Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Would you be kind enough to button up correctly, my prince?”

Yoongi sighs, letting himself fall back on his bed with his shirt still hanging wide open. “I could,” he drawls with a sweet smile, meeting the eyes of Hoseok, his servant, who looks a lot like he’s suffering from Yoongi’s antics. “But what would you do if you can not nag me anymore?”

It is a usual morning between them - maybe there is a bit more reluctance coming from Yoongi than on an average day but not significantly.

“Pardon me but I am sure that at your ripe age you’re more than capable of buttoning your shirt on your own, or should I call for a maid to help you because a button is too much?” Hoseok asks, a saccharine smile of his own on his lips but his eyes are as sharp as ever.

That’s the thing about him, he might always be smiling but when his eyes become sharp, even his bright smiles are intimidating. Though, today, Yoongi could almost withstand the other’s eyes. Almost.

Ugh.

Yoongi groans loudly before he does raise his hands to slowly button his shirt. Each button feels more and more constricting and makes him want to leave his room less and less. “I hate these clothes,” He complains, sitting up to let Hoseok fix his hair, “They’re too restricting and no one is going to look at me anyway. It’s not like I’m the one being married off.”

“Your cousin isn’t getting ‘married off’. He’s marrying because he found the right person and even if it’s your cousins’ wedding and not yours, you’re still the second prince of this castle. You should always be mindful of your appearance,” Hoseok scolds him, tugging on one strand of Yoongi’s black hair a little too much.

He doesn’t complain about the slight sting - he might have deserved it so he keeps quiet.

“I am mindful of my appearance it’s just that other people are unnecessarily interested in what I’m wearing or doing,” Yoongi pouts, getting up and straightening his clothes. “But I am not looking forward to the next suffocating days where this castle will be filled with more nobles than anyone should have to endure.”

Hoseok follows close behind him as they leave his room, steps echoing in the large hallway that lies beyond. “You’re going to be okay, my prince,” The other reassures him but Yoongi just sighs again.

He wishes this wedding would already be over.

For Yoongi, weddings are just another gathering of a ton of nobles that are walking on eggshells around him and his family. It’s just another social event that makes it hard to breathe for him when the whole castle is filled with eyes that are watching his every move and just wait for a mistake. Or worse, an opportunity to sweet talk him and somehow get on his good side to benefit from of status.

Stuck-up people dressed in their best garments and talking in whispers behind their fans but as soon as you see their mouths they start sweet-talking all kinds of sugary lies to get on your good side. It is exhausting. Yoongi doesn’t understand why they had to hold the wedding in their castle but it is by far not something he could excuse himself from. Doesn’t matter that he’s just the second prince and not the crown prince.

He tugs at the collar of his flounced dress shirt that sits too tight around his neck for his comfort, on his way to one of the draining social events that take place over the next days. Usually, horse riding is something he quite enjoys but this getaway of nobles he’s expected to attend is not something he’s particularly looking forward to. With the excuse of a headache, he managed to stay away from the welcome dinner they had last night for all the nobles that have already found their way into the castle.

Sadly, that excuse is not going to work again - and any other most likely wouldn’t either. So, whether he wants to or not, Yoongi would have to partake in all the following attractions.

With a sigh, Yoongi leans back to rest against the wooden frames of the stables as he lets his eyes roam around. It’s full of life in here, a bunch of horses getting saddled, servants and nobles mingling as they’re getting ready and Yoongi could already feel a headache forming behind his forehead but then his eyes fall on someone he’s never seen before.

Usually, he knows most of the nobles that would attend any kind of important social event concerning the royal family. He doesn’t remember all of them but their faces feel familiar at least. Sometimes a few new ones catch his attention but this man is making him forget about the building headache.

“Jungkook,” He calls for the stable boy without taking his eyes off the man on the other end of the stables, “Who is that?”

Jungkook comes around his horse, pressing against Yoongi ‘s back as he tries to follow his eyes. “Who?”

A little impatiently, Yoongi grabs his jaw and turns his head so he’s facing the handsome man directly. Yoongi knows the expensive garments the other wears and the colors also remind him of something but he is sure he would recognize a face like this if he’d seen it before. And he doesn’t.

The man is adjusting his own saddle while he’s smiling brightly at what seems to be his personal servant who would usually be the one to saddle the horse. Just like Jungkook is working on the horse for Yoongi.

“Him,” Yoongi hisses quietly, “I want to know who that is.”

“Oh,” Jungkook just smiles as he frees himself from Yoongi’s grip - there’s a teasing lilt sneaking itself into his voice, “Someone caught your eye?”

It’s enough to make Yoongi’s cheeks color and he steps back to hide behind his horse. Carefully, he glances over its back to continue to stare at the handsome man without being too obvious about it. “Just tell me,” He whines, a pout forming on his lips.

“That’s the youngest son of the Kim royals,” Jungkook explains - not without laughing at him though, “Crown prince Kim Seokjin came with his two younger brothers to attend the wedding instead of their parents. That’s Kim Taehyung, the youngest prince between the three of them.”

The Kim brothers, all around Yoongi’s age. Since the youngest of them entered the age of marriage, they’ve been attending more social events than before, never safe from young bachelorettes - just like Yoongi. Another thing he does not like about all these social gatherings.

Yoongi actually did hear of them attending but he didn’t know there would be someone like - this. Beautiful dark hair falling into kind eyes, a bright smile that might be able to save this whole wedding for him. Prince Kim Taehyung - he’s breathtaking.

“I hear he is a very social person,” Jungkook adds in a low whisper, a little like he’s sharing a secret with him, “Not hard to strike up a conversation with him.”

Yoongi smiles as he straightens his shirt and runs his hands through his hair to make sure it looks good. “Good to know,” He smiles.

Ah… Kim Taehyung. Yoongi couldn’t help himself but keep glancing over to the prince as he continues prepping his horse. Actually, there’s really not anything more that he has to do but fiddling around with his saddle is the perfect excuse to keep looking at the prince across the stables. For the third time, Yoongi unclasps the buckle holding his stirrups, eyes focused on the way Taehyung’s lips curve up into a smile as he speaks to his brothers.

He’s pretty. He’s so pretty. Yoongi wants to hear his voice right now, oh it probably sounds as perfect as his face looks. The bad mood he’d been in since the morning has completely vanished into thin air and it’s only because Yoongi has a new goal. He could totally get through this whole wedding ordeal if he’d be able to have a small taste of Kim Taehyung.

It shouldn’t be hard to strike up a conversation with him if he believes Jungkook’s words. Yoongi couldn’t believe he’s looking forward to the horse riding event. Usually, it’s up in his top three of worst social gatherings because it just keeps going and going and going and he can’t excuse himself to his room. Though, if he manages to rope Kim Taehyung into a conversation then this might not be as bad as he feared it would be.

Absentmindedly, Yoongi holds tightly onto his saddle as he raises his foot to mount his horse. His mind is elsewhere though, so lost in thought that he completely misses the stirrup - the momentum pulls him forward and very ungracefully, Yoongi faceplants harshly into the side of his horse as his foot slams into the ground.

It happens so fast that he doesn’t even have time to realize what just happened before embarrassment floods his whole body. He could feel how his blush spreads from his chest, over his neck and up to the very tips of his ears. At least, he doesn’t hear any kind of laughter or someone trying to hold it in so chances are high no one paid attention to his very embarrassing mistake.

But maybe Yoongi also spoke too soon.

There’s a deep, slightly amused voice suddenly speaking up from right behind him. “Would you like help, my prince?”

So, quickly that he almost gets whiplash, Yoongi forces his head around to find the face belonging to this very pleasant voice and stares straight into the kind expression of the person responsible for his misstep. If it’s possible, his cheeks burn even brighter than before.

For a few seconds - that somehow feel like a whole century - Yoongi just stares at Taehyung. His nose throbs slightly where he hit his saddle but that’s really not important right now. Kim Taehyung is not only pretty, but he is also stunning. His eyes are kind, slightly rounded, and with warm irises that seem to sparkle - is that even possible? There’s a mole on the tip of his nose. Even that is pretty. How is that fair?

Yoongi shakes his head quickly, trying to clear his thoughts as he schools his dumbfounded expression into something a little more - decent. Normal? He doesn’t know.

“Oh,” Yoongi smiles sweetly, tugging a strand of hair behind his ear, “Prince Taehyung, right?”

The other’s eyes widen for a second before he smiles again, bowing his head. “I see you already know about me,” He says lightly, “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance...”

“Prince Min Yoongi,” Yoongi finishes his sentence for him. It’s not like Taehyung wouldn’t know him, he probably does. It’s courtesy though. Common courtesy for royals of Yoongi’s family’s standing to allow their name to be used by someone they’ve just met for the first time.

Taehyung bows deeply this time and while he still hasn’t straightened up yet he reaches out for the hand Yoongi has offered him. It makes his stomach swoop as his hand envelops his - their skin is separated by the thin, white gloves Yoongi is wearing but he swears, he could still feel the other’s warmth. Taehyung meets his eyes as he presses a chaste kiss against Yoongi’s knuckles before standing up straight again. But he doesn’t let go of his hand, holding it softly between them, his other hand is hidden behind his back.

“Would you like me to assist you in mounting your horse?” Taehyung asks a bit cheekily. He’s trying to keep his expression rather neutral but his lips threaten to pull up into an amused smile. It’s kind of cute watching him struggle to stay serious.

Yoongi couldn’t hold back his own smile as he glances away, feeling a little too shy under Taehyung’s beautiful eyes. Actually, Yoongi does not need any help with mounting his horse - before was just… an accident. Nothing more. But - he glances back at Taehyung, letting his eyes trail over the tight purple jacket with silver embroideries running over broad shoulders - But, Taehyung is tall, he’s beautiful and he’s looking at him with a soft expression and Yoongi is weak. He’s weak and his small heart is already beating so fast. How could he refuse this once in a lifetime opportunity?

So, Yoongi draws in a deep breath, glances up at Taehyung through his lashes as he pulls their intertwined hands a little closer to his chest. “If you would be so kind,” He softly says.

Taehyung finally allows himself to smile, gently letting go of Yoongi’s hands as he asks, “May I touch your waist?”

You can do a lot more, Yoongi thinks but only politely says, “Please go ahead.”

He turns back around, putting his hands on the back of his horse as he waits for Taehyung to help him. His breath stutters in his throat at the first brush of hands against his waist. Taehyung is careful as he holds onto his waist, Yoongi could feel his breath against his neck as he counts to three right next to him. It makes a shiver run down his spine and he almost forgets to hoist himself up with Taehyung.

As if he weighs nothing, Taehyung lifts him easily and before he knows it, he’s already sitting upon his horse.

“See you on the ride,” Taehyung says with another soft smile that makes Yoongi’s heart skip a beat.

He doesn’t manage anything else than a nod towards him, eyes staying on his retreating form. Without fail, he keeps his gaze on Taehyung, watches how the other easily mounts his horse. Gracefully, he hoists himself up and with one last glance over his shoulder, a soft smile directed at Yoongi who fails to be embarrassed about being caught staring, Taehyung leaves the stables.

Next to him on the ground, Jungkook comes up to him again. Yoongi doesn’t have to look at him to imagine the sly smile on his face - he could hear it very clearly in his voice. “I see you made a friend,” The other snickers.

Lightly, Yoongi knocks his knee against Jungkook’s shoulder.

“Shut up,” He hisses - his words lack any kind of bite though, softened by the stupid smile that somehow wouldn’t fall from his lips.

“Your highness,” Jungkook says, pushing the words through the laughter that he’s obviously trying to keep in. Carefully, he guides Yoongi’s foot into the stirrups - as if he would forget otherwise. “This is the first time I’ve seen you so clumsily. You might want to watch your step if you don’t want to embarrass yourself further in front of the other prince.”

Oh, and what good does it bring to have such a beautiful pale complexion as him when Yoongi is never able to hide the smallest blush of embarrassment blooming on his cheeks?

Instead, of gracing Jungkook with an answer - really, he doesn’t know if his voice would be able to come out in its normal pitch right now - Yoongi just gently nudges his horse and rides away. Still, he could hear the stable boy’s laughter following him out into the open.

With the sun dancing on his skin, Yoongi is once again surrounded by a lot of nobles he’d rather not like to be around. Especially, the older men with tightly laced garments hidden beneath beautifully embroidered jackets to hide the weight they’ve put on over the years. Hiding blemishes with white powder that dulls their skin, sharp eyes, and lips that speak sweet words to appeal to Yoongi and in turn, his whole family.

That’s what he hates.

Whenever royals and nobles gather here, they always try too hard to leave an impression on him, try to get in his favor and gain the support of the Min family. Yoongi hates it. Hates the smile he has to keep on his face, hates the meaningless words that have to be exchanged, hates that he can’t lose face in front of anyone.

It’s exhausting.

Unconsciously, he tugs at the collar of his shirt again. His eyes scan the courtyard and almost immediately land back on prince Taehyung. The man is surrounded by his brothers and from this far away, Yoongi could most definitely see the noble ladies eyeing all three of them. That too - another thing that exhausts him. Mingling with others his age.

Thankfully, Yoongi’s parents have not deemed it one of the most important things to find him a spouse. It is his older brother who bears the weight of the title ‘crown prince’, who has already married to ensure their family’s lineage long before he would even be crowned king. Yoongi has it a bit easier there - though, during occasions like this, young ladies would also flock to him. He might not be his brother but marrying into his family even if it’s through him is still something a lot of people dream of.

Seems like the Kim brothers aren’t safe from these advances either.

It’s good that on these getaways women mostly don’t participate, Yoongi thinks. He doesn’t have to compete with ay lady for Taehyung’s attention though, as the ride starts and they leave the castle to explore the beautiful countryside, it seems like he does have to compete with the other’s brothers.

The three of them are glued together, never more than a horse length away from each other and sadly, Yoongi is caught up in one forced conversation after the other. His cheeks ache already from the polite smile he’s kept on his lips for so long. It seems like this getaway is not his chance to talk to prince Taehyung. But at least Jungkook was right, he is very social. Any person who happens to end up near the three brothers is immediately involved in a conversation with Taehyung.

Yoongi could only watch in envy as they ride far ahead of him, seemingly all having the time of their lives. The only form of consolation Yoongi could find is in the way Taehyung would ever so often glance back over his shoulder and their eyes would lock. It’s strange - the way his heart immediately picks up its rhythm when it happens. Yoongi likes the way his stomach starts to feel queasy and his cheeks start to heat up. He likes how he couldn’t contain his smile despite only just meeting the other.

But it makes him feel all fluttery inside. Is this why the maids are giggling when they see someone handsome walk by or is it more? Yoongi doesn’t dare to entertain the thought but he promises himself to strike up a conversation with Taehyung as soon as possible. If there’s an opening, a moment he would use it just to feel the way his heart stumbles in his chest.

It might be a bit fast to feel like this but Yoongi couldn’t help himself.

“You seem to be in a good mood despite your temper tantrum in the morning,” Hoseok greets him as soon as Yoongi steps out of the stables. His legs feel a little numb and he immediately scans the courtyard for soft, brown hair. “Has the ride cleared your head, my prince?”

“It wasn’t a temper tantrum,” Yoongi pouts - partly because of Hoseok’s words and partly because it seems like Kim Taehyung slipped through his fingers once more. “Anyway,” He turns back to Hoseok, “Can you please find out where the Kim princes are going to sit tonight?”

Oh - Yoongi smells trouble at the way Hoseok’s expression changes ever so slightly. From the usual preppy smile he wears to something a little more, dare he say - suggestive? Mischievous? Definitely. “So, you have taken a fancy to one of them,” Hoseok remarks quietly.

For a moment, Yoongi’s steps falter but he quickly catches himself again, acting as if nothing happened. Though, inside, he curses the way nothing that happens to him ever stays hidden from those close to him.

“Did you gossip with Jungkook again?”

This time, Hoseok laughs loudly before he secretively whispers, “That’s my secret to keep.”

Oh, Yoongi curses Jungkook’s lose mouth. And he curses Hoseok’s love for any kind of gossip.

Luck doesn’t ever seem to be on Yoongi’s side.

His face has been set in a small frown while his lips have settled into a permanent pout since the dinner started - it is unfair. He’s aware that the castle is filled with guests for the wedding ceremony taking place tomorrow - the dining hall is filled with too many people to count, large tables filled with chattering voices and the smell of food and wine.

It just happens so, that the table the Kim royals have been seated at is behind Yoongi - his back turned towards Taehyung. So, even here, he’s so near yet so far away from the person he wants to talk to the most. It’s ridiculous how busy Yoongi is, given it’s not his marriage that is being celebrated but he couldn’t find a moment of peace to try and make conversation with Kim Taehyung.

Such a waste. And sitting like this, he couldn’t even steal glances at the beautiful man. Though Yoongi did catch sight of him earlier - dressed in velvet black that seems to sparkle under the large lights of the hall, a ruffled white collar peeking out in the front while his dark brown hair is swept over his forehead beautifully. The golden jewelry he wears shines but none of it compares to the beauty of his face. And even that doesn’t compare to the way he smiles as their eyes met during that one moment.

It’s unfair. This is the first time Yoongi has felt such a pull towards another person, has felt his heart race just because of a single gaze. He just wants to talk to him.

Listlessly, Yoongi picks at his food, barely eating anything. When he sighs for what could already be the hundredth time this evening, the person next to him finally lets his fork clatter onto his plate.

“My dear prince, you’re in such an awful mood despite being seated by your best friend. I am slightly hurt by this.” Even if he plays it well, Yoongi could hear the joke in the words of the person sitting right next to him. After all, Jimin has never missed an opportunity to mess with him - guess, that is what best friends seem to be there for. “Did you fall off your horse in the morning again?”

Jimin, despite being a lord and of noble descent as well, didn’t participate in the horse riding getaway. For him, there is something more interesting in the stables than the horses. If he would have accompanied him, Yoongi might have not ended up being caught in so many exhausting conversations though - which would have been pretty nice.

“It was once,” Yoongi groans, finally putting his fork down, “I fell once, when will you let it go?”

“Never,” Jimin laughs, “Now tell me why you’re picking at your food with such a glum expression.”

A dramatic sigh falls from his lips before rubbing his hands down his cheeks. The only good thing about this overfilled dining hall is that they could almost talk privately with all of the noise going on around them.

Yoongi resists the urge to look over his shoulder before he whines, “The universe has gifted me with the person of my dreams but he’s sitting so far away.”

“Prince Taehyung, you mean?”

Nothing - nothing stays a secret here, huh? Gossip spreads so fast among his friends, it’s almost ridiculous. “How do you already know that?”

Jimin shrugs with a smirk, “Jungkook likes talking a lot when he’s with me.”

“Ah, I would have thought he would be preoccupied with something else,” Yoongi mumbles, lowering his voice a little as he nudges Jimin with a mischievous expression on his face, “Aren’t you spending too much time in the stables for a lord? Are you sure the horses are the only things you’re riding there?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” Jimin snickers easily - his face doesn’t even color a little in embarrassment as he wriggles his eyebrows suggestively.

Ah - Yoongi forgot to take his shamelessness into account. He grimaces - really, he doesn’t want to know all details of what goes on between Jimin and the stable boy or what exactly he is riding if it’s not horses.

Suddenly, Jimin leans close to whisper into his ear, “Do you know that the prince keeps glancing over here?”

“He is?” Yoongi exclaims, snapping his head so fast around that it suspiciously cracks. Despite Jimin’s love to mess with him, surprisingly, Yoongi’s wide eyes do meet Taehyung’s who looks a little taken aback for a second - Yoongi would be too if someone turned around this abruptly. But his face quickly relaxes, nodding at Yoongi with another one of these very adorable smiles.

And the same way as all those times before, Yoongi’s pale cheeks light up with color as he quickly turns around again.

“You’re so funny,” Jimin laughs, wrapping an arm around his shoulder, “You would have better luck at the ball tomorrow. After the wedding ceremony is over I’m sure he’ll ask you to dance, don’t you think?”

“He better does,” Yoongi whispers, hiding his blushing face behind his hands.

Ah… Yoongi isn’t so sure anymore that he would actually manage to face Taehyung without embarrassing himself in front of him.

On the day of the wedding Yoongi wakes up in unusually high spirits. As soon as he opens his eyes he feels it - the slight pounding of his heart while he’s immediately wide awake. Because today is the day.

Today will be the day he will hold a real conversation with Taehyung, the day he will become closer to him and satisfy this flutter of his heart. If this wedding ends, Yoongi had to at least once act on his desire - and if Taehyung is up to it (Yoongi really hopes he is, given the many looks and smiles they’ve already shared) he might even get a kiss out of it. God, he wishes he will get a kiss out of this. (And he wouldn’t mind a bit more either…)

“You’re in high spirits, your highness,” Hoseok says as he enters his room. There’s a small look of surprise on his face as he sees Yoongi already up and out of bed. Usually, there needs to be a lot of convincing so Yoongi would even consider leaving the warmth of his bed without too much struggle.

“I’m convinced today will be splendid,” Yoongi says, already peeling himself out of his sleepwear while Hoseok prepares the clothes for the wedding ceremony.

“You think you’ll finally find the time to talk to prince Taehyung?”

“Of course,” Yoongi insists, “Today, everything will be about my cousin and his wife - I won’t be the center of attention anywhere. Hopefully. And there is the reception and the ball tonight - It’s impossible not to find an opportunity today.”

“I’m sure today will be the day,” Hoseok chuckles as he slides the soft dress shirt over Yoongi’s arms.

He couldn’t help but smile - Hoseok is certainly right. Today will be the day. Yoongi is not going to let any opportunity slip through his fingers. With this thought in mind, he endures the preparations with more enthusiasm than usual. He doesn’t complain about the tightness of his collar, doesn’t try to purposely sneeze when the maids put powder on his face, and doesn’t hiss in pain when their brushes accidentally get caught in a knot of his hair.

Because today is the day.

Different from the clothes he wore yesterday, the garments lie heavily on Yoongi’s shoulders today. The heavy silver jacket tied around his center by many buckles constrict his chest, the many ruffles of his undershirt spill out at the top and brush right under his chin. Around his neck, he wears the thick, silver chain with his family’s crest resting above his chest and to top it off, on top of his soft black hair, sits his silver crown. Its weight is heavy on top of his head but Yoongi still holds his chin high.

Together with the rest of the royal family he’s standing in front of all the guests, waiting for the couple to arrive at the front and exchange their vows. Yoongi is standing beside his older brother and wife, all the way to the left.

The large hall, decorated with flowers and banners, is filled to the brim with nobles, even the courtyard is filled with people - anyone of status mixed with the common people who have come from the surrounding town to witness the royal wedding.

Yoongi lets his eyes trail over the filled benches, interlacing his hands behind his back when he finally finds the head full of brown hair that he’s been looking for. The fourth row, seated right between his two brothers - there sits Kim Taehyung. A golden crown sits on top of his brown hair, just a golden ring without any unnecessary decorations. Like a halo. Yoongi feels his cheeks color at the simple thought - how is it possible to feel so endeared by a person he talked to only once before?

The whole night - Yoongi had tossed and turned the whole night, contemplating whether he’s gone insane or not but certainly, he couldn’t have. Marriages can be decided in a day, can be decided for two people who might have never even seen each other before - the flutter of Yoongi’s heart might be a bit surprising, might be feeling a bit out of the blue but it’s nothing to worry about. All he has to do is figure out if that flutter could develop into something more.

His eyes meet Taehyung’s across the hall. The other tips his head in a slight nod, his lips tilting up in a smile as he continues to hold Yoongi’s gaze as if it’s nothing. Definitely - he would definitely talk to him today, Yoongi thinks to himself as he returns the smile, a little more subtle, a little shyer even though the attention of everyone is on the couple lovingly gazing into each other’s eyes in front of him and not him.

It’s a beautiful ceremony though Yoongi’s attention isn’t entirely on the wedded couple. Thus, the second the opportunity arises, he slips through the crowds of celebrating people with a glass of wine clutched tightly in one of his hands. It’s not hard for him to find prince Taehyung given that he never let his eyes stray from the other for more than a minute and to his luck, the prince is standing alone for a change.

Yoongi’s heart skips a beat and he accelerates his steps a little bit more, just enough to not have it called running. The wine in the glass swashes dangerously close to the rim but not a drop of the red liquid is spilled.

“Prince Taehyung,” Yoongi greets him, voice a little bit airily as he tries to school his expression into something less excited. (Though, he’s not sure if he would be able to dim the smile on his face in any way.)

“Your highness,” Taehyung returns the greeting, bowing deeply before he meets his eyes again. Yoongi gulps - somehow, the soft brown of the other’s eyes ignites a tickling warmth inside of Yoongi’s chest that burns bright enough to almost consume him whole. It’s a strange feeling he never experienced before but it makes him light, makes a smile bloom on his lips that he couldn’t hide.

Quickly, Yoongi takes a sip from the wine before offering the glass to Taehyung. The prince’s eyes widen for a moment before he smiles just as brightly as Yoongi, bowing his head as he accepts the offer. He holds Yoongi’s gaze as he puts the glass against his lips and takes a sip.

It’s an offer already coming close to something like courting. A small gesture that can be done platonically but Yoongi uses it to test the waters.

Taehyung doesn’t return the glass. And Yoongi’s heart skips a beat. “You look stunning, your highness,” Taehyung compliments him.

Oh - how fast can a heart race before it becomes dangerous for one’s health? Yoongi doesn’t know but he might find out if Taehyung continues to look at him with that smile and those warm eyes. He nods his head, feeling how his cheeks redden quickly, “How very kind of you, I can only return the compliment.”

“Your beauty outshines everyone else’s,” Taehyung continues, “You will end up stealing the couple’s show looking like this.”

His smile spreads so wide over his face that his cheeks have started to hurt and all of his clothes seem too tight, too warm - he must be flushed from head to toe. “Oh, you flatter me too much,” Yoongi chuckles.

“It’s just the truth, my prince,” Taehyung smiles and his gaze jumps to the side - Yoongi follows the direction with his own eyes and recognizes the other’s brothers walking towards them. Quick - he has to act quickly and make sure they will have at least a little bit of time together during the ball.

“If that’s so,” He hurries to say, grabbing onto Taehyung’s hand to draw his attention back to him, “Then I can trust you to ask me to dance tonight, right?”

The expression on the other’s face softens as he gently raises their intertwined hands so he could leave a chaste kiss on the back of Yoongi’s knuckles. “Of course,” Taehyung says, “I’ll give you my word.”

His word. That’s what he promised but it seems like he has a hard time keeping it.

For the ball, Yoongi has been dressed once again in one of his most expensive garments that weigh so heavily on his shoulders that he wishes he could just lie down somewhere but sadly, that is not a possibility for him. The only thing he’s been looking forward to was the promised dance but just like him, Taehyung has been swept away by nobles and a ton of young bachelorettes.

Yoongi is staying as far away from the center of the giant hall as possible to not get swept up in yet another unnecessary invitation to dance. From over here he has the best view of the dancing couples, especially the young princes that couldn’t escape the groups of women swarming them, and right there, among them, is Taehyung with his brothers. The three princes seem to be highly sought after.

It’s annoying.

“You should mingle with the people as well.” Suddenly, a voice speaks up behind him and Yoongi stiffens. He glances at his mother over his shoulder. She’s dressed in a beautiful ball gown, her face, so similar to Yoongi’s, set in an almost indifferent expression but somehow, it is still so full of elegance and nobleness.

“There is only one person I wish to dance with,” He mumbles, keeping the smile on his face to not show his sour expression. “But it seems like he has a hard time getting away from the grasp of the other guests.”

“I see,” She says slowly before leaning close to him to whispers into his ear, “You’re a prince. Shouldn’t you be able to get your dance if you want it?”

Yoongi clicks his tongue. “Obviously.”

She’s right.

So, with new won vigor, Yoongi pushes through the crowd of people while keeping his polite smile high on his lips. Though, this time he doesn’t let himself be stopped by anyone. His sights are set on Taehyung and on Taehyung alone. The other is already seeing him from afar and his eyes widen almost comically as he notices Yoongi approaching him and the people surrounding him.

A few of the young women are standing with him and his two brothers. The tallest one of the three, prince Namjoon Yoongi believes, notices him second and he immediately lowers his head in a bow. “Prince Yoongi,” He greets him with the rest of the people who have now noticed his presence.

Maybe a tad too hastily given what Yoongi has learned about etiquette all his life, he returns the bow before turning towards Taehyung with a sweet smile on his lips. But what could he do? He’s impatient. Usually, people don’t let him wait.

“I believe I was promised a dance?” He says, holding out his hand for Taehyung to take.

The younger prince seems still a little - frozen? Surprised? Though, when one of his brothers pushes him forward he finally snaps out of it and reaches out to close his hand around Yoongi’s gloved fingers. Even through the white fabric, Yoongi could feel the warmth of the other and he quickly tightens his grip, afraid Taehyung might manage to somehow slip away again.

“Of course…”

Yoongi nods his head towards the other guests before he pulls Taehyung along, the other stumbles after him without any resistance. It’s cute. The way he just obediently follows him. Yoongi keeps that thought to himself though.

Instead of leading them towards the middle of the hall where every couple is dancing, Yoongi is guiding them through the crowd and towards one of the doors leading outside. It feels a bit like they’re entering a different world as they step outside into the cool air of the night. Darkness has already fallen upon the castle, though the bright lights from inside shine through it. The music is duller out here, a bit muffled as the door falls shut behind them.

“I thought you wanted to dance,” Taehyung says, confusion seeping into his voice.

Their hands are still connected.

“I do,” Yoongi replies easily and turns around to face him. He raises their interlaced hands and rests his free one on Taehyung’s broad shoulder. Seemingly on instinct, Taehyung reaches out to place his free hand on Yoongi’s waist.

The music is muffled but they could still hear its faint sounds clearly ringing through the night. All it takes is a small push from Yoongi and they’re falling into a rhythm.

“I just thought that we would have a little more privacy out here,” Yoongi explains, stepping just a bit closer into Taehyung’s hold, “I don’t want anyone to snatch you away again. You’re quite popular, I must say.”

Taehyung hums and in one swift motion spins Yoongi around before pulling him back in, closer than before. Their chests knock against each other and Yoongi could feel the other’s breath brushing against his cheek. “I’m sorry for taking so long to give you this dance,” Taehyung apologizes.

The hand he has around Yoongi’s waist scoots a little further back, placing itself on his lower back as he leads them dancing through the outdoors. Yoongi’s heart flutters in his chest and there’s a big part of him that is wondering how he’s able to seemingly stay so calm in Taehyung’s arms.

He gulps. It seems like he’s not the only one who’s been feeling this - what is it? A pull? Attraction? Anything - this something between them. Taehyung must be aware of it as well, it shows in the way he looks at him, the way he holds him. Yoongi boldly lets his hand run up from Taehyung’s shoulder towards the back of his neck. His fingers tangle lightly with the soft hairs growing back there.

“As long as you gift me the rest of your night I will overlook it,” He says.

Once more, Taehyung spins them around, his eyes never leave Yoongi’s. “That’s the least I could do.”

And this is a promise he keeps.

The night air might be cool but Yoongi is being kept warm by the pounding of his heart. They dance close together until his feet hurt but even then, Taehyung keeps his word and gives the rest of his night to Yoongi.

They don’t go back inside, don’t join the other celebrating wedding guests. Instead, they settle on one of the benches in the garden, darkness guarding them like a warm cloak. They sit close enough to be pressed together and Yoongi even dares to rest his head on Taehyung’s shoulder at one point. In this world, where only the two of them exist, they share words for what feels like an eternity, conversation flows easily between them. And with each word that leaves Taehyung’s mouth, each new thing Yoongi learns about him and tells him, he feels more and more drawn to him.

Yoongi dreads the end of the night - afraid this magical moment might shatter and never return. Their magical moment, only witnessed by the beautiful stars above them.

And when the night does start to end, Yoongi looks into Taehyung’s eyes, waiting - waiting for something to happen that doesn’t come.

Somehow, Taehyung suddenly seems to have become incredibly shy. Being close enough to almost feel each other’s breath on their lips, Taehyung couldn’t look straight into his eyes anymore, couldn’t refrain from awkwardly trying to lean away. His nervousness is obvious in every fiber of his being and with a small chuckle, Yoongi leans back as well.

Shy. Taehyung is shy. And he’s cute.

There is no way Yoongi wouldn’t get his kiss tonight. They’re obviously both attracted to each other, their personalities fit together almost a bit too perfectly.

As he leans back, his eyes fall on the large windows of the hall where the ball is held - they overlook the garden. And for the first time, since they stepped out into the night, Yoongi is reminded that they indeed do not exist in a world where it’s just the two of them. Anyone could see them here if they were to look close enough. Dancing, that is fine. Talking, that is also fine. Kissing though… Kissing might be a bit risky with so many possible eyes being able to watch them if they chose to or even if they just happen to stumble upon them.

Privacy. Real privacy.

That is what they need.

“The ball is coming to an end,” Yoongi says.

Taehyung just hums.

With a small sigh, Yoongi gets up from the bench. “Shall we head back inside?”

Taehyung doesn’t reply but he follows Yoongi as obediently as before. Inside the huge hall, the other guests are already dispersing one by one. Yoongi glances around, catches sight of Taehyung’s brothers who have also noticed them returning and are making their way over to them.

Quickly, he slips one of his big silver rings off his finger. In the middle of the polished band sparkles a deep blue sapphire. He takes Taehyung’s hand and presses the ring into the palm of it, closing the other’s fingers around the small object.

“Just show this to the guard and he’ll let you into my chamber,” He whispers into Taehyung’s ear, “I’ll be waiting for you.”

And before Taehyung’s brothers could arrive, Yoongi has already made his escape with a heart that pounds in excitement.

“Uhm…” Taehyung’s eyes follow Yoongi as the prince vanishes between the dispersing people. The ring is heavy in the palm of his hand.

“What are you staring at?” His eldest brother asks as soon as he arrives.

Taehyung slowly opens his fist to show the ring to both of his curious brothers. “Prince Yoongi gave that to me just now.”

“He gave you his ring?” Namjoon asks a little skeptical. He’s always skeptical. Though, it is a special case when it comes to Taehyung - because then, his skepticism is usually right.

Taehyung nods again, staring down at the beautiful ring in the palm of his hand. His skin still tingles where Yoongi touched him. It might have only been through gloves but his touch has felt so warm, felt so nice. He gulps. “I think he wants me to go to his chamber.”

“Are you sure?” Namjoon asks - the skepticism in his voice has doubled. “You might misunderstand something and we really do not want to get on the bad side of the Min royals.”

“I didn’t misunderstand,” Taehyung immediately defends himself. Inside, he knows he tends to cause misunderstandings or to misunderstand other people but this time, he’s pretty sure that Min Yoongi must have also felt what he feels. “He’s - nice to me. More than nice and he did say that I’m supposed to show this ring to the guards so they’ll let me into his chamber. Those were his words.”

“Well,” Namjoon glances at their oldest brother, “That’s - something?”

“Look at you,” Seokjin says proudly, slapping Taehyung on the back, “Making friends with the prince. See how easily you can make connections when you smile a little more?”

“I guess,” Taehyung shrugs.

“Then what are you waiting for? Go to his chamber but don’t do something stupid -” And here they come. Taehyung already knows what they are going to say. Since the incident with the duke a few months ago Taehyung couldn’t go anywhere without hearing the same thing from his brothers. To a certain extent, he could understand them - especially now. “The Min family has a lot of influence - it’s very beneficial to be on their good side so listen to the prince and be nice, yeah?”

Because it is Min Yoongi they are talking about. Taehyung knows that the moment he offends him, their connection to this powerful kingdom could forever be lost. And that might be one of the more harmless consequences.

“I will be nice,” He replies, slipping the ring into his pocket, “The prince is very pleasant to be around after all.”

“Okay but don’t be too nice,” Seokjin adds a bit too quickly, “Don’t overstep a line and offend him, yeah?”

“You shouldn’t assume too much this time,” Namjoon continues and here it comes, the reminder Taehyung was dreading to hear, “Remember what happened with the duke when you assumed too much?”

“It was really confusing! I thought he wanted me to kiss him,” Taehyung pouts, crossing his arm in front of his chest.

Really, that couldn’t have been just his fault. He was sure there was a spark between him and the duke but it turns out, there wasn’t after all.

“That’s why we’re saying this right now.” Seokjin’s voice has gotten a bit softer as he cards his fingers through Taehyung’s hair, fixing the few strands that must have fallen out of place. “We’re just looking out for you. If anything, just let him do the important stuff. You really can’t go kissing prince Yoongi just because he’s looking into your eyes for a bit too long.”

“Yeah, yeah I’ll be fine. And just for your information,” Taehyung hisses, “The duke held very intense eye contact with me back then and he held my hand - I really thought he was about to kiss me! I only went with the mood…”

“Well, forget the mood. There is no mood. Unless the prince explicitly asks you to do something you just don’t do anything that could get you in trouble, okay? Especially, no kissing.”

Taehyung just rolls his eyes as he walks towards the exit of the hall.

“Be careful!” They yell after him but he only waves them off.

Even though, he does tend to misunderstand a lot, Taehyung doesn’t think he’s wrong this time. (He also didn’t think he was wrong when the situation with the duke happened, a very helpful voice in the back of his mind reminds him.) He shakes his head.

All these gazes they shared, the smiles, the touches tonight - Taehyung couldn’t be wrong… right? There must be something between them. At least his heart flutters when the prince is around. His mind scatters when Yoongi smiles at him. And his cheeks reddened when they danced so close. But now, as he makes his way through the castle, steps echoing in the large corridors, he couldn’t help but let the doubt of his brothers and his failure with the duke creep in.

Maybe Yoongi really just wants a friend or something else? Taehyung doesn’t know. Not for sure at least. If he makes a mistake here… the consequences could be huge. It’s better to be extra careful. After all, his brothers seem to be right.

He should treat this as just a platonic meeting. This time, he would make sure that he doesn’t overstep any kind of line, it wouldn’t even be possible to offend anyone.

Ah - Taehyung draws in a deep breath.

There’s anxiety brimming right under his skin, clawing its way through his insides. He’s nervous. He’s so nervous, so afraid to mess something up. Because somehow, no matter how hard he tries, in the end, he always messes something up.

Yoongi’s heart is beating somewhere in his throat.

As soon as he arrived in his chamber, he took off all of his suffocating garments until he was only left in his pants and the almost sheer dress shirt he wore beneath everything else. Somehow, he’s very nervous. Would Taehyung even show up? Ah, Yoongi quickly shakes his head. Is there a reason he wouldn’t? After everything, it would be ridiculous of him to not take Yoongi up on his invitation.

The time he has to wait sitting on his bed feels like the whole night has passed at least three times already. But then - finally, there is a knock on his door and carefully, slowly, it opens to reveal Taehyung’s figure.

The prince seems even more nervous than he was outside just a little while ago. Yoongi rises from his bed as the other completely enters, letting the door fall shut behind him.

“Uhm, good evening, my prince.” There’s a tremble in his voice. It’s kind of cute. Oh, who is he kidding? It’s really cute.

“We just saw each other,” Yoongi chuckles. Slowly, he makes his way over to Taehyung, his heart beating in anticipation. “And please, you really don’t have to be so formal with me.”

Taehyung just nods, the smile on his lips seeming a bit unsure as his eyes dart around the room but always end up on Yoongi again. “So, uhm - why am I here?”

“You don’t have to act coy now,” Yoongi smiles, “Why do you think?”

Taehyung’s mouth just opens and closes without any noise coming out. From this close, Yoongi could see the redness that has spread all over his skin, the way he nervously clutches the hem of his shirt, and the slight sheen of sweat close to his hairline. Wow - he must be really nervous. Maybe it’s his first time being invited to a chamber during an event like this?

Somehow, he seems a bit overwhelmed with the situation but his gaze always lands on Yoongi’s face, specifically on his lips. As if it’s drawn to this particular place. Well, if Taehyung is too nervous then Yoongi would have to take the first step, right? They came so far after all. And Taehyung already had the courage to actually meet him in his chamber, it’s only fair that Yoongi crosses the line now.

It’s totally fine, he is fine - it’s not hard at all to ignore his own nervousness.

Swallowing every bit of anxiety trying to hold onto him, Yoongi closes the gap between them as confidently as possible. He slithers his arms around Taehyung’s neck, feels him stiffen beneath him but it’s fine. He will calm down just like Yoongi will. Everything is fine. It’s fine. His eyes meet Taehyung’s for a moment and then he’s leaning in, pressing his lips against Taehyung’s. Finally.

The kiss, as magical as he imagined it to be, only lasts for about a second.

Just a single second before there’s a sudden, searing pain exploding in his right thigh and he stumbles back, tripping over his own legs and landing very painfully on his butt. Yoongi’s brain, still somehow focused on the fact that he did manage to kiss Taehyung, is unable to catch up with the sudden interruption. So, he is just able to stare at his leg and the growing red spot on his pants as blood seeps through the fabric.

“What…?”

Above him, Taehyung has definitely panicked right now. The dagger he’s holding clatters to the ground as he stares at Yoongi with a fear-stricken expression. “I’m - sorry!” He yells and then promptly turns around and - runs.

He runs. Freaking runs.

Yoongi stumbles after him, a groan of pain forcing its way out of his throat as he puts pressure on his injured leg. Right outside of his chamber, one of the guards catches him before he could fall to the ground.

“Your highness!” The guard cries out in panic upon seeing the blood running down his leg.

“Prince Taehyung,” Yoongi gasps, “Catch him.”

But for the rest of the night, even after Yoongi’s wound has been treated completely and he’s back in his bed, no one is able to find the runaway prince anywhere.

Of course, the next morning, the news about the incident has already made its round. And to Yoongi’s displeasure, it didn’t magically leave out his so-called best friend.

“I could not believe my ears,” Jimin says with laughter already waiting on his lips instead of any kind of greeting or question about his health as he settles next to Yoongi during breakfast, “Did you really get yourself stabbed?”

“It is not a laughing matter,” Yoongi hisses.

But it seems like it is a laughing matter to Jimin who just snorts, “I beg to differ.”

He’s already opening his mouth again to spout some more nonsense because this is definitely another one of these moments he will never let Yoongi live down; But thankfully, someone has come to his rescue. Two people, to be more precise.

“Your highness?” The slightly trembling voice belongs to none other than Taehyung’s older brother, Namjoon. Next to him is the third one as well, the oldest of them. Both of their faces look absolutely mortified as they fail to meet Yoongi’s eyes, instead staring at the ground before bowing deeply.

“We are terribly sorry for the behavior of our brother.”

“It is really out of character for him - he’s usually such a gentle person,” Seokjin continues - he sounds a bit more panicked than his younger brother, “To think he attacked you -”

Now, that seems like it’s going a bit too far. After all, Yoongi had the whole night to think about what happened and despite everything that went down, he’s convinced that Taehyung had absolutely no ill intent. Still, he got stabbed. And the culprit is nowhere to be found.

It is quite strange.

“Do you happen to know where he currently is?” Yoongi asks, interrupting the - what would probably end up being endless - apology of the prince’s brothers.

“I’m afraid not,” Namjoon grimaces slightly, still unable to meet his eyes as his hands play with the hem of his shirt. Oh, it’s funny - it seems like all three of them act rather similar when they’re nervous. “We’ve only heard about the incident when we woke up this morning.”

Yoongi hums, leaning back in his chair which results in a short, spiking pain in his thigh. Ah - it’s not like Taehyung hit him particularly hard but he pierced a muscle and it burns. It burns every time Yoongi moves. It’s annoying.

“Well, if you happen to catch a glance of him please tell him to come to me,” Yoongi says.

Both of them hurry to nod, finally meeting his eyes - even if it was just for a second. “Of course!”

“We really hope that you’re fine and that he didn’t injure you too badly,” Namjoon quickly adds.

Too badly? It could have been worse. Way worse. It could have also defintely been better but what could he do? There probably is some part of the blame that Yoongi has to carry himself so… He just shrugs, “I’ve never been stabbed in the leg before.”

That doesn’t seem to have been the right thing to say. The two princes in front of him just freak out even further. Yoongi didn’t even mean anything bad by what he said. “We’re really, really deeply apologetic -”

“It’s fine,” Yoongi cuts him off with a wave of his hand, “I guess - I might have surprised him a little. I don’t think he had any ill intent. It must have been an accident, after all.”

Still, the two Kim brothers apologize two more times before they finally take their leave. Somehow, that was exhausting. Yoongi sighs, digging his fork into his food with very little enthusiasm.

Next to him, Jimin - that gleeful idiot - could barely hold back his laughter until the princes are out of earshot.. As soon as they’re gone, he’s laughing with his full body, leaning close to Yoongi so he could at least pretend to try and keep their conversation private as he asks, “So, what did you ask of him that made him freak out that badly?”

Immediately, Yoongi’s cheeks flush a deep red color again.

“I didn’t do anything,” He defends himself in a hiss, “I just tried to kiss him. I thought we were on the same page but turns out I might have misread a lot between us.”

And Jimin, the one who claims to be his best friend, has nothing better to do than to laugh at his current misery.

The search for prince Taehyung is still going on after breakfast. It is almost impossible for him to have gotten out of the castle so he must be hiding somewhere. The question is just where?

A dull, throbbing pain accompanies Yoongi with every step he takes. It is uncomfortable to walk with the wound in his thigh but not impossible - after all, Taehyung didn’t stab him with all his might, just enough. To help him walk, Yoongi relies a bit on a cane to support his injured leg.

He sighs as he limps past the place where he danced with Taehyung last night. From here, he could overlook the large garden inside of the castle walls - his favorite place. As he walks down, feet getting cushioned by the soft grass and shade being provided by the trees above him he thinks again about last night.

Maybe he read everything wrong? But how could he? Taehyung had been staring at him just the same way he was. Taehyung approached him first, he accepted everything Yoongi asked of him, he took his glass, didn’t question the close dancing or his invitation up to his room. Was he not aware of what Yoongi implied by giving him his ring? It sure seems like it. Yoongi just doesn’t understand why - he made it so obvious.

But maybe, it was only obvious to him.

If Taehyung didn’t feel the same as him, if he didn’t understand what Yoongi was implying all along then he must have been caught by surprise by the kiss. He also looked more than nervous when he entered Yoongi’s chamber - it must have been an accident. Caught by surprise, Taehyung might have just acted on instinct. If he didn’t expect a kiss he might have thought Yoongi tried to attack him? Ah - Yoongi shakes his head.

He doesn’t know. He just doesn’t know.

To rest his leg for a moment, Yoongi leans against one of the many trees found in the garden and as his eyes trail upwards he sees it. A golden shimmer in the green leaves. Now, that is interesting.

“Oh, what is a bloody leg to a pounding heart?” Yoongi calls out with a smile threatening to spread his lips, “Prince Taehyung, I can see the gold of your robes in one of my trees.”

The thick bandage wrapped around his upper thigh cuts into his skin when he shifts his weight and now he couldn’t hold back his smile as it rustles above him and Taehyung’s slightly scared face pops up between the green leaves.

Tired - he looks tired and terrified. It’s almost enough to make Yoongi laugh but he tries to keep his serious expression as long as possible.

“I’m - sorry?” The prince says, grimaces, and almost ducks behind the leaves again but it seems like he stops himself in the last second. Ah - his hair is disheveled, just like his clothes and somehow, he still manages to look pretty enough to make Yoongi’s heart race. It’s unfair, isn’t it?

Yoongi pouts, pushing away from the tree to extend his hand upwards to the other prince, “Please come down so we can talk.”

There’s suspicion all over Taehyung’s face, though he does shift slightly as if he’s about to start climbing down. “You’re not going to kill me, are you?” He asks carefully.

“I’m an injured person,” Yoongi calls out loudly, a little accusatory before he slumps back against the tree a bit too dramatically. He grasps the fabric of his robe right above his heart as he pitifully gazes up at Taehyung. “Do you think I could even fight anyone when I’m this badly injured?”

It’s hard not to break character, not to start laughing at the way Taehyung immediately stumbles to try and climb down to the ground as fast as possible. He slips slightly but makes his way down safely and as soon as his feet touch the grass he falls down to his knees and bows until his forehead touches the ground.

“I deeply apologize, my prince,” He hurries to say, desperation clear in his voice, “It was an accident.”

“You stabbed me - by accident?”

“Yes,” Taehyung cries, looking up with glistening eyes, “I panicked.”

Carefully, Yoongi lowers himself so he’s kneeling right in front of the other prince. “Why?”

“Uhm - I was just, I didn’t know exactly what you meant when you invited me up to your chamber and my brothers told me to not offend you in any way by overstepping a line,” Taehyung explains slowly, he has sat up again so they’re facing each other equally, “I’m sure they saw through my feelings knowing that I had taken a fancy to you and they were worried I would do something stupid. Again. Because I tend to do that. Misunderstand and then do something stupid. So, I was worried I might have misinterpreted everything but it seems like I didn’t.”

He laughs awkwardly, scratching behind his ear as his eyes keep jumping away from Yoongi - not able to hold his gaze.

“But you - I was surprised that I didn’t misunderstand and you’re so beautiful and you suddenly came so close to me and I didn’t know what to do because that wasn’t what I expected. And I was so scared that I was just assuming things up until the second you kissed me and then my brain just short-circuited. I never even really kissed anyone before this.”

What Taehyung doesn’t tell Yoongi is that his attempt at a first kiss ended with a punch to the face because well, he misunderstood the situation. At that time, was the one who surprised someone else. The punch was on reflex, back then Taehyung didn’t understand but now, after his accidental reflex was stabbing the other person in the leg, he does understand the reaction.

“So, I panicked,” He finishes his explanation, “I don’t have any other excuse for what I did. I accept any kind of punishment.”

And at that, Yoongi perks up. Just to make sure, he asks again, “Any?”

The innocent expression on Taehyung’s face as he nods almost makes Yoongi feel bad as he smirks. Almost.

There’s a lot of chaos in the whole castle when Yoongi returns from the garden in Taehyung’s arms because apparently, punishment meant having to carry the prince around until he’s better again. As soon as they arrive, Taehyung’s brothers scold him though, they are not the last ones to do so. Yoongi’s parents speak to both of them - which might have been the scariest part - even Yoongi cowers in front of his mother as she berates him for not being clear enough with his intentions which played a huge part in all of this misunderstanding.

But in the end, it’s not that bad after all.

Taehyung follows him for the whole day, carrying him around bridal style every moment Yoongi requests it and to wherever he wants to go. Somehow, despite everything - Yoongi is happy. Now, he has more than just an excuse to spend even his whole day with Taehyung.

And when night falls again, Taehyung carries him into his chamber and carefully peels the bandage away from his skin. Despite spending the whole day together, Yoongi does feel a bit bashful right now. It’s just his leg that’s exposed but he feels as if he’s lying naked in front of Taehyung - a little vulnerable.

The other prince is gentle as he tends to the wound, soft fingers trailing over his skin as wipes away excess blood and finally, wraps a fresh bandage around his thigh. It stings when he tightens it but Yoongi swallows the hiss that threatens to spill over his lips.

They stay like that, Yoongi sitting on his bed and Taehyung kneeling right in front of him. His warm hands stay on Yoongi’s legs, trembling a bit as if he doesn’t know what to do with them.

So, even after everything that’s happened between them - now that they’re alone in Yoongi’s chamber again, Taehyung is still incredibly nervous. Yoongi could clearly see it on his face.

“Now that you’ve come to my chamber again,” He starts, hoping to be a bit clearer with his advances now - after all, he promised himself he would get a kiss and after spending the day together, he does hope for more. For something that could last them. “I hope you will not panic this time.”

For a second, Taehyung freezes, and then he laughs, cheeks blushing as he hides his face behind Yoongi’s knee. “Of course not!” He hurries to call out, embarrassment seeping into his voice.

“Then I’m glad,” Yoongi smiles to himself, “I’ve had my eyes on you since the stables and I would really love to get even closer with you in the future.”

Taehyung’s grip on his thighs tightens slightly. “The far future?” He asks and the nervousness fades into a more mischievous expression though his blushing cheeks stay.

Yoongi couldn’t help the wide smile that breaks out on his lips as he softly puts his hands on top of Taehyung’s, pushing his fingers between the others to hold onto him. “I might have to stab you if you don’t kiss me tonight,” He playfully threatens.

And this time, both of them couldn’t help but start laughing. Taehyung rises up on his knees as he does, turning his hands around to properly hold onto Yoongi’s. “We can’t have that, right?” He laughs.

Yoongi nods, leaning forward so their faces are only a breath apart. His own hands tremble slightly in Taehyung’s grips as they stare at each other, unable to look away even for a moment.

“You make me nervous,” Taehyung whispers.

“Do you have any weapons on you?”

“No.”

“Then you can be as nervous as you want,” Yoongi whispers, pressing the last words into Taehyung’s lips as he finally closes the distance between them.