Chapter Text
The chatter was like an ocean of random thoughts, exaggerated anecdotes, shocking gossips and boring, light conversations. He was drowning in it, trying focus on this or that specific exchange, before his attention wandered elsewhere. Social events tended to be monotonous. When he was younger, he used to mix them up. That count’s birthday party, to him, was no different than that general’s wedding. So, he used to often wonder why he had to attend them both.
Today was his 11th birthday. It was supposed to be a day where he got to enjoy himself… but, as usual, he was stuck in the castle, his duty and reputation above all else. He understood who he was: Kim Namjoon, heir to the kingdom. He was proud of his family name and of his bloodline. He cared about his people. Yet, he couldn’t force himself to like all the facets of his life. He loved to study new cultures and new languages, and he enjoyed looking into political and military tactics. Dressing nicely and trying to remember all the “important people’s” name, though? Not his thing.
“Namjoon,” his mother called out gently. “Come here, dear.”
She was standing next to a woman and a kid - probably the woman’s son. The kid seemed to be about his age, maybe a few seasons older. He had a good posture, and was looking straight into Namjoon’s eyes, a subtle smile on his lips. Namjoon’s steps brought him beside the small group. He bowed to the woman, knowing full well the decorum.
“I am Kim Namjoon,” he stated with a clear, assured voice. “Enchanted to meet you, my lady. May I ask for your name?”
They chatted for a moment, and he learned that the woman’s family, of high standing, had always been close to his. They had slowly lost contact after her familly had moved away, but they were back to the kingdom. The adults began to talk cheerfully, catching up on the years they had spent apart. Namjoon turned to the boy.
“I’m Kim Seokjin, your Highness. Honored to meet you,” the kid said, before Namjoon could place a word. The prince’s eyebrows darted up. People around him tended to wait to be addressed before speaking.
“The honor is mine,” he answered, giving the boy a curt nod.
Seokjin leaned into him. “This whole thing is a bit boring, isn’t it?” he murmured.
Kim Namjoon’s eyes widened, and he couldn’t help but chuckle. The boy moved back, grinning.