Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

love story

—prince Jeongin doesn’t want to choose his partner yet, he’s not ready. but he meets Seungmin, who reminds him of home, and everything changes—

“Jeongin.” 

A boy raised his head from the book he read. He was sitting on one of the library’s singular couches, legs crossed under him, one hand with a cup of hot chocolate and the other with a book.

He made eye contact with a man. 

He had black eyes, hair of the same color, and bronze skin tone. He was average tall, and wore a beautiful dark blue tunic that someone like him would wear. 

On top of his head lay the small crown that the king wore when he was off duty but still told everyone he was the king. 

The King of the Miroh Kingdom. 

Also known as King Lee Minho. 

Also known as the husband of the kingdom’s heir. 

Also his father. 

“Father.” 

“You have some time to talk?” Minho stopped in front of Jeongin, two guards behind him. 

“Yeah, of course.” 

Minho smiled and sat across from Jeongin. 

“You can leave us.” Minho said to the guards, who nodded and exited the library. 

“Where’s dad?” 

“Talking to your grandparents.” 

“Grandpa Binnie is here?” Jeongin smiled. 

“Yes, which is part of the reason I’m here to talk with you.” 

“Oh.” Jeongin’s smile disappeared. “Did something happen to Papa?” 

“No, Christopher is fine.” 

“Then, what’s wrong?” 

“Jeongin.” Minho reached for his son’s hand. “As you know, you’re about to turn eighteen soon.” 

“Yeah….” 

“And, as tradition ensues…” Jeongin made a horrified face. “You need to start looking for a partner.” 

“No.” Jeongin stood from the couch. 

“Jeongin.” 

“Father, no.” Jeongin took a step back. “You guys gave me until I finished my studies before doing that.” 

“Yeah, I know, but…” 

“What?” 

“The counsel is pushing too much, and we’ve been having some trouble with those pirates that keep assaulting our shores.” 

“So?” 

“The counsel wants a distraction.” 

That just made Jeongin angrier. 

“A distraction?!” Jeongin shouted. “A distraction?! They want me to begin my partner selection as a distraction?!” 

“Jeongin, don’t shout, we’re in the library.” 

“It’s impossible not to shout Father, that’s all I want to do right now.” 

“Jeongin-“ 

“That’s unfair.” Jeongin cut him off. 

“I know, but give it a try.” Minho said. “If it doesn’t work, we can try when you're ready.” 

“Wow, how great.” 

“Jeongin.” 

“No, Father.” Jeongin began pacing. “You don’t understand.”

“Then make me understand, I’ll listen.” 

Jeongin stopped pacing and looked back at his dad. 

“You and dad were lucky.” Jeongin said. “Grandpa and Channie were lucky.” 

“What do you mean lucky?” 

“That you found each other.” Minho was still confused. “You knew from the start that you were going to be with each other forever, and there wasn’t a need for a stupid selection in the first place.” 

“We still had a selection.” 

“But it lasted a day, maximum two.” 

“What makes you think you won’t be as lucky?” 

“Because…” Jeongin stared blankly at his dad. “Because…” 

“I’m waiting.” Minho said, teasing.

“I don’t know!” He snapped. “But what I do know is that love isn’t in the cards for me.” Jeongin reached for his book and hot chocolate. “Not yet, anyways.” 

Jeongin began walking away, as someone else opened the door to the library. 

“Jeongin, wait.” 

Jeongin bumped into someone, making his book and all the books the other person carry, drop on the ground. 

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” 

“No, I’m so sorry, your highness.” 

They both knelt on the floor to pick up the books and bumped their heads together. 

“Auch.” 

“I’m so sorry.” The boy reached for Jeongin’s forehead and placed the palm of his hand over it. 

Their eyes met. 

Brown against black. 

And the world stopped. 

Jeongin had never seen brown eyes before in someone other than his little brother; who inherited his great grandfather’s eye color. 

And they were beautiful. 

Like the color of the leaves in fall, or the color of his favorite drink; coffee. Or the color of his favorite season; autumn. 

They made him think of his childhood, running around the yard with his dads while chasing falling leaves. 

They made him think of those times in winter where he would sit and read a book while drinking his favorite coffee. 

Or when he watched the autumn leaves fall down from his bedroom window. 

They made him think of home. 

“I’m so sorry, your highness.” The boy bowed his head down, his forehead touching the floor. 

“It’s okay.” Jeongin stood, with some of the books in his hands. “Please, stand.” 

The boy stood and locked eyes with Jeongin again. He blushed and that made Jeongin’s eyes shot up in surprise. 

“I’m sorry.” He said. “Please, forgive me.” 

“It’s fine, really.” 

Both boys stared at each other; Minho seeing everything from the couch he still sat on. 

“Have-“ 

“Your highness.” The library door was open. One of the guards made his way inside. 

“Yes?” Both, the king and the prince, raised their heads. 

“You’ve been summoned by the prince in the crown room.” 

“We’ll be right there.” Minho said, standing. 

Jeongin looked back at the boy in front of him; looking one last time at those brown eyes before smiling and walking past him to exit the library. 

The boy bowed his head at the crown prince and the king once they passed by him. He didn’t move until the doors were close behind him and that was only when he took a deep breath and dropped to the ground. 

“That was so scary.” 

—Throne Room— 

The guards at the door bowed their heads to the future heir of the Miroh Kingdom and opened the door for him and his father. 

“Your majesty is waiting.” Minho nodded with a smile and entered the room. 

Both men felt the door close behind them and began walking towards the throne. 

If there was one thing the Miroh Kingdom was proud of was their heir, their leader; their prince. 

It was also an absolute rule that any living, capable and reasonable person would bow to their prince in his presence, and before leaving it. 

In the Miroh Kingdom, the life of the prince was precious. No one dared target him (although some did regardless), no one dared talk bad about him, no one dared defy him. 

His word was absolute, and way more powerful than the king’s; the prince having the last say in all things.

That’s how powerful the prince of Miroh was. 

And while the king and the crown prince of Miroh walked down the aisle towards the throne; their eyes laid over the prince. 

Beautiful brown curly hair, with honey-color eyes, round cheeks, with brown tan skin to complement it. Average height and perfect round face; everything a prince needed. 

But most importantly, over his head laid the crown the princes of Miroh wore for generations. The biggest crown of all; the crown of the heir. 

Jeongin and his dad came to a halt in front of the stairs that led to the throne, and bowed their heads down. 

Jeongin always admired his dad. 

The respect he got, the authority he carried, the power he had. 

Jeongin wanted to be just like him one day, when his time came to take over as future prince of Miroh. 

Jeongin looked up, making eye contact with the prince, the ruler of the entire Miroh Kingdom, his dad; Seo H. Jisung. 

“Dad.” He said, smiling. 

“My beautiful Innie.” Jeongin walked up the stairs and hugged Jisung who stood in front of his throne. 

“Hi, dad.”

Minho looked to the side of Jisung’s throne where two people stood. 

One had brown hair, a small crown on his forehead. His eyes were black and he wore a simple suit. 

The other one had black hair, was a little shorter than the first person, and he wore a simple suit as well. 

“Your highnesses.” Minho bowed his head to his in-laws. “It’s always a pleasure to have you here.” 

“Grandpa?!” Jeongin looked at where his grandparents stood and his eyes sparked. 

“Jeongin, come say hi to your grandfather.” 

The boy didn’t need to be told twice. He practically ran to his grandparents arms.

Jeongin loved his grandparents, and even more their love story. 

How Seo Changbin was just a brave warrior that just found himself in the wrong place at the right time (like he liked to say), and accidentally bumped into the future heir of the Kingdom on his way to guard duty. 

Christopher Bang was just a young boy who just didn’t waste time on a selection once he knew Changbin was the one he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. 

And Jeongin hoped that one day he got to have what they had; what his parents had. 

To share the throne with someone you loved. 

“Jeongin, come here.” Jisung called, patting the chair next to him for Jeongin to sit. 

The boy gave another hug to his grandfather and returned back to his dad’s side. 

“I know your father must have spoken to you by now.” 

“Yeah, he did.” Jeongin looked back at Minho. 

“Well, the counsel has made a decision.” 

“Is that why Grandpa Binnie and Channie are here?” Jisung nodded. 

“They have sent out the letters to the contestants for the selection, and they’ll be here within a week.”

“What?!” Jeongin stood, quite shaken up. “No, no, no.” 

“Jeongin-“ 

“Dad, I’m not ready.” He cut him off. “I don’t want to choose my partner yet, it’s too early.” 

“Innie-“ 

“I just don’t think I’m ready for that decision just yet, I need time.” 

“I know, and we tried.” Jisung reached for his son’s hand but Jeongin backed away. “We tried to make the counsel understand Innie, but they didn’t listen.” 

“Not even us could reason with them.” Jeongin looked at Changbin. 

“I'm not ready.” Jeongin said, determined and walked down the stairs. “And that’s the end of it.” 

The door of the room was open and laughs were heard. 

Everyone was quick to change the mood of the room when two little boys came running through the double doors. 

“Hobi, wait!” A boy with black hair shouted. 

“We’re almost there, Agust.” Another boy with brown hair said while reaching for the other boy’s hand. “Daddy should be here.” 

The adults, and young adult, all looked at them. 

“Daddy! Daddy!” Hobi began shouting. Minho turned around in time to catch the little boy in his hands. “Can Yoongi stay over tonight?” 

Minho looked down at the second boy, he had his head down. 

“Can he!?” Hobi asked. “Please, can he, pretty please?!” 

“Sure, Hoseok.” 

“Yes!” The boy jumped off his father’s arms and reached for the boy’s hands. “Let’s go tell uncle Hyunjin.” 

“Hyunjin is here?” Christopher asked while looking back at his son. 

“He arrived late afternoon yesterday.” 

“I’ll make sure to go see him.” 

“Come on, Suga!” 

And just like both boys arrived, they left. 

Jeongin looked back at the closed doors, the memory of his younger brother still on his mind. 

He wished he could be that age again so he didn’t have to worry about this and he could just run around, without any worries. 

Without having to please some stupid old counsel just because they can’t keep the country in check. 

If only he wasn’t the oldest. 

If only Lee Hoseok was born before him, and he was born after. 

If only…  

But that wasn’t the case. 

Because Lee Yang Jeongin was born first; and that made him the future heir of the Miroh Kingdom. 

And he had to deal with that title for the rest of his life. 

—A Week Later— 

“Your highnesses.” The door was opened by a guard. “The contestants have arrived.” 

Minho smiled, from his throne, and looked back at Jeongin who sat at his side with an annoyed expression. 

“Let them come forth.” The guard nodded and exited the room. 

“Jeongin, please fix that frown.” Jisung said. “It’s only for a few days, if you don’t like any by the end of the week; we’ll end the selection.” 

Jeongin looked back at his dad. 

“Promise?” 

“I promise.” Jisung said, with a smile. That made Jeongin feel a little better about this, therefore he changed his frown to a smile. 

It was a fake smile, though. But it’s not like he cared anyways. 

The door opened, and the royal family stood. 

“Please, welcome, the contestants for the Selection.” 

Jeongin couldn’t help the huffed sound that escaped his mouth. 

“Jeon Namjoon, from Bangtan.” 

A young boy with silver hair walked in. He had a white suit with a red cape that fell from his shoulders.

“Kim Seokjin, from Bangtan.” 

A second boy also walked in, he had black hair and eyes of the same color. He wore a blue suit with a furry coat. 

Jeongin guessed it was cold where he came from; which was Bangtan, their neighbor island with whom they did trade and business for generations. 

“Jeon Jungkook, from Bangtan.” 

A third boy walked in, black hair like the second one. He wore a green suit and his hair was curly. 

“Why are there so many boys from Bangtan?” Jeongin whispered to his dad. 

“Believe it or not Innie, Bangtan has a lot of high class families.” Jisung whispered back. 

“Hwang Yeji, from the Itji Kingdom.” 

There were some scandalous gasps and Jisung had to do a double take on the girl that had just walked in. 

A young, beautiful girl with red hair walked in with a beautiful red dress, darker red than her hair. Her hair tied up in a bun with some curly strings falling down to her shoulders. 

Jisung, Minho and Jeongin looked to where a couple stood with Changbin and Bang Chan, to the side of the throne chairs. 

A man with black hair and black eyes made eye contact with them and they saw how he was just as surprised as they were. 

“Is there a problem, your highnesses?” The girl asked. 

Jisung realized they had been very obvious with their reaction. 

“Not at all.” Jisung smiled. “We just got surprised by your last name.” 

“Because of the royal family’s illegitimate child?” 

Everyone in the throne room went quiet.   

Jisung snapped his tongue in annoyance, Changbin was held back by Chan, and the couple froze when all eyes fell on the man with black hair. 

“Watch your mouth when speaking about the royal family.” Jisung said, with a stern tone and a serious expression. The guards stood straighter (if that was even possible) and got ready for any order the prince may give them. 

The girl frowned at his reaction, like it wasn’t needed when her words were nothing but the truth, but still bowed as an apology.  

“Please, let’s keep going.” Announced Minho. 

“Jeongin-“

“I know, dad.” 

Jeongin didn't have to be told when he already knew; that girl was here for power, and only power. 

They finished the introductions with three more contestants; Park Jimin, also from Bangtan. Kim Matthew, from the Kard Islands. And Jeon Jiwoo, also from the Kard Islands.

Once everyone was introduced, everyone bowed to the royal family and shook hands with Jeongin. 

Jeongin didn’t really want to, but it was part of the Selection process. 

The guys kissed his hand, something that made Jeongin almost throw up (in his opinion), while the only two girl contestants kissed his cheek (even when he didn’t want to, he had to bare with it). 

And when everyone left and the royal family was left alone; Jeongin was the first to stand and leave. 

“I’ll go talk to him.” 

“No, honey.” Jisung stood, taking off the cape of his shoulders to walk more comfortably. “I’ll go.” 

Minho smiled as he kissed Jisung on the lips. 

—Library— 

Jeongin sat in a corner reading a book. He was actually trying to hide from his parents in his secret corner that no one knew about, he was just doing it as he did something he loved; reading. 

And besides, it was a good hiding spot. No one had ever found him there, not even his grandfather Binnie who always took it upon himself to find him in every corner of the palace.

So, he was good, for now. 

Or, so he thought. 

“Excuse me, your highness.” A voice interrupted his reading, and Jeongin almost snapped at whoever dared interrupt his alone time. 

That was until he looked up and saw a familiar pair of brown eyes look down at him. 

“May I ask you for a favor?” The boy from earlier bowed his head to Jeongin. 

“Oh, it’s you.” The boy blushed out of embarrassment; although Jeongin didn’t know that. 

“Sorry?” 

“The boy from this morning.” 

“Oh, that.” The boy said, breaking eye contact. 

“I’m sorry about bumping into you.” Said Jeongin. “I was kind of in a hurry to leave a rather undesire conversation.” 

“I should be the one apologizing, your highness.” The boy bowed his head. “I should have looked at where I was going.” 

“No, don’t do that.” Jeongin placed his hand over the boy’s shoulder and pushed him up. “There’s no need for that.” 

“But-“ 

“There really isn’t anyone around, so it's fine.” 

“But, your highness, I-“ 

“Jeongin.” The prince interrupted. “Just Jeongin is fine.” 

The boy slowly looked up, finding black orbs looking back at him. 

He wasn’t going to deny that the prince was a very handsome person. He had the perfect hair, face, eyes, lips. Everything about him was what you called “royalty”.  

Something he could never relate to. 

“What’s your name?” Jeongin asked, startling the boy. “You know my name, I want to know yours.”

“Everyone knows your name.” Jeongin raised an eyebrow, in question. “Sorry!” The boy bowed so fast, he almost hit Jeongin with his head.

“It’s okay.” Jeongin said. “No one has ever spoken to me like that before.” 

“I’m so sorry.” 

Jeongin stood as he placed a hand on the boy’s chin. He pulled against it, making the boy raise his head. 

Their eyes met and something in Jeongin started firing up; like a fire burning a stick in the middle of the night. 

Suddenly, everything around them seemed to shift; to change. 

With Jeongin’s hand on the boy's chin, standing tall while he looked down at his brown eyes. And as the boy bowed before him; his eyes directly at Jeongin. At the prince of Miroh. 

Something clicked on Jeongin’s and the boy’s head; like the click of a buckle when it snapped close, or of a lock when it locked closed.

And everything around them stopped. 

Jeongin’s shift to his fingers, and held the boy’s chin with care. The boy still had his eyes on the prince, not daring to look away. 

And it was the way the boy’s brown eyes made him think of home, of old memories with his parents, and such simple warmth; that made Jeongin realize. 

That made Jeongin’s mind go haywire. 

“I want you.” 

His mouth spoke words before his mind registered them. 

His hand clenched tightly around the boy’s chin, his fingers almost touching his lower lip. 

“I want you.” 

He repeated, more sternly. More demanding.  

“I want you to be my king.”  

The boy opened his mouth and closed it again, like fish out of water. The hold on his chin became more stern. 

“Your highness-“ Jeongin was off before the boy even finished talking.

The boy stood there, in the library’s little corner, and placed his right hand over his chin; where Jeongin’s own hand once was. 

“I didn’t tell you my name.” He mumbled, still feeling a tickling feeling on his chin. 

And he would keep that feeling; well within himself, and the memory of it for the rest of his life. 

—

The prince entered his room. 

His husband stood at their balcony, a glass of wine in his hands. 

“I didn’t find him.” Jisung said, as he sat on his bed. “I looked everywhere Minho.” 

“Honey.” Minho walked over to the bed, leaving the glass on a nearby table. “He just needs some time alone.” 

“Were we too sudden?” Jisung asked, looking at his husband. “I know we were just trying to please the council, but he's our son. And we are the king and prince, I'm sure if we wanted, we could have held back the council.” 

“Yeah, but I think this is going to help Jeongin.” 

“How?” Jisung looked distressed. “I feel like we just threw him into the lion’s den, how is that of any help?” 

“Honey.” Minho knelt in front of his husband, his hands landing on Jisung’s cheeks. “How did your dads meet?” 

“By an accident.” Jisung answered, knowing the story. “Changbin bumped into him on his way to guard duty.” 

“And how did you and I meet?” 

“I was on my way to the kitchen.” Jisung said, a small smile making its way to his lips. “And you were just leaving the kitchen for the night when I accidentally bumped into you.” Minho nodded. 

“Making the both of us fall on the ground.” 

“Your point?” 

“What makes you think that’s not going to happen this time around?” 

“You think he's going to meet someone outside of the selection?” 

“I know so.” 

“But, Jeongin hasn’t made many friends throughout the years.” 

“So?” 

“He doesn’t know anyone, and this palace doesn’t have anyone his age.” 

“Okay, he doesn’t know many people, so what?” 

“I still don’t see your point.” Minho groaned and pushed Jisung back onto the bed. 

“My point is…” Minho crawled over Jisung until he was face to face with him. “This Selection has just been a means for this royal family to find a partner, yes?” Jisung nodded, his cheeks growing red. “But this royal family has the tendency of just bumping into someone during said Selection ending up falling in love with them, and then end said Selection, yes?” Jisung nodded again, his breath hitching on his throat. 

“Honey, use your words.” Minho whispered, over Jisung’s neck. 

“Y-Yes.” 

“Well, in that case, what makes you think that’s not going to happen this time around?” 

“Um…” 

Minho kissed Jisung’s neck softly, and blew some air over the wet spot he left behind. 

“Honey?” 

“I-I don’t k-know.” 

Minho did the same action, going a little lower. 

“Are you sure?” Minho bit this time around, softly over Jisung’s collarbone. 

“I-“ 

The door was swung open. 

And Minho flew to the floor in one movement.  

“Dads!” 

“Fuck.” 

“Jeongin!” 

Jeongin stopped on his tracks when he saw his dad on the bed, half his shirt unbuttoned and his father on the floor, with a hand on his stomach. 

“Um-“ Jeongin connected the dots too fast for his own liking. “Ugh!” He made a disgusting face and turned around. “You guys could close the door, you know!” 

“Your old enough to know it’s normal for a couple, a married couple may I add, to spend some alone time in-“ 

“Father, I’m going to need you to stop right there.” Jeongin raised a finger in the air. “Do not say another word.” 

“Jeongin, what’s wrong?” Jisung buttoned his shirt again, making Minho pout. “Did something happen?” 

“I need to talk to you guys.” 

Minho and Jisung looked at each other. 

“Can I turn around?” 

“Yes.”

Jeongin slowly turned around, his hand still over his eyes. 

“We’re fully dressed Yang Jeongin, you can uncover your eyes.” 

Jeongin rolled his eyes at the use of his middle name, but uncovered his eyes nonetheless. 

Minho was back on the bed and Jisung sat next to him, decently dressed. 

“Tell us what’s wrong, baby.” Jisung patted the corner of his bed for his son to sit. 

“I prefer to stay right here.” He said, sarcastically. 

“We didn’t go too far.” Minho said, snapping back at him. 

“Minho!” Jisung slapped his husband in the arm. 

“What?! He's old enough, Jisung.” Minho said. “He knows this is something you do with your partner, and he will have to go through the same when he chooses his partner.” 

“That’s-“ 

“That doesn’t mean you can tell him what we do, dumbass.” 

“Dad-“ 

“Jisung.” Minho interrupted. “How many times did you catch your parents before they started?” 

“Oh my god-“ 

“Or when they were in the middle of it?” Jisung looked horrified.

And let’s not even say how Jeongin felt. 

“Okay, let’s stop right there.” Jeongin said. “This is about me, remember?” 

“Right.” Jisung looked back at his son. “I’ll deal with you later.” He whispered to his husband. 

“Of course, honey.” Minho had a very teasing tone. It made Jeongin want to throw himself off the tallest tower before witnessing any of whatever that was. 

“Tell us, baby.” 

Jeongin took a deep breath and swallowed before speaking. 

“There’s no need for the Selection to keep going.” 

Jisung took a deep breath and Minho, who had grabbed his glass of wine again, spit all of his wine back into the glass. 

“What?!” Minho asked, cleaning off his mouth. “Why?! How?! When?!” 

“I found him.” Jeongin said, his lips forming a smile. 

Jisung felt his heart stop. 

The only time he had seen that smile on someone was two people other than himself: on his dad when he would look at his husband in the throne room. 

And on his uncle; when he met his husband for the first time, on Jisung’s Selection. 

“You found him?” Minho was confused. 

Of course he was; the outsiders didn’t understand. 

Jisung stood from his bed and walked over to his son. Minho looked at him, still not understanding. 

“I’m kind of out of the loop here, babe.” Minho said, placing his glass back down. 

“Innie, are you sure?” Jisung asked, standing in front of his son. 

“Yes, dad.” Jeongin looked up at his dad, and Jisung saw his eyes filled with something he only saw on his dad and uncle. “So sure.” 

“And this boy, is he part of the Selection?” 

“No.” Jeongin answered. 

“Of course he isn’t.” Jisung said, remembering his husband’s words from not long ago. 

“I found him, dad.” Jeongin smiled again, making his eyes spark.

Jisung’s eyes watered at the sight of his son being this happy. 

“Oh, my Innie.” Jisung hugged him tightly and didn’t let him go for the rest of the afternoon. 

Jeongin ended up sleeping in their room that night; Jisung not wanting to let him go. 

Minho was pretty frustrated but still understood. 

—Next Day, 11:30 a.m.— 

“We have a reputation to keep.” 

“I don’t give a damn about the reputation.” 

“You may not, but we do.” The council man said. “And we’d had enough of your family’s rebelly. We want a true king to rule the next generation of the Miroh Kingdom. Someone who has royal blood in their veins, someone who knows what they're doing, someone born to be a king or queen, even if that means Jeongin has to marry someone just for the title.” 

A chair fell on the floor as Jisung stood, ready to jump over the table and onto that man’s space. 

“Over. My. Dead. Body.”  

—An Hour Ago— 

“Good morning, your highness.” The council man greeted him. “And your highnesses as well.” He bowed to the past king and prince. 

“Morning.” Changbin gave a small bow of the head as acknowledgement. 

“Anything I can help you with?” 

“There’s no more need for the Selection.” Jisung said as he took a seat on one of the chairs. “Jeongin has found the person he wants by his side.” 

The councilman looked amused but tried to hide it. 

“Oh my, the story repeats itself, eh?” Jisung nodded. “Who is it then?” 

Jisung went to answer but the councilman interrupted him. 

“Don’t tell me, is it sir Namjoon?” Jisung shook his head. “Or sir Mathew from Kard Islands? That would be such a wonderful choice, we need business with the Kard Islands.”

“No…” 

“Well then, is it lady Yeji?” 

At her name, Jisung snapped his tongue in annoyance. 

“No.” Jisung massaged his temples. “He's not part of the Selection contestants.” 

The man gasped. 

“We haven’t met him yet, but Jeongin is determined it to be him.” 

The room fell silent. 

“No.” 

“No?” Jisung repeated, looking puzzled. “What do you mean no?” 

“I won’t allow it.” 

“It’s not your say, it’s Jeongin’s.” 

“No, the council is done with this family’s rebelly.” 

“Rebelly?!” Jisung snapped. 

“We have a reputation to keep.” 

“I don’t give a damn about the reputation.” 

“You may not, but we do.” The council man said. “And we’d had enough of your family’s rebelly. We want a true king to rule the next generation of the Miroh Kingdom. Someone who has royal blood in their veins, someone who knows what they're doing, someone born to be a king or queen, even if that means Jeongin has to marry someone just for the title.” 

A chair fell on the floor as Jisung stood, ready to jump over the table and onto that man’s space. 

“Over. My. Dead. Body.” 

“Jisung…” Chan called. 

“This kingdom needs a true king or queen to reign it and take it towards the right path; for power.” 

“This kingdom has an awesome king.” Jisung said. “Someone who cares for his people, who makes sure the kingdom is protected, and who would do anything to make sure we’re safe.”

“Even so, he had no knowledge of any of that before he became a king.” Jisung felt his blood boil. “He was a mere cook.” 

“He learn.” 

“And our last king was a mere guard, who just happened to become king just because of a whim of the prince.” 

Christopher had to control his anger from rising. Changbin too, having to close his hands into fists. 

“Do not drag my parents into this.” 

“Let’s not even talk about the royal’s illegitimate child.”  

Bang Chan took two steps before he was being pulled back by his husband. 

“Hwang Hyunjin has nothing to do with this.” Jisung said, placing his hand over the table. 

“The council is done with this rebelly you guys have.” Jisung clenched the edge of the table. “Jeongin is marrying someone of class and royalty, that’s the end of the discussion.” 

Jisung’s leg began shaking as he looked at the council man. 

“Anything else, your highness?” 

“Yes, actually.” 

The man looked at Jisung, not wanting to break eye contact either. 

“My son will be with the person he loves, and you won’t take that away from him.” 

“You don’t seem to understand-“ 

“No, you don’t understand.” Jisung pushed the table forward, caging the man against his chair. “I am the prince of Miroh Kingdom, my word is absolute and must be followed to the end of times.” 

Jisung pushed more, making pressure over the man’s ribs. 

“And if I say my son, the future prince of Miroh, is going to reign with the person he loves, he most definitely will.” 

Jisung took another step, making the man’s breath grow short due to the weight over his chest. 

“Even if I have to kill anyone in the process.” 

Chan and Changbin looked at their son with pride. 

“Am I understood?” The man didn’t answer. “Am I understood?” 

“Y-Yes, your highness.” 

The door was opened. 

“Your highness.” Jisung and Chan turned around. 

At the door stood a guard with his breathing quicken like he had just finished running. His clothes were tainted with red stains and his hands looked dirty.

The first thing that came to Jisung’s mind was Jeongin. 

“Speak, guard.” Changbin said. 

“Something has happened.” 

Jisung’s world stopped. 

—Two Hours Before—

Jeongin walked with two boys from Bangtan through the palace’s grounds. 

“So, you two are dating?” 

“Yes, for about two years now.” Jeon Jungkook answered. 

Once Jeongin knew who he wanted to be with, he had made it clear to everyone in the selection he wasn’t going forward with it anymore. 

Some people were glad (mostly the Bangtan boys, like Jeongin named them), others were happy that he found someone he really wanted to be with. Others (Yeji) were furious about it and determined to know who this person was. Something Jeongin didn’t disclose with them. 

And after that, Jeongin began becoming friends with them. Mainly with the Bangtan boys than anyone else. 

“But our parents don’t approve.” 

“Yeah, Jimin’s family doesn’t like our family.” Jungkook said. “So we have to keep our relationship hidden.” 

“What about your older brother?” Jeongin asked. 

Unlike him, Jungkook was a younger brother to Jeon Namjoon; the future heir to their dad’s kingdom back in Bangtan. 

“He, too, has a secret relationship.” Jungkook and Jimin shared a look. 

“What?” Jeongin looked at them. “You can trust me, I’m good at keeping secrets, I promise.” 

“Well…” 

“Namjoon’s relationship is more complicated.” Jungkook said. “You know Seokjin, right?” Jeongin nodded. “His my brother’s boyfriend.” 

“Okay…” 

“He's also my step brother.” Jimin added. Jeongin opened his mouth, and closed it back up. 

“But that’s not the only thing.” JK said. Jungkook liked his friends to call him JK, knowing his name was a little complicated, and he told Jeongin he could call him like that too. After all, they were friends now. “There’s more?” 

The three boys were now on the open field of the palace, where the guards usually trained. 

“Yes, Jimin also has a third brother.” 

“Stepbrother.” Jimin corrected him. “They’re twins.” 

“Twins?!” Jeongin shouted. JK hit him in the arm. “Sorry.” 

“Yeah, his name is Taehyung.” Jimin said. “And he’s very different from Seokjin, even when they are twins.” 

“And?” 

“Well, Namjoon is dating both.” JK said and Jeongin needed to make a stop and process what he had just been told. 

“W-What?” JK and Jimin both nodded. “That’s not well looked upon between royals.” Jeongin whispered. 

“Yeah, they know.” JK whispered back. “But it’s true love, and  there’s nothing you can do about that.” 

Jeongin’s mind went to the boy with brown eyes and his lips formed a smile. 

“Yeah, that’s-“ 

Jeongin felt a sudden splash hit his face. He came to a halt and reached for his cheek. It was something liquidly and it felt dense. 

Jeongin looked down at his hand at the same time as Jimin tackled him and JK to the ground. 

“Jungkook!” Jimin shouted as he got close to the boy. Jeongin looked down at his hand and saw red paint on his fingertips. 

He looked up to Jimin and saw him with his hands over JK’s chest, his fingers around an arrow. 

Jeongin’s eyes opened, his body began shaking and he looked back down at his hand. 

Blood. 

It was blood. 

Jungkook’s blood. 

“JK?” He called and Jimin looked back at him. Jeongin saw in his eyes tears starting to build up. 

“Don’t stand I.N., okay?!” Jimin shouted. 

Jeongin just stared at him at how his eyes began shedding tears. 

“Don’t you dare stand.” Jimin repeated before looking back down at JK. “And don’t you dare leave me.” 

Jeongin saw Jimin begin sobbing, as he still held the arrow in between his fingers. 

Soon enough, the entire field was filled with guards. They made a circle around all three of them and stood on guard. 

Jeongin hugged his knees to his chest and began rocking his body back and forth, only one thought in mind; Jungkook’s blood was on his hands. 

His.  

—Two Hours Later— 

Minho paced back and forth in the medical wing. 

Jisung sat on one of the chairs with Jeongin on his lap, who still cried from time to time at the thought of what had happened.  

A door was open and a doctor came out. 

“Is he okay?” Minho asked. 

“He is.” The doctor answered. “But he lost a lot of blood.” 

Jisung hugged his son tightly. 

“He’s going to need some transfusions.” 

“We’ll provide anything he needs.” 

“Have his parents been informed?” 

“Yes, they’re on the way as we speak.” The doctor nodded and gave a paper to Minho.

“This is what he’ll need.” Minho nodded and with a bow the doctor left. 

“What is it, honey?” Jisung asked. 

“His blood type is AB.” Jisung made a horrified look. “The only one with that blood is-“ 

“Hyunjin.” Said Jisung. 

“And Yoongi.” 

“Yoongi is too young.” 

“We’ll figure something out, honey.” Minho sat next to his husband. “We always do.” Jisung nodded and Minho kissed him on the cheek. 

Jeongin stared at the nearest wall. 

He didn’t want to be there, but he didn’t want to leave either. 

He needed to make sure JK was okay, and that he was going to be okay. 

“Jeongin…” 

“I don’t know what happened.” He said. “We were just walking around the palace.” Minho and Jisung shared a sad look. “It happened so fast.” 

“Oh, Innie.” Jisung caressed his son’s hair. 

“One moment we were talking and the next Jimin was on top of JK, holding the arrow and telling me not to stand.” 

“Jimin?” Minho asked.

“The other boy from Bangtan.” Jisung whispered. 

“Oh.” They looked back at Jeongin.

“I had his blood on my hands.” The prince raised his right hand up. “His own blood, dad.” 

“It wasn’t your fault, Innie.” 

“But I should have done something.” Jeongin stood from his dad’s lap. “I just froze.” 

“That’s normal.” 

Jeongin’s shoulders slumped down. 

“I need some air.” 

“It would be better if-“ 

“Don’t worry, I won’t go past the walls.” Jeongin said. “I’m just going to the garden.” 

“Still, take a guard, okay?” Jeongin nodded. “I love you, Innie.” 

“I love you too, dad.” Innie gave Jisung a kiss on the cheek and left. 

Once Jeongin was out of earshot, Jisung began sobbing. Minho held him against his chest as he caressed his back softly. 

“Everything’s going to be okay, honey.” 

—Garden— 

Jeongin sat on the edge of a water fountain, his knees pressed against his chest. 

His mind still wandered back to the incident, and wondered if there was something he could have done to prevent it from happening. 

He was coming up empty with an answer. 

“Hey.” 

Jeongin jumped, almost slipping into the fountain, and looked up. 

A pair of familiar brown eyes looked back at him with worry. 

“You.” 

“Yeah, me.” The boy said, with a soft smile. 

“I’ve been looking for you.” Jeongin said. “I couldn’t find you anywhere.” 

“I’ve been busy.” 

“Busy?” Jeongin put his legs down. “With what?” 

“Stuff.”

Jeongin gave the boy a look from top to bottom. 

“Stuff?” Jeongin asked. 

“Yeah.” The boy got closer and Jeongin backed away. “I’m sorry about what happened.” 

“It’s not your fault, don’t apologize.” 

“It’s not your fault either, but you keep blaming it on yourself.” 

“That‘s not true.” The boy crossed his arms over his chest. “Maybe a little.” 

“Yeah, I thought so.” The boy took a few steps away from Jeongin and sat a few feet away from him. “I never got to tell you my name.” 

Jeongin looked up at him. It was true, he had left before he was able to hear him. 

“So?” Jeongin asked, impatient. “What is it?” 

“Jung Seungmin.” The boy said. 

“‘Seungmin’?” The boy nodded. “I’ve never heard that name before.” 

“It’s unique.” Seungmin said, with a smile. 

“Where are you from?” 

“The Islands.” Seungmin answered. 

“‘The Islands’?! ” Seungmin nodded. “That’s pirate territory.” 

“Yeah, I know.” 

“Were you abandoned?” Jeongin asked.

The Islands were a group of small islands that were in close proximity with each other. Pirates ruled there, and no kingdom has ever been able to take control of them.

In actuality, the Miroh Kingdom is having issues with them; which is why Jeongin had been obliged to begin the stupid Selection in the first place. 

“No.” Seungmin answered. “I was born and raised there.” 

Jeongin suddenly created more distance between himself and Seungmin. 

“Why are you here?” The prince asked. 

“Honestly?” Jeongin nodded, suddenly feeling scared of what his answer may be. “Trying to look for a chance of a better life for me and my brothers.” 

Jeongin felt his heart flutter. 

“My parents only want destruction towards the other kingdoms, but I just want to find a safe place to bring my brothers.” 

“Are your parents important people back on The Islands?” 

“Yes.” 

“Oh, just like mine.” 

“Yes.” 

Both boys fell silent. The only thing you could hear was the water from the fountain. 

“Do you want to just run away sometimes?” Jeongin looked towards Seungmin and realized he was closer than he was before. 

“Run away?” Seungmin nodded. “Where?” 

“Somewhere far away from all this politics and war?” 

“Sometimes.” Jeongin admitted. “But then I think of my parents, of my brother, my family and I change my mind.” 

“My family doesn’t love me.” Seungmin said. “They just made us soldiers with a purpose and left us to do what we were trained to do.” 

“And what is that?” 

Seungmin looked up at Jeongin, a smile on his lips. 

Jeongin could tell it was a fake smile, he knew those too well. 

“To kill.” He said, bluntly. 

Jeongin didn’t say anything and just stared back at Seungmin. 

His eyes reflect something he had only seen in one person in his entire life; his uncle Hyunjin. 

The burden of being given a title by force, because of the implications of his birth. Because of who he was, what his life represented, and what was asked of him.

The title of the illegitimate child (in Hyunjin’s case) being the only thing people knew him as. Not for prince Hyunjin of Miroh Kingdom, Christopher Bang’s stepbrother, or prince Hyunjin of the Fairy Kingdom. 

No, he would always be Hwang Hyunjin, the illegitimate child of the king and his mistress; Chan’s younger step brother, and the queen’s most hated nightmare. 

The dark eyes, the darkened expressions, the fake smiles, the forced laughs; Jeongin knew them all too well. 

“I’m sorry.” He mumbled. 

“Yeah, me too.” Seungmin said, looking down. 

“We can run away together.” Seungmin looked back up at Jeongin. 

Seungmin didn’t say anything in return and just smiled. 

Would you have still talked to me if you knew? 

“Seungmin.” 

If you knew the real reason why I was sent here? 

“Seungmin.” 

Maybe, or maybe not. 

“Seungmin?” 

Oh, my dear Yang…

Your Yin misses you so much. 

“Yes, Jeongin.” Seungmin said, tilting his head sideways. 

Let’s run away, Yang. 

—Two Weeks Later—

“Please, come visit us.” 

Jungkook, who had his arm on an arm sling, hugged Jeongin tightly with his good arm. 

“I will, JK.” Jeongin answered back, hugging his friend tightly. 

“Thank you so much for your help, King Minho.” The king of Bangtan, King Jeon Shota, shook hands with Minho. 

“Of course.” Minho took his hand. 

“If there’s anything we can do to repay this huge debt, please let us know.” Prince Keeho walked up to Jisung and gave him a hug, something the prince didn’t expect but returned nonetheless. 

“Thank you.” Jisung said. 

“It was very nice meeting you Jeongin.” Jungkook said. “I can’t wait to come to your wedding.” Jeongin blushed.

“Don’t say that JK.” 

“It’s the truth.” Jeongin covered his face as Jungkook began laughing. 

Suddenly the laugh stopped though, and when Jeongin opened his eyes, he saw Namjoon standing in front of him. 

Jeongin gave a small bow; Namjoon was older than him and now that the Selection was over, it was protocol to always bow to someone who was older than you in royal status. 

“Jeongin.” Namjoon called and Jeongin looked up. The boy hugged him unexpectedly. “Thank you.” He whispered on Jeongin’s ear. 

Jeongin smiled and hugged Namjoon back. 

“Your welcome, RM.”  

Namjoon took a step back and bowed to Jeongin. 

“King Minho, a few words before we head out, please?” Minho let go of Jisung’s hand and walked over to talk to the king. 

“I’ll be sending you a letter soon!” Jungkook said before getting in the carriage that would take them to the bay. 

“I’ll be expecting it!” 

Once the Jung family left, Jeongin returned to his room where he knew Seungmin waited for him. 

When he entered his room, Seungmin laid on his bed with a book over his chest; completely asleep. 

Jeongin walked over to him, took off his coat on the way, and laid next to him. He caressed his cheeks with his knuckles and pushed some hair strings behind his ear. 

“I’m sorry I took so long.” He mumbled. “But I’m here.” Jeongin removed the book from Seungmin’s chest and replaced it with his head instead. “And we’re one step closer to leaving, honey.” 

—March 18, 11:00 p.m—

Seungmin ran. 

Seungmin ran like his life depended on it. 

And it did. 

—A Few Minutes Before—

Seungmin sat at his windowsill, his gaze over the ocean. 

Hey dad.  

Seungmin’s gaze landed over the small group of islands he had a view of from his window. 

I’m sorry I won’t be here when the time comes. I know we had a plan, and I know I had a role in all this but…

Seungmin looked down at the letter that his hand held. 

I’ve fallen in love, dad.

He traced over his lover’s signature. 

And he has become much more than I expected him to be.

Seungmin stood. 

More important than the mission I was sent here to complete. 

So, I’m sorry.

But I won’t kill the prince of Miroh because it would kill me in the process. 

Seungmin grabbed his bag that laid over his bed. 

I hope you find that of which you desperately need. But know that, I won’t be part of your plans anymore. 

I’ve found my Yang, dad. 

And nothing is going to keep me away from him this time. 

I will always love you dad. And father. And all my brothers. 

But this is my life I root for, and in The Islands is each their own.

So, this is me saying goodbye. 

Tell Yeosang that I will never forget his beautiful smile. Tell Hongjoong that I will miss his laugh. Tell Seonghwa that I will miss his long talks about the world and to not give up on his dreams. Tell Mingi to never let anyone talk down to him, he deserves the world, and he needs to go conquer it. Tell Yunho to be himself, that it’s okay to love whoever you love, no need to hide between lies or fake smiles. And finally, tell Jongho to never stop trying; I know he can make big achievements. 

And to you, dad, father, I hope you find happiness in this fucked up world we were born into. 

This is Jung-Choi K. Seungmin’s last report. 

It was nice being part of this family; even when it was fucked up. 

Seungmin folded the paper and put it inside his bag. 

He opened the door to his room and the first thing he saw were people running around. 

“Help!” A maid shouted. “The royal family has been captured!” 

Seungmin grabbed the maid’s hand and pulled her inside his room. 

“What did you say?” 

“Oh, sweet boy.” The woman caressed his cheek. “You better off running away. The palace has been besieged by the pirates and they have captured the royal family inside the throne room. 

Seungmin let go of the woman and began running. 

No, no, no. 

It's too early. 

They still had two more weeks before the plan was put in motion.

Seungmin evaded people as best as he could, trying to run as fast as he could. 

And Seungmin ran and ran, until he reached the throne room. 

He opened the door with a push and entered. 

The first thing he looked for was Jeongin. 

He found the king knelt in front of his throne, his husband and youngest son in front him, at the bottom of the steps. A sword was at his neck and Seungmin recognized who held it.

He looked to the side and saw two men (who he recognized) pinning Seo Changbin against the floor. To his side was his husband, crying and sobbing as he held a crying boy with black hair. 

In front of them lay a motionless body that had blonde hair, and next to him knelt a man with black hair who held his hand as he cried over his chest. 

Jeongin was nowhere to be found. 

Seungmin began shaking, his heart beating fast. 

That was until a voice came behind him and startled him. 

“Oh, Minnie.” 

All eyes fell on him as he turned around to meet his dad; Jung Wooyoung who held a knife to the prince of Miroh’s throat.

Jeongin’s throat. 

“Jeongin.” Seungmin breathed, his body going suddenly numb. 

“Seungmin?” 

Jeongin looked beat up; he had a few cuts on his cheeks and blood fell from his lower lip. 

“How’s my Minnie doing?” Wooyoung reached the hand that held Jeongin to Seungmin’s cheek, but the boy backed away. “What’s wrong, Minnie?” 

“What are you guys doing here?” 

“‘You guys’?” Jeongin asked, his face suddenly becoming distressed. 

“We came early.” Wooyoung answered. “In your last letter you said things were going according to plan, so your father and I decided to change plans.” 

“Letters?” Seungmin looked back at Jeongin. “What is he talking about, Seungmin?” 

“Oh, poor prince.” Seungmin saw Yeosang walk closer from the corner of his eye. “He still thinks Minnie truly loves him.” 

“Shut up.” Seungmin said. “Don’t listen to them, Jeongin.” 

“Oh, what is this?” Wooyoung made Jeongin walk closer to Seungmin. “Did you…” 

Seungmin looked away; he was never able to hide his feelings from his dad.

Wooyoung began laughing. 

“Did you really go and fall in love with your target?” 

Jeongin’s eyes widened, the dots finally connecting. 

The Islands, born and raised. 

A safe place for me and my brothers. 

“Are your parents important people too?” 

Yes. 

Jeongin’s heart dropped to his feet. 

To kill.  

“You lied to me.” Tears began running down Jeongin’s cheeks. 

“No, no, I…” 

Jeongin tried to kick Seungmin, but was too far to actually hit him. 

“You lied to me!” He shouted. “I believed you!” Jeongin began sobbing. “I believe your stupid sad story, and your words!” 

The entire room had their eyes on them. 

“I believed you when you said you loved me back!” 

“I do!” Seungmin shouted, taking a step closer but receiving a slap from Jeongin. 

“Don’t even say another word.” 

“I love you, I.N.” Seungmin looked back at Jeongin, his eyes filled with tears. “Yes, I had a mission; to kill the prince of Miroh but it all changed when I met you.” 

“Shut up!” Jeongin shouted. 

“You made me smile I.N., like truly smiled. And with every moment that passed, I just loved you more and more.” 

“Shut up!” 

“Without realizing, I already had fallen in love with you.” 

“SHUT UP!” Jeongin dropped to his knees, Wooyoung letting him go. 

“Jeongin, please.” Seungmin knelt too, right in front of him. “Please, believe me, Yang.” 

Jeongin looked up and saw his family. 

His father was being held at sword point as he looked down at his dad and Hoseok. His Binnie was being pinned to the ground while Channie held a crying Yoongi as he cried too. And lastly, his uncle Hyunjin cried as he held his husband’s hand who laid on the ground, motionless. A pool of blood tainted Hyunjin’s and uncle Yongbok’s clothes. 

Jeongin looked back at Seungmin. 

“Jeongin, I’m so-” Jeongin tackled Seungmin to the ground and pinned him against it. 

“I believed every single word you told me because I loved you.” Jeongin took out a knife from his boot. 

“Don’t move.” Wooyoung’s voice came from behind; he was talking to his sons. 

“You’re one of them, aren’t you.” Jeongin placed the knife over Seungmin’s wrist and cut the sleeve. 

Over his wrist was a tattoo that resembled a star. Around it were the four points of direction (N, S, E, W) and a small line connected them to one point, the fifth letter, and this one was the A. 

Ateez Pirates. 

“Jeongin, I can explain-” 

“Shut up!” Jeongin’s tears began falling over Seungmin’s face. “My family has suffered because of you!” 

“I’m-” 

“My uncle has lost his husband because of you!” 

“I.N.-” 

“Shut up!” Jeongin placed the knife on the boy’s neck. “What’s stopping me from slashing your throat right now?” 

“Jeongin, please.” 

“I believed you, Seungmin.” Seungmin began shedding tears. “I believed in you.” 

“Jeongin-” 

“And you betrayed me!” Jeongin raised the knife and aimed at what seemed to be Seungmin’s heart. 

“Jeongin!” Seungmin shouted. 

Blood splattered everywhere, most of it falling over Seungmin. 

“Jeongin!” The king shouted. 

“Innie!” The prince began sobbing. 

“Jeongin!” 

The knife that Jeongin held fell on the ground, his body falling forwards over Seungmin. 

Seungmin caught him in his arms, his clothes getting tainted with blood. 

“Jeongin!” Seungmin’s hand touched Jeongin’s back and felt all the blood in his hands. “No, no, no.” Seungmin looked up to his dad and saw him with a smile, his sword dripping blood from the tip. “What the hell were you thinking?!” 

“Finishing your job.”

Seungmin turned Jeongin around and placed him over the ground. 

“Jeongin.” He called. Jeongin coughed up blood. “Oh, Yang.” 

“Seun-gmin.” 

“Oh, my Yang.” Jeongin spit some more blood.  “I’m so sorry, honey.” 

Minho and Jisung looked at each other. 

“I-I…” 

“I know.” 

Seungmin placed his forehead over Jeongin’s. 

“I love you, Yang.” 

The entire room was silent, the only thing you could hear were Jisung’s and Hyunjin’s sobs. 

“Yin.” 

Seungmin looked up. 

“Yang?” 

Jeongin placed his hand on Seungmin’s cheek. 

“Find me in our next life, okay?” Seungmin nodded, even when he didn’t believe in those things. “P-Promise me, you’ll f-find me in our next life, o-okay?” 

“I promise.” Jeongin smiled and caressed Seungmin’s cheek with his knuckles. 

“Yin.” Jeongin coughed again, spitting blood. 

“Yes, Yang?” 

“I l-love you, Yin.” 

Seungmin sobbed, nodded and placed his forehead over Jeongin’s. 

“I love you too, Yang.” 

And there is you, 

And there is me.

And nobody believes in it,

But love makes a fool turn into a king. 

And if you ignore me,

I’d fight again and again. 

It’s your love story,

It’s your love story. 

It’s the story of a life.

Love story.

“Love Story”

-Indila