Archive of Our Own ^beta

The kingdom of Fiore has a lot to offer. They have a robust agriculture that is envied across the lands,  extremely skilled metalsmiths to adorn you with the finest jewelries or a sword if you wish, as well as the vastest collection of books in the continent. It’s a prosperous kingdom and Taehyung is typically not one to complain, but for a young bachelor like him, there’s not much source of entertainment in the area. 

Sure there are the taverns, but Taehyung and alcohol do not mix well. The library has an extensive collection of books—including recreational ones—but he could never see that place as one for relaxation when he’s holed up there most of the time as a scholar. At the very least there are the occasional festivals that Taehyung always looks forward to.

Taehyung loves being a part of a big crowd, loves the amazing food and rare sweets, the pretty lights and fireworks in the night. He lives for these beautiful fleeting moments that spice up his life. So much so that he has the happenings at every single festival engraved to his mind.  Taehyung’s favorites are the Harvest Festival, the Festival of the Golden Dragons, and the Festival of Flowers. He knows when they are typically held and yes there were some cases where some of them were postponed  by a week, but he is still befuddled as he walks through the square and sees footmen busy hanging up golden banners of the royal family together with flashy streamers. That’s very odd , he’s pretty sure there are no festivals held in March.

He scrunches his brows in confusion, slowing down to look for the nearest bulletin board to see if there is any circular for an event. There’s usually a paper calling for volunteers or performers but the board is clear of any new postings. Taehyung shrugs, deciding to continue on his way toward the library. He still has more than 200 pages to inscribe and maybe this is just the royal family showing off to a foreign ambassador. 

He puts that thought behind him as he enters the library and settles into his seat, quill in hand as he puts ink onto parchment. It couldn’t possibly be of any importance to him.

Or so he thought. Until his best friend Jimin shows up around noon to sit next to him and pleads, “Please come to the ball with me, Taetae.”

“What ball?” he asks, slightly surprised that Jimin has appeared at the library—a place he often described as dull, desolate, and dreary. 

“ The ball,” Jimin says, slightly bewildered that Taehyung isn’t catching on.

“I know you fancy that Namjoon fellow from Mildian, but Professor Lee will skin me alive if I leave for more than three days. You know that, right?” Taehyung says, knowing that it’ll take at least a day’s ride to go to their neighboring kingdom who’s ambassador is someone Jimin proclaimed he had fallen in love with at first sight.

“Namjoon has nothing to do with this you—” Jimin huffs, puffing out his cheeks “—okay I do think he’ll be there and I can’t waltz through the palace doors with a lady in my arm like a hetero —“ he spits out the word like a curse, “—all because my mother doesn’t want to waste any opportunity to set me up with some girl from some noble family.”  

Taehyung smiles in sympathy. He knows just how overbearing Jimin’s mother can be. “Sorry Jiminie. I can’t go to Mildian unless I finish making a copy of the 180 pages left of the Constitution of the Alvarez Empire.” The edges of its pages are turning brittle to the touch and it’s part of Taehyung's job to make sure that there isn't any information lost from their archives. 

“It’s not in Mildian, silly. It’s here in Fiore, to celebrate the birth of the Prince’s newborn sister! Yoonji!” Jimin exclaims, voice going past the allowed noise level in a library, but no one would ever dare to shush the Park Jimin.

“Oh.” Taehyung nods. So that’s why they’ve hung the banners. He never really kept track of the internal affairs in the Palace. He didn’t even know that the Queen was expecting. His knowledge only extends to the assurance that they have an of-age, healthy, able-bodied, and supposedly kind (Jimin’s words) Crown Prince and frankly that’s all he needs to know. Taehyung is aware — as a scholar whose academy is reliant on the good graces of the royals—just how much of a wreckage and chaos a kingdom could fall into if the royal family doesn’t have an heir in line to the throne. 

“So you’ll come, right?” Jimin looks at him, eyes pleading. 

“Umm I—” Taehyung begins, trying to piece together an excuse. He doesn’t really want to spend a night with lords and ladies. Plus, there would most likely be a festival with games, carnivals, and maybe even tourneys to be made under the newly born Princess’ name. 

Jimin clasps his hands together in front of him, weaponizing his endearing pout. “Please don’t say no,” he tilts his head for a good measure, perfectly aware that it could easily break  Taehyung’s will.

Taehyung takes a second to contemplate, just to milk the moment. Jimin does need his help. Jimin, his best friend of more than fourteen years and the one that is most supportive when it comes to Taehyung’s career. He sighs, defeated. “...Fine. But you owe me one.” 

Jimin pumps his fists together. “Thank you Tae! You won’t regret it!” 

Two days later and Taehyung is in fact regretting it. Jimin had been kind enough to lend him clothes that are appropriate for the occasion and they do make him look like he belongs to the crowd of guests flaunting their wealth, but they do nothing when it comes to people inquiring him of what he actually does for a living. They all scamper off when he blurts out that he is but a lowly scholar from the Academy. They leave but not without paying respects to Jimin, the son of the third most powerful man in the kingdom, of course. After that they treat Taehyung like dust, the non-existent dirt under their nails a much preferable sight. 

Taehyung hates how he can’t help but be put down. Hates how he can’t help thinking there must be something wrong with him. How it makes him try to fix his hair even though Jimin has said that it looks fine a hundred times already. How he is forced to stand ramrod straight even though he has terrible posture from poring over manuscripts. Taehyung realizes just how exhausting it is to constantly put up a front to be seen as acceptable, wondering how one could live like this.

He can feel the stress working its way into his system. He didn’t know that trying to talk to old snobby nobles would set his nerves off but then he realizes that these are powerful snobbish nobles. Being used to Jimin’s presence in his daily life, Taehyung often forgets that  if someone would ever dare to cross the young noble then they will for sure end up grovelling at his feet, begging for mercy.

Jimin does look more apologetic as time passes by. He tries very hard to include Taehyung in conversations with the guests. Some of them humored Jimin for a bit but it never really went past a few nods and hums at Taehyung’s direction.

“I’m really sorry Tae. Do you want to go home? We can,” Jimin says after he pulled Taehyung away from the small crowd that they have unwittingly gathered. They stand near the curtains, far away from the flock of nobles, and Taehyung has never felt better. Taehyung busies himself with appreciating the decor instead of pointing out how Jimin’s voice nearly cracked at the end of his sentence. Jimin must be feeling guilty for dragging him here but Taehyung can’t have Jimin be sorry for something he hadn’t been in offense for. It isn’t his best friend's fault that there are a lot of shameless assholes in this room. 

Taehyung smiles as he shakes his head, his gaze still not falling from Jimin's direction. It’ll only add fuel to his irate disposition if he finds his best friend downcast and he can’t have himself making a ruckus in here of all places.

“That defeats the purpose of why we’re here tonight,” he says, reminding his friend of his plan to woo Kim Namjoon and he can’t do that when he has to escort Taehyung out of the palace—an antiquated but still in effect protocol for when a noble brings in a commoner. It’s like they think that a commoner would rob a royal if given the chance to enter their home. 

“But you’re not having a good time. I know you’d rather be in the square where the festivities are.” 

“It’s fine. The festivities lasts until tomorrow. You can make it up by chumming up to me until then” Taehyung says, trying to lighten the mood. “I expect at least three bags of sweetmeats and two cups of custard cake,” he fake threatens.

Jimin finally laughs—he first for the night,and Taehyung immediately feels lighter. “Noted. All the sweet things for my Taehyungie.” Jimin grabs his hand for a pinky swear and Taehyung giggles, scrunching his nose at Jimin’s promise. 

As the crowd near the entrance parts, they turn towards the double doors to see Kim Namjoon walk into the room together with who Taehyung assumes—by the crown on his head— is the Mildian Prince, Jeon Jungkook. 

It is customary for an allied kingdom to send a figurehead to send gifts and blessings for a newborn royal. He raises his eyebrows at his best friend. Do you think you could get past the Prince Jeon Jungkook?

Jimin rolls his shoulders, standing straighter and looking at Taehyung with a confident smile on his lips. Watch me .

Taehyung laughs at Jimin’s gusto as he walks up to the newcomers to sweep them off their feet. He’s sure Jimin would have a high chance of success based on the wide-eyed and evidently smitten look  on the ambassador’s face upon seeing Jimin in the crowd.

But before he could reach them, Jimin turns around, his eyebrows pinched together when he finds that Taehyung has remained in the corner of the hall. Aren’t you coming? his face is saying.

Taehyung shakes his head as he gestures for Jimin to go on without him. He nods towards Namjoon’s direction after mouthing a “good luck” to him. Jimin gives him a worried look that Taehyung pointedly ignores. Taehyung shoos his friend one more time before Jimin finally lets up and continues walking towards the tall Mildian ambassador.

Taehyung pats himself on the back at his small victory. He doesn’t really think he would dare to hold a conversation with a Prince of all people. It’ll be better off for Jimin if he wasn’t there by his side.

The Great Hall suddenly feels bigger and so much more foreign now that he’s alone. Taehyung feels out of his element, surrounded by so many fineries in life. He can’t believe he is longing for his inarguably rougher to the touch shirt and breeches, feeling suffocated in the silk and velvet Jimin had adorned him in. He looks at the pearl button near his wrist. The shine of the pearl taunts him. It feels as though it is screaming at how he’s merely an impostor in here. 

The ceremony hasn’t begun yet, what with the royal family still not in attendance. Granted it’s still a few hours before the time that is set for the ball to be held in honor of the Royal Princess. Jimin had been the one who insisted to come early, as it is a plain old courtesy befitting Jimin’s character but moreso because he wanted to make sure he’s the first one to cozy up to Kim Namjoon.  

Taehyung watches as Jimin saunters over to the duo. He easily caught the attention of Namjoon, who’s eyes lit up when they fell on Jimin. Looks like Jimin hadn’t merely spent his few past encounters with Namjoon by merely ogling him. Jimin is then introduced to the Mildian Prince, curtsying gracefully in front of the royal. Soon enough he has the two Mildians charmed, both of them enraptured by a story Jimin is telling. It must be quite a funny tale as the three of them soon dissolve into laughter. The sight of them warms Taehyung’s heart. At least his sacrifice hadn’t been in vain. 

With nothing much to do, he surveys the room. Gaze going past the guests, eyes flittering across the ornate walls until he catches sight of an archway across him a few hundred feet away. Taehyung could see greenery past it. He recalls how Jimin had let in before that the palace has an unconventional garden he would appreciate. 

Jimin hadn’t gone into specifics over what type of architecture or plants this garden has to warrant being called ‘unconventional’. His story was much more focused on how eclectic the Crown Prince’s taste is and how Jimin likes that part of him. But he kept reiterating that Taehyung would love it and Taehyung trusts Jimin’s judgement.

And so Taehyung walks towards the archway, careful to not bump into any of the influential and powerful people that could crush Taehyung’s hopes and dreams with a flick of their wrist if they so wish. He still wants to be an envoy of Fiore and be sent off on duties outside the kingdom. To see the Mildian Kingdom, Veronica Kingdom, and if possible, to cross the sea and visit the Alvarez Empire. 

He steps onto the veranda; the cold night air greeting him. He hugs his arms closer and wishes he hadn’t turned down Jimin’s offer to lend him a cloak. Taehyung always forgets that it gets chilly at night. He refused because he didn’t want to appear pompous and draw attention to himself, but to his dismay, that had all been in vain. Taehyung scoffed at himself. He managed to unwittingly draw attention to himself even without the coat. What more could the coat do?

His eyes, still not adjusted to the dim sparsely lit garden, fail to see what is so special about it. Even so, Taehyung carefully walks down the steps that lead to the carefully manicured lawn.

A few steps and a few seconds of looking at nothing before his eyes acquaints itself with the darkness, he softly gasps as his eyes take in the colors around him. Instead of the uniform green hedges he saw at the palace entrance earlier, there are vines wrapped around a crisscrossed frame, with bright orange flowers shaped like a bird’s beak. The frames are taller than him and are arranged together to make up a maze Taehyung would be happy to get lost in. He walks deeper into the maze, undeterred by the gusts of wind that have him shivering.

He doesn't regret his decision to brave the weather as the passage of colorful vines leads to a small clearing. There, Taehyung finds a beautiful lotus garden with a myriad of fountains sustaining this rare exotic plant. He can’t help but to creep closer to the biggest fountain located in the middle to admire the pink blooming flowers, hands dipping in the water to softly caress the stem underneath. He’s not in a hurry to return to the Great Hall, not when he might not get another chance to admire something as rare and pretty as this plant. The flowers look so soft and fragile, even more so under the moonlight.

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?” a voice pipes up from his left and Taehyung startles, turning to see a noble with cat-like eyes looking at him, hints of a smile on his face. He emerged from a different passage that Taehyung failed to notice earlier. The noble steps closer and Taehyung gulps as he glances at his polished boots and decorated scabbard—this is definitely someone of a high rank. 

“They are,” Taehyung says as he guiltily removes his hand from the water. Is he allowed to touch the flowers? What if there are unwritten laws he just broke? His heart quivers as he stiffly stands up. Taehyung turns, about to leave, when the stranger sits down at the edge of the fountain a few feet away. It is a respectable distance, but it still makes Taehyung’s heart quicken as he remains in his spot. Something about this man radiates authority. It has Taehyung pinned to his spot as though he needs to ask for the man’s permission to be dismissed. Which is preposterous but still he remains rooted in place.

“You might not notice in the moonlight, but there are actually two kinds of plants in the water,” the man spoke in a husky voice which Taehyung tries hard not to catalogue in his mind.  “One is pink and the other is white.”

Taehyung strains his eyes, trying to find the white ones. They look similar in the dim of the night hence it took him a few moments to differentiate them. “They’re so small!” he gasps out in awe.

“They’re the dwarf variety. Any bigger and the palace would’ve needed to dig a pond,” the man chuckles at the thought.

Taehyung can’t help but find his laughter delightful even though he’s not sure why the man finds the idea of the palace being forced to drastically change their landscape funny. It’s not funny, Taehyung thinks. It’ll be a wasteful endeavor using the people’s coffers. But Taehyung brushed it off since his laughter is free of scorn and he can’t help bathing in the warm feeling it brings. He finds himself relaxing his shoulders as he returns to sit by the fountain’s edge. “Tell me more...please,” Taehyung says as he leans closer, bright curious eyes focused on the man before him.

The man raises his eyebrows at Taehyung’s pleading, but he indulges him. “These used to only bloom on the Land of Isval, but the gardener, a man named Hoseok, managed to bring these delicate beings to life...” And so he begins to talk about how the seeds were a gift from the leaders of Isval and how they were very insistent on having the plant grow here in Fiore. 

Taehyung’s nerves completely settled, shoulder’s relaxing at the stranger’s soft cadence. He’s charmed by his deep knowledge of the garden, how it’s apparent that he really cares for it. Taehyung finds himself transfixed with every word coming out of the man’s mouth especially since it doesn’t hurt to gain little facts about lands far beyond the walls of their kingdom. And has he mentioned his voice ?

“I wonder how he did it. He must be really talented,” Taehyung says, wonderstruck. The flowers are extraordinary and if given the chance to talk with this Hoseok, he would like to try to grow them in his small garden back home. Taehyung would like nothing more than to have these pretty flowers greet him every morning.

“I happen to have an eye for talent,” the man says, piercing cat eyes transfixed on Taehyung. “What do you do for a living?” 

“Me? I—” Taehyung stops, remembering the apathy the type of crowd this man belongs to had shown the moment he uttered the word ‘scholar’.

The stranger looks up at him, eyes patient and his whole demeanor relaxed. Taehyung senses that this person isn’t cut from the same cloth as the majority of the people inside the hall and even if his intuition is wrong, he would never again let people shame him for something he’s passionate about. “I’m a scholar,” he says, raising his head and proudly puffing his chest.

The man nods to himself and Taehyung is tense for a moment as his bravado crumbles, so sure that the manwill turn to leave immediately. Leaving him standing in front of the fountain, once again being reminded that he doesn’t belong here.

But instead, the man hums in acknowledgement before asking, “What topics are you learning about right now?” He has his cheek propped up against his palm, his elbow placed on his thigh. A comfortable stance as though he has no plans of leaving any time soon.

Taehyung gapes, wondering just how bored this stranger could be to be curious about his interest, of all people. “Right now? Macroeconomics and the social structure of Alvarez.” 

“Oh! I’ve also always been fascinated by Alvarez for the longest time. Have you already read about…” 

And that’s the start of their rich conversation. Taehyung finds himself shifting to the edge of the fountain, getting closer to this riveting stranger. He’s an attentive listener and a very knowledgeable speaker. He speaks as though he has lived through some of the things he talks about and in retrospect, he might have. Taehyung learnt a thing or two from the stranger and he mentally lists the book titles that he needs to get his hands on as soon as he returns to the library. Although he thought he had already scoured every Alvarez-related book there. He can’t believe he missed some. 

“Why are you alone in the garden, anyway?” the man asks, tilting his head. “Were you about to rendezvous with someone yet here I am, ruining it?” He sounds serious as he glances around the garden, probably expecting a person to pop up from the shadows.

Taehyung laughs at the absurdity of the joke. As if someone of a noble status would ever woo him. Or him wooing a noble? What a foolish thought. “No, no. I was just... bored?” the statement came out unsure. He was bored back in the Great Hall—but not right now, not here, talking to this well-mannered and empathetic gentleman. 

“Bored? Was there something wrong with the ball? Not enough refreshments?” 

Taehyung smiles softly at the sudden petulant tone slipping out of the grown man. “Let’s just say I don’t find the company… enjoyable.” 

The man raises his brows, pointing to himself and Taehyung was quick to say, “No,no,no, except for you.”

The man chuckles as he scratches at his cheek meekly. “They can’t be all that bad.”

Taehyung closes his mouth, not wanting to badmouth anyone. He dismissively waves his hand but the man doesn’t let up. “I could introduce you to them myself if you want,” he offers.

“You don’t have to!” Taehyung hurries to add, not wanting to be a bother. It wouldn’t matter that much anyway. If Jimin’s influence wasn’t enough to turn those snobs into people with the barest of courtesies, then it’ll take a miracle or a royal to get them to behave. Besides, Taehyung doesn’t want to act all chummy with those snakes anyway. That reminds him. “I’m really glad I met you though. You’re the highlight of the night thus far,” Taehyung admits, shy and hoping the darkness is enough to mask the heat in his cheeks. 

“Well that’s just sad when the highlight is me rambling,” the man giggles and the sound goes too well with the trickling of water in the fountain, both of them clear and tinkling. He runs his hand through his dark locks settling at the back of his neck, bashfully rubbing the skin there. 

Something warm blooms in Taehyung’s stomach when he sees the noble acting coy. It’s nice to know he’s not the only one.

“I wouldn’t necessarily call it rambling. It’s not inconsequential to me,” Taehyung says as he watches the noble look up at him, a soft smile growing on his lips. “I would love to hear more about the Alvarez Empire or maybe about how you came to know the palace gardener. Anything, frankly.” 

The man laughs at his honesty. “Are you really that starved for a conversation?” he asks, voice light and teasing.

Taehyung pouts at his tone, he was being very much sincere and the topic is still quite sensitive after the earlier events inside the Great Hall. “Aside from you and Jimin, a friend who brought me here, no one else has been talking to me so that’s why.” Taehyung doesn’t know why he chooses to air out his grievances to a guy he just met. Maybe it’s because he feels a connection with the guy due to their similar niche interests. Or maybe because he simply feels at ease with him.

The man’s eyes immediately soften, losing their teasing edge. “It’s their loss then,” he says as he confidently plucks a lotus flower, much to Taehyung’s surprise. Are they allowed to do that? Will the palace guards be mad and proceed to detain them? This garden belongs to the Prince, right? How is he going to get bailed out?

Before Taehyung could voice out his concerns, the noble had already leaned closer to him. Moments later, Taehyung feels a slightly wet stem gliding across the shell of his ear. He sits frozen, breath caught in his throat and heart wildly fluttering. All the while the noble moves ever closer to make sure the flower is secure behind Taehyung’s ear. 

The nobleman is so near that Taehyung can’t help but to pin his gaze to the man’s button nose, too afraid to shift his gaze any lower and be met with inviting pink lips. Any higher and he’s afraid to see the twinkle in the eyes of this very pretty and forward stranger else their eyes meet and Taehyung wouldn’t know what to do with himself if it would ever happen. 

“Is this how you treat a pitiful stranger?” Taehyung asks with a shaky gasp. He had intended to appear nonchalant at the affectionate gesture, but his nerves betrayed him, revealing just how affected he actually is. 

“Only the pretty ones with interests in Alvarez studies,” the man quips without missing a beat, grinning.

Taehyung wants to hide, bury his face in his hands, and bemoan his lack of experience and ignorance when it comes to whatever this is. Is this flirting? Is he really being wooed by a dashing young man he just met? 

He’s left awestruck, paralyzed. Why hadn’t he spent the better part of his adolescence courting someone like the majority of his peers? If he had done so then he would’ve been geared up for this exact moment, he would have developed a bit of an immunity to these types of quips and jabs. But he didn’t and now his poor fragile heart can’t possibly handle any more of this.

Especially when the noble is still so so close that Taehyung is consciously aware that their hands are only a few inches apart. That if the man so desires, he could grab Taehyung’s hand just as easily as he placed the flower behind his ear.

The man moves and Taehyung’s heart jumps to his throat, expecting the touch of a hand against his, but alas the stranger only shifted in his seat to lean back on his palms, looking at him.

“What is it?” Taehyung asks, insecure. He was so sure that the man was going to bridge the distance between them, be it their hands, or dare he say, their lips.

“Nothing. Just admiring the view. The flower is almost as radiant as your likeness. Even with the moon as the only source of light,” the man says with his head tilted, eyes and voice a little glazed over. As though looking at something ethereal under the moonlight. 

“Maybe it’s because it’s poorly-lit. I’m certain you won’t be saying that if you were to meet me in a proper lighting.” Taehyung mentally pats himself on the back for thinking of a quip to continue this lovely banter. He has always been a fast learner, he can get through this. 

“Why don’t we head inside so I could prove you wrong? Haven’t you gotten a good look at yourself, mister.” The man points an accusatory finger at him, nose scrunched up good-naturedly, teasing. 

Taehyung giggles, about to utter a no. He doesn’t want to go back inside so soon, afraid that the magic, this moment, would end so soon. But then a harsh gust of wind hits them and his body shivers uncontrollably. 

“Come here,” the gentleman says, urgent, as he stands on his feet. He offers a hand and Taehyung takes it without a second thought. Taehyung stands up and he is amused to find out he is a few good inches taller than the man before him. He has an air of confidence that made Taehyung believe he is much larger than him. He is about to tease the man when something soft suddenly brushes the back of his neck. The gentleman’s arms cages him, both hands settled on his shoulders and face once again dangerously close to his.

“It’s a chilly night, you should’ve brought a coat,” the man lightly admonishes Taehyung in the small space between them. They’re so close that Taehyung could feel his breath. Could see the small clouds it makes in the chill of the night. 

The man’s fingers deftly buttons the short cape draped over Taehyung. The one he was wearing earlier. One that still has remnants of warmth from his body, one that still distinctly smells like him. He smoothes the material over Taehyung’s shoulders when he is done. "Maybe we should head inside. Do you fancy art? Want to hear me talk about Merasgar and Awanqi?" 

Taehyung’s mouth tries hard to form words but no sound comes out. He feels warm, and not necessarily because of the cape. 

Taehyung finds himself nodding even before the man finishes his sentence. He lets the stranger take his hand and lead him into a pathway fenced by flowering vines. It’s a different pathway, this time they’re heading east of the castle. They’re not heading towards the Great Hall and that settles his mind. 

Taehyung hides a smile that is threatening to slip onto his lips as they walk side by side, hands clasped together...like dare he think, lovers. He feels warm all over, from the apples of his cheeks, to his chest, moreso on the tips of his fingers from being held by even warmer hands. 

The fences of vines end at the trail of cobblestones leading to a small entryway. This part of the castle doesn’t look as extravagant as the parts he’d seen earlier. But it still looks like a posh house that Taehyung would’ve expected to find near a creek—but certainly not inside the castle.

“Where are we?” Taehyung can’t help but ask as soon as they step inside. The halls aren’t heavily guarded and they have a more homely feel to it. As if these walls have seen and heard the raucous laughter of children as they run through the halls, seen them grow up and become adults. 

“We’re in one of the palace wings,” the man reassures him as they walk deeper into the hall. His steps are sure as though he had walked through these polished wooden floors every waking moment of his life.

It’s when the only sound echoing through the halls is the sound of their footsteps that Taehyung feels a smidge of fear wriggle into his heart. “Umm this is belated but… can I have your name? I’m Kim Taehyung.” 

Their hands are still intertwined and Taehyung feels the man’s hold tightening for a second before his hand falls as they halt to a stop. Taehyung feels bile rise in his throat. Has he stepped onto a landmine?

He gulps as the man steps closer to him, so close that he could smell his perfume—cedarwood. It makes Taehyung heady and pliant, letting the man maneuver him so that his back is pressed onto the man’s front. He hadn’t even realized that he had his eyes closed until he felt the rumble of the man’s chest as he hums contentedly, almost like a cat.

”Open your eyes, Kim Taehyung-ssi.” 

Taehyung obeys, eyes slowly fluttering open as though this man’s words and presence have put him in a trance he doesn't want to get out of. His name rolling off the man’s lips has him weak on his knees and Taehyung scarily realizes just how much power this man has over him, and he doesn’t even know his name yet. 

His gaze takes a while to refocus, taking a minute before he realizes he’s looking at himself. A large mirror hangs in front of them, reflecting the two of them, showing just how close they are to each other and how flushed Taehyung really is. His chest falls in quick successions. Is it nervousness or is it something more? Something much heavier that settles low in him, igniting his core in a way he has never felt before.

“A pretty name for a pretty fellow,” the man says, his breath so close to Taehyung’s neck  he can’t help shivering as he makes eye contact with the man through the mirror, the man’s gaze pinned on him.

“Not prettier than yours, I hope,” Taehyung manages to utter in the heavy atmosphere they’ve created around themselves. It’s not uncomfortable per se, but more ... thrilling. As though there’s a current underlying their skin that’ll spark at their behest.

“Yoongi. My name is Yoongi,” the man whispers, craning his beautiful unmarked neck to reach Taehyung’s ears. His eyes, now slitted, are heavy on him as though itching to swallow him up.

Taehyung watches all of it in the mirror, transfixed at how the space between them seems so small. How if he ever chooses to turn his head, his mouth would meet Yoongi’s inviting outstretched neck. He wouldn’t really know what to do if he does so, but he has an inkling that Yoongi would take the reins by then.

“Yoongi” Taehyung tests the  name on his tongue, liking the way the sound feels so wonderful to his ears. Liking how being able to put a name to this person makes his heart flutter.

“Hmm.” 

“ Shine . It suits you.” It really does. Yoongi shines with how bright his mind is, how he’s a gem in a heap of unrefined nobles, how his smile could light up the darkest of days.

Yoongi graces him with a smile befitting his name, all gummy and bright. Immediately, the tension between them dissipates into something much softer; a more familiar territory. “It’s been a long while since someone took notice of that. Thank you.”

He takes a step back and Taehyung realizes he already misses his warmth and how he feels so secure with Yoongi so close. But before his face could morph into one of disappointment, Yoongi is already reaching out  to hold his hand. “Come on, I still haven’t shown you Merasgar and Awanqi’s work.” 

Taehyung smiles at that, giddiness returning to his system. He’s not sure if it’s mostly because of the hand holding or because of the thought of seeing priceless art with his own eyes. Okay he’s not going to lie to himself, he’s sure it’s because of the warm hand on his own.

They’ve just rounded a corner when they hear footfalls against the wooden floor quickly followed by a shrill voice shouting, “There you are! I’ve been looking for you!”

Taehyung nearly jumps out of his skin at the loud and also very accusatory tone which Yoongi tries to placate. Yoongi shifts his hold on his palm so that he could run his thumb across Taehyung’s knuckles. Taehyung doesn’t like to admit just how effective it was in calming his nerves. 

“Is it time already, Jin-hyung?” Yoongi half-shouts at the man approaching them.

“It’s five minutes before the start of the ball. Where have you been??” Jin says, eyes bulging out of his sockets in exasperation. He takes a second to gape at their clasped hands and at the very familiar jacket around Taehyung’s shoulders. It wouldn’t take a genius to put two and two together. He raises an impeccable brow at them, either from astonishment or because he’s demanding an explanation. Maybe both.

Yoongi chooses to ignore his hyung as he fishes for his pocket watch with his free hand, convinced that Jin is pulling his leg. He hadn’t been gone that long has he? He releases the latch, shocked to find out Jin has been telling the truth. 

He turns to Taehyung, who looks very much confused at the alarm and sense of urgency in the air. He’s filled with the urge to cradle Taehyung’s head closer to kiss his nose and then the crease in his forehead just to wipe the worried look off his face. But Jin is here and even if he wasn’t, Yoongi doesn’t know if he is allowed to cross that line yet. So he settles by bringing Taehyung’s hand closer to his lips, eyes looking up for permission.

Taehyung is looking at him in anticipation with pink dusting his cheeks and his other hand daintily curved near his slightly opened lips. An image of pure innocence that Yoongi wants to catalogue in his brain for further perusal. 

With a pointed cough from Jin, Yoongi begins to gingerly press his lips against each of Taehyung’s knuckles, hoping this display of affection is enough of an apology for breaking his promise. It’s a shame they weren’t able to talk about art, he feels like Taehyung would’ve enjoyed it.

He inwardly sighs. He would’ve also much preferred being alone with Taehyung instead of being in front of hundreds of people. He probably won’t be able to talk to him until after the ceremony, and he wouldn’t want Taehyung to feel alone and cast aside. He’s already had more than enough of that for tonight. 

“I’m sorry I have to leave. Jin-hyung will accompany you,” he says, throwing a look at Jin.

“Yes, yes, I will,” Jin shoos him away, impatient but as understanding as ever. “Now go scurry off before your mother loses her patience.”

Yoongi squeezes Taehyung’s hand instead of uttering a goodbye. “Wait for me out there,” he says as he unlinks their fingers.

“Good luck!” Taehyung says, voice high and unsure as to what exactly he’s cheering Yoongi on with. Yoongi doesn’t fault Taehyung for not being able to connect the dots. It just means he was good at hiding it. 

It’s refreshing seeing Taehyung not showing  any strong reactions when they met in the garden. Not even after Yoongi told him his first name. There were no curtsies, no bowing, no false pretenses of reverence.

Taehyung enthusiastically waves goodbye and Yoongi smiles at his cuteness. He takes one last glance on Taehyung’s joyous face as he turns a corner. His smile morphs into something rueful, hoping Taehyung’s smile won’t erode into something cold and fake once he sees Yoongi walk towards his throne, adorned with his crown and in the company of the King, Queen, and Princess of Fiore.

———

Taehyung watches as Yoongi waves back at him one more time before turning at a corner, heading somewhere he was supposedly needed. Jin seemed rattled earlier, as though Yoongi’s role is of utmost importance. Taehyung has worked it out that Yoongi is probably close to the inner circle of the royal family, what with him knowing about the Prince’s gardener and being so sure-footed inside the palace—walking through the halls as though he has the authority to access any of it.

He can’t really verify it with Yoongi since he’s already gone, leaving him alone with this exceedingly broad-shouldered guy with an equally impressive presence. The guy looms over Taehyung, scrutinizing him like he’s a specimen to be studied. It’s unlike the judgemental gazes of the ill-mannered nobles earlier—this one is much curious and less cruel, but still intimidating.

Taehyung clears his throat. “Aren’t we heading to the Great Hall, too?” he asks as he steps towards the direction that Yoongi had taken. Frankly, the only reason he is willing to go back to that place is because of the knowledge that Yoongi would be waiting for him.

“Umm no,” Jin says, taken aback as though Taehyung has just said something preposterous. “That’s not an entrance we’re allowed to use,” he explains, quite condescendingly like he’s speaking to a toddler who hadn’t known better.

Jin heads over to a different hallway, not even sparing a glance behind him to check if Taehyung’s following. Taehyung chooses to use the distance between the two of them to make sense of Yoongi’s friend. He’s clearly a military man based on his stiff uniform with shiny golden badges on his sleeves. Taehyung hadn’t really cared to learn about the different insignias of the Knight’s Order, but he guesses from the three golden plated stars emblazoned on his badge that Jin isn’t your average knight. 

The silence stretches on, weighing heavy on Taehyung’s shoulders. It’s clear that Jin is close friends with Yoongi and this fills Taehyung with the need to leave a favorable impression on him. He hastens his steps to catch up with Jin until they’re walking side by side. 

“Umm...I’m sorry about what happened back there. I just thought— since Yoongi went there I—-” Taehyung stutters, very much intimidated by how Jin is staring at him. He only wanted to rectify the foolish impression that might’ve stuck with Jin from earlier but it looks like he has only poured oil over fire.

“Yoongi?!?” I know you’re close but—” Jin halts, taking a shuddering breath.

Taehyung grimaces. “Yoongi-hyung?”

“Hyung?!” he bellows, aghast. 

“Yoongi-ssi??” Taehyung hides behind his hands, afraid that Jin is about to combust, his face already tomato red. Taehyung doesn’t get why he’s so caught up with the use of honorifics, Yoongi himself didn’t mind it.

Jin takes a calming breath before leveling him with a look. “Taehyung-ssi, can you name all the royals you know?”

Taehyung scrunches his brows in confusion. What does this have to do with anything? “Well for the royal family of Fiore, there’s King Jinho and Queen Soyoung, the Crown Prince, and then the star of the night—the newborn Princess… Yoonji was it?” 

Jin runs his hands down his face, exasperated. “Of all the names to forget, ” he bemoans to the ceiling. 

Taehyung watches as Jin’s intimidating facade crumbles like egg shells being trampled on. Jin continues to look at the ceiling in agony as though waiting for the marble stone to give him some sage advice. Taehyung is amused to find that the man has a flair for the dramatics.

“Hey! What are you smiling at?!” Jin asks, eyes comically wide.

“Nothing,” Taehyung primly shuts his mouth and innocently waddles forward without any prompting. 

“Kids these days,” Jin complains, shaking his head. “Come here, kid. You need a wake up call.”

Jin grabs hold of his elbow to usher him past sets of hallways. He stops and steers him to face a wall—no— a painting, a big one at that. It’s so enormous that Taehyung could only make out big chunks of color with him standing a few yards away from it. He looks up and suddenly it all makes sense, how Jin was so angry when he called Yoongi so casually, how Yoongi felt so sure and confident in these halls, and how he and Seokjin weren’t allowed to use the same entrance as Yoongi.

It all makes sense as he ogles at the painting in front of him. Taehyung cranes his neck upward, eyes going past the ceremonial clothes, past the cute button nose he’s endeared with, past the sharp cat-like eyes, and up to the crown on his head. A crown .

Taehyung rubs at his eyes, refusing to believe what he is seeing. There’s no way he was flirting with none other than the Crown Prince of Fiore a mere moment ago.

 ———

“So are you like his guard or something?” Taehyung asks Jin, who is lounging on a chaise beside him. They’re on a mezzanine conveniently hidden by sprawls of curtains. Anyone looking up at the Great Hall wouldn’t notice them but they have a wide berth of view of the room below. “And why aren’t we down there?”

“Hush hush. No party is worth spending energy on when there’s no food. That’s my coda,” Jin replies as he flicks a candy into the air which he then catches with his mouth. “Want some?” he offers.

Taehyung accepts a handful of candy from Jin’s pouch. He’s not fooled by the aloof vibe the other man is giving off. Earlier, he saw how Jin’s gaze moved past everyone down below, never staying still. It’s clear to see that he is monitoring for any abnormalities. Jin’s just doing his job and Taehyung is an added weight, he guesses. 

“And yes I’m the prince’s guard, but since you’re under my care for tonight you’re bound to me.” Jin confirms his thoughts. “I doubt you would have any part in the ceremony anyway, no offense. So we can take our time here.”

Taehyung shrugs, he prefers this anyway. No overbearing crowd or judgy stares, just the slightly awkward silence from being with one of the closest aides of his...his… What is Yoongi to him anyway?

“That’s weird. You’re taking this—” Jin waves his hand in the air, “—quite differently than I imagined.”

Taehyung sighs, scratch the awkward silence part. Ever since Jin had shown him the painting, he had begun to fill the silence with questions most of which Taehyung chooses to ignore in favor of processing his emotions. He still can’t wrap his head around all of it.

“What did you expect?” Taehyung asks as he leans over the banister. He’s not really looking for anyone, just avoiding Jin’s stare if the guard would ever try to pick apart his expressions.

“I don’t know? I just wanted you to stop with the no honorifics stint you kept pulling. I kinda thought you’d be happier, I guess. This is the prince we’re talking about.”  

“...It just complicates everything. I don’t want something filled with grandeur. I just want what we had in the garden earlier.” It was pure. Intimate. Beautiful.

“Oh so you two met there. Did you know that that’s where he goes when he’s troubled?”

That had Taehyung’s curiosity. “Why would he be feeling troubled?” 

“Maybe because now, more than ever, at the birth of his younger sister, he’s feeling the weight of his responsibilities?” Jin says, lackadaisical.

“Are you saying I’m just something of a… distraction to him?!”

Jin barks out a laugh. “No, no. That had been the most put together Yoongi’s been lately. You ground him.” 

You ground him.  

Taehyung mulls over that line, warmth spreading from his heart to the tips of his fingers. He’s in too deep now, isn’t he?

——

The sound of trumpets fills the room and soon enough the doors swing open and in walks the royal family. Taehyung might’ve already known but it’s still quite jarring to see Yoongi wearing his crown, within steps of the most powerful man and woman in the kingdom. 

He has a colder look on his face. More menacing, more regal. Far from the gummy smile that had Taehyung’s heart pitter pattering earlier. So this is Prince Yoongi. 

It’s like there’s a different person donning Yoongi’s countenance. It’s eerie, the way this Yoongi commands silence, commands your attention, commands power. 

Jin stands up and that’s when Taehyung knows he is now needed elsewhere, probably somewhere much closer to Yoongi. The mere thought of being near Yoongi while he’s fulfilling the roles of this princely persona has Taehyung excited and a smidge apprehensive. This is all new territory, and he guesses that’s part of its appeal—love, that is. Or whatever it is Taehyung’s feeling right now. 

Finding out new quirks and tidbits about them is part of it he supposes. Yoongi’s own bit is not quite so small, with him being a royal of all things but Taehyung could make peace with it. Right? 

Jin leads him down a winding staircase, the two of them inconspicuously emerging a few feet away from the dais where the royal family is fully seated on their thrones. Taehyung has only come to realize that the passage they’re walking through is hidden behind a secret curtain. He takes note of this in case he ever visits the castle again. Wait, isn’t he getting ahead of himself there?

Jin halts his steps and Taehyung mirrors him. He doesn’t have a single etiquette training under his belt for this so he could only rely on Jin for any cues. Thankfully, Jin doesn’t have any roles for the ceremony; only nobles and officials from other kingdoms have any part in it. One by one, they give their blessings, carrying a gift, a token to the young princess, while singing praises and hopeful platitudes. Unfortunately for Taehyung, most of these nobles take their sweet sweet time basking in the attention of the royal family, weaving sentences and niceties intricately which Taehyung doubts are sincere. They drone on and on while Taehyung keeps on standing, acting like a royal guard beside Jin. He now realizes the genius of Jin earlier, up on the mezzanine, lounging on a chaise. He much prefers that over guard duty on the ground where he has to stand still for hours on end. 

His legs are already screaming at him when finally, the last two nobles are called for. “Prince Jeon Jungkook and Sir Kim Namjoon from Mildian.”

They bow first before calling over a servant who is carrying a humongous chest. Upon being opened, swathes of blankets spill out of it. Well that’s new. It had been jewels after jewels after jewels that Taehyung is sure the young princess would have no trouble looking sparkly and expensive whenever she wishes to. Maybe that’s the common toy for royals in their infancy, gems and gold that is. She could play with her jewels all the while being wrapped around her fuzzy blankets.

“On behalf of the kingdom of Mildian, I congratulate the royal family, especially the Queen, for the safe delivery of Princess Yoonji. May the Princess grow up well to continue the legacy of the Min Family." Prince Jungkook bows once again. "We would like to gift her coats and blankets made of the finest and most coveted fur that could only be found in Mildian. They were chosen in hopes that they’ll bring comfort and warmth to the princess, especially during winter, just like how Mildian depends on Fiore for produce during the winter season. We hope this token conveys our gratitude, and may our trade culture continue for years to come.” 

At the sound of applause, Namjoon brings the chest closer to the crib where the royal princess is nestled on. 

Taehyung has to hand it to Prince Jungkook. His little speech was concise without having any veiled double entendres. The gift is also thoughtful and almost symbolic. Although, it is too humble in Taehyung’s opinion. Mildian may depend on Fiore during winter when their soil is frosted over, but they are the main supplier of ore in the whole peninsula. They’re definitely not a kingdom to be trifled with. 

The humility must’ve worked for the King of Fiore, seeing as how he thanks Prince Jungkook with a half embrace. It’s the only time in this night where the King physically expresses his delight. 

The King and Queen are the last to bestow their blessings, and they only whisper it to the young babe. There’s no gift this time, for the gift of life they’ve brought into the child is exactly what they’re celebrating. Such is tradition.

Soon enough, the King is carefully holding the bundled baby above his head, and the sound of applause mingles with the symphony from the trumpets and drums. The crescendo of the timpanis acts to lift everyone’s spirits. Someone popped a streamer and the whole room is filled with shiny, glittery, colors.

Taehyung smiles. For the first time, this place is reminiscent of his beloved festivals. The loudness, the color, the celebration of life. 

“Someone’s happy,” Yoongi speaks next to him. 

Taehyung doesn’t even realize Yoongi has sneaked up on him. “Hi, didn’t notice you there,” he greets, breathless and caught off guard. Yoongi’s beauty is disarming, even moreso once his gummy smile appears again.

“Happy looks good on you.”

“I could say the same about you… Your Highness,” Taehyung adds the title as an afterthought, voice turning wobbly.

“Now, who snitched on me ?” Yoongi teases, arms crossed over his chest.

Taehyung laughs, relieved that this is all so light-hearted and easy. No drama. No different to the two of them from an hour ago.

“Now may this prince request a dance with this fair, fair, gentleman?” Yoongi asks with an exaggerated curtsy, pulling a laughter out of Taehyung.

“Why yes, of course. Who am I to deny the prince such a right?” Taehyung plays along, acting like a maiden, bashfully fanning himself with his head modestly turned away all the while meekly peeking at the gentleman before him.

“Goodness you guys are sickening,” Jin groans a few feet behind them.

Yoongi laughs, grabbing Taehyung’s hand and pulling him closer. “Don’t mind him, he’s just cranky when deprived of sugar.” 

Taehyung allows himself to appreciate Yoongi’s warmth beside him, the press of their palms together, the way he feels safe next to him.

“Shall we?” Yoongi asks, gesturing towards the dance floor. There are already a handful of couples dancing along to the joyous upbeat tune the string quartet is playing. 

Taehyung smiles, nevermind that his legs are sore, it all takes the backseat when Yoongi is by his side. “Let’s go.”

——

Taehyung can’t believe he forgot that he doesn’t know how to dance. He knows the carefree dances from the festivals back in the town square but not the rigid and structured dance of whatever dance they’re supposed to be performing. Waltz, was it? 

He has lost track of the number of times he stepped on Yoongi’s foot, but the Prince’s smile remains on his face, eyes still warm on him. 

“I’m sorry,” Taehyung cringes as he once again fumbles the steps, shoulders tense. He wonders how many skid marks Yoongi’s leather shoes have garnered. Maybe he should offer to massage Yoongi’s feet after this? It’s the least he could do. Taehyung’s feet for sure don't have any plans to stop being uncoordinated any time soon.

Yoongi lightly chuckles, his hand on Taehyung’s shoulder gliding down to his waist, steadying Taehyung and correcting his form. Taehyung tries hard to control the flush in his cheeks as he feels Yoongi’s fingers lightly pressing on his waist. He didn’t think Yoongi would be this patient and tender, but he’s not exactly complaining. 

“We could take it slow. We’re in no rush.” Yoongi reassures as he minimizes their movements, humming the beat under his breath and stressing on the parts where the steps are bigger.

Taehyung follows, movements still stiff and unnatural, but at least it lessens the incidence of him damaging Yoongi’s toes. Yoongi hums their own tune, discordant with the song the quartet is playing in the background yet ringing the loudest in Taehyung’s ears. Their own little personal tune in their own little bubble.

Gradually, Taehyung improves, and with it, Yoongi’s smile grows on his face. Yoongi even swung him around in a big arch and Taehyung’s footwork didn't fail him. “Look who’s a fast-learner,” he says, sounding proud, and Taehyung can’t help the lightness he feels at the compliment.

Taehyung was about to praise Yoongi for being an amazing teacher but before he could, someone repeatedly clears their throat, vying for Yoongi’s attention. A lady with her nose turned up high curtsies as soon as Yoongi looked over her form. 

“My Prince, would it be so rude for me to ask for a dance? I can’t help noticing how it’s already been more than three songs and well—” she eyes Taehyung briefly “—my liege, I think it’s past the time for a partner change.”

Taehyung notices how Yoongi’s features harden, as though slighted. Yoongi was about to open his mouth, but before Taehyung could even wonder what Yoongi would spout, he unlinked himself from Yoongi’s hold much to the other man’s confusion.

“It’s alright, my legs are already tired.” Taehyung tries to reason, giving way to this random lady who is foolish enough to light a nasty fire under Yoongi’s nose. “I’m not used to staying up late anyway, my prince.” Taehyung bows to the two figures in front of him.

But before he could scurry away, Yoongi catches his elbow and moves to stand in front of him. “Do you want to retire to bed soon? Let’s find Jimin then.”

Yoongi looks at him, eyes full of concern, but Taehyung could only warily look at the lady whose face is wretchedly contorting into a snarl.

“What even is your relation to him ?” The lady sounds affronted, not bothering to hide her ire.

“Him?” Yoongi meets his eyes and Taehyung freezes, restless to what word Yoongi would choose to describe them “...He’s my Taehyungie.” Yoongi’s eyes soften as he utters the endearment. “Now please excuse us.”

Yoongi steers him away from the fuming lady, muttering a “Sorry you have to see that” as he joins their hand together. His eyes are already skimming through the crowd, presumably looking for the head of blonde hair belonging to one Park Jimin. 

Taehyung feels the corner of his lips lift at the attention Yoongi is showering him. He was fully prepared to give way to that person, but it seems like Yoongi isn’t. Taehyung looks down to their linked hands as he tries to hide the foolish smile that refuses to leave his face.

He admires how their hands fit so well together. He recalls the number of times Yoongi reached for his hand to hold and he can’t help but think that Yoongi has a thing for hand-holding. It’s almost as endearing as being affectionately called “My Taehyungie” by Min Yoongi. 

Taehyung chuckles softly to himself, delirious with delight. He keeps replaying Yoongi’s voice in his head, each time evoking another billow of clouds to settle on his stomach, lifting his spirits up.

Yoongi ushers him onto a bench and Taehyung almost moans at the relief it brings to his muscles. He may have not uttered a sound but the relief must’ve been apparent on his face as Yoongi raises his eyebrows at him. “I was going to ask if you wanted to head home and I’m guessing the answer is yes??”

“What? No?!” Taehyung answers, eyes wide and lips in a pout. He wants to spend more time with Yoongi. Who knows when they’ll get to see each other again.  

“Are you certain you’re not tired?” Taehyung chooses to disregard the question, never one to lie. “I want to spend more time with you...” he mutters petulantly. 

“This won’t be the last time we see each other… right?” Yoongi tilts his head, voice turning unsure. Is he asking for Taehyung’s permission to keep on meeting in the future or is he hit with the improbability of that wish?

Taehyung can’t read minds so he replies, “I want to see you again,” his voice achingly sincere. 

“Then you shall.” Yoongi reassures his flighty heart. “But I wish for you to be well and not in pain.” He glances at his thighs and Taehyung realizes Yoongi had seen right through him. “Should I still look for Jimin?” 

Taehyung is grateful that Yoongi still leaves the decision to him. It’s clear that calling for Jimin would entail being sent home to prematurely rest, which is actually beneficial for him. He still has a busy day ahead of him, unlike the bourgeoisie all around him that hasn’t known a day’s worth of labor like him. 

Begrudgingly, he nods his assent and Yoongi is off to find his best friend. 

It’s when Taehyung’s sight isn’t monopolised by Yoongi’s face that he feels the number of curious stares on his person. They were joyously bumbling along to the waltz tunez earlier that he failed to notice it. And they were generally too engrossed in each other that everything else blurred out of focus.

Only now that Yoongi is not by his side does reality slowly seep in. Of course there would be eyes on him—on them. He doubts they could see the Prince frolicking together with a commoner of all people on the daily. Well at least Taehyung hopes they don’t. 

Taehyung notices heads coming together as they whisper amongst themselves, like bees buzzing. The crowd hums, and Taehyung could only wonder what type of talk is being passed among them. Would it be a tall tale about how he supposedly beguiled the unassuming prince using otherworldly, evil tricks? People tend to add flair in their stories. Oh! He has almost forgotten about the lady from earlier, the one who was aghast at being denied a dance. Will she turn up in the rumour mill as well? Maybe her role would be the unfortunate, slighted lady that was unjustly humiliated by a commoner.

Either way, Taehyung doesn’t see him being made into a hero of sorts. It’s more probable that they’ll paint him as a villain and Taehyung finds himself unperturbed by that thought, surprising even himself. It had only been hours ago when his pride had been trampled by these same people but now he finds they’re opinion to be of no consequence to him. It’s weird, he realizes, just how transformative love could be. 

——

It didn't take long for Yoongi to come back with a worried looking Jimin in tow. Taehyung’s best friend is frantic when he comes up to him. “Prince Yoongi said you’re unwell?!” he says as he checks Taehyung’s forehead for a fever, turning his head this way and that way, looking for rashes of any sorts that would indicate illness.

“I’m fine Jiminie, my legs are just tired. No biggie.”

“It sure wasn’t a ‘no biggie’ when the prince came up to me,” Jimin says, incredulous as he turns to the aforementioned prince.

Yoongi clears his throat, “I thought it needed immediate action,” he says, nodding along as though it’ll make his statement more believable. 

Jimin would’ve prodded deeper but his eyes catch on something. His worried puppy eyes morph into the predatory eyes of a prowling lion who had caught sight of it’s gazelle. “What a nice coat you have there, Tae. Where did you get it?” his voice comically innocent as he pins Yoongi with a wide-eyed stare. 

Taehyung huffs out a laugh. He knows Jimin is close to the prince, even knows that they often engage in playful banters, and he can’t believe getting to witness one in motion would be this entertaining. 

Jimin is a sharp fellow, he’s quick to connect the dots and is, as always, using it to his advantage. He knows he hadn't lent Taehyung that coat, and it just so happens that the color matches the Prince’s ensemble. 

Yoongi remains composed under Jimin’s stare, so much that Jimin could only blow a raspberry at him as he lets up from getting a semblance of admission from the prince. “Boring. I’ll have the carriage drawn in 15 minutes. I’ll give you two some time together.” 

Yoongi offers his arm to Taehyung, for support he guesses, which frankly he doesn’t need but the gesture alone warms him to the core. He takes note of the fact Yoongi had waited until Jimin was out of sight before he acted chivalrously toward Taehyung. 

“Does Jimin always tease you that much?” Taehyung asks once they’re alone in a hallway, once again, but this time it’s a familiar one. One that Taehyung knows leads to the front porch where a carriage would whisk him away from this fairy tale-like night.

“Isn’t he like that to you, too?” Yoongi asks, taken aback. 

Taehyung thinks about it. “No, not really. It’s very rare that he does.”

“That brat, just because we grew up together,” Yoongi complains, his pout intensifying and Taehyung would love nothing more than to watch Yoongi whine cutely about inconsequential matters for hours on end.

The double doors of the entrance are now within sight and Taehyung doesn’t know if time has stretched or if they both have unconsciously slowed down their steps, but still, Taehyung revels in Yoongi’s presence beside him, their arms linked together. Savoring the moment, as long as it lasts.

Before they reach the foyer, a good distance away from the two guard keeping watch, Yoongi unlinks their arms. He turns, facing Taehyung, seemingly at a loss for words. His lips form a thin line as he grapples with the words swirling around his brain. 

The air around them grows heavy with tension the longer the clock ticks by with silence hanging between them. Taehyung decides to fill it with some teasing to ease the atmosphere.

“You called me ‘your Taehyungie’...” Taehyung starts, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Yes I did,” Yoongi replies without missing a beat, although with a faint pink dusting on his cheeks. What a cutie , Taehyung thinks.

“So does that mean I can call you ‘my Yoonie’?” Taehyung asks, bashful, waiting for Yoongi’s reaction.

Yoongi coughs once, twice, as his ears color red. “If you want to.” He fiddles with a stray fluff on his sleeve, also shy. “If you want me to be yours,” Yoongi mutters, so softly that Taehyung thinks he imagined it. 

But Yoongi finally looks up to meet his eyes and they are unguarded and vulnerable, and Taehyung believes his ears, for Yoongi’s eyes are pooled with nothing but love and adoration.

“I want to. I want you, ” Taehyung verbalizes for the first time, putting his heart on his sleeve the same way Yoongi is showing his own through the stars in his eyes. 

There’s a pull between them, here in this abandoned hallway where no one could see. They let it guide their bodies to the state they wish to be in—together. Taehyung gasps, breath caught in his throat as Yoongi cradles his head, palms on either side, pulling him closer. Taehyung’s eyes lock on Yoongi’s tantalizing lips, wondering if the press of his lips against his would feel as soft as a pillow or as gentle as a feather.

Yoongi rushes forward, standing on his tippy toes as he leaves a chaste kiss on Taehyung’s nose. 

When he pulls back, Yoongi is red from the tip of his ears down to his neck. “I was aiming for your forehead but I—” 

Taehyung smiles, endeared. Unlike Yoongi, he has no courage to admit that he was actually expecting a kiss on his lips. He’s not that shameless...yet.

“Oh don’t mind me. It’s not like I don’t have two Mildian men waiting for me back at the ball. Carry on.” Jimin’s voice cuts through the silence. He’s leaning on the doorframe a few hundred yards away while playing with his bangs, eyes respectfully averted from the pair. 

At least Jimin gave them a small bit of privacy. For a while.

“So this is how Jiminie teases you,” Taehyung comments, realizing now why Yoongi was so adamant on not showing public displays of affection when they were around Jimin earlier. 

“That’s only half of it. You’ll soon find out just how evil he could be,” Yoongi whispers.

“I heard that.” 

Yoongi and Jimin continue their squabble and Taehyung could only smile, not only from seeing just how rambunctious the two closest people in his heart could be, but also because Yoongi used ‘soon’, keeping Taehyung in his thoughts for the future. 

That night, Taehyung falls asleep on his bed dreaming of lotus flowers, waltz, and the soft press of Yoongi’s lips on his.

——

Taehyung woke up thinking last night was a fever dream. But then he feels the strain on his legs and sees the coat draped on his chair. Yoongi had been adamant he brought it home to protect him from the cold, and he jolts out of his bed in a frenzy as it sets in. It’s real. The Prince likes him and even cutely went on his tippy toes to peck at his nose.

He goes about his morning in a haze, the walk to the library a blur. He sits down at his spot, about to pick up a quill to continue inscribing 170 more pages when he notices a book he has no recollection of seeing sitting on his desk. 

He picks it up and a note falls out. Upon closer inspection it reads, To my Taehyungie, hope you enjoy reading this♡ . There’s no signature of any kind on it but Taehyung doesn’t have to think hard. Only one person on this planet calls him by that endearment.

He brings the note to this chest, feeling so much lighter and grounded at the same time. Like he’s at the edge of a precipice and looking down at the waters below—heady but feet all the more stable. 

He opens the unassuming blue hardcover, smiling at the title. Endemic Flowers in the Alvarez Empire [Illustrated] . It’s one of the titles Yoongi mentioned last night. A look at the preface and he realizes why he hadn’t seen this book before. There on the bottom of the title page, in neat writing are the words ‘ belongs to Prince Min Yoongi’s personal collection’ .

It’s a sweet gesture that has Taehyung melting inside. Yoongi keeps hitting all of his weak spots. Last night there was the flower on his ear, the dance, and the innocent kiss on the tip of his nose. Today, there’s a book, one specifically about his interest. Would there ever be a scholar who wouldn’t be flustered with this deed? He feels a little bit too spoiled now, wondering what he could do to reciprocate. He doesn’t want to continue leeching off of Yoongi's kindness, he’s not an ingrate. Showing affections, aside from using words, is part of the whole ‘seeing each other’ deal right? 

Taehyung is so caught up in his little conundrum that he fails to notice Professor Lee approaching his station.

Professor Lee coughs into his fist, jolting Taehyung into sitting ramrod straight. “Mr. Kim...” he begins and Taehyung is so sure he’s going to be reprimanded for slacking off—his station bare, not a single piece of parchment let alone a quill in sight. Taehyung readies his poker face to face the brunt of the professor’s temper. “...good work on the latest pages...keep it up.” He leaves but not before glancing at the book in Taehyung’s hands.

Well that’s unnatural. Professor Lee isn’t one known for being kind or gracious. He’s well-known for being an outstanding academic, one with martinet tendencies. 

Taehyung shrugs it off as he pins the suspicious response to a stroke of luck. He starts on his task, pushing the blue book aside and pulling out the book he’s in the middle of inscribing. He’s done three parchments of work when he realizes he’s humming a tune reminiscent to the one Yoongi hummed to him while teaching him the steps of the waltz. 

He looks around the library. Strangely, no one bothers to reprimand him. They had no qualms doing that at the slightest of noise before. What changed?

It’s when Taehyung is outside on his way to his usual lunch spot underneath the wisteria tree near the library, does he realize what’s going on. There, on his shared-with-only-Jimin spot,  a handful of scholars are waiting for him. The emotions on each of their faces are never the same, yet all of them are nearly predatory in the way they’re looking at him.

“Can I help you?” he asks even though he wants to flee.

“Are you really seeing the Prince?” someone pipes up and the small crowd goes alive with whispers and exclamations, each with their own theories which they unabashedly spout in his presence. Taehyung didn’t know his fellow scholars are a bunch of gossips.

He weighs his choices and decides to play the fool. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Liar! Hyuna saw the Prince himself drop something at your desk!” 

Taehyung’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. So Yoongi personally dropped it off, how precious. 

He instinctively hugs his messenger bag closer to his body, wherein the damning evidence of Yoongi’s book rests. They wouldn’t actually mob him for answers, right? 

Taehyung takes the chance to sneak away from the scene as chaos ensues from the claim that the Prince himself went down to their library. They were full of questions, being the skeptics they are. Taehyung hasn’t been more glad that academics never fails to shut up about their thoughts. He’s almost out of the woods when someone cries out, “He’s escaping! Wait! Come back.”

Thankfully, he has gained enough distance to easily outrun the horde. He’s catching his breath, hiding behind crates of apples. He can’t help but ponder just how fast news travels these days as he stands up, dusting off his trousers. He can’t possibly return to the library and expect a quiet and calm atmosphere. Not when there are nosy scholars eager to know the nature of his and Yoongi’s relationship. His fellows need to mellow out since he for sure wouldn’t be willing to share that information. Ever. 

Taehyung takes a different route home this time, opting to avoid the main street else his peers decide to continue pursuing him. He sighs, guess he’ll have to eat his lunch at home. It almost put a dampen on his mood, but at least he could admire the soft meadows on this good day. It’s while he’s trodding down this less known route that he spots bunches of pretty wildflowers. They are of different color, size, and even species. Still, they look wonderful together, creating serendipitous harmony. An idea comes to his mind as he halts his steps. Soon enough, he has an armful of flowers as he skips on his way home, humming a tune. He can’t wait to meet Jimin later. 

——

Taehyung checks the clock in the middle of the town square. He’s quite early, jittery as he holds a bag containing a flower crown he had crafted earlier. It’s made from the wildflowers he picked up along the road. He wants to gift Yoongi with something and for now, this is the best he could do. Now all he needs is for Jimin to show up for their date, and have him agree to pass the gift to Yoongi. 

The clock tower tolls, signaling that an hour has passed and that Jimin is late for their meeting. Jimin is always punctual, showing up at least five minutes earlier than the agreed time. So Taehyung worries, assuming something must’ve happened. 

He stands up, about to head over to the Park’s estate when a hooded figure appears before him. He was about to dash past them when he hears a familiar voice calling out, “Hi there Taehyungie.”

Taehyung stops in his tracks. That sounds an awful lot like Yoongi. 

“We’re here in place of Jimin, since that man—” Jin steps forward, wearing civilian clothes. He points to the man in a hood “—persuaded Jimin to waive your time with him.”

“Jin-hyung, there’s not much persuading to be done when he’s in the midst of being serviced by two Mildian men.” Taehyung couldn’t see Yoongi’s expression because of the hood but his tone is salacious.

“What?” Taehyung asks, jaw dropping. Is he processing the words properly? Did Yoongi just imply that Jimin had taken the plunge and managed to catch not just Kim Namjoon, but also Prince Jeon Jungkook on his web? He had thought Jimin would just continue to skirt around Namjoon without putting his feelings into action so something must’ve happened last night for things to snowball this fast.

 “They’re frick fracking,” Jin states, having no qualms with making it vulgar. “You know the birds and the bees? Well when at least two people love each other so much—” 

Taehyung scrunches his nose at Jin. He grabs Yoongi’s hand before Jin could continue his spiel and walks away from the offending figure. Taehyung didn’t even think of the destination, just letting their feet wander aimlessly. His brain is too occupied, the influx of information too much. Jimin is in a polygamous relationship. Min Yoongi is with him.He’s currently holding Min Yoongi’s hand. Outside the palace. Under disguise. Jimin laid with the Prince of Mildian. As well as with Ser Kim Namjoon.

They reach a sparsely populated area and Taehyung finally manages to gather the courage to ask Yoongi. “... so are you saying that you saw Jiminie in the act of…” he lets the sentence hang, still too shy to talk about such topics with Yoongi, but still very curious. 

Yoongi is quick to deny, chuckling. “No, no, that would be traumatizing. But I did see his neck littered with marks this morning, wearing the same clothes from last night. And according to the servants, he emerged from Prince Jungkook’s chambers together with the prince and the ambassador.” Yoongi raises his brows, positively scandalized. “The two Mildians also notified me they are extending their stay and it’s very curious that the three of them kept sticking around each other. They weren’t exactly subtle.”

Taehyung giggles, happy for his friend and forgiving Jimin for breaking his promise. It’s probably a handful to please two people at once and the Mildian men would need to go back sometime soon. They’re most likely making full use of their limited time together.

He also shouldn’t be one to complain since Yoongi is here by his side. Warm hands interlocked with his once again. “Thank you for lending me the book,” he starts, feeling even more shy than he did when asking about Jimin’s intimate affairs earlier.

“So you got it! I was scared I got the wrong desk,” Yoongi sighs, relieved.

“I got you something too,” Taehyung admits as he roots his feet to the ground, halting and tugging Yoongi to do the same, their hands still intertwined. Taehyung’s bag suddenly weighs like they contain a big slab of metal instead of an assortment of flowers and twine. He gulps, feeling foolish all of a sudden. How could he even think that Yoongi, a prince, would be happy to receive a flower crown of all things? He only realizes the irony of it right at this moment.

“What is it?” Yoongi asks with an excited lilt to his voice as he looks up at Taehyung. They’re standing so close that Taehyung could see Yoongi’s sparkling eyes past the hem of the hood. 

“It’s not much… but the book is about flowers and well...I made you a flower crown.” He brings the bag forward, not expecting Yoongi’s face to break into his signature gummy smile. But it does, and Taehyung is certain his heart did a somersault at the sight. 

The smile widens as Yoongi fishes out the crown from the bag, laying his eyes on the carefully arranged flowers hand-crafted by his Taehyungie. “Thank you, they’re lovely. And very thoughtful. I love it,” he says, softly squeezing Taehyung’s hand and that was all it takes for Taehyung’s heart to soar once again. 

“But it would be such a waste if it’s hidden under my hood for the whole night now, wouldn’t it? Can you safeguard it for me for now?” Yoongi asks and Taehyung nods his assent, expecting Yoongi to put the decorative headpiece back in the bag. But instead, he finds Yoongi’s face coming closer to his, so reminiscent of last night and of his dream that he instinctively closes his eyes.

He waits with bated breath, feels Yoongi's warmth draw close, hears the cadence of his breath, but there is still no pressing of soft lips anywhere on his skin. It’s when he feels a weight on his head does he realize what Yoongi meant by ‘safeguarding’ the flower crown. 

He opens his eyes, finding an amused Yoongi in front of him. “Was Taehyungie expecting a kiss?” 

Taehyung scrunches his nose, refusing to answer although he knows the heat in his cheeks is enough evidence for Yoongi to draw his own conclusion. “The flower crown is supposed to be yours, why am I wearing it?” Taehyung says instead, pouting.

“I don’t want such beauty to lay waste, unable to be appreciated by people around them,” Yoongi replies, eyes earnest and Taehyung has a feeling he’s not talking about the flower crown anymore. 

“So this isn’t your roundabout way of refusing my gift then?” 

“Of course not! I’ll have you know I’m already planning to have it preserved in amber on the morrow,” Yoongi replies with a pout, slightly bewildered at Taehyung’s accusation. 

“Oh,” Taehyung says, mouth agape and unable to form actual words to express the joy coursing through his veins.

“I’ll treasure anything you give me,” Yoongi says as he steps closer, the space between their bodies almost non-existent. “Be it a gift, your time, or your affections. Anything . Please remember that.” 

“You’re too good for me,” Taehyung says, chest aching as tears well up in his eyes.

Yoongi places his hands on Taehyung’s shoulder as he surges up to place soft kisses on his cheeks. “You have no idea how wrong you are Taehyungie.”

Tears flow down Taehyung’s cheeks and Yoongi is quick to wipe them away, his touch ever so gentle. “Jimin said you love festivals so let’s go and have fun now, shall we? It’s the last night afterall.”

Yoongi patiently waits for him to collect himself, rubbing soothing circles on his arms. “I shouldn’t be surprised, but do you know that you still look devastatingly handsome even when you’re crying?”

Taehyung laughs, “Is it your life mission to call me beautiful whenever I’m sad?” 

“I’ve been found out!” Yoongi exaggeratedly gasps, putting a hand on his mouth. “But you’re slightly wrong there, mister. It’s not only when you’re sad. It is in every waking moment of Kim Taehyung’s life.”

Taehyung can’t help but smush Yoongi’s cheeks together, overwhelmed with feelings. “You’re so cheesy.”

“I don’t hear a complaint, though.”

Taehyung leans forward, placing a kiss on Yoongi’s forehead. His lips tingle with newfound electricity. He didn’t think he would ever be the one to initiate a kiss and he’s finding that he might like it more than receiving one. “Thank you,” he whispers before putting some distance between them, just enough so they could resume walking hand in hand. 

They’re nearing the stalls and tents when another curious thought creeps into Taehyung’s brain. “What’s with the hood? Did you sneak out?”  

Yoongi, thankfully, shakes his head. “It’s more of a safety precaution, don’t worry. Jin-hyung is also nearby. It may have taken quite a long list of pledges and bribes before he agreed to give us some semblance of privacy though. He’s still lurking but he promised he’ll turn away if anything...intimate happens… or at least he’s going to shut his trap and not tease us about it.”

Taehyung should be a little bit spooked by the fact that there is someone watching over them, but he feels reassured knowing that Yoongi is safe under Jin’s protection. It shows that Jin takes his job seriously, and he would like nothing more than Yoongi's safety. 

Yoongi steers him to a stall selling sweets, and he immediately buys at least two of each of his favorites—egg custard, sweetmeats, and jam filled pastries. 

“I didn’t know you have a sweet tooth.” It’s weird but he had never pegged Yoongi as someone who would be easily enticed by sweets. Maybe Taehyung should take up baking again. He hadn’t been that adept before, but he thinks it’s worth another try at it if it’ll make Yoongi happy.

“I don’t. Jiminie told me all of your favorites, though.” Yoongi smirks at him, his face smug.

Taehyung gasps, he hasn’t had the chance to pry any info about Yoongi out of Jimin yet. Nevermind that this is an impromptu date as it is. “That’s unfair! I’m disadvantaged.”

“You can always just ask me, you know. ” 

“There is no element of surprise then.” Taehyung purses his lips, thinking hard. “What’s Jin-ssi’s favorite food?”

“Are you going to bribe Jin-hyung? Aaaaw~ Taehyungie is so adorable,” Yoongi teases him.

They sit on a bench under the colorful lights set up around the square, overlooking the river. It’s a lovely atmosphere with the wind carrying the children’s laughter as they reenact a play that must’ve been shown earlier today. There’s the sound of flute and guitars from musicians along the street, with a case or a hat in front of them, asking for gratitudes in the form of coins. The smell of meat cooking from vendors' stalls mixes with the smell of sulfur from firecrackers some boisterous teens are igniting. The city feels more alive than ever, and Taehyung revels in it.

They munch on the goods Yoongi has bought while Yoongi proclaims that he could make something better on his own and Taehyung jokingly doubts him just to jest. It’s easy, the way they could banter and laugh like they’ve known each other for years rather than just a day. It still boggles Taehyung’s mind how things unfolded the way they did. Maybe he really shouldn’t be surprised at how fast Jimin, Namjoon, and Prince Jungkook ended up together. At least Jimin had been pining over Namjoon for months already. He can’t exactly say the same about his feelings for Yoongi and he’s slowly realizing he shouldn’t care much about it. 

“What are you thinking of?” asks Yoongi. “You have this pensive look in your eyes when you're looking at me,” he laughs, a dust of pink on his cheeks. 

“Just...last night’s party,” Taehyung replies vaguely. That reminds him. “Jin-ssi said you go to the garden when you’re troubled.” Taehyung lets the statement hang, not wanting to open a topic Yoongi wouldn’t want him to be privy to. Nevermind that Jin had already shared his own insights on what Yoongi must be going through.

“Jin-hyung and his big mouth,” Yoongi whines, but he doesn’t look tense or uncomfortable. “It’s just, you know how when you’re a kid everything looks easy to you? Well that’s what I thought kingship would be. Like a walk in the park.” Yoongi laughs at himself. “But then the naivete wears off and you’re exposed to the reality that nothing comes easy.” Yoongi lets out a sigh and Taehyung offers his shoulder for Yoongi to lean on.

Yoongi presses close to him, leaning his head on Taehyung’s shoulder. He thanks Jin and his idea of wearing a cloak. Yoongi is sure that he wouldn’t have the guts to do this if his face is bare for the whole world to see when he’s cuddling Taehyung.

“I began to be properly trained and schooled for kingship ever since I was thirteen. It’s been ten years and that should’ve been plenty enough of a time for the weight of the responsibility to be made clear to me, but it’s only when my mother was found to be expecting a child that it hit me. I don’t know if it’s me being selfish, but it made me think that someday there may come a time that I have to take care of her and I found myself being scared that a single mistake from my part could impact her life someday. And well, of course once I take my position, the lives of everyone in the kingdom would be impacted by my words and actions. So yeah... it had been quite an eye-opener.” 

Taehyung could try to put himself in Yoongi’s shoes, but he knows that he wouldn’t really know the full extent of Yoongi’s feelings. What with the concept of one day being a protector for thousands of people being too big for him. So he stays silent, lightly draping an arm around Yoongi’s waist in hopes that it’ll bring some comfort to him. 

Yoongi burrows his head to Taehyung’s neck, careful to not let the hood fall back. “Well it’s been a good motivator too,” he chuckles, voice turning wistful. “I’ve never been as serious as I was for the past nine months. I took more tasks, widened my perspectives, began to scour for trusted advisors with the future in mind.” Yoongi stops, contemplating for a second. “Maybe that’s why I’ve been so drawn to you.”

“You think I’ll give good political advice??” Taehyung finds that hard to believe. He’s never been one to dabble with that messy game.

“You’ve been so open and casual and very...real last night. And I first thought that it’s merely because you don’t know my station, but I’m glad that my heart wasn’t wrong in choosing you.” 

“I barely did anything last night, though. Except for being a fumbling mess.” 

“I think that’s part of the appeal. You’re unbridled in remaining true to yourself. It’s a breath of fresh air, might have just been my saving grace.” 

Yoongi grows quiet after that, letting the air of vulnerability settle over them like a blanket. Someday, maybe he’ll have to tell Taehyung just how vicious court could be, how people can change sides in an instant just so they could increase their chances at the grapple for power. It’s a heavy topic he would only be comfortable with sharing if Taehyung begins to show interest in the inner workings of the palace. Or heaven forbid, if those court mongrels dare to weave Taehyung into their plots.

“So I guess I’ll have to brush up on political science soon.” 

Yoongi pokes Taehyung’s side, bashful. “You don’t have to.”

“But I want to be useful. I need to at least be the most learned scholar in the kingdom so I could stand proud next to you… well more like behind you… but you get the point.”

“Then I guess the goal is to be a king worthy of your service then.” Yoongi pulls away from their embrace to look Taehyung in the eye. Their hands clasped together between their chest speaking of promises and the future, certain that it’ll come into being. 

Their eyes meet and all the air is pulled out of Taehyung’s lungs as Yoongi closes the distance between them to engulf him in a kiss so gentle, he feels like glass close to breaking, eager for the swiftness that’ll shatter him. Yet, it hasn’t come, so Taehyung puts it upon himself to chase Yoongi’s retreating lips with his own, much to the other man’s surprise. He shows, with little experience but plenty of vigor, that he wants Yoongi and that he’s allowed to pick him apart whichever way he wants.

Their lips mold together to the beat of their hearts, frantic yet in sync. They’re too lost in each other’s wandering hands and lips to notice the wave of lanterns in the night, carrying people’s well wishes for the young princess and for prosperity of the kingdom.

TWO YEARS LATER

Taehyung hangs his head over the taffrail, bent over the railing. The sun shines on his pitiful state, the sea breeze doing nothing to ease his headache. For someone who wants to explore the world, it’s ironic that the swaying of the boat doesn’t agree with his stomach. He may have finally learned how to plant the precious lotus flowers on his balcony back home after failing multiple times, but unfortunately he isn’t currently equipped with the knowledge on the cure for seasickness.

“Feeling better?” a familiar voice speaks behind him. 

Taehyung could only groan as a response, still out of it. He feels a shadow loom over him and soon enough cool drops of water run through his forehead as Yoongi carefully dabs a wet towel over his sickly pale skin, fingers combing through his sweat-slicked hair.

“Cheer up, love. Look, the Alvarez Empire is within sight.” 

Taehyung had sworn that he would treasure the moment he first lays his eyes on the impenetrable fortress of the Alvarez Empire. He’s dreamt of it since he was but a wee boy who’ve first heard of tales far beyond his home.

But now that the moment has come, he could only look at the man beside him, raven hair blowing in the wind. He links their hands together, holding their interlocked fingers against the harsh Alvarian sun. Matching sapphire rings catch the light and illuminate the small space between them.

It’s in this exact moment that he’s sure. Nothing could beat Min Yoongi at being the greatest treasure in his life.