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Yoongi always wondered what the future held for him. Whether he would live a much wealthier life than how he is now. Or if he would marry the person who he loves just as much as they love him. Or if he’d spend his life as a thief, running away from the palace guards everytime they catch him.
Like now, he’s running from one of the scrawny guards, holding a cloth full of tangerines as he jumps over the many obstacles in his way. He takes one of his usual escape routes, climbing the vine filled wall and into an abandoned building.
“Come here Holly.” Yoongi crouches down and grins his gummy smile. The fluffy pup runs over to Yoongi, pawing at his legs. “We hit the jackpot tonight, baby. I managed to snatch a few pieces of beef along the way.”
The pup only pants in response, curling up once Yoongi lifts him from the ground. Being an orphan in the capital was hard, especially if your face was plastered on every wall in town. He lights a fire in one of the old pits, placing his weirdly shaped steel rack above before placing his meat on.
“One day, Holly, we will be living there.” He points towards the palace where the sun sets. The dog barks and waves his tail, waiting for his share of the food. Yoongi peels a tangerine, eating it in peace as he flips the meat with a stick.
After they eat, Yoongi lights many candles before settling on his makeshift bed of hay and a sack of feathers. The puppy lies comfortably beside him as they watch the fire crackle and pop.
Years later and the scene is still the same, except Yoongi is now a teenager. He zips through the crowd with ease, already used to the exercise. His bag is no longer empty with a few stolen tangerines, now he has gold coins that could last for weeks.
He manages to outrun the guards. Well except one. He was definitely a rookie, Yoongi notes as he takes a corner turn into a darker alley. The younger looking male follows him, climbing up the vines after Yoongi and into the abandoned building.
Yoongi stands there, barefaced and stunned as their eyes meet. He was sure that no one knew how to enter this building. The boy matches his expression, face forced into a frown. Holly barks at the stranger, snapping the two of them out of their intense eye contact.
“You aren’t allowed here! That's breaking and entering.” Yoongi breaks the silence, holding Holly close to his chest. The other boy only stares at him before his eyes look around the place. Yoongi finds himself feeling self-conscious in his presence, seeing as he wears luxurious clothes.
“Last I checked, this building was abandoned.” The boy finally spoke, stepping forward as Yoongi stepped back. Distrust laces Yoongi’s eyes as he clutches Holly closer, dropping the bag of jewels on the ground.
“Who are you?” Yoongi’s voice wavers.
“None of your business.” The boy says as he takes a seat on one of Yoongi’s handmade stools. He had taken up the hobby of craftsmanship, crafting himself a better home with old tools he found in one of the rooms. “You live here?”
“Yes, this is my home.” Yoongi whispers, letting Holly go. The dog sniffs at the stranger’s boots, barking happily as he paws at the expensive cloth. The stranger smiles, cooing at the dog as he gives him pats on the head.
“Well, with the amount of jewels you stole you would be able to afford it.” The boy stood up, brushing the puppy to the side as he knelt down to pick up the discarded items. Now on his knees, Yoongi grabs his rusty knife and holds it against the stranger with shaky hands.
“Y-you can’t take those! Finders keepers!” He stuttered. The stranger looks up with a smug smile, making Yoongi’s insides turn and nerves heighten. Everything happened too fast, one minute Yoongi was standing with a knife in his hand, the next minute he's flipped onto his stomach with his arms restraint.
“You don’t even have the guts to hurt me?” The stranger taunts, twisting his arm further as Yoongi cries out in pain. He thrashed around on the floor until he gave up and laid still.
“Please.” His voice is soft, though it was muffled due to his face being squished against the floor. “Take everything, but leave Holly. He’s the only one I have.” The stranger stills for a minute before sighing and releasing the younger. He grabs the satchel and picks a few jewels out before placing them on the floor next to the boy.
“I left you enough to Last at least a week. Buy you some food and new clothes.” He says before leaving. He sneaks out of the abandoned building, gaining the attention of the guards running by.
“Seokjin-ah! Did you catch the thief?” One of the guards asked, but the boy shook his head.
“He just dropped the satchel and ran off in that direction.” He lies, pointing in the direction opposite from the building. The men nod, taking the satchel from Seokjin’s hold before stalking off. Yoongi watches from the windows, eyes peeking at the good-looking male.
“Holly, we are eating like Kings tonight!” Yoongi grins, getting changed into different clothing so he doesn’t get recognised.
———
“It looks like an absolute pigsty here.” The stranger from the week prior is hanging on the windowsill, the only thing visible is his face and chest. Yoongi jumps, cursing as he drops his tools. He was in the midst of repairing another table that Holly had been chewing on.
“Why are you back?” He groans, picking up his tool.
“How old are you?” Ignoring his question, he climbs into the window and makes himself comfortable.
“13.” Yoongi says nonchalantly.
“I’m 14, that makes me your hyung!”
“Hyung? I don’t even know your name.” Yoongi puts his tool down and gives the older one his undivided attention.
“Kim Seokjin.” He grins, and no , Yoongi’s heart doesn't stutter in his chest. “And yours?”
“Min Yoongi.”
“What’s with the frown?” Seokjin grabs a sack that was hanging from his side. “Hyung bought fruit and treats from the palace.” He shakes the bag in front of the younger’s eyes, smirking when Yoongi’s interest had been piqued.
“What’s in it for you?” Yoongi asked suspiciously, squinting his eyes. The older boy rolled his eyes, picking a tangerine out of the bag despite having no prior knowledge that it was Yoongi’s favorite fruit.
“There's not always some hidden agenda in people’s kindness, Yoongi-ah.” He peels the tangerine, offering a piece towards Yoongi. Yoongi’s heart flutters, just merely , but still. “Take the fruit.”
“Thank you.” Yoongi said quietly, pink dusting his cheeks. He wasn’t used to having this type of warmth in his life. It had always been him, until he found Holly digging through the trash before taking him under his wing. But now, sharing a tangerine with this good looking boy, he feels time slow down for the first time ever.
“To the start of a new friendship!” SeokJin says enthusiastically, earning another eyeroll.
“We will see.”
3 years later
Seokjin sweats nervously, holding a small bunch of flowers behind his back. Holly is yapping away, giving away his hiding spot as the younger spots him.
“What are you doing over there?” Yoongi laughs against his hand. Jin shooed the puppy away, holding back a groan when Holly began to chew on his pant leg. Yoongi chuckles, bending down to pick the puppy up.
“I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while now.” Jin clears his throat. Yoongi arches a brow, bouncing Holly in his arms. Jin brings the flowers to the front, holding them out for the younger to take.
“What is this..?”
“I-I love you, Yoongi.” Jin says quickly. “I know it’s too sudden, but I think I’ve always had feelings for you. You don’t have to accept my feelings or anything, I completely understand—
Yoongi cuts him off with a soft peck, pulling back with a gentle smile. The older flushes, disregarding his previous confession before pulling the younger forward for another kiss.
“I love you too.” Yoongi mumbles against his lips. “I love you so much that it hurts.” He puts the puppy down before grabbing the elder's hand and placing it on his heart. “My heart beats for you only, I love you.”
“As do I.” Jin replies, giving him another bruising kiss. They lay on Yoongi’s hay pile, draped under his cotton blanket later that night, staring at the stars through the open window.
“It’s your birthday tomorrow.” Yoongi whispers, playing with the strands of Seokjin’s hair. The older hums, keeping his eyes on the other. “You’re finally 18, maybe I can snatch us some alcohol?” Yoongi giggles when Jin narrows his eyes at him, and oh , Jin could stay in this sweet surrender forever.
“You are not drinking, young man.” Jin says playfully, flicking his nose.
“Come on, grandpa.” Yoongi rolls his eyes, but the older one doesn't back down. “Fine, I will only steal one bottle for you.”
“Nuh-uh! You aren’t stealing at all.” Jin says, and Yoongi groans loudly. That doesn’t stop him from curling into Jin’s side though.
“Fine, any wishes you want me to grant?”
“I want you to always remember that no matter what, I will always love you.” Jin whispers, eyes full of worry. “Even if you don’t love me anymore, even if you hate me, I will always love you. My wish is for you to love me in return.”
“Why are you being sentimental all of a sudden?” Yoongi smiles softly, eyes teary as he strokes the older boy’s hair. “I will never not love you. And hate you? Never .”
Jin sighs in relief, kissing his lips. He lulls Yoongi to sleep with his humming, placing one final kiss on his head before fleeing. He leaves nothing but his love behind.
————
Yoongi sits up at the sound of banging on one of his doors, Holly yapping away and jumping around in circles. He puts his mask on and grabs the sword Seokjin had gifted him on his sixteenth birthday. The door bursts open and a stream of guards flooded in.
“By order of the royal guard, you are under arrest!” One of the guards shouted.
“Over my dead body.” Yoongi hisses, getting into a fighting position. One of the guards charge forward, causing Yoongi to flip him over with ease, remembering the basic training Seokjin had taught him. He's glad the older one forced him into it, otherwise he would be 6’ft under ground by now.
In the midst of it all, Yoongi had managed to only get cut twice. He hears Holly yapping before a pained howl snaps him out of his game. He flicked his head towards the sound, dodging a sword by mere inches. Holly pants, crawling to the corner of the room.
“Halt! The prince is in danger!” A scrawny guard shouts from the entrance, causing every single one of the guards to stop and exit the room. Yoongi drops his sword, kneeling beside Holly as the dog whimpers.
“Shh, who knew you’d make it out of this hell before me?” Yoongi chuckles sadly, cradling the wounded dog in his arms. He brings his hand to the back of the dog's head as Holly licks his tear stained cheeks. “Rest now my boy. I love you”
Yoongi buries Holly under the willows, placing a flower upon the freshly dug soil. After crying for most of the night, he plans his revenge. He picks up his mask and sword from the ground, tightening the hanbok around his waist.
He approaches the palace gates with no plan in mind, head empty and mind full of vengeance. The guards seem to be distracted enough for him to sneak around the side and climb the tall brick wall. He lands on the dirt path with ease, having years of experience with these types of things.
“Ah, son. I’ve been meaning to tell you this.” He hears a faint voice in the distance, causing him to hide behind a bush nearby. “I just want to thank you. You did us a huge favor by finding the capital’s infamous thief.”
“I heard he was a good guy though, dad.” Yoongi’s breath hitches at the sound of Seokjin’s voice. His throat tightens as tears threaten to spill from the corners of his eyes.
“Nonsense, Seokjin.” The guard says. “People who steal from other innocent civilians are just as bad as the rest of the criminals. This one just knows how to get away.”
Yoongi stills, anticipating Seokjin’s response. It’s silent for a bit until he hears a murmur of agreement on his end. All emotions leave his face, his whole body gone rigid as he waits for the father and son to pass by. He leaves without a second thought, nothing but betrayal in his mind.
_________
“Hyung, you will meet the new general today.” Hoseok says nonchalantly, tugging on his collar. “Heard he was ruthless, just my type.”
“Keep your dick in your pants, Hoseok.” Jin says, annoyance laced in his tone. They had returned from making amends with the other two neighboring kingdoms, spending a year away from their own kingdom. “You need to focus on making a bond with your new brother in law.”
“Tch, I don’t need to do anything.” Hoseok rolls his eyes. “He would probably kiss my ass like the rest of the kingdom.”
“Maybe, you never know.” Jin grins, leaning towards him. “He might have a mouth as smart as yours.”
“Oh get fucked.” Hoseok chuckles, pushing him away with his calloused hands. Jin laughs, choking on his spit when they hit a rock on the road. “No but seriously, this guy is tough shit. He joined the military not long after you became the royal guard.”
“Tough shit huh? Let’s see about that.” Jin rolls his eyes, tongue rolling against the inside of his cheek.
“He was a rookie, escalating fast in his training. He even earned the medal of honor two years after his enlistment. Not even you could get that and you had trained your entire life, hyung!” Hoseok looks exasperated, eyes full of admiration. That pisses Jin off further. Hoseok carries on with his praises to this supposed “ General ” but he blocks him out.
Their conversation dies down as they approach the palace gates, Jin hopping out of the cart before greeting his guards. The military is doing a welcoming ritual for the prince, and Seokjin has to make sure there isn’t a threat in sight.
The ceremony goes well, despite the fact that the prince had disappeared before dinner causing him to run around the palace to find him. He turns the corner, feeling something bump into his chest. He immediately reaches for his sword before another sword is pressed against his throat.
He’s about to curse at the person but the words die on his tongue. The royal guard’s eyes soften and his heart rate speeds up.
“Yoon..?” He whispers, but the other only grunts in response.
“General Min, I see you’ve met our royal guard.” The queen says with kind eyes. Yoongi nods in response, and Jin is about to give him a lecture about respect but remembers its not his place to give advice anymore.
“I would say it was nice to meet you, but considering our circumstances lets leave it at that.” Yoongi says coldly, bowing a bit before escorting the queen back to her room.
Jin is at a loss of words, having a moment to collect himself. He goes into the same direction the general ran off to.
“Hyung, I was so scared.” He hears a sob in the distance. He gets closer to the sound, halting in his steps as his eyes fall on the general and the princess’ betrothed. “I thought I was—
“Shh, hyung is here.” Yoongi whispers, arm wrapped around the younger’s shoulder. The royal guard stands there stunned, his heart aching at the sight. “I will never abandon you.” He says, and Jin feels like his heart had just been ripped out of his chest.
He clears his throat, stepping away from the shadows to reveal himself. The general looks displeased, irritated almost as he tightens his grip on the younger shoulder.
“Park Jimin-ssi, shouldn’t you be with the princess?” He asks, a small bite in his tone of voice. Yoongi narrows his cat-like eyes at him, about to speak up before Jimin stands up with a huff.
“Sorry, hyung. I better go.” Jimin rolls his eyes at the royal guard. “Goodnight Seokjin-ssi. Hyung.” He walks away, tear stained face obvious under the light of the lanterns.
Yoongi dusts himself off, walking away from the royal guard. He needed to be out of there before things had gotten messy.
“We need to talk.” Jin steps forward, reaching an arm out towards the general. One minute he was standing, the next minute he was on the ground groaning.
“Touch me again and I will make sure the next move I make wouldn’t be too generous.” Yoongi mutters coldly, walking away. All Jin could think about was the General’s dull eyes. Gone are the bright moon-like crescents, replaced with an emotionless frown.
________
Yoongi doesn’t know how it happened. One moment he was walking around the palace grounds, the next minute he was pinned against the walls. Lips clashed against eachother vigorously, more experienced than when he was a teen. He let’s out a short moan, tugging on the long locs of the other male.
“He’s an absolute brat, hyung!” Yoongi flicks his head to the side, eyes meeting those familiar brown ones of the royal guard’s. He’s taking a stroll with the prince a few metres away. The prince, Hoseok, seemed to be in a crisis of his own, but Seokjin’s eyes never left Yoongi’s.
Yoongi feels naked as the royal guard traces his gaze all over his body entangled with another man, and he feels guilt mixed with embarrassment. He quickly pushes the young guard away to fix himself up, a blush tinting his cheeks at the older’s piercing gaze.
“Hyung, are you listening?” Hoseok snaps his fingers in his face, causing Jin to break their intense eye contact and smile warmly at him. Hoseok. The entire kingdom knew he was a homosexual, even a few neighbouring kingdoms. Yet no one bats an eye due to his fierce reputation.
Yoongi watches them converse from a distance, silently comparing himself with the young prince. He was pretty. Skin smooth compared to Yoongi’s acne kind. Smile pretty and bright, though Yoongi had only seen it once. He was definitely more skilled than Yoongi at sword fighting. It’s in his blood.
“Should we take this to your office, General Min?” The guard whispers huskily against his ear. Yoongi shoots him a short glare, grunting a command for him to check over the palace grounds once more before leaving him alone. He goes for his office, closing the door behind him.
There's a knock on his door, and he has half a mind to ignore it, but he lets them in with a silent grunt. He immediately begins to regret his half-assed decision when he sees the Royal Guard come into view, having the audacity to look angry.
“What do you want, Officer Kim?” Yoongi asks, using honorifics as if those years of friendship means nothing to him. Seokjin sits down after closing the door.
“Yoongi—
“General Min.” Yoongi corrects him. The older one releases an annoyed sigh.
“General Min.” He grits through his teeth. “I come to you with advice.”
“Like I need advice from an insolent person as yourself.” The general scoffs.
“Insolent? Me ?” Jin rounds the General’s desk, lifting him out of his seat with ease. The general lets himself be handled, a conniving smirk on his lips. “You’re the one who waltz around the palace as if you own it, doing whatever you want, wielding your sword however you like. Kissing your fucking guards.” The royal guard is fuming, knuckles turning white from the grip he has on the General’s tunic.
“Jealousy looks beautiful on you.” Yoongi says, running his hands up the guard’s biceps. Jin’s glare falters, his hands loosening up a bit as Yoongi wraps his dainty fingers around his fists. Jin drops his arms, skin burning from every touch the general leaves on him. Yoongi trails his fingers up his neck, sliding his palm across his cheek before leaning forward. The royal Guard’s breath hitches when the younger gets close to his ear. Yoongi pulls away and sits back down. “Get out.”
“Yoongi I—
“Just leave.” Yoongi shouts. The guards outside his door rush in at the sound of his alerted voice. Jin stares at him for a moment longer before clicking his tongue and leaving.
“General Min?”
“I’m alright.”
———
Yoongi smiles as he lays on the grass, keeping guard of the princess and Jimin as they have their picnic date. He stares at the sky, tracing the many constellations with his fingers. His heart hurts, the need of a companion like Holly for times like this. His mind pictures someone laying next to him, enjoying this moment without a care in the world. He would tell his lame dad jokes and make Yoongi laugh with ease.
He imagines a hand caressing his cheek, telling him every secret under the sun before binding it with a kiss. Yoongi would whisper sweet nothings to him, and watch him fall asleep to the sound of his voice. Holly would be there too, and thats how he knows he’s being delusional. Because Holly is no longer there and the man he pictured is nothing but a traitorous, backstabbing, good for nothing—
“Hoseok this is a terrible idea!” He snaps his head to the side, eyes widening at the sight of Seokjin. He’s no longer wearing all that armor, only draped in comfortable clothing. He looks like home.
“I just need some time alone with him, he needs to know his place.” Hoseok says, dragging the guard. “And I don’t think he belongs with my baby sis.”
“And who are you to put him in his place?” Jin asks.
“Just shut up and cover me. I need you to keep guard.” Hoseok says, eyes flickering towards a figure in the distance. “General Min!” He calls out and Yoongi ducks his head just before Jin could turn. The prince drags Jin towards the general, who’s acting nonchalant all of a sudden.
“Your highness?” Yoongi raises a brow, and Jin is shocked that Hoseok doesn’t scold him for the lack of manners. Hoseok gives him a small smile and a head shake.
“Call me Hoseok!”
“Well then.” Yoongi smirks, glancing in the direction of the royal guard. “You can call me Yoongi.” He watches Seokjin’s expression go from surprised to annoyance within mere seconds.
“Yoongi-ssi.” Hoseok smiles at that, unintentionally annoying Seokjin further. “Can you please keep Seokjin-hyung company? I’m going to talk to Jimin.” Seokjin is about to refuse but the general beats him to it.
“I don’t think that would be a wise idea, he might end up coming back to you with a black eye.” Yoongi grumbles. Hoseok laughs and slaps his shoulder playfully.
“Well then, I better make this quick!” He laughs again, and Seokjin is shocked because he never laughs that much with him. Yoongi just responds with his silence, the prince taking that as a yes as he walks towards Jimin. The general and royal guard watch the two banter from a distance.
“They look good together.” Yoongi breaks the silence. Jin almost flinches from surprise, since Yoongi always shuts him down everytime he begins to talk.
“But Jimin is engaged to the princess.” Jin replies, careful with his words as he didn’t want to anger the general any further.
“And?” Yoongi finally turns to him, looking straight into his eyes. Jin tries his best to find that spark again. “Engagements are just unfulfilled promises.”
“But the prince doesn’t like him. Like at all.” The royal guard says.
“That is where you are wrong, Kim Seokjin-ssi.” Ah , the formalities again . “The prince is truly enamored with Jimin, the way he looks at him is familiar, no ?” Yoongi says. Seokjin turns back to see what look he is talking about, and oh , that's the exact same look Yoongi gave him the night before his 18th birthday.
They stop talking when the prince’s silhouette comes into view, looking mad. He barges past the two guards, paying them no attention whatsoever.
“I better go.” Jin says, though his feet stay glued to the ground. Yoongi just nodded silently, his face turned away. Jin follows the prince, leaving Yoongi behind. Once gone, the general wipes his tear stained cheeks, huffing out large breaths every now and then. He almost let himself be lured back into Seokjin’s life.
———
Seokjin was on ground duty today, making sure everything is secure and in place. He makes his way around to the training zone for soldiers, his last stop before freezing in his steps. Yoongi was there, and he wasn’t alone. He watched the two figures from afar, but mainly keeping his eyes on the general.
He was in nothing but a plain top and beige tunic pants, but still, he was the most ethereal person he had ever seen. He watches how Yoongi quickly dodges those Amateur moves the other is dishing out, giving him enough time to flick the sword out of his opponent's hold. Jin smiles proudly, noticing how grown Yoongi has gotten.
The other person, Jin now recognised as Jimin, begins chatting with Yoongi animatedly. Then the next moment they were hugging again. Jin glared at the two from where he stood, fists turning white from being balled up. He flicks his gaze towards Jimin’s face before smirking.
“Let’s test that theory then, Yoongi.” He storms towards the prince’s quarters, knocking on the door before entering. “Guess what I just saw!” He gasps dramatically. Hoseok places his book and quills down, turning to Jin with a glare.
“This better be good.”
“I saw the princesses' fiancée and General Min hugging during training.” He smirks when Hoseok’s playful demeanor drops, a stern glare settling on his face. “Do you think they may have something going on?”
“What the fuck do you mean?” Hoseok steps forward, gripping his shoulders. “Hyung, tell me the full story because I’m about to do something crazy right now!” Okay, maybe this wasn't a good idea , Jin thinks as he watches his best friend’s face go red.
“Hey, calm down. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Jin rubs his shoulders, but Hoseok is already at his window looking out at the training grounds. And low and behold, he sees Jimin laughing without a care in the world with general Min. “You good?”
“I-I need some time alone, hyung.” Hoseok ushers the older out of his room. Jin watches the door close in his face, letting a short breath out. Why did I do that? He wonders.
“General Min! I need to talk to you.” Jin approaches the two men on the training grounds. Jimin looks between the two of them, probably noticing the tension lingering in the air. “ Alone .”
“Take the rest of the afternoon off, Min-ah.” Yoongi sighs. Seokjin’s eyes stay on the general as he wipes the sweat off his forehead. Jimin bows at the two soldiers before leaving, giddy about meeting with Hoseok this time. “What do you want?”
“Stay away from Jimin.” Seokjin starts, stepping closser to the general. “He’s off limits.”
“Is that all?” Yoongi asks with a scowl. “And here I thought you came to apologize.”
“Apologize for what exactly?” The royal guard raises a brow.
“Oh don’t be so oblivious, Kim.” Yoongi said, his tone filled with venom. “I’m talking about that night!”
“What night, Yoongi !?”
“The night of your eighteenth birthday!” Yoongi shouts, flailing his arms around in exasperation. He turns on his heel. “That morning, the royal guards barged into my home—
“That was barely even a house!”
“But it was a home to me!” Yoongi cries. “It was home to me, and you took it away in a blink of an eye. And I will never forget what you did to me.”
“An apology is what you want? Then fine, I’m sorry.” Jin says, but the general shakes his head.
“You just don’t get it, do you?” Yoongi said quietly. “An apology from you was all it would take for me to let you back into my life. But I guess that didn’t mean as much to you as it did for me and I understand, really, I do.” He walks away.
“Min Yoongi!” Jin shoots up to his feet, going in front of the general. Yoongi scoffs with an eye roll, stepping to the right as the older follows after him, doing the same as he steps to the left. “Please, let’s talk.” His hand grips the younger’s wrist.
“No! I’m done talking to you!” Yoongi pulls away, shoving past the Guard. Jin is adamant on talking to Yoongi though.
“If you leave, I will tell the prince that you used to be a thief.” Jin says quickly, halting Yoongi in his place. Nothing can prepare him for the hurt expression Yoongi gives him, and it pains him to see his past lover like that.
“I can’t believe you would threaten me with one of my insecurities.” Yoongi choked on a sob, stepping backwards when the other tried to grab him. “You saw the way I lived, you knew I had nothing but myself to fend for.”
“Yoon I—
“You what, Kim Seokjin?” Yoongi spits the name as if it tasted like venom, as if the name burnt his lips with each syllable. It’s cold in comparison to the terms of endearments years ago. “You fucking left me at my lowest! Holly fucking died in my arms all because of your fucking guards and I hate you every fucking day for it!”
“You think I wanted that?” Jin shouted equally loudly.
“You showed me your place of loyalty, being the prince’s loyal mutt.” Yoongi says, his throat tightening. “You’ve lost all privileges of ever approaching me, Kim. You no longer have to burden yourself with my secret, I will turn myself in.”
“Y-you don’t have to.” Jin whispers when he sees the younger man walking away. “Your secret was always safe with me.”
“Goodbye, Seokjin.” Yoongi gives him a wilted smile, walking further. He leaves the palace grounds, biting back cries as he thinks about his conversation with the older. Was I too harsh? He thinks, walking further from the palace.
General Min can feel a burning stare at the back of his head, eyes following his every move. It wasn’t until two guards that were not his own approached him. He grips the handle of his katana, wielding it when they grab their own out.
“Get him!” A voice shouts, and Yoongi immediately throws himself forward. He barely manages to defend himself when a sword comes swinging in his direction, cutting a slit through his left eye. He winces, taking a deep breath as he swings his katana with grace, managing to slice his enemies throat.
The other opponent looks shaken up, but careless enough to go up against Yoongi. The general chuckles darkly, feeling his blood trickle down the side of his face. He launched himself forward, not going down without a fight. His enemy manages to slash him across the torso, sending him to his knees. He grips the katana’s handle, using every ounce of his energy to slice upwards, stabbing the other in the process.
He grins with victory, coughing slightly when he remembers his wounds. He stands up, grabbing whatever badge the enemies were wearing as evidence of his attack. His sword drags by his side as he limps his way back towards the palace, arm wrapped around his wound while his blood trails along the path.
“Yoongi!” He looks up to the sound of Jin’s voice, smiling softly before his eyes rolled to the back of his head and he collapses. Jin is to his side immediately, calling his guards to search the premises as he picks up the General. “Please be okay.” He says, pressing his cheek to his forehead. He carries the General to the medic.
“Namjoon-ah, I need your help!” He barges into the room. Namjoon is quick to his feet, dinner long forgotten as he approaches Jin. “Please save him.”
“Hyung, put him on the table while I grab my things.” Namjoon says quickly, rushing to the other side of his room to look at his medicine shelves. He grabs all the things he needs to treat the General’s wounds, placing them on a table near the bed. “I need you to leave the room, Jin-hyung.”
“But—
“I know, but I need space. This room is too crowded for three people.” Namjoon says, placing his gloves on after scrubbing his hands efficiently. “Don’t worry, hyung. You know he’s in good hands.” He says reassuringly. Seokjin gives Yoongi one last longing look before nodding.
“Take care of him, Joon. His life is more precious than my very own.” Seokjin whispers.
“You know I always will.”
Three long hours pass by, and Jin still stands guard outside of Yoongi’s door. It took him half an hour to calm down, his mind going haywire at the many possibilities. He snapped his head when he heard the door click, the telltale sound of Namjoon’s sigh of relief ringing in his ears.
“He’s finally in stable condition—
“Good, can I see him?” Jin tries to barge past the royal medic, but Joon stops him with a stretched out arm.
“You know the rules, hyung.” Namjoon says sternly. “We don’t want to overwhelm the patient when he wakes up. Besides, you have alot of explaining to do.”
“Just five minutes alone, please.” Jin pleads, almost crying in relief when the doctor sighs and steps aside. Jin kneels beside the mattress the general is laying on, gently grabbing his hand and bringing it to his head. He doesn’t know he’s crying until he sees his tears trickle down the younger’s forearm.
“My yoon, hyung is sorry.” He cries, kissing the general’s pale knuckles. “I never should have left you to fend for yourself, I should have stood up to my father. I didn’t want this life.” He cries. Yoongi lays there peacefully, soft breaths passing his chapped lips.
“I promise, I will find out who did this.” Jin dries his tears with the sleeve of his hanbok. He places a firm kiss on the back of Yoongi’s hand, lingering for a moment before pulling away. “Hyung will avenge you.”
Namjoon watches from the door, confused by the royal guard’s behavior. In all his years of working for the royals, never had he ever seen Seokjin cry. Not once. Not even at his own father’s funeral. Seokjin stands up, wielding his sword.
“Joon, do not leave his side.” Jin says with a firm nod. “I’m going to find out who did this.” Namjoon shivers at the authoritative tone in his voice.
———
Yoongi wakes up with a groan, eyes fluttering open. He grunts when his left eye stung, hissing in pain. His entire body is aching, and it takes all of him not to cry out in distress.
“Ah, You’re finally awake.” Yoongi flicks his head at the sound of the voice, eyes widening at a tall dimpled man.
“Are you god?”
“What? No.” The male chuckles, his pretty dimples on display. “I’m the royal doctor. Kim Namjoon.” He smiles.
“What happened?”
“Well, I don’t actually know what happened to you. Luckily our precious royal guard brought you here before it was too late though.” Namjoon says. “You were actually in terrible condition.”
“Where is he? Where is Jin?” Yoongi tries to sit up, but he’s strapped down to the bed.
“Actually, he knew you would react out of impulse if I told you where he was.” Namjoon frowns. “Which is why he advised me to strap you down so you don’t hurt yourself.”
“Just tell me. I promise I won’t do anything drastic.”
“He’s gone to war.”
“He’s what— ARGH !” Yoongi winces when his torso begins to ache. “What the fuck do you mean?”
“I need you to calm down.”
“Just tell me!”
“Promise you will stay calm.” Namjoon holds his hands out. Yoongi grits his teeth, a deadly glare settling on his features. He nods firmly. “Good. After Seokjin brought you here, he stood outside of the medic until he knew you were in stable condition. When I finally finished patching you up, that was when he left to plan to get revenge.”
“That idiot.” Yoongi says. He’s mad— no he’s pissed .
“It’s been a couple of weeks. You’ve been in and out of consciousness.” Namjoon says. “But one thing I am most curious about, what is your relationship with Seokjin-hyung?”
“We are merely strangers.” Yoongi states, eyes holding no emotion.
“That’s weird. Me, personally, I wouldn’t starve myself over a mere stranger.” Namjoon says with a shrug. “Well, Seokjin-hyung has been one to care too much for his own good. But another weird thing was his tears. I didn’t even see him crying at his own father’s funeral.”
“He… he starved himself? ” Yoongi whispered, eyes finally emphasizing his worry. Namjoon nods in response.
“Refused to eat anything knowing the condition you were in.” The doctor says, staring into the distance. “I think you’re lying to me, Min Yoongi-ssi. Mere strangers wouldn’t do those things. He even told me, and I quote that, "your life is more precious than his very own.” , “So unless he has this big-headed hero complex, I would be convinced he is madly in love with you.”
“Impossible.”
“Is it, though?” Namjoon raises a brow.
“Can I write him a letter?” Yoongi says after a long silence. Namjoon is weary but the look in Yoongi’s eyes lets him believe the other won’t do anything bad. Namjoon walks to a table in the corner of the room, grabbing the materials Yoongi would need to write.
“Tell me when you’re finished so I can seal it and make sure it gets to Seokjin-hyung on the battlefield.” Namjoon says, leaving the room to give the general some privacy. Yoongi stares at the blank pages for a while before he dips the quill in the ink and begins to write.
Dearest Seokjin.
———
Seokjin is alone in his tent, planning out strategies to win the battle. He hasn’t eaten or slept properly for the past two days, driven only by the fact that Yoongi is lying on his bed in pain. He can’t, for the life of him, focus at all. He heard footsteps approaching his tent as a quiet “ Seokjin-nim ” was heard.
“You may enter.”
“A letter, for you. It’s from the palace.” The soldier, Seokjin recognises was Kim Taehyung, says. He stills, heart beating a million miles per second as many possibilities flew through his head.
“Thank you.” He grabs the letter with gentle fingers. The soldier bows before leaving the tent. Seokjin rips open the envelope, tugging out the thin paper inside. He reads the first sentence and his breath hitches. Yoongi .
Dearest Seokjin,
I’m alive, but you probably already know that. My head is aching and my body is in pain as I write this letter. Let’s hope by the time you receive this, I will be in much better conditions. Enough of that though, let me explain my side of things.
I love you. Yes, after all these agonizing years, my heart still beats for only you. I can’t blame you for everything I went through, that wouldn’t be fair on your side. I’m tired though. The world has been against the thought of us since we met. To me, you were the villain in my story. You come into my life suddenly, show me the love that I craved so much growing up, then you leave and we become strangers again. You broke my heart, Kim. You did the unforgivable, but still I thought that maybe hating you was the only way it wouldn’t hurt. You have my heart, Kim Seokjin. It can only take so much pain, please take care of it this time around.
I think it’s time to put our past behind us. You had your reasons, and I understand and hope you would be comfortable enough to share them with me in the future. The sun is setting now, I hope you’re being well-fed because I need you to have strength to win this war. If you need company, search for colonel Jeon Jungkook and Captain Kim Taehyung. They are my most loyal soldiers, and my two dearest dongsaengs. They will make you smile in your darkest days.
One more thing. When you return from war, let’s watch the sunset together.
Forever,
Yoongi.
He grips the edges of the letter, his heart lurching at the thought of Yoongi being in pain. It’s all my fault. He places the letter on the table, finally glancing at his long-forgotten bowl of porridge. He grabs the bowl and begins eating, finally feeding into his hunger. His driving force to win has never been greater.
He will return home victorious.
———
Six months later…
It’s been six months since Seokjin had gone to war. Yoongi was now fully healed, writing another letter to Seokjin about his healing process. He had yet to receive a reply, and a part of him hopes he was being ignored on purpose. His hair has grown past his shoulders, not being motivated enough to cut it at all until Seokjin returns.
“Hyung, you need to eat.” Jimin says, trying to feed the older. Yoongi shakes his head, saying he isn’t hungry at all. “Seokjin-hyung will be okay. He’s the best in his league.”
“The last time I spoke to him, I told him that I hated him.” Yoongi whispers brokenly. “He probably thinks I still blame him for everything! He probably died at the thought of me hating him.”
“Don’t say that! He’s not dead!” Jimin says, pulling the general in for a hug. “He knows, deep down, he knows!”
“Then why hasn’t he replied to any of my letters!”
“The soldiers have returned! The war is over!” One of the maids shouted as she ran through the corridor. Yoongi stands upright, almost falling over his feet as he stumbles outside. The king and queen are already in the courtyard to greet the men from battle.
His eyes scan the crowd of soldiers, heart straining when he sees no sight of Seokjin anywhere. The first person he saw was Jungkook, seeming to have only small cuts on his body otherwise remaining unscathed.
“Hyung!”
“Kook!” Yoongi runs to him, giving him a short hug. “Where is Seokjin? I need to see him.”
“Hyung…” Jungkook looks down with a disheartened expression. “Seokjin-ssi, he barely made it out of the battle. He’s being carried by a horse and carriage.” Yoongi's heart drops. “Don’t worry though, I made sure he would come back to you alive.”
“I'm grateful to you.” Yoongi whimpers, hugging him once again before taking off into the crowd to find the horse and carriage. He spots it further in the back of the crowd, making his way through the reuniting families. Taehyung sees him approaching, causing the entire carriage to stop.
“Yoongi hyung!” Taehyung shouts excitedly, hopping off his horse to embrace the older man. Yoongi rubs his back, burying his face in his shoulder. “Ah, I missed you! Jin-hyung is a great leader, but you’re my favorite.”
“Can I see him?” Yoongi asks. Taehyung nods softly, stepping aside. The general gulps, opening the door to the carriage and entering. He’s at a loss of words at the sight of the royal guard. His handsome face is dirty and bruised, cuts along his bare waist and near his neck. Yoongi kneels beside him, eyes blurring with tears as he holds his limp hand.
“Not long ago I was in your very position.” Yoongi chuckles humorlessly. “You’re a fighter, Seokjin-ah. A feisty, one of a kind, arrogant man. I love you.” Yoongi kisses one of his bruised cheeks. “You need to get better so we can watch that sunset together.” He smiles softly, leaning down to kiss his forehead.
He takes in his surroundings, noticing a few stray clothes and storage units before his eyes zero in on a box with papers sticking out. He grabs the box, opening it slightly before his breath hitches.
For My dear Yoon
He picks up one paper and reads it.
My dearest Yoon,
I don’t know whether you want me to write back or not, but the possibility of me winning this war is low. If in the future I am no longer here, I want you to remember me by something. In this box contains the many gifts I bought you over the years we were apart, and as courageous as I am, I became cowardly to gift them in front of you.
That night before I left, It was either I betray you or my father would have your head. I needed you to promise your love to me, and I know I’m selfish, but to me that was the greatest gift of all. I heard about Holly when one of the guards was boasting about it during my celebration. Safe to say that night ended with his nose bleeding and my knuckles bruised.
All my life I trained for this position, knowing nothing but the handle of my sword and the glare of my father. Then I met you, the village thief. You were snarky and quick-witted and everything I was not, though to me, you were free like the wind. Your heart was full and your smile was always genuine, and I loved that the most about you.
I think the first time I fell in love with you was before we ever met. You did a number on my father, giving him gray hairs and making him frustrated. I had to find out who you were then and there. It took so much to get a reaction out of my usually stoic father, but for you it was light work. I was definitely envious. I can never be sorry enough for the things I put you through, and no matter how much you reassure me, I will always blame myself for taking not only Holly away from you, but leaving you alone for all these years.
The sunset would be nice to watch together, but I’d much rather watch the first snow with you. I will return Victoriously, my love, and when I do, greet me with that gummy smile I always loved. This letter will find a way to you whether or not I send it. So let’s test fate one last time. If it comes to you and I’m not there, then we were never written in the stars. If it’s there besides me, dead or not, our love will last in this life and for eternity.
P.s, I met Taehyung and Jungkook. They seem nice, but they are brats! One stole my last pair of drawers and the other ate all my food!
I should end this letter now, I have errands to run with the soldiers. Stay safe, stay healthy. I love you, forevermore.
Sincerely yours,
Jin.
Yoongi sobs quietly, a hand covering his mouth to prevent sounds from escaping. His tears fall on Seokjin’s face as he leans in and presses their foreheads together. He feels a shift underneath him and his eyes shoot open. Seokjin lifts his hand, Yoongi grabbing it and bringing it to his cheek.
“Yoon…”
“I’m here, love.” Yoongi cries, turning his head slightly to kiss the guard’s wrist. Jin’s eyes flutter open, a tear leaving them as he stares at Yoongi.
“Did we win?”
“Yes, my dear.” Yoongi grins, gummies on full display. Seokjin smiles in return, attempting to sit up. Yoongi assists him, leaning him against the wall of the carriage. “I read your letter.”
“You got the letter?” Seokjin is beyond ecstatic, until his eyes fall on to the scar on Yoongi’s eye. “ Oh , my darling.” He reaches out, caressing the scar carefully with his fingers.
“It’s healed, hyung. You don’t have to be delicate.” Yoongi flushes at the attention. “Besides, you are more injured than me!”
“Nonsense. Your skin should never bear any scars.” Seokjin leans forward, hesitating for a moment. “May I?” He asks. Yoongi gulps, nodding his head. Seokjin kisses his scar, trailing from his forehead until he reaches his cheek. He looks at Yoongi briefly before leaning in for a kiss.
Yoongi accepts the kiss, letting out a shaky sigh in between. He cries against his lips, missing the feeling after years of craving it. Their tears mix as they embrace each other. Yoongi is the first to pull away, flushing under Seokjin’s intense gaze.
“I love you, Min Yoongi.” The royal guard says.
“I love you more, Kim Seokjin.” Yoongi grins, going in for another kiss.
———
Another six months pass by, and General Min and Royal Guard Jin find themselves attending Jimin and Hoseok’s royal wedding as the best men. They share playful smiles from opposing sides of the altar, waving out. It was a beautiful winter wedding, and Yoongi had been busy preparing the soldiers' performance.
Seokjin had taken time off to heal, trusting his position with Captain Kim Taehyung, knowing he would protect the royals without hesitation. Thus, he had spent all his days with Yoongi, following him around when he could stand, even going as far as stealing kisses from him while he was on grounds duty,
Yoongi on the other hand had to get used to Seokjin’s flirting, flushing every time the other was near. His reputation as the big bad general was being tarnished with a mere smile from the royal guard. Seokjin had also been helping in the kitchen to take up his free time, finding it easy to navigate around the food. Sometimes he even brings Yoongi fresh meals while he’s training the recruits.
“I think it’s time I step down from my position.” Seokjin says as they dance with the rest of the wedding attendees. “You know, finally do something I actually like?”
“No matter what you choose to do, I will be there with you every step of the way.” Yoongi says, his eyes holding all the love in the world. Jin kisses him on the lips, making a mental note to hand in his armor and sword by tomorrow. His father’s legacy will continue, just not with Seokjin. “Who do you have in mind?”
“Taehyung seems to be doing a good job.” Jin motions towards the younger one who's busy bickering with Jungkook about who can shove the most cake into their mouth. “Ah, young love.”
“They’re so precious.” Yoongi smiles softly. “I was thinking about finally settling down too. Maybe build a homestead at the edge of town, we can grow flowers too. The only reason I became the general was to get close to you once again.”
“Mmm, how about we get married too. And we can build a plaque for Holly.” Jin sways the younger to the music as they imagine their future together.”
“Hmm, Kim Yoongi does have a nice ring to it.” Yoongi laughs softly.
“Or Min SeokJin.” The older adds.
“I would love to live life with you, Mr Kim Seokjin.” Yoongi giggles at the last name.
“As do I, you, Min Yoongi.” Seokjin kisses his pouty lips once again, getting intoxicated by the feeling of it all. Maybe in the near future their plans will come to light, but for now they will live in the present.
The end.