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It was a busy day at the Palace that day, but not the bad kind. With the help of their star secret investigator, a huge heist-related culprit was caught and now it was time for a celebration. Crown Prince Kim Namjoon, who loved nothing more than to be a host, was buzzing with energy, as usual, making sure everything is at a convenient place and everyone was being treated well - especially the star guest of the night - Jung Hoseok.
That's where Park Jimin becomes busy. The younger Prince loves pretty things, and the sunshine incarnate Jung Hoseok is the prettiest person he's ever laid eyes on. Can anyone blame him for just sitting in one of the Royal seats and shamelessly ogling at him? Well a lot of them do, but being the prince of the province comes with a few privileges, one of them being - not caring about the whispers around him.
He sighs heavily when none other than his brother blocks his magnificent view, prompting the said brother to turn around with a raised brow, "What is it this time, Jimin-ah? Did he smile two seconds longer at someone other than you?"
"Well, I would know if you weren't blocking my view with your gigantic body, Hyung." he deadpans.
Namjoon lets out an exaggerated sigh before finally getting out of Jimin's way and sitting by his side, "You know" he starts, prompting his brother to look at him inquiringly, "Just ogling at him whenever you get a chance, doesn't make him ask you to marry him."
Jimin grumbles at the other's teasing, "Just a reminder that you and Seokjin Hyung are together because he made a move, not you by the way."
Namjoon chuckles, not arguing with the truth, "Well, that's only because he was just as interested in me as I am. But here, that's not the case, is it? He's completely oblivious to you and your charms... not like you're doing much, to begin with."
Maybe it's the challenge and a hint of mocking in his brother's voice, or the way his heart fluttered at the loud laugh Hoseok just let out, or it's just the high from his makgeolli consumption - but Jimin finally gets up from his place and walks purposefully towards the sunshine who stole his heart.
"Where are you going...." Namjoon trails off, sighing at his brother's retreating figure.
"Good evening, Jung Hoseok-ssi" he greets, bowing down with respect, despite his position. His father had always taught the importance of respecting the elders, despite the positions they're in. "I came here to congratulate you on another successful project, but it might just seem like another Wednesday night to you."
Hoseok seems dumbfounded at the Prince suddenly approaching him with such high praises. Don't get him wrong, Jimin always makes sure to congratulate and thank Hoseok for his hard work. But it's usually by the end of the night when there are no other noblemen around. And he's mostly always shy about it, not even making proper eye contact.
Yet he recovers soon, bowing back just as respectfully, "Thank you, Prince Jimin-ssi. But I couldn't do it without the resources the Royal Palace provided." he adds with his usual humbleness.
Jimin smiles at that, guiding Hoseok away from the other noblemen, "If you could spare me a minute..."
Hoseok follows readily, "Of course."
Once they are at a safe distance from the rest of the small crowd, Jimin speaks again, "Have you seen the turquoise-hued sword that I always carry with me, Hoseok-ssi?"
"Of course I do! It's been your weapon ever since you started taking warrior lessons." Hoseok replies, having seen Jimin from the days when he was first promoted to use a real sword instead of the blunt-edged one they use for practice.
"Mhmm, well... I lost it"
Hoseok stops abruptly at that, "Oh- uh... how come?"
They both stop in a corner where there's a resting area facing the little pond, Jimin gesturing for Hoseok to sit down with him.
"I don't know if you're aware, but I usually go on a stroll in the woods once in a while. Sometimes to hunt, but mostly to just take a break from the headquarters." Hoseok nods along, having seen the Prince leaving for the woods multiple times.
"Well, one such day, I went a little far away and found a cave to rest. I had let my guard down and kept the sword beside me instead of in the scabbard in my belt. I don't know if it was there when I woke up, but when I came back after a dip in the lake, I couldn't find it anymore." Jimin inhales sharply after that, "No pressure, but I was wondering if you'd be able to help me find it."
Hoseok seems a little conflicted at that. He's a Royal secret investigator, sure. But... to find a sword? That sounds a little ridiculous.
Jimin seems to catch on to the hesitation, and that's how he decides that saying a little white lie won't cause him no harm, "Hoseok-ssi, I know what you're thinking. And trust me, I wouldn't ask you for this if it weren't important. You see... the sword was handed down to me by my father, and to him by his father. It's a Royal heritage and... if the noblemen find out that it's lost and probably in the hands of a commoner now, it's going to create an uproar."
The sword was indeed handed down from generations, but it had no real importance whatsoever. Namjoon hadn't even batted an eye when Jimin told him he lost it. But with the way Hoseok's face comically changed in shock, he knew he'd struck a jackpot.
"I mean... since it's of royal importance..."
But Jimin is not that unreasonable - well he tries not to be - so he asks, "Do you have any new project assigned already? If so, please, ignore this request. I wouldn't want to overwork you."
Hoseok just smiles at him, but it looks grateful too, "Thank you for always being so considerate, but I don't have any projects assigned yet. And this is not a huge task, I'm sure I can get you your sword back within a week at most."
Jimin's happiness knows no bounds now as he suddenly springs up with joy, "Great then, we can leave for the woods tomorrow morning at the early hours."
But Hoseok looks at him, confused, "You.. want to come with me?"
"Of course? I'm the one who knows where the caves are! I'll definitely have to come."
"Prince Jimin, there's only one place where there are caves and lakes in our forest. I think I'll be able to find it without any problem."
The way Jimin suddenly deflates would've been funny if Hoseok paid attention to him the way Jimin does, "Bu- But.." he stops, trailing off, and then tries again, "But look, there's a huge expanse of caves there and you couldn't possibly guess which one of them I was resting in. I should definitely go."
"But you just said it was close enough to the lake that you went there to freshen u-"
"Hoseok-ssi!" Jimin stops him abruptly, tone laced with annoyance, which he regrets, "I just want to go on a stroll in the forest again, and since you will have to go because of me, it's only fair that I join you. Please don't argue about this, and get everything ready to leave by the time of sunrise tomorrow."
Hoseok looks taken aback by the sudden change in demeanor, but he tries not to show it, "As you wish, Prince Jimin-ssi."
Jimin doesn't sleep the whole night, partly because of the excitement of spending time with none other than Jung Hoseok, but it's drowned in concern that he might've come off as rude to Hoseok last night in his desire to spend time with him.
Truth be told, Jimin was shivering internally with every moment he spent with Hoseok, trying so hard not to let his nervousness show. And his alcohol-induced courage was his only chance of taking his attraction for the oblivious man to the next step, and he wasn't going to let it go that easily.
But seems like he was just worried for nothing, as he steps out of the royal chambers to see Hoseok already waiting for him, but not only that. He's smiling his usual sunshine smile, greeting Jimin as cheerfully as he always does, "Good morning, Prince Jimin!" he exclaims and all of Jimin's worry flies out the window.
"Good morning, Hoseok-ssi." Jimin greets back, his body visibly sagging with relief, "Shall we get going?"
"Of course" Hoseok agrees first, but then, "You look a little worn out... are you okay?"
"Ah... I am" Jimin reassures, "might be because I drank a little too much last night. But that's what celebrations are for, right?" They continue walking after Hoseok chuckles good-naturedly at that.
The walk through the town is a little stiff, as people don't know Hoseok is a high-profile officer in secrecy. All they know is that he's an assistant teacher in the town. What would a person with that post be doing with the Prince?
But of course, no one dares to question it. After all, they've seen how both the Princes mingle with the commoners. In fact, that both of their best friends are all low profiles.
Once they reach the woods, Jimin's body relaxes visibly, as he inhales the fresh air and looks around him to only see greenery and chirping of birds, "It's so liberating to be away from people". He comments, earning a chuckle from Hoseok.
"Isn't that a little odd, coming from the royalty, whose whole life revolves around the people?"
"All the more reason to find solace in this silence, don't you think? To for once, have your life not revolve around others?"
"That makes sense" Hoseok agrees, smiling at Jimin, which just manages to make his heart flutter, as always.
After that, the conversation flows almost too easily, as if the distance from the mainland has also made them forget that they're from different parts of society. Hoseok loves the forest just as much as Jimin. He points out various plants and shrubs, explaining their uses and the harm they can cause. He also tells Jimin how he can differentiate the birds with just the tiniest sounds they make and how he loves the wild berries that grow just below the creek.
Jimin obviously, knows most of what Hoseok is trying to explain, but he still listens. He had been falling for Hoseok from afar till today, for the laughs he overhears while he's speaking to others and the animated hand gestures he makes from a far distance. But today, he realizes, he's falling deeper and deeper.
Especially for Hoseok's voice, which according to Jimin, is the most beautiful sound he's ever heard. He's falling for how animated and excited Hoseok gets over the littlest things. He's falling for the little sounds of surprise and fear Hoseok makes when he almost trips on the roots trying to peak out of the ground.
Lastly, he falls in love with the way their hands perfectly fit and the way Hoseok's touch doesn't burn him, but anchors him and feels so warm, when Hoseok slips on yet another huge root and Jimin holds him to break the fall.
With his heart beating in his throat, Jimin concludes that he also falls in love with the way Hoseok stutters in shock and his face glows red in embarrassment as he apologizes to Jimin profusely.
But Jimin just shushes him down, squeezing his hand a little to stop his blabbering, "It's alright, Hyung." he whispers.
Maybe Hoseok would've spluttered more at the honorific if he wasn't suddenly feeling so calm in the other's hands. But now, all he can do is stare back at the beautiful eyes of Park Jimin as his erratic heart goes back to its natural state.
"You alright there?" Jimin asks after a few more seconds of being lost in a trance.
That seems to bring Hoseok back to reality too as he detaches himself from the other's soft hold, "Yes, yes I am. Thank you."
"No problem", another shared smile and they're on their way again.
The rest of the walk goes pretty silently, except for the little small talk they make, exchanging knowledge about everything they see. There's no more tripping either, but it's only because Jimin automatically offers him a hand whenever he sees Hoseok struggling, and Hoseok accepts it although his face turns red each time.
Once they reach the place, Hoseok asks Jimin to rest by the lake as he scours through the area first. Although Jimin just wants to trail behind him, he agrees, wanting to rest a little before they have to go back.
Thankfully, Hoseok returns even before Jimin could cheesily miss him too much and crave for his presence, "I've searched the whole area, and I don't see it anywhere. But there's a tribe living nearby who visit the lake frequently and gather tools for themselves from wherever they can find them in the forest. My hunch is that it's just one of them. Don't worry about it, I'll go get it back in no time."
But this time around, Jimin doesn't want to stay back, "No. No, you can't go alone! I'll go with you!"
Hoseok just chuckles, "I promise they mean no harm, Prince Jimin. They're a really peace-loving community. But if you really wish to come, then sure. You might even get to drink their special makgeolli if you're lucky enough."
That's enough to bring a smile to the other's face, "Let's get going then!" he exclaims, bouncing on his heels. Hoseok lets out a laugh at the other's eagerness.
"Yeah, let's get going."
Hoseok wasn't lying when he said that the tribe was a really peaceful community. Jimin loves the people so much that he whispers to Hoseok that he doesn't want to go back to the capital anymore.
An elderly woman outside the village offers them fruits first when she learns how much they've traveled. And she also tells them that it might be one of the young boys who steal the sword as the adults would definitely recognize a royal weapon and not touch it.
The two thank her profusely before entering the village, getting to meet the head of the tribe immediately who happily hands them the sword, "A little boy brought it without knowing its significance. I would've sent it back to the capital if I had found out before, but he only showed it to his parents last night. We sincerely apologize for causing you trouble."
Jimin just bows down to him respectfully, "Please don't apologize for an honest mistake. At least we know that the little boy has a good eye for things!" he adds lightheartedly.
They only leave the village a few hours later after everyone in the tribe is satisfied with treating the royalty with every little thing they own.
By the time they have to leave, Hoseok almost drags the Prince out of the village who seems too eager to run back to the arms of the friendly tribe. Maybe he puts up an act for a little longer just to feel the elder's firm but soft hold on him, but nobody needs to know about that.
The walk back is relatively silent as they're both exhausted from the whole day of traveling, but it's comfortable and calm.
Once they reach the town again, Hoseok announces that he'll directly go to his home since it's getting too late.
Jimin doesn't argue, but instead thanks him sincerely, "Thank you so much for finding this Hoseok-ssi. I owe you a lot."
But Hoseok just waves him off, "It's my duty, Prince Jimin. Please, don't mention it."
It might be the exhaustion that makes Jimin say what he says next, "Hoseok Hyung, we've been growing up almost together, going to the same school, learning the same things. Can we let go of our positions while we're not in front of the noblemen?"
Hoseok looks taken aback by the sudden request, "But-"
"You're much lenient with Namjoon hyung, and he's a Crown Prince" Jimin adds, almost in a whine.
"But we actually went to the same classes and we've grown up together and he's been like that with me since the beginning, you know..?"
"Well, we can start to be like that from now on!" Jimin exclaims, not giving up.
Hosoek almost coos at him, but holds back to say, "Alright, Jimin-ss- Jimin-ah... I'll try."
The smile Jimin gives in return is so rewarding, "Thank you, Hoseok Hyung!" he calls back happily and then they go their separate ways after bidding a smiley goodnight.
Just two nights later, Jimin is out with his best friends to have a drink or ten. It's the one day he allows himself to drink outside the Palace, once a month. But no one would've expected the outcome of this particular session.
Not even Hoseok, who gets woken up by insistent knocks on his door well past midnight.
He's annoyed to have been woken up so late at night, almost asking the person behind the door to just leave him alone. But what he hears next makes him jolt up in bed.
"Hoseokie! Open up!!"
It's Jimin, and he sounds drunk.
Hoseok is by the door in the next two seconds, flinging it open, making Jimin almost fall face first if not for his hands securing him.
"Prin- Jimin-ah?" he corrects himself, remembering their last conversation.
But Jimin still glares at him, "Oh don't worry Mr. Secret Investigator sir. I wouldn't disturb your beauty sleep if it wasn't something important."
Hoseok wrinkles his nose in confusion at that, "Uh... okay. What is it that's so important?"
"I lost something" Jimin pouts adorably and it takes everything in Hoseok to just not squish his cheeks.
"What exactly..?" Hoseok asks to understand that Jimin needs prompting for every question now, but nothing could prepare him for what he hears next.
"My home."
"Your what-"
"My home. I've lost my home." Jimin repeats, only then looking at him again as if daring to say that he's saying something wrong.
But he is, though.
"You've... lost the Royal Palace which is placed in the heart of the town...?" Hoseok asks slowly, trying not to laugh.
"Uh-huh" comes a cute reply, but then, "It's not like I would inappropriate enough to knock on the door of a taken man, so late at night."
That makes Hoseok take a double-take, "A taken man?"
"Uh-huh," Jimin says again, "I know aaaallll about your relationship with the teacher Yoongi. You can't hide it from the Prince."
Hoseok is lost only for a few seconds before everything clicks again, "Jimin-ssi, did you go out to drink with Taehyung?"
"Of course, that's who I go to drink with all the time. Him and his lover, my other best friend, Jungkook."
Hoseok nods with understanding, "But this matter only came up now because?"
"Well because I was blabbering about how much I loved your company that day in the forest - like a fool - only for Taehyung to tell me that you're involved with none other than his own brother!!"
Hoseok chuckles loudly at that, making Jimin let out a small growl, "Whatever Hoseok-ssi, just take me home now."
"For sure, but please first come in."
"Why-"
"I don't know how you managed to walk till here, but you can't even support your own weight anymore. And it will be embarrassing for you to be carried by a commoner like me, so late at night." Hoseok reasons, but Jimin is already entering the house before he abruptly stops again.
"Won't Yoongi mind?"
"No, he won't, since we don't live together."
"Ohhh? Is it your way of keeping it a secret? Living separately?"
"No, Jimin... it's because we're not together. And although we've been best friends since forever, we're not so close that we want to live together."
Jimin comically squints at him, wagging a finger in his face, "I don't believe you".
Hoseok doesn't say anything else, just making Jimin sit on one of the chairs as he gets him some water. Jimin complains throughout the process but that doesn't stop Hoseok from making him drink almost two large cups of water.
It seems like it works as Jimin seems to sober up just a little. They sit in silence for a few minutes, before murmuring, "So, you and the teacher really aren't together?"
Hoseok shakes his head firmly, "No, never were, never will be."
"Oh... good" Jimin trails off, still no control over his words.
"Good why?" Hoseok asks softly.
"Don't take advantage of a drunk person Hoseokieee, just take me home."
Hoseok laughs at that, but readily complies, "Sure Jimin-ah."
The walk to the palace is comical, to say the least, with Jimin pointing out every single place to tell Hoseok what he did there while growing up and Hoseok listening earnestly even though he knows it all, already.
When they pass the school building, Jimin lets out a loud dramatic sigh, "Are you sure nothing is going on between you two?"
Hoseok just nods, already ready for the next question, "Then why does his own brother believe so?"
"Because he's a dramatic idiot" Hoseok supplies simply, before continuing, "Me and Yoongi are best friends since we were only four. We were neighbors and grew up together. When Taehyung was big enough, he would join us too and the three of us always hung out together. But then, Yoongi came out publicly right when we became adults. And, I think it was the first time that happened in our province, and everyone including his family was shocked. But I knew, of course." Hoseok starts, not holding back in telling the story.
"Understandably, the backlash was horrible and I felt so helpless. And not more than two days later, I came out too, and it took the attention off of him."
"You came out... just to get attention off of your best friend?" Jimin asks incredulously.
"I mean, partially. Ever since I was thirteen, I knew I was attracted to boys. It didn't feel like a big deal and even my father said it wasn't. So I hadn't given it much thought. But now that I knew I could use it to ease some pain from my best friend, I just took the chance."
Jimin looks up at him with so much pride and adoration that Hoseok is compelled to look away to stop the blush from creeping up his neck.
"But well, Taehyungie here thought that we were together and that's why we came out together. He wouldn't believe us how much ever we try to convince him. He felt like he was intruding on us and even stopped hanging out with us. He's still on good terms with us individually, but he refuses to be in the same room as us if we're together."
Jimin laughs at that, "That sounds like Taehyungie".
"Anyway, we're not together and never will be. Mainly because we treat each other almost like brothers, but also because he's been pining over someone else for nearly fifteen years now and that's the reason he even came out."
"Oh... that's rough!" Jimin says sympathetically.
"It is..." Hoseok agrees, "And that fact that no one outside the noblemen knows of my real job, I had to get a job as the assistant teacher. I was allowed to reveal my identity only to one person, and naturally, I chose it to be Yoongi. So, all the more reason for Taehyung to believe we have something going on because we keep 'top tier secrets' from him."
Jimin smiles sheepishly at that, "Uh... yeah that might be my fault since I blurted out your real profession to Taehyung."
"I know, it's okay. He's trustable, Jungkookie is too."
They're silent for a while after that, till they reach the town's playground.
"I always saw you here when we were kids" Jimin starts, "practicing horse riding with Joonie hyung."
"I know, you would always tag along and watch us practice before your sword practice would start." Hoseok reminisces.
"You.. noticed that?"
"Of course, I did! You were my friend's brother and a whole prince at that."
Again, Jimin blames it on the alcohol for what he blurts out next, "That place is where I first fell for you" he says, making Hoseok stop in his tracks, "You had fallen off the horse and started laughing loudly instead of crying or whining like everyone expected you to."
"Jimin-ah..."
"I think it's your voice I first fell in love with. Your laugh, to be more specific. And then it just happened easily, when I used to see how easy-going and caring you were. How you always helped Joon hyung when he would be clumsy, how you always made everyone around you laugh. I wanted to be one of them, to share a laugh with you."
Hoseok's heart stutters at that, "You could've easily joined the group... but you always isolated yourself."
"Mhmm, I felt really shy around you. It's not your fault, in fact, you tried so much to make me feel comfortable but I just... I just felt happy about staring at you from afar. It felt enough and rewarding."
They reach the palace just as Jimin stops talking, "I know I haven't done a great job showing it, but just like your best friend, I've been pining over someone for a long, long time hyung. And now that I've shamelessly blurted it all out, I'll make sure to prove it to you again and again till you see it."
Hoseok smiles at him, a shy but genuine smile, "That won't be necessary Jimin-ah." he starts, "Just, tell me all of this again when you're sober... and I'll tell you all about how I started working for the palace only because of the gigantic attraction I have felt towards you."
Jimin gasps at the last part, "Wait what!?"
But Hoseok just gives him a sly smile, "Set a time and place to meet when you're ready to talk sober, and only then will you get the full story."
"Tomorrow! The morning before sunrise!" Jimin exclaims, making Hoseok laugh heartily.
"I'm just as eager as you, but I have a project starting from tomorrow, and I'll be out for a week."
"That's not-"
But Hoseok stops him by holding Jimin's hands in his, giving it a light squeeze, "You're the first and only person I've ever been attracted to Jimin-ah, and these things mean a lot to me. So take this one week as a time to think it through, the complications that come with it and if you'll be ready to take the risk like your brother did, if I'm worth it, and I'll meet you by the lake as soon as I return, seven days from now."
"But I'm sure about all of it, and the answer to every one of them is Yes, I've never been attracted to anyone like I've been with you too... and I've already waited so long..."
"Then one more week won't be a big deal, right?" Hoseok asks, his usual reassuring smile on his face, "Just, let's not rush it."
And Jimin agrees, of course, he does. Hoseok is right, he's waited for so many years, one more week won't be a big deal.
A week later, right when the sun is about to set, and Jimin is about to lose hope, he hears Hoseok approaching him - his little sounds giving him away.
"Hoseok-"
"What is this I hear about the sword having no royal importance whatsoever?" is how Hoseok greets him.
"Wait- I can explain!" Jimin exclaims, caught off guard by the sudden question.
But Hoseok smiles mischievously at him, "If the reason has nothing to do with your whippedness for me, I'll push you inside the lake" he says, now only a few feet away from Jimin's reach.
"Since you put it so crudely, yes my whippedness is the reason I lied, but since you gave me such a great idea...." he trails off, his face morphing into a devilish smile before grabbing an unsuspecting Hoseok in his arms, before promptly falling into the lake, fully clothed, with no care in the world.
They both continue to laugh boisterously and splash water at each other before Hoseok finally grabs Jimin by the waist, "Is this how is our whole relationship going to be?"
"If I say yes?" Jimin challenges.
"Then I say yes, too" Hoseok whispers, the both of them leaning in at once to close the gap for a kiss to seal the deal.