Archive of Our Own

“Please Your Highness! Please reconsider!”

Hoseok would never consider himself someone to kneel and beg in front of anyone, family or not, let alone kings, queens, or royal princes; he’s an immortal man of immense supernatural power, he’s above such mortal courtesies. But alas, here he is before the second eldest, His Royal Highness Taehyung, prostrating himself the lowest he’s been since he was child.

He had entered the prince’s office chamber with a flurry of robes and distress. Hoseok’s most beloved, most cherished person is being taken from him and he has to do what he can to make sure that doesn’t happen.

“You have many nobles you can choose from, why must it be him?!” Hoseok frantically asks, his distress breaking whatever calm facade he put on from before to appeal to the young prince. 

The prince keeps his countenance and his face shows impassiveness; though mentally, Taehyung feels a sort of sorrow and guiltiness towards the witch who is begging so desperately on his knees. Taehyung is set to marry soon and he’s merely a coward, agreeing with whatever the king wishes him to do. He knows how important Lord Namjoon is to Hoseok; he’s witnessed how fond they are of each other, how compatible they are, how so in love they are, that Taehyung truly believes soulmates could exist. But the king required Taehyung to marry a noble and the king had picked Lord Namjoon and Taehyung didn’t say no because Namjoon is someone he knows...a friend. And that’s exactly who Namjoon is to Taehyung, a friend, not too close but not too distant. He figured they could become closer as time goes on, could love each other…

Taehyung grimaces internally as he looks into Hoseok’s pleading, desperate eyes. Maybe not .

“Your Highness, please. While I’m a neutral party for all, I almost always help the family and this kingdom when asked. Please, I’ve never, ever asked or requested anything from you. Please,” Taehyung’s heart quivers at the plea, “I’ll ask for this, please, reconsider your betrothal choice.”

Hoseok can feel his eyes starting to water as he continues to watch the prince not react to his pleas; he can feel his hope slipping by the second.

Taehyung inhales discreetly and stands from his chair from behind his desk, preparing his heart and mind for what he’s about to do.

“Hoseok, it is true you help us more so than others and we’re eternally grateful for it. I,” Taehyung winces minutely, “I know the importance you speak of, but for the sake of this kingdom, some sacrifices must be made.” Taehyung’s face crumples into sadness and his eyes implore the witch to eventually forgive him...someday. “I am sorry,” he whispers, “but this is truly out of my hands.”

It’s silent in the room after Taehyung’s final words and Hoseok can only hear the ringing in his ears as his world starts to crumble. He’s still on his knees and he drops his eyes away from the prince, only to focus on empty space. 

What is he to do? Hoseok’s been alive for the past 500 years, only for his life to gain actual meaning when his soul felt alignment upon meeting Lord Namjoon for the first time two years ago ( and he knows the man feels the same way ). And now it’s being taken away by the command of mere mortal men. Hoseok should feel a sense of shame at the anger that’s slowly rising through him, but he doesn’t. Rather, he reigns it in as a pair of well-worn leather boots come into view and he can feel himself put on a mask of indifference as he looks up at the contrite prince leaning towards him.

“--seok, Hoseok. Please, stand up,” Taehyung softly asks, arm extending out to help the witch up. Taehyung’s merely a servant of the people and a whim for his father, but he doesn’t like hurting those around him. Once Hoseok is standing, Taehyung places a comforting yet firm hand on the witch’s arm. “Look, I’ll talk to my father. He’s a stubborn man but there may be another person for me. Please wait for me.” Taehyung looks imploringly into Hoseok’s eyes, but feels worry growing in him at the lack of reaction.

“Of course Your Royal Highness. Excuse me,” Hoseok replies and leaves with a flurry of robes and disdain tainting his aura. Hoseok knows better; there’s a reason why Taehyung so readily agreed to the marriage in the first place.

Taehyung looks on worryingly but shakes his head as he goes back to his desk to get back to his work. He doesn’t get much work done as he thinks of the meeting nearly every moment. Taehyung leans back in his chair, thinking about the issue. He will talk to his father, he promised this; but there was a reason why he agreed to the marriage in the first place...and that guilt bubbles up his throat. Taehyung places his head into his hands as tears well up.

When had he turned into such an awful person?

~~~

It’s been over a month since that fateful meeting and Taehyung has yet to speak about it with Hoseok, let alone run into the witch. And it concerns Taehyung. ( He doesn’t think the witch would harm him in any way but you can never be too careful .)

Taehyung merely shakes his head as he heads into the breakfast room, nodding to the servants as he passes by. 

“Good morning father, mother, brother,” Taehyung greets with a slight bow to each member before taking a seat. He takes a moment to look at the spread of food before grabbing a bread roll and a slice of lemon bread. Taehyung takes a bite with a smile on his face; he’ll have to visit the kitchen one of these days since it’s been a long time.

Taehyung hums around a mouthful and reaches out to grab his goblet of wine. He’s not a fan of the stuff, but until they find a way to safely and effectively clean water to drink, everyone’s stuck with other alternatives. Taehyung takes a sip and raises an eyebrow at the sweetness of the wine, which is usually bitter. He takes another sip, bigger than his usual sips which earns him a questioning look from his brother.

“Finally find the wine good Taehyung?” he jests, though the look on his face is in surprise.

Taehyung nods. “It’s finally sweet brother!” 

His brother doesn’t say anything but gives his brother a weird look and takes a sip of his own.

“Doesn’t taste any different,” he whispers to himself but shrugs it off. 

Taehyung continues to enjoy his meal while his family talks amongst themselves, taking nibbles of apple slices and various other fruits with his delicious bread. He’s about to take a bite of an orange slice when he drops the fruit.

“Taehyung are you okay?” his brother asks softly from across the table, earning the attention of father and mother.

“Darling?” Taehyung’s mother asks.

Taehyung stares wide-eyed at his plate as he tries to keep the sudden nausea that’s crawling up his throat at bay. He can feel a bead of sweat slide down his forehead as he gulps down air to calm his stomach. As the nausea subsides, Taehyung takes a deep breath and looks up at his concerned family.

“I’m okay; just a random bout of nausea,” Taehyung shakily explains with a small smile. 

“Maybe you drank too much wine at once Taehyung; you’ve never liked it before, so take it easy,” Taehyung’s brother explains.

Taehyung finds the explanation plausible and nods, reaching out to take a small sip of the wine to wash out the acrid taste that had settled in his mouth from almost throwing up. He ignores how pale his hand has gotten and how it shakes as he reaches for a plain loaf to help settle his stomach. But the moment he drops the bread, his brother shouts his name and reaches over the table in concern.

But Taehyung can’t really hear him. It’s all noise, high pitched and muffled at the same time and his vision swims as he tries to push back his chair and stand. Whatever is happening, causes Taehyung to stumble backwards and fall on his bottom, taking some of the table settings with him as he had grabbed onto the table cloth on his way down. 

The king and queen rush up with their eldest son, shouting for the royal doctors and trying to help their precious Taehyung any way they can.

“Taehyung!” the queen shouts as she lays her sickeningly pale youngest son on the floor, her hand holding onto his desperately. 

“Where are the damned doctors!?” the king roars as he knees down next the prince’s body, eyes frantic.

Taehyung’s brother rushes to the breakfast room’s door, only to stop when he sees the witch.

“Hoseok! Come help! Please!”

Hoseok pauses and offers the crown prince an inquiring look. “How can I be of service Your Royal Highness?”

“Come quick! Taehyung, he. Something’s happened to my brother!” The brother doesn’t bother for an answer and simply drags the witch into the room and to his brother, who is now curled on his side.

“Oh my. How horrid,” Hoseok says before walking over to the prince and kneeling next to the man’s body to observe.

Taehyung feels like his insides are going to burn. He’s sweating profusely and the world won’t stop spinning. He’s gasping for air as the people around him clear out from him, and he feels like he isn’t suffocating anymore.

Taehyung’s put on his back and his blurry eyes can barely see the person above him.

“--ou to step back and give him air to breathe. Taehyung, are you okay?” 

The man leans further down and Taehyung recognizes the heart shaped mouth of the witch above him.

“-Ok--seok. Hoseok?” Taehyung rasps, and curls his right hand into the robs of the man hovering above him.

Instead of a relieved look, Taehyung receives a sharp smile in return.

“You best remember Your Highness,” the witch whispers close to his face. “It’s time for your due punishment.”

Taehyung’s eyes widen in horror and panic settles in him as the world starts to spin again as the witch mouths unknowable words in the small space between them; unheard to the others in the room due to the panic happening. Taehyung can feel himself slipping into something and the brightness of the room dimming at the edges as Hoseok releases his grip on his robes.

“You’ll be fine Your Highness,” Hoseok says aloud as a means of false comfort to the family. Taehyung watches as the sly look on the witch’s face slips into concern and panic. “Taehyung? Taehyung?! Taehyung!”

Taehyung watches on in silent horror as the world he knows and loves fades into a single point above him; the last thing he sees before it disappears, is the fiery, triumphant look in Hoseok’s eye. After that, he feels his body continuously falling through weighted air. He’s not sure where he is, but space is dark, consisting of deep blues and purples, and sometimes bright with pinks and oranges and dots of whites, yellows, and reds. 

It’d be stunning to look at if Taehyung didn’t feel like he was going to die. 

~~~

Taehyung opens his eyes and immediately shuts them at the brightness all around him. As his senses come back to him, Taehyung finds his surroundings to be bright, loud, and an overload on his nose. With his eyes still closed, Taehyung manages to sit up from his lying position and groans at the ache in his head. Breathing deeply, the prince takes his time to reorientate himself as the nausea settles down. Slowly blinking open his eyes, Taehyung squints at his surroundings and finds himself in a garden of some sort. There are trees scattered about as well as bushes and flower patches. As he keeps looking about, he finds a part of the garden disrupted with a dark gray material as well as benches scattered around; a park maybe?

With his bearings settled, Taehyung slowly pushes himself to stand, only to yelp and fall back down, startled by a loud horn sound coming from outside the area. 

“What in the blazes was that?!” he frantically whispers to himself, breathing deeply to calm his racing heart. He earns weird looks from passerbyers but ignores them (while screaming internally because why aren’t you helping your prince?! ). With his heart back to normal, Taehyung manages to stumble to a stand and takes in this new place. It’s a sunny day, so the park is bright and open with various people walking and running, while children shout as they play. Looking to his left, he sees a rather strange contraption with a person sitting inside of it; he wonders what kind of sorcery it is when the object begins to move without the aid of a horse or animal. As Taehyung starts to walk away slowly, he takes in the setting with wide, scared eyes at the unnaturalness of the place; especially when he sees people talking into weird boxes or having string from their ears.

Taehyung is confused and scared and seemingly, a very long way from home. He does a quick check of his body as he keeps moving and looking around with his hands. The prince doesn’t feel hurt, other than the pounding in his head, and he takes a deep breath to calm himself down again.

He may not be the next in line to the throne, but he has been trained well to take care of himself in strange or unwanted circumstances and quite frankly, this is one.

Taehyung’s quick to find the exit to the park, but as soon as he steps out he’s presented with a whole new world in front of him. Other than the castle, he’s never seen buildings so tall, or giant pictures that moved, or even people dressed so revealing. Taehyung’s steps are slow as he makes his way down a stone path ( stone! Not dirt! ) and bit by bit, his composure and new found confidence begin to fade and a creeping sense of fear settles in his stomach. He doesn’t know where he is and as much as he is copying others around him, Taehyung is very, very much out of his element. Everything is just...overwhelming, that he collapses in the middle of the stone path of a rather empty path.

~~~

Seokjin’s quite proud of his cafe that he began with the love of his life, Yoongi. It’s cute and a good size that welcomes mostly elderly people and college students; there’s a small outdoor space just outside the front door with an overhanging umbrella that’s perfect for the spring and summer months. The wood framed, glass door always opens with a happy ting of a bell that welcomes any visitor to a warm and comfortable interior that always smells like coffee, bread, sugar, and the light fragrance of earth and plants. It’s Seokjin’s pride and joy of the past five years. 

And today, Seokjin has been resting after the slight morning rush ( he really needs to hire a part-timer ), when he hears the sound of a soft, sobbing noise. He glances up and looks out the front windows to see a man curled up in front of his cafe, crying if the shaking shoulders and overall downcast look are anything to go by. Seokjin gets up and walks toward the front door, hesitating to go out and help the man and his strange attire, but his willingness to help those in need overrides any doubts.

Seokjin comes out of the cafe with his hands in the pockets of his apron, shivering a bit at the morning spring chill. In the open, chilled air, he can hear the sobbing and it’s almost like the man is trying his best to keep it quiet; it sort of breaks Seokjin’s heart a bit. Seokjin approaches the stranger and bends down and places a gentle hand on the crying man’s shoulder. The stranger instantly stops and jumps away from the touch and Seokjin lifts his hands in a placating manner to calm the guy down.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you, I promise,” Seokjin gently says, offering the scared man a sweet, soft smile.

Taehyung stops his rising panic and takes a look at the man who is squatting down to be eye level with him. The man in the apron is by far the most beautiful person Taehyung has ever seen in his entire life. The man has wavy blond hair that’s tucked behind one ear and falls in front on the other side of his face. His skin looks smooth and he has a warm, creamy like complexion, that’s accompanied by coffee colored eyes, a strong nose, and plush, pink lips. But what Taehyung seemingly likes most about the new man, is that his countenance shows kindness.

“I’m here to hurt you. I saw you fall outside my shop,” the man looks pointedly behind him. “I just want to help. I’m Seokjin Kim, and if you’d like, please come join me inside my cafe to warm up.”

Seokjin’s voice is calm and soft and Taehyung takes the kindness offered to him with a nod of his head. Taehyung takes a moment to wipe the tears off of his face and becomes surprised at the hand Seokjin offers him to help him up. The man doesn’t let go of Taehyung’s hand as they walk into the warm building, and the prince doesn’t really mind the soft warmth of it.

Once they enter, Taehyung’s eyes go round as he takes in yet another new surrounding, having never seen such a shop before.

“What is this place?” he asks with a frightened yet wondered voice.

Seokjin cocks his head in confusion and leads them to a table near the front counter.

“It’s a cafe.”

Taehyung merely blinks up at Seokjin as he takes a seat on the comfortable chair, confusion swimming in his dark eyes, making Seokjin flush.

“We make and sell coffee, tea, and baked goods. Though cafes in places like Europe can be a bit different.” Seokjin has never seen someone’s eyes light up in such delight before.

“Coffee?! You have coffee here?! Tis such a delicacy at home! We have teas of course, albeit a bit pricey, but coffee? Very impressive. You must make a fortune here!” Taehyung exclaims, eyes wide in excitement.

Seokjin finds the man’s delighted, polite grin cute, but offers a confused smile back of his own at the strange words.

“We, uh, do all right,” is all Seokjin says before going behind the counter and making the man a cup of tea.

As Seokjin waits for the water to heat up, he observes the stranger as he looks around the space in amazement. The man’s clothes are different and seem historical ( Seokjin wonders if the man’s into historical reenactments or even larping ) but the man himself is handsome. He’s about Seokjin’s height and seems fairly broad and muscled. His hair is dark brown in color and seems to be past his shoulders ( if the length of the man’s ponytail is anything to go by ). His nose is prominent but flattering on his smooth, tanned face; and his lips are wide and shapely. ( Yoongi will definitely appreciate this man’s attractiveness .) But Seokjin shakes his head of those thoughts and pulls out the steeping bag of tea, plates a couple of slices of apple bread, and comes around the counter and sits on the opposite of the well yet bizarrely dressed man.

“Here,” Seokjin gently says, interrupting the man’s observing of the cafe, “tea and some apple bread.”

Taehyung’s eyes widen in delight but then his face drops and sits back in his chair.

“Thank you kindly, but I do not have currency with me, kind sir. I usually leave my purse in my room until after breakfast. But I could not grab it--” Taehyung stops abruptly as emotions come flooding back through him and he swallows thickly, blinking to hold back tears.

Seokjin offers a small smile and pushes the tea and bread closer. “Please, it’s cold outside and you don’t have a coat. This will definitely warm you up. Don’t worry about the money. You seem in distress and good tea and good bread always make life better,” Seokjin softly presses. He doesn’t know why, but he wants and needs to help this man.

Taehyung peers up from beneath a few errant strands of hair and shyly slides forward. Seokjin has always been good with his posture ( thanks to his mom who would threaten to turn off the TV if he wasn’t sitting properly ), but this man’s posture is impeccable as he gently takes the tea cup for a sip. ( And if Seokjin gets distracted by the long, tanned fingers wrapping around the handle of the startlingly white cup, that’s for him to know and no one to find out .) The sip is silent and poised and the man hums in delight at the taste.

“Do you need any milk or sugar?”

Taehyung shakes his head no. “It’s quite lovely without it, thank you though.” Next, Taehyung takes the small dessert fork on the plate and cuts delicately into the bread. He leans forward a bit as he takes a small bite and hums in satisfaction. He grabs a napkin and primly daps his mouth.

“Oh my, very lovely. The bread is airy yet it has the perfect amount of denseness with the apples. Sweet with the cinnamon and sugar, yet not overly done. And the tea is the perfect balance of bitter, floral, and sweet. Well done Sir Seokjin.”

Seokjin takes in the compliments with an awkward smile and blinks at the “Sir Seokjin”. “Um, I’m glad you like it…?”

“You know Sir Seokjin? I spend a lot of my time in the kitchen back home. My father certainly does not care for it, considering I should be in my lessons, but I love the homely feeling it gives when I am there,” the man explains with tears glittering in his eyes, forgoing giving his name. “I, uh, I used to take it for granted, those lessons,” he swallows thickly. “Because they were boring and why would the second in line need those types of lessons.” Taehyung stops and brings his hands up to roughly wipe his face. He chuckles humorously; not so princely afterall .

It’s quiet in the cafe with the exception of the background music and the slight din of the outside world.

“Who are you?” Seokjin asks quietly.

Taehyung lifts his head and gracefully stands up, his countenance changing completely in the bright morning sunlight.

“A pleasant morn to you, please forgive my rudeness,” Taehyung bows in greeting. “I am His Royal Highness, Prince Taehyung of _______, second in line to the throne of _______, youngest son to His Majesty King _____ and Her Majesty Queen ____, and younger brother to His Royal Highness, Crown Prince ____.”

Seokjin merely stares at Taehyung with wide eyes and his mouth drops at the introduction. The conviction and aura of the man sends a shiver down Seokjin’s spine.

“And I’m King Min of the Min clan,” comes a sarcastic reply from the entrance. Taehyung startles at the voice, while Seokjin jumps up flustered and rushes over to the man.

“Yoongichi!” Seokjin hugs the smaller man and graces a soft, pale cheek with a kiss.

“Who the fuck is this?” Yoongi whispers as he gives a look at the flouncy dressed man.

“Yoongi,” Seokjin whispers harshly before turning around and tugging his shorter lover with him. “Um Taehyung…”

“Prince Taehyung,” Taehyung interjects meekly.

“...Taehyung, this is my lover and ultimate soulmate Yoongi Min,” Seokjin explains and the smaller man smiles smugly at the description and then promptly drops it to give the man in front of him a look over.

“Who are you?” he gruffly asks.

Taehyung startles at the question from the incredibly cute man before him and goes to introduce himself again.

“I am His Royal--”

“No, we already heard that. But who are you and why are you dressed like that in our cafe looking distressed and shit?”

Taehyung blinks at the man, flabbergasted at Yoongi’s blunt manner.

“He’s politer and nicer than this, I swear Taehyung,” Seokjin interjects and proceeds to whisper and argue with Yoongi.

Taehyung takes the time to observe the stranger, Yoongi Min. He’s shorter than Seokjin, and himself, and he’s seemingly slim under the baggy hoodie and form-fitting jeans. Taehyung watches a veined, perfectly pale hand run through gray hair and Taehyung feels a delighted shiver go up his spine. Yoongi has small almond shaped eyes and a pert nose with a mouth that sort of reminds Taehyung of a cat’s. He’s incredibly attractive and Taehyung finds himself weirdly jealous of how perfect these two are together.

“--I’m not from here,” Taehyung says, interrupting the couple’s small argument.

“No shit Sherlock,” comes Yoongi’s response. “Yoongi! You. Are. Not. Helping!”

Taehyung finds himself becoming emotional again at the man’s gruff demeanor and tears well in his eyes.

“I don’t know where I am,” Taehyung rushes to say as tears fall down again. “One moment I was having breakfast with my family and the next, I was falling and woke up here! I’m tired and cold and exhausted and there are contraptions out there that move without animals and pictures that move! And I’m just so, incredibly scared!”

Both Yoongi and Seokjin stare in shock at the outburst and for the first time since he was child, Taehyung bursts out crying uncontrollably.

It takes a while, but Seokjin manages to get the sobbing man to calm down and to sit. Yoongi proceeds to close the cafe in mild bewilderment and both men sit across from Taehyung as he comes back down.

“My apologies,” Taehyung whispers as he wipes his face and blows his nose.

“Nah, I’m sorry I was so harsh. I think we’re all very confused and I was a bit worried when I saw my Seokjinnie sitting with some random, good looking guy,” Yoongi explains, blushing in embarrassment at the last part.

Taehyung flushes under the praise and merely says oh in a watery voice before looking down to pick at his nails ( something he hasn’t done since childhood ).

Seokjin and Yoongi share a look and Yoongi nods before leaning back in his chair.

“Taehyung?” Seokjin softly says, getting the lost man’s attention. “I’m, we’re having a hard time believing this...explanation. How could we not?” Taehyung nods sadly and Seokjin bites his lip before continuing. “But you don’t seem like a bad person. We know how rough it can be when you don’t have anything and you have to hit the ground running to make something for yourself So,” Seokjin looks at Yoongi again and both men hold hands, “if you’d like, come stay with us in our apartment until you figure out how to go home.”

Taehyung listens with rapt attention and nearly cries again.

“You’re… giving me a place to stay?” he says with awe. “But I am a mere stranger to you.”

“Anyone who can appreciate Seokjin’s apple bread and discern the texture and taste don’t seem too terrible,” Yoongi mutters while staring resolutely at the napkin dispenser on the table. 

Taehyung looks at Yoongi and then Seokjin with wide, hopeful eyes. “I can stay?” he asks, voice small and hesitantly joyful.

Seokjin nods. “And if you’d like, you can help out in the cafe. I need to hire another worker anyway, so it’s perfect.”

The prince leans forward, eyes now bright with happiness and relief. “I will definitely learn! And work hard!”

Seokjin smiles brightly in return. “Let’s work hard together Taehyung.”

~~~

It’s been a month of living in this new, futuristic world for Taehyung, and he thinks he’s finally stopped bumbling around. He finds it convenient that the beautiful pair live right above the cafe, and the small yet comfortable apartment is big enough for the three of them. Seokjin has been kind enough to lend his clothes to Taehyung for his stay, and while the shirts are a bit big in the shoulder area, Taehyung finds wearing the man’s clothes leaves a pleasant feeling in his gut.

He’s been working in the cafe fairly well even though he stumbled a lot in his work in the beginning. Taehyung finds baking easier than talking to customers and making drinks ( though he wishes to take the oven contraption back with him when he finally leaves because how fast and convenient! ). Though, Taehyung worryingly thinks as he kneads a large piece of dough, recently it’s become easier to make specialty drinks thanks to Seokjin teaching him. Why worryingly? Because Taehyung’s been sending extra time with the stunning man after work hours and being in close proximity with someone who not only looks good but smells good, is causing Taehyung’s heart to flutter. Taehyung punches the dough with a frustrated sigh. It’d be different if the man was single, but he’s not.

Didn’t he have issues before with taking Hoseok’s lover?

Taehyung grunts as he starts kneading again. So he’s not looking to repeat that again; he’ll just stare inconspicuously at Seokjin’s mouth and dream about how they would feel against his own at night. 

“I think you might be over-kneading it Tae.”

Taehyung jumps at the sudden voice and looks up to find Yoongi standing in the kitchen door. He flushes under the playful look in the man’s eyes.

“Sir Yoongi,” Taehyung greets quietly.

Yoongi groans. “It’s been a month, you can drop the Sir. I promise we’re just normal folk.” 

Taehyung nods, hearing the same reason over the past month; but it’s hard to kill manners.

“Say, will you be able to model for me again this weekend?” Yoongi asks after a while. Taehyung blushes and shrugs before gesturing past Yoongi.

“You will have to ask Sir… I mean Seokjin if that is all right with him.”

And that’s another thing, Taehyung bemoans; he’s been spending separate time with Yoongi as well, helping the man build his portfolio by modeling and being a muse for the photographer ( and quite frankly, Taehyung has been quite intrigued by the device that could instantly capture a image! ). Taehyung doesn’t really mind, he knows he’s quite attractive, but Yoongi can be intimidating yet open and beautiful and the more he gets to know Yoongi, and even Seokjin, the more Taehyung is worried he might fall in love with them.

“Hey love!” Taehyung winces at the endearment. “Can I steal Taehyung on Sunday?!”

Seokjin walks to the kitchen entrance and pops his head in with a beautiful, disarming smile. “Of course! Make sure you share the pictures with me! Gotta see the gorgeous Taehyung!” he flirts with a smile and a wink before going back out front.

“Awesome. I have a great place we can go; it’s this super pretty meadow and it’s gorgeous in the evening,” Yoongi enthusiastically says and Taehyung can’t help but smile back at the man’s gummy smile.

~~~

“Oh my god, oh my god. Seokjin’s going to kill me. I’m going to be kicked out and I don’t have anywhere to go. What do I do? What do I do? How could I be so stupid?!” Taehyung mutters frantically as he paces in his small room. He sits heavily on his bed and puts his head in his hands as he tries to breath.

The afternoon had been splendid. Him and Yoongi had a bit of a picnic at the meadow, which was inside a much larger park a mile or so from the cafe. In the afternoon sunlight, it was really beautiful; with all the wildflowers blooming and bees buzzing around. Taehyung loved it immediately. 

His outfit for the shoot consisted of one of Seokjin’s soft and flowy, blue button up shirts. It’s a bit large on Taehyung, so the light breeze of the day adds a dramatic effect to it. He’s put on a pair of loose, white trousers and sandals with his hair in a high ponytail to complete the look. Taehyung quite likes the look and feels relaxed as their shoot goes on. It’s during the final shots that things change.

The setting sun gives a warm, hazy feeling to the meadow and Taehyung finds the outdoor space serene and beautiful as fireflies come out to play. The atmosphere is enchanting and Yoongi has to lean close to fix the errant strands of hair falling in Taehyung’s face. 

It’s quiet, just the low hum of insects and the slight breeze and movement of tall plants brushing against each other. Taehyung can’t look away from the warm look in Yoongi’s eyes, the way the sun reflects in the pretty orbs.

He isn’t sure who leaned in first, who looked at other’s mouths first. But if need be, Taehyung will take the blame wholeheartedly.

Taehyung sighs and falls back onto his bed. No one had said a word after the kiss and Yoongi had packed up after a few final shots; and when they arrived at the cafe, Taehyung had run straight upstairs while Yoongi went further into the shop, most likely to tell Seokjin everything.

The prince groans as he rolls onto his side, grabbing a pillow to hold. Back in his own time, Taehyung had never had any dalliances, never had any sort of lover; and didn’t even really think about romance until his father brought up the marriage. So he can’t even celebrate having given his first kiss to someone he really likes.

“What have you done Taehyung?” he softly chastises himself as he tries to hold back frustrated tears.

His rising anxiety and internal thoughts are interrupted by a soft knock at his door, followed by Seokjin’s soft voice.

“Tae? Are you there Tae? Can we talk?”

Taehyung sits up in his bed and swallows with some difficulty. He can’t ignore it but he’s scared. Scared that he’ll be kicked out; that he’ll most definitely not find his way home; but most importantly, scared that he’ll lose the friendship of two of the most important men in his life.

He breathes deeply and stands up and shuffles over to open the door. Prepared to be reprimanded, Taehyung pokes his head out but doesn’t look up, afraid of what he’ll see.

“Oh! Hello Taehyung,” comes Seokjin’s soft voice. Taehyung looks up hesitantly through his hair and is surprised to see the man smiling softly at him. “Can you come out please? I, we just want to talk. Nothing bad, promise.”

Seokjin has a way of talking that makes Taehyung feel like he’s home. His voice can be loud and funny, but most times, it’s soft and warm and Taehyung wants to live inside it. So it’s easy for Taehyung to nod in agreement and follow after Seokjin.

When they enter the living room, it’s quiet and the atmosphere feels awkward.

“He looks like a kicked puppy.”

“Tsk, Yoongichi,” Seokjin exasperatedly chides.

Taehyung looks up and sees Seokjin shaking his head and sitting down next to Yoongi on the small couch.

“Taehyung, come here,” the elder man says, gesturing closer to him and Yoongi. 

Not wanting to crowd the two, Taehyung shuffles to the other side of the coffee table and kneels comfortably across from them, eyes trained on the stained wood in front of him.

No one says anything for a while until Taehyung and Yoongi speak at the same time.

“I am so sorry! I take full responsibility!” 

“I’m sorry if that kiss made you uncomfortable!”

Taehyung’s eyes go wide and looks up when Seokjin bursts into giggles. Yoongi’s face is flushed red and he rolls his eyes at the laughter.

“Sorry, sorry!”

There’s another pause and Taehyung starts over.

“I humbly ask for your forgiveness. I take full responsibility for what happened in the meadow today. My deepest apologies Seokjin, Yoongi,” Taehyung states and bows formally. 

“And what happened today in the meadow Taehyung?” Seokjin asks lightly.

Taehyung looks up quickly and sees the inquisitive, yet knowing look on the man’s face.

“I... I kissed Yoongi.”

Seokjin nods. “Can I ask why you kissed Yoongi?”

The question isn’t full of hatred or disdain or even hurt, but merely something Seokjin wishes to know; but Taehyung feels himself pale nonetheless.

“I. Um. Because I…” Taehyung swallows but continues on at the gentle and encouraging look on Seokjin’s face. “Because I like him,” he finally admits with a whisper.

Any worry within Taehyung seems to ease at the small smile on Seokjin’s face and the blush that appears on Yoongi’s.

“Hm, just Yoongi?” Seokjin playfully asks.

“No!” Taehyung firmly denies as he leans up quickly. “I quite like you both a lot!”

Seokjin’s eyes widen and his mouth forms an ‘o’ shape at the admission. He honestly didn’t think Taehyung would say it, that there would be anything to admit since he figured Taehyung only liked Yoongi.

“Oh...okay.” Seokjin doesn’t quite know what to say and flops back against the sofa.

Taehyung can feel his face go red and sits fully back down on his legs; the urge to cover his face and hide is very strong.

“So. You like us both?” Yoongi asks.

Taehyung nods.

“Romantically?”

Taehyung nods again.

“Well we like you too so it’s all fine. No need to feel guilty,” Yoongi rushes to say as he flops back as well and crosses his arms.

Taehyung’s mouth opens and closes, he’s not entirely sure what’s going on. “What...what do you mean?”

Seokjin sits up and leans forward, his face a pretty flush. “What Yoongi is saying, is that both he and I have feelings for you as well. Romantically. So while the kiss seemingly came out of the blue, we both knew it was bound to happen. Your feelings of guilt are understandable since you didn’t realize, so take whatever time you need to process them and let go of it.”

“What he said,” Yoongi says as well and then gives Taehyung a small, comforting smile. “I think I was the one to actually lean in and kiss you, so if it made you uncomfortable in any way, I’m sorry.”

“No! No,” Taehyung denies, “I...I honestly thought it was me. I. I really liked it Yoongi,” Taehyung admits with a blush and a small smile of his own.

Seokjin claps in happiness. “Isn’t kissing Yoongi the best Taehyung?” Taehyung nods hesitantly since he can’t really compare it to any other kisses he’s had. “So does this mean we’re together now?” Yoongi asks as he looks at Seokjin.

Seokjin smiles back at Yoongi and holds his hand with a big nod. “I’m all for it!”

Both men look at Taehyung and pause at the man’s confused look. 

“How are we able to be together? Am I with one of you for a while and then we switch? Is there a schedule?”

Seokjin tilts his head in slight confusion. “Have you never heard of polyamory?” 

Taehyung squints his eyes as he thinks and then shakes his head.

“Oh. Well, from what we’ve researched is, it’s when people engage in multiple relationships with the consent of everyone involved,” Seokjin explains. “Yoongi and I haven’t been in one before, but we’ve both known that it’s something we could do, when we both find someone attractive, physically and emotionally. You’re the first person we’d like to be part of our relationship Taehyung; because we both find you not only attractive, but you’re so kind and funny, and we really love being with you.”

“Is this something you could do with us?” Yoongi asks, his eyes hopeful.

Taehyung thinks about it. Thinks about how these two welcomed him into their home and their lives the day they met him. How they patiently taught him how to live in the 21st Century and how their kindness drew him like a moth to flame. They’re both so beautiful in their own ways, inside and out and he’s fallen so in love with the both of them.

If this is how he can be with them both, then why not?

“You don’t need to answer now. Take your ti--”

“Yes.”

“What?” Seokjin blinks.

“I want this. I want to be with you both. You’re… you’re both so kind and wonderful. You make me laugh and you both shine so brightly in your own ways. You… you feel like home,” Taehyung passionately explains, his eyes shining wet with tears.

“Oh Tae,” Seokjin softly says as his heart flutters at the admission. “Can I kiss you?”

Taehyung’s stomach erupts with butterflies and nods. He sees Seokjin leaning across the coffee table and follows his movement.

Taehyung can’t believe he got to kiss those pink, plush lips.

~~~

Being in a relationship with the other two men is exciting but at the same time, Taehyung feels like he’s bumbling around again like he was over a month ago. All three of them are still figuring things out as they go, so nothing more than kisses, hugs, cuddling, and hand holding have happened.

And quite frankly, Taehyung doesn’t mind. He likes that they’re going slow and working things out together. They go on dates together, individually, and Taehyung feels a happiness that he’s never felt before.

The prince is starting to hope that maybe, just maybe, he won’t be able to find a way back home.

~~~

Yoongi introduces two of his friends to Taehyung one bright Wednesday morning about three months into being in the future. 

It’s a beautiful day and Taehyung had woken up to a deep makeout session with his boyfriends ( what an interesting term ). So he has a pep in his step and things are looking good, he thinks as he pours a foam heart into a latte.

Taehyung thinks he gloated too soon.

Because standing on the other side of the counter is the bane of his existence and the reason why Taehyung is here at all. ( It was a few weeks in, when Taehyung couldn’t sleep, that he realized that the witch had done something to his wine and cursed him and he now has no idea how to get home .)

“Ah Tae!” Yoongi cheerfully greets as he pulls up beside the men who are smiling at Taehyung. “These two are my best friends from university!”

The taller of the two new men, is taller than Taehyung and buff looking, but offers a gentle, dimpled smile at Taehyung as he offers a hand to shake. “Hello, I’m Namjoon Kim. Yoongi and I were in the same major.”

Taehyung hesitantly returns the handshakes, his smile weak as he nods. “Ah… Taehyung.. Kim.”

The other man, about Taehyung’s own height offers a bright, heart-shaped smile of his own. He’s slim and looks warm in the bright colors of his colors. “Hello hello! I’m Hoseok Jung! This giant teddy bear’s boyfriend! Didn’t share the same major, but boyfriend privilege allows me to be the bestie,” the man explains with a playful wink.

Taehyung feels his face pale and he knows his smile is barely there. “H-hi.”

Yoongi rolls his eyes and shoves Hoseok at the mention of bestie. “Don’t let Seokjin hear you say that.”

“Say what Yoongichi?” Seokjin says as he dramatically enters the front. “That despite being one of your lovers, I’m also your bestie?”

Hoseok squawks and goes to defend himself to Yoongi. Taehyung watches on, not really listening as a ringing grows louder in his ears.

“-ung. -hyung! Taehyung!” 

Taehyung jumps as the ringing cuts off and he looks at Seokjin’s worried face.

“Love, are you okay? You look a bit pale.” Seokjin reaches out checks Taehyung’s forehead for a temperature.

“I...I’m fine. Just. Got dizzy all of sudden.”

Seokjin frowns and leans forward to peck Taehyung’s cheek. “Go sit in the kitchen for a bit. I made extra bread so go eat something.”

Taehyung nods and leaves as quick as he can, not even bothering to excuse himself from the others. 

“Is he okay?” Taehyung hears, Namjoon he thinks.

“I think so,” comes Seokjin’s concerned reply. “He seemed a bit pale. Hopefully after he eats something, he’ll be fine.”

“Let us know if we can help.” Taehyung freezes at the offer Hoseok makes.

No way in hell...ever again , he thinks.

~~~

Taehyung had been pretty weird the following days after meeting Namjoon and Hoseok. The two men had come to the cafe often and Taehyung swears it’s the same men from his time; their mannerisms are similar and their looks are pretty much identical. And it has Taehyung staying up at all hours of the night and it’s stressing him out ( not to mention the dark under eye circles are getting annoying to look at ).

He finally gets the opportunity to confront Hoseok and Namjoon a couple of weekends after they meet.

Yoongi has invited the couple to hang out in the apartment and just drink and chill. Taehyung has never drank alcohol to get drunk, so the first few sips of the mixed drink Seokjin gives him, takes Taehyung by surprise. And despite the nice, floaty feeling he’s experiencing a few hours later, Taehyung’s cognizant enough to feel the palpable worry.

Both Yoongi and Seokjin are having a debate about which would win- a tiger or a shark-, with Namjoon throwing his two cents in whenever possible; so Taehyung takes the opportunity to finally speak with Hoseok.

“Having a good time?” Hoseok asks with a lazy grin.

Taehyung nods and braces himself to ask.

“You’re Hoseok aren’t you?” he asks with a serious tone.

Hoseok looks confused but his eyes wander as he prepares his answer. “Well I sure hope so. That’s what my parents named me.”

“That’s not what I mean and you know it. You’re the witch and you cursed me and the reason why I’m here!” Taehyung quietly, yet harshly accuses, anger from the day he was sent away coming forth.

Hoseok looks taken aback and puts his hands up in a placating manner. “Whoa whoa. I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but I’m just Hoseok Jung, born in January 1994.” Taehyung feels his anger stop and confusion settle in his bones. The man looks uncomfortable at the accusations being thrown at him and Taehyung’s starting to feel guilty.

Did I get it wrong?

“You’re… you’re not him?” Taehyung questions, the heat in his voice disappearing.

“Is it like a D&D thing? Look, I’ve tried that once but I was really bad at making up a character.”

Taehyung feels the adrenaline leave his body and his shoulders slump. He just feels sad all over again. Hoseok seems to take notice and claps a reassuring hand on Taehyung’s shoulder.

“I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I hope it works out in the end. Until then, you have two wonderful guys who love you. Have faith.”

Taehyung stares into Hoseok’s eyes and searches. For what? He’s not sure, but whatever it is, he doesn’t find and just. Let’s it go.

He nods to the comforting words.

Maybe he did get it wrong .

~~~

It seems here, in the 21st Century, that whenever Taehyung feels like all is well and life is just amazing for him, something seems to ruin it.

Today is no different.

He’s tired from the drive back to the cafe, but Taehyung had just spent the most incredible weekend at a cabin ( a cabin! A small, well stocked, home for short stays! Amazing! ) with his lovers and they had finally all become intimate with each other. Taehyung had never known how amazing it would be, to make love to the people who well and truly complete you as a human. He feels satisfied and happy and he’s pretty sure he’s glowing as he grabs his bag from the car and saunters after his lovers to the cafe.

It’s Sunday and only open for a short period of time, thanks to Hoseok and Namjoon volunteering to watch the place. So it’s not a surprise to see a couple of people hanging out in the cafe. 

What is surprising, is seeing two people that Taehyung thought he would never, ever see again.

“Jimin? Jungkook?” Taehyung whispers in astonishment. 

Yoongi and Seokjin are out of listening range as they head up the stairs to the apartment and Namjoon looks fidgety behind the counter as Hoseok taps his nails on the counter in annoyance.

~~~

“I fucking knew it was you!” Taehyung shouts as he points an angry finger at Hoseok. 

“Your Highness!” Jimin admonishes while Hoseok merely rolls his eyes.

“Why would you lie to me?” 

“Because I wanted to see how long the lesson could go on for. The longer it was, the more potent it would be in the end. But these two clowns,” Hoseok grouses as he looks at the two guards sitting by Taehyung, “figured it out in the past. Which is why they’re here. I needed time to make enough potions to send them here.” 

“So you’re from the past too?” Taehyung asks, confusion evident on his face.

“No,” Namjoon goes to answer as Hoseok sits down in a huff. “This is us as we are presently. We’ve known you’d be here ever since Hoseok decided to curse you in the past.”

“Oh,” Taehyung looks down with a nod and then looks up again. “I’m glad you’re both together though. Even though I’m partially to blame.”

“Glad you know,” Hoseok sneers while Namjoon elbows him to stop.

“Thank you Your Highness. I can’t explain to you how it happened, but we’re just happy to be together,” Namjoon responds with a smile. “He’s grouchy, but he’s truly wonderful.”

Hoseok huffs and leans back in his chair.

“Your Highness,” Jungkook interrupts. “We need to go back home now.”

Taehyung feels himself go lightheaded at the statement. “What do you mean go back? Is something wrong?”

Jimin shakes his head. “Of course not Your Highness. But your family desperately misses you. And should anything happen to the Crown Prince, you must be there.”

Taehyung feels like his earth is shaking. “But I have made a life for myself here. Jimin, Jungkook. I am doing well here. I have found two people who love me for me, not because I am a prince. Please,” Taehyung pleads, his voice shaking as he tries to make his case.

The two guards share a look and turn to look back at the prince with sympathy.

“We must go back and set things right, Your Highness. I don’t mean to cause you harm, but you don’t belong in this time,” Jungkook softly explains.

Taehyung can feel tears welling up and does nothing to stop them when they overflow. He thinks he knew that this day would come, that he would eventually have to go home and leave this world that was home. Taehyung can feel his heart starting to crack at the realization that he must leave.

“Your Highness,” Namjoon softly calls out. The man winces when he sees the heartbreak in Taehyung’s eyes and the tears keep falling. “He’s right. In order for the curse to break, you must be separated from someone you love. You did well adjusting here, but you don’t belong here, history won’t let you belong here.”

Taehyung breaks down and he cries hard, harder than the time he cried in front of Seokjin and Yoongi the first time he met them. He cries because he has to leave the life he made for himself; he cries because he’ll only have the memories; he cries because he has to leave the two most important people in his life, in his universe, here.

Jimin and Jungkook break protocol and do their best to consol their prince by gently patting his back and offering sympathetic words.

After a while, Taehyung finally calms down, he sits up and hiccups as he wipes his blotchy face.

“Give...give me time,” Taehyung asks softly, the guilt and heartbreak for what he’s about to do builds inside of him. 

“Your Highness, we don’t have much time. Hoseok’s nearly done with potions to send us back,” Jimin replies back, his voice soft yet firm.

“I know,” his voice cracks. “Just. Just a few days. Please.”

Jungkook’s eyes begin to tear up and Jimin’s own stoic face nearly crumples at the clear heartbreak on his prince’s face, but he nods in understanding.

~~~

After the meeting, Taehyung tries not to get quiet and suspicious. But he can’t help but be solemn in how he watches and commits to memory the two men he has fallen in love with. 

Hoseok would be lying if he said he didn’t feel bad, but he doesn’t regret making the prince learn his lesson ( to this day, Hoseok can sometimes feel the absolute devastation of knowing that the one person you’d fight for and die for, is forcibly taken from you ). Namjoon, Jimin, and Jungkook do their best to silently and subtly comfort the prince, who’s heart is crumbling faster and faster as time approaches. 

It’s a Wednesday afternoon, that Hoseok tells Taehyung and the guards that the potion is ready.

It can be considered good timing, if Taehyung thinks about it later. Seokjin had closed the cafe down Thursday, claiming that he wanted an all day date with Yoongi and Taehyung; and the prince was quick to agree. That, along with the passionate filled evening they had later, had caused Yoongi and Seokjin to be exhausted and they both fell deeply asleep in a post-sex glow.

So it’s unbearably easy for Taehyung to sneak out of the apartment that he had called home in his princely clothes, leaving nothing but a note and the quietest, heart wrenching goodbye in the silence of the night.

~~~

It’s a bright and warm morning when Seokjin wakes up the next morning. He’s well rested after the long and exciting day he had with his lovers. He’s a bit confused as to why not all three of them are squished together but shrugs it off. Yoongi is snoring lightly, so the elder man tiptoes out of the bedroom, whistling and smiling from the memory of the beautiful day and night before.

But it’s quiet. Too quiet. Just the ticking of the kitchen clock and birds chirping away outside. Seokjin calls out for Taehyung in the eerie quiet of the apartment. Waits a moment and calls out again. Nothing. Thinking that the man possibly went out, Seokjin grabs himself a coffee and sits on the now sun warmed couch. He plans on relaxing the morning away (the cafe will open later) until he notices a piece of paper with neat, scripted words on it. Curious, he pickles it up and drops his coffee mug as he reads it.

My dearests Seokjin and Yoongi,

I cannot describe how lucky I am to

be able to meet you in this life. Because of 

my own selfishness in my past, I was cursed

to this time and place. But how Fortune smiled

upon me and granted me the Fate to meet 

you and our precious Yoongi. 

Safe to say, you saved me, you both did.

I was terrified, yet you gave me shelter,

food, a home, and most importantly,

Love.

I do not regret my time spent here, 

rather, I think I spent it living my life to

its fullest. Because of you both, I learned

to live, to work hard, to learn, and of course

Love. 

Thank you for taking a chance on me,

Thank you for loving me, for I shall always

Love you.

Unfortunately, it is time I go back home, 

to make the timeline, the history, right.

Was it selfish of me to not tell you?

Perhaps, but I think doing this,

we all got to remember the best 

of each other, rather than tears and

heartache. 

I will never forget our time spent

together.   

I love you both with my entire being,

-Taehyung.

Yoongi steps out about ten minutes later, all bedhead and cute, but stops when he hears the quiet sobs from Seokjin. He looks at the couch, sees the ruined mug and coffee all over the floor and rushes to his beloved.

“Seokjin? Jinnie? Are you okay? What’s wrong love?”

Seokjin doesn’t say anything, merely keeps crying over the sharp pain in his chest. Yoongi is confused until he sees the paper on the coffee table.

He doesn’t cry, doesn’t get angry, doesn’t actually feel anything other than his heart drop to his feet and shatter. Maybe he’ll be angry later, maybe he’ll cry until there’s nothing left to; but now, now he holds onto his Seokjin and merely hopes they can survive this.

~~~

Taehyung wishes he could say he’s back to normal, but that’d be a lie. It’s been about a month since he’s been back, and after ending the engagement, apologizing to both Hoseok and Namjoon, Taehyung is just...existing.

He’d like to think his heart is slowly healing as he gets back into his princely duties, but he’s really just been living day by day and honestly, writing really bad poetry to get through it all. He misses Seokjin and his laugh and crooked fingers; he misses Yoongi and his gummy smile and their cute little food dates. He misses being together with the two men he left behind.

Taehyung sighs, something he’s been doing a lot lately, and looks up into the blossoming tree above him.

~~~

Namjoon sighs as he observes the sorry sight in the castle gardens below him. He quirks his mouth as he thinks and turns to look at his love writing in one of his books of spells.

“Hoseok.”

“Hm?”

“We should send him back.”

Hoseok pauses in his writing for a second before continuing again.

“Not the point of the curse or lesson Joon.”

Namjoon groans and moves away from the window. “I know Seokie, but it’s bygones. Besides, now that the Crown Prince is married with a child on the way, High Highness isn’t necessarily needed here.” Namjoon walks close to where Hoseok is writing. “You know how this works, you know what happens. This side story? Doesn’t matter to history and you know it.”

Hoseok huffs and stands up only to have his arm grabbed.

“Come on Hoseokie,” Namjoon pleads. “All three of them are miserable. Let the prince go back.”

Hoseok crosses his arms and curls his mouth in discontent. Namjoon keeps pulling the witch’s arm with the best pout he can muster. 

“Please Hoseokie. I’m here and I’m staying. It’s all over with. Please.”

Namjoon whines and pouts a bit more before Hoseok drops his arms with a huff and roll of his eyes. “Fine, fine! I’ll send him back if that’s what he wants,” the witch grumbles as he hobbles his way to his workstation to find the potion. “I know it’s all done with, but it’s not every day you get to teach a member of a royal family a lesson Joonie.”

Namjoon rolls his eyes and shakes his head. “Yes do whatever it is you need to do you petty witch.”

~~~

A few months have passed and Yoongi and Seokjin’s hearts are starting to slowly heal, little by little. Namjoon and Hoseok, of course, watch on as the two bury themselves in work and just listlessly live life.

And quite frankly, Namjoon can’t take it anymore.

“Look. I know you’re heartbroken and I’m really, really sorry that you are,” he starts off one after dramatically storming into the cafe. “But you both need to start living your lives. So here.” Namjoon shoves two tickets onto Seokjin’s chest, startling the poor man. “They’re for an art history exhibition starting Friday evening. These are Friday. Close up early, both of you get dolled up, and I’ll take care of the cafe for the weekend. Thank you for your time, have a good day.” And like he walked in, Namjoon dramatically walked back out.

So here they are, dressed in their best date clothes, at an exhibition they really have no interest in. It’s a bit interesting, the history bits, but mostly boring as they walk around with champagne flutes in their hands.

Seokjin stops at one of the last exhibitions with a bit of interest. It’s of an unheard of royal family, to him anyways, but the clothing style looks familiar to him, though he can’t pin it. He and Yoongi stroll through the paintings side by side and both freeze when they get to the portraits of the royal family. They squeeze their hands tightly as they read the description.

Painted c. 1600s

Artist: Unknown

Portrait of His Royal Highness Prince Taehyung Kim of _______. Not much is known about this prince. Historians do know that he was only second in line to the throne of ______ and had seemingly disappeared from the historical record sometime after his 25th birthday. His brother, the Crown Prince ____ had several children with his wife, so Taehyung’s claim to the throne, lessened with each male child.

Only known painting of him to exist.

“They forgot to add in my freckles you know? But it’s an okay likeness I think.”

Seokjin drops his champagne glass as he cries into his hands. Yoongi simply can’t believe his ears and turns towards the deep, happy voice.

Taehyung walks closer, his steps only slightly hesitant.

“Won’t you look at me Jinnie? Because I want to look at you. I want to see your beautiful face.”

Seokjin sobs and turns around to hug the man.

“You absolute fucking jerk!” he sobs as he clenches the man tightly.

Yoongi stands to the side, wiping a hand across his face as tears fall.

“Yoon. Come here please. I need you here too,” Taehyung emotionally whispers over Seokjin’s shaking shoulders.

It shouldn’t be, but it’s so easy for Yoongi to fall into the man’s arms.

Like puzzle pieces connecting, Taehyung, Seokjin, and Yoongi finally felt their hearts and souls fit in the most perfect way.