkook grins, crossing his arms as he sits on the edge of Taehyung’s bed.
The mattress is so soft it practically swallows him. He bounces lightly, taking it in before looking at Taehyung again. “No but like, you could’ve, I don’t know, gotten down on one knee or something. Maybe brought me flowers? Or chocolates?“
Taehyung chuckles as he walks over to Jungkook, standing in front of him. He tilts his head, his voice dropping just a little. “You’d really want me to get on my knees for you, Jungkook?”
Jungkook gasps and looks away quickly, fumbling for a comeback. “Y-you know what I mean! Don’t twist my words!”
Taehyung smirks, clearly enjoying how flustered Jungkook is. “I know what you mean.” he murmurs, leaning down so their faces are closer. His hands rest casually on Jungkook’s knees. “Want me to get down on my knees for you, darling?”
/Darling./
“That’s not what I-“
Taehyung's smirk softens just a little, his fingers still lingering on Jungkook's knees.
"But you’re right," he murmurs, tilting his head, his voice dropping. "I should make it special."
Jungkook blinks up at him, confused.
"W-what are you talking about?"
"Flowers, chocolates, a big speech. You deserve it all.” Taehyung continues, his gaze dipping briefly to Jungkook's lips before meeting his eyes again. "And maybe even.." He leans in closer, his lips brushing against Jungkook's temple in the faintest of kisses. “..a kiss here."
Jungkook's breath hitches, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When Taehyung pulls back just slightly, Jungkook thinks that's it. But then he feels Taehyung's lips press softly against his cheekbone.
"..And here," Taehyung whispers, his voice warm and deep.
"T-Taehyung..” Jungkook stutters, his hands clutching at the edges of the bed, unsure if he wants to push Taehyung away or pull him closer. “What are you doing?"
"What I should've done sooner.” Taehyung replies simply, his hands sliding up from Jungkook's legs to his waist. His thumbs brush lightly against the hem of Jungkook's shirt. "Making you feel special."
Jungkook opens his mouth to respond, but the words get caught in his throat when Taehyung leans down again, this time kissing just below his jaw. "And here." Taehyung murmurs, his lips lingering against the sensitive skin for a moment longer than necessary.
"Tae..” Jungkook whines, his voice barely above a whisper. His face is on fire, his mind racing in a thousand directions at once.
"You can't just-"
"Can't what?" Taehyung asks, his tone teasing. He shifts lower, brushing Jungkook's shirt away slightly and kissing just above his collarbone. "Kiss you everywhere? Make you mine properly?"
Jungkook shivers, his fingers gripping the bedspread tightly. "You're-" He stops, his voice shaky. "You're being too much."
Taehyung chuckles softly, his hands traveling to Jungkook's waist again. "You deserve 'too much’, darling." His fingers toy with the waistband of Jungkook's pants, and he glances up, giving Jungkook a moment to stop him.
When Jungkook stays frozen, wide-eyed and flustered Taehyung gently tugs the fabric down, exposing more of Jungkook's skin.
"You're shaking..” Taehyung murmurs, his voice softening as he presses a kiss to Jungkook's hip, just above the edge of his boxers. "Relax, Jungkookie. l've got you."
Jungkook's breath stutters, and he forces himself to glance down at Taehyung, who’s slowly sinking to his knees in front of the bed.
The sight nearly undoes him, Taehyung's hands firm on his thighs, his dark eyes steady and full of something that makes Jungkook's heart race.
"This okay?" Taehyung asks, his voice quieter now, careful.
Jungkook hesitates, his lips parting as if to answer, but instead he just nods. His voice is shaky when it finally comes out. “Y-yeah."
Taehyung smiles, and it's so warm and genuine that Jungkook feels his nerves ease just slightly. "Good.” he whispers, leaning in to press another kiss just below Jungkook's navel. "Let me take care of you, Jungkookie."
Taehyung's fingers hook under the waistband of Jungkook's pants, his movements slow, giving Jungkook plenty of time to stop him.
But Jungkook doesn't. He can't.
He's frozen in place, his chest rising and falling with shaky breaths while Taehyung tugs the fabric down inch by inch.
"See?" Taehyung murmurs when the pants slip past Jungkook's knees, his voice as smooth as honey. "Nothing to be nervous about." He glances up, his gaze warm but piercing, and Jungkook swears his entire body flushes under that look.
"T-Taehyung.” Jungkook stutters, his voice trembling as he clutches the sheets. His legs press together instinctively, but Taehyung gently parts them, head between his knees.
"It's okay.” Taehyung soothes, his hands skimming over Jungkook's thighs, his touch feather light. "You're so tense, baby. Relax for me, yeah?"
Jungkook lets out a shaky laugh, his head tipping back slightly as he tries to process what's happening. "Easy for you to say.” he mumbles.
Taehyung chuckles softly, leaning in to press a kiss to the soft skin of Jungkook's inner thigh. "You're so soft here.” he murmurs, his lips brushing against the pale skin.
"Almost forgot how good you feel."
Jungkook's breath catches audibly, his legs twitching slightly under Taehyung's hold. "Tae-“ he whines, his hands gripping the bedspread tighter. "You're- you're teasing me."
"Am I?" Taehyung asks innocently, his lips curving into a smirk against Jungkook's skin. He presses another kiss higher up, his tongue flicking out briefly before he follows it with a soft nip.
"Ah!" Jungkook gasps, jerking slightly at the sensation. His hands fly to his face, covering his burning cheeks as he squeezes his eyes shut. "You- don't bite me!"
"Why not?" Taehyung hums, his thumbs caressing the sensitive skin just above Jungkook's knees. "You taste sweet, Jungkookie. Like milk and honey."
Jungkook groans, hiding further behind his hands. "You can't just say things like that!"
“But it’s true" Taehyung says, his voice a mixture of teasing and affectionate. His lips trail higher, leaving open-mouthed kisses along Jungkook's inner thighs. When he bites again-this time softer, more gentle? Jungkook’s breath hitches, his whole body trembling.
"T-Tae-“ Jungkook whines, his voice breaking.
Taehyung doesn't say anything else, letting his hands trail along Jungkook's waist and down to his hips. His fingers slip under the elastic of Jungkook's boxers, tugging them down with the same slow deliberation as before.
Jungkook lets out a shaky breath, his head tilting back when the cool air meets his bare skin.
When Jungkook tries to lift himself slightly, instinctively helping Taehyung pull the fabric away, he stops himself halfway, his breath hitching as the reality of their closeness sinks in.
Sure, they already had sex. Even after just meeting a few hours prior. And yes, he sucked Taehyung’s dick at the masquerade with no problem.
But somehow, being in this situation, feels different. He feels more exposed, more vulnerable.
Taehyung glances up, catching the flicker of hesitation in Jungkook's eyes.
"Shh.” he murmurs softly, his tone soothing. "You're perfect, baby." He presses another kiss just above Jungkook's knee, then trails lower, his warm breath ghosting over sensitive skin.
Jungkook tries to say something, anything, but his voice fails him, the words dissolving into a soft whimper as Taehyung pushes his thighs further apart.
The feeling of Taehyung's hands on him sends a shiver up his spine. Taehyung dips his head lower, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of Jungkook's thigh.
His tongue flicks out, warm and wet, tracing slow circles against the tender flesh. Jungkook's hands clutch at the bedsheets, his knuckles turning white while a soft gasp escapes his lips.
When Taehyung's tongue moves lower, skimming the curve of Jungkook's ass, the sensation is almost too much. Jungkook’s whole body tenses, his toes curling as heat floods through him.
"H-hyung-" he starts, his voice trembling, but the words die in his throat as Taehyung presses an open-mouthed kiss against the delicate skin.
The first feeling of Taehyung's tongue against his hole catches him off guard, hot and slick, and Jungkook's hips jerk involuntarily. The sensation is overwhelmingly soft and wet, almost teasing as Taehyung's tongue glides against him.
Taehyung's hands tighten on his thighs, holding him steady, and the pressure makes Jungkook's head spin.
Jungkook's breath comes in uneven pants, his fingers curling into the sheets as he tries to hold still, but it's impossible. His body arches slightly, chasing more of the feeling.
Taehyung hums softly against him, the vibrations sending another jolt of heat through Jungkook. He swears he hears Taehyung mutter something, but he's too far gone to make sense of it.
All he can feel is Taehyung's mouth, and it’s pure heaven.
Jungkook bites his lip hard, trying to stifle the whimper building in his throat, but it escapes anyway. It’s a high, broken sound that has Taehyung pulling back just enough to murmur. “You sound so good, baby."
Jungkook doesn't respond, can't respond. His head falls back against the pillows, his vision blurring as Taehyung's mouth finds him again, his fingers and tongue working him open.
Jungkook’s body trembles uncontrollably, his breathing ragged as Taehyung continues to tease him with slow, wet strokes of his tongue. Every flick, press, and swirl feels like it starts a fire that spreads through every nerve in his body.
Soft whimpers escape Jungkook’s lips, growing louder with each passing moment. “Tae- Tae, I can’t-” he gasps, his voice breaking as his thighs tremble under Taehyung’s grip.
But Taehyung doesn’t stop. If anything , he doubles down, his tongue working against him with a precision that leaves Jungkook completely unraveled.
“Ah- ahh, oh my god-“ Jungkook moans, his voice high pitched. He’s desperate, lifting his hips slightly to feel Taehyung even deeper.
His nails dig into the soft fabric as his body begins to tighten and heat starts pooling in his lower belly. “Tae, I’m-” he tries to warn, but the words come out broken.
His back arches when he finally reaches his high with a choked moan. “Tae- oh, fuck, Taehyung!” Jungkook cries out, his voice loud, filling the room as his thighs tighten around Taehyung’s head.
The intensity of his orgasm leaves him gasping for air, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
It takes a moment for Jungkook to realize what’s just happened, and when he does, his face turns bright red.
He quickly puts a hand over his mouth, trying to suppress the soft whimpers still spilling out as the aftermath of his high leaves his body sensitive and overstimulated.
“Oh my god..” he whispers, his voice barely audible. “I wanted to warn you-“ He whines, closing his eyes, embarrassed by probably messing up the sheets.
Taehyung finally lifts his head, his lips glistening as he looks up at Jungkook. He leans forward, brushing his hands soothingly along Jungkook’s trembling thighs.
“Jungkookie.” Taehyung murmurs, his voice soft and calming. “don’t be ashamed.”
Jungkook shakes his head, covering his face with his hands. “I– oh my God, I’m so loud..” he groans, his voice muffled behind his palms.
Taehyung chuckles softly, leaning up to kiss Jungkook’s wrist, gently prying his hands away from his flushed face. “That’s what you’re worried about? That was the hottest thing I’ve ever heard, and you’re embarrassed?”
“Y-Yeah I mean- fuck, no one has ever done that before..”
“Feel good?” Taehyung asks.
Jungkook nods, his face flushed and his body still trembling slightly from the aftermath of his orgasm. “Yeah..” he whispers. “I feel.. really good.”
Taehyung’s smile widens, and he reaches up to brush a strand of Jungkook’s damp hair away from his forehead. “Good.”
But when the younger man makes a weird face, Taehyung tilts his head, laughing faintly. “What?”
“N-nothing!” Jungkook blurts, turning his head away quickly, his hands fumbling to tug at his shirt, which feels unbearably sticky against his skin. “It’s just- uh-” He pauses, grimacing. “Okay, um, this is kind of gross, but I really, really need a shower. And.. maybe a clean shirt?”
Taehyung blinks, his smirk softening into an amused laugh as he sits back on his heels. “Oh, right.” he says, looking at Jungkook’s crumpled, stained hoodie with a playful grin. “Guess I got a little carried away, huh?”
“A little?” Jungkook mutters, covering his face with one hand as he tries to stifle his embarrassment. “Could’ve at least taken off my hoodie.”
Taehyung stands, offering Jungkook his hand. “Come on,” he says, tugging Jungkook to his feet. “I’ve got a bathroom right here, and I’ll find you something to wear while you clean up.”
When Jungkook steps out of the shower, he feels like a whole new person. He wraps a towel around his waist and walks back into the room, where Taehyung is standing by the door with fresh clothes.
“Feeling better?” Taehyung asks, handing Jungkook the clothes.
Jungkook nods, a little sheepish. “Yeah, thanks.” He takes the clothes from Taehyung, quickly pulling the shirt over his head. It’s a little too big, but it’ll do.
Taehyung steps closer, his gaze shifting from Jungkook’s eyes down to the white shirt, then back up with a smirk.
“You know..” he says, voice low and teasing, “I usually never have my dessert before dinner, but I think we could do this more often.”
Jungkook’s stomach flips at the words, but he rolls his eyes, trying to act unaffected. “A little warning next time would be nice, though.” Taehyung chuckles, stepping back to let Jungkook finish changing. “I’ll keep that in mind. But, we should get going, dinner’s waiting.”
“One sec.” Jungkook finishes changing, smoothing out the shirt and giving it a quick glance in the mirror. It feels comfortable, but he can’t stop thinking about everything that just happened.
Taehyung, still dressed perfectly, leans against the doorframe with a knowing grin. “You good to go?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
Jungkook nods, though his face is still flushed. “Yeah, let’s go.” he mutters.
As they walk toward the door, Taehyung slips an arm around Jungkook’s waist, pulling him in close. “You don’t have to be nervous about dinner, you know.” he says quietly, his breath warm against Jungkook’s ear. “They already like you.“
Jungkook just nods, though he feels a nervous knot in his stomach. “Yeah, but still..” he trails off, glancing at Taehyung as they head down the hall. “I just can’t believe you just did.. /that/ and now we’re heading to dinner with your parents.”
Taehyung laughs softly, giving him a quick squeeze. “Oh, well.” He winks. “Can’t say you didn’t like it.”
Jungkook giggles. “Well, duh. I just feel like I can’t look them in the eyes now.
“If everything goes wrong, just give them your sweetest smile. It made me fall for you, so I’m sure it’ll do wonders for them too.” Taehyung grins, pressing a soft kiss on his cheek.
“You’re cheesy.”
Dinner starts off fine, with casual small talk and a meal that’s way too fancy for Jungkook to feel comfortable eating. Most of the main courses go by without much further talk, making them both relax.
But just when Jungkook’s starting to think he might survive this when the queen places her utensils down and looks at him.
“So, Jungkook.” she starts, her tone monotone. “Tell us about your time at Heaven’s Gate in Canada.”
Jungkook freezes, fork halfway to his mouth. He feels Taehyung stiffen beside him, and he’s pretty sure his soul just left his body.
“I-“ Jungkook stammers. “How do you-“
“We ran a background check.” the king simply says. “It’s standard for anyone who gets close to the royal family. We need to ensure there are no.. surprises.”
“Heaven’s Gate is a strip club, isn’t it?” the queen continues with a sharper tone. “Do you think that’s appropriate for someone who wants to date the crown prince?”
Jungkook’s face starts burning, and he just blurts out whatever comes to mind first. “I was a server! Not a dancer! I just needed the money while I was in school. It was-”
“Mom.” Taehyung interjects, his voice firm. “Seriously?”
The queen looks at him, her brow arching. “I’m simply asking if he thinks it’s fitting.”
“And I’m asking why it matters.” Taehyung says and he sits up straighter. “You think Jungkook planned his whole life so he could check all the boxes to date me? He was just trying to get by, isn’t that something you’d respect? Because I do.”
Jungkook looks at Taehyung, wide-eyed. He doesn’t know what’s more shocking, the background check, or the fact that Taehyung is defending him with no hesitation.
“Taehyung.” the king warns, but Taehyung isn’t done.
“No, I mean it.” Taehyung says, his voice rising slightly. “You wanted to see if he was serious about me? Fine. But don’t make it seem like his life choices disqualify him or something. I’m in love, and that’s all you need to know.”
The room falls into an awkward silence, and feels like he might actually melt into the chair.
The queen clears her throat. “We’re simply trying to ensure you understand the weight of your position, Taehyung.”
“And I do.” Taehyung says, his voice calming down a little. “But Jungkook isn’t the one who needs to prove anything to me.”
Jungkook looks down at his plate, appetite completely gone, and fights the urge to just get up and get away as far as possible.
“Jungkook.” the queen says, directly to him instead of talking to him through Taehyung.
“You must understand that this isn’t personal. Being with the crown prince comes with immense responsibility, and we need to know that you’re prepared for everything it brings.”
“I-“ Jungkook pauses, feeling his throat tighten. His voice is small when he finally speaks. “I understand.”
“No, Mom.” Taehyung’s voice stops his mother from continuing. “You don’t get to make him feel like he’s not good enough because of some job he took years ago. He’s not here to prove anything to you, or to anyone else.”
The queen’s eyes narrow slightly, but she doesn’t respond.
“You’ve done your background checks. Fine. You know everything there is to know about him. But you know what else you should know?” Taehyung leans forward, his gaze unwavering. “He’s kind, smart, hardworking, and funny. Oh and, he makes me fucking happy. Isn’t that what you should care about?”
The king clears his throat, his deep voice breaking the silence. “Taehyung.”
Taehyung glances at his father but doesn’t back down. “I mean it. You wanted to see if Jungkook’s serious about me? Well, surprise surprise, this isn’t a fling. And if you can’t accept him because of some outdated idea of ‘suitability,’ then that’s on you.”
Jungkook’s eyes widen, his heart pounding as Taehyung sits back, looking at his parents. He’s not sure what to say, or how to even process what’s happening.
The queen looks at Jungkook for a long moment before sighing softly. “We only want the best for you, Taehyung.”
“And I have the best.” Taehyung says, sighing.
The queen’s remains lingers on Jungkook, but just when he thinks the conversation might move on, she speaks again. “There is one more thing.” she says. “Jungkook, you came to Korea to study, correct?”
Jungkook nods quickly, unsure of where this is going. “Yes, your majesty.”
“And yet.” she continues. “your record suggests you’ve had.. interruptions in your academic pursuits. Time spent working, instead of studying. Do you think that’s fitting for someone who wishes to be a partner to the crown prince?”
Jungkook blinks, completely thrown off. “I- well, I only worked because I had to support myself. My scholarships didn’t cover everything, and I didn’t want to burden my family.”
“Exactly.” Taehyung cuts in, his voice like ice. “You’re criticizing him for being responsible? For taking care of himself instead of relying on others?”
“It’s not about that, Taehyung.” the queen replies, her gaze steady. “It’s about readiness. A relationship like this comes with immense pressure. Jungkook might not fully understand the sacrifices required.”
“I think I understand more than you give me credit for.” Jungkook says, his voice quieter but firm.
The queen’s eyes widen, ready to talk back, but Taehyung doesn’t let her. “Mom, stop.” he says. “You’re acting like Jungkook is some random guy off the street. He’s here because I want him here. He didn’t come looking for me. I brought him into this.”
“Taehyung.” the king warns.
But Taehyung doesn’t back down. “You’re worried about what people will say? About appearances? Let’s address the real issue. It’s not his job history or his studies you’re worried about. It’s the fact that I’m dating a man. Isn’t it?”
The room goes still. Taehyung’s parents don’t respond immediately, but the shift in their expression says enough.
“I thought so.” Taehyung says bitterly, his voice dropping. “You’ve been dancing around it all night, but let’s just get it out there. Korea doesn’t allow same-sex marriage, and now your crown prince is dating a guy. That’s what’s really bothering you, isn’t it?”
“That’s not fair.” the king says, leaning in.
“Isn’t it?” Taehyung challenges, his eyes flashing. “You’re worried about the monarchy, about public opinion, but have you thought for one second about what I want? About how I feel? Or does that not matter as long as the palace image is intact?”
“Tae..” Jungkook whispers, placing a hand on his arm, but Taehyung doesn’t stop.
“I’ve spent my entire life doing what you’ve asked. Being the perfect son, the perfect prince. And for once, I’ve found someone who makes me happy, and you want to pick him apart because he’s not ‘fitting’ enough for your standards? That’s ridiculous.”
The queen looks away, her expression unreadable, and the king exhales deeply, rubbing his temples.
“This isn’t about us trying to control you.” the king says finally. “It’s about ensuring the future of the monarchy. Whether you want to admit it or not, public perception matters. And, this relationship will face challenges both for you and for Jungkook.”
“I’m not scared of that.” Taehyung shakes his head. “And I’m not scared of what people think. If they have a problem with me loving him, that’s their problem, not mine.”
“Think about it carefully, Taehyung.” the queen says after a moment, and something about her tone makes Jungkook shudder. “Because once this becomes public, there’s no going back.”
Taehyung doesn’t hesitate. “And my answer won’t change.”
⚜️⚜️⚜️
It’s been a few days since the dinner, and as much as Jungkook tries to not let himself get affected, he fails. He knows that Taehyung standing up to his parents is a big thing, but he also knows that it can’t go on like that forever.
After all, they still rule the country, and he knows that they wouldn’t let someone like Jungkook risk its future.
Tae <3: a car is waiting outside, I’ll see you at the palace.
Jungkook frowns at the message, staring a hole into his screen. He hasn’t been back to the palace since the dinner that shall not be named, and Taehyung’s weirdly polite text is making him nervous.
Frankly, he knows that their relationship has had way more downs than ups, yet giving them up doesn’t feel like an option. He quickly puts on his shoes and steps outside, only to spot a car parked right by the curb.
The driver side window rolls down, and Jimin leans out. “Hop in, lover boy.” He grins at Jungkook, but something about it feels off.
Jungkook raises a brow and slides into the passenger seat, giving Jimin a questioning look. “They sent /you/ to pick me up? Didn’t know being the prince’s friend came with that duty, but go off.”
Jimin snorts, pulling away from the curb. And Jungkook cringes when the tire screeches. “What can I say? I’m a pro at everything.”
Being full of himself is the most Jimin thing, but just like with his grin, it doesn’t feel natural. Jungkook frowns, and he lets his gaze wander around.
Jimin is gripping the wheel like his life depends on it, and not once does his smile reach his eyes. “You okay?” Jungkook asks and he tilts his head to get a better look at his friend.
“Me? Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” Jimin glances at him, sounding completely fine, and if it wasn’t for the slight panic in his eyes, Jungkook would believe him.
He shrugs, leaning back in his seat. “I dunno.. You just seem distracted. Did Tae piss you off?”
Jimin huffs a nervous laugh, eyes now fixated on the street. “No, he didn’t piss me off. I’m just.. thinking about stuff, I guess.”
Jungkook narrows his eyes, not convinced. “What kind of stuff?”
The elder doesn’t answer right away, seemingly lost in his thoughts, before he turns to meet Jungkook’s eyes with a weak smile. “You know Taehyung really cares about you, right?”
The moment those words leave Jimin’s mouth, Jungkook freezes and his stomach drops. “Oh my god. Did something happen to him? Is he dead?”
Jimin makes an emergency stop and his head snaps toward Jungkook, his eyes wide. “What? No, of course not! Jesus, Jungkook, calm down!”
“Then why are you acting all cryptic and weird?” Jungkook whines, holding his chest dramatically. “You scared the shit out of me, Jimin! And your emergency stop didn’t exactly help.”
“I’m /not/ acting weird. And no one’s dead.” Jimin argues, slowly continuing to drive. “I’m just.. never mind. Forget it.”
“No way!” Jungkook says, crossing his arms. “You don’t get to drop a bomb like ‘Taehyung really cares about you’ and then tell me to forget it. What’s going on?”
Jimin sighs and avoids Jungkook’s eyes, his fingers nervously tapping against the steering wheel when they come to a stop at a crossing. “Look, it’s nothing serious. I’m just.. thinking about how everything’s changing, you know? With Taehyung, with you. That’s all.”
Jungkook stares at him, trying to figure out if he’s telling the truth, but for that, he doesn’t know Jimin well enough. “You sure that’s it?”
“Positive.” Jimin says, forcing a grin. “Stop worrying. You’re going to the palace, not prison.”
Jungkook relaxes a little but still watches Jimin and his reactions to what he says. “I was only there once and it felt like a prison, but sure..”
They drive the rest of the way with the radio running in the background, giving him only more time to worry about what’s to come. He already gave up on trying to get the information out of Jimin, so he just sits there quietly, looking out the window.
When they pull up to the palace gates, Jimin leans back with a small smile. “Alright.” he says, nodding toward the entrance. “We’re here.”
Jungkook hesitates, studying him for a moment longer. “You’re sure everything’s okay?” Jimin waves him off. “Go, Jungkook. You’re overthinking.”
With a sigh, Jungkook gets out of the car, looking up at the palace. Jimin gives him a thumbs-up through the open window, but it doesn’t exactly make him feel better.
The car pulls away, leaving Jungkook standing there alone.
It feels strange. Last time he was here, Taehyung was by his side, showing him the way through the halls and making the whole thing feel less overwhelming. At least a bit.
But now, being there all by himself, makes him feel uncomfortable. For a moment, he considers running back to his apartment and pretending this never happened.
Sounds like a plan, right?
Before he can take a step, a guard approaches. “Mr. Jeon?” Jungkook nods, swallowing hard.
“This way.” the guard says, voice monotone, before he turns around to show the way. Jungkook follows him through the somewhat familiar marble halls, his sneakers making the only sound.
He doesn’t ask where they’re going, partly because he’s not sure he wants to know. Most of the theories he came up with don’t exactly have a good outcome, causing his thoughts to go crazy.
Why didn’t Taehyung meet him at the door? Why did the text sound so distant?
He expects to be led to Taehyung’s room, but instead, the guard stops in front of a large, carved door that Jungkook definitely recognizes. His stomach turns.
“The king and queen are waiting for you.” the guard says, and without waiting another moment, pushes the door open.
Jungkook freezes, and his pulse quickens so much, he’s pretty sure he might pass out any moment. Before he has any more time to process what’s happening, he’s pushed inside, the door closing behind him.
Everything seems like last time. The room is made of all dark wood, decorated with heavy curtains, with Taehyung’s parents seated at the far end of a long table.
And there, sitting a little away from them, is Taehyung.
Jungkook’s heart skips at the sight of him. He looks.. regal. Intimidating. Not at all like the guy he met that night in Hongdae. He seems completely untouchable in his perfectly fitting suit.
Before Jungkook can say anything, Taehyung’s eyes immediately find his, the look in them sending a shiver down his spine. Has he been crying?
“Jungkook.” the queen says, her tone cold like last time. “Please, take a seat.”
He hesitates and decides to look at Taehyung, who gives him a small nod that at least reassures him a tiny bit.
Reluctantly, Jungkook sits down across from Taehyung, trying to steady his shaky hands when he places them on the polished wood of the table.
“We wanted to speak with you.” the king begins. “About the future.”
Jungkook’s throat tightens. That doesn’t sound good. He knew getting his hopes up was wrong, knew that the rulers of Korea wouldn’t let that slide.
Taehyung shifts a little, his hand curling into a fist on the table. “We’ve already talked about this.” he says in a low voice, not looking at his parents.
The queen just sighs, and Jungkook can’t really make out what she’s thinking. “Yes, Taehyung, we did. But Jungkook also deserves to know exactly what’s at stake, don’t you think? We-“
“What’s at stake?” Jungkook blurts out without thinking, his voice cracking slightly.
The king leans forward, his gaze locked on Jungkook, who mutters a small ‘sorry’ for interrupting.
“As you’re aware, Taehyung is the crown prince. His responsibilities to this nation come before everything else, personal relationships included. We’ve discussed this with him, and now we’re discussing it with you.”
Jungkook glances at Taehyung, who’s still yet to look up, and he feels panic forming in his chest. “Okay. But, what does that mean?”
“It means..” the queen says, sitting up more straight “that your relationship puts Taehyung in a very difficult position. Like Taehyung said, Korea does not currently recognize same sex marriages, and while we support him in his personal life, the public and political consequences of his relationship with you cannot be ignored.”
Jungkook feels like the air has been knocked out of him and he just looks at them flabbergasted. “I- what are you saying? That we can’t be together?”
“That’s exactly what they’re saying.” Taehyung snaps before turning to look at Jungkook. “They’ve given me an ultimatum. I either choose you, or I choose the crown.”
Jungkook’s mouth repeatedly opens and closes, but he can’t bring himself to say anything, his mind going blank. “What?”
“You heard me.” Taehyung says, his voice breaking slightly. “They want me to give you up. They think it’s too risky, that I can’t be both their perfect little prince and-” He cuts himself off, his jaw tightening.
“But that’s not fair.” Jungkook says, his voice trembling. He turns to Taehyung’s parents, trying to keep a steady face. “You can’t ask him to do that.”
The queen looks at him and it almost seems like there’s pity in her eyes. “It’s not about fairness, Jungkook. It’s about what’s best for the country.”
Jungkook feels tears form in his eyes, but he refuses to let them fall. He looks back at Taehyung, who’s staring down at the table again, whole body tensed up.
“We will give you both some time to talk.” the king suddenly says, standing. The queen nods and follows, and the two of them leave the room, leaving Jungkook and Taehyung alone.
The moment the door closes behind them, Jungkook turns to Taehyung, his voice barely above a whisper. “What are we going to do?”
Taehyung takes a deep breath, his shoulders sinking. He looks at Jungkook and his expression automatically softens a little.
“I don’t know.” he admits, feeling more than hopeless. “I wish I did.”
Jungkook’s heart feels heavy, and for a moment, all he can do is stare at Taehyung.
The man who’s become such an important part of his life in such a short amount of time. The man who has made him feel seen in ways he didn’t even know he needed.
The man he can’t and doesn’t want to not have a future with.
But this is so much bigger than just them.
“You can’t just.. give up everything for me. You shouldn’t even think about what to do, the crown is the only answer.” Jungkook finally says his thoughts out loud, his voice trembling.
Taehyung flinches, like the words hurt him physically, and he immediately shakes his head. “Don’t say that.”
“It’s true, though.” Jungkook insists, his eyes brimming with the tears he’s been fighting to hold back for the past few minutes.
“You’ve spent your whole life preparing for this. For /them/. You’re the crown prince, Tae. You have responsibilities, a country that depends on you. How can I ask you to give that up for me?”
Taehyung shakes his head again, his jaw tight. “You’re not asking me to. They are.”
“But if you don’t choose them, what happens to you? What happens to your family, your legacy? I’m flattered you even consider it but-“ Jungkook lets out a broken laugh, trying his best to make the situation a little better.
Taehyung reaches across the table, his hand finding Jungkook’s. His grip is almost desperate, and when he looks up, his eyes are glassy with tears. “You’re already my family, Jungkook.“
Jungkook’s throat tightens, and for a moment, he can’t speak. He doesn’t deserve this. Doesn’t deserve /him/.
“This isn’t fair..” Jungkook whispers, his voice cracking. “I don’t want to lose you, but I-”
Taehyung’s hand squeezes his, cutting him off. “I’m not giving up on us, Jungkook. I don’t care what they say. We’ll figure this out. Somehow.”
“You know it’s not that easy.” Jungkook sighs, looking at their hands. “And I’m tired of us pretending it is. Tired of us trying to convince ourselves that this will have a happy ending for us.”
Taehyung stares at Jungkook blankly, taken aback by his words. But he knows it’s true, knows that it’s just what they’ve been trying to ignore this whole time.
His lips part, like if he’s about to say something, but no words come out.
“You don’t have to say anything else. I just needed to finally say it out loud so we stop being so.. naive.” Jungkook mumbles, squeezing Taehyung’s hand. “I get it, Tae. I do.”
“No, you don’t.” Taehyung snaps, his voice cracking. He sits back suddenly, running a shaky hand through his hair.
“You don’t understand how impossible this is. How much I-“ He stops, taking a deep breath before leaning forward again, his elbows on his knees. “How much I love you, and how much I can’t.. I can’t make this decision.”
Taehyung's words hit Jungkook like a punch right to the face.
/How much I love you./
It's the first time Taehyung's ever said it out loud, and it should feel incredible, life changing, world shifting, even. It does, in a way, because, of course, Jungkook's been dying to hear those words.
In any other situation, it would've been perfect. His heart would've soared, and he'd have spent the next hour teasing Taehyung for finally dropping the L bomb.
But right now? In the middle of this situation? It feels like the universe is mocking him.
“You..” His voice cracks, and he swallows hard, his throat dry. “You love me?”
Taehyung’s brows knit together, his hands tightening around Jungkook’s. “Of course I do. You think I’d choose you over this kingdom because of a little crush? Jungkook you-“
Jungkook laughs, but it’s bitter and shaky. “God, Taehyung. You don’t just- say that. Not now.”
“Why not?” Taehyung’s asks quietly, like he’s still in denial about this whole thing.
“I mean-” Jungkook shakes his head, pulling his hands away to rub them over his face. He’s trying to hold it together, but it’s damn near impossible.
“This is the worst moment for this, don’t you think? You’re telling me you love me right before you..” He can’t finish the sentence, the words catching in his throat.
“Before I what?” Taehyung presses, his voice rising. “Before I lose you? Because I’m not letting that happen, Jungkook.”
“You don’t have a choice!” Jungkook snaps, his voice louder than he means for it to be. The sudden yelling stuns them both into silence, and Jungkook feels the sting of tears in his eyes. He lowers his voice, softer now, but no less broken.
“Don’t you get it? You don’t have a choice, Taehyung. And neither do I. That’s what makes this so..” He waves a hand, searching for the right word. “So fucked up.”
Taehyung leans forward, his hands finding Jungkook’s again. His touch is what he craves the most, but right now it feels like it’s burning his skin.
“I don’t care what they say. I don’t care what anyone says. I’ll figure this out. You mean everything to me, Jungkook. I love you, and I’m not letting this be the end.”
Jungkook stares at him, tears spilling out of his eyes. He wants to believe him so badly, wants nothing more than just be hopeful, but that’s not how this works.
“Taehyung..”
Taehyung shakes his head, his grip tightening. “Just- let me hold onto this. Please. I need some more of this. Of us.”
“ I know how hard this is for you, but-” Jungkook starts, but Taehyung interrupts him immediately.
“Don’t.” Taehyung sighs. “You /don’t/ know, Jungkook. You think you do, but you don’t. I’ve spent my whole life preparing for this, being told what my future will look like, how I have to act, what I owe to my country. And now-“
He pauses, his eyes locking with Jungkook’s. “Now you’re here, and everything I thought I knew is falling apart.” Jungkook feels his lips tremble, and it takes his all to not break down in tears.
“I don’t want to be the reason your life falls apart.” he sobs. “That’s the last thing I want, Taehyung. I’d rather-”
“Don’t say you’d rather leave.” Taehyung pleads, making Jungkook’s heart shatter.
Jungkook’s breath hitches. “I don’t want to. God, you know I don’t want to. But if staying means ruining your life, then how am I supposed to live with that?”
Taehyung’s jaw tightens, his brows pulling together in frustration. “And what about my life without you? What about that, huh? What’s the point of any of this, if I can’t even have the one person who makes me feel like myself?”
The room suddenly feels too small, too suffocating, and Jungkook just wants to scream, maybe even beg, but he knows it won’t change anything. “I don’t know.”
Taehyung’s grip loosens slightly, his shoulders slumping. “And I can’t choose.” he admits. “I want both. I want you and my family and my duty, and it’s not fair that I have to give up any of it.”
Jungkook nods slowly, more tears slipping down his cheeks. “I know.” he agrees, his voice breaking.
For a long moment, neither of them speaks. Jungkook is sure he’ll just burst out into tears if he opens his mouth or looks at Taehyung.
“Come here..” Taehyung whispers and reaches out, his hand cupping Jungkook’s cheek.
Jungkook hesitates, but only for a second, before leaning forward and letting Taehyung pull him into a kiss.
It’s slow and soft, and it doesn’t take long before he can taste the tears mixing into the kiss.
When they pull apart, Jungkook’s forehead rests against Taehyung’s. “I don’t want this to be the end.” Jungkook whispers, his voice trembling.
“Me neither.” Taehyung replies, his voice breaking. “But I don’t know how to—“ he interrupts himself, quickly getting up from his chair. “Wait here.”
“Taehyung-“ Jungkook calls after him, but Taehyung is already rushing out of the room.
He returns shortly after, a small velvet box in his hand. Jungkook’s stomach twists at the sight of it.
Taehyung sits back down, placing the box on the table between them. He looks at Jungkook with searching eyes, the look in them almost hesitant.
“This belonged to my grandmother. She gave it to me when I was a teenager and told me to keep it for someone special.” He swallows, his voice thick.
“I’ve been holding onto it for years, waiting for the right person. And then I met you.”
Jungkook stares at the box, his chest tight. “Taehyung…”
“I’m not asking for anything.” Taehyung says quickly, his voice breaking just slightly. “I just.. I want you to have it. Even if-” His breath catches. “Even if this is the last time we see each other.”
Jungkook feels like the air has been knocked out of him at those words. He reaches for the box with trembling fingers, opening it to reveal a simple, elegant ring.
It’s beautiful, and somehow so perfectly Taehyung.
“You shouldn’t-“ Jungkook starts, but Taehyung cuts him off.
“It’s yours.” Taehyung says immediately, his hand covering Jungkook’s. “Please, just take it. No matter what happens, I’ll be fine knowing you have it.”
Jungkook’s throat tightens and he picks up the ring, the cool metal heavy in his palm. He looks at Taehyung, his heart aching. “Thank you.” he whispers.
Taehyung just nods, his jaw clenched as if he’s trying to hold himself together.
It weirdly feels like a goodbye, even though neither of them says it.
Chapter Text
And little did they know, it was a goodbye.
Taehyung and Jungkook parted ways that day with promises neither of them could keep.
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and Jungkook tried his best to move forward. He really did.
By throwing himself into his studies, he was able to keep his days full with lectures, assignments and extracurricular activities.
It was tiring, exhausting, but he told himself that it was easier this way. That it was easier not to dwell on what could’ve been, because he knows that it’ll only hurt him in the end.
But the ring. That stupid ring.
Jungkook still wears it.
He doesn’t even know why. It’s not like he thinks Taehyung would come back, and he’s not even sure he’d want him to. Because living with the pressure that his partner gave up a whole country for him would be a little too much.
And yet every time he tried to take the ring off, his chest hurt. He feels stupid for it. For how much meaning this little piece of metal has, for how he still couldn’t let it go.
It’s just a ring. he told himself more times than he could count. But deep down, he knew it wasn’t just a ring.
The apartment feels colder these days, not just because of the freezing November weather outside.
Hoseok tried cheering him up countless times, dragging him out for dinner or out of his room for movie nights, but Jungkook always felt like he was only half there.
The rest of him was stuck in that perfect little memory of him and Taehyung.
And yet, life carried on.
Because that’s always what happens. No matter what you experience, how sad you are, life always carries on.
It’s late when Jungkook gets back from campus, the weight of his bag feeling like it’ll rip off his shoulder any second now.
His feet drag on the pavement, he’s too tired to walk properly, but his mind is already preoccupied with what leftovers might still be in the fridge.
He rounds the corner, thinking about whether noodles or dumplings are better when heated up, when he spots a black car parked right in front of his building.
He stops in his tracks, and at first, he thinks it’s just coincidence. Someone else’s ride, parked there just because the universe wants to mess with his mind. But then his stomach twists.
It’s the same car. The same one that drove him to and from the palace, the same one Taehyung stepped out of so many times before.
His heart starts to race. No. It can’t be.
He shakes his head, trying to convince himself he’s imagining things.
It’s been so long. Too long.
He ignores his thoughts creeping up on him and starts approaching the building, when the car door suddenly opens.
And there he is.
Taehyung steps out, dressed in a long coat and thick scarf, his hair a little shorter than before.
His eyes find Jungkook instantly, and Jungkook feels his breath catch in his throat and an uncomfortable feeling form in his stomach.
It’d be a lie if he said he didn’t imagine this very scenario at least a dozen times, but it actually happening feels surreal.
“Taehyung?” Jungkook whispers, his voice barely audible.
Taehyung’s lips turn up into a faint smile. He seems tired, is the first thing that Jungkook notices. “Hey, Jungkook.”
Jungkook’s feels like he’s glued to the pavement, his bag slipping off his shoulder and hanging by the strap.
His mind is struggling to process that Taehyung is really standing there, feeling so familiar yet so foreign.
“What are you doing here?” Jungkook finally manages a full sentence, but his voice is quiet, almost careful.
Taehyung exhales softly, his breath forming little clouds in the cold air. “Can we talk? Somewhere private?”
Jungkook’s instinct is to say no. To protect his heart, to hold onto the walls he’s spent months building. Because he’s damn sure not going to go through another heartbreak.
But instead, he nods. Because it’s Taehyung, and no matter how much he’s tried, he hasn’t learned how to refuse him.
They walk in silence up the steps and into the small apartment, and he’s glad that Hoseok is away on a trip.
Jungkook flips the lights on, before walking into the living room, offering the elder a place on the couch.
Taehyung doesn’t sit. He stands near the window, looking out for a moment before he turns, his face unreadable.
“My coronation is in two weeks.” he says, his voice monotone.
Jungkook’s heart sinks. What was he even hoping for?
“Oh.” he replies weakly, unsure what to say. What does one even respond to this?
“I shouldn’t be here.” Taehyung continues, his eyes turning to the floor. “I’ve been preparing for it, meeting with advisors, following everything they prepared for me. But I couldn’t..”
He stops, and he finally looks up again with a conflicted expression. “I couldn’t do it without seeing you first.”
Jungkook’s breath stops, and he clenches his fists at his sides. “Taehyung, what are you trying to say? Coming back after months and for what? You know this isn’t—“
“I’m not here to make promises.” Taehyung interrupts him. “I know where my path is supposed to lead, and I know what it’s asking of me. But I couldn’t move forward without this. Without.. you.”
“Me?” Jungkook laughs bitterly, shaking his head. “I’m in the past, Taehyung. You made that clear when you gave me the ring and left. And that’s fine, I’m not holding it against you. But I need my time to finally heal.”
“You’re not in the past.” Taehyung says, stepping closer. His voice softens, breaking slightly. "Do you remember how we met?”
Jungkook’s breath catches, his heart stopping for a moment in. Of course he remembers. How could he ever forget?
“Yeah.” he says quietly. “We were watching that girl sing.”
Taehyung nods, his lips curving into a faint smile. “She was great.” he murmurs. “And you looked so captivated, like you were seeing something magical.”
Jungkook huffs out a shaky laugh, the memory making his chest hurt with nostalgia. “She really was great.” he says.
“Not as great of a singer as me, but yeah.” Taehyung says, the faintest laugh escaping him before his expression turns serious again. “But that’s not the point. This isn’t about her.“
Jungkook looks at him, his throat tightening. “Why are you bringing this up now?”
Taehyung hesitates, and he looks away for a moment to take a deep breath. “Because I want to ask you for something.” he says quietly. “Will you give me a night like that again?”
Jungkook blinks “What?”
“A night like that.” Taehyung repeats, stepping closer, and Jungkook instinctively takes a step back. “No crown, no expectations, no worries about tomorrow. Just you and me, doing something ordinary.”
Jungkook opens his mouth to argue, but no words come out. He looks at Taehyung and something inside him softens.
“What’s the point?” Jungkook finally asks, his voice quieter now. “What happens after this night? You go back to your palace, and I.. I stay here, pretending I don’t miss you.”
Taehyung steps closer, the space between them shrinking until Jungkook can feel the warmth radiating off him. “I don’t know.” Taehyung admits. “I don’t have the answers. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow or next week. But I know what I want tonight.”
I don’t have the luxury of not having to worry about tomorrow.
Jungkook stares at him, his pulse pounding in his ears. He wants to say no, wants to protect himself from another heartbreak. But then Taehyung’s hand brushes his, fingers curling gently around his own.
“Please.” Taehyung whispers, his eyes locking onto Jungkook’s. “Just one night.”
Jungkook exhales shakily. He knows he should walk away, but when he looks into Taehyung’s eyes, he knows he won’t.
Knowing that even if they only have five minutes together, he’d make the best out of it.
“Okay.” he whispers, his voice barely audible. “One night.”
⚜️⚜️⚜️
Hongdae is as crowded as always, but something about it feels different today.
Maybe it’s because he hasn’t been here much since meeting Taehyung, and now being back, with him, makes it nostalgic.
The streets are noisy, full of music, people, and the sound of street performers. Neon signs are glowing brightly, their colors reflecting on the wet pavement.
The air smells like grilled meat and smoke, a mix that feels so familiar and distant at the same time.
Taehyung walks next to him, his steps slow, like he’s trying to make sure the night won’t go by too fast.
Neither of them says anything at first, letting the city fill the silence between them. And surprisingly, it’s not Jungkook who breaks it.
“Do you remember this spot?” Taehyung suddenly asks, stopping near a girl with a guitar. Her voice is just like that night, soft and clear, bringing back memories Jungkook could never forget.
His chest tightens and he nods. “This is where we first met.”
Taehyung looks at him, his expression gentle. “You asked me if I thought she might be a kpop idol.”
“And you told me that there’d be bodyguards everywhere if she was.” Jungkook replies with a small smile. His voice is quieter now. “Then you put a few bills in her case.”
Taehyung smiles too, and for a moment, it feels like they’re both back in that moment. They stand there, listening to her play, neither one ready to leave.
When the song ends, Taehyung reaches for Jungkook’s hand and gives it a light squeeze. “Come on.”
Jungkook ignores his heartbeat picking up at the touch and nods, letting the elder guide him.
They wander through the streets until they stop in front of a convenience store, its bright lights easily doing a street lantern’s job.
It hasn’t changed at all, the shelves still filled to the brim with snacks and instant meals.
It feels like they’re stepping back into a memory and Jungkook doesn’t know whether he should laugh or cry.
“This is where we spent half your money on snacks.” Jungkook mumbles, briefly looking at the elder.
“And then left all of it at the playground.” Taehyung replies, seemingly holding back a laugh.
“And you kept saying it was my fault!” Jungkook protests, his pout exaggerated.
“Because it was. You’re the one who said we should try the swings. We got distracted.” Taehyung chuckles, and Jungkook crosses his arms.
After not seeing each other for two months, Jungkook was sure that if they’d ever cross paths again, things would be different. Maybe even awkward.
But it weirdly feels like nothing ever happened between them.
Jungkook knows it’s not a good sign. Knows that as soon as they part ways, he’ll be heartbroken, maybe even more than last time.
But he just wants to hold onto this. He wants to savor every possible moment he gets to spend with Taehyung, because after tonight, he’ll only be able to watch him from afar.
They move on without buying anything, stopping when they reach the playground. Taehyung gestures toward the swing set, and Jungkook hesitates before sitting down.
The old chains creak softly under his weight, the metal cold against his hands. Taehyung takes the swing next to him, their knees brushing as they sway back and forth.
“Didn’t you say you weren’t the type to swing?” Jungkook forces a grin, looking at Taehyung, who simply shrugs.
“What can I say? I’m a changed man.”
A bit too soon for Jungkook’s liking, Taehyung stands, brushing the snow off his coat. “Ready for the next stop?”
Instead of asking to stay a little longer, he nods, following him through the quiet streets. He can already guess where his plans are leading, wanting to retrace their steps from the very first night.
He’s proven right when they reach the community center. It hasn’t changed much either, still in desperate need of renovations.
It’s as quiet as before, the faint hum of electricity the only sound as they sneak inside. The piano still sits in the corner, the layer of dust on it making it seem like no one has touched it since they were there.
Taehyung hesitates for a moment, then sits down, his fingers hovering over the keys. He presses down gently, the first few notes shaky before a melody slowly starts to form.
Jungkook leans against the wall, watching silently. The memory of that night comes rushing back, so vivid it almost feels like he’s there again.
The way he’d been so captivated, not just by the music but more by Taehyung.
“You still remember it.” Jungkook says, his voice barely above a whisper.
Taehyung doesn’t look up, his focus on the piano. “Of course I do.”
The music fills the space, and for the first time, Jungkook knows how to describe a bittersweet feeling.
He wants to stay here forever, listening to Taehyung composing melodies just for him, when a sudden streak of light cuts through the room.
Seems like the universe has other plans for them.
“You two again?”Jungkook’s heart drops when he spots the night guard at the door.
Taehyung freezes for a second, then jumps up and grabs Jungkook’s wrist. “Run!”
They rush out of the building, laughter coming up as they sprint through the streets.
By the time they stop, they’re completely out of breath, and Jungkook can’t stop smiling.
“You know we’re way too old for this, right?” he says, leaning against a lamppost to catch his breath.
Taehyung’s eyes sparkle, his grin mischievous. “Speak for yourself. I’m just getting started.”
And then, out of nowhere, snow begins to fall.
Jungkook pauses, tilting his head back as the soft flakes drift down, catching in his hair and on his coat.
“The first snow..” Taehyung says quietly, watching him with an unreadable expression.
Jungkook’s chest tightens. He knows the tradition all too well.
The first snow of the year is said to bring blessings to those who share it with someone special.
Is this all just a bad dream? This feels like pure mockery.
Taehyung glances at him, a small smile tugging at his lips. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Jungkook swallows hard, blinking quickly like that will somehow keep his feelings calm. “Yeah..” he says, trying to keep his voice from cracking.
Taehyung takes a step closer, his hands stuffed into his coat pockets. “Are you hungry? That vendor is still-“
“I can’t do this.” Jungkook cuts him off, shaking his head. He looks down at the snow covered ground to avoid Taehyung’s eyes.
“I thought I could, but—” He inhales sharply, his breath coming out unsteady. “Taehyung, we’ll never get this again. Never.”
Taehyung’s smile slowly fades. “Jungkook…”
Jungkook shakes his head, his eyes brimming with tears he can no longer hold back. “I’ve been pretending all night. Trying to ignore it, like this is just another night, like we can do this again. But we can’t. This is it!”
The tears spill over, and Jungkook wipes at his face harshly, quietly cursing under his breath. The snow keeps falling, feeling so peaceful, and it just makes him more sad.
“Kook..” Taehyung says hesitantly, taking a deep breath. “You’re not-“
"You don't get it." Jungkook sobs, his knees giving in and making him drop into the soft snow. "I can't do this. I can't have you back for one night and then let you go again."
Taehyung reaches for him, kneeling down next to him. His own eyes are glossy with tears, and he grabs Jungkook's hands, holding on tightly.
“Stop.” he whispers, his voice breaking. "Stop saying that. You're not losing me."
Jungkook shakes his head, his tears falling faster. "You're the prince, Tae. You're-"
"I'm not.” Taehyung chokes out, his breath hitching. "I'm not the prince anymore."
Jungkook's head snaps up, his wide, tear filled eyes searching Taehyung's face. “What?"
Jungkook’s breathing is shallow, his chest rising and falling rapidly. All he can do is stare at Taehyung. But the elder doesn’t speak, his lips trembling.
“What do you mean you’re not the prince anymore?” Jungkook asks again, surprised that he somehow managed to form a proper sentence.
Taehyung swallows hard, his eyes red and glistening with tears. “I- I gave it up.” he says quietly, his voice breaking. “The crown, my title, all of it. I’m not the prince anymore, Jungkook.”
Jungkook blinks, his mind spinning. “Why didn’t you-?”
“I didn’t know how to tell you.” Taehyung continues, his words coming out in a rush.
His hands grip Jungkook’s coat. “Because I knew it would put pressure on you. Like you’d feel you had to take me back just because I gave it up for you. I didn’t want that, Jungkook. I didn’t want you to feel responsible for my decision.”
Taehyung’s voice fails him, and the tears come faster now, running down his cheeks. “I just wanted to spend this night with you. To feel… to feel close to you again, even if it was just for tonight.”
Jungkook stares at him, the weight of Taehyung’s words slowly sinking in. He’s frozen, speechless, unable to fully comprehend what Taehyung did.
“I’m sorry..” Taehyung whispers, his voice cracking. He looks down, his hands trembling as he wipes at his face.
“I’m so sorry, Jungkook. Ever since we met, I’ve put you through so much.” His shoulders shake while a sob escapes him.
“And now… now I don’t even know where to go. My family- they don’t want to see me again. Jimin doesn’t even know. I-“ He chokes on the words, burying his face in his hands as the realization hits him.
He doesn’t have anyone left to go to.
Jungkook feels his heart break at the sight of Taehyung falling apart in front of him. “Taehyung…”
But Taehyung just shakes his head, tears streaming down his face. “I don’t regret it.” he sobs. “I don’t. You’re all I’ve ever wanted, Jungkook. All I’ll ever want.”
Jungkook doesn’t know what to say, doesn’t know how to process any of this. But when Taehyung looks up at him, Jungkook does the only thing that seems right in this moment.
He pulls Taehyung into his arms, holding him as tight as he can. Taehyung doesn’t resist, just leaning more into Jungkook’s embrace.
Jungkook holds him tighter, his chin resting on Taehyung’s shoulder, his own tears slipping silently down his cheeks.
“I didn’t want this for you..” Jungkook finally says. “Taehyung, I—” He pulls back slightly, just enough to look into Taehyung’s tear stained face. “You gave up everything.“
Taehyung shakes his head weakly, his lips trembling as he tries to form words. “I couldn’t stay, Jungkook.” he whispers.
“I tried to do what was expected of me, but it was killing me. You don’t know how many nights I spent wishing I could go back to you.”
Jungkook’s chest tightens, his fingers shaking when he cups Taehyung’s face, wiping away the tears with his thumbs. “But your family..”
“They won’t forgive me. I doubt they’ll even miss me.” Taehyung interrupts, his voice shaking. “I knew that when I made my decision. They told me I was turning my back on my duty, that I was selfish and ungrateful. And maybe they’re right, but…” His voice cracks, and fresh tears spill down his cheeks.
“But I couldn’t do it anymore, Jungkook. I couldn’t live a life with you not in it.”
Jungkook’s vision blurs because of the tears, his hands sliding down to hold on to Taehyung’s shoulders.
“You didn’t deserve to lose them..” he mumbles, feeling guilty for all of it. “I’m not worth this. You had everything, Taehyung-“
“You’re worth more to me than all of it.” Taehyung says immediately. “And I would do it all over again without hesitation.”
Jungkook doesn’t even realize he’s crying again until Taehyung slowly starts wiping his tears away.
“I just want you to be happy.” Taehyung whispers. “Even if you can’t take me back, I just want your happiness. I’m not the prince anymore, Jungkook. I’m just me. And I’m yours if you want me.”
Jungkook closes his eyes and leans into Taehyung’s touch.
“I love you, Taehyung.”
“And I love you.”
Even if it wasn’t the fairytale they’d imagined, with crowns and castles, Taehyung and Jungkook found their own kind of magic.
One that didn’t need a title to make it real. It wasn’t the path they thought they’d take, but it was theirs, and in the end, that was enough for their happy ending
Granadina on Chapter 1 Fri 03 Jan 2025 12:46AM UTC
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Last Edited Tue 25 Feb 2025 10:02PM UTC
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