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Jungkook smiled softly at the sight before him–Seokjin was inspecting the old and huge apple tree in their backyard, craning his neck to look at the fertilized flowers which started to discard their petals. The sun was hanging quite high in the sky but Jungkook didn’t worry about his beloved getting any heat stroke since he’s standing underneath the cool shade the old tree provided. After a few moments, Seokjin nodded in satisfaction.
“Something interesting happened, hyung?” Jungkook asked, which replied by a warm smile when Seokjin stood mere inches away from him.
“It will fruit soon enough, I can’t wait!” Seokjin looked at the tree adoringly. “It’s been a while since it did so I’m really excited.”
Just like Seokjin, Jungkook thought the tree might reached its end last year. It was already in the palace’s yard when he was so little–maybe even longer than that. When the tree didn’t even blossom last year, Jungkook suspected of old age keeping up and sooner or later, it would start to wither and die. But now, it seemed like it just wanted a rest for quite a long time before starting its routine in flowering and bearing fruits.
Jungkook watched his husband’s figure. Seokjin was glowing brightly under the bathing sunlight–ethereally beautiful and the king couldn’t help but had his breath stolen from him even though he had seen the view millions of times.
He reached out, hands finding himself on Seokjin’s arm and pulled the older into a warm hug. Seokjin chuckled lightly at the gesture and Jungkook found his laugh as the most melodious thing he ever heard in life.
“What is it, Jungkook?” Seokjin returned the hug, arms wrapping around the younger’s back. His head resting on Jungkook’s shoulder and he rubbed his cheek on his neck.
“Nothing,” the king answered, rocking them both slowly without loosening the hug. “You’re just so beautiful–I can’t help feeling so lucky.”
“I can’t believe I married you,” Seokjin huffed, face flooded with warmth. “You’re so cheesy.”
“But you love it,” Jungkook pulled back, staring into those coffee colored irises he loved so much. Their forehead met, resting on each other. “Besides, nobody can’t handle your horrible jokes anyway, so you better be grateful because I can tolerate them.”
Seokjin hit his chest playfully. “The slander. My jokes are the best!”
The two of them laughed. Jungkook smiled at Seokjin tenderly before giving his temple a sweet kiss, erupting another set of chuckles from his husband.
“Your Highnesses.”
The couple averted their gaze towards the voice, finding Hoseok stood firm on his ground–his expression hardened and Jungkook knew whatever news he received it wasn’t a pleasant one. His hand didn’t even leave the sword hilt strapped on his waist’s left side–a habit Jungkook learned since they were kids when he knew something dangerous was happening.
“What is it, Hyung?” he asked.
“I’m very sorry disrupt your outing, but apparently His Highness Kim Taehyung requested an audience with you.” Hoseok grimly informed.
The news definitely was far worse than Jungkook would’ve ever imagine and it made his shoulders stiff in a matter of seconds. He expected the Lords from another land who seek for allegiance by coming into his kingdom unannounced, or his greedy distant relatives, but not Taehyung’s sudden arrival in his land.
Seokjin unconsciously tugged Jungkook’s sleeve. When Jungkook looked at him, his eyes shone with uncomfortableness when Seokjin looked back at him. But there’s something else–a soft encouragement for him to accept their uninvited guest with open arms into their home which was once his home as well.
Jungkook sighed but relented to the unspoken wish. “Let them in, Hoseok-hyung.”
This got Hoseok ready to rejected the idea. “But, Sire–“
“This place is still his home. There’s no need of permission for someone in order to go back home.”
“I truly understand, but Jungkook,” if Hoseok had discard the titles, Jungkook knew he was adamant for the young King to think twice about his decision. “You know how he is.”
“I know that much.” Jungkook sighed dejectedly. “But I always want to heal our… relationship.”
Taehyung and him were half-brothers but that didn’t change their love for each other when they were little kids. They had different mothers but didn’t have hostility that usually existed because they were both a candidate for the throne. Both of them almost did everything together, attached to the hip, and lived a childhood more colorful than any other heirs.
Everything was well–Taehyung was announced as the next ruler of the kingdom and Jungkook was fine with that, he was happy for him. There’s a slight gap with how their lesson schedules were not in sync, but still they managed to make rooms for late night chats and snacks.
They stayed the same until Jungkook found his significant other. Seokjin was just a commoner, a son of a humble yet charismatic baker in town. The both of them met coincidentally, but fate seemed to worked wonders at that moment.
It was their normal outing–him and Taehyung dressed as simple as they could, discarding their silk shirts, leather heels, and free of expensive perfumes walked through the neighborhood just to merge themselves with their people. The routine serves like getting two birds with one stone–first, they could refresh themselves from the exhausting duties as princes, and second, they could learn some issues that needed to be fix and included them in the newest yearly program.
Seokjin was just doing his job, buying more package of dried berries and raisins since that their stock diminished greatly over the sudden increase of customers. His paper bag contents were towering him and limiting his sight, making him bumped to Jungkook by accident.
The packages could’ve hit the ground and became unusable with contents spilled everywhere but Jungkook, having great reflexes, managed to caught them in time. When their eyes met, it seemed like the world stop rotating for a moment. Jungkook knew he was the one almost immediately.
However, he’s not the only one who thought so.
Taehyung was enamored by Seokjin as much as Jungkook did, and the younger wasn’t an airhead to noticed how the older stared at Seokjin like he hanged the moon and stars when night time arrived.
It was turmoil of newly brewed emotions along the way. Taehyung began to go to town more often just to see Seokjin–a step forward to know about the older more, while Jungkook sticks with his usual routine but frequently bumping with Seokjin at every moment.
Jungkook was thinking of giving up despite knowing he would be heartbroken when the two of them together. Taehyung was everything you wished for a man–great looking with an equally great personality, and amazing wit. If Seokjin chose him in the end, Jungkook wouldn’t blame him.
But fate seemed to like playing around with people because, while Taehyung had everything anyone could’ve wished for, he didn’t have Seokjin’s love.
His love was for Jungkook all along. He remembered the first kiss they shared in silent night beside the hidden lake in the forest, bathing in moonlight and surrounded by fireflies. It was magical and sealed their life.
For them, there were only happiness. For Taehyung, it was grief of broken heart that slowly turned to anger and resentment.
After the announcement of their relationship to their father, Taehyung packed and left their home–never to return until now. Jungkook only heard his condition through news from Namjoon, which is a lord and also a good friend who resided in Taehyung’s kingdom’s territory.
His brother turned ruthless, something Jungkook afraid the most.
It’s what made his land strong and untouchable by invaders, but also had his people living in fear under his reign. And now, the said ruler came back suddenly to his home after many years seemingly gone without a trace. Jungkook had original duty resumed, be a good sibling and tried to talk him out.
“I can’t guarantee it will be smooth, but please always be on guard.”
“I already doubled the security. More guards will be placed in your quarters and accompany you to your… reunion.”
Reunion. It’s sounded bitter in his tongue. It’s supposed to be sweet with a lot of excitement and anticipation, it’s supposed to be filled with longing.
“Thank you, hyung. We’ll talk at the veranda. That way, you could keep an eye close.” Jungkook turned to Seokjin. “Can you tell the maids to prepare tea and sweets, hyung? Tell Mrs. Song to brew his favorite apple and mint.”
Seokjin nodded. “Sure, everything will be out shortly.”
Before the older went back inside the palace, Jungkook took his wrist in a firm grip. Seokjin looked over his shoulder, eyes shone in confusion.
“Wait, hyung.” the king said. “I want you to listen to what I said first and, please, do as I say if something unpleasant will happen.”
Seokjin fell silent before nodding firmly. “Okay, I trust you.”
Jungkook smiled softly and brought the older closer. He cupped his cheeks and brought his lips to his forehead, giving it a long kiss. Then he wrapped his arms around Seokjin’s waist, nose buried to his hair.
“This Taehyung isn’t someone we knew long ago. He changed.” the younger started. “If I feel something dangerous from him the moment we talk, I want you to go back to our room and stay there until he goes back to his kingdom. I’ll send Jimin-hyung to guard.”
“Okay, but will you be okay handling him alone?” Seokjin pulled back, a hand reached out to caress Jungkook’s cheek. Jungkook pressed his cheek closer to it.
“I’ll be fine, Yoongi-hyung and Hoseok-hyung will be there with me. There’s nothing to be worried about me.”
Seokjin relented and nodded in acceptance. He tiptoed, pressing a light kiss to the younger’s cheek before walking back to the palace.
.
.
“Hyung, you come.” Jungkook greeted the older, who’s looking out to the lavish field of grass filled with colorful flowers the palace had. Seokjin walked closely behind him.
The said person turned and gave Jungkook a simple smile. Taehyung clearly had many changes in his appearance but the most noticeable was how his eyes were sharp in coldness instead of usual warmth he gave him when they were little.
“Jungkookie, it’s been a while.” Taehyung replied, eyes immediately focused on Seokjin who squirmed in discomfort from the sudden attention. “Jin-hyung too. You both look amazing today.”
Soon, the three of them sat on their designed seats. Jungkook kept Seokjin close to him and Taehyung sitting across them. On the pristine white round table was assortments of sweets–honey and chocolate-chip cookies, scones, and glazed pastries accompanied with other condiments such as marmalades, jams, powered sugar, berries, butter, and honey.
The tea smelled of apple and a hint of grassy mint, still steaming when it was poured into their cups from the porcelain tea pot.
“You still remember my favorite, huh?” Taehyung hummed, bringing his cup closer to his lips.
“How could I forget?” Jungkook replied. Seokjin was adding two cubes on sugar into the younger’s tea and Jungkook accepted it with a whisper of thank you. He did so while trying so hard to ignore the stare that seemed to stab at him like daggers.
“How long has it been since your marriage?” the question was harmless but caught Jungkook off-guard.
“Three years.”
“Ah, my baby brother’s all grown up.” the older chuckled. “Sorry I didn’t come.”
“It’s…fine.” Jungkook replied carefully while his mind was losing words.
“So, today I decided to bring some gifts.” Taehyung gestured his maid to come closer. She placed a box on the table carefully before dismissing herself to return to her station. The box was covered by velvet burgundy material, golden embroidery of roses decorated it. Jungkook stared at the object cautiously.
“It’s tea and hand-blended with custom ingredients, and the best I could get.” Taehyung explained and beckoned one of the standing maids. “Please prepare a new kettle with hot water and three tea cups.”
The maid did as she was told and soon returned with everything he asked. She went to work–opening the bag to take some tea and put it in each of the cup, after that she poured hot water to it and let the tea steep for w few moments before handing it to each of them.
“Oh, it’s beautiful.” Seokjin complemented in awe as he noticed the previously withered components slowly expanding and one of them being a fully bloomed flower he didn’t recognize in the cup.
“Not as beautiful as you, hyung.” Taehyung chuckled lowly. “Please, have a taste.”
Seokjin turned his neck to look at Jungkook, soundlessly asking for permission. Weak for those eyes shone with curiosity, he nodded. Seokjin smiled excitedly and carefully brought the cup to his lips. Jungkook watched as his eyes lit up and how he downed half of the cup smoothly.
“It so fragrant, I love it.” Seokjin said as he put his cup down.
“Try it, Jungkook.” Taehyung encouraged him and Jungkook couldn’t help but thinking there’s a different, hidden meaning in it. He looked at the cup for a moment before finally drink the content, just one sip would be enough. It was just like Seokjin said, the drink was very fragrant–as soon as it hit his tongue, floral immediately filled his senses of smell and taste.
Pungent–the only word he could formed in his head after forcing himself to swallow the tiny sip.
“It’s good,” Jungkook managed to withheld his expression. “The floral scent really hits the spot.”
“Thank goodness, I thought it won’t suite your taste.” Taehyung slouched back to his chair, now even more relaxed than before. “Do you want more?”
The question met with silence.
“Hyung?” Jungkook looked at Seokjin, who seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. He usually the first one who would accept the over but now the older was silent. Jungkook put a hand on his thigh. “Are you okay?”
This seemed to be snapping the older out of his stupor. “O-oh, yes.”
“What’s wrong? Are you tired, Hyung?” this time, Taehyung was the one who asked. Seokjin laughed nervously.
“It looks like it, maybe it’s from the heat.” he wiped some sweat from his forehead. Jungkook wiped another one trickling from his temple, he was starting to worry about how flushed his cheeks were.
“You should rest, go back to our room.” Jungkook beckoned Jimin to help Seokjin rise from his seat. The younger watched as the two of them returned inside the castle and slowly walking the hallways towards the bedroom wing.
“You know Jungkookie, I never forgot about my feelings.” this had Jungkook tensed.
“I thought you move on, hyung.” he straightened himself, looking straight at Taehyung’s dark orbs. “You have to move on. It’s unhealthy.”
“You think I could do it knowing he choose my brother instead?”
“Our feelings are mutual. It’s what brought us together.”
Taehyung snorted. “I’m ready to give up everything for him; my crown, my title. I’m ready to discard everything, if he told me live as a commoner I’ll do it in a heartbeat. But he still didn’t want me.”
Jungkook’s grip on his intertwined fingers tightened. “The heart wants what it wants. It’s true your feelings were unrequited but it has another meaning. Seokjin-hyung wasn’t your fated one, and yours truly are out there somewhere. You just have to keep looking, hyung.”
“I want him for so long,” Taehyung moved his cup in circular motion, swirling the content. “There’s never a day I forgot about him. But in the end the waiting was in vain and he belongs to my younger brother.”
Jungkook’s eyes narrowed. “Seokjin-hyung is not a thing. He didn’t belong to anyone. He stays by my side because we love each other.”
Their conversation never met and the atmosphere was starting to get heavier each second their gaze clashed. If Taehyung’s main goal was trying to snatch Seokjin from him, then he would send the older home with everything he got on his hands.
“I appreciate your visit, but I think it’s time for you to return to your kingdom, hyung.” Jungkook rose up from his seat, but finding himself gripping the table side tightly. His head felt light and his world seemed to be tilted a bit. Hoseok was quick to be on his side, holding his upper arm.
“Are you okay, Your Highness? Should I call the pharmacists?” Hoseok asked and Jungkook shook his head.
“No, it won’t be needed.” the king straightened himself and fixed his standing. “Instead, could you ready the carriages and escorts? My hyung will be having his trip back to his land and I want you to guard him until he safely reaches his palace.”
“As you wish.” and with that Hoseok dismissed himself with a bow and proceed to did as he was ordered.
“I won’t let Kim Seokjin go, Jungkookie.” Taehyung said, as if reminding him. “If I can’t have him, then no one can. Not even you.”
There’s a distant sound of something breaking in the palace and followed by a shrilling scream of a woman. The sentences following it made Jungkook’s heart dropped to his stomach and his blood turned to ice.
“HELP! HIS HIGHNESS HAS BEEN POISONED!!”