Parkdatjimin - Tumblr Posts

This is so beautifully written pleaaase. I'm in tears. Tae tae as royalty is ✨✨✨ and the character development and realisation was chef's kiss ✨

I really want a part 2 now ahh but it's okay. I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS.

YOU REALLY WRITE SO WELL, MINDY. YOUR IMAGINATION IS AMAZING AS WELL.

Heyyy, I hope you are doing well. ✨

Here is a pic of Tae if the requests are still up (HE LOOKS SO FINE AHH) 🙈✨

Thank you 🥺💜

How perfectly exquisite 😍 he's so fine, wow. I was literally talking with my sister the other day and she made the comment, "no one looks like Kim Taehyung. If I walk into Korea, no one looks like him. He so beautiful and unique." I think she hit the nail in the head personally lol

no warnings

Charity. What a peasant's word. Taehyung has never felt so low in his entire life.

To think he would be subject to such impoverished people in this way. What business does a prince have being in a place like this?

He doesn't dare look too closely at the frosted windows or he might notice they're nothing but plastered wallpaper on glass. And don't even get him started on the steamers wrapped around the hollow pillars outside. He's nothing short of embarrassed for the person in charge of this travesty.

If he had a choice, of course he wouldn't have made an appearance.

"It's good for your subjects to see you interacting at events they deem important. Your kingdom will be as faithful to you as you are to it."

That stupid advisor manhandling Taehyung's valuable time and deciding that this is the best use for it. What absolutely folly! He would much more useful discussing the best course of financial action in the next quarter, or how the troups in the East should be redirected. Decisions of importance --- not this pitiful excuse for a ball.

"Are you interested in helping the children?"

A soft but eager voice is behind him now, awakening Taehyung to the realization that he's been staring at some random poster for the last god knows how long.

It's covered in pitiful looking kids, dirty and sad. Taehyung understands what kind of emotional response it's supposed to ignite in his gut, and while he doesn't feel an ounce of sympathy for the little maggots, he's been taught how to put on a pleasing face since he could sit up.

"Oh, those poor angels. It breaks my heart seeing them be abandoned and mistreated like that. What kind of monster would do that to a helpless child? It's unforgivable."

His performance is immaculate and convincing, voice lightly broken and eyes damp with pseudo tears.

You appear by his side, inducing Taehyung's response to look at your profile, the first sight to actually catch his genuine attention since the night started.

He knows you. At least, he's seen you before. How could anyone forget that nose, those eyes, those lips. Your features are nothing short of illustrious.

You caught the eye of at least three lords last April, under the moonlight. You attending the Midnight Masquerade Dance in a shimmering gown and held a bejeweled mask against your face. He remembers the image clearly, the way your dress hugged your curves and the halter top emphasized your neck.

He also specifically remembers you rejecting his offer to dance.

But now you're here? Why the hell here, of all places? You should be dining with kings, dancing with dukes. While Taehyung doesn't remember your name or title exactly, he remembers the level of respect you demanded when you walked into the room, and how it struck him.

"Are you interested in giving to help these children? Even a little could help save one of their lives."

Taehyung is awestruck by you. So much so, he can't seem to keep up his act. In an instant, his concerned brow is replaced with a cocky smirk and greedy tongue.

"What do I get in return?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You heard me. What's my reward for doing this great deed?"

You blink, clearly caught off guard by his pompous question. "I suppose the reward is knowing you helped save a life. Isn't that enough?"

"No," Taehyung says blatantly.

"What kind of reward were you expecting?"

"A dance."

"A dance?"

Taehyung chuckles, flapping the tails of his coat behind himself. "Yes, that's what I said."

While you're not exactly here to dance, you suppose there is a volunteer band and some open space on the floor. It wouldn't be out of the question, although you question what a dance has to do with saving abandoned children.

"Fine."

Taehyung immediately sweeps you into the middle of the floor, his large hand pressing against your lower back to pull you closer, the other hand holding yours tightly.

"You fascinate me."

"Excuse me?" You barely manages to keep from stuttering. Not only is his statement abrupt but his tone makes you suddenly very nervous.

"You could be dancing with princes like me on a nightly basis, and yet, you're here of all places. Tell me, why is that?"

You sigh and adjust in his arms, allowing him to lead for the most part. "First, you tell me why you're here."

"Isn't it obvious? I came for you, baby."

You knew Taehyung had a reputation for flirting and you happened to know he had a small infatuation with you since the masquerade. But despite this sharp jawline, perfect hair, and ridiculously beautiful eyes, you just can't let yourself fall for someone so small minded and uncaring.

"The real reason you're here."

"Fine. I was forced."

"Forced?"

"Yes."

"Then," you say slowly, "you did not intend...you didn't want to...you have no interest in any of these charities?"

He scoffs, "Why would I? There are much more important matters at hand within this country, matters that actually affect the present and future."

"You're wrong," you spit back at him, your dance picking up pace, "the people are this country's present and future, and the royal family doesn't spend any time caring for them like they should. You really want to know why I'm here instead of spending weekends in the palace?"

"That's why I asked." What a smartass.

"I'm here because you're not. I'm here because the royal family is nothing but a pen of spoiled, indifferent pigs who can't even see the sickness in their own country."

Taehyung thrusts you away from him, watching you stumble from his arms. "You dare to speak this way when you know who I am?"

"I dare to speak this way because I know who you are, Prince Taehyung." You step closer again despite his orders to stay back. "Look around. Your country is dying from the inside out...and you don't even see it."

Taehyung can feel each of your words like a slap across his cheeks, stinging red and punishable. He's just about had enough of you...but then his eyes travel around the room.

He sees the frosted windows, the streamers on hollow pillars outside, the number of poorly designed posters, the overall desperate and trashy excuse for an aesthetic. The people attending this event aren't any better. They're wrapped in clothes too damaged to protect them, some of them without shoes, most of them without coats. And yet, they're here of all places, offering what little they have in support of those less fortunate.

Taehyung remembers being born holding a golden spoon, while some here don't even have a bowl to eat from.

You sigh, bringing his attention back to you. He has to hold his breath.

"If you're not here for the right reasons, you should just leave. I have more important things to do than dance with you."

With that, you're gone, his hand following behind you as you disappear into a surrounding crowd.

But then something miraculous happens. Over the next several weeks, large sums of donations are made, some in cash but many in the form of clothes or other necessities. You're finally able to make a difference with the amount of supplies and money coming in, and while you have an idea of where it might have all come from, it sounds too good to be true.

There's no way.

It's over two months later when you see him again. He's dressed in slacks and a t-shirt and most surprisingly, a smile. A real one; it's boxy and cute and happy. You've never seen him so happy actually. There's something almost hypnotic about the way he smiles now.

You consider approaching him first, but for some reason you're becoming quite nervous watching him from afar. There's something different about him, something...genuine. It makes your heart flutter and your brain short-circuit.

Turns out you don't have to go to him, because Taehyung runs to you as soon as he catches your eye from across the room.

"Hey."

"Hi," you shyly respond, feeling rather small next to his height and excited expression.

"___."

"You know my name?"

He shrugs. "I asked around for it. I supposed I should be able to thank you by name the next time I got the opportunity to speak with you. Properly."

His words makes you blush, something you never expected Prince Taehyung to be capable of considering his character. But his character has changed now. Who he is feels different just in the way he stands and speaks to you; it feels better...and it makes you shyer.

"Thank you, ___," he says with a breathy sigh, as if he's been holding those words in for months, "For everything."

"It was my pleasure."

He bounces in place, hand flexing by his side until he finally gets the nerve to offer it to you.

"Umm, I know this may be sudden and strange but, I've waited two months to ask you to dance again. And I'd be awfully dejected should you refuse."

::

---

Hello my love ❤️ how are you doing today? For the ask game 🤗

49: Superpower I wish I could have?

76: Do I have any pets?

164: Do I like adventure?

I hope you have a great Sunday!!

hello my dearest mindy !! im doing okay, im doing some german cramming ^^ how are you on this lovely morning/day/afternoon/evening/night?

you've aaaaasked

Superpower I wish I could have?

to be able to heal people with just words. i remember doing this speech about the power of words & i've always thought about how mere words can either pierce a person or put their pieces back together. i would like to have my words like how yoongi thoughtfully phrases his words or how taylor has this unique way of writing just enraptures people.

do i have any pets?

no, unfortunately :(( i had a kitten named draco who passed away because he was really fragile :// there's this litter of kittens from draco's mum (she has a different partner every time i see her, like girl dont make it seem im painfully single D:) but they're rea;;y timid but thankfully growing well !!

do i like adventure?

anything which raises my heartbeat and blood pressure in a good way? yeah, hell yeah in fact !!! but i tend to overthink, so it seems like i will in my cozy, air conditioned comfort zone for now :D

lets chat with this weirdly specific list !!!

---

Hello my love ❤️ how are you doing today? For the ask game 🤗

49: Superpower I wish I could have?

76: Do I have any pets?

164: Do I like adventure?

I hope you have a great Sunday!!

hello my dearest mindy !! im doing okay, im doing some german cramming ^^ how are you on this lovely morning/day/afternoon/evening/night?

you've aaaaasked

Superpower I wish I could have?

to be able to heal people with just words. i remember doing this speech about the power of words & i've always thought about how mere words can either pierce a person or put their pieces back together. i would like to have my words like how yoongi thoughtfully phrases his words or how taylor has this unique way of writing just enraptures people.

do i have any pets?

no, unfortunately :(( i had a kitten named draco who passed away because he was really fragile :// there's this litter of kittens from draco's mum (she has a different partner every time i see her, like girl dont make it seem im painfully single D:) but they're rea;;y timid but thankfully growing well !!

do i like adventure?

anything which raises my heartbeat and blood pressure in a good way? yeah, hell yeah in fact !!! but i tend to overthink, so it seems like i will in my cozy, air conditioned comfort zone for now :D

lets chat with this weirdly specific list !!!

---

Hello my love ❤️ how are you doing today? For the ask game 🤗

49: Superpower I wish I could have?

76: Do I have any pets?

164: Do I like adventure?

I hope you have a great Sunday!!

hello my dearest mindy !! im doing okay, im doing some german cramming ^^ how are you on this lovely morning/day/afternoon/evening/night?

you've aaaaasked

Superpower I wish I could have?

to be able to heal people with just words. i remember doing this speech about the power of words & i've always thought about how mere words can either pierce a person or put their pieces back together. i would like to have my words like how yoongi thoughtfully phrases his words or how taylor has this unique way of writing just enraptures people.

do i have any pets?

no, unfortunately :(( i had a kitten named draco who passed away because he was really fragile :// there's this litter of kittens from draco's mum (she has a different partner every time i see her, like girl dont make it seem im painfully single D:) but they're rea;;y timid but thankfully growing well !!

do i like adventure?

anything which raises my heartbeat and blood pressure in a good way? yeah, hell yeah in fact !!! but i tend to overthink, so it seems like i will in my cozy, air conditioned comfort zone for now :D

lets chat with this weirdly specific list !!!

---

Hello my love ❤️ how are you doing today? For the ask game 🤗

49: Superpower I wish I could have?

76: Do I have any pets?

164: Do I like adventure?

I hope you have a great Sunday!!

hello my dearest mindy !! im doing okay, im doing some german cramming ^^ how are you on this lovely morning/day/afternoon/evening/night?

you've aaaaasked

Superpower I wish I could have?

to be able to heal people with just words. i remember doing this speech about the power of words & i've always thought about how mere words can either pierce a person or put their pieces back together. i would like to have my words like how yoongi thoughtfully phrases his words or how taylor has this unique way of writing just enraptures people.

do i have any pets?

no, unfortunately :(( i had a kitten named draco who passed away because he was really fragile :// there's this litter of kittens from draco's mum (she has a different partner every time i see her, like girl dont make it seem im painfully single D:) but they're rea;;y timid but thankfully growing well !!

do i like adventure?

anything which raises my heartbeat and blood pressure in a good way? yeah, hell yeah in fact !!! but i tend to overthink, so it seems like i will in my cozy, air conditioned comfort zone for now :D

lets chat with this weirdly specific list !!!

---

🌺✨🎀This is the you are amazing award. Send it to bloggers you think are wonderful 🌺✨🎀

thenks mindyyyyyy🥰🥰🥰🫂🫂

---

🌺✨🎀This is the you are amazing award. Send it to bloggers you think are wonderful 🌺✨🎀

thenks mindyyyyyy🥰🥰🥰🫂🫂

---

Freeze 🛑 You’re under arrest for being so lovely. Copy this message to 10 other blogs that you think are beautiful and deserve it. Keep the game going and make others feel beautiful

*puts her hands up* this was unexpected, give me a heads up next time, mindy😭💖

---

Freeze 🛑 You’re under arrest for being so lovely. Copy this message to 10 other blogs that you think are beautiful and deserve it. Keep the game going and make others feel beautiful

*puts her hands up* this was unexpected, give me a heads up next time, mindy😭💖

---

AHHHH so jungkook’s behavior and actions, it all finally makes sense now!! i’m not surprised it’s all the king’s fault, that man is completely insane. 😖 omg that kiss jungkook and oc shared?? it was so electrifying!! and when he begged her to choose him i swear felt my heart break :(((( oc might love jimin but she enjoyed that kiss and she obviously feels something for jungkook so i’m really excited to know how this is going to turn out!! also i’m sooo glad they rescued jimin, i felt like crying every time i remembered where he was 😭 and oh my god let me go read part 4 right fricking now because that cliffhanger gave me goosebumps 🥹🥹

Fallen Arrangement || pt.3

-> As the daughter of a king, your destiny has always been to take over the throne when you become of age. You just didn't expect your father to give you the throne so soon. And you definitely didn't expect it to come with a husband.

Pairings: prince!jungkook x princess!reader, village boy!jimin x princess!reader

Genre/au: royal!au, angst, fluff, smut, drama, coming of age, forbidden romance, fake dating!au, strangers to lovers, arranged marriage!au, every over done Kdrama shit cliché you can think of but in fanfic form tbh

Wc: 22K

Warnings: Jimin is still in prison definitely traumatized and definitely injured, blood, OC is still crying a lot, the king is actually mentally insane, threats of murder and suicide, more lying and manipulation, cursing, Jungkook has a panic attack

a/n: thank you everyone for your patience while I deal with some irl stuff and worked on getting this part finished, I've been really busy so thanks for understanding 💕 This part is such a wild roller coaster, I'm just saying please prepare yourself. A lot happens.

If you are 18+ and would like to be added, feel free to comment, reblog, or send an ask or dm to be added to the taglist!! 💜

You stand there completely frozen for what seems like hours. Your father and Jungkook haven't said anything else for at least ten minutes, but even if they did you weren't sure you'd be able to hear them. All of you is numb to your surroundings.

"If I marry Jungkook," you swallow harshly, "you'll release Jimin from prison?"

"That's about it," your father chimes, giving Jungkook a nudge on the arm and wink just to stir the sickness in your stomach. When did the two of them become such good pals?

You lift your chin. "And if I refuse?"

"Jimin is hanged for his crime," your father easily replies.

Immediately your knees buckle beneath your weight and you land on all fours. Jungkook's arm enters the corner of your sight for a moment before he's pulled back by the large hand of your father, keeping the prince from assisting your frazzled and panicked state.

Just the thought of Jimin being...you could never live with yourself.

"If Jimin dies," you slowly push back to your knees, placing both hands softly on your thighs. "I die too."

"Whoa!" Jungkook springs forward, shoving your father's arms away to kneel on the ground beside you. "You can't, th-that's ridiculous. Jimin won't die, so there's no need for such drastic action. Are you listening to me? Nobody is dying."

"I agree, it's absolutely ridiculous," your father scoffs. "But my daughter knows best. I'm completely serious when I say I will end that village boy's life."

"Then you end your daughter's life too," you declare with a straight face.

Jungkook studies both you and your father in this moment, head spinning with the threats being made and the possibility of losing this arrangement for real.

Even worse…losing you. What kind of sick family dynamic is this? What exactly is he trying to marry into?

"It may not be my place but don't you think that's a little too far, Your Majesty?" Jungkook never noticed the lack of focus in the king's eyes before, like he's not really all here, but now that he's noticed it, the prince can't unsee the lack of rationality in your father's expression. For the first time since he arrived, Jungkook sees just how eerie and mentally insane this man is.

The king thinks for a moment. "You're right, Prince Jeon."

Jungkook sighs in relief and pulls you into his arms, cradling your head into his chest where you can feel he's physically trembling.

"It's not your place."

Before he can react, two massive guards grab Jungkook by the arms and rip him away from you. The prince puts up a decent fight

"Hey! Wait a second! This was never the plan!"

They drag him out the throne room doors, and the last thing you hear is Jungkook shouting your name in one last desperate cry.

The king sighs, "I don't want to have to do this but you're leaving me no choice. I will keep you under tight surveillance from morning to evening and from evening to morning. Constantly. If that's what it takes. You think your life is claustrophobic? Maintained? Controlled? That's nothing compared to the lengths I will go to keep you alive."

You slowly stand on unstable legs. You know what you have to do. Once the tears start to slow down, and you can breathe again, you approach your father, invading his personal space and consequently his right to rule over you.

"You may be my father but you don't have the right to make decisions about my life."

"What about Jimin? What gives you the right to make a decision about his life? I am his king and he is my subject, as well as my employee. If anyone has a the authority to determine his fate, it's me. Not you." He places both hands on your shoulders, basking in his height over you. "There are things at work which you don't understand, so I need you to trust me."

His words hit you like a train, similar to the ones Jungkook has been repeating to you over and over. It's always trust me about this and trust me about that, no one ever tells you anything. Exactly what is going on here!?

"If you make any move that would make me think you're not holding up your end of the deal, I will have Jimin executed immediately. Understand?"

"I never agree to your terms."

"Understand?" he repeats, fingers tightening around your shoulders, squeezing to an uncomfortable extent.

"I understand," you lie.

The king pats your arms with a happy grin and inconspicuous chuckle, "Good! I'm glad to hear you're seeing things my way."

"Am I dismissed?" you ask flatly as soon as your body is free again.

"Yes, you may leave. Thank you for your time, Your Highness."

You slowly turn and exit the throne room, the eyes of every guard on the back of your head as you make your way down the hall. They're all watching you know, probably reporting your every move back to the king. Whether you trip, sneeze, or blink. Your father will know about it from now on.

Still, you know where you need to go. You're breaking Jimin out of prison one way or another.

::

The dungeon is somehow even more dark, smelly, and wet than it was before. The atmosphere makes you sick to your stomach.

You grab one of the torches off the wall and head towards the back of the prison, tiptoeing down the stairs to where Jimin is, taking your time so you don't fall after sneaking past a very irresponsible, sleeping guard.

When you reach the bottom, you place the torch on the wall, letting its light illuminate the hellish room just enough to be able to see a small figure slumped in the corner, back arching over to protect his stomach and holding himself in obvious pain.

"Jimin!" You run to him, practically skidding across the stone ground.

The boy gasps, frantically scrambling to try and get away from you. He holds out grimy hands in front of him blocking your advances and cowering further into the wall.

"It's me," you choke with a whisper. "I'm not going to hurt you. Jimin?"

He slowly peaks above his fingers. There's an unfamiliarity in his eyes, as if he doesn't recognize the person in front of him. He stares at you for a while, making count of your blurry eyes and heartbroken expression. But he doesn't make any move to suggest he even knows who you are. He just sits there, shaking and hiding.

Oh god, you can't help but cry on your knees in front of him.

He blinks. "___? What are you doing here?"

You lift your head. "I had to see you. You…know who I am, don't you?"

"Of course, but," Jimin shakes his head and pushes you away with little strength, barely enough to nudge you, "you have to get out of here. Or they'll catch you too."

You refuse to leave, scooting closer to him on your knees and taking his hand. His skin is ice cold.

"Actually, I have something to tell you. I have a plan to get you out of here."

"Whatever they want you to do, I'm not worth it. Don't do it," he coughs, looking into your eyes shining in the dark.

"You are worth it, Jimin. And you can't convince me otherwise."

He sighs and leans his head on the wall, too tired to fight back, too tired to do anything.

"I missed you," he whispers, eyes shutting slowly.

If only you weren't royalty, if only the two of you had to run away before all of this, before Jungkook showed up, before you got roped into a forced marriage. If only you had taken that boat, the two of you might be sitting on a grassy, green hill overlooking a vast, colorful sky. But all your decisions and your hesitations led you here, to this hell. And it's not like you could have known or controlled the outcome, but you can't help the guilt that's eating you from the inside out when you look at him.

"I miss you too, Jimin."

You don't know if it's okay to kiss him after everything that has happened, but you so desperately want to gently press your lips against his again.

Carefully, you crawl around him so you can pull him into your lap, allowing him to rest against you. You tilt your head towards his and taste his lips for the first time in too long, I'm all their plump, cracked and bleeding glory.

Jimin obviously missed kissing you too. He instantly relaxes to the feeling of your lips, molding them to fit yours perfectly.

You both sigh together, warm breaths mixing in the chill, damp air of the dungeon. You run your fingers into his hair, softly and lovingly, each stroke assuring him that he's okay as long as you're here. You're going to watch over him, and you're going to get him out of this place if it's the last thing you do. Every fiber of your being belongs to this man and he belongs to you.

He wants to pull you closer but pulls back instead, grunting in pain.

"Jimin! I'm so sorry! Where does it hurt?"

"It's okay," he grunts again and clenches his side. His head falls into your lap, face towards your tummy, and he buries himself in the soft material of your dress, the comforting scent of your person. "Thank you for coming to see me."

Your hand returns to its place, coming through the tangled, crusty threads of his hair. He curls his knees into himself and, perhaps you weren't supposed to notice, but you can feel I'm crying against your tummy.

You start to shake, and can barely keep yourself from breaking down right then and there. Your fingers trace one of the scars on his chest and he hisses at your cold fingers dragging over his skin, "I never meant for..."

Jimin manages a smile and looks up at you, nose running and eyes red in the light of the torch on the wall. "I know you didn't. I didn't either. But it did, and now we have to accept what that means."

"No, Jimin, I'm not accepting anything that means you continue to get hurt because of me."

Jimin reaches up and places one hand on your cheek and you lean into it, feeling the coolness of his hand on your skin.

"Just do what you have to do. And don't worry about me. I don't want you to get hurt." His hand drops and you open your eyes to see him falling asleep on your lap.

Even after all this time. Even after everything that has happened to Jimin because of you. He doesn't want you to get hurt. How? You don't even know if you trust yourself, but if someone as wonderful as Park Jimin says he believes in you, then you can't quit now.

You fall over yourself, cupping his cheeks to hold his head in place so your lips can come back together for a brief kiss, just enough to instill a sense of calmness in his bones, just enough to successfully send him into a much needed sleep.

Jimin sighs when you pull away, rolling into you once again and cuddling impossibly close to your warmth and comfort. You just want to hold him somewhere lighter, somewhere softer.

Fuck that.

You want all of him. His present, his future, his empty pockets, his indecisiveness, his kindness, his worldview, to the very end wherever and whenever that may be. And you want him to hold you too.

"Jimin?"

"Hm."

"I'm going to get you out of here. And then," you swallow, "let's run–"

You're interrupted by loud footsteps stomping above you and rusty door being unlocked.

You look up to the ceiling with a chilling gasp, "What is that?"

Jimin pushes you away, sitting up suddenly and crouching back into his corner. "Run," he urges you. "Run! Now! And don't let them see you."

You nod as Jimin gives your hand one last squeeze. Then you grab the torch off the wall and stumble your way up the dark stairs. The footsteps are coming from the front of the prison, so you run farther towards the back.

Turning the corner and bending down to the ground, you successfully hide from the view of the nasty visitors. You peak around the corner and watch as three large men make their way down the darkened staircase...towards Jimin.

The world goes blurry, everything discombobulated and sickening. As soon as the guards are out of view, you both upstairs and throw yourself to the nearest bathroom. An hour later you continue to gag, but there's nothing left in your stomach to throw up.

::

Your face actually hurts when you finally manage to cry yourself to sleep. All your dreams are full of him, the times you spent in the open, his crushed body in your lap.

And always lurking in the background is a villain, although you can't make out their features. They're large, eyes blackened out, with a crown of spikes on their head. They threaten you mercilessly, causing your subconscious to wake itself in startle.

You shoot up in bed with a gasp, the morning sun peeking through your window as if it's a good morning. Slowly, you pull yourself out of bed and walk to the window, taking a deep breath of the fresh air.

There are people already working in the Garden. A ribbon and colorful string hung in the trees. Even more lights have been set up across the grass, making a pathway of sorts to a big stage. You could make a few guesses as to what it is for, but the first thing that comes to mind is the public date you agreed to attend with Jungkook.

After everything that's happened since then, you're not sure if you should.

Your eyes travel to the same place you had seen Jimin working before, choking when you spot Jungkook with his hand in the air, pointing to where he wants things to go, directing servants and villagers.

Oh, how he makes your blood boil. You can't stand to see his face. His stupid, arrogant, beautiful face. Yes, beautiful. You hate him but you're not blind.

You turn away from the window and cross your arms with a huff while your mind travels back to the moment in the prison, to the moment he kissed you.

So passionate, but it felt so wrong. It kills you to think that only a few days ago, you wouldn't have minded if he kissed you. In the closet. In the kitchen. At the stable. But now after everything he did to Jimin, you can't stand to think about it. It makes you physically sick.

You shiver and rub your lips with the back of your hand. Somehow that's supposed to help.

You wish Jungkook had never left his stupid country to come here in the first place. This whole arrangement is all around wrong in your opinion anyway. Arranged marriages may still be considered normal in the eyes of the older generation, but personally, you don't see the benefit of marrying someone you don't love.

The bathroom door is open so you can see a tub filled with hot water waiting inside. Your skin itches to bathe. Being locked up in that cell did not agree with your lavishly treated skin. Damn, punishments for princesses are rough.

You walk across the floor, trying to act like you don't want it, but your eyes wander, always landing on that glorious tub of water.

As soon as you enter the bathroom, you close and lock the door, as if you have to hide the fact that you're going to bathe in your own tub. Your bathrobe slips off your shoulders and onto the white tile.

You stand there. Naked, just staring at the warm, clean, beautiful bathtub.

You lift your foot and dip it in the water, an instant shiver of guilt partnered with an instant sigh of relief escapes you as you're sinking the rest of your body in the tub.

Thank god for Mrs. Barnes for always having a hot bath ready when you need it.

Your hands caress your skin as you wash yourself, making sure to clean the few scratches and bruises across your body extra well.

The water has turned almost black by the time you climb out and wrap a towel around yourself. You walk out of the bathroom and go to your closet to pick a green dress that reaches the middle of your thighs with straps that hang off your shoulders. You may look like a princess again but you don't feel like one.

It's hard to act like the royalty you are when you feel like an intruder in your own home.

You would really love to walk through the garden again to spend some time and think things through. It looks beautiful out today, and while you most likely will be monitored from a distance, there's no time like the present to start mentally working out a plan to escape with Jimin.

You look out the window to make sure Jungkook has left before you make your way outside. He is the last person you want to see right now.

The south side of the garden is decorated to the max, so you quickly make your way to the arch where you used to walk all the time, towards the opposite side. The place where you actually feel the most like at home.

The last time you were here was when you and Jungkook made the "deal". Now you can't even imagine pretending to be in love with that man. But you'll consider doing it for a time in order to keep Jimin alive, that is until you can break him out of prison. If fake dating Jungkook is what it takes to free Jimin, then that is what you will have to be willing to do.

It's been a while since you could freely walk all alone with your thoughts like this. And you really needed to. So much has happened and there's been too little time to process.

But unfortunately, your processing time doesn't last long.

You haven't been walking for long when you spot the bench where you had sat with Jungkook last time you visited the section of the garden.

Quickly, you duck behind a pillar off to the side. Last time Jungkook had a book in his hand. This time he's got his head resting in his hand and he's dragging a stick through the dirt.

"Stupid. Stupid. Stupid!" You hear him scold himself. "She'll never trust you after this."

Jungkook leans back, closing his eyes and sighing.

"You've really screwed this up, Jungkook. She thinks you're a villain."

You listen carefully, taking in every word he speaks. Actually, it's kind of cute that he talks out loud to himself.

"Maybe she'll let you start over? Probably not." He slaps himself, almost causing you to giggle but you hold it in. "You just had to tell the king, didn't you? Well, you did and now your kingdom is doomed. Your parents are doomed," he says defeated, kicking a stone on the ground like a little kid. "Even Jimin is paying the price."

Your hand slips against the piller when you start leaning in to catch his mumbles. Jungkook lifts his head and looks your way, but you duck further behind the pillar before he can see you.

"Hello?" Jungkook stands. "Is someone there?"

Don't move. Don't breathe.

"Idiot," Jungkook sighs to himself and throws his stick away.

He slowly walks away with his head hung low and his hands in his pockets, kicking rocks and weeds on his way. You wait until you hear his footsteps fade into the distance before peaking around the corner again.

He's gone.

Why should you feel sorry for the guy? He's the one who got you thrown in prison and is about to kill Jimin. You are the one who should be scolding him, although him beating himself up isn't something you're about to correct. He should be the one being punished anyway.

You let out your breath and relax. "I wish none of this had ever happened."

Oh great, now you're talking to yourself.

With a shake of your head and rub of your eyes, you drag yourself to the bench, where Jungkook was sitting, and sit down to hang your head, feeling very depressed and conflicted about everything.

When you open your eyes to stare at the dirt, you see something Jungkook must have drawn with the stick he was carrying. It's faint and somewhat scratched over, but you can make it out pretty clearly.

"The end."

What the crap does that mean? This isn't a storybook, how dare he reduce your life to a fairy tale, a work of fiction with a beginning and predictable end! Your story is not doomed and neither is Jimin.

You blink and stare at the ground harder, making sure you didn't misreadm. Then you read it a hundred more times. You keep reading it over and over and over.

If Jungkook wants to give up, then that's on him. You're not bothered by him anyway. He doesn't concern you at this point.

This doesn't change anything.

You stand and walk away.

Jungkook still did all those horrible things.

You suddenly stop walking.

Didn't he?

Perhaps Jungkook was trying to tell you something, but you weren't listening. You were too caught up in your own thoughts and Jimin and all the crap. What was it that he said again? You scrunch your nose and try to remember exactly what it was, but all you can remember are flashes of dialogue.

"I didn't throw you in here."

"You don't understand what's happening here."

"We didn't agree on that!"

Well, that didn't help. Now you're even more confused. Of course, your father is evil and Jungkook willingly confided your secret affair in him, but something still doesn't add up.

Why did Jungkook feel the need to tell your father when the two of you were getting along so well? And what exactly did he tell your father, how much does your father know? What does he know exactly that you don't?

A million questions like these run through your head until they make you dizzy. You can't stand to be in the dark anymore, it's utterly ridiculous that you be the only one who's uninformed. Starting now, you're going to find out what the hell is actually happening here. You make a straight dash towards the end of the arch, towards construction.

There's Jungkook working with some people by the stage, but you know better than to ask a puppet for answers from the puppeteer. You want to hear the truth from your father.

"Your Highness?" Jungkook tries to catch your attention as you pass him. "Where are you going?"

"Throne room!" you answer in passing, shooting him a sly look, a dare to come follow you.

You burst through the doors of the throne room and they crash into the walls on either side.

"Father," you demand, completely disregarding whoever the crap that is in royal armor checking maps and documents in the corner, "I want the truth."

You approach his table with rage in your eyes and fists at your sides. The king just sits there and gives you a confused look. He waves for the armored guy to leave, waiting to speak until you're both alone.

"What do you mean, ___?"

"I mean," you spit at him, "why did Jungkook really come here? I know this arrangement has to be more than what you're telling me. What's all this really about?"

One wrong word from your father, and you might explode. That's how on edge you feel right now.

Your father sighs and stands to his feet. Then he makes his way around the table and places his hands on your shoulders trying to calm you down like the caring adult that he is.

"You're right, there is something you don't know. But I can't tell you what it is just yet. I need you to trust me on this one and believe me when I say that I just want what's best for you. Marrying Jungkook is what's best for you."

You shake your head, shaking off his hands too. "That's not good enough. I want to know why. Tell me why."

"I can't." your father whispers apologetically.

Stupid drama making you want to cry again, oh fuck this, you're so tired of crying.

The king wraps his arms around you and pulls you into his embrace. "I know it's frustrating, but please trust me, this is the only way."

He pets your head, something your mother used to do when you were little, but it doesn't make you feel any more secure or comfortable. There is only one man on this planet that can make you feel safe in a dark room. Jimin.

"Your Highness!" Jungkook calls as he runs into the room, but then halts when he sees your father holding you.

"Ah, Prince Jeon," your father calls him in, "can you please take ___ to get some water. I think she just needs some time to calm down."

The prince doesn't reply. He just gives the king a good stare down and goes to get you. Jungkook puts his arms around your shoulder and pulls you away from the scene.

"Come on," he says softly, "Let's get some food from the kitchen, okay?"

You shake your head, pushing yourself away to stand by yourself.

"I'm fine, thank you," you say, looking away. "I'll manage on my own."

With that, you walk past Jungkook out the door, leaving the prince with a painful stare in his eyes and an unsure settling in his stomach.

He watches you as you leave, wistful eyes and a frown on his lips. You hear him sigh as the doors close behind you, and that's when you lean against the wall just outside the door, breathing softly so as not to alert them of your lingering presence.

"Why did we do that?" You hear Jungkook ask. "Why can't we just tell her already?"

You hold your breath and press your ear against the door harder to hear better. This is the conversation you wanted to be a part of at the beginning.

"Let me ask you a question," Your father replies, "do you really think that ___ is falling for you?"

You freeze. What kind of a question is that? Why does it matter if you really like him or not?

"No, I don't think she is." The prince sounds so defeated. Is he really this broken hearted over an arranged marriage?

"Have you fallen for her?"

"Undoubtedly." That doesn't make much sense considering he offered to call it off in six months if you didn't fall for him.

"Do you think you can ever make her fall for you?"

Jungkook thinks for a moment before answering quietly, "...I don't know."

"Then I just have one more question," your father replies after a moment, "should we still be going through with this arrangement? You understand the repercussions if this arrangement is called off."

Jungkook doesn't answer right away. The first thing that comes to mind is the last conversation you had with your father. If this arrangement is called off then Jimin dies.

You realize in this moment how stupid you've acted. You need this arrangement. Jimin needs this arrangement. You should have been playing along this whole time rather than trying to go up against such a high power like the king. An indirect approach would have been so much more effective than crying over something you have no power over.

You need a new strategy, one that doesn't involve your father changing his mind or thinking that you're directly challenging him. He's much too unstable for that. You need to make your father believe that you're on board with all that he wants, that you're going along with his plans while your agenda plays out in the background. That's going to be your ticket to getting Jimin free and eventually getting out of this hellish country.

Just as you start to establish this plan in your head, you hear Jungkook's answer through the door.

"Maybe...we should call off the wedding."

::

You're stopped at the top of the stairs. After overhearing that conversation between Jungkook and your father, you realize the risk to Jimin's life is bigger than ever, so you're here, to break him out. May god condemn you to hell if you don't take action.

But now that you're here...you can't move an inch.

Light is fluttering off the walls as the torch in your hand shakes along with your grip, but you can't stop shaking. All of you. Shaking like a scared little kid in the face of a big scary beast.

Terrified.

Paralyzed.

Traumatized.

What you're about to do hits you full force now that you're here about to do it. If you fail, if you mess up, everything goes to shit. Jimin could die. You both could die.

Breaking him out won't be easy either. You suspect he won't be able to walk on his own so you'll have to carry him on your back. How long can you manage his weight before collapsing? People do amazing things once adrenaline starts pumping, so you suppose you'll rely on the heat of the moment to keep you going.

As for once you're out of the castle, you have an idea of where you can go but it's not without obstacles and uncertainty. But that's just something you'll have to face. It's now or never. You will get Jimin out of there if it kills you.

If only you could move your feet.

Your chest is tight. Your knees feel much too weak. Where did all your strength go in an instance? You just blankly stare down the pathway to Jimin's cell, mind blank and body stuck in its spot as if something has you nailed to the floor.

You're in such a trance, you don't register the hands pulling on your shoulder, until your back is pressed against the cold stone wall and all the air is literally knocked out of you.

"What do you think you're doing?" a low voice suddenly rings behind you.

You whip around with a gasp, only to come face to face with a large, grimy man with greasy hair and three chins. His clothes are torn and there's a broken shackle hiding bruises on his wrist. You recognize this man is a criminal broken free of his chains, now onto you for being somewhere you're obviously not meant to be.

He stands feet above your head, so much so it takes your eyes several seconds to scale all the way up his body.

"Hello there, Your Highness. Now, you're not supposed to be here, are you?"

Technically no one is but you're here anyway. Somewhere in the back of your mind, you subconsciously assumed your royal title would keep you safe if you got caught seeing as no one has dared stand up to you in the past.

But this gumbo clearly does not give a shit about your status as he threateningly backs you into the wall, looming over you with fiery eyes.

Before you even realize what's happened, the stranger has his hand on your neck, pinning you firmly against the wall with only your tiptoes grazing the floor. He squeezes his large hand around your throat, his fingers digging into your flesh.

You try to call for help, but you can't get enough air. The sudden need for oxygen immediately makes itself apparent to you as your cheeks are flushed with blood.

You grip his arm and try to pull it away, but you're already small compared to this guy and being weakened by your anxieties doesn't help your situation any.

"My my my, you're just a little princess aren't you? I wonder how daddy would feel knowing that his daughter has been sneaking down to the dungeon behind his back?"

You choke and gag, desperate to breathe, nails sink into his arm but it doesn't deter the man's grip on your neck.

"I've been down here for three years, innocent, all that time to plan my revenge." He leans in close to your face, an eerie whisper breathing toxic stenches into your nose. "Understand?"

The man throws you to the ground, allowing you just enough time to suck in a breath before he's coming after you again with personal vengeance.

"Your father will rue the day he ever touched my family!"

"I don't know what you're talking about!" you frantically gasp, scurrying across the floor to get away by any means possible.

"Lies!" the man shouts. "That bastard killed my daughter," he reaches for your ankle, "so I'm gonna kill his."

In an instance of self-defense, your foot kicks his hand away, crushing his finger in the process and he grunts in pain when he's knocked back slightly.

The suspense of his glare sends goosebumps across your skin. Despite growing up in the spotlight, you've never felt legitimately scared for your life. Until now.

"I'll give you anything you want," you bargain in desperation, "anything!"

The man grits his teeth and stomps after you, the stones beneath your ass shaking almost as much as you. More than just revenge in the man's eyes, there's regret and loss and depression glazed over his pupil so heavily you can't see any sense of reason or honor left.

"I want my daughter back," he growls.

His hand grips your ankle, this time overpowering your kicking and fighting with much effort. Your body is dragged across the stone, kicking and screaming for your actual life. There's no telling how he'll end you, but it's very clear this victim of your father's hand is going to kill you.

You're flipped on your stomach, nails breaking on the dirty rock as they skidd in perfect harmony with your shriek.

"Help me!!"

Thud!

All of sudden, his grip releases and he falls to the ground unconscious, eyes rolled back, head twitching.

You're not sure of much except that your ankle is free, so you start crawling. Crawling and crying and gasping, the world is starting to blur, adrenaline shots of survival still rushing through your veins and the deafening sound of your heartbeat in your ears.

"___!"

Footsteps follow you, urgently shuffling closer. When you reach the wall, there's nowhere left to go, so you huddle close to the corner, pulling your knees to your chest.

"___, it's me," a softer voice says as it approaches you.

Gentle hands cup your face, fingers brushing the tangled hair from your eyes as your body goes into full blown panic, unresponsive to the person now pulling you into their lap.

The shock of it all becomes apparent a moment later, your eyes closing on their own from exhaustion and your brain blocking reality the only way it can in the moment. By making you faint.

"Hey, stay with me, ___. We need to get out of here. Okay?"

Every breath you take burns your throat to a crisp, chest hot and achy every time you attempt to breathe.

One arm slips under your legs and the other behind your back.

"Don't worry, I got you. It's gonna be okay. Just stay with me."

Your head falls against their solid chest mere seconds before the world fades to black.

::

When consciousness returns, you're in a large bed tucked in with clean, white sheets. The room is also pure white, causing you to blink a few times just to adjust to the light coming through the window. Perhaps you would have slept longer had the lighting been controlled.

It's so plain in here, nothing overly stimulating. No paintings or pictures. The only door is on the far side of the room, leading out into the hallway. You've been changed into some pajamas and your hair is braided back out of your face.

There's a lady dressed in a blue dress and a white coat preparing a glass of water in the adjacent sink. You slowly sit up in bed, nodding in gratitude for the water when she hands it to you.

"Mrs. Barnes?"

"Hello, Your Highness," she speaks softly, kindly so as not to alarm your sensitive state.

"What happened?" you ask.

"Your schedule has been cleared for the day, so don't need to worry about anything. Prince Jeon said he would take care of everything. Please just relax. You're safe."

Not that she answered your question, but you weren't concerned at all about what might have been on your schedule.

"That man," you whisper as if speaking of attempted murder is taboo, "is he…?"

Mrs. Barnes sits on the edge of your bed, her hand lightly resting over yours. "He won't hurt you, Your Highness, I promise."

The scariest part is most likely what happened to whoever that was and the grudge he held against the royal family. His words haunt you. Losing a family member is hard, you know from personal experience. But to lose your daughter and then be locked away for, according to his accusations, something you didn't do? You would want revenge too.

There's no telling what his true story is. Most likely you'll never know. But the experience did bring a few things to light, mainly that your suspicions surrounding your father have been confirmed, without a doubt. Not only is he mistreating you, he's got his hands on the people of this kingdom too.

You gratefully take a sip of the water and it definitely helps your throat a little bit. "I didn't realize you are a nurse, Mrs. Barnes."

"I've been trained to take care of you no matter the situation," she says humbly. "I am capable and willing to be whatever you need me to be, Your Highness. Anytime. Just speak the request, I mean that."

You feel like there's an additional layer to her words of which you don't understand at this current moment. But they may be important in the future.

Out comes a deep breath you didn't realize you were holding, allowing your lungs to finally deflate, and with it your chin starts to tremble violently. Yes, you're safe now. But your body is still processing the trauma and coming out of the scary situation.

Mrs. Barnes is not your mother. But when she hugs you, it feels motherly. Her hand gently caresses your hair, soft hushes and warm words of comfort help you last until the end of your sobs.

And when all of your tears are dry and your water is finished, you gently fall back asleep to the sound of Mrs. Barnes shutting the blinds and darkening the room so you can get some proper sleep.

::

There's no telling what time it is when you return to reality. But your head definitely feels better. You can sit up at least. The pain in your throat isn't nearly as bad now either.

Everything seems to be the same as when you fell asleep except for a necklace that hangs just to the top of your chest. It has a small red button. Guess you didn't notice it before, but in your defense, you were processing almost being murdered.

What does it do though?

You look around one more time before pressing it.

Nothing. Huh.

You shrug and decide that you could really use a meal and some fresh air to help normalize your day somewhat. Your mind has calmed thankfully, even though your body still feels weak. Food would probably be a good idea.

You swing your legs around and notice your ankle has been wrapped up in bandages. When you move it, there feels to be a cast-like mold on the inside of the bandage. It is a little sore, but you're not too worried. People in the castle always go overboard for your physical safety.

One step and your ankle buckles under the shooting pain, crumbling underneath your weight as you literally fall to the floor with a painful hiss.

"Shit, that hurts," you curse to yourself, holding your ankle.

All of a sudden, the door bursts open.

"___!" Jungkook exclaims as he runs to you.

"Huh?" Your eyes close and you suppress a groan when another wave of pain hits you.

"Here, I got you." Jungkook takes your arm and wraps it around his neck, easily lifting you bridal style and placing you back in the bed. "Are you okay? What were you doing?"

"I was just hungry," you say innocently.

Jungkook tilts his head, looking at the necklace and then back at you.

"Oh," you say, taking hold of the red button, "I didn't know what it did, so I pressed it."

"You didn't know what the strange, red button around your neck did...so you pressed it?"

His face makes you irritated.

You scoff, "Well, I didn't think you would break down the door running like some wild man."

Jungkook chuckles at the imagery, relieved you're not seriously in trouble. "Well, they said you should wear it from now on. The castle apparently isn't safe anymore. When you press it," he pulls out a small necklace from inside his shirt and dangles it in the air, "I get the message that you're in trouble."

You watch as he tucks the necklace back in his shirt, eyeing the nice way his top flows loose and comfortable on his body.

"Does it work both ways? If you're in trouble, can you call for me too?"

"Yeah, but don't worry about me. Just please promise me that if you ever feel stuck or in danger, you'll use it. I know we're not on the greatest of terms right now, but the thought of you being seriously hurt makes me, I just, I don't know what I would do with myself if–

"Okay."

Jungkook blinks. "Wait, what?"

"I said okay. I'll call you."

"Oh," he clears his throat, eyes glancing from your chest back to your eyes. "I thought I would have to convince you."

"I know it may not seem like it, but I know I'm not invincible," you shake your head, "and after today, it's probably wise to always have someone ready to help me. Like you said, the castle isn't necessarily safe anymore."

You offer a small smile, and that's when Jungkook's smile grows about ten times bigger. No, you're not on the best terms but this is a lesson to accept help when you need it and appreciate protection, even if it hurts your pride. And clearly your agreement has provided some much needed relief for Jungkook.

"I'll never let anything happen to you again, ___. Sorry, I mean, Your Highness." He lowers his head and bows respectfully, like a proper body guard. It's kinda…odd.

Oh right, you told him not to call you by name anymore.

"Your Highness? Are you okay? You look a little warm." His hand goes out to feel your cheek, his knuckles gently pressing to your skin to measure the heat of your face.

"I'm fine. But I would like to get some food."

"Of course!" Jungkook immediately springs into action, frantically looking around, "I'll call for the nurse and she can run over to the kitchen -- oh wait, there may not be a chef on duty at this time. Umm, I can ask for--"

"Jungkook," you interrupt him and he freezes, "I'd rather just go to the kitchen myself."

Jungkook pauses for a moment before speaking, opting to do what you prefer rather than what he's most likely been told to do. "Absolutely, Your Highness. Whatever you say. I'm here for you."

You swing your legs over the edge of the bed and immediately halt. There's no way you're walking on your own, not with this ankle. You hope it's just sprained but it feels worse than that right now.

"Umm…"

Jungkook's mind finally clicks with the realization of the situation. "Would you like me to…I mean, I don't mind."

You really would rather not. Maybe you can just, like, hop to the kitchen? But when your stomach rumbles in hunger, you know there's not really another choice.

"Okay. Thank you."

Jungkook kneels with his back turned to you, arms at the ready and head bent forward. You allow your weight to fall over his back, arms around his shoulders and face beside his cheek. He slides his hands under your thighs and lifts you fully onto his back with ease, bouncing you to make sure he has a secure hold on you.

"Ready?"

"Sure."

His hands are warm on your legs, such a broad back, you can just lean against him without having to put in any effort to hold yourself upright.

A few veins in his arms have popped out, but he continues as if you weigh nothing. He tries to walk evenly so as not to make you any more uncomfortable. You think that's sweet of him.

As you pass the mirror above the sink, you catch a glimpse of yourself and the deep purple bruises around your neck in the shape of thick, violent fingers. A flash of white attacks your vision for a split second and you tighten your arms around his shoulders, hiding your face in the material of his shirt.

"You okay?"

"Mhm." You nod into his shoulder, nuzzling against the subtle, calming scent of clean laundry and rain.

His heartbeat is prominent and deeply soothing through his back, your breathing automatically matching his steady pace. His hair smells like vanilla which you didn't know but damn that's nice.

Hold up!

This is the same man that did so much that hurt you and Jimin, the same man who literally kissed you without permission in a prison cell. You can't be feeling these things, how despicable! Think about how you're going to get Jimin out of prison instead, that's much more important.

The two of you are silent the whole way to the kitchen.

"Hello?" Jungkook calls as he pushes the door open with his elbow.

You perk up at the sound of his voice, peeling your eyes open when your stomach grumbles yet again. Somehow, you had become too relaxed while he was carrying you on his back. How could you not though? His heart beating, his warmth seeping through his amazingly soft shirt, not to mention how weightless you feel being supported by his strong arms.

"Is anyone here?"

Jungkook takes a gander around the kitchen but the place is completely empty.

He turns his head to the side to see you perched on his back. "Do you mind if I put you down for a moment?"

All of sudden, you don't want him to put you down. "Yeah, sure."

Jungkook turns his back to the counter so you can slide off his back and sit on the edge, legs swinging in the air. He makes sure you won't fall before stepping away, checking the other room and pantries for any signs of life.

"Hello?" he calls a little louder. Before long, Jungkook returns and shrugs. "I don't think anyone is here."

"That's okay, I'll just make something," you say and start to shimmy off the counter.

Jungkook quickly puts his hands up, making you freeze. "No! Uh…I can cook something. Whatever you want, just name it. You shouldn't be walking right now anyway."

You already know that Jungkook can cook. He's cooked for you before, but for some reason, now it feels a little weird to have him serve you. He seems awfully eager though.

"Are you sure?"

Jungkook nods quickly. "Of course. It's the very least I can do after how I treated you."

Is he talking about the kiss? Or maybe throwing you in prison? Or maybe secretly conspiring with your father behind your back?

"Okay," you nod, settling in your spot to wait for food. "Thank you."

"Before I do though, can I say something?" He starts to step towards you, but stops when he sees your eyes widen uncomfortably. That's when he quickly drops to his knees, head to the floor in shame and regret.

"I'm sorry. And I know that doesn't erase what I did and it doesn't fix any of the shit I've caused, but I really am. Dreadfully sorry. About everything. I failed you and Jimin and I acted completely out of line. It wasn't my place to get involved and I should never have told about your relationship when you were so kind as to confide in me. It was wrong and I beg your forgiveness, Your Highness, if that's even attainable."

You're taken back at first by the suddenness of his actions but understand he's profusely apologizing, granted a little late, but you appreciate it.

"Thank you."

Jungkook looks up at you, smiling with a sigh. You remember his smile resembling a bunny, so maybe that's kinda cute.

"I would like you to explain something to me though."

Jungkook slowly raises himself back up to his feet, nodding at your every word. "I'll tell you anything, Your Highness. You'll hear nothing but honesty from me from this moment forward."

"Then tell me," you speak up a little, "are you still pretending?"

"Pretending what?"

"Do you actually love me?"

"I--" Now Jungkook is the one taken back. He sighs, a prominent blush on his cheeks. "Yes."

"Yes, what? Yes, you're pretending, or yes, you lo--"

"No!" Jungkook says quickly.

You both stop.

Jungkook sighs and rubs the back of his neck, looking around nervously before stepping closer to you, his voice dropping to a pleasant bass.

"There are some things you don't know, and you're not technically supposed to know them, according to your father. But I'm going to tell you, because your father is an asshole and I've realized whose side I should have been on from the beginning."

You nod to let him continue.

He seems legitimately afraid, but overall his expression reflects that of a person who is overwhelmingly determined.

"My kingdom is dying. We're in a really fragile place, it would take a miracle to stay above ground or enemies are going to come from every direction. Your father offered to save us, but in return he wanted our kingdoms to be united through marriage, so his daughter could be the rightful inheritor of both kingdoms. If our marriage fails, my kingdom fails. Everything that my family has – that our people have – is riding on this arrangement. I'm the only son and the only heir, so I'm the last chance at saving everything. I didn't come here with the intention of falling in love with you but I was hoping we would at least, you know, like each other...but you were already in love with Jimin," Jungkook clears his throat after saying Jimin's name.

You shuffled in your seat. Little does Jungkook know that you are still in love with Jimin now.

"Every time you mentioned him, it hurt and, I admit, I felt a little depressed. I know that this marriage isn't just for us, that a lot of good is going to come out of it, but because you didn't know any of that, you weren't seeing it the same way I was. You have to understand, I was told you couldn't know, that if I told you, everything your father promised would be nullified. After you and Jimin ended things, I thought I finally stood a chance. But you were going to run back to him again and I couldn't let that happen. I couldn't lose you, you're too important. For the sake of my kingdom and because I…I had started to really care about you."

Your expression has softened hearing this brand new side to things, points of view and circumstances you were completely blind to this whole time.

"I know I treated you like shit and it was wrong of me to be so selfish. It just made me so mad that you thought of Jimin like he deserved the world when I'm the one on the verge of losing everything. I got so upset that I went to your father and told him all that I knew about Jimin. I know, it was childish and stupid, and I deeply regret it."

Jungkook closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before continuing, brow furrowed and hands sweating at his sides.

"I thought he would just lock you in your room or something. Or maybe he would, I don't know, forbid you from seeing Jimin? I never imagined he would throw his own daughter or an otherwise innocent village boy in prison. Honestly, I begged to let you go but your father said it was for the best. I knew he was wrong, but there was nothing I could do. And then when he moved Jimin into...that other room. I knew that things were really out of hand. I realized I had played into the hands of a manipulative parent and king. No offense but your father is actually destructive and insane."

Yeah, you already knew that. But it's good to hear confirmation that Jungkook has realized it for himself as well. His comment results in a small shared smile, perhaps the first honest connection you've shared with the prince.

Tears start to form in your eyes at the mention of Jimin still being trapped there, but you hold your breath and wait for Jungkook to finish.

"When your father called you for that meeting to sign the marriage license, please know that was never a part of our plan and I never agreed to forcing you into anything."

You blink a few times. One or two tears escape, and you can tell Jungkook noticed. But he keeps going.

"Later your father told me to go to Jimin, and tell him you had signed the marriage license even though you didn't. He thought that if Jimin gave up on you that maybe you would be more willing to actually sign it. I'm not sure what I was planning to actually tell him when I went down there, but then I found you being attacked by that criminal and I just...snapped."

You nod and wipe away the tears that have fallen.

Jungkook takes a few steps towards you after finishing his story. "Are you mad at me?"

You just need a second to take all of it in. Everything Jungkook just told you. Jimin. Your father. All of it is so messed up. It makes your head and heart hurt.

"A little bit. I'm mad at everything right now. But I understand you better now. So, thank you for your honesty."

Jungkook sighs, "Do you forgive me?"

"Thank you for explaining everything to me." Jungkook's shoulders fall and his heart rate starts to slow down a little at last. "I know now that it wasn't your sole intention to hurt me or Jimin…but you have to give me time to completely forgive you."

Jungkook carefully places his hands on the counter on either side of you, bowing his head humbly and licking his lips. "I'm just grateful you're willing to listen to me. I did look pretty suspicious didn't I?"

You crack a small smile and look up at him. "Yeah, you did. But I understand that you're a victim of my father too, as is everyone I'm discovering."

You both just pause and take a few deep breaths, staring at each other. There was something else going here, something your father had planned that neither of you knew about. But for the moment, it's kinda nice to just have some things explained, even if all your questions are not completely answered. Jungkook was honest and open, and you really appreciate that.

"You know...that guy I baked a cake with..."

"Yeah?" Jungkook replies when you pause. He inhales very softly as he looks deep into your eyes.

"I liked that guy. He knew how to make me feel better. Kinda wish I could see him again," you confess.

Jungkook swallows. "Will you give me a second chance to be him again?"

"Are you gonna change on me again?"

"Never. I promise to be the kind of man you deserve."

You slowly smile. "I'm happy to be on the same side."

"Me too.

Your smile turns serious. "There's just one thing."

"What is it?"

"My father still has Jimin. And I won't let him die."

"Okay, what do we do?" Jungkook responds, openly implying that he intends to be a part of whatever plan is executed on behalf of Jimin's rescue.

You lift your chin, straightening your back in determination and command. "I'll do whatever I have to."

"How can I help you? Direct me, Your Highness."

"I've already started making a plan," you explain, taking note of the way Jungkook eagerly leans in to listen. "Firstly, I think you should stay close to my father."

"You want me to be your intel." The prince catches on quickly, or maybe he had a similar idea.

"Exactly. It's a long way around but let's continue pretending as if we're going to be lovers. Every move we make will have to be calculated from here on out. I'm not taking any more random chances. Jimin will be rescued."

Jungkook seems to be on board with everything you say now. He nods along to your plan, throwing in a comment here or there that eventually builds a decent discussion on the best way to go about fooling your father.

He ends up cooking a simple dish while you discuss different options and plans for breaking Jimin out of the dungeon. The prince had some other very logical suggestions, including using your necklaces as communication tools, and by the end of your meal, you already felt more confident about his character.

It felt as if you were speaking to the real Jungkook for the very first time, and you felt strangely at peace in his presence, supported and encouraged which you haven't felt since your break up with Jimin.

"We should get you back to Mrs. Barnes," Jungkook says as he places the empty dishes in the sink. "She'll be worried if you're gone for too long."

"Aren't you gonna wash those?"

The prince pauses. "What do you mean?"

You point at the dirty dishes in the sink beside where you sit on the counter. "If your mom taught you to cook, I'm sure she taught you how to clean."

Jungkook looks between you and the pile of plates and chuckles, rolling up his sleeves. "You're gonna make a great queen."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because you're so bossy."

You gasp and swat at Jungkook's arm. "How dare you?" But you're honestly laughing for the first time in a long time.

Jungkook grabs a washcloth from the shelf and turns on the water. He shoots a long squirt of soap into the sink as it fills with bubbles, dropping the dishes into the water one by one.

There are those veins again, subtly popping under the smooth skin of his forearms when he washes your bowl, the bubbles sticking to his body, tempting you to reach over and pop them.

When he rings the washcloth out, the water splashes onto his shirt and your leg.

"Hey!" you giggle, drying your leg with your hand.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Your Highness," Jungkook smiles mischievously. "I meant to do this."

His bubble covered finger pokes your arm, leaving a clean spot of happy bubbles on your skin. Innocent, but clearly this is a call for war.

Quickly, you dip your hand in the wash water and flick your fingers at Jungkook, spraying bubbles and water as he ducks to avoid your attack.

"Oh, you've done it now, Princess."

The prince rolls up the washcloth and flings it in your direction, dirty water violently spraying you down from head to toe. He does so again, his feet quick, ready to run if you choose to counter his attack.

"Ah! Jungkook-ah! Stop! I can't even run away!" you barely get the words out from how hard you're laughing. Your hands go up and your head shakes until your hair has completely fallen out and is sticking to the sides of your face due to the soapy water.

A few more attacks and Jungkook drops the cloth back in the sink, continuing to wash the dishes as if nothing happened.

You stare at his not-so-hidden bunny smile. "Yeah, okay, act innocent if you want. I know the truth."

He glances at you. "Who's acting? You're the one that's supposed to convince your father you're falling in love with me. I'm just washing dishes."

You point your finger at his nose, but then your hand falls into your lap. "That's different. And besides, I haven't really gotten a chance to yet."

"What about the date?"

You flinch slightly when he brings that up.

Oh yeah, the public date you and Jungkook are supposed to go on. If you remember correctly, Jungkook was actually in charge of setting that up. You also remember seeing a stage of some sort being built in the garden for whatever purpose, something you won't be thrilled about most likely.

"The date is a good place to start," Jungkook says nonchalantly, "since everyone will be watching and, you know, the other thing..."

"What other thing?"

He rolls his lips. Silence.

"Jungkook," you say his name carefully but there's authority in it too, "is there something I should know about the date?"

The boy blushes and it's so freaking obvious. "Yes...but I'm nervous to tell you."

"You promised to be honest."

His shoulders tense up, but his hands are continuing just washing the dishes, buying as much time as he possibly can.

"I command you to tell me immediately."

Jungkook looks at you, shoulders drooping. "You can't command me. I'm the Prince."

"Uh this is my future kingdom and you're in my land, so yes, I can."

"Uh sorry, Your Highness, but you're marrying me, which means I'll be King."

"Uh sorry, Prince, but if you've read the fine print on our contract, it says we will co-rule the kingdom. And as your wife, you have to do what I say."

Jungkook throws his head back and laughs like the little kid he is inside. "Does this mean you're coming to terms with the marriage?"

"No," you say, crossing your arms, "I'm just stating the facts. Tell me what's happening at the date."

"I'm embarrassed," Jungkook admits with a sigh, finishing washing the last dish before he speaks again. He places it in the drainer and dries his hands while leaning against the counter. "Your father is having me build a stage for a public audience."

"Yeah, I think I saw that. Why?"

The prince looks at you and swallows harshly. "Our first kiss."

::

You just stare at the boy sitting with you on your bed, criss cross while your ankle rests on a pillow on his knee.

"Our first what?"

Jungkook massages your other foot, trying to keep you as relaxed as possible while he explains this less than preferable situation.

"Your father asked me if I had kissed you yet, and I told him no--"

"You lied," you remind him harshly.

"I know, and I am deeply sorry I acted out of character; it was completely wrong, no excuses. I can never make up for what I did in a thousand years time."

"Then why did you do it?"

"Like I said, no excuses. Whatever my reason, it wasn't right."

Well, you appreciate his apology and honesty, but it's frustrating that he doesn't feel the need to explain his actions to you. It sounds like he's trying to apologize without an explanation to your hurt and what happened.

You simply sigh, "Jungkook, I was in a bad place at a bad time and I was scared. I needed you on my side but then you came at me from nowhere and kissed me of all things. I was as confused as I was upset."

Jungkook lowers his head in shame. He doesn't have a response because what he did is inexcusable, but eventually perhaps not unforgivable.

To be honest, there were a few times before then that you wouldn't have minded if he kissed you.

Wow, did you just mentally admit that to yourself?

But as you said before, several of those memories are just painful to think about now, especially since you discovered Jungkook wasn't being himself during any of it.

"Tell me about this date." You decide it's best to get back on topic. "What exactly is going to happen before, leading up to the kiss."

"Wait," Jungkook blinks, "does that mean you're willing to go through with the kiss?" He raises his eyebrows in shock, definitely not expecting you to agree at all, let alone so quickly.

Are you? Last time you checked this guy kissed you without asking at the worst moment.

But he also saved you from that criminal, and agreed to help you save Jimin, and carried you, and fed you, and apologized on his hands and knees, and – okay, if you think about it, he's done some nice things. You appreciate him telling you everything and finally giving you some answers as well. It's definitely helped you process if not anything else.

You could still refuse though. You have every right and Jungkook would have to understand.

But would your father? No. He would punish you for going back on your word. Or worse…he would punish Jimin to get to you. It kills you inside to know that he still has some kind of control over you, even with all this new knowledge you have obtained and with Jungkook officially on your side. But you'll never be fully free of your father's power until Jimin is released and Jungkook's parents are no longer under threat of being abandoned.

You bite your lip, choosing your next words carefully. "I'll do it. Under two conditions."

"This is your call."

You look him dead in the eye. "One. I want to know the minute it's happening. No surprises. I want to know everything you have planned for this date. From now on, we tell each other everything. It's you and me against everyone else--"

"Deal."

You put up your hand to tell Jungkook to wait. "Two. Jimin doesn't see this. He doesn't hear about it. He doesn't know about it. To his knowledge, you never touched me. You still help me save him, and he never, never knows we kissed."

Jungkook pauses for only a split second before nodding. "I'll do everything in my power to keep him in the dark."

Now that he's agreed to your conditions – not that he was necessarily in a place to reject them – but it does make you feel better about the whole thing.

Knock knock~

Jungkook springs into action, stuffing your legs under the blankets, and putting himself between you and the door, hand held out behind him defensively.

You gently reach out and touch his hand. He looks down, and then at your relaxed expression.

"Come in," you call.

"Your Highness," Sami practically cries when the door opens and he appears in the doorway, "are you healing well?"

You sigh, actually relieved to see the butler for once. "Yes, Sami. I am okay, just a little shaken up. Prince Jeon got me food earlier so I'm doing better."

Sami seems visibly relieved, hand pressed to his heart as he takes deep, filling breaths. "Thank goodness. I was so worried, Your Highness. Rest assured, that criminal has been punished accordingly."

You hate to think of what your father did to that man. Perhaps he deserved it, but you can't help but be haunted by his words. That man was clearly wronged by your father in some way, whether he deserved it or not. As you reflect on the situation, you realize there has to be more people out there who have been hurt by your father, abused or wronged. You promise yourself when you become queen, those people will be found and justified.

"Thank you, Sami."

"Also," the butler informs you, "your father would like to speak with both of you, whenever you feel up to visiting the throne room. He says he wishes he could come to you in person but unfortunately he's preoccupied at the moment."

Of course, he is.

You and the prince exchange looks. "Both of us?"

::

The throne room doors are opened so Jungkook can easily enter with you on his back. Yes, this is slightly very inappropriate to be entering an audience with the king on the back of a prince who is supposed to be your fiancé.

But also you father threw your love in prison, tried to force your engagement with a stranger, blackmailed Jungkook, threw you in prison, and has been terrorizing the people of this kingdom behind your back.

So fuck him.

You hate to seem needy, but Jungkook insisted you stay off your foot for at least the rest of the day in order to let your ankle start the healing process. Turns out you definitely sprained it. Bad.

Surprisingly, the king actually stands up and rushes to assist the prince. "Ah, my daughter! Are you okay?"

Instinctively, your limbs tighten around Jungkook's body. You're worried he may be embarrassed or taken aback (because to be honest you were too a little bit), but you feel his hands tighten around your thighs when your father gets closer, signifying he's also hesitant to let your father near you.

That makes you feel better. Little things like this help you come to terms with the fact that Jungkook is on your side now and he's not lying to get to you or because your father is trying to use him for his own benefit.

"Here, come sit down, ___." Your father leads you to a chair pulled out from his map table and gently helps you sit down. Jungkook stands behind you, his hands resting on the back of the chair.

The king sits in a chair opposite you, leaning on his elbows so he can show you how concerned he is.

"It has come to my attention that since the proclamation of your wedding and coronation, there are a growing number of people at our doorstep and inside our walls that wish to cause you harm."

No, dumbass, they want revenge on you for all the wretched pain you've caused to this kingdom apparently, and they'll enact their revenge through any means necessary, including targeting your daughter.

"And so, that is why I have made a decision. A decision that is for your own safety and I expect you to respect me and do as I say."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Even though you desperately want to disobey, you know you don't have enough political or royal power to overthrow the king's orders right now. You'll have to lay low, play along, and keep your eyes down until you and Jungkook can execute your plan.

"I've made the arrangements for you to stay with Jungkook from now on."

The pleasant, neutral smile on your lips falls in a matter of seconds, eyes widening in shock. Your chair jerks beneath you when the prince reacts to the news as well. He must not have been previously informed of this. It's clear your father is making moves on his own now. He's relying less and less on Jungkook's trust and willingness. You'll have to be careful not to play into his suspicions that Jungkook is now on your side.

While you try to keep cool in the face of your father's obvious attempt to get a reaction, the prince is speaking up, "Your Majesty, if I may--"

"No, you may not, Prince Jeon. This is for my daughter's sake. I will not see another incident like this repeat. You two are to be wed! Learn to get along in the same living quarters. This will be good for you two, trust me, and I expect you to protect my daughter with your life. Are we clear?"

You reach behind yourself and lightly brush his leg, indicating not to oppose the king at this time. Jungkook reaches down and meets your hand before simply bowing in respect.

"Of course, I will risk my life before any harm comes to her."

You desperately want to tell the king off, or better yet push him off. A cliff. You can take care of yourself, damn it, you're already stronger and smarter and more prepared than you were even a week ago. You're all grown up now obviously.

"You look like you have something you want to say, ___," he comments with a smug, turning his attention to you.

You shake your head. "I will be safe with Jungkook."

Not that you want to switch rooms, but there really is no rationalizing with your father at this point. Right now, you need to focus on freeing Jimin. You can worry about Jungkook later.

He seems so happy about your response. "Oh, thank goodness! I'm so glad to hear you say that. I already had Mrs. Barnes begin moving you and Jungkook into a master bedroom in the left wing."

That was fast, but you suppose your father anticipated your inability to argue at this moment in time, so he took the liberty to go behind your back. Again.

You nod and give the best smile that you can, unable to see Jungkook behind you, but he must be playing off a better smile than you are based on the playful look your father gives.

After the king dismisses the two of you, Jungkook helps you onto his back and exits the main hall.

You should have anticipated this kind of awkwardness.

"I umm," Jungkook clears his throat, "I didn't know--"

"Me neither, Jungkook, it's okay though. This is playing along. This is what we have to do for right now," you assure him and partially yourself. "Ready to go see the room?"

"Sounds good. I actually think a nap would be nice right about now."

"A nap sounds great actually," you sound exhausted, even Jungkook notices the strain in your voice. "Let's go."

::

Your previous bedroom was quite large. Enough space for a walk-in closet, a king-sized bed, two sofas, a vanity, an extra large dresser, a bay window with perfect natural lighting, a chandelier, a working fireplace, and a three-way full body changing mirror with a platform.

This new bedroom you're going to share with Jungkook is…

"This is...nice." The prince nods, biting his tongue to refrain from commenting on his real thoughts.

A single bed stretches into the middle of the room, drab sheets and a grey comforter. The walls are white, obnoxiously white. There are two identical closets and a bathroom with two identical sinks. One shower. No windows.

Jungkook carries you past the threshold and sits you on the bed.

Oh good lord above sending miracle, cloud-like comfort. At least the bed is lovelier than the decor.

"Oh…my…god." You fall back, plopping on the mattress with shut eyes and arms making sheet angels. "Jungkook, you have to feel this bed. It's like heaven."

The prince, who was checking out the bathroom, crawls onto the bed and spreads out next to you, immediately sighing in pleasure.

"I never want to leave this bed for as long as I live. I can rule a country from here," you say, both turning your heads to see each other and giggle.

"Fuck, good, because I don't think I can actually get off this bed even if I tried."

You gasp, "That is not the language of a prince, sir."

Jungkook gasps back at you and then it morphs into a deep chuckle, "It's just us, can't we at least be comfortable when we're alone? To be honest, it'll be easier to convince your father we're falling in love if we actually trust each other." He props up on his elbow, laying on his side facing you. "You can curse around me, I don't mind."

"Seriously?" You mimic his position on the bed, fingers pinching at the comforter. "As royals, we're not supposed to. You know, for our appearances."

He shrugs and rolls into his stomach. "Yeah, I know, but it's tiring having to control your language when you're around others. When you're with me, just speak comfortably. I would prefer that."

It's like a massive weight falls off your shoulders. This proposal of extensive and complete casualty between the two of you feels way more genuine than seeing him on one knee.

You also roll to your stomach, landing shoulder to shoulder with him. "I'd like that too. The fewer expectations we have for each other, the more we can trust each other, the easier we can work together to save Jimin and your parents."

"My parents?" Jungkook repeats, softened eyes peering into your determined ones.

You see his eyelids flutter at the mention of his family. It's obvious how much he deeply cares for them.

"It's unfair for my father to put such a condition as marriage in front of a promise to help your kingdom when we have the resources, I know we do. You shouldn't have to marry me just to take care of your parents. First, we rescue Jimin. And then we take down my father and save your kingdom." You offer him your hand, the first time you have since he lost all redeeming character in your eyes. Slowly, little by little, he's earning some of it back. "Deal?"

Jungkook just stares at you for a moment, studying each distinct feature of your face, the speckles of gold in your eyes, the scar on your cheek that matches his, the freckles on your forehead, the tip of your nose.

Your lips.

He presses a light kiss to the back of your hand, maintaining contact with your skin for two seconds longer than you were expecting, but you don't mind so much. His lips are soft, genuinely touched by your promise to help save his kingdom.

"Deal."

He holds onto your hand for a time, smiling at you when you get shy and look away. You feel oddly at peace talking to him, like nothing you've felt before. What do you even call this? The way he looks at you like he just gets it, everything you're feeling, everything you've felt.

You feel understood. And what's more, you're starting to understand Jungkook a lot better than you were anticipating. You don't think you've ever met someone you have this much in common with, including Jimin.

Knock knock knock~

"Yes?" Jungkook grumbles, and you smile at his un-princely way of responding.

Sami's voice speaks through the door but he doesn't enter. "Prince Jeon, you are requested on the garden grounds."

You can hear the audible sound of Jungkook's heart breaking as he pushes off the bed with a sigh.

"Be there in a moment, thank you."

You sit up as well and watch him straighten his jacket and brush his fingers through his hair. He leans in close to the vanity mirror and checks his teeth, slapping himself a few times, not solely to make you giggle but he did in fact do that.

"I guess a nap will have to wait." He looks over his shoulder at you. "Will you be okay without help for the rest of the day?"

You nod and give him a small smile. "I'll be okay. I'm just scheduled to catch up on my studies."

"Alright. Press your necklace if you need me and I'll come running." He winks at you before leaving, your heart jumping inside your chest unexpectedly.

You can decipher what the heck that meant later. For now, a nap before study time.

::

You sleepily thank Mrs. Barnes as she closes your door for the night, books sprawled across the floor because you have no desk to study on anymore. Running tired hands through your hair is all the relief you can get outside of sleep. You are gifted with new silk pajamas which are nice, so you put those on and slip into bed.

Bed.

Singular.

As in one.

Goosebumps roam your skin at the thought of Jungkook sleeping next to you. Not that you suspect him anymore; he's explained his side of the story, apologized for his mistakes, and is helping you free Jimin now. Slowly but surely, he is redeeming himself, and you feel like you're seeing more of the real him now.

Jungkook in your bed shouldn't scare you, right? After everything he's doing for you and how many times he's saved you. He wouldn't do you any harm anyway, like he said, you're too important.

Then again…

Okay, it's just the thought of sleeping next to someone who is not Jimin. That's all.

Then again…

After you think about it though, it's not like he's going to be touching you. The bed is huge, and there is definitely enough room for both of you without either of you having to touch in any way. That's okay, right? As long as he doesn't touch you.

The knock at your door startles you out of your thoughts. "Who is it?"

"Me." It's Jungkook. He taps on the door like it's a drum, making a smooth beat with his fingers. "Are you decent?"

You listen to his music for a moment before answering, "Yes. You can come in."

The door handle turns, and he enters the room with a tired smile. "Hello again."

"Hello again."

The prince closes the door behind himself, all the light from the hallway getting sucked away just as quickly as it appeared. He drops his stuff on the floor with an exhausted, over dramatic sigh.

You giggle when his head drops back and he groans at the ceiling. "Crazy day?"

"Insane."

"I'm tired too," you say. "Let's go to sleep early." No point in being awkward about this and putting it off.

"Oh," Jungkook bites his lip, examining the sleeping arrangements, "yeah that's…okay."

He gathers his new, clean pajamas from his dresser and makes his way to the bathroom as you shimmy into the bed.

Thankfully, you walked around the room a bit today between study sessions. It hurt like hell and you probably irritated the swelling a good bit, but it's good to know that if you absolutely have to walk, you are able. Plus, if Jungkook had to carry you to bed, you might scream.

You pull the covers over your waist, just as the bathroom door opens and out walks Jungkook in his brand new, silk pajamas.

You both can't help but stare, lips rolled in silence and gazes transfixed on Jungkook's sleeping attire.

They match yours. Perfectly. Bona fide matching couple pajama outfits.

You haven't known the real Jungkook for very long, but somehow the fact that he's belly laughing at this fits his character in your mind very well.

"What the hell, did they seriously get us matching pajamas?"

"Looks like it," you laugh along. "They look cute on you at least."

"Yeah, they look cute on you too," he replies, giggles starting to calm down so there's only a smile left on his face now, subtle and charming you must admit.

You simply pull the blanket up to your chin and tuck yourself in while Jungkook walks to the small sofa on the opposite end of the room. You watch the Prince take the draped blanket off the back of the seat and spreads it over the lower half of his body.

"What are you doing?"

Jungkook's attention is caught by your question, looking over his shoulder at you. "I'm going to sleep," he answers innocently.

"There?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Uh, no reason."

You actually are somewhat relieved he decided to sleep on the sofa. Not that you want to kick him out of the bed, after all, it is technically his bed too. But you feel weird sleeping next to him right away.

"Goodnight, Your Highness," Jungkook tosses and turns for a moment before finally finding a comfortable position.

"___."

"Huh?" The prince opens his eyes to see you on your side, face resting in your hand and blanket pulled under your arm.

"You can call me ___."

"Right," Jungkook whispers through the dark. "Then, I will wish you a good night, ___."

"Goodnight, Jungkook. Sweet dreams."

::

The rustle from the other side of the room is what wakes Jungkook up hours later. His eyes are adjusted to the dark when they open tiredly, pulling his eyelids back to find you in the bed, tossing and turning and kicking and whining.

"___?" Jungkook whispers sleepily, "what's wrong?"

You fling your arm over your head and roll to the edge of the bed, almost falling right off.

"Are you okay? Are you awake?" Jungkook sits up slightly nervous now because you're not saying anything, just small huffs and quick inhales each time your head falls back and forth.

A quiet sob. That's when Jungkook springs off the couch, face planting into the carpet a few times until he makes it to the bed. He kneels by it and tries to keep you from flinging yourself off the edge when you suddenly roll into him.

Your expression. Scrunched. Fearful. Sad. Angry. He's never seen you like this before and it scares him.

"Hey, ___, wake up. Wake up," he lightly shakes you.

Your hands immediately go out to latch onto him, pulling your body to the very edge of the bed and curling yourself into what little piece of him you can. Your lips are mumbling incoherent nonsense at the boy, but Jungkook has literally no idea what you're even saying.

You're starting to sweat at this point, tears hanging on the end of your eyelashes, shamelessly crying now. Your face is nothing but horrified by whatever unconscious nightmare your imagination had conjured up. Jungkook's own heart hurts to see you like this.

Is this normal? How often do you suffer from nightmares that cause such drastic physical reactions?

Your grip on the Prince gets tighter, so Jungkook crawls into the bed and pulls you into his side, leaning back and holding your head to his chest, slowly rocking you back and forth.

"It's okay, it's just a dream. It's okay, it's just a dream," he keeps chanting this to you, but your fight never seems to end. He can feel his own eyes starting to sting.

You're still not waking up.

"Damn, what do I do, ___?"

And then he has an idea, something you told him a long time ago, but he always kept the sentimentality in the back of his mind.

Jungkook's voice is like a soft mist of rainbows after the hurricane. Like a funeral in the morning rain. Like the feeling you get when your mom rubbed your back when you couldn't sleep. Like a warm hug from your lover after a hard day.

He sings softly to you hoping maybe, someway his voice can be heard in your dream. Maybe, somehow his voice can reach you wherever you are.

At first his hold on you is nothing but trying to contain your shaking limbs, but eventually his embrace becomes more of a sympathetic paradise. In the process, your grip relaxes into a resting hand on his chest.

His soft whispers and hushed chorus are the only source of peace that makes its way into your reckless dream. You must have subconsciously heard him because not long after the prince sings for you, your heart begins to steady, and Jungkook notices how your expression relaxes along with your fists.

"There you go, see?" he says softly, stroking your back. "You're gonna be fine."

Your soft tears come to a stop, and silence once again fills the bedroom.

Jungkook looks down at you curled up next to his chest, face buried in his shirt, led clung around his under the covers.

You nuzzle into his chest when your breathing is at a normal rate, but now Jungkook's own heart is beating irregularly.

"Okay, princess, you can't be the only one who gets to sleep," he whispers and carefully starts to shimmy off the bed, moving your hand to the sheets and slipping his leg out from under you.

But your grip tightens and pulls Jungkook back onto the bed, making the Prince hault.

"No...Jimin...stay…"

Jungkook holds his breath.

You said...Jimin's name? Your beautiful soul even cries out for that village boy in your sleep.

Why this breaks Jungkook's heart is obvious. But what does he do when you're here, holding onto him like you are, needing him like you do?

Not like Jungkook can do anything about you being in love with Jimin. No matter what he does, you still always choose that cowardly, lying, village boy over him. A prince. Jungkook could love you too. So what if he didn't love you first. The point is that he could love you.

The point is that he probably already does.

And so the prince stays, carefully cuddling under the blanket next to you, only slightly shocked when you immediately wrap your arms around him and cuddle into his neck. Your cold body presses itself up against him, searching for that warm, safe place.

Your sigh of relief and peace, that small smile, the way your hands grip the back of his shirt as he's turned to you. This is officially what Jungkook lives for now. The feeling of holding you, protecting you, being with you during the worst times. He really loves holding someone like this, being present, being useful, being wanted.

But it's not him.

In your mind it's Jimin.

Jimin is the one you run to. Jimin is the one you want to see after a long day. Even if you and Jungkook share a room, in the back of his mind Jungkook knows you would gladly share a jail cell with Jimin over a king sized bed with him any night.

You may have learned to get along with the prince, and you may actually giggle at his attractive silliness every now and again, but Jungkook knows the truth.

You've been in love with Jimin for a long time. That doesn't just disappear overnight.

So this night is one he will cherish. He pulls you close to himself and lightly kisses your hair while you sleep. Even after the wedding, he's sure it won't be like this (if the wedding even happens). So he will just have to hold you while he can.

"Don't worry. I'm here." And he doesn't realize he's spoken until he hears himself saying, "I love you."

Right before Jungkook himself falls to sleep, he remembers hearing you whisper something to the man you think is holding you safe. The man that, in reality, is in a jail cell several floors beneath you. Something that breaks the prince more than he's ever been broken before.

"I love you too."

::

There are no windows in the bedroom for any light to shine through on your fluttering eyelids and slowly bring you back to reality. But there is a large shift next to you that wakes you up.

"Hmm," you mumble, your beautiful sleep so rudely interrupted.

You look up only to see Jungkook halfway hanging off the bed with one leg still caught under the covers.

"Hi," he whispers, frozen in his awkward pose.

Then you look down again at your arm lazily draped over the empty space where he must have been laying and realize in your sleep drunken headspace…

"Did you--"

The prince jumps out of the bed and puts his hands up in surrender.

"I swear, nothing happened! You were having a nightmare last night and you could have seriously hurt yourself kicking around like that, so I tried to calm you down, but then you kinda...held onto me, and then I got…stuck."

"I did, what?"

All you remember from last night is Jimin. He was being beaten. He was dying. He was crying. You ran and ran and ran to him. But you couldn't reach him. You had almost given up when you heard something like an angel singing to you. Was it your mom? Maybe it was Jimin? You can't be sure. The last thing you remember is finally reaching the boy and holding onto him, afraid to ever let go, and–

You look up at Jungkook.

Oh shit!

"I'm so sorry!" you gasp, utterly embarrassed when the pieces finally fit.

"No, it's okay! I didn't mind! I mean, anything I can do to help. It's totally fine," Jungkook stumbles over his words, clearly thrown by the whole experience because you've invaded his personal space and forced him to cuddle with you of all things.

This is officially the most embarrassing moment of your life, including the time when Star literally kidnapped you.

"Umm..." Jungkook rubs the back of his neck, a shy blush on his cheeks, "I'm going to go get ready for the day. I'll call Mrs. Barnes for you."

He immediately rushes for the door, grabbing his things on the way.

You can't believe you're about to do this but…

"Jungkook, wait!"

The prince stops with one foot out the door and looks back at you.

"Thank you. For last night. I appreciate you helping me. And sorry, I was umm," you clear your throat, "anyway, thank you."

His smile is so genuine it makes your heart ache.

"Anytime."

::

Mrs. Barnes had ready for you a shorter, green dress with matching accessories and, oh yes! Your favorite brown flats! A comfortable, classy look to help you get through the day after such a big change yesterday.

"I love it, Mrs. Barnes," you smile, looking in the mirror and You can't help but wonder what Jimin would say if he saw you in this dress.

Your thoughts have been wandering to him more and more lately. He's still down there and god knows what he's going through everyday. You desperately want to see him, but after what happened...you're petrified to even go near the dungeon door.

Maybe if Jungkook went with you? Of course, he did promise to help you free Jimin. But it's hard to imagine your future husband helping you sneak around to see your ex-lover.

"I'm assuming you're all healed, Your Highness?" Her voice breaks you from your own thoughts.

"Hm?"

She smiles at you. "Thinking of someone?"

"What? No. Who would I even be thinking about?"

"A boy?" she guesses, giving you a side eye.

You shake your head with a casual roll of your eyes, playing into the answer you know she's expecting. "Okay okay, you got me. Sharing a room with Jungkook may have caused me to grow fonder of the prince."

"Oh, I wasn't talking about him."

"What?"

"How's your ankle, Your Highness?" She changes the subject. "It looked a little swollen this morning."

"Better," you say truthfully. "I got up in the middle of the night and got water, so that's probably why. But the wrap you brought is already helping a lot with the pain."

There are still the emotional scars that will haunt you from the experience, but at least your body seems to be healing rapidly. And the white bandage supporting your ankle doesn't clash with your dress too much.

"Good to hear." Mrs. Barnes curtsies. "Anything else I can do for you, Your Highness?"

"No, I think I'm okay. Thank you."

"Excellent. The only thing you're scheduled for today is to see Prince Jeon for instruction."

You nod. "I'll do that then. Thank you."

One more curtsy and Mrs. Barnes leaves your room with a click of the door closing behind her, leaving you alone to ponder what she could have meant by seeing Jungkook for instruction. Where even is that guy?

Knock knock knock~

"Who is it?"

"Prince Jeon," the voice says.

You walk to the door and press your ear against it curiously. "Jungkook? Why are you talking like that?"

"I don't know what you mean," he charms through the door, voice uncharacteristically low. "This is my regular, manly voice."

Whatever it is, it's definitely not his regular soft, lovely voice. Another impression you're assuming, but the only thing you can guess is that he's trying to do an impression of a dying cow.

You open the door and there he is, leaning on his hand with one foot crossed over the other and a smirk planted on his stupid face.

"Your voice sounds like a dying cow."

Jungkook immediately stands up straight and pouts. "Aw! Come on, that's not nice."

You just giggle and smile. Why is he being such a dork today? Maybe because yesterday was so heavy. Whatever the reason, you appreciate his playfulness this early in the morning. It helps you breathe better, believe it or not.

"What's all this?" you inquire, pointing to the strangely casual yet comfy jeans, t-shirt, and blazer Jungkook has on. He must notice you looking at his fashion choices (hopefully you notice his shirt is green).

"Sorry, I'll be dressed up for the real date, I promise."

You tilt your head cutely. "Real date?"

Jungkook smiles at you, that ridiculously cute bunny smile. "You made me promise to tell you every detail of what's going to happen, remember?"

"So, is that what this is?"

"Yes Ma'am, you are absolutely correct." Jungkook then suddenly reaches into his jacket and pulls out a small, yellow rose. "For you, my queen."

You gently take the rose from him, never taking your eyes off his. "Umm, thank you, my prince."

"Shall we?"

"We shall," you respond with a happy chime.

Maybe this won't be too terrible. Plus this way, you can distract yourself from crying over Jimin until you figure out how to get him out of there, no use is staring at yourself in the mirror and becoming depressed about the fact Jimin can't see you in your dress.

As Jungkook leads you down the hall, there is only one thought in his mind: if he only has this one chance to win you over, even if that's impossible now, even if you never end up loving him the way he wants to love you, even if after this you run back to Jimin, he has to make this count. He has to be honest about how he truly feels for real.

"So," you start up the conversation with Jungkook as you both walk out the castle doors to the garden, "tell me, Jungkook, what exactly do you have planned for this date?"

The prince smiles at you and folds his hands behind his back. "Well, it is supposed to be a show of some sort for the people, but I also want us to enjoy it."

"I understand that. I want to know everything that can possibly happen. No surprises, remember?"

Jungkook smiles wide before continuing, "Well, I guess lots of little things. Heart fluttering things," he glances over at you, "for the people obviously."

"Like?" you ask slowly, getting more excited than you initially anticipated yourself to be.

"Like," he thinks for a moment before gesturing to your dress, "I'll compliment you on how lovely you look today. You look lovely."

You giggle, "Jungkook, this dress isn't even that nice and I'm wearing my brown flats that my father hates because they have a hole in the bottom, and my hair isn't even put up and Mrs. Barnes didn't do my make up this morning and--"

"And you've never looked so comfortable with me before."

The heat in your face spreads all the way to your ears. Why did he have to say that with such an entranced look in his eyes? As if he actually likes it better when you're dressed down like this.

You clear your throat, trying to move on before Jungkook notices the faint shape of your heart pounding through your chest. "Okay, compliments, check. What else?"

"I'll ask you about your studies. I'll most likely tell you how excited I am about the wedding. And there might be a good possibility that I'll hold your hand if I get the chance."

You shoot the Prince a look. "Hold my hand?"

"If I have your permission."

And then two words slip past your lips before your mind has time to register them.

"You do."

You feel Jungkook's soft hand slide its way into yours, gently pulling you closer to himself so you feel almost hidden behind his arm. Did he magically get taller just now?

You tilt your head as you continue walking, leaning away from him so as not to press your chest into his side. Jungkook just lightly squeezes his hold on your hand, intertwining your fingers with his to fill the lonely spaces.

He's held your hand before, right? Hasn't he? You remember being locked in the closet with Jungkook, and he held your hand then. So why does it feel different now? More serious.

"It's all in the little things. That's what the people are looking for. If you want to not only convince them but also convince your father, I have to really sell our feelings for each other." Somehow he manages to slip a wink into the two seconds you make eye contact.

So this is what the date will be like? Jungkook teasing you with winks and smirks, making your heart clench by lightly rubbing the back of your hand with his thumb, constantly keeping an eye on your small movements while you play with your dress out of pure embarrassment, compliments, flirting, quickened heart rates?

Is this what it's like to have a boyfriend that you don't have to hide? You admit that it's nice to walk out in the open with someone instead of behind a bush.

"Yeah...the little things."

"What was that?" Jungkook leans down, titling his head towards you as if he didn't hear your quiet mumbles.

You smile up at him before giddily hitting his arm. "Just keep walking, Prince."

He smirks and stands up tall once more. "Whatever you say, Princess."

He doesn't drop your hand.

First things first. Eat.

Jungkook has prepared a soft patterned blanket spread over the grass under the archway circling over you like a protective covering from the harsh sun. The shade feels wonderful. And the basket on the blanket looks packed with delicious foods.

Damn, you're hungry.

"You did this?"

"I tried at least."

You remember that your father appointed Jungkook in charge of this date, but never in a million years did you expect anything so...simple.

This is a public event. A performance. A show. So why does it feel so intimate and romantic? Why does it seem like Jungkook thought more about you than the people who will be watching?

When he gestures for you to sit, you carefully tuck your dress under your legs and lower down to the blanket. He offers you another blanket to cover your thighs in case you'd like it, but you're okay with feeling the breeze. It's actually quite comfortable being here with him.

Jungkook plops down across from you and starts digging into the basket.

"I've been doing some thinking," he remarks with a nonchalant tone, however the look on his face is anything but relaxed, "and I think you're right. I'm not anything special."

"What?" Your attention is bought all of a sudden. What is he even saying to you now, taking out sealed tubs of salad and cheese like he's no big deal.

"All those times I talked down to you and scolded you for not agreeing to the arrangement, I think I was jealous because I wasn't brave enough to stand up for myself the way you were. I see the way you look at Jimin. The way you risk everything for him. You risk your safety. Your innocence. Your title. Even your life. I...I want that."

He looks at you, a vulnerable and exposed heart in his hands. You don't suspect he's practicing a big speech for when you're on the actual date. No this is just him pouring out his heart and mind to you.

"Even now when Jimin is dying, you still hold on to the hope that you two will live happily ever after. I know it's not something most men admit but," he swallows, "I want a happily ever after. I want to fearlessly risk my life for someone. I want to kiss them at night and hold them when they fall asleep."

So, Jungkook is a hopeless romantic. How interesting that you happen to be the same way. You completely understand where he's coming from, and when he scoots closer to you on the blanket, you don't mind being a little bit closer.

"It sounds crazy, but I thought I could make that happen with you. Even if our marriage is arranged, I wanted to. I still want to. But when I saw you cry over Jimin in the prison and how close you held him even after everything that happened, I felt like I had to protect myself for some reason because you weren't falling in love with me the way I was falling for you."

Wait a second, is this…is this a confession? Is he confessing to you right now? Where did this come from all of a sudden?

"I didn't think before I kissed you. It wasn't how I pictured my first kiss with you at all, and I hope that's not how our last kiss ends. You probably will never forgive me, and I completely understand that. I just hope you can find it somewhere in your heart to free me from my prison too."

He can't look at you. Jungkook stares down at his lap, tapping his fingers against the ground and rolling his lips nervously.

The oddest thing happens. You start crying. First it's only a few tears, but then they start to rain down your cheeks. That was…everything you needed to hear. Everything you needed Jungkook to say.

Your voice is weak, but he hears it clears as day. "I forgive you."

Jungkook looks up at you with shock written all over his face.

It's hard to forgive. Most of the time people want to hold onto that feeling because it gives some kind of purpose to the pain. But sometimes, to get past all that pain and really give it some purpose, forgiveness is what you need.

"You do?"

"Yes, Jungkook. I care about you. I don't know how or when you managed to make me, but I do. But I don't want an arranged marriage. I don't want forced love. If I do marry you, I likely won't ever love you the way you want me to. You deserve to know that."

Jungkook licks his lips, eyes tearing up with every blink. "I know that. I'm just asking you to give me a fair chance. Let me treat you the way you should be treated, be the kind of man you can rule beside, the kind of man you could maybe learn to love. I will fight for you to choose me until your wedding day."

Your heart clenches at his words as you make your way closer to his side of the blanket. Jungkook allows you to lean your head on his shoulder, and gently rests his head on yours.

"How did we manage to get here?"

Jungkook takes a deep breath and sighs, "I don't know. But I'm glad we did, I think. Even if this arrangement does happen, and even if you never love me the way I want you to, at least I know you don't hate me."

You lift your head and look him in the eye. "You're going to be a great King. I really believe that."

"Thank you, ___. You'll be an equally amazing queen, I wholeheartedly believe that."

The prince leans over and kisses your forehead. When he pulls away, you both hover there for perhaps a moment too long to be considered friends or even pretend lovers. There's nothing pretend about the way you just looked at him and he just looked at you.

The air is tangible when his eyes drop to your lips, but only for a brief moment and then you pull away to rest your head on his shoulder again.

"So...are we okay?"

"Yeah, we're okay."

The moment is nice to you. Leaning on Jungkook like this, not feeling threatened now that he has revealed his heart to you. You understand how he feels, which is great, but now your feelings are becoming a bit complicated.

"___?"

"Yes?"

"Never mind. Just, can we stay here for a little bit?"

You're hesitant for only a second, but eventually you rest your weight on his shoulder and close your eyes as his thumb lovingly rubs over the back of your hand.

"Of course," you tease him, picking out a grape and holding it up to his lips, "we haven't even eaten lunch yet."

Jungkook smiles when he eats the fruit, watching you with easy eyes. They're stripped of all that princely gentleman front from before and what's left is a young boy who really likes spending time with you in the garden.

The two of you talked for another good while, happily joking and talking while eating together. For the first time in a long time, you feel normal, like things aren't as fucked up as they actually are.

You admit, being with Jungkook is like a dream and he will definitely make a lucky girl happy one day. But that girl just won't be you.

Or maybe…

No, it won't be you.

::

With his hands over your eyes and your feet shuffling along the grass, you and Jungkook make your way across the garden, to a spot you couldn't see before.

"Jungkook, can I please see now?" you ask in excitement.

Okay, you hadn't been really looking forward to this date, but it turned out to be really nice eating and talking with Jungkook. And now that the prince has been whispering how nervous he is about your last stop, you've become uncontainably curious about the last surprise.

"Just a few more steps...and...now!"

He removes his hands and your eyes flutter open.

The garden is...breathtaking. Beautifully colored flowers lead to an open space with natural artistry and a fountain running crystal water down the curves of a beautiful queen. Every detail is thought out with your preference in mind. In short, the garden looks more like it did when you were little than it has in years.

"Do you like it?"

You turn to the boy who just asked you that ridiculous question and wrap your arms around his waist. "It looks like it did when my mother was alive. How did you do this?"

He softly hugs you back, swaying a little while you peek out to see the view of the grounds again.

"I just asked around and got some reference blueprints. It's not perfect but–"

"It is perfect." He looks down at you, smiling when you smile up at him. "Thank you."

The biggest difference is the massive stage built on the far side of the garden. The stage is a rectangle placed up on stilts and stairs on the side to help you climb, outlined with lights and decorated simply but effectively to make whoever stands on it seemingly shine.

You step onto the stage with a little help from Jungkook offering you his hand. Being up this high isn't actually that bad. You feel free.

The view is amazing, but your calming day dreams are interrupted when you remember what this stage is actually for.

Your...performance.

You feel your heart slightly break when you remember that this isn't a legitimate date. This is the dress rehearsal. The real date is public. People will be watching. Jungkook won't be this guy, he'll be Prince Jeon again.

You don't want that to tarnish the memories you have from this day, they've been too amazing. You want to remember this day as it is now, but you know what's coming next.

"I guess this is the finale?"

Jungkook nods and swings your hand, which he's kept a light hold of since you made it into the stage. "Yep. This is it."

The stage feels so high now as you look to the side. You can see almost the entire village from up here... more like almost the entire village can see you, really.

"So," Jungkook sounds like pure awkwardness when he turns to you, "there's still one more thing planned for today. Our...you know."

He means the kiss. Your first kiss, according to your father's knowledge.

"Right. I agreed to that," you say slowly.

"You can still say no, if you choose. I don't want to force you." He's glanced down at your lips at least twice by now, and it's making your heart clench.

"Jungkook, I just--" You pause when you feel his thumb gently brush the back of your hand, he must really like doing that. He's listening so intently and carefully to you now.

Your father thinks this is your first kiss with Jungkook. He has his eyes set on this kiss happening. And you know what threats he will make to Jimin's life if you decide to back down at the last minute.

"___?"

You look up at him and suddenly you feel a tightening pull in your chest. What is this? Are you feeling guilty for not knowing what you want from him?

No way. Jungkook is the one who threw himself at you. And even with the desperate, pitiful way his eyes are begging you now, you will not let yourself enjoy this kiss.

"I'm scared," you admit.

And that is partially true. What happens after he kisses you? What happens then? You still choose Jimin no matter what, but is it safe to let him kiss you? After today, maybe it's good to let him. It will give you reassurance about Jimin, plus Jungkook will feel better about the first time he kissed you, also your father will be happier which means Jimin is safer.

"I swore to protect you with everything I am," Jungkook reminds you softly. "I won't kiss you unless you tell me to."

You can't believe the words that leave you at this moment, but you also don't want your first consensual kiss with this man to be in front of hundreds of people. That's too much pressure, too much expectation.

"Make it count."

His head tilts as he leans down to your height. You tilt your head up to meet his lips, and he kisses you.

This is definitely a different feeling than the prison. The way his hands rest on your body almost as if you could crumble if he holds you too tight. His lips are soft, gentle, almost as if he's being extra careful with you to make up for the last time he stole a kiss.

Your lips magically move with his, and you can feel from the way Jungkook steps into you, the pull and push, the slight way he relaxes when you kiss him back. He's falling more and more with every second, every movement.

You taste so sweet to him and his entire body feels electrified when you push up into the kiss. He doesn't want this to end either. If he could keep holding you like this for the rest of his life, it still wouldn't be long enough for his heart to calm completely.

Your mind races with endorphins and hormones and feelings and...these feelings, what are they? You thought this kiss would be depressing, repulsive even.

But the opposite is true.

Your hands move from being limp at your sides to gripping his biceps. His muscles instantly clench under your touch and Jungkook takes a deep breath through his nose as he pushes against you harder, forcing your head to tip back and your mouth to open wider for him.

The passion he puts into these fifteen seconds is immeasurable. He can't get enough of you. Not that he was doubting his feelings before, but now he knows for sure that he is in desperate, unconditional, undeniable love with you.

Your lips part slowly as if they were stuck with glue. He lingers only a few centimeters from your lips. His body jerks forward once or twice as you can tell he's holding back from pulling you flush to his body and ravaging your mouth with kisses. His eyes stare at your lips as if he hasn't been fed in weeks. Both of you are breathing somewhat heavily now.

"I--" The prince tries to speak, but his voice cracks.

You step back, leaving the boy standing with empty arms and a love struck gaze clouding his eyes.

"Umm…" you straighten your dress, breaking a little quicker and eyes still thank you for today. I don't feel as nervous now about tomorrow."

He stares at you, biting his lip with a pitiful, pleading look in his eyes.

"Well, umm, we should probably–"

"___." His voice deep, calling out to you, makes you gasp, whipping yourself around at the sound of his footsteps.

You blink once, and Jungkook has you scooped up in his arms, his lips attaching themselves to yours in a needy, passionate kiss. The way he ravages your lips has the breath knocked from your lungs. You can feel how greedy he is for you through his movements, but this is more than the way he kissed you in the prison.

He's not upset. He's in love.

You close your eyes and almost literally fall to the ground. Thankfully, Jungkook's arms are wrapped around your lower back, holding your body to his. You feel perfect in the way he kisses you, mind clouding over while everything except him seems to fade away.

He whispers your name needily into his kisses, and you instantly melt. What you don't know is how difficult it is for the prince not to kiss down your jaw, mark your neck, and show off the moans he knows he can pull from you if he had the chance. If he just had the chance.

This kiss ends more abruptly than the last one and it leaves you both panting for oxygen. You can tell he ultimately pulled away so quickly because he couldn't trust himself to not get carried away with the high that comes from kissing you. You're somewhat thankful because kissing him was starting to mess with your head too.

Jungkook looks at you as you stare at his lips, breaths mixing in the close proximity.

"Why did you--" You try to ask and push his arms from squeezing you closer to him, but he cuts you off with a brush of his lips on yours. This boy can't get enough now that he's finally experienced what kissing you is like.

He whispers to you softly, "Please, choose me, ___. I'm begging you."

You don't hesitate. "You know who I choose."

The quick response doesn't shock either of you. But the way Jungkook's cheeks flush makes your heart suddenly clench.

"I know but…" his words are caught in his throat as his heart tries to come to grips with your decision, "...will you think about it? Not just for the arrangement, but think about it for me? You know how I feel."

You stare into his eyes as they search your face with the utmost passion and pleading.

"And you know how I feel."

"I can love you more than this. Just let me."

There's a magnetic field around you that Jungkook just can't seem to fight anymore as his lips ghost across the delicate skin of your cheek, placing small pecks here and there. His hand comes up to brush your hair behind your ear, following the natural curve to hold the back of your neck. Perhaps this is his last chance; he can't miss the opportunity to feel you.

A million thoughts run through your head when he says this. But only one thing passes from your lips in response, as a breathless whisper ending and crushing all his hope.

"We're freeing Jimin. Tonight."

::

You couldn't have been clearer. Those words were exactly what you wanted. You wanted to see Jimin. Every night you had nightmares, everyday you were knocked down. Jimin was the only one that could console you. Even after your amazing time with Jungkook, you miss him. You've chosen Jimin. Right? Is it even a choice?

Your heart is overcome with a heavy need to hold Jimin and tell him everything is going to be okay, for his sake and for yours. But you can't lie to Jimin or to yourself. Everything is not going to be okay. Not when you've got your father and Jungkook and the wedding hovering over you like a threatening tsunami ready to drown you at any moment.

Thankfully the prince has become somewhat of a life raft for you, agreeing to help you emotionally maneuver the difficult relationship with your father and help free Jimin from prison. He's trying very hard to make up for all that he did, and you see that, and you really appreciate it. Turns out he's actually a decent guy. Now that he's not being blackmailed by your father, you kinda like him.

You sigh and rub your temples with two fingers. There are voices in your head that won't shut up.

"You okay?" Jungkook asks, a tender hand on your shoulder.

The two of you are just outside the staircase that will take you down into the dungeon. One staircase below that is where Jimin is being held.

You manage a nod and start your descent. The stairs creak underneath you like they always do. You still hate it.

It's so…far. You have to go down so many stairs, so many chances for someone to catch you. Hurt you. It gets harder to breathe the farther you go down. You have to stop several times just to regulate your breathing and stop the room from spinning. It feels like it any moment, you might be killed.

About halfway down, Jungkook offers to hold your hand. Perhaps he might regret that after you almost break his fingers, but he doesn't complain. He just squeezes back.

Jungkook leads you to the back of the dungeon to another familiar staircase. You wish it wasn't familiar. You wish you didn't know what is at the bottom of this staircase. At the same moment your body is urging you to run to Jimin, it is also screaming at you to run away.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No. I want to talk to him alone first." If you know one thing, it's that you don't want Jungkook to see your inevitable break down when you finally see Jimin again.

Jungkook just nods and hands you his torch, replacing it with a new one from the wall. Your feet go down step by step until they reach the bottom where you can place your light on the wall. The small circle shaped room is dimly lit once again.

"Jimin?" you whisper through the darkness.

Nothing.

A little louder. "Jimin?"

Still nothing.

A horrid thought creeps through your mind. Was he taken away? Did your father send him away behind your back? Is he... no, he can't be.

"Jimin!" The sound is pushed out of you in the form of a desperate cry. If Jimin isn't here then where is he?

No, he has to be here. But why isn't he answering you?

Your eyes start to adjust little by little, so in a few minutes, you decide you take further steps around the wall in the chamber.

Then you see it. A small figure curled up against the far wall. Although that doesn't even look like Jimin anymore. He looks skinnier, smaller, sicker.

The sight sickens you, but your heart pulls on you to run to him.

"Jimin!"

Jimin has collapsed on his side, eyes closed, motionless. Your eyes are adjusting and every second that passes, you can see a little more of his broken body. His shirt is completely gone and his bottoms are ripped, torn, slashed through and through. Even now, iron shackles have been placed on his ankles. As if he has the strength to run away.

You cry. There's no other way to say it. The tears fall down your cheeks, and your throat traps your voice. Your chest tightens, and your whole body turns cold. Pathetic crying that says you're late and you're useless.

You gently shake him but he doesn't respond. You shake him again, this time a little harder. You shake him a third time and choke on your sobs when he refuses to look up at you. Gently, you pull Jimin away from the wall and that's when you notice it. His back. His sides. He's barely recognizable at this point. His skin is stained in blood and dirt and nothing else is visible.

"Shhh it's okay..." You rest his head in your lap and run a shaky hand through his hair. "You're okay. It's going to be okay."

After a moment, your fingers trace his ripped up chest. "These wounds are fresh. You're still alive."

The whole scene is beyond traumatic and it breaks you into a million pieces. This was happening every day, the whole time. You hate yourself. But you hate one person even more.

How can you even call him your father anymore? He's nothing but a villain.

He did this. He put Jimin in here. He ordered this outrageous torture to be placed on Jimin. He was behind the near death of the man you love. He was behind everything.

You gently lean down and place your trembling lips against Jimin's forehead. All you can taste when your lips peal away is blood. His face is smothered in it.

"Jimin, please, just say something. Tell me anything." You whisper to him, desperate to wake him, see him alive. He lays in your lap as if he's dead. You beg him to say anything.

But nothing.

Frantically, you pull at your necklace from around your neck and press the red button. It isn't a full minute, and Jungkook is running down the stairs to you.

"___? What's wrong?" He asks quickly when he reaches you.

"Let's get him out of here. Right now." You stare at Jungkook through stained eyes.

"Alright, let's do this." His response is immediate, no questioning your authority and no questioning your commitment.

Jungkook reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ring with about twelve or so keys. He chooses one of them and it pops the iron shackles right off Jimin's ankles. There are two large purple bruises from where they were, many cuts bleeding openly close to his bones as well.

But once Jimin is no longer trapped here by chains, his only restriction is the fact that he's unconscious but you are much too weak to lift him yourself, especially with your ankle still sore.

Jungkook kneels on the floor and somehow successfully (with a little of your help) gets Jimin onto his back. The prince begins to follow you back up the staircase, but stops after the first step to ask you.

"What will we say to your dad?"

You had thought a lot about what you wanted to say to his face. You had thought a lot about what you should say to his face. But it all came down to that fact that you honestly aren't scared to curse him anymore. Nothing you say can be as bad as what he's done.

"Leave that to me. He won't get away with any of this."

The seemingly dead body resting on Jungkook's back is who is important and should be taken care of. You will give Jimin every breath remaining in your lungs if you have to.

You reach the top of the stairs, continuously glancing behind yourself at his wounded, limp body just sprawled out on the Prince's back, praying he's still breathing.

Not that you're surprised when the guards at the top of the stairs refuse to let you leave with a prisoner, but you're more frustrated than anything. This is the man you love being beaten literally to death at the hands of these men. What are you supposed to do? Leave Jimin to die and marry some prince?

Okay that's exactly what you're supposed to do, but that's beside the point!

"Let me through," you command when two huge pairs of shoulders block the way. The two guards that look down on you have faces full of unbelief.

"Are you serious?"

"You'll hear from my father about this," you warn. "Where did you get the authority to do such a thing to a working citizen of this land?"

The guard to your left scoffs, "I'll have you know that this working citizen is anything but innocent. His affair with you should have had his head chopped off on the spot. We've been going easy until now. He should be grateful."

"Grateful?" The thought punches you right in the gut but you stand your ground. "I am just as guilty as he is! The only reason I was not killed on the spot is my title. A title you will respect now and step aside."

"The king will have our heads if we do."

"I will have your heads if you don't. You foolishly think I can't convince my father to have you executed either way?"

The guard on your right chuckles to hide his worry that you might be telling the truth. "If you can convince your father to kill us, why can't you convince him to let this captive free? Why are you reduced to sneaking behind the king's back?"

"I am not sneaking anywhere. I am the rightful heir to the throne and you will address me appropriately unless you wish for punishment. I am the king's daughter after all, and if you think my father will not spite down any man that disrespects me, then you are sorely mistaken."

You keep going when the guards are struck speechless. You point at Jimin again, "Take a look at what my beloved father did to this 'lowly stable boy' who dared to just touch my hand. If my father finds out you've spoken and defied me in this way, he will not hesitate to hang you. I believe that, and you would be wise to heed my words."

"You're no queen," the guard says slowly, shifting this weight back and forth, checking with his buddy before he opens his mouth again. "We are loyal to the current king, not his daughter."

You've had about enough of this. Every second you stand bickering with these overpowered buffoons, Jimin risks permanent damage.

"You know for yourself the unreasonable, violent behavior my father has been cultivating lately. How many new prisoners do you get a day? How many of those do you think are actually guilty?" Your assertion seems to be making the guards nervous, but they haven't budged just yet. "Whether you let us pass now with this prisoner or not, I will still be queen in less than six months. Are you sure this is the impression you want to leave on your upcoming ruler, disobedient and stubborn?"

Their faces are pale with fear, your words having struck their deepest insecurities and fears. Everyone knows not to get on a king's bad side, and everyone knows the best way to do that is to hurt his daughter.

"Now let us pass," you demand.

Immediately, they step aside.

Once you walk past the guards and up the last stair case, your eyes are blinded once again as you step into the bright castle hallways, Jungkook following right behind you.

"We did it," you breath, a little shaken up from the whole scene.

"You did it," the prince clarifies, letting the dungeon door slowly shut behind his foot. It locks from the inside.

"I knew you could. I knew you had it in you."

Jungkook smiles at you, warming your heart immensely. The fact that he's proud of you makes your skin tingly. For some reason, you'd really like to hold his hand right about now, hug him, feel him smile against your neck.

"Thanks for helping me."

"You'll be a great queen. I believe in that."

And with his last encouraging words, you both make your way quickly out of the castle towards the village. But you're not going to Jimin's house. No, you know exactly where he needs to go.

::

knock knock~

You try to be as quiet as possible, so as not to draw any attention to yourself. The village is dark, somewhat dead for a town that's supposed to be celebrating an upcoming royal wedding.

The door to the small cottage opens slowly.

"Who is it? Oh, Your Highness?"

A woman stands in the doorway with a wooden spoon in her left hand, slacked jawed to see you, but even more so to see Jungkook with a dying village boy on his back.

"I know this might be strange and a bit sudden, but I desperately need your help."

::

"I'll be back."

Jungkook left over an hour ago after a messenger from his kingdom came by asking for him. How the messenger found Jungkook here, you still don't know, but judging from the terrified look on his face when he left, you're assuming it's not to wish the prince a happy wedding.

Here you are. Here Jimin is.

Jimin lays on his back inside the white sheets. Now that he is cleaned up and washed, it is so much easier to see his broken body left with gashes and cuts and scars. No physical pain could ever be inflicted on you to match the way you feel when you see Jimin this way.

"Hey?" He's fast asleep, so it's a long shot but you try anyway.

He just lays there, unresponsive. Your bottom lip trembles slightly as your fingers run along the white sheets of his bed.

You can't stop yourself from gently crawling in beside his deformed body and looking up at him. You press a kiss to his shoulder, but he doesn't move.

"Jimin, say something to me."

You silently wish. But of course, he doesn't.

You cuddle up next to him, remembering the way he used to hold you closer every time you did that. He would call you cute or silly or dorky, but he always held you. Every time.

Except now. And your heart breaks all over again.

You slide your hand down to your side and your fingertips brush the back of Jimin's hand.

"Remember the first time you held my hand?" you chuckle lightly remembering the moment. "You blushed so much I asked you if you were going to pass out. Then you said you had never met a princess before."

You take full grasp of his hand and intertwine your fingers best you can, your voice reducing to a whisper, "You said I was more beautiful than anyone you could have ever imagined. And I believed you. And I thought you were equally as beautiful."

You can tell that Jimin is breathing from the slow rise and fall of his chest. You know all this talking to him is pointless; he can't hear you. But you haven't talked in so long, and now that you have him again, you so desperately don't want to lose him to his sleep. So you continue.

"Do you remember how we met? You were walking past the castle grounds to the fields for work. You were so young then, and it's only been a year. Do you remember when we saw each other? Our eyes met and…," you giggle at the memory, "and then you winked at me and some guard pushed you to keep walking. But when you were walking home, I looked for you to wink at me again. I thought you were so cute and so different from the princes I normally met."

You rub the back of his hand with your thumb as you talk. "You are different. You are so special to me, Park Jimin.

Carefully you pick yourself up and lean over the wounded village boy.

"Please come back to me?"

You lightly press a kiss to his cheek with a sigh. At least the hard part is over. Once Jimin wakes up, things can finally start coming to an end.

"Your Highness," a soft voice reaches your ears as the door to Jimin's temporary home opens.

"Mrs. Barnes," you openly sigh and rush to greet her with a hug. "Thank you so much. You don't know how much I appreciate this. You've always done so much for me, and this is going beyond your call of duty. I will not let this go unrewarded."

"Oh, now stop that talk!" She smiles at you. "I've known about Jimin for a while, so I'm happy to help."

Your eyes grow ten sizes, a short cough resulting in air getting caught in your throat.

"You...you knew about Jimin? Does that mean you knew about... us?"

Your heart races in fear. Even though the whole royal family and most of the castle staff knows about the affair now, it kinda scares you that someone knew about your secret meetings while they were happening.

Mrs. Barnes calms you a little by taking your hands with care. "I knew from the moment you came skipping into your room a year ago with that silly smile on your face. It was a love-struck smile, so obvious. Maybe I should have said something, but..." she reduces her voice to a whisper, shifting her gaze to the boy in the bed, "...who am I to discourage love?"

Mrs. Barnes really is someone you don't ever want to lose.

You tear up, unsurprisingly, not even trying to hold back the hug that explodes from inside of you as you wrap your arms around the kind woman, tears spilling onto her apron.

"Thank you. Thank you for everything. What would I have done without you?"

Mrs. Barnes gently hugs you back while stroking your back. The motion reminds you of the way your mom used to smile and sing to you whenever you were stressed or troubled.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. Jimin will wake up soon."

You lift your head from her chest and blink a few tears away. "Tell me what I should do."

Mrs. Barnes tilts her head in curiosity.

"I mean..." you try to determine the right words, "...my father. What should I say to him? I don't know how to face him. He'll never claim me as his heir after what I've done."

"You're worried about the kingdom."

You nod.

This is when Mrs. Barnes slowly lifts her hand and brushes your hair from your eyes, just gently smiling as she speaks, "Your Highness has grown up so much so fast. I think you need to decide where your heart lies first."

You furrow your brow in confusion when her eyes shift towards the bed.

"What do you mean? I chose Jimin. I love Jimin. I want--"

Just then the door opens, startling you to jump in Mrs. Barnes' safe arms.

"Jungkook?"

The prince pants uncontrollably, tears streaming down his face. His cheeks are blood red, hair a complete mess as he's pulled and ripped it from his skull, his shirt untucked, his words stuttered. The man is an emotionally distraught mess.

"Jungkook!" You bolt to him, immediately cupping his face and trying to force his panicking eyes to focus on you. "What happened to you?! What's wrong?"

The Prince chokes on a sob, barely able to speak without gasping, "...m-my parents..."

"What about your parents?"

"Th-They've been...assassinated."

::

taglist 1: @staerryminimini @unicornbabylover @kookieswan @sugarflywme @dvalitaes @kookiecrumb @jeonsjiddies @jktones @myooniverse @miscelunaaa @highly-functioning-mitochondria @azreeeeee @armys-dna @thesugatoyourtae @jmforevs @kimprosperi @jjkeverlast @joontied @pamzn @ssaboala @hobipost @jimilter @sleepilysworld @rjsmochii @familiarlikemymirror3 @gimmethatagustd @alluringfairies @minijagiya @roseyykris @jwnghyuns @kaitaesupremacy @squawkadoodledoo @jimin2014 @jminthinker @femmesstuff @valhallawhispers @bora-kat @bloodline1632 @ahundredtimesover @greezenini @koostarcandy @sparklingprimrose @xxxavee16 @koorosie @minniesvenus @bishuthot @pringles-bringles @jamlessstars @tearyjjeon @lookhere-2seok

---

AWWWW jungkook and y/n are finally together 🥹🥹 the fact that jungkook didn’t believe in her feelings at first broke my heart :(( but omg it’s so lovely to see these two idiots finally be in peace together (for now at least! i still have part 5 left 😖)

it might be weird but i don’t feel bad for jimin at all 😭😭 i think he wanted to be with y/n for the wrong reasons, he just hadn’t realized it yet. i do hope he finds love someday! 😞 plotting the king’s death is not enough for me, i need to insert myself into this story and end him myself 😤😤 also omg what would we do without mrs barnes?? she deserves her flowers too!! 🫶

i love this story so much mindy!! and it’s so beautifully written 🥺 im omw to read the last part 🫡

Fallen Arrangement || pt.4

-> As the daughter of a king, your destiny has always been to take over the throne when you become of age. You just didn’t expect your father to give you the throne so soon. And you definitely didn’t expect it to come with a husband.

Pairing: prince!jungkook x princess!reader, village boy!jimin x princess!reader

Genre/au: royal!au, angst, fluff, smut, drama, coming of age, forbidden romance, fake dating!au, strangers to lovers, arranged marriage!au, every over done Kdrama shit cliché you can think of but in fanfic form tbh

Warnings: symptoms of trauma including victimizing, confusion, blaming, anxiety, panic, and injury. Jimin has trauma and physical scars from being imprisoned, mentions of murder and death, dictatorship/toxic controlling and manipulative behavior, Jungkook is grief stricken and depressed, OC is slightly less annoying, explicit sexual content, unprotected sex, romantic sex, crying during sex, cock riding, creampie, its really soft and vanilla, Jungkook and reader are super vulnerable. This chapter is sad, y'all. And unedited but I’ll get to that eventually lol 

Wc: 16.5K

a/n: thank you for your patience while I got this part finished, it took way longer than it needed to but I’m glad that I did :) this week is finals week for me, so please be patient one more time while I finish up finals and then get the final part of this fic out. Then we’re going to start on our series for Jimtober 🧡 oh my god I can’t believe it’s already October, my baby is turning a year older and I’m already devastated 😭

If you are 18+ and would like to be added, feel free to comment, reblog, or send an ask or dm to be added to the taglist!! 💜

You’ve never seen Jungkook like this and it absolutely breaks you. Every part of you is shattered, heart demolished, chest swallowed in a physical ache.

He’s sitting on the bedside, staring at the wall with a blank expression. He’s not…moving at all.

You want to say something but what do you say to someone who just found out their parents were murdered? Not to mention you have a pretty solid idea of who’s to blame.

Jungkook didn’t talk a lot about his parents, but from the little he told you, there’s no obvious reason why anyone would want them dead. If you know one thing for sure, it’s that Jungkook loved his mom and dad, and they were good rulers. They raised a good son.

“Are you just going to stand there?”

Keep reading

---

(oh my god i cant believe i had this in drafts for monthsss and i forgot to post it???)

AHHH this was such a beautiful way to end this story, nothing makes me happier than knowing these characters I love so much have gotten their happy ever after 🥺🫶 they deserved it after everything they went through!! and its so cute how mc and jungkook now made their own little family, i’m sooo happy for them 💖

thank you for writing this lovely story, mindy!! every chapter was like a rollercoaster and i enjoyed it sooo much, i’ll definitely be rereading 💜💜

Fallen Arrangement || finale

-> As the daughter of a king, your destiny has always been to take over the throne when you become of age. You just didn't expect your father to give you the throne so soon. And you definitely didn't expect it to come with a husband.

Pairing: prince!jungkook x princess!reader, village boy!jimin x princess!reader

Genre/au: royal!au, angst, fluff, smut, drama, coming of age, forbidden romance, fake dating!au, strangers to lovers, arranged marriage!au, every over done Kdrama shit cliché you can think of but in fanfic form tbh

Warnings: kissing, grinding, light manhandling, detailed minor character death, detailed violence (fist fight), Jungkook gets punched in the face, trauma stemming from dead parents and murder, the worst wedding scene you'll ever read in any fic lol

Wc: 19K

a/n: thank you to everyone who read and supported our precious FA babies. I hope you all enjoy the ending and don't think I did Jimin too dirty tbh his character is a difficult one -- they all are -- and this is a genre I'm still learning how to write, so thanks for going easy on me lmao ❤️ I appreciate and love y'all a lot!!

You wake up with a smile on your face, which is a blessing in and of itself. But to wake up with another pair of lips pressed to the back of your neck is a feeling you are pleasantly surprised with, cuddled into a firm chest with a lazy arm wrapped around your middle. A very secure feeling indeed.

He's doing more than just holding you to be close physically. It's difficult to identify because while you recognize the feeling as being similar to when Jimin would hold you, there's a new layer to right now, something different but familiar that you really like.

You find yourself smiling this early in the morning when you manage the courage to place your hand over his hand that's resting on your stomach. How is it that his hand can be rough one moment and soft the next? It's one of the many mysteries you hope to solve one day.

The prince sighs and nuzzles into your neck sleepily as his legs and arms tighten into a smaller ball, which in turn cuddles you closer to his chest. His raspy morning mumbles make you want to giggle, but you keep it to yourself so you don't wake the sleeping beauty. You've both been through so much, he needs to sleep as much as he can.

This is really nice. Waking up with someone you love. Them wrapping you in a warm, protective cuddle. The feeling of safety and security rushing over you. You lean back into his embrace and sigh. Do you get to wake up every morning like this now? Isn't that spoiling you a bit much?

Jungkook shifts slightly, taking a deep breath and opening his eyes before pausing. "Oh, good morning."

"Good morning." You can't see Jungkook's face, but you feel him start to pull away from you.

"Where are you going?" you ask quickly, turning around without even thinking.

The prince looks at you with droopy eyes. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable or anything. I guess I just happened to hold you like that in my sleep, I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?" you chuckle when he starts to get out of bed. "Get back here. I don't want you to leave yet. Do you have to?"

Of course Jungkook doesn't want to leave! If he could he would stay in bed with you, and never let you leave. He's had many dreams of being held by you like you held him last night.

"No, I can stay." Jungkook lets you tuck him back into bed and hug him with your head resting on his chest.

You smile and start to draw little patterns over his shirt. "I know there are still things we have to do and problems to work out with my father and the kingdoms…but can't we take this morning? Just us. We haven't had a moment to breathe."

How you actually asked him that without shaking, you'll never know. It's a fact that two days ago you left Jungkook sitting all alone with tears falling down his face, and now you're waking up beside him, committed to being with him. It all happened very fast, but one thing is for sure. You don't want Jungkook to question your feelings or if you're just pretending. You want to treat Jungkook with the same care and attention that he gave you.

It's all or nothing and you're prepared to give Jungkook your all.

The prince looks down at you before carefully lifting his hand and brushing one finger through your hair. "Am I still dreaming?" he asks softly.

You nuzzle into his chest. "No. But if this is a dream, do you want to wake up?"

"I never want to wake up."

"Does it feel like a dream?"

Jungkook nods.

You lift yourself up so you can press a soft kiss to his cheek. "Did that feel like a dream?"

"A little," he replies, attempting to hide a smile.

You lift yourself once again, placing another kiss to his other cheek. Jungkook smiles a little bigger so you kiss his forehead and nose too. By this time, he's absolutely beaming at you.

"I love your smile," you admit with a glance at his lips.

Jungkook looks away and takes a deep breath before looking back to you. "And I love you."

Before you know it, your whole body is pulled even closer until you're practically on top of Jungkook's chest. Your little hums of happiness warm Jungkook's heart as he places a kiss to the top of your head.

And this moment is confirmation for you but it's also a small piece of normality, a normal you want to live with for a long, long time.

Eventually you and Jungkook do get out of bed (he drags you out of the bed when he stands because you refuse to release his waist). It was finally time to start your days, even though by now the day is halfway over.

You're grateful that Mr. Frederick found you a proper change of clothes. Maybe the dress is a little old for you, but a dress is a dress, and you're grateful for it.

Checking your hair in the mirror, Jungkook stepped out of the bathroom, stopping in his tracks and staring right at you.

"What? You don't like it?"

"You look beautiful," he says.

"Thank you." You scan him head to toe, a tilt to your head and a pull at your lips.

He looks down at his appearance and then up at your furrowed brow. "Is something wrong?"

"No! No, it's just that..." you sigh, trying to figure out how to word your explanation.

"It's just what?"

"Do you remember what you wore when I visited your room the first time?"

Jungkook stares at you with disbelief. "That was a while ago. No, I don't remember what I was wearing. I can't believe you remember that."

You giggle, "Well, I remember thinking that you looked really good in it."

Jungkook blushes when you say this, brushing the back of his neck with his hand. "You did?"

"Mhm," you sing, taking swaying steps towards him. "You were dressed down and comfy. I really liked the times when you weren't Prince Jeon Jungkook." He laughs at your fake manly voice when you say his name. "I always preferred Just Jungkook."

That's when Just Jungkook leans over you with a smile and kisses you, gently molding to your lips for a moment and holding you there, body swelling as his arms wrap securely around you.

"What was that for?" you ask with a hypnotized gaze at his button nose.

Jungkook smiles, nose scrunching just a little bit. "Nothing, it's just…I'm still getting used to the fact that I can kiss you, and you don't slap me or whatever."

"It helps that we're not in a prison cell. And I want you to kiss me."

"Yeah, those things are important," Jungkook chuckles. "So, umm, what other things do you like about me?"

You can't help but laugh out loud for a moment before tapping your chin, thinking about what to say. "Well, I really like your smile. I think you smile like a bunny."

"A bunny?" the prince repeats with a thoughtful nod. "Okay, never heard that one before."

"Yes," you giggle, "it's cute."

Jungkook just shakes his head with a laugh, slowly grazing a hand through your hair, the back of his knuckles across your cheek. "This is crazy..." he whispers to himself.

He's so intently gentle with you, through his touches, his words, his eyes. Everything about him treats you like porcelain in his grasp and it feels odd to be handled ro carefully. There's a stir of something intense twisting inside your gut, the realization that you're physically and mentally safe for the first time in a long time.

Jungkook rocks on his heels, rocking you with him. "What else?"

"What else what?"

Jungkook clears his throat. "What else do you like about me?"

"You're like a little child, Kook, why do you keep asking me that?"

He chooses not to comment on your newly developed nickname for him because he kinda likes it and doesn't want to discourage terms of endearment. He shrugs and walks to the wall, leaning against it so he can watch you finish your makeup for the day.

"Because, I like all the stupid little things you do, so I was just wondering what you like about me."

Your jaw drops as you slowly turn your entire body towards the boy trying to hide his smile, but you're smiling too, placing a hand on your hip.

"What stupid little things?"

"You know, like the way you huff under your breath when you're annoyed, or always wear the same pair of shoes, or take two months to make up your mind."

"Whoa, excuse me?" Okay, that kind of stung but you're honestly laughing. Jungkook just smiles at the way you dramatize the situation, "Not cool. Not. Cool. Jungkook."

He puts his hands up in surrender. "Hey, I'm just telling it like it is."

"Yeah, okay." You give Jungkook a dirty look before finally finishing getting ready, the prince making sarcastic, dorky comments every ten seconds.

"So are you finally gonna answer my question?" Jungkook smirks.

"Depends, how long are you gonna hold that over my head?"

Jungkook just shrugs.

You shift your weight a little when you finally decide to say, "Fine, if you really want to know…I don't mind when you kiss me out of nowhere. Actually, I kinda like it. Now."

Jungkook's entire face, neck, and both ears turn an intense shade of red as he looks at you and smiles. "Really?"

"Mhm," you hum innocently, although you're pretty sure the action of slowly stepping closer and slipping your hand into his, does not have the purest of intentions.

Jungkook ganders at your smaller frame pressing itself up against him and can't help but feel hot. As in...really hot. And not because he just laughed until he teared up.

"I'm glad," Jungkook comments, not really paying much attention to his words, but feeling good when you smile nonetheless.

"I should have already said this, but thank you." You intertwine your fingers with his long slender ones, feeling the way Jungkook's gaze is locked on your eyes.

"For what?"

"For that kiss you're about to give me."

The prince takes a sharp breath, narrowing his eyes at you and smirking. "That was smooth, Princess. But it's gonna take a little practice to get to my level."

You raise your eyebrows in pleasant surprise as your arms slowly place themselves around Jungkook's neck. "Is that playful banter, I hear?"

He shrugs.

You bite your lip. "Looks like I'm gonna need some practice then." The seductive way those words drip from your lips makes Jungkook's heart race. Just the look in your eye is enough to make his body tense up.

Letting his gaze fall to your lips that hover only a few inches from his, he knows what they feel like, what they taste like when the kiss is genuine. He just kissed you a few minutes ago but he can't wait to kiss you again.

In less than a second, the prince has his lips pressed to yours in a passionate kiss that has your head spinning in every direction at once. Your knees almost give way again, but you manage to keep yourself upright this time, the mere pace he tries to set has your body reacting instantly.

Jungkook's kiss makes you want to fall completely, the entire concept of kissing Jungkook like this, openly, freely, passionately, and of your own desire making you want to kiss him that much more.

You do, however, stumble back until you feel yourself hit your vanity mirror. Little perfume bottles and accessories topple over, but you don't notice. You've never seen this borderline dominant, needy side of Jungkook before, but you love it. You love the way he melts into his desire immediately when he feels you kissing back, rolling your hips teasingly until he roughly picks you up and sits you on the vanity, caught between your legs now wrapped around his thighs.

Your hands slide into his hair and the kiss turns from passionate to competitive. A competition to see who can make the other crack first. A challenge you give yourself to turn this cocky, playful prince into a dependent, submissive boy.

You can't clearly keep one thought in your head for more than two seconds with Jungkook on your lips like this. His hands that were supporting his weight on either side of you, slide up the top of your thighs until they finally rest at your sides.

Your incoherent thoughts are interrupted by a small, sudden pain from when he unconsciously grips your hips a little too tight, and his nails dig into your skin. You whimper lightly, dropping your hands, and Jungkook immediately pulls away to look at you.

"I'm sorry!"

"It's okay," you assure him breathlessly, pulling him back in when he leans away. "It just surprised me."

He feels better that you're still smiling, staring down at your already swollen lips and sighing at the sight of you already showing signs of arousal.

"What are you thinking about?"

"I'm thinking about how much I want you right now."

Your heart rate immediately starts rising and your whole body feels electrified by the possibility. He could rip your dress off right now if he wanted to. Your hands slowly slide down his torso, your lips feeling the need to be kissed even though they just were.

"I want you too," you whisper to him like a secret, fingers dipping into his waistband.

His breath quickens, fingers working tirelessly to undo his slacks. Once the buttons are popped, he pulls your dress down one shoulder and kisses the bare skin there. Your head falls back, hips jutting forward to grind against the growing bulge in his pants.

His lips dance across your skin, both your bodies arching to feel as much of the other as possible. Jungkook moans into the crook of your neck, making the hairs on your arm stand on end. Damn, he sounds so beautiful.

"Kook," you sigh his name, shivers up your spine when his hips buck against you in response to your use of his new nickname.

"Can I take off your dress? I know we said it was time to go, but…I think I need you back in bed." His lips hover over yours, ghosting the idea of having them over every inch of your body. "Just for a moment, just for a small moment."

You quickly nod, pulling yourself onto his hips and clinging to him around his waist and shoulders. His hands support you under your thighs, picking you off the vanity and carrying you toward the mattress.

Right as your back hits the blankets, you reach for his slacks and begin pulling them down his toned thigh–

knock knock knock~

Jungkook sighs, head hung beside your neck. "What is it with people knocking on doors and interrupting my big moments?"

You can't help but giggle at the sheer disappointment in his voice. You're disappointed too but he's so dramatic about it.

"Prince Jeon?" A voice is heard through the door.

Jungkook takes a few breaths to calm himself down before pulling himself off you, adjusting himself in his pants and buttoning his slacks. He combs a hand through his hair and clears his throat. You're still a mess on his bed, biting your lip and being an all around brat by tempting him still.

"Who is it?"

"Mr. Fredrick," the voice answers.

Jungkook seems to click into royal prince mode rather quickly when he hears it's his butler at the door.

You hop back to your feet and smooth out your hair and outfit before Mr. Frederick walks in and bows.

The look that Jungkook and his butler share frightens you more than expected. The small defeated look in the prince's eye that comes next makes your heart clench as he approaches the doorway.

"Is it time already?"

The advisor nods and presents the door for the prince to usher him away.

Jungkook looks back at you and smiles assuredly. "I'll be back later, okay? Just be careful if you decide to go out. Your father is contained, but it could still be dangerous."

You nod before rolling your lip between your teeth nervously.

Jungkook sighs. "Don't give me that look, I promise everything is okay. I'll tell you about it later." And with one last wink, he and Mr. Frederick leaves the room, leaving you all alone.

You stare at the door for a few more moments, replaying the morning in your mind as you try to comprehend everything that has happened over the past seventy-two hours.

You know that you may still have to deal with your father at some point, but you thought everything was going to be okay now. Isn't this the end? This morning felt like a happy ever after. But maybe it's not yet.

::

Jungkook told you that you could wait for him in his room or look around for a little bit, so you decided to go with option B. He got to spend months in your kingdom, so now it's your turn to see what his home is like. After all, you'll have to decide which kingdom you'll live in when all this is over and you'd like to be able to make an informed decision. Just from the castle itself, you wouldn't mind living here. Away from the trauma and childhood memories of your castle.

The first thought you have is maybe Jungkook has a garden like you do? Some place he always goes when he needs to think or be alone. You could use that right now. You need to be able to sort out all these intense feelings, new laws, and decisions you have yet to make.

You peek out the door before stepping from the safety of Jungkook's room into the big, bad world, or as you call it now, reality. Why you decided that you needed to check the perimeter before leaving is a mystery, but nevertheless, you make sure the coast is clear and then begin to walk down the hallway.

The castle is way bigger then you remember it being even yesterday. The sun is shining through the glass windows that make up a good majority of the wall to your left. To the right are all the rooms you remember passing last night when you went on a scavenger hunt for Jungkook's room.

You look down at the purple carpet beneath your feet and stop. The way the windows are placed plus the way the sun is shining through them leaves rectangles of sunlight and warms the soft material under your feet.

You kick off your shoes and pick them up, holding them off to your side as you get ready to take a running start.

Counting yourself in, you start running down the hall, jumping from reflection to reflection.

This is something you used to do in hallways all the time as a kid. Of course, then you had to imagine that there were patterns to follow or booby traps to avoid. Everywhere the sun wasn't shining was lava or a black hole. You were all alone as a child so you made time to entertain yourself with the little things.

And then you grew up. And then no more games. But here, with something as simple as the sun shining through the window, you feel like you can find enjoyment in those things again. You feel at home here, oddly more so than you do in your own castle.

Skipping down the halls, jumping from rectangle to rectangle, giggling until you can't breathe. Forgetting, for just a moment, that you're a princess with duties, responsibilities, a kingdom to inherit, and you can just exist. All of these feelings come together to make you smile more innocently and child-like than you have in a long time.

You're occupied playing and exploring when you remember Jungkook's warning…

"You should be careful if you decide to go out. Your father is contained, but it could still be dangerous."

Your father killed Jungkook's parents, you're sure of it. He deserves to be punished and you hope Jungkook gives the King what he deserves.

"Will he fall for it?"

You stop, your head instantly whipping around to find the source of the voice.

"It's worth a shot…it's really all we have left at this point unless you want something really messy to clean up afterwards."

Your eyes widen as you slip your shoes back on, listening for which room these two voice are coming from.

This sounds like a professional, important meeting between two very professional, important people. You probably should keep going and not eavesdrop on the clearly isolated conversation.

So, you carefully peek through the crack of the door once you discover which room they're in and start listening.

You see a very frantic Jungkook running hand after hand through his now messy hair and leaning over a table covered in papers and maps. Next to him, rubbing his back sympathetically, is Mr. Frederick from before.

You like Mr. Frederick. He kind of reminds you of Mrs. Barnes in a way, and you're glad that Jungkook has someone he can lean on too. Especially during a time like this, Jungkook is visibly distraught over something.

"I hope ___ will be okay. I think I should ask her about it." You hear Jungkook sigh.

"I would advise against that, Your Highness. Simply because no matter what he's done and how he's hurt her, he is still her father. She may be hesitant, and we can't afford to lose time."

"I don't think she will be. I want to include her in this."

"Do as you wish but, Your Highness, there's not a lot of time. We need your decision now."

Jungkook starts pacing from the table, towards the door, to the table, towards the door again. You can see the worry on his face, the way he bites his lip and rubs the back of his neck with frustration. He feels pressured, that's understandable. You would be more worried if Jungkook could make this decision without thinking twice. It's obviously a decision concerning what to do about your father, and that alone piques your interest.

You're glad that, despite this new amendment or whatever, the people of the castle seem to have accepted Jungkook as their king before any crown is on his head. They know who their ruler is, law or no law, and they support him. Hopefully, the people of his kingdom feel the same.

"All I know is that I can't lose her again," Jungkook says finally. "I believe what ___ is telling me is true, and for the first time since I've met her, she's chosen to be with me. She loves me. For the first time in a long time, I'm happy, Frederick. Genuinely happy. I can't lose her."

Your heart leaps into your throat. If you had been in that room with them, nothing would have stopped you from throwing your arms around his neck and hugging Jungkook until his heart could be seen through his chest.

But here you stay, listening intensely to the next words of the man who stands beside the prince, sighing. "Your Highness, I understand how you feel, but you also have to take the kingdoms into consideration. What will the people think if they see you let such a dangerous man free?"

Dangerous man? Let him free? So they do mean your father. Is Jungkook really thinking about letting him go free? He can't! Not after what your father has done, not after the pain and manipulation he' caused.

Jimin has permanent scars. Jungkook will be forever haunted. Jimin will go through mental and emotional turmoil for the rest of his life. Jungkook will always have doubts and fears because of the toxic poison the king etched into his mind.

No. The King will be stopped. He will be punished. He will pay. If it's the last thing you do.

"I won't let him go free," Jungkook assures his advisor, "I just don't know what to do about ___. How is she gonna take her only remaining parent being sentenced by her – umm, by me."

"Your Highness, what's wrong?" Mr. Frederick asks cautiously after a moment.

Jungkook stares at the ground before lifting his eyes towards the table. "I guess the arrangement is over. The deal is done. I...I didn't even think about…"

"What do you mean, Your Highness?"

"I mean, I'm not her fiance anymore, am I?"

Mr. Frederick slowly walks over to the Prince and folds his hands tenderly. "Well, she did bring a marriage license with her, so that has to mean something."

Jungkook chuckles, shoulders bouncing and handsome face flashing a dreamy smile. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

You really just want to burst through the door and speak your mind before smacking a huge kiss to the lips of that idiot prince. But you refrain from doing so. This whole conversation was obviously not meant for you to hear.

"Right, guess that's it then." The stern look in Jungkook's eye when he looks back to his advisor sends shivers up your spine. "Do it."

Mr. Frederick bows low. "I will see that it is done according to your wishes, Your Highness."

You need fresh air to clear your head. If Jungkook asks you about this later, you want to have an answer, a well thought-out, professional answer that can be taken seriously.

You leave the door still slightly cracked and run down the hall towards the nearest exit.

::

You didn't get a very good look at the castle grounds yesterday. You had quickly jumped off star, handing her to the castle guard by the stables, and tried to keep breathing as you searched through the castle until you found the Prince looking more broken then you had ever seen before.

That moment was when you made an in-the-moment decision to kiss him. It worked didn't it? And you won't lie to yourself, you really liked it. There's no doubt in your mind. You love him.

Outside isn't what you expected. It's not closed off like your garden. It's open. It's higher up. In fact, if you walk far enough you can actually stand on the edge of a beautiful horizon overlooking a bay with ships and people bustling about their daily lives. The scene is actually quite breathtaking.

You look over the cliff and sigh.

These are the people your father was going to overtake. These are the people Jungkook is fighting for. These are the people Jungkook will be king over once he takes his stand. Will you be beside him? You hope so...

The view is majestic, can you stay here forever? There's a breeze that blows kiss after kiss across your cheek, and your hair flows behind you as a song plays in your head. You close your eyes and begin humming the tune.

After a moment, you realize. You haven't thought of this song since before your mom passed away. The song she used to sing to you as you fell asleep. It brings a calming reassurance to your pounding chest and nervous heart.

You sigh, "Things are gonna be okay."

And things are okay... for the two seconds of happiness you find yourself listening to the breeze and imagining your mother's sweet voice singing to you as you watch the ships sail off into the horizon, and the people skipping down the boardwalks below you.

For two seconds, everything is right.

And then...

"Hello, My Dear."

You stare straight ahead, no blinking, no breathing. The voice behind you sends worse than shivers up your spine. It paralyzes you from your feet up. Your feet remain frozen in time as you listen, not to the breeze, but to the slow and steady breaths of a very dangerous king creeping up to the edge of the cliff.

"You're not going to turn around and face me? I expect more from you, daughter, afterall I raised you. Respect your elders."

The words of Mr. Frederick going off like alarms in your mind at a time like this scares you, but also makes you realize something.

"...no matter what he's done, or how he's hurt her, he is still her father. She may be hesitant, and we can't afford to lose time."

It makes sense when you're an outsider looking in, but Mr. Fredrick doesn't understand the level of pain this man has caused not only you, but also the people you care about. Are you ready to lose your only surviving parent?

Truth is, you lost your father a long time ago. When you lost your mother, your father lost himself and consequently, he lost you. He may be your father, but he is no longer the man you respect or can call dad.

"You are not...my father."

The king erupts in laughter, throwing his head back as his voice echoes off the dangerous cliff. "I'm not your father? You're even more ridiculous than I gave you credit for." He approaches you with a menacing aura. "Careful, ___, don't want to slip and fall."

You glance behind you and see the drop off the cliff a few steps away.

That's…a long way down.

You gasp when you look back at the king who is now standing startlingly close, lifting a hand to keep him away.

"Don't."

"Don't?" Your father tilts his head like a confused puppy. "Don't what?"

"Don't come any closer," you stay sternly.

The king smiles slowly, his lips seem to stretch across the length of his entire face. "You used to be so cute, you know? But now," he sighs, "you're just really annoying. How you managed to make two guys love you at the same time, I'll never know. You're not charming or responsible. How long did you keep Jungkook hooked? Two, three months?"

You shake your head, your eyes stay unblinking.

"Good to know he finally got over your pathetic mask. Nice try with the marriage license but I know he didn't sign it and I know you're not married."

"I never--"

"Save it!" the king suddenly shouts. "You can't play dumb with me, ___, I was there through your entire act. You think I didn't know about your little deal with Jungkook? You think I didn't know about Jimin? About your secret relationship? I see the hiding places haven't gotten any more inventive since I was young. Behind a bush, really? You can do better than that." He shakes his head and starts to walk towards you, as your feet shuffle backwards to the edge.

You can't run. You can scream, but who would hear?

Quickly, you lift your hand to your neck and squeeze the necklace beneath your dress.

Help me.

::

Jungkook finally puts his pen aside and rubs his eyes. "Was that the last one?"

Mr. Frederick picks up the signed and rejected proposals, a proud smile for his respectes ruler, no matter what the law says. "Yes, Sire. You should be finished now. The kingdom will be grateful for all you've done today. With these signed amendments and documents, we can refute that bastard's attempts at dictating the kingdoms."

Jungkook nods and stretches. Being king is going to be just as hard as he thought, but he knows he can do it if he has you next to him.

The prince takes one last look at the official paperwork he spent the last two hours working on. His signature was starting to get shaky by the end of it. Hopefully, a nap is somewhere in his near future.

"I'll take my leave then."

"Rest well, Your Highness."

The hallway is longer for some reason as Jungkook trudges his way to his bedroom. It hasn't even been that long since he woke up, only a few hours, but he feels the intense desire to crawl back into his sheets.

Like last night, the way you clung to him, the way you snuggled him. And this morning when he woke up nuzzled into your neck, when you kissed him. Instead of pushing him away, you actually asked him to stay. Another feeling of what Jungkook can only define as love rushes over him. Does he get to sleep next to you like that every night? Are all his mornings going to be like that from now on?

His heart starts beating faster at just the thought. A smile breaks out on his face, and he is unable to hold it back. It actually feels like happily ever after is finally happening.

He stops outside the door, straightening his shirt and combining a hand through his hair just on the off chance you're still in there.

He feels kind of stupid for doing that, because he doesn't know why exactly he needs to. You like him when he's scruffy and comfy apparently. All he knows is that he doesn't feel as spent when he thinks about you greeting him with a hug and a kiss as his life partner.

"___?" He softly knocks twice and then opens the door, biting his lip in anticipation of seeing you again.

Oh, you're not here. Did you go exploring? Jungkook almost starts giggling at the thought of cute little you wandering the halls and ultimately getting lost. Because you would...get lost. He knows it but he still loves you.

Jungkook sighs and makes his way to his dresser, changing into a more comfortable t-shirt and bottoms. He may be the soon-to-be-crowned King, but right now he feels like being Just Jungkook. With just you.

Not two seconds after he closes the drawer and slips his shirt over his head, his necklace alarms him to an incoming danger. You're in danger. You're calling for help.

What follows is an ear shattering scream that spikes his attention and makes his heart palpitate within his chest. A scream coated in fear and so devastatingly loud, Jungkook can feel it threatening his eardrums as his heart drops. A scream that sends shivers up and down his entire body.

Without time to even process, Jungkook immediately starts running towards the sound.

The cliff side.

::

The steps he takes are slow, intimidating, and his smile grows with every inch he gets closer, hands held out ready to push.

"I'll scream," you threaten.

The king stops, raises his eyebrows and slumping his shoulders. "I guess I'm beat then." He stares at you for a moment before bursting out into laughter. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I couldn't even keep a straight face, that's so funny!"

For some reason, the fact that he is laughing makes you even more nervous. You're trapped between this maniac and the edge of a cliff. If you fall there is no way you would survive. You were just thinking how beautiful the horizon was, but now, all of it seems like a nightmare.

The king finally starts to steady his laughter and wipe his eyes. "Oh, I needed that. Thanks for the laugh. But seriously, you can't actually think that anyone would hear you? And besides who is gonna go up against the king? No one can beat me..." His voice changed with his last few words too much for you not to notice the evil that clouds over his eyes.

"Please..."

His voice goes high-pitched and almost unbearable as he mimics you, "Please." He chuckles and cups his face, "Please?" His hands drop and he rolls his eyes. "You're pathetic."

He may be a villain and he may be someone you can never look at the same way again, but he is still the man who raised you. And to be told you're pathetic by the man who raised you to be a queen, makes you feel smaller than you've ever felt before.

Tears continue to fall as you feel like you're nearing the end. You shake your head.

"I can't stop now," he says as if it's obvious why. "You've already made it clear you'll do anything to keep me from what's mine, including marrying Jungkook."

Your eyes grow wide. So he does mean to end you here, his words fading into muffled whispers as your head spins and your vision blurs. Your chest feels like it's enduring the weight of a thousand burning suns.

And then with one small stumble, the king's hands catch you by the collar of your dress and hold you up so just the tip of your toes touch the dust.

"You have caused me more pain and frustration in the last three months than I ever signed up for. Did you actually think I ever really wanted you? You were a mistake! You still are a mistake, and I don't want to see your ridiculous face anymore!"

The tears refuse to stop, your lungs refuse to breathe. Nothing but a struggle and struggle with no point in fighting when your efforts to escape only make him tighten his grip.

He looms over your eyes. "I thought you said you were going to scream?"

You choke on a gasp.

"Go on. Scream!" he shouts, hot breath on your face and deep voice shaking your eardrums.

When you refuse to move or speak, the king releases your collar, and you collapse to your knees. You quickly look up at the king who's taking a few steps back. He spreads his arms open wide and looks up into the sky.

"I said SCREAM!"

And when his gaze falls back to your trembling body sitting on the ground, your arms clasp around your stomach and your eyes close as you let out a desperate, pleading, unmistakably horrific scream.

You didn't want to. Didn't want to let the king know that he could make you scream like that, but every fiber in your being forces you to release all the built-up trepidation that's been boiling inside you since the beginning.

Your scream echoes off the walls of the cliff, the ground practically shaking beneath you (or that's you shaking). You feel unsteady, unsure, and unsafe to the point where you could scream until your throat is raw.

"Yes! Now that's a scream! That's what I wanted. Don't you feel better now, ___? Knowing that even when you scream, no one wants to save you! You are worthless, why would anyone want to keep you?" he says with a harsh laugh. "This is reality and this is what I want the last thought in your pretty little head to be."

And with his final word, the heel of his shoe collides with your temple, the force sending you rolling towards the cliff with a shriek and a gasp, tiny rocks falling down when you slide into the dirt along the crumbling edge.

Your head starts immediately pounding, lifting your hand to feel where he has kicked your head, fingers stained red when you bring them into your line of sight again.

His feet follow your now limp body as you unconsciously roll to soothe the pain, huffing determination and pushing yourself up.

"You're the pathetic one here," you tell him breathlessly. "Even if you kill me, I won't surrender. I'll haunt you in your worst nightmares. Return the favor by making every second of your reality a living hell. I swear."

With a sharp jerk, your body is lifted off the ground. Your feet dangle in the air as he holds you up by your throat. Your hands instinctively claw at his grip, expression turning into panic when you realize your airway is blocked from here.

"You look just like her, you know that? You were told that growing up, but I don't think you understand just how much."

Your tongue starts to poke out from between your lips as his hand tightens around your neck.

"You look exactly like her, it's sickening. Everything you do, everything you say reminds me of her. I don't know how many times I renovated that stupid garden, but for some reason she still followed me. And then I realized...it's you. She was always going to follow me so long as you were in my castle."

You close your eyes as the king starts to take the last few steps to the edge. You can't possibly look down, but you can tell from the gravity pulling you downwards that if he drops you now...it won't be good.

You clasp onto his arm and try to hold yourself up while simultaneously trying to release his grip on your neck, your feet just hanging in mid-air over what will surely be the end of you.

He chuckles, "I finally realized if I really wanted to free myself from her death, I have to free myself of you. But you just didn't want to follow the plan. It's really frustrating, having a daughter like you."

Your entire body is numb at this point, complexion starting to morph color from lack of oxygen.

"Everything I tried backfired. I couldn't get your mother out of my head. I couldn't get YOUR mother out of my fucking head!" He shakes you when he starts raising his voice. "This is where I finally end things. And with you gone, I can be free to take over throne after throne, until my life is back. Jungkook won't be functional after I break the news to him."

He tilts his head and looks sympathetically off the cliff. "His precious ___ tragically falls off the edge of a cliff while blindingly enjoying her new found love in the sunset. Tragic really. But it will destroy him enough."

Is this it? Is this the ending to everything you've been though? Does your father win after all this time? How?

"Hey, asshole!!"

His voice doesn't fully reach your numbing ears, but the next moment, his fist connects with the king's jaw, the sudden impact causing the release of the king's hold on your throat and a slow, timely drop.

Jungkook has never moved so fast in his entire life.

"___!!" he cries as his chest slides across the rocks, his arm stretching past the edge of the cliff just in time.

A sharp pain shoots through your shoulder and back like a buttlet as you're suddenly caught in mid-air.

Your voice burns when you scream in agony, legs swung in the air, occasionally scratching against the side of the cliff. Your heart beat reaches a speed you didn't think was possible for mankind, the pounding almost breaking the skin.

Adrenalin fills everyone's veins as Jungkook leaves bruises from how tightly he's holding onto your wrist. Your entire body shakes as you look up at the prince with nothing but fear trailing down your cheeks, coughing until you can breathe again somewhat.

The king is already back to his feet, a cynical smile plastered on his face as he wipes away the blood from his now busted lip. Courtesy of Jungkook's fist.

"Don't lie to yourself," the king snickers, stomping his way toward the prince. "You think she'll ever really marry you? She lied. Lied! It was always a lie, Jungkook. From the very beginning, she did nothing but lie to you!"

You can hear the words your father is telling Jungkook, but all you can do is shake your head and silently beg Jungkook with your eyes.

"She doesn't love you. She only wanted to save her village boy, don't you see what she's doing? She's lying to you, and you're falling for it again! Jungkook, you can't be with her, ever. She only wants to use you."

Jungkook holds his breath, everything in him fighting to not hear the king's words. And it is. All of him is. You know he doesn't believe what the king is saying, but that doesn't mean his chest doesn't tighten or burn with every syllable.

"No..." you choke as your hand wraps around his wrist tighter.

You know he'll never drop you, but it's just the fear and pain you can see in his eyes that scare you beyond hanging off a cliff.

"Jungkook, watch out!"

You try to warn him before your father's hands slam down on the prince's back, gripping his shirt and almost ripping it off.

The prince struggles to keep hold of you, but is ultimately yanked backwards, your weight just too much for his one limb to carry and with a slip of his hand, you fall...

Your scream is ear shattering. Jungkook disappears from view as the king throws him away from the ledge. He collides with the dirt and rolls a few yards, the ground staining his skin with smudges and small cuts.

The king's heavy breathing is almost as intimidating as the killer look in his eyes, piercing Jungkook's mind as he peals his cheek from the dust.

Your name rips from this throat in pure and utterly horror, a terrible, unreal burn throughout his whole body as if he's falling through the atmosphere, and yet there's a ten ton weight on his body.

"You," the king chokes on his words as if he just can't believe what he is saying, "did this to yourself, understand? All this is your fault."

Jungkook doesn't notice the sting of his tears falling into the cuts on his face. He just stares past the king to the edge of the cliff where you have fallen. Chin trembling, heart shattering, mind fogging, reality dissociating, lungs collapsing.

You...fell...he dropped you.

Your hands slide down the side of the cliff, desperately grabbing at anything and everything until your fingers manage to wrap around a sharp rock, who's home is a few feet down from the top. You let out a deep, painful grunt as your arm feels practically ripped from it's socket, but there you hang on for dear life, crying.

Jungkook's gaze shifts from the ground to looking directly into the king's eyes. "This…" he stands slowly, shaking, "is not my fault."

"Don't lie to yourself. You think ___ was ever going to really marry you? She lied. Lied! It was always a lie, Jungkook. From the very beginning, she did nothing but lie to you." This is the second time those words try to infiltrate Jungkook's already weak heart.

He tightens his jaw and stares at the man squeezing his fists uncontrollably. "She told me the truth."

"She left you!"

"She came after me."

"She hated you!!"

"She loved me."

The king just huffs a few breaths and shouts angrily at the boy. His proclamation was accompanied by a fist flying back to gain enough force to draw blood when it comes in contact with the prince's cheek.

Even if the punch sent a shooting pain through his hand, the king only steps to where the prince has stumbled back and strikes again, this time giving Jungkook a matching busted lip.

"You have been a pain in my ass since your stupid parents decided to ship you to my castle like a piece of cattle!"

Jungkook coughs when he tastes blood in the back of his throat. He struggles to stand to his feet, only to be sent plummeting back to the ground once more by the king's now blood stained knuckles.

The initial shock of being punched in the face is starting to be numbed by Jungkook's realization. He keeps glancing at the cliff, to where he saw you disappear.

No splash. There's no sound of you hitting the waves, no body crunching and breaking on the sharp rocks below.

His body starts to make its way back to the cliff on its own accord, something possibly foolish inside telling him to go get you. The prince fights his way through the king's merciless kicks and beatings as he crawls his way to where his heart tells him you have to be alive.

Finally, Jungkook rolls the last few feet with the help of one more kick to his ribs before quickly climbing his way to his feet and looking directly at the dictator who has caused him so much pain.

Not just now. He's the one who made you cry one too many times, the one who threw someone you loved in prison, the one who forced Jungkook to be the bad guy. He's the one who made Jungkook an orphan, the one who hit you, the one who lied, the one who held you by your throat and dropped you off a cliff just to rid himself of his own past and shadows.

"You don't understand what you've done here."

"I understand what I want."

"No," Jungkooks slowly shakes his head. "You only understand what you can never have."

Jungkook takes no time to hesitate before his next move. He pulls his fist back and throws one, powerful, angry punch at the king's face, smashing him in the jaw and feelings a snap at the contact of his knuckles.

But it doesn't keep the king down for long. With broken bones in his face, the king recklessly throws his next punch. The prince parries to the left, and he falls forward past Jungkook's position at the edge of the cliff.

He tries to catch himself but ends up tumbling past the edge, a slip of his foot, but Jungkook turns just in time for the king to take a tight hold of his forearm, digging his nails into his skin to keep his grip.

"Ahh!" Jungkook groans when he's dragged to the edge, the top half of his body hanging off with the king's grip drawing blood from his arm.

"Jungkook!"

He hears your voice break through, and he sees you hanging on for dear life only a few feet away.

"___! Hold on!" he calls to you with shock but also hope.

You do as your told, even though multiple blisters have popped on your hands and countless attempts to climb back to the top have failed. Your arms feel like nothing, but they stay holding you up, holding on for just a little longer.

The king glances between you and the prince before noticeably tightening his grip on the Prince's wrist. "You drop me, your entire Kingdom goes down. You can't rule, I'm your last hope. You drop me and it's all over, you hear me!"

Jungkook just stares at him. His eyes say one thing, but you can tell just from the way he limply lets his arm hang, he's thinking something else.

"You're right," he replies quietly. "I drop you and all this is finally over."

Jungkook isn't holding onto the King. The King is clinging to Jungkook with everything he has, but even you can see the slight way he slides down to just barely keeping a grip on the Prince's wrist.

"Bastard."

He glances to you, and you two share a look that means one thing to you, and one thing to the Prince.

Suddenly, your father is kicking uncontrollablly, and swinging his legs towards your hand. His heel stabs your fingers once or twice, but you refuse to let go.

"No!" Jungkook starts shouting desperately, trying to swing his arm so the king can't reach you. "Stop it! Stop!"

The king doesn't stop, his unstable, relentless need to end you takes over his entire being and mind.

Ultimately, there is no way to keep hold as the king flings his body towards you, trying desperately to make you fall.

Everything inside you panics. Unadulterated, pure panic that trembles every bone and fills every nerve. You can't hold on for much longer.

In one swift movement, Jungkook lets out a cry so intense you almost don't notice the way your father takes hold of your ankle as he slips from Jungkook's grasp.

"Aghh!" The pain you feel shoots from your shoulder as the extra weight on your foot sends excruciating agony through every inch of you.

The pain only last for as long as it takes for your shoe to slip from your heel and start the long decent to the crushing ground below, along with the king and his devastating, heart piercing cry.

You close your eyes immediately after it happens. You can't watch. But in your mind you understand what just happened.

However, Jungkook wastes no time in reaching down for you as far as he can, "___! Reach for me!" he calls for you, hanging more than half way down the cliff side to reach you.

Your eyes open, with tears blurring your vision, you give your last ounce of strength into throwing your left arm towards his hand, fumbling only a little before he takes a firm hold on your wrist.

"Okay, I'm gonna pull you up. Try your best to hang on tight and use the cliff to climb up with me, okay?"

Both of you work together until your body is lifted past the edge of the cliff, and you fall with a panicked sigh into Jungkook's arms. He immediately embraces you with uneven breaths and shaking hands, slowly stroking your hair, and he holds your ear to his rapid beating heart.

"I got you now. I got you, it's okay." Is all he can repeat over, and over, and over.

Your eyes start to close when all feeling in your body disappears, and your fists fall limp around Jungkook's waist, fingers twitching and arm muscles spasming from being exhorted so intensely.

You both collapse to the ground with unbelief in your eyes. Carefully, your limp body is pressed to his chest as Jungkook releases his tears.

"I got you," are the last words Jungkook whimpers to you before the world goes dark, and all that's left is the ringing sound of your father's last cry in your ear and your one bare foot being stained by the dirt of the earth.

::

You couldn't emotionally or physically do it, so Jungkook told you he would take care of your father's body when they found it among the sea rocks.

The day after his death, a ship took your father's body out to sea to dump into the ocean. Not a proper burial with flowers or scents or royal seals. But it would rid you of him for once and for all. Let the creatures in the deep have their feast. It was what you wanted. You didn't want to bury him, to go through all that. But you also felt the responsibility to make a decision.

You sat on the edge of Jungkook's bed. It's only been hours since he left to see your wishes carried out, but you feel as though he's been gone for days. It feels dangerous to be without him still, even though you know in your head that you're safe. Your body and heart are still anxious.

That agonizing feeling Jungkook went through when all he needed was a hug? You understand that now. Honestly, all you need is a hug.

You look down at your fingers as they run softly over the sheets of the bed.

"Breath in…breath out."

That's what you've been telling yourself since Jungkook kissed your hand and closed the bedroom behind himself. He didn't have to tell you to stay here.

You had already showered and changed into Jungkook's black t-shirt and that did help a little. The loose fabric smells like him, but while the scent does help calm you, nothing compares to Jungkook holding you in his arms.

You sigh, looking to the door then back at your small hands now laying still in your lap. You already had the blisters and cuts cleaned and bandaged after your shower. Mr. Frederick had done a thorough job of making sure every injury that was inflicted on you was taken care of properly. But he can't do much for the intangible pain immediately.

A soft knock precedes Jungkook opening the door and peeking his head inside. Immediately, you're standing in attention, with wide, grateful eyes.

He steps into the room and closes the door behind himself. "It's done."

With a sharp breath and a nod, you quickly run to him and throw your arms around his middle. You don't speak, you just hold onto him as if you're still in danger of falling.

And Jungkook holds onto you, arms protectively wrap around your smaller frame, and your face nuzzles against his frame.

After a few moments, Jungkook pulls back just enough so he can cup your face, and finally look gently into your eyes. Last time he saw them, they were full of fear and insecurity. Now he has the chance to reflect on their security and a hope that the past is behind you and a better future is not far.

But his eyes only show worry as his fingers trace down the side of your neck, and you hiss. "What is this?"

You reach up to take his hand away. "It's nothing. It's just from when my father was holding me." You quickly return to embracing him, blinking away the tears before they escape.

"I'm so sorry." His voice is barely audible, but you manage to feel the deep vibrations against your cheek.

"Don't be. You came for me. You rescued me."

Jungkook kisses your head. "I was late."

This is the moment you look up at him and smile as best you can. "I'm still here. And I'm still yours."

Jungkook smiles when you do, his hand gently cupping your face as his eyes find yours. This moment of knowing that the danger is over, this moment of reassurance that no one is waiting to bring about harm anymore.

"I love you. I knew you would come for me."

He leans down and gently kisses the few bruises where his t-shirt has fallen off your shoulder and left them exposed, looking back up at you as his lips trace your skin. "I love it when you say that."

"When I say what?"

"You love me."

"Well, I do."

He sighs, using his hands to pull your body into his. His lips stay next to your neck, his breath tickling you as a contrast to his sighs giving you rushes of excitement and assurance.

"I do love you."

"I love you so much."

Jungkook's kisses have always been magical to you, even the ones you didn't know were coming. Something about his lips just sends an indescribable sensation through your bones.

His lips press into your neck, slow kisses placing themselves all over, from your collarbone to your cheeks. Your initial response is to close your eyes, but you try to keep them open. You know that if your eyes close, you'll fall too far into the sensation. You'll lose yourself.

You can feel the slight sway Jungkook starts as he falls into the rhythm of your deep breaths. Besides the small sting that comes from his lips pressing into the dark bruises on your skin, everything about his kisses is ultimately perfect.

He's not necessarily trying to get a reaction from you. He simply wants to reaffirm how he feels about you, confirm your physical presence and safety in his arms for himself.

He sighs against your skin, sending goosebumps all over your body. But something about it seems...sad. Something is still off.

"I was so scared," he whispers breathlessly.

"Jungkook?"

The prince's kisses halt for a few moments. He feels like a statue in your arms, pressed against you, his breathing the only thing you're sure of. His quiet, soft breaths are still tickling you, however, now you're just worried.

He stays silent still.

"Jungkook, are you okay?"

With your question, he suddenly, but slowly tightens his grip as his arms wrap around your lower back, and his lips press into your neck once more, hugging you as close to himself as you can possibly be.

"...I dropped you."

Your heart clenches. "Everything is okay now, I promise." You let your arms wrap around him and rise to your toes so you can hug him tightly.

Maybe at the beginning, you would feel weird hugging anyone like this. Silently. Openly. With both your hearts and all your emotions exposed. But now, you feel like this is all you can do. If this is what Jungkook needs, this is what you will do for him. And you can't deny, you need this too.

All Jungkook needed was a hug. And now he finally is getting what he needs. A hug that is genuine and soft. A hug that needs no words, but he knows everything you mean.

And you are getting exactly what you need. A soothing kiss to bring your bruises relief, and his strong arms to hold you close, telling you that he'll never let anyone take you from him.

And so, for who knows how long, you stay there. Letting Jungkook just feel you in his arms and rest in your embrace as well, until the moon is high and sleep starts calling to both of you.

And before you separate, ready to answer the call of sleep, you make sure he never forgets…

"I love you, Jungkook."

::

Getting ready for bed proved to be an adventure all on its own tonight. You slept in the same black t-shirt as before (yes Jungkook's).

When the prince steps out of the bathroom, he sees you sitting on the edge of the bed, your short legs swinging with the blankets, your cheeks smiling at him softly.

He looks down as he closes the door behind himself and sits beside you on the bed, a thick tension resting in the air.

"How are you doing?" he asks you gently.

"Tired," you say kindly. "Are you okay?"

He shakes his head, placing a hand over yours. "I think it'll be a little while before we're both okay again. Do you understand what happens next concerning the kingdoms?"

You swallow. "Yeah."

Jungkook lifts his legs and sits criss-crossed on the bed, while you lay back with your head on a pillow and your legs curled up halfway to your chest.

For a moment, all is silent. You're both just giving the other person time to think. But you've always done better thinking out loud, and after a few minutes of ringing silence, you speak your thoughts.

"Are you scared?” You turn your head slightly to see Jungkook still sitting with his legs crossed, staring at the wall.

Jungkooks takes a deep breath and lets it go, looking behind himself to see you looking up at him with furrowed brows and worried eyes. Everything in him breaks again, feeling unable to provide a safe place for you after your father destroyed the concept.

"...No." The prince lays back and sighs, head resting on his arm and eyes watching the ceiling. "I guess I'm only scared of one thing."

You shift to lay on your side. "What are you afraid of?"

He blinks, eyes are filled with unwanted tears, your heart silently screaming when you see him try to smile for you. "Don't worry about that. Just stay by me and everything will be okay."

With your eyes gently shut, Jungkook's hand caresses your cheek for a moment before it reaches under the sheets to feel down the length of your arm. You let him take hold of your hand and intertwine your fingers into the lonely spaces lovingly.

"Marry me, ___. For real this time. Not because of any law or anyone telling us what to do. Marry me because I love you and you love me."

The moment seems to go on for forever as he waits for you to speak, his chest rising and falling a little more rapidly. You can practically hear his heart beating through his worn down, white t-shirt.

"I will."

Jungkook finally smiles, wholeheartedly and honestly smiles. It's been too long since your heart fluttered just by his smile. That adorable bunny smile that you thought you might have lost for a moment.

He rolls to his side, opens his arms, and invites you to shimmy your way until you're being held safe and sound inside his embrace.

"I love you," he whispers with a kiss to your temple. That soft, caring, wonderful kiss to your temple, immediately easing your anxiety, calming your heart, and sending chills through you all at the same time.

::

The last thing you remember is closing your eyes and falling into a peaceful sleep to the feeling of Jungkook stroking your back and his heart beating rhythmically in your ear.

Now, you're opening your eyes to be met by his worried expression, and hands brushing hair away from your face.

"___? What's wrong?"

Suddenly, the images from your nightmare come rushing back. Another nightmare? You thought you were finished with those! Jimin is safe. Jungkook loves you. Your father is defeated. Why are you still being haunted?

"I can't. Every time I close my eyes I see him," you tell your fiancé lying beside you, his hand cupping your cheek and strokes it softly. "I can't stop seeing his face, Jungkook, his horrible face. H-he's dead now, isn't he? I thought the nightmares would end. Why won't he go away? Oh god, he'll never go away, will he?"

"Hey, hey, hey..." Jungkook instinctively pulls you to him, hiding your frightened face in his chest, "no matter what happens, I promise I'll be here to fight his ghost with you. I won't leave you to defend yourself or your kingdom alone."

You look up at Jungkook who immediately leans closer to you.

Every kiss you've ever experienced has been passionate, crazy, sudden, or intense in some way. But this...this kiss is different. It makes you feel safe. Exactly what you need. Safety.

It's slow, loving, and all together innocent in every way, only lasting a few seconds, but it's exactly what you need. The release is slow and Jungkook remains close to your lips after he pulls away.

"Come closer," he whispers with a cuddle.

You tuck your head to nuzzle under his chin. Jungkook strokes your back with one hand, gently running the other through one part of your hair over and over. His soft hums reach your ear, turning you into a pathetic puddle of emotions, but also somehow piecing you back together. You hug him closer.

The most relaxed and right you've felt in years, if not in your entire life, is right now. And when you close your eyes, the only thing you see is the future as Jungkook sees it.

And you don't want to see it any other way.

::

You pace back and forth until there's a faded trail in the carpet, trying not to bite your third fingernail into a nub but it's proving more difficult the longer time goes on.

Jungkook has been talking with advisers for the past – you take a look at the wall – hour and forty-three minutes. Is everything okay? That's a stupid question. What you're really wondering is if everything's going to be okay after all this finally?

If only you had been allowed to be in there with him. You two are in this together after all. Honestly, you don't understand why Jungkook told you to wait out here. But wait you must, if you want to respect his wishes.

You look once again at the huge doors that are still closed in front of you.

"When will they be done talking? What are they saying?" you mutter to yourself.

Another tragic death of a fingernail, the doors to the throne room open and out walks five tall men dressed in dark suits. They carry piles and piles of papers in their arms, all reviewed and signed with blue ink. They just stare at you.

"Can I help you?"

"Your Majesty." They suddenly bow.

You're taken back at first. "Majesty" is a term reserved for the king or queen. You've only ever been called "Highness" your whole life.

Does this mean that....?

Jungkook steps out from behind the five tall men, and relaxes his shoulders with a sigh. "It's all done. Everything is signed for…I'm the King."

Your entire respiratory system suddenly doesn't know how to function. "You are?"

Jungkook nods.

"Really?"

"Yes, really," Jungkook laughs as you start giggling in excitement.

"Wait," you shake your head in slight confusion, "so, what does that mean if..." You don't finish the question, since you can tell from the way Jungkook shifts his weight, he knows what you're asking.

"Ah, well, you see," he explains, stepping to you, "this is when you must perform your duties as well, starting with adding your signatures next to mine. Legally, you are the sole ruler of your kingdom as of now, so I hope you understand why they must be signed individually before we can meet about them together."

You nod, listening to Jungkook's instructions.

"Once your part is done, all of this will come into effect when we marry. Then our kingdoms will be joined and," his eyes glaze over, as he scans the details of your expression, "we'll rule together."

This must be why Jungkook spent so long in that throne room. They were discussing how to go about the thones that your father had passed away, and you were left to rule while still being under twenty-five. Being betrothed to Jungkook, as effective last night, this means Prince Jungkook is King Jungkook, and his word is the new law.

"While the coronation will not be for another few weeks, due to the circumstances, I will begin immediately acting as King."

After all, Jungkook is technically the one who is supposed to be king. But then again, you were the one claimed by your father as heir to the throne. With two kingdoms in need of rulers, and two rulers under twenty-five, the solution seemed obvious to you. There must be more to this process than you thought.

"So when?"

"When?"

"When's the wedding?"

Even after everything that has happened between you two, after being his fiancé for technically multiple months, Jungkook still blushes like a middle schooler. "Oh, umm, whenever we decide. As long as it's before the six months are up."

"So, sometime within the next," you count it out in your head, "three months?"

Jungkook nods. You can tell he's not even trying to hide his smile.

“Mrs. Barnes is going faint when she hears she has to plan a royal wedding in three months.” With a smile breaking out on your own lips as well, you say to him, "I understand that you're technically the king now, but I hope you'll be okay with still being my prince charming."

Jungkook just smiles. "I'm okay with that. You've always been a queen to me."

He must not care that there are still five men standing around you because he doesn't hesitate to scoop you up into his arms, your feet lifting off the carpet as you're twirled around.

After safely returning to earth, Jungkook holds you to him with a loving nuzzle to your nose. "I can't wait to rule the kingdoms with you."

Everything seems like it's okay now. Is this the end? The happily ever after you've been waiting for since chapter one of your story?

It must be.

You gaze back into the eyes of the prince-- of the king that has been through so much with you. And you think to yourself...

"Happy ever after, Jungkook."

::

The five men that had once stood before you and Jungkook are now helping you into a carriage that will take you back to your own castle and home.

Together, you and Jungkook decided to rule your two kingdoms from his palace in the East. Many factors came into play with this decision, but ultimately, it was your call, and Jungkook wanted you to rule as his Queen from wherever you felt most comfortable.

"Thanks, Kook," you say as your hand is held to help you climb into the carriage, and it takes off.

You quickly turn to see out the window, waving to Jungkook as you ride away.

Of course the prince wanted to come with you, but he has duties still to be taken care of here, in his kingdom. And you, of course, must gather your things and take care of the castle your father left behind before you can live with your soon to be husband.

Husband. You breathlessly chuckle to yourself when you remember the way you detest the idea.

Yet, here you are getting ready to proclaim to the entire world that your once fallen arrangement is now to be fulfilled, and you couldn't be happier.

A few hours passed and then a few more. It takes almost a full day's journey to travel from Jungkook's kingdom by carriage. But it is very much worth the wait.

The first place you go is not your castle. Oh, no. The first place you instruct to be taken is a small, old cottage in the middle of the village owned by a lovely woman with a wooden spoon in her left hand.

"Hello," you greet her gently when she opens the door.

"Your Highness!" Mrs. Barnes is legitimately excited to see you again. "You have returned?"

"Yes, I have. May I come in? I have something I wish to ask you."

Mrs. Barnes wastes no time in hurrying you through the door and leading you to her living area where you are served some delicious tea, while a warm blanket is placed on your lap.

Mrs. Barnes sits across from you after an unexpected and unnecessary show of hospitality, waiting for you to speak.

"Mrs. Barnes, I want to thank you for your service and loyalty to my family. You've been so good to us for so many years. You dressed my mother and then you took imaginable steps to ensure that I was safe and cared for. I don't know what I would have done during all that time, if I didn't have you."

The woman simply smiles and bows in her seat. "I don't deserve such praise, Your Highness. It is my pleasure to serve such a beautiful lady such as yourself."

You gently scoot forward in your seat, taking Mrs. Barnes' tender hands on your own. "Mrs. Barnes, I understand that this is your home, but it would make me so happy if you would agree to come with me to Jungkook's kingdom and continue to be by my side."

Mrs. Barnes only grasps your hands and looks at you with wide eyes, "Your Highness, does this mean that--?"

"Yes," you nod excitedly, "Jungkook and I are to be married and rule the kingdoms together."

Perhaps the biggest, proudest smile you've ever witnessed appears on her delicate, aging face. She brings a hand to her mouth as if she needs to hide how big her smile is becoming. "Your High– I mean, Your Majesty. I'm honored that you wish me to come with you. It would be my pleasure to do so."

You and Mrs. Barnes continue to express how happy you are that you discovered your heart and found what you had been looking for. Your conversation turns to the wedding planning and discussing details between shared giggles.

But after a few more minutes, you decide to ask her the question you really came here to ask.

"I don't just want you to come with me. I would like you to be my personal adviser. I trust you and, after everything you've done for me, after all the times you've been there for me, I cannot think of anyone else I want guiding me when I become Queen."

The moment the words left your lips, Mrs. Barnes is in complete shock but also a wondrous smile is placed on her lips. "It would be an honor, Your Majesty."

And it's true. If you have one choice of someone you wish to stay by your side, Mrs. Barnes would be that person. She's kind and wise and selfless, and you cannot imagine leaving her behind after how much she has done for you.

Your time with Mrs. Barnes is short, but you enjoy every second of talking and sipping tea and being normal while you sit with her.

Of course, it occurred to you that Jimin is possibly somewhere in this house. It hasn't been very long since you last saw him. Is he still upset with you? Does he even want to see you?

You wouldn't mind seeing Jimin again. After all, he still means so much to you, of course he does. And if anyone is going to tell him about the wedding, it should be you.

"Is Jimin here?" you finally muster up the courage to ask.

"He's out right now," Mrs. Barnes informs you. "That boy is very sweet. He goes out every evening and collects wood for my fireplace, fixed my roof, and my vegetable garden has never looked this healthy. I honestly think he loves this house more than I do."

"Really?"

"Yes, in fact, he often helps me with the cooking and cleaning too. He really is a good man." Mrs. Barnes shifts her eyes to the door to make sure no one is listening before whispering. "Truth be told, I would like it if he would stay here, but he says he doesn't wish for that."

“I’m not surprised he wants to leave.”

"Says he wants to travel. See the world. He told me one night at dinner that being here is somewhat hard for him. He would rather start a new life somewhere else. I understand, of course."

You understand. Is it possible for Jimin to just go back to the life he had? Being a village boy? Working in the fields? Living on his own? Even after he's completely healed physically, and even though Mrs. Barnes would surely be welcoming for Jimin to stay in her home, you understand why he wants to leave. This place, this kingdom holds so many memories and so much pain in his eyes. If Jimin wants to see the world, you want to make that happen for him.

Once your tea is finished, Mrs. Barnes stands as you make your way to the exit. "Thank you for having me and for agreeing to stay with me through my rule as Queen. I'll need you by my side."

Mrs. Barnes curtsies and smiles. "I'll be joining you in your new home soon, Your Majesty."

You're maybe just a little disappointed that you didn't see Jimin while you were here. But you suppose the news of your wedding will spread rapidly once it is announced.

The steps you take to the carriage are followed by Mrs. Barnes. You really are glad she agreed to soon follow you to Jungkook's kingdom as well. But right before your turn to enter the carriage, you quickly wrap your arms around the women and sigh.

She's not caught off guard at all. In fact, she immediately embraces you with a smile.

You release from your hug and smile at her. She really is an angel sent from heaven and you don't want to lose her.

One moment you are looking into her eyes, and the next your gaze is caught by the sight of a man coming up the walkway carrying an armload of what you can only guess is wood for the fireplace.

"___."

"Hi, Jimin."

::

"So," Jimin starts the conversation after he has put the firewood away, standing with his hands deep in his pockets as he looks anywhere besides your eyes, "what are you doing here?"

Now that you have the chance to say it, all of sudden, you're nervous.

You clear your throat. "I needed to speak with Mrs. Barnes about some matters. I'm moving to Jungkook's kingdom and I want her to come with me.”

Jimin's eyes suddenly aren't nervous anymore as they look straight into yours. "You're moving? I see. So does that mean...?"

"I'm marrying him."

Jimin licks his lips, then pauses for a moment. You start to get worried until a small smile turns up the corner of his lips, "I'm happy for you."

"Thank you."

Jimin chuckles lightly, "I mean, I would be lying if I said I was looking forward to it."

You chuckle a little as well, rocking back and forth on your heels.

"What I mean is, you love him. It's only a little painfully obvious. I want you to be with someone who treats you right and is going to love you the right way. The way you deserve to be loved."

Your heart settles while he speaks, familiar warmth spreading through your body. His words mean so much to you. Everything he said, you needed to hear, and now you feel ready to take on being Queen. Maybe you needed to hear him say these things more than you thought. His support means the world.

Jimin claps his hands, trying to lighten the mood since it became so serious for that moment. "So when is the wedding?"

"Three months."

"Three months?!" Jimin repeats a little too loud. "Wow, that was fast."

"Maybe, but we have to make sure no legal matters come up and keep us from ruling."

"Ah, umm well, I don't know a lot about that stuff," he shyly admits. "But I'm guessing I'm not invited anyway."

"I didn't know if you would want to come, honestly. Of course, you're welcome to."

Jimin shakes his head. "No thanks. I'm flattered but I won't be here."

"You won't?" you ask innocently as your head tilts to the side.

"Nope," he answers with a long off stare, watching toward the edge of the land, where the sun meets the soil, "I'm leaving."

Perhaps you should have expected it since Mrs. Barnes shared it with you first, but somehow Jimin still manages to catch you off guard. You hadn't fully processed the idea of Jimin being so far away after having him so close for so long.

"I'm gonna castaway on a ship and go see the world. Mrs. Barnes told me I should be healed enough in the next three months to start putting my life back together."

For some reason when Jimin said that, your entire heart fell into your stomach. "I'm so sorry."

"You're sorry? For what?"

"For--" But you stop. You're sorry that Jimin has to put his life back together. You're sorry it was all your fault that he has to go through all this just to feel stable on his feet again. He seems to be recovering quickly, but because of you, Jimin's life will always be haunted. You don't want to live knowing that. Even if he does forgive you.

"___," Jimin's voice brings you back to reality, "I know what you're thinking, but please stop thinking it." He places his hands on your arms so your attention is caught in his eyes. "I'm grateful that I got to be a part of a love story with you. So it wasn't mine like I thought it was. The point is, I got to be yours for however long it was, and you were mine." He steps closer to you, tracing his hands down to yours so he can take a hold of your cold fingers, warming them in his grasp. "I loved you. I still love you. And I am not sorry that my life will never be the same because of it. Every moment we spent together will always be precious to me. But you need to go, be Queen, marry the prince of your dreams, and have the best life you can have. And I need to go find my place in the world now."

By this time, Jimin has come so close you can feel his forehead pressing to yours lovingly. But it's not a temptation or a guilty feeling rushing through you. It's a feeling of complete contentment and satisfaction. You love Jimin and you always will. He is everything you could have asked for to fill the role he did in your life. And now that you've had this moment with him. You feel more ready than ever to take on the rest of your story.

You look up at him. "Thank you for being in my life. I'll never trade our memories for anything."

He leans over you to kiss your forehead. "I wish you all the happiness in the world.”

All in all, you do love Jimin. Maybe not in the way you were expecting to love him by the end of all this, but you do love him. And you always will.

"Bye, Jimin."

"Goodbye, ___."

::

After your time at Mrs. Barnes' home, you make your way to the castle. Your home, or it's supposed to be. It feels different somehow. Maybe because your new home is with Jungkook? Maybe because so much has happened here, you can't possibly feel the same way that you did growing up here? Maybe because your father is no longer here?

Whatever the reason for the feeling, you decide you don't want to be here any longer than you have to be.

Guards and assistants begin packing up your things, putting them into the carriage, and emptying the castle piece by piece. All your father's belongings are taken away as well, and now the throne room seems so empty.

You guess, you don't mind. Anytime you feel a rush of insecurity or fear, you remind yourself that if you can just make it through tonight, you can see Jungkook again, and his embrace while you sleep will make all this disappear. But for now, you will have to stay here for the night. You silently wish you had stolen one last kiss before you left.

The room is left with only your bed and a small table with your lamp and clothes for the next day.

Your bedroom, taking a look around yourself in wonder. How many times did you cry in these sheets? How many times did Mrs. Barnes dress you in the mirror? How many times did Jimin toss rocks at this window? How many times did Jungkook knock on your door?

Too many to count.

All the memories this room has and all the moments that you've had here will always follow you. But you are glad for one thing: that you've had your time here and now it's time to start a new chapter, in a new room, in a new home, in a new role.

So, you sit on your bed with a sigh, thinking about all the memories you can, just to lull you to sleep since you don't have Jungkook's warm hands to rub across your back.

knock knock knock~

"Yes, come in?"

But instead of a guard or maybe even the carriage driver like you were expecting, someone else you missed enters your room.

"Sami!" you exclaim, jumping up from your spot on the bed.

"I hear the correct way to address you nowadays is 'Your Majesty'." He smiles and bows.

"I missed you!"

The butler is only a little shocked when you throw a hug around his neck. He catches you, eventually returning your hug. "I missed you too."

You drop your arms from around him and step back so he can fix his uniform. "I was told you would be coming by to collect your things. Moving day is here, I suppose?"

You nod and sigh, "Yes, moving day is finally here. Thank you for taking care of the castle while I was gone and my father..." your voice trails off.

Sami looks at you with a knowing gleam in his eye. "I know about the king and the engagement. King Jeon made sure to inform me of everything so I wouldn't be unprepared for your return. Do not worry, Your Majesty, I am ready for the next generation to take over the throne." He leans down a little closer and gives you a playful wink. "And I'm excited to see how you will change this kingdom for the better."

Sami was always there for you as well. He never failed to give you corrections when your father failed to raise you or to be the middleman between you and your father. Yes, you knew Sami was regularly loyal to your father, but you also know that Sami is more loyal to you.

"Sami," you're not sure if this is the right time to ask this, or if ever is a right time, but you ask anyway, "are you going to stay with me? I mean, are you going to continue to serve the royal family?"

Sami looks almost offended by your question. "Why, Your Majesty, even if I was offered a million pounds in gold, I could never leave you now. I promised your mother I would stay by your side and that is what I intend to do."

Every part of you feels warmed by Sami's promise. Maybe a small tear threatens to fall, but only out of the pure appreciation you have for this man and for what he has done for you during the story of your life.

"Thank you." You can't help but give the butler one last warm hug before he goes to ensure all the preparations for your trip back tomorrow are taken care of.

"It's a full day's journey," he says, "but I will make sure Your Majesty doesn't feel a single bump."

::

Sami was right. The ride back to Jungkook's castle was much more enjoyable than the ride to your father's. Maybe it was because now you had taken the time to talk to Sami, Mrs. Barnes, and even Jimin. You appreciate your conversations with each of them, but now, you really are just looking forward to seeing Jungkook again.

Yes, it has only been one night, and yes, you were only a day's carriage ride away. But still...

Are you embarrassed because you actually miss his stupid face? You remember the times when you purposefully avoided Jungkook because you didn't want to see him. And now look at you. Fidgeting with the end of your dress as you sit in the carriage, eagerly waiting for the door to be opened.

The carriage is approached by two figures, one dressed in a suit with white gloves, and the other in a casual white t-shirt and slacks, hair pushed back, and arms wide open for you.

Your heart rate picks up when you see him. The door to the carriage isn't open for more than one second, and your feet are jumping from the platform as your arms wrap around his neck. His arms hold you securely when you land in his embrace, feeling spun around and around while his giggles sound next to your ear.

"I missed you so much!" you sing happily as Jungkook continues to squeeze you tightly.

"It was only one day, ___, did you really miss me that much?"

Yes, this is what the prince asks you, but you can tell from the way he still hugs you even after your feet are placed back on the ground, he missed you just as much.

"Yes, you idiot. Of course, I fucking missed you." And you seal this statement with a much needed kiss.

Jungkook blushes lightly and returns your kiss with a small peck as well. "You must be tired after that journey. Let's give the men space to unpack your stuff and we can find you some food, okay?"

You nod with a smile and continue to walk hand in hand with Jungkook up the stairs to the front doors of your new home.

::

Your first impression of this place was confusing, maybe even slightly intimidating. But now, as you walk through the long, silver accented hallways, this castle feels more like a home than your own castle has in a long time.

The stories Jungkook tells you about the hallways and corridors and dining rooms, times he spent playing hide and seek with his parents, times he spent hiding from his studies, and the times he spent learning how to be a man are all reflected in the brick and tile. He's comforted being here, so he's glad you're growing to like it here as well.

You have an appreciation for the carpet even, as crazy as that sounds. It's the little things that catch your attention and ultimately embarrass you when Jungkook comments about how your smile grows when you see something you think is pretty.

Soon enough, you're navigating your way through those hallways like a boss...or rather a queen, since you will be crowned in only a month now.

Yes, only a month left. Three and a half weeks. Thirty days. Seven hundred and twenty hours. Forty-three thousand and two hundred minutes.

Does being Queen scare you?

Hell yes.

Does being Jungkook's Queen scare you?

Not even a little bit.

The only word you can think of to express how you feel when you think about marrying Jungkook is anticipation. You're actively looking forward to ruling beside him, eating every meal with him, waking up to kisses from him. All those little things that used to feel so wrong to think about now bring you an excitement you never had before.

And every morning you wake up beside Jungkook only intensifies those feelings.

This morning is no different. After moving in and setting up a whole room for yourself, you still spend most of your time in Jungkook's bedroom. Half your stuff is in there at this point anyway.

You smile as your eyes sleepily open to a still soundly sleeping baby with slightly parted lips and strong arms unconsciously draped over your side.

"Good morning," you mumble and give those precious lips a kiss.

When you pull away, your lips are replaced with a smile as Jungkook scrunches his nose and slowly opens his eyes.

"Mmm good morning."

"Did you sleep well?"

Jungkook's answer is him rolling over as his weight lays on top of you and he fakes snores in your ear.

"Ah! Jungkook, get off me!" you groan, practically feeling the smile on his face as he pretends he didn't hear you.

"Kooook, I can't breathe!" you giggle-shout at the man sprawled out across your middle.

The man doesn't move, although his chest bounces a little when he tries to hold back his laugh.

All it takes is a small, annoyed huff of breath, and Jungkook rolls back to his side, leaving your stomach to raise up as you take an over exaggerated breath.

Jungkook faces you, and so you face him…

And the staring contest begins!

You just stare at each other for god knows how long. There's an unspoken competition engaged in the moment now, both of you staring until you ultimately break and end up pulling the sheets past your head.

Why are you hiding, who knows? All you know is the giggle Jungkook makes when he sees you hide is your new favorite sound, and the smile you see on his face when you peek out at him is your new favorite sight.

"Don't laugh at me," you pout playfully, the blanket still covering up to your eyes.

"Aww, come on, baby, you know I love you. Even if you are unable to out-stare me."

You sigh and roll your eyes when Jungkook winks at you. "Don't get all high and mighty yet, Your Majesty. I can still beat you."

"Really?"

"Really."

The evil smile on Jungkook's face makes you nervous. "Okay then, how about we make this interesting? You pick the game and we'll play. If you win, I'll admit you can beat me at something. But if I win, you have to admit that I am the best at everything. Deal?"

You just snicker, "Sure do like making deals, don't you?"

"Deal?" Jungkooks just asks you again with a chuckle.

"Aren't you even a little anxious? What if you don't like the game I choose?"

Jungkook only rolls his eyes. "Don't you understand by now, ___? I can do anything. Just name the game."

All of a sudden, a mischievous smile you didn't think you were capable of spreading across your lips in the most cynical way possible.

"A deal it is then."

Jungkook smiles and tilts his head as he scoots closer to you, but what stops him is your small pointer finger halting his puckered lips.

"Ah, ah, ah," you sing, biting your lip. He stops and looks at you confused. You stopped him from kissing you?

He pauses. "What are you doing?"

"This is the game," you explain. "We'll see who breaks first."

Jungkook just laughs.

And with that, you throw the sheets from around your legs, sitting up so you can stretch, and Jungkook can see his black t-shirt (yes, you still sleep in it) just barely brushing your thighs. When you stand and bend over, the curve of your ass is perfectly on display, wiggling in the air when you stand up straight again and look over your shoulder.

"Good luck, King Jeon."

::

This game is the best idea you could have ever had.

Firstly, your wedding is in a few weeks, and so far since you moved in you and Jungkook have kissed...a lot. You want the kiss on your wedding day to be something outstandingly spectacular. If you pause with the make out sessions now then your kiss at the altar will for sure be magnificent. Secondly, it's kinda fun to see Jungkook slowly breaking down like this, in an innocent way of course.

Last time you saw him was at breakfast. You sat across from him as usual and talked while you were served. What wasn't usual was the way you, just every once in a while, wiped your lips with your thumb, convinced there were crumbs sitting in the corner of your mouth.

It was so funny the way Jungkook's gaze would shift towards the floor or back to his plate when you did that. Yeah, you're gonna win this game for sure.

One day.

Two days..

Three days...

You still fall asleep in Jungkook's bed every night, but with one small difference. No kisses goodnight were given. Not that it wasn't starting to be tempting for you too. Nothing would be easier than to just press your body to his and wait for his self control to crack as your lips hover just out of reach in the most innocent way possible.

But no, you don't. You hold your ground. Jungkook will give in any day now. And then you'll get your kiss.

Four days....

Five days.....

Six days......

Wow. Jungkook is stronger than you thought. It's been a week. You thought for sure he would have caved by now. What with all the extra kisses you've blown to him while walking away and all the 'accidental' times you've fallen into his arms.

This game is becoming dangerous for you too. You really, really want a kiss now. But you have to win. Your competitive side came out around day one and it's not going away anytime soon.

Seven days......

Eight days........

Nine days.........

How are you two still alive? Last time you saw Jungkook he was sweating like a dog and running his hands through his hair profusely. He looked like a mess, eyes constantly heavy, almost closing on more than one occasion.

Maybe this game isn't the best idea you could have had--

Ten days.........

Eleven days...........

Twelve days............

That's it. Fuck this. You feel actually sick to your stomach by now. You and Jungkook are both way too competitive for this.

The bedroom door opens slowly as you peek inside. It's already very late. You got into the habit of waiting until Jungkook fell asleep to get in bed since the temptation started to get a little too strong around day nine.

"Jungkook?" you whisper to make sure the man in bed is asleep before closing the door behind yourself and walking to the bed.

"Jungkook?" His name is coated in worry now when you see him. In the dark, he looks so, so weak. When did this happen?

"Jungkook!" You frantically crawl in bed beside him, waking up the sickly looking king in the process.

He moans a little, turning his head as if annoyed that he's been woken from a peaceful sleep. "What now?"

"Jungkook, are you okay? You look awful,* you worry as your hand rests on his forehead, checking for a fever.

He smiles lazily. "I'm just tired." He reaches for you still, cuddling into your arms.

"You're so warm. Are you sick?"

"I haven't felt like myself the past few days."

You sigh. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to keep your attention from Jungkook in the way that you did. The first few days were nothing but relentless teasing and, while it was fun, you could see the whole time how frustrated it made him. Although he admitted to having fun playing along to your challenge, he obviously didn't have fun for long. How he looks now breaks your heart.

"You're so tense. I'm sorry for all this." Not sure if Jungkook looking like this is your fault or not, but you feel the need to apologize anyway.

"Don't be, ___. I'll be better by tomorrow. I just need more sleep, that's all. I think the wedding preparations are stressing me out or something."

But the look on his face tells you that something is wrong. This weird but somewhat natural instinct kicks in and all you can think to do is make sure Jungkook doesn't get any more sick than he looks right now.

And so, with a steady hand you pull back the sheets and help Jungkook sit up. "Why are you wearing sweats? No wonder you're burning up."

"I was cold before. I promise I'm fine. I'm just--" his words are cut off with his cough, "--tired."

"Stop, see?" you urge him gently as you brush his hair away from sticking to the sweat on his forehead. "You're not well. Now, I'm gonna go get you some water. You change out of these sweats. I'll be back."

Jungkook just nods as his breathing starts to pick up, starting to roll over when you look back from the doorway.

"Don't fall asleep before I get back!" you add before closing the door and heading to the kitchen to get a glass of water.

What you did to deserve Jungkook, you'll never know. Truth be told, you did nothing to deserve him. But right now he needs you, and you want to be there for him. You know for a fact if this situation was the other way around, Jungkook would stop at nothing to heal you. So you are going to stop at nothing to heal him.

Even though you told Jungkook not to fall asleep, you find him sitting on the edge of the bed with his head hung low, breathing softly with closed eyes when you return from the kitchen.

Okay, Jungkook has always been competitive and it's obvious by now that both of you like playing games and keeping things...interesting. But something inside you screams that this stupid game needs to end. Jungkook is just as competitive as you are and it becomes obvious to you that one of you has to be the bigger man here. Jungkook is sick in bed and the whole time he's been feeling down you have been avoiding loving on him because of a stupid competition.

"Hey?" you whisper, placing the glass of water on the bed table.

Jungkook groans and opens his eyes to see you. You feel his head again, hoping maybe he's cooler now that he's not in sweats. He changed into some loose shorts and a t-shirt. You feel better about that at least.

He looks at you with tired eyes, almost falling back onto the bed once or twice, but he manages to stay awake.

"I miss you," he says sleepily. "Is the game over yet?"

This one question breaks your heart. You've missed Jungkook too obviously, and now a feeling of guilt comes over you because you were the one who started this. Now, you're gonna be the one to end it.

Without hesitation, after twelve days, your lips finally collide.

Maybe it's a good thing you didn't wait to kiss until the altar, considering the small, desperate sounds Jungkook makes and the way he pushes deeper as you kiss him almost drives you to insanity. His brows furrow as if he's concentrating on everything, but also nothing. He's kept himself from you, building this feeling inside of himself for twelve days and now it feels better than ever to have you on his lips again.

You admit as well, the whole game was a stupid idea. True, you're getting the kiss of the century out of it, but at what cost? Jungkook is sick and – wait.

You quickly pull away and take a step back.

The smug look on the man's face immediately confirms what you suspected.

"You didn't..."

Jungkook winks at you before standing to his feet, confident and cocky and not at all sick. "I win."

Your jaw drops. Your arms go limp as you stare at him. He faked? That was all fake? A lie? How dare he?!

"Jungkook, you--"

"Yes?" he responds before taking a sip of the water you had so graciously gotten him in his time of need.

You sigh with your fists clenched, "Genius."

Jungkook smiles, placing the glass back on the table. "That is a very accurate statement." His bunny smile makes an appearance as he steps to you. "And you know what else?"

You roll your eyes, still somewhat annoyed that he tricked you in order to win. "What?"

"Now there's nothing stopping me from doing this."

And when the last syllable ends, his lips are on yours in the most addictive way you've ever tasted them. His hands grip your hips after already pulling them flesh against his own, rocking his hips against you, and your own arms instinctively wrap around his neck.

Jungkook, however, can't hide the smile on his lips as he kisses you. You have to give the man credit. He played the game fair and square. It was still dirty the way he made you scared for him. But still, you guess you forgive him.

This is the man you love. Trickery and all.

When the kiss ends, Jungkook just presses his forehead to yours. "Alright. You beat me."

"Jungkook, you were only supposed to admit that if I won. I have to admit that you're the best at everything, remember?"

Jungkook shakes his head, which in turn makes your head shake too, which in turn just makes you giggle.

He says, "You did beat me. No way I can make someone fall as hard as I just did with just one kiss."

You blush lightly and run your hands into his hair to play with the locks gently. "So...it's a tie?"

"Whatever you want to call it, my Queen."

"You're going to be a great King, you know that?"

Your Jungkook smiles before pecking your lips again. "I know. Because I'll have you next to me. My Dad always told me behind every great man is an even greater woman."

There's a little bit of pride showing through your eyes. "Your Dad was a very smart man."

"Yeah...yeah he was. I wish you could have met him."

You carefully lift his chin with one finger and bring his eyes to find yours. "You're also a very smart man, and I'm so thankful to have met you and fallen in love with you. You mean everything to me and I'll do whatever it takes to make you as happy as you have made me. No matter what comes our way, we can bring victory to the kingdoms our parents left behind. I know we can."

Jungkook breathlessly smiles, and without another moment lost, he leans over with a kiss to your forehead and a whisper, "Thank you for loving me."

"Thank you for making me fall for you."

Jungkook then finally allows you to change back into your (his) sleep shirt, and cuddles you in the sheets until you both are able to fall into a deep, perfect slumber filled with peaceful caresses and innocent kisses.

Just kidding, you didn't sleep much that night.

::

"Get up! Get up! Get up!" you exclaim, jumping into the sheets as the bed bounces Jungkook into the air.

"Huh?" His eyes shoot open, hands floating in mid-air as they wait for his brain to catch up.

You stop at his hips, straddling with one leg on either side, and lean over so his morning, selective hearing can understand you correctly. "It's the 23rd of May."

Your fiancé lets one hand fall and it rests on your thigh as his other wipes away the sleepies from the corner of his eyes. "I know it is, ___."

"Then you know what today is."

Jungkook smiles and lets you play with his hands. "Today is exactly one week before I finally get to stand in front of everyone and proclaim you as my wife and queen…and I can't wait."

You noticeably bite your lip before lowering down to Jungkook's level, drawing small pictures on his shirt as you giggle. It's obvious that this is just you being happy. And you are happy. How could you not be?

Jungkook chuckles and runs a hand through your hair lovingly. "You know, you've done this every morning since that day we ended our little game, right?"

"Does it bother you? I can stop," you offer, a small finger pausing drawing its almost complete masterpiece.

"No!" Okay, maybe that came out a little more sudden than Jungkook meant it to. "I mean, I don't mind."

"Whatever you say." You shrug and return to drawing your pictures and nuzzling into his chest.

"You're so cute."

You give your fiancé a big smile before quickly giving him his good morning kiss and climbing out of the bed, heading towards the bathroom.

"I'm going to take a shower and you are going to get your work done for the day so we can start."

Jungkook sits up on his elbows so he can see you and tilts his head to the side, sheets falling just enough to reveal his broad chest. "Start what?"

The way you slowly turn back to face the sleepy boy in bed and bite your lip has Jungkook swallowing a little harder than he intended.

"Practicing, of course. The people expect our kiss at the altar to be picture perfect." You slowly close the door after seeing Jungkook start smiling. "You don't want to disappoint anyone, do you?"

::

The wedding is being held outside, as you requested, and Jungkook told you himself he would make sure that every detail is to your liking.

When you replied with, "all I need is you standing at the end of the aisle," Jungkook almost lost his mind. His eyes darted from your gaze to your lips countless times before he gave in and threw you inside a spare bedroom.

Afterwards you told him maybe that was a little too intense for the wedding. He laughed.

The next week seemed to go by so fast, and yet so agonizingly slowly! Every time you blinked something else was being added to the decorations, another layer was being added to the cake, more people were showing up to fix all the little details you didn't even notice at first.

You still laid on Jungkook's chest every morning and told him about your dreams or wishes or moments you were looking forward to during married life.

And Jungkook still smiled and listened to every word until you got up to shower, and then he replayed the argument in his mind that told him there is no possible way he can be this lucky.

But as soon as you both stepped out into the world, it was hustle and bustle and chaos. One of the few things that got you through the days were the small smiles you shared with Jungkook from across the room while cooks shoved icing flavors into his mouth and florists shoved different roses in your face.

All this will be worth it. Soon. Very soon. If you can just make it one more day. One more day of all this craziness and you can escape for longer than a few nighttime hours.

Jungkook did tell you that your honeymoon will probably have to be put off for a little while as the kingdoms will require both of your immediate attention. You understand that, and it doesn't bother you considering how much Jungkook is going through just trying to give you the wedding of your dreams.

But the thing is...that dream you had about the perfect proposal, wedding, honeymoon, and everything else has already been overwhelmed by just the fact that this is the man you love, wanting to take care of you, and keep you for the rest of your life, not only as his wife, but also his Queen.

All your thoughts are interrupted by two arms wrapping themselves around your middle, and a small kiss being placed on your cheek.

Jungkook rests his chin on your shoulder as he hugs you tightly from behind. His smile is seen in the mirror as you smile back.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing. Everything." You turn around in his arms to face him. "Actually, I was thinking about you."

Jungkook's flustered smile is almost too cute to take. "My chiseled jaw and exceptional cooking skills I'm assuming."

"All good things for sure."

You share a kiss with your fiancé before changing for bed and cuddle into the freshly cleaned sheets. You've slept next to Jungkook for what seems like so many nights, but it still gives you butterflies every time. You think you would be used to the feeling of his hands holding you like they do, but no.

You feel Jungkook crawl in not moments after you and wrap his arms around you like he always does, his chest pressing into your back.

"Hey," you mustered up the courage after a few moments.

"Hm?" Jungkook hums half asleep in response.

You take a deep breath. "I love you."

Jungkook smiles genuinely, slowly tightening his hold around you and cuddling you closer to his chest, not that you mind. "Are you nervous about tomorrow?"

Tomorrow is the day. It's been years, it feels like, and yet only hours since Jungkook asked you to stay beside him. That one precious, perfect night that will always be in your mind. That was, in your opinion, the proposal you always wanted. And now tomorrow you will be having the wedding you always wanted. And it's all because of the man holding you.

Are you nervous?

Of course!

Is this still what you want most in the world?

Of course.

"Not even a little bit." Is your response as you snuggle down into the sheets. He kisses your head before following you off to dreamland. This night, his last time to do so as your fiance.

::

Morning came quickly. Did you even sleep for eight hours? You must have although it definitely feels much less than that.

Jungkook is already swept away to have himself prepared for the ceremony, and you are woken by dress maids and a very excited Mrs. Barnes.

"You're early."

She just smiles and motions towards your wedding gown on the wall. "You didn't think I would miss the biggest day of your life, now did you?"

"What would I do without you?" you reply happily, giving this practically perfect human being a hug.

And you truly mean that. You're freaking out a lot more than you thought you would. You wonder if Jungkook is freaking out just as much as you are? Today is the day. You two have gone through a lot to get to this point. It's okay if you have a little freak out. Yeah, totally okay.

Finally, your dress is fitted and you turn to see yourself in the mirror.

The dress, my god. Everything about it is exactly how you imagined it would be. But you also realize that even if you have the perfect dress, and the perfect cake, and the perfect roses, all of that stuff means nothing if you're not marrying the perfect man for you.

But you are marrying the perfect man for you.

Every woman in the room gasps when they see you dressed in your wedding gown, but the first thought that comes to your mind is what Jungkook will say when he sees you like this. His bride. His own. His Queen.

You also wonder what Jungkook looks like in his fancy wedding tux. The wedding is in a few hours so you'll find out soon enough, but that doesn't mean the excitement doesn't just build and build and build with every moment.

Finally, after hair and make-up and flowers and rehearsal speeches and last minute fix-ups and over a hundred countdowns...it's time.

The aisle is lighted and accented, the only thing missing now being you.

Jungkook stands ready and waiting in his suit at the altar. He looks magnificent. Better than you ever could have imagined. All you want to do is run to him and throw your arms around him and-- don't cry yet! Stop tears, not yet! This is not the time to ruin the make-up that took you two hours to do this morning!

Take a deep breath and steady yourself. This is it. This is the moment. All this story, all this time, all this heartbreak, all this pain, and all this joy has led up to this moment. It's your wedding day.

Your mind races just as fast as your heart is beating. Every thought you can conjure is flooding your brain with imagines and things to make you that much more nervous.

Wedding jitters? Ooohhh yeah, they are very much real. So real your hand is sweating holding on to your bouquet.

"Your Majesty." A soft male voice comes up beside you. You whip around to see Sami bowing low to you with a smile. "Ready?"

That's a stupid question. You love Jungkook with all you have, and everything you are. Of course you're ready. You want this more than anything. There is no doubt in your mind that Jungkook wants this too.

With a small breath and a tightening grip around your bouquet, you decide, "Yes, I'm ready."

The instruments play and that is your que. Sami offers you his arm and you gladly, but nervously, take hold of it.

The moment seems frozen in time to both of you. The moment Jungkook turns around and sees you walking down the aisle towards him. His eyes begin sparkling as they watch you, almost shining it seems, and they are all you can focus on.

Everything around you disappears into some kind of blurry mess until you reach him. The world around you, the eyes, and stares, the sighs, all of it seems to be non-existent as you get closer, closer, and still closer to standing with Jungkook.

Sami turns and smiles at you. "I could not give you over to be cared for by anyone less worthy. Be happy in love as I know you are. And promise me you will stay the beautiful ___ that I watched grow up into the gorgeous woman who is standing here now."

"I promise."

He then squeezes your hands before he lets Jungkook take them from him. The ordained begins the ceremony.

Most of what is said, you hear, and some of what is said goes right past you. All you know is that what you do see the entire time is the way Jungkook can't take his eyes off you. The way he stares at you as if he's finally found what he has been searching for, for his whole life. Actually, those are the exact thoughts in his mind.

When the ordained asks you to state your vows, your heart skips a beat for the thousandth time that minute. That can't be healthy.

Jungkook's voice drains out every other sound...

"From the very beginning, I didn't think that this was my story, let alone our story. But with every day you spent with me, it only made me realize how much I wanted it to be our story. ___, you are the love of my life and also my best friend. I want you to know that our love story doesn't end here and it doesn't end in a hundred years or even a thousand. I will never stop fighting for you and with you as we continue our story. I want to live for as long as I can being in love with my best friend. In sickness, and in health. In good times, and in bad. I promise to love you, my Queen. I promise to keep you, protect you, and pursue you even when all these fancy lights and dresses go away. You will still be mine, and I will still be yours. Forever. Best friends and soul mates."

And then your vow to him while Jungkook's thumb keeps your voice calm the whole time by rubbing the back of your hand....

"I never had a best friend before. Someone who dropped flour on my head, or hid me in closets, or tickled me until I couldn't breath. But having you as a friend has made my life more colorful than I ever imagined it could be. You are so stubborn sometimes and I am more thankful for that every day I remember how often I ran away from you. You never gave me up. You never told me I wasn't worth it. You always loved me from the very beginning. Making me fall for you was, I know, not easy. But I want to thank you for being someone who I can fall for each and every day all over again. I promise to keep you, protect you, and love you even in the most unimaginable of circumstances. I promise to never run away from you. I am yours and you are mine, my Just Jungkook, and I will love you until death do us part."

Jungkook's careful gaze as he slips a thin gold band around the fourth finger on your left hand, is nothing compared to the teary eyes you try to see past as you slip a matching ring onto his finger as well.

Together you promise...

"This ring is a symbol of my never ending love for you. The circle is a sign of our unity, and the gold is representative of how brightly you shine in my life. I can't go on without you. And now I never have to."

Once the vows are stated and your hand now wears Jungkook's ring, the crowd erupts as King Jungkook pulls you closer for a kiss. A kiss that says, "No matter what happens now, I have you and you have me. No matter where we go or how long we spend apart or together, I will never stop loving you. For as long as we both shall live."

In your heart, did you always know this would happen?

No.

In your heart, could you be happier that Jungkook pursued you, never gave up on you completely, loved you unconditionally and uncontrollably?

Yes.

You suppose this is as good a place as any to make your last testament. Jungkook will forever be the man of your dreams and of your Fallen Arrangement.

::

"Dong-Sun! Watch where you're going!"

The little toddler runs around your legs, as you try to keep track of him and not drop the ten pound dish in your hand.

"Look, Mommy!"

The boy barely reaches your thighs in height, how does he have so much energy? You're convinced he gets it from his father. He continues to show you how fast he can "fly" as he runs past you and under the table.

"Jungkook!" you shout after you're sure you won't trip over your son. "Dinner is ready! Can you bring Chin-Sun with you?"

You don't hear a reply. Immediately after your hands have placed the dish on the table, they are catching a falling four year old before he crashes from jumping off the dining chair.

"Dong-Sun, please calm down. It's minutes until dinner, and if your father sees you running around like this, he won't be pleased."

The toddler pouts for a moment before nodding his head. "Okay, Mommy. But can I have more potatoes this time?"

"Yes," you agree with a smile, "ifyou can sit still in your seat until your father gets here."

"Okay!" the little boy responds happily and runs to jump into his chair.

The dining room table is already set and ready for dinner. Now all you need is that darn husband of yours.

"___!" You hear Jungkook calling from another room.

"Yes?!"

"Where did we leave Chin-Sun's socks?"

You giggle and shake your head. Jungkook is one of the best men you know and he is wonderful with your two little ones. However, you swear that man would lose his own head if it weren't attached to his shoulders.

"Just put some socks on her and come eat!"

Your firstborn is still sitting in his seat, although now he has turned his napkin into a miniature cape and his fork is a sword.

Your mom instincts go into overdrive and you rush to take the presumably murderous object from the toddler's fingers. "Dong-Sun! Be careful, oh my god!"

Your son, with a dumb-founded look he must have gotten from his father, watches you take his weapon against the evil, delicious turkey on the table.

"Mommy, do you not want me to protect you?" he asks as you pick him up, placing the boy on your hip and straightening his napkin cape.

"I am so proud of you for protecting me. But Mommy needs you to be careful, so you protect yourself too, okay?"

Your son smiles, and pecks your cheek happily. "Okay, Mommy!"

He squirms until you cave and place him down so he can take off running towards the wall and back again, releasing his endless energy before he is tied to his dinner chair for good.

At this moment, Jungkook walks into the room with your one-year-old sweetheart wearing black socks that are about ten sizes too big hanging off her toes.

"We're here," Jungkook announces with a smile, proud that he got his daughter ready for dinner all by himself.

"Honey," you try not to laugh, "is our daughter wearing your socks?"

Jungkook runs his hand over the yards of sock that are left dangling in the air off of Chin-Sun's ting foot and shrugs. "You said to just pick some socks and hurry, so I did."

Why this warms your heart, you don't know, but for some reason, when things like this happen it just reminds you how lucky you are to have this family. To have Jungkook as the father of your son and daughter.

Jungkook sighs when he sees his son zooming around the table. "Dong-Sun," he says calmly and the little boy pauses, looking over at the King, "are you ready for dinner like mommy asked?"

"Yes, Sir!"

"Then I want to see my little prince at his best behavior, please."

Little Dong-Sun stands at attention with a huge smile. "Yes, Sir."

Jungkook hands Chin-Sun to you so he can pick up your son and "fly" him like a superhero into his chair. Dong-Sun just giggles and smiles at his daddy as Jungkook takes the seat next to him.

You sit your baby girl in your lap and Jungkook serves his family plates. It also warms your heart that Jungkook does this. Once a week, you decide to have this family only dinner. No cooks. No servants. No guards. Just you four being together. The first night Jungkook decided that he is the man of the family and he will be the one to serve and provide.

You only cried a little. Granted you had just given birth to your second child, and you were only a little emotional. Just a little.

Your husband finishes serving all the plates and claps his hands. "Let's eat!"

You take a bite.

Your son eyes his father to take a bite too before turning his attention to you, "Mommy?"

"Yes, baby?"

"Why does Daddy always wait for you to eat before he eats?"

You instantly look over at Jungkook who is simply watching you with those "I'm in love with you" eyes that make your heart flutter even after all these years.

"Because Daddy loves me, he wants to make sure I eat first," you say gently, still watching Jungkook's eyes.

"Ooohhh," Dong-Sun realizes with a cute nod. Pretty quickly, he disregards everything as he starts to eat.

The four year old starts making roaring noises and attacking the mashed potatoes on his spoon before stuffing the bite into his mouth.

You roll your eyes. "Baby, what did we talk about last time about playing with your food?"

"But Mommy! The dragon is gonna take the princess, and then the noble prince won't be able to save her!" The wide eyes on the boy only make you lean back a little. He is dead serious about this, and it's pretty obvious that there is no other choice unless he wants to let the princess die!

You two stare at each other. Staring.

Suddenly, Jungkook lets out this big roar (sounds like a lion, but it was probably supposed to be a dragon) and lifts his spoon up into the air. "I, the mighty dragon, am here to steal the princess and take her away to be my prisonerrrr!"

The scene that plays out before you is pure proof that this boy is Jungkook's son. Not only does Dong-Sun look like a baby Jungkook, but his energy and imagination simply must have come from him. No one can deny.

However, your lovely Chin-Sun, is a quiet little angel who tends to be somewhat shy and reserved. She's only one year old, but already she is very developed for her age.

They are both your pride and joy.

Jungkook eventually is defeated by the little prince and the princess is saved. You clap for the wonderful show as it comes to a perfect ending.

"Bravo! Bravo!"

Your son only giggles and opens his mouth so his father can finally get him to eat a big bite of his vegetables.

One thing Jungkook has always been good at, as a father and as a King, is always getting what he wants by the end of the day. He was an expert at this even before you were married.

You also had managed to feed Chin-Sun a few bites of her food by the time a knock sounded.

knock knock knock~

Of course, you had informed every person in the facility that family dinner is not to be interrupted. This is the first time that someone other than you four has come since family dinner started.

"Come in," your husband tells whoever it could possibly be.

To your surprise, a humble Sami walks in and bows. "Your Majesty, I have--"

"Samiiiii!!!"

The butler is unable to finish explaining his intrusion as he is interrupted by a high pitched shout of acclamation from a very hyper four year old. Dong-Sun jumps from his chair and sprints to the new face in the room.

Dong-Sun's arms go out and so do Sami's as he prepares to catch the toddler flinging himself across the carpet.

Sami picks up the giggling boy and spins him around once before placing his feet back down and whispering something in the boy's ear.

Immediately, Dong-Sun walks back to you and bows. "Sorry, Mommy. I got too excited."

You just laugh and stroke his thin, black hair. "Thank you, baby, it's okay."

Dong-Sun sits back in his seat and continues to eat with the help of his mighty, dragon slaying spoon.

You and Jungkook both look back to Sami and ask, "What do you need?"

This is family dinner, but if Sami feels the need to drop by when he knows you are eating together, you feel this will require your immediate attention.

Your butler walks to you and bows, holding a white envelope out towards you. "This was dropped off for you. I thought you would like to know immediately considering who dropped it off."

You tilt your head, transferring Chin-Sun to your other leg before taking the letter. "What do you mean? Who personally dropped this off?"

"I was requested not to say."

You furrow your brow. "By who?"

"I think the best way to answer your questions is to read the letter, Your Majesty." And Sami bows again before closing the door behind himself.

You look at Jungkook, but he just shrugs.

So without hesitation, you rip open the letter and read...

Dear my princess,

Are you impressed I learned to write so well? I can’t take all the credit. Captain Gray Beard is actually a really good guy.

How are you? I've missed you quite a lot. I hope life has been treating you well since I last saw you. I still remember the last time I saw you at Mrs. Barnes' home. This letter will be answers for you. I hope you read it all, and it brings some peace to you.

My life right now is getting very close to my dream. It wasn't an easy journey to get here, but I couldn't be happier where I am, and where I am going. I hope you can say the same about where you are.

I am living my dream abroad as of right now thanks to a few very special people. I didn't understand the condition I have after spending time in the prison at first. But after a few weeks, Mrs. Barnes opened my eyes to what I had become, and how I needed to help myself. I was irrational, angry, and upset all the time. What killed me was, I didn't know why? It felt like my body was taken over every night, and every morning I was scared of footsteps coming around the corner, as if I could still hear the whips dragging on the floor.

I’m not completely okay, but things are looking up since I started traveling.

So far I’ve been to thirteen countries and sailed four oceans. It’s weird I feel more at home without a home. But I do miss you often. The main point is I wanted to write to you. So I did.

Please know that no matter where or what or who I’m with. You will always have a friend in me. Always. I don't want there to be any confusion or unresolved messes between us. That's why this letter is being written even if it is being written a few years late.

The main thing I want to say is, I am happy. So please, don't worry about me. I hope you are happy too. I have a feeling you are happy. I sincerely hope this feeling is right. I hope I see you again. Sometime in the future.

Keep living and loving the way you do, and don't forget about me, like you promised, okay?

Affectionately,

Your village boy

When you finish reading the letter, you slowly refold the paper and place it back in the envelope.

"Who was it from?"

You perk up to see Jungkook looking at you while his hand is holding a spoonful of vegetables in your son's mouth.

"It's from Jimin, actually."

"Jimin?" Jungkook raises his eyebrows, scooping another bite for Dong-Sun. "What did he say?"

You and Jungkook made a promise before your marriage. No secrets. No secrets. No secrets. So far, for the past years you have kept that promise, and you're keeping it now.

"He wrote to tell me how he is doing. He's abroad right now.”

"Good to hear from him after so long. I'm glad he's found himself after everything that happened."

"Yeah..." You smile genuinely. "It sure is good to hear from him."

Jimin seems like such a distant memory to you now...almost. Of course, you promised you would never forget him and you never shall.

You're broken from your short internal thoughts by the small whine coming from the cuteness sitting in your lap. Quickly, you feed little Chin-Sun another bite and smile.

"She eats so well," you chuckle to yourself.

"I can eat well too, Mommy! Watch!" And now your little boy has determined in his heart to win in this "eating well" contest. Another trait he gets from his father, or maybe from both of you.

You giggle as your family finishes their dinner, the evening growing later and later. Eventually, the little girl in your lap falls into a peaceful sleep, and the once energetic toddler sitting across from you starts to yawn.

And so the dishes are cleared, your little two pride and joys are tucked into bed, and the lights turned off.

They lay there, peaceful and innocent, in their bedroom, while you stand in the doorway, just watching them dream. Maybe you're just silently wishing for them to grow up to be the best rulers their kingdoms have ever known, but a part of you wishes they would always stay this little and innocent. As long as they can be the best people they can be, and show the world how amazing they are, you'll be happy.

Jungkook comes up behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist before nuzzling a kiss to your neck. "Whatcha thinking about?"

You smile and rub his arms locked around you. "How lucky I am." Slowly, you turn in his arms to face him, cupping his jaw and pressing your forehead to his. "I love this family so much, Jungkook."

"And this family loves you," Jungkook assures you with a kiss. "Thank you for being a part of it."

With your two dear ones safe and sound, you and your Jungkook make your way down the hall, his hand around your waist and your head on his shoulder.

The sun sets outside the hall windows as the color dances off the warm carpet beneath your bare feet. You smile. This place has become so much more to you than just a castle. This place is your home. So much more than that even.

Jungkook opens the bedroom door for you, allowing you to walk in, and make your way towards your dresser. You pull out a black t-shirt.

"Honey, when did you get that shirt? I don't remember you buying clothes recently," Jungkook questions as he slips on his pajamas as well.

You walk towards the bed while stripping your dress and pulling the shirt over your head so it hangs at your thighs. "Do you remember it now?"

You can tell by the way his expression softens and his hand slowly slides its way to grip the material at your side that he does.

"You...you still have this shirt?"

You nod, slowly wrapping your arms around his neck and pecking his nose. "I thought maybe it would be nice to sleep in it again. After all, I can't remember one night I didn't sleep perfectly in this shirt."

Jungkook smiles, and lets you step into him. Even after years of ruling beside each other, having two kids, countless displays of affection, what happens here, now, just you two, thinking back to things as simple as a t-shirt...a simple kiss becomes so much more.

Jungkook's lips are so familiar by now and yet they still ignite a fire within you that will never grow old. You love him that much more even now. Every kiss only makes you fall for him again and again and again. He is your best friend, the love of your life, your husband, the father of your children, and the best thing to have ever happened to you.

This is the life you chose, and every day you live it only reminds you of how lucky you are to have had such a love story and how blessed you are to have the love of this man.

Jungkook gave you the best love story any princess could ever ask for.

And you wouldn't change a single chapter.

THE END

::

@staerryminimini @unicornbabylover @kookieswan @sugarflywme @dvalitaes @kookiecrumb @jeonsjiddies @myooniverse @miscelunaaa @highly-functioning-mitochondria @azreeeeee @armys-dna @thesugatoyourtae @jmforevs @kimprosperi @jjkeverlast @joontied @pamzn @ssaboala @hobipost @jimilter @sleepilysworld @rjsmochii @familiarlikemymirror3 @gimmethatagustd @alluringfairies @minijagiya @roseyykris @jwnghyuns @kaitaesupremacy @squawkadoodledoo @jimin2014 @jminthinker @femmesstuff @valhallawhispers @bora-kat @bloodline1632 @ahundredtimesover @greezenini @koostarcandy @sparklingprimrose @xxxavee16 @koorosie @minniesvenus @bishuthot @pringles-bringles @jamlessstars @tearyjjeon @lookhere-2seok

---

omggg this story is so amazing!!! i’ve never read a fic with this kind of storyline, i’m loving it sooo much ☺️ and i was literally clutching my stomach because i was laughing so hard at some points, especially with the whole “my name is your name” “your name is jimin?” “no, it’s your name” and jimin being so confused 😭😭 but ahhh the plot is thickening and i cant wait to know what happens next!! im off to read the next part! 💖💖

In Real Life • pt1

-> Being transported into a fanfic is not exactly Jimin's ideal type of weekend, especially not right after you rejected his attempt to ask you out. Now the two of you will have to help the author write a happy ending if you ever wanna make it back to real life. Can he write a happy ending with you too?

Main pairing: gamer boy!jimin x fem!creative writing major!reader

Genre/au: trapped in a fanfic!au, enemies to friends to lovers, low-key love triangle, sports!au (archery), college!au, a good amount of fluff, a poor attempt at humor, some angst, inspired by Teen Beach Movie and Extraordinary You

Warnings: breaking the fourth wall sorta / pov changes, embarrassing moments, Jimin being a sweetheart bc I can't write him any other way, themes of depression and anxiety, more warnings to be added to part 2.

Wc: 14.1K

Disclaimer: this is not meant to represent all fanfiction and I'm not implying that all fanfic writers or readers only engage in fanfiction to escape reality. it's just for the sake of the story.

💿 the author - Luz :: more of you - JP Saxe :: main character - Zach Hood

a/n: yes, I had to split this into two parts because I planned it to be 15K but it's turning out longer than that sooooo yeah, hope ya'll enjoy the first part

Part 2 here!

"You're still here." 

"I'm still here." 

Jungkook doesn't know what to say. He's been a jerk. A complete bonehead, oblivious to what's been right in front of him this entire time. 

"I thought you would have left already," he says with downcast eyes. 

The implication is that you should have left by now. There's no reason for you to wait around for this jackass. He's been nothing but cruel to you, doing the things he did, saying the things he said. 

"I should have left," you admit, shamelessly standing before him still, "but there's something I have to say." 

Jungkook leans away, listening with intent but also nervous for what you'll say. Surely, you're going to scold him for his actions, tell him off, curse him. It would be an appropriate response given what he did. 

But you open your mouth and the most curious, unexpected words come out. 

"Jungkook, I can't do this any–" 

Your phone is suddenly snatched from your hand, your eyes following it helplessly over your head to the bleacher behind you. 

"Hey! My phone!" 

Park Jimin. Teaser extraordinaire and the only student you know who got a legit scholarship to a legit university for gaming. That's right, this geek got into university by playing video games. A fact that has continued to irk you considering you worked your ass off to graduate high school early and still only got into your third university of choice after being rejected twice. 

"Whoa, what is this?" he snickers at the screen, giggling among his so-called friends that always follows him around as he reads your precious fiction embarrassingly loudly. "He suddenly grabs your waist, pulling you against his firm body to kiss you with so much passion you feel your heart is going to–" 

You swipe your phone back, slapping his hand in the process. "Don't steal people's stuff!" 

"Was that fanfiction? Oh my god, you actually read that shit?" he belly laughs, almost falling off the back of the bleachers but his groupies catch him just in time. 

Too bad. 

You shut off the screen with the app still on and stuff your phone in your jean pocket, turning to the front with crossed arms and a pout. 

"Mind your own business, Park." 

"Do you like it when guys randomly grab you and kiss you?" 

"No," you flick your hair back, "but even if I did, like I said, mind your own business." 

"Aw come on, it's just a joke. Lighten up, it's the first game of the season." 

No, he just enjoys teasing you for your reactions. You try not to let him bother you because to be honest he isn't worth your time, but he has this way of getting you so riled up that you have to react. Stealing your phone, eavesdropping on your conversations, sliding into your DMs and spamming you with that one fancy duck meme that you told him makes you uncomfortable but he keeps sending it anyway. 

You tried to ignore him but he's attached himself to you for god knows why. His purpose in life must be to make you miserable. 

Your school's basketball team made another score on the court and the crowd started cheering, a good enough opportunity as any to slip away. Just goes to show what trying to be social and involved in school spirit will get you. Teased and irritated. You should have stayed in your dorm and worked on your creative writing final like you originally planned. 

"Hey, where are you going?" Jimin calls after you, leaning to see around his friends, but you don't reply. 

You duck and weave through the aisles of the bleachers. The stadium is packed as mess so it's impossible not to bump into people, unfortunately. 

Someone grabs your wrist just as you manage to slip past the bleachers and into the concession stands area, making you turn around in surprise. 

"You're leaving already?" Jimin asks. 

"Yes, I'm leaving. Let go, please." 

He drops your limb. "But it's only half time." 

"I've got an assignment anyway." 

"Do it later. Come watch the rest of the game with me." 

"Honestly, I don't want to sit with you, Jimin." 

"Whoa," he puts his hands up in surrender, "did I do something?" 

You scoff, "Is it really that shocking to think I don't want to sit with you? We don't even know each other that well." 

"Then let's get to know each other. Go on a date with me." 

You're too shocked to speak. It's a prank. He can't be serious about this. Jimin found out you like fanfiction and now he's trying to make your heart race by sticking his hands in his pockets and half smirking like he's charming or something. 

You cross your arms. "Why should I?" 

"Because I like you." 

"No, thanks." 

His smirk turns downward, shoulders slumping. "Why not?" 

"I don't like you like that," you explain as kindly as you can. You are being kind because you could say you don't like him at all and it would be closer to the truth. 

"That's the point of dating," he says with a confident tilt of his head. "You may like me once you get to know me." 

"I don't want to date the guy who steals my phone and teases me about my hobbies." 

"Okay okay, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have stolen your phone," he says with a genuine nod, "but fanfiction, really? That stuff is for loners and hopeless romantic fangirls." 

"I'm guessing you wouldn't want to date a loner or a hopeless romantic fangirl, huh?" 

"Well no, who would?" 

"Then you don't want to date me." 

The crowd behind you start to bustle, pouring into the open space of vendors and snack bars and bathrooms, crowding your shoulders and walking through the space between you and Jimin. 

The conversation was over anyway, so you give one last wave and start to walk away. 

The crowd is thick and difficult to maneuver. It doesn't help that you're not nearly as tall as half the male fans here. Basketball is a tall sport so you should have expected this, but you press on, trying to slip through holes and low tunnels in the crowd to evade any further conversation with your nemesis. 

Jimin's calling fades into the background. You turn to see if he's still following but he's not around, probably went back to his seat seeing as you made your rejection clear as day already. 

It blows your mind because this stuff only happens in kindergarten. Teasing you because he likes you? It didn't even cross your mind. No college-aged graphic design major is that emotionally immature, right? If he really likes you he should treat you with respect like a gentleman from one of Jane Austen's novels. 

You squeal when a large shoulder hits you square in the chest, complete disregard for the person they just ran into. 

Falling back, you brace yourself for a harsh landing when a pair of arms catches you at the last moment, twisting you around and pulling you into a steady embrace. 

"You okay?" 

You peer up to find Jimin holding you securely against his chest. 

So he was still following you. 

"Yeah," you reply, pulling your legs back underneath you again, but he keeps his arms around you. "Thanks." 

"People never pay attention at these things. Let me walk you out–" 

He's interrupted when another rough nudge to his back sends him jerking forward, feet shuffling to keep from falling on top of you, his lips lightly brushing your nose. 

That was close. 

You scrunch your nose instinctively, making yourself smaller within his arms when they naturally squeeze around you. 

"...sorry," he mutters with a light blush on his cheeks, watching your cute expression with concern. 

You push away from his chest, too embarrassed that your heart is actually racing to say anything else. Looking down, you trudge through the rest of the crowd and make a bee-line for the exit. 

Good god, you have to get out of here. 

It's so much easier to breathe once you're outside. Puffs of warmth escape your lips when your head falls back with a large sigh. Finally some coolness on your cheeks. 

Muffled squeaks of sneakers on the court and groans from the audience are all you need to know the game has resumed. Jimin must have gone back then. There's no way he followed you all the way out here after all that. 

"___! Wait up!" 

"You have got to be kidding me," you whisper to yourself in disbelief. 

This dude cannot take a hint. 

"I'm sorry for…back there," he says shyly when he's come up behind you. At least he's apologizing on his own accord this time. "I got bumped. It was a mistake, I swear." 

You turn to give him a small nod, arms wrapped around yourself. "It's fine." 

"Are you cold? You should've brought a jacket." 

"Yeah, I didn't because I didn't know it would be this cold." 

"Here, you can have mine." 

"No!" You quickly stop him with a hand held up when he starts to strip his outer layer. "I don't want your jacket, Jimin." 

"But–" 

"I'm not trying to encourage anything, okay?" you interrupt him. "Please, don't give me your jacket." 

He slowly pulls it back over his shoulders with a frown. Your hand lowers and you tuck it back into your crossed arms, a slight shiver running through your shoulders.  

"At least let me walk you to your dorm. It's dark." 

"I'll be fine. Goodnight, Jimin." 

He doesn't respond but you can feel his eyes on the back of your head as you walk away. 

Okay, maybe you feel kinda bad turning down his jacket since you are freezing and he could have just been trying to be considerate. But with the knowledge of his crush on you, you just couldn't accept it with a clear conscience. Especially not right after turning him down so blatantly. 

That's right, this is the jerk who's been teasing you relentlessly since you met last semester. Now you know it was all because he likes you. Childish. This isn't kindergarten. 

So what, you like fanfiction? Lots of people do. It's an escape from the disappointment of reality, and everyone needs some of that at some point. Hell, Jimin plays video games for hours a day! Sure, some of it is for his major but he's probably also trying to escape reality part of the time, and you don't blame him. 

You pull your phone out of your pocket and open up the tab for your fanfic, finding the spot where you left off. A little escape from reality is exactly what you need right about now actually. 

But you open your mouth and the most curious, unexpected words come out. 

"Jungkook, I can't do this anymore. I'm tired, okay? Tired of trying and never getting anywhere, tired of my feelings not being reciprocated. So, I'm done. I'm done with you–" 

He suddenly grabs your waist, pulling you against his firm body to kiss you with so much passion you feel your heart is going to explode. 

His lips are perfect against yours, like pillows of sweetness. But they're nothing compared to his potent tongue, slipping between your lips and drawing a soft moan from your throat. 

His arms wrap around you, pulling you into his chest and squeezing…

You shake your head when the image of Jimin catching you pops into your imagination. 

…squeezing you so close you can feel his heartbeat through his white t-shirt. 

Jungkook's hands follow the curve of your waist, allowing the kiss to keep pace for a moment, enjoying your taste, the warmth of your tongue and the coolness of your lips. 

He pulls away from the kiss and takes a deep breath. His fingers gently brush your hair from your face, forehead leaning against yours lovingly as he gazes into your eyes. It feels like a scene from a movie. 

He smiles that wickedly beautiful smile and whispers soft and low…

"Watch out!!" 

Your arm is grabbed right when you lift your eyes from your phone, the blinding headlights of a car coming right at you. 

There's not even enough time to gasp. 

All you recognize is the pull of your body being jerked back, a stinging pain shooting up your arm and into your shoulder, the twist of your ankle as it trips over the curbside. 

Maybe it's your imagination, but you swear you catch a glimpse of Jimin's face before you crash onto the sidewalk, your side landing on his arm, and your head painfully slamming into the ground. 

:: 

His head is pounding when he comes to, rivers of red behind his eyes like poison. Even after he tries to blink them away, they persist for a moment. 

"What the fuck…" Jimin groans, reaching up to rub his head. 

Shit, that really hurt. 

Just as he starts to make sense of where he is in space, a body next to him starts to stir as well. 

Slowly, you shift where you lay on his arm, rubbing your head where you must have hit it on the sidewalk too. 

"Are you okay?" he asks, still blinking to bring his world into focus. 

Even if you're not, maybe you needed a good knock on the head. You were about to walk out in front of a fucking car because you were too lost in whatever fanfic you were reading. Idiot. 

You sit up, a hand on the side of your neck as you twist to help with the stiffness. Your neck pops and that helps a lot. 

"I think so." Your eyes land on Jimin and his position on the ground. "Did you…thank you." 

"Don't mention it," he sighs and sits up next to you, "just look where you're going from now on." 

"Right. I will." 

"Sure your head is okay?" 

"It's pounding a little," you confess. 

"Mine too," Jimin replies, pulling your ripped sweater back over your shoulder. 

And then the most extraordinary, unexpected thing happens. 

The moment is suddenly in slow-mo. The action of his hand brushing your skin when he moves your sleeve, the way his eyelashes softly flutter when he looks at you. The background blurs into a mass of nothingness, there's a soft hum of a melody coming from somewhere and fairy lights around his face like a filter. You're completely enraptured in the moment, physically unable to look away from his angelic form. 

When he's finished helping you cover your shoulder, the world returns to normal. 

Perhaps you hit your head a little harder than you thought. It's playing tricks on you now. 

"Hey, Jimin?" 

"Yeah?" 

"Can I ask you something?" 

"Sure." 

"Wasn't it nighttime before?" 

Curiously, he takes a gander at your surroundings, and sure enough, the sun is high in the sky. That means the basketball game ended and everyone left the stadium, passed by you two lying unconscious on the sidewalk, and did nothing. The school will definitely be hearing about this. 

"It was also October," he comments. 

It feels rather warm for it being this far into Autumn. Not to mention the trees are beautifully green and flowering everywhere you look. It's not just a warm day in October. It's a different season. A hot season. 

He decides to shake it off and stand up, brushing off his clothes and ruffling his hair. 

You stand as well, a little unsteady on your feet. 

"You're not too dizzy to walk?" he checks just in case. 

"I think I'm good. Are you okay?" 

"Just a headache." 

Something is definitely odd but he can't quite put his finger on it. Something feels weirder than normal, like he's not seeing things right, like his peripheral vision has been tampered with. When he's focused on you, everything else fades into the background until he makes a point to look away from you again. 

He chalks it up to his head still spinning but he can't ignore the oddity of his environment right now. It still looks like his universe but something is…different. He can't seem to get out of tunnel vision mode. 

"Where are all the students?" you ask. 

Now is when he notices the lack of other people. The campus is completely abandoned save for the two of you and the occasional squirrel in a tree behind him. 

"In class?" 

"It is the middle of the day," you admit thoughtfully, but you don't seem convinced by his suggestion. From the expression on your face, Jimin gets the feeling you're sensing something isn't right either. 

You take a single step and your knees buckle beneath you, a light gasp alerting Jimin to your fall. 

His reaction is in slow-mo, arms scooping around your waist, supporting your sudden weight when you collapse into his embrace. Your hands land on his shoulders, your chest on his chest.  

The rest of the world blurs into a mesh of nothingness until all he can see is you slowly looking up at him, eyes sparkling abnormally bright and lips shimmering temptingly. Your eyelids flutter at him, silently speaking to him in soothing tones. His gaze drop to your lips, filled with an overwhelming urge to kiss you stupid. 

Just as the moment arrives, it disappears when you push yourself off his chest and stand up on your own again. 

"Sorry," you quickly apologize, "I don't know what that was. I just, umm, my legs gave out. Guess I'm dizzier than I thought." You shyly tuck your hair behind your ear and then look at your hand as if it betrayed you. 

"It's okay," Jimin assures you, just as confused. "But...did you happen to see that?" 

"See what?" 

"Nevermind." 

Even if you did see it, what reason does Jimin have to believe you would admit you also experienced whatever fanfic shit that just was. 

Wait. Oh hell no. It can't be. That stuff only happens in video games and movies.

"Hey, ___, when you accidentally walked in front of that car and I pulled you out of the way…you were reading fanfiction, weren't you?" 

You roll your eyes. "Are you seriously going to tease me right after a near death experience? That's low, man." 

"No, no, that's not what I meant," he says. "You're gonna think I'm insane, but…doesn't something feel off to you?" 

You swallow, clearly not about to suggest it yourself but you were thinking the same thing. Your expression shifts to realization mixed with horror, wide eyes and a dropped jaw. 

"What is it?" Jimin urges. 

Without a second thought, you start searching all over the ground, the side of the curb and the grass on the edge of the trees, desperately looking for something. 

"What's wrong?" 

"My phone!" you insist frantically. "Help me find it!" 

Without arguing, Jimin kneels to the ground and starts searching as well. 

Thankfully, you find the device a moment later. The screen is cracked but otherwise it's not broken. It turns on just fine and you unlock it to reveal the screen you were reading right before Jimin pulled you out of the way of that car. 

"I knew it," Jimin clicks his tongue, "you were reading fanfiction and not paying attention. You could have gotten seriously hurt if I hadn't been there, you know." 

"Jimin…" you slowly turn the screen so he can see it clearly. 

"What, I don't get–" he freezes, absolutely horrified. "Is it…how is it…doing that?" 

"I don't know," you reply, releasing a shaky breath as you watch your words appear in quotations on the screen. "Is it commenting on us?" 

You wave your arm in random directions as if that's the best way to test whether or not I actually know what you're doing right now. You look stupid by the way. You should probably stop. 

"Oh fuck, no way," Jimin refuses with a shake of his head, watching each letter appear on the screen in perfect time as it leaves his lips. "Whatever sick trick this is, I'm not a part of it. Make it stop, ___." 

"I'm not doing it!" you insist, unaware that you are in a way, because these are your words being typed right now. 

"No, I'm not!" you insist once again. "Whoever is doing that, we're not in your story so cut it out!" 

Oh, but this isn't my story anymore. It's yours. 

"What?" 

"I don't know who the fuck you think you are, but you better leave us alone right now!" Jimin yells at me. 

But here's the thing, I started this fanfic with the intention of two lovers having a happily ever after and my pairing isn't working very well. So, I had to improvise. 

Welcome to the fic, you two. Let's write some fanfiction, shall we? There's a special pair of idiots who need your help to fall in love. 

"I don't understand…" you reply to me, slightly shaking where you stand. 

Jimin notices, but he's too nervous to reach out and take your hand. He doesn't want to admit it, but he's still hurt from your rejection because he genuinely likes you but sucks at showing his feelings since his mom walked out on him. 

"Hey, isn't that kind of personal?" Jimin spits back at me, just barely keeping himself from throwing the phone against a tree. 

But I actually do need your help. 

"For what?" 

To get this fanfic back on track. There are two characters I've written on this campus who are meant to end up together, but they're not exactly cooperating with me. I need you to find them and get them together to make the happy ending. 

"Why can you just write them together?" 

That's the thing, I lost control of the story. Whatever I end up writing always backfires. You might call it writer's block or poor motivation or just a lack of writing ability, but either way, I need some assistance to get this story back on track. 

If you two will agree to help me, I won't control your actions or dialogue, I promise. You can do and say whatever you want and all I'll do is record what happens. Help me write this story from the inside and I'll let you go afterwards. 

"And if we refuse?" Jimin crosses his arms, watching me type his actions out with a disdainful frown on his face. 

I've got a large following waiting for this fic to come out, so I really need to hurry up and get this done for them. It's for the fans. If you don't help, I can end this fic right now and you'll never escape an unfinished wip. 

"No, you can't," Jimin doesn't believe me. He thinks he's calling my bluff but inside he's nervous I'm telling the truth. 

"Am not!" 

Am too. 

"Am not! You're lying." 

Would you like to test that theory? 

Jimin doesn't actually want to test that theory. 

"Whatever," he grumbles. 

We don't get along apparently, which makes me sad. 

But while Jimin and I have our little squabble, you've been carefully considering my offer, haven't you? 

"Fine." 

"What!?" Jimin reacts in shock at what he just heard. "You're agreeing?" 

"If we do this, we get to go home. Whatever author this is clearly does not intend to let us go unless we agree to help." 

You're right, I don't. 

Jimin pinches the bridge of his nose. He knows he has no choice but to agree. He's going to agree, so I don't know why he's being like this. 

"Yeah, yeah okay enough with the commentary," he sighs. "I'll do it." 

And from that moment on, the world became a little brighter, more in focus, and Jimin felt his point of view slowly returning to his mind. 

"Thanks." 

The internal control to move and breathe and speak becomes apparent in your bones as well, filling your lungs, and sparking the tip of your tongue. You look at Jimin with a worried but attempted brave expression. 

"Where should we even start?" 

In a flash, you and Jimin are standing in the cafeteria of the school. In front of you is a two person table but only one girl sitting alone with her textbook. She's brighter than the rest of the student body and wearing different clothes, which separates her as a main character. The main female lead. 

"Guess that answers that question." 

The rest is up to you. Please, make sure the story has a happy ending. I'm counting on you guys. 

:: 

"You go talk to her." 

"No, you go talk to her." 

"Give me one good reason why I should be the one to talk to her?" 

"Uh, because you're a girl," Jimin points out the obvious, gesturing to your curvaceous figure. "She's the female lead." 

"You're way better at making friends than I am," you argue. 

"Says who?" 

"You're the extrovert." 

Even just looking at her sitting alone intimidates you. Not that you're always introverted, of course, around your family and in familiar environments you're perfectly fine. But you've never been confident in taking the initiative when it comes to meeting new people, not like Jimin. 

He scoffs, "And? This is a fanfic, I don't know how things work in this world. Besides, you're one of her own kind." 

You hit his shoulder, but his tease did lighten the mood, so he calls it a success. The first time you've smiled since waking up with him on the sidewalk. 

"Come on, you're great at bumping into people," you jest, making reference to your interaction at the basketball game with a sly grin. 

"Ha ha, very funny." 

"You don't have to do much, just figure out where we are in the story. Once we know that, we can figure out what's next," you tell him, turning him to face her direction. 

Jimin eyes her from across the cafeteria, nervously biting his lip. Yeah, he's an extrovert but he's not the best at talking to girls. You of all people should know that; he spent months teasing you because he didn't know how to approach you like a normal human. When he first saw you, he thought you were just…too pretty for a casual introduction. 

Granted, this fanfic chick is significantly less attractive than you are. But that doesn't mean she's not a girl. 

"Oh, she's coming this way." You push on his shoulder blades as he leans back, digging his heels into the ground. "Don't lose this chance, Jimin! Do you wanna get out of here?" 

"Don't rush me!" 

With a final shove, Jimin trips forwards, nearly crashing into the girl as she walks by. He manages to catch himself but not before his stumbling lands him right in the pathway of… 

"Oh!" she exclaims, jumping at the surprise of an odd boy suddenly appearing in front of her.

Jimin freezes, eyes wide and staring directly into hers. He softly chuckles and straightens out his jacket. 

"Sorry. I tripped." 

"That's okay," she smiles innocently. "I trip all the time." 

He scratches the back of his head. "You ever fall when you trip?" 

"Huh?" She tilts her head, eyebrows lifted in confusion. 

"Nevermind. Umm, I'm Jimin by the way," he introduces himself with a handshake, hoping the conversation can start flowing naturally now that the expected awkwardness has hopefully passed. 

The girl accepts his hand, the other tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "It's nice to meet you, Jimin. Do you ever fall when you trip?" 

He blinks. "What?" 

"Nevermind. Umm, I'm Your Name by the way." The girl offers a handshake…again. 

He accepts it (again) with an unsure look, carefully noting how she just repeated him, like word for word. As if she couldn't come up with her own contributions to the conversation. 

"I'm sorry, your name is…?" 

"Me," she smiles innocently, one of the few actions Jimin realizes that she knows how to do. 

"You're…" 

"Your Name." 

"Right, what is it?" 

"My name is Your Name." 

"Your name is Jimin?" 

"No, it's Your Name." 

"I don't get it." 

"You're so funny," she giggles with a soft hand to her lips. 

He huffs, "No, I'm Jimin. Who the heck are you?" 

A harsh slap strikes across his back, echoing across the cafeteria but none of the surrounding students pay it any mind. 

"Ow!" Jimin yelps, retreating from your hand. "What the hell?" 

"It's nice to meet you, Your Name," you say sweetly as if you didn't just leave a nasty red handprint on his back. "I love your top." 

"Oh, thanks! I love your top too." 

"Yep." With a sigh and a nod, you face Jimin and speak directly to him, arms crossed and hip popped out in disappointment. "The author led us to the right girl. She's the reader insert, alright." 

Your Name occupies herself, amazed by her own hands and interlocking her fingers with a wishful sigh. She's been written to fall in love with the man of her dreams, to discover angsty heartbreak and become the apple of her lover's eye. When she's not doing anything directly related to that purpose, she's just an empty shell of a character, a copycat filling space and time until her next scene. 

"She's dumb as a sack of rocks." 

"No one is reading the story right now, remember? The author is still writing it. Your Name is an empty character," you explain, scanning her perfect figure up and down with a jealous click of your tongue. 

"So, if someone reads the story…" 

"Then part of that person's character is reflected in Your Name. It's what makes fanfiction fun to read. You get to put yourself in the story." 

Okay, maybe Jimin sees the attractiveness in that. It's an escape just like video games, except more lame and pitiful. 

Your Name has yet to do or say anything else. She just sways with her hands folded against her chest, mind empty, no thoughts, unable to leave or initiate anything without the author's guidance or some other trigger. 

"Why would anyone want to be her?" 

The doors to the cafeteria burst open, immediately stealing everyone's attention. The whole building pauses in place, heads turning in slow-mo to see what the big commotion is about, choirs of gasps and the sound of panties dropping to the ground left and right. 

In walks sex on legs, dark hair fluffy with a gloved hand brushing through thick bangs, skin tight jeans and a leather bracer around his wrist. He pretends to pull an arrow from the empty quiver on his hip, shooting it and a charming wink in the direction of a cafeteria worker, chuckling when they faint against the wall with a hand over their heart. 

There's only one person who could have that kind of effect simply by walking into the room. 

"That's why," you reply, hypnotized eyes following his every move through the line to get lunch. "The main male lead." 

"So, it's all about the guy, huh?" 

"Obviously. It is a Jungkook fanfic, so yeah."

Jimin gawks. "Wait, that's supposed to be Jeon Jungkook? You mean the singer slash actor in real life?" 

"Yep," you sigh in content. Even if this is a fanfic, you're in the same room as the Jungkook and you'll never forget this day. 

"That dude doesn't know archery," Jimin pouts. 

"It's a fanfic, so he does in this story, okay? Shut up." 

Jimin just rolls his eyes, too proud to admit the way you're staring at that fanfic character makes his blood boil something awful. But you're not the only one entranced. 

Your Name hasn't been able to blink since Jungkook walked in, hands folded shyly at her chest and lips slightly parted. She holds her breath as he struts in her direction, whipping his hair out of his eyes only for it to gracefully fall over his forehead again. 

Jungkook passes by with his lunch, but he doesn't even give Your Name a glance, not even the barest of recognitions. She opens her mouth as if she wants to say something, but no sound comes out. Just a defeated sigh when Jungkook sits down at a table with a bunch of other students and not her. 

She pulls her bag further up her shoulder, putting her head down and walking out of the cafeteria as unnoticeably as possible. Jimin watches her, a surprising sense of sympathy for her despite reminding himself she's a fictional character. 

You lift a finger to your temple, leaning into Jimin's side as you both watch the scene play out. "I understand." 

"What? What just happened?" 

"We have to get Jungkook together with Your Name. She's the shy, unnoticed school girl and he's the popular, sporty hunk with a heart of gold." 

"Oh come on, that's the worst trope ever." He rolls his eyes in Jungkook's direction. "Heart of gold my ass. He just walked right passed Your Name and didn't even flinch." 

"Like you would know anything about fanfic tropes." 

"Video games have tropes too, you know." 

You roll your lips tight when he sticks his tongue out at you, trying not to smile at how cute he was just now. 

"Like what?" 

Jimin begins counting on his fingers. "I could name five off the top of my head." 

"Are any of them the shy school girl and popular sports star?" you ask. 

He drops his hand and expression. "No." 

"Then you can reference video games again when they can actually help us," you say, looking back at Jungkook's table. "For how, we need to figure out a way to get those two together so we can end the fic and get out of here. Any ideas?" 

Jimin shrugs. "I don't know. I'm hungry." 

You're deep in thought, unconcerned with Jimin's empty stomach. He starts rubbing it over his shirt, whining your name and poking your arm over and over. 

"Let's eat something, please." 

"We don't have meal swipes for this place," you reply shortly, shooing his hand away without ever once losing focus on Jungkook. 

Do fanfic characters usually use meal swipes? There's no hurt in trying. The author probably had way better things to write about than whether or not the characters used their meal swipes or paid cash for their lunch. 

Besides, this is the spitting image of your real life cafeteria back on campus. If this school is based on that school, then maybe his meal swipes can work. (Does that mean the author goes to your and Jimin's university? Whoa.) 

You're not going anywhere. Might as well try. 

Wouldn't you know it, Jimin uses a meal swipe to get a tray and two plates for a much needed meal break. So, he makes his way around the different stations of the cafeteria and collects a little bit of everything onto a tray, stacking piles of dino nuggets and mac 'n cheese especially tall. 

After tucking two canned sodas under his arm, Jimin finds you right where he left you. Standing in the middle of the floor, eyes glued to the archery star, and biting your nail into a numb. 

"Hey. You should eat something." 

You look to find the tray of food he's gathered, impressed but mostly grateful. 

"You're probably right," you finally admit when your stomach unmistakably starts gurgling. "Food is important." 

"Come on, we can think of a plan while we eat." 

The two of you make your way to a free table within eye shot of Jungkook's table and slip into opposite booths. Jimin pops open your soda for you, a small smirk on his lips when you gasp at the meal in front of you. 

"Dino nuggets and mac 'n cheese? Oh fuck yes, my favorite nostalgic meal ever! How did you know?" 

"It's mine too." 

:: 

After a lengthy discussion at the cafeteria, you and Jimin decide to map out what you already know and what you need to know on the way to an upcoming archery tournament. 

Seeing as Jungkook didn't pay Your Name any mind in the cafeteria, but he also didn't display any tension to suggest a break up or fight, it's safe to assume they haven't met yet. Which means you're at the start of the fic, the very very beginning. Depending on the author, this could be a 5K marathon or a 25K marathon. 

As the author, I'll give you a hint: it's longer than 5K. 

You stuff your phone back into your jean pocket after reading the update, feeling tired just thinking about the work ahead of you. 

"Author said it's a lengthy fic. Which means we've got multiple scenes to get through. We could be here for a while." 

Jimin swings his arms as he walks beside you, keeping to the outside of the sidewalk so he's closer to the road. 

"Shit." 

"Yeah," you sigh, fanning yourself. 

"Are you warm?" 

"Are you not?" you ask in shock, upgrading to two-handed fanning. "It's a million degrees out here. How are you still wearing that jacket?" 

Jimin shrugs. "I'm fine." 

The sun beats down on your sweater harshly, punishing you for still having it on. Soon enough, you can't bear it anymore. Your arms cross in front of you, fingers pinching the hem of your top and pulling it over your head to reveal a white tank underneath. Instant relief hits your skin. 

You tie the sleeves of your sweater around your waist and tie up your hair so it's off your neck. 

"Much better," you sigh to yourself. Now maybe you can actually think without getting heat stroke. 

"So–" Jimin clears his throat, eyes forward and nowhere else. "So you've read this story before, right?" 

"I've read stories similar to it, so it should be pretty simple to figure out. The archery tournament should be a good place to start. Sport events are usually where major plot development happens." 

"I sure hope you're right." 

Of course, you're right. Jungkook is the archery champion and Your Name is bound to be around here somewhere. After all, who would give up the chance to watch their crush excel at what they do best? 

No doubt, this scene will be an important milestone in their relationship. You just have to remember your role as wing woman and make sure Jungkook notices Your Name this time around. 

The field is decorated with targets and large, fake deer in the distance. All the archers are dressed in their gear, looking fine as heck you must admit. Never thought archery would do it for you but the strap across the chest and holster around the waist accentuates more curves than you were ready for. Damn. 

"There." You direct Jimin's attention with the point of your finger at the provided refreshments. "Your Name is by the water dispenser." 

You call out to her as you approach, ducking to avoid the many eyes of the bleachers because good god there's a lot of students here. The crowd makes you feel rather uneasy, but you push your introverted tendencies to the side and focus on the task at hand. 

"Oh, hi ___. Hi, Jimin," she greets you happily. 

Jimin nods at her, but his focus is on getting a cup of water. 

"Are you excited for the archers? Who do you think is gonna win?" you ask with a friendly touch to her arm, trying to be social. 

"Of course!" she answers with an innocent smile. "Jungkook will win for sure." 

"Have you cheered him on yet?" Jimin asks Your Name while handing you the cup of water. You gratefully down it. So, he gets you another one. 

"Everyone is cheering for Jungkook." 

"But did you tell him personally that you're cheering for him?" 

Your Name's smile fades a little, pulling back into a shy expression as she tucks her hair behind her ear. 

"No." 

"You totally should," Jimin says while you gulp down the second cup of water he filled for you. "He'd appreciate the support." 

"You think?" 

"Trust me, I'm a guy. If a cute girl like you wished me good luck on my tournament, hell I'd wanna win just for you." 

Her cheeks instantly flush, eyelids fluttering as her body turns to face Jimin fully, the dim around her light starting to shine brighter. 

"Really?" 

"Yeah, sure." 

Your Name rolls her lips, running fingers through the tips of her hair. "Do you have a tournament coming up? I'd love to cheer for you, Jimin." 

"Me?" He blinks. "Uhh, no. I'm not really into sports." 

"What are you into?" 

"Gaming," he says slowly. 

"That's so cool!" 

"Umm…" 

Jimin shares a look with you out of the side of his eye, unsure how the focus shifted to his interests. You interrupt with a hand on her shoulder, low-key turning her to face Jungkook's direction again. 

"Jungkook is into archery. Isn't that cool?" 

Your Name's neck stays turned toward Jimin until you place two palms on your cheeks and make her look in the direction of the archery team. 

She scans Jungkook head to toe. The archer tightens his quiver, adjusting it on his hip before bending over to tie his shoe. Never thought you'd be jealous of a man's ass but goddamn, the author blessed him with zero regard for their weak audience. 

"Wish him good luck like this, watch me–" You hold up two fists and smile as big as you possibly can, making your voice higher pitched and turning your knees in for a cuter effect. "You can do it, Oppa! Fighting!" 

Jimin nearly does a spit take. You're fucking adorable. 

Your Name seems unsure though. "You really think he'll notice me if I do that?" 

"I'm sure he will. Now go get 'em!" You give her a little booty pat to send her on her way. 

She timidly makes her way over to Jungkook while you and Jimin observe. This will work. This has to work. Jungkook doesn't have to fall in love with her right now, you remind yourself. All this has to do is get him to notice her, put her in his radar. This is the meet cute, the part where he realizes she's on his side. He finds a companion in someone he never expected, a shy bookworm he's never noticed is his biggest fan. 

Jimin leans into your ear and whispers, "Call me Oppa. Just once." 

"Not even in your dreams." 

"Damn it. Worth a try." 

While Your Name doesn't knock his socks off like you hoped, at least Jungkook recognized her efforts and thanked her for the cheer. They don't immediately hit it off and he doesn't look for her in the crowd during the tournament, but that's okay. He knows she exists now, so essentially this scene completed its purpose. 

It's almost halfway through the tournament and nothing else has happened. Your Name sat down in the bleachers looking somewhat lost as to where to go since you claimed her spot by the water dispenser. 

"Don't worry," Jimin says, watching Jungkook shoot his third bullseye in a row, "it's not a 5K fic, remember? Something new will happen any second. The plot has to progress somehow." 

Wouldn't you know it, Jimin is right. 

From seemingly nowhere, an arrow comes shooting right at you. Instinctively, you squat to the ground at the sound of the arrow whistling past you, piercing and shattering the water dispenser beside you. In slow-mo, of course.  

A small wave of water spills out, soaking through your tank and all down your back. 

All you can do is squat there for a moment, taking in what the actual hell just happened. The slow-mo effect dissipates but the entire field has gone quiet, including the idiot who just shot that arrow. 

Jimin kneels in front of you. "Oh my god! Are you okay? That arrow didn't hit you, did it?" 

You shake your head, staring at the ground in silent shock, panic rising in your chest. 

"Thank god," he hangs his head in utter relief and sighs, "that was way too close." 

You agree, trying to catch your breath when he offers you a hand to help you stand. 

The moment you're back on your feet, your whole fanfic world freezes. Even Jimin's eyes have gone wide and his tongue gets tied. 

You immediately cross your arms over your chest, curling in on yourself and trying to cover your soaked through white tank top that's sticking to you like a wetsuit, totally and completely see through. Your brightly colored bra does little to help the situation. 

Jimin doesn't hesitate for a single second. He strips his jacket and wraps it around your shoulders, zipping it to your chin. When you don't move, he pulls you into his chest for some extra coverage and comfort. 

You're not sure what to do, so your face ends up hiding in his chest, eyes squeezed shut, wishing you could disappear in his arms. 

"Come on," he whispers, ushering you off the field, one of his arms wrapped around you protectively while the other hovers over your face so you don't see the eyes of the crowd watching you exit. 

Consequently, you don't see Jungkook's curious eyes following you either. 

Jimin sits you down on a bench a little ways around the corner where there are no spectators. 

"Are you okay?" he asks, kneeling in front of you, hand resting on the bench beside your thigh. 

Your stale expression doesn't shift but your eyes start to fill with tears, the white of your pupils turning pink and your eyelids fluttering at the sting. 

Jimin feels his heart drop at the same time your first tear does. The first time he's ever seen you cry. 

"Everyone was staring at me. They wouldn't stop staring…" 

For the first time, Jimin is witnessing how much your introverted personality affects you. Being embarrassed is a common human experience, but it's so much worse for you. Those kinds of things are only magnified by a thousand due to your already anxious state in large crowds. 

Your body closes up, limbs curling in on themselves even further inside Jimin's jacket.

"They all saw, didn't they?" 

"No," he says immediately, causing your eyes to lift hopefully. "I was quick with the jacket, so I don't think anyone saw much of anything." 

You sniffle. "You're sure?" 

"Absolutely." 

You know he's being kind, trying to make you feel better. Usually when people say things for the sole purpose of making you feel better, it doesn't help much. But even though you know Jimin is lying, his little smile and confident nose scrunch are cute enough to make you relax somewhat. 

"Thanks," you shrug as a gesture to his jacket around your shoulders. 

He smiles at you and it makes things a little better somehow. The background blurs, allowing you to focus only on him, putting the rest of the situation into perspective and making things feel all a little less daunting. Life doesn't feel as serious when Jimin smiles, and that's a rare experience for you. Out here, away from all the people, you can regather yourself and process things clearly. 

You wanna touch him, just to be in physical contact with him again, but he stands up first, making your jerk your hand away from where it was reaching out inconspicuously. 

"I'll go get you a towel and see if I can steal a dry shirt from someone." 

"You're leaving?" The question popped out before you could stop it. 

He holds back a teasing smile. "Should I stay here?" 

"No, it's fine," you say quickly, turning your knees in. "Go get me a shirt. Hurry up." 

He just snickers, whispering "cute" under his breath before sticking his hands in his jean pockets and casually making his way back toward the archery field. If anything, Your Name will probably have an extra top you can borrow. It'll be small but it'll probably work in a pinch. 

Now that you think about it, you might be in this fic for a while. What about clothes, sleep and hygiene? Do you have a room in the dorms or will you and Jimin have to scrap on the side of the street for basic necessities? The author wouldn't leave you in that horrible situation, would they? 

"Hey, you." 

That's not Jimin's voice. 

You turn your head to see none other than the main male lead confidently coming over to your bench. 

"Just wanted to check on you and make sure you're okay," he says. 

You nod, trying not to be stunned speechless that your in real life celebrity crush is speaking to you as a fanfic character in an alternative universe. Holy shit! 

Jungkook smiles. "Thank goodness. I saw that arrow heading towards you and I think my heart stopped for a solid minute. You've got quick reflexes." 

"Thankfully," you exhale. "My life definitely flashed before my eyes though." 

"What did you see?" he casually asks, taking a seat beside you on the bench. 

You're suddenly very aware of how close he is, shoulder to shoulder. When he turns his head toward you, the little sparkles in his eyes become noticeable and you can make out a small freckle on the underside of the curve of his bottom lip. 

"I saw school. My family. My friends." 

"A boyfriend?" 

"No." 

"You're single?" 

You nod slowly. "Yes." 

Jungkook seems pleased to hear this. He adjusts in his seat, a confident smug on his lips and an indifferent shrug on his shoulders. 

"We should maybe go out sometime, if you're interested. You know, we could be…friends?" 

If you were feeling more confident or outgoing in this moment, you might call him out on the fact that he just confirmed you were single and then asked you out as a friend when you guys don't even know each other. He definitely thought he was smoother than he actually was just now. 

"Yeah sure," you reply, rather small and quiet. 

"Great," Jungkook hands you his phone. "Put in your number." 

With no reason not to in your mind, you do as he requests, adding a signature koala emoji at the end of your name. 

"Why a koala?" he asks amused. 

"They're cute."

"You're cuter." 

Damn, that response was fast. As if he had it right on the tip of his tongue, ready to go for anyone. 

Surprisingly, it doesn't make you nearly as fluttery as you expected. It was a good line, but the Flynn Rider smolder just isn't doing it for you right now.

He tucks a strand of hair behind your ear but it's not flattering and it doesn't make your heart flutter. There's no slow-mo and the world around you doesn't disappear. Actually, it feels kind of awkward and he doesn't put your hair in the right place so it just falls again. 

Jungkook stands, slipping his phone into his pocket now that he's got your info. 

"I'll text you," he promises before waving goodbye, his other hand scratching the back of his head bashfully as if he's not used to getting girl's numbers. He totally is though. 

Okay. Okay, don't freak out. This is a good thing. Now you've got a connection with both Your Name and Jungkook. This way will be easier to manipulate their relationship and eventually write a happy ending. That's the goal. In order to get out of here, you need a happy ending. That's what the author asked for. 

Jimin returns a few moments later with a dry shirt and a towel. You tell him what happened, and he doesn't seem very pleased that Jungkook has your phone number. Not that he's willing to tell you why that bothers him, but either way what's done is done. 

Now it's time for the next chapter. 

:: 

"Actually, I think we should chill for now." 

Jimin can't be serious, is he serious?  

"I mean, why not? It's almost night anyway. Look, the sun is setting and we haven't even had dinner yet." 

"Okay, so we go back to the cafeteria, get some dino nuggies, and then keep working," you reply. 

But your dear companion doesn't seem too thrilled with that plan. He shakes his head, face scrunched in displeasure. 

"Let's go out instead. I don't want dino nuggies." 

You gasp, hand over your heart. "Don't want dino nuggies? When does anyone not want dino nuggies? They are the only matter in existence not capable of disappointment." 

Jimin laughs with you, covering his mouth with the back of his hand. Why are you suddenly disappointed? 

"Yeah, okay. I still would rather go get pizza or something," he comments. 

"With pineapple?" 

"Ew, no I'm not a psychopath." 

"Well, I just figured since you don't want dino nuggies, there must be something wrong with you." 

Jimin rolls his eyes, not noticing the cute way you smile at him, genuinely enjoying your conversation. He's actually kinda fun to talk to. He's sweeter than you originally thought when all you knew about him was that he liked to tease you. There's something captivating about the shape of his mouth when he talks, the movement of his neck, the shifting of his eyes from you to the sunset. 

He leans back on his hands and looks out at the campus. The best place to get a bird's eye view is up here at the monogram. You can see the whole campus. Just as you expected, it's an exact replica of your campus back in real life. 

Somehow, you find yourself watching his profile instead, the lines of his jaw and the curve of his nose. He's got soft features and they match his personality really well, you think. He's handsome and he's not going to abandon you here. He proved that today. 

"Hey." 

Jimin turns his head to look at you. 

"I'm glad you're here with me." Your heart rate spikes as soon as you say those words, the realization that you just said them out loud hits you like a ton of bricks. "I mean, I'm not glad we're stuck in a fanfic, that sucks, but if I'm gonna be stuck in here, it would suck more to be alone because then, you know, it would be worse because I'd be alone, not without you specifically but just alone in general, ummm….I guess." 

He just waits patiently until you're done stuttering like an idiot, his smile slowly growing with each embarrassed syllable. His eyes are full of fondness but you don't notice them while you're too busy trying to calm the palpitations in your chest by picking at blades of grass. What's this nervous energy all of a sudden? 

"We can have pineapple on the pizza if you want," he says casually. 

"I don't like pineapple." You steal a glance at him only to do a double take when you find him grinning like an idiot. "What's that face for?" 

"Because I didn't know that about you. And now I do." 

You're not sure how to respond, so you just scoff under your breath, muttering to yourself and pulling your knees to your chest, suppressing the desire to ask him about his favorite dino nuggie shape. 

"Wanna bring the pizza back up here and eat?" 

"Yeah, that sounds nice." 

:: 

How you fell asleep outside, you'll never know. How you ended up cuddled beside Jimin is even more of a mystery. 

Beside is a weak term to use when your whole body is curled into his front, one leg slipped between his legs and your arms tucked between your chests. He's lazily wrapped around you, arm laid across your side and nose almost touching yours. 

When the chill of midnight wakes you up, you're sure it's a dream. His eyes happen to open at the same moment, a deep inhale through his nose as his world comes into view, as you come into view. 

"Hi," he grumbles, voice scratchy and low. 

"Am I dreaming about you now?" 

"You probably got cold." 

You look down, trying to move your leg but it doesn't want to pull away from the comfy spot it's found between his legs. When you look back up, he's watching you softly, half lidded eyes swollen from a rough few hours and the greasy pizza. 

"So, this is a dream." 

"Depends," his lips move through the dark, the feeling of his knuckle softly rubbing your cheek down to your chin and finally across your bottom lip, "if it is, are you gonna move?" 

"No." 

"Then this is a dream." 

"Good." 

:: 

"What if you pretend to be in love with Your Name?" 

Jimin doesn't seem too excited about that suggestion. He lifts one brow and sticks his hands in his pockets, glancing over his shoulder at where the female lead sits at the opposite side of the cafeteria. 

"But I don't like her," he says flatly, "plus she's a fanfic character. It doesn't make sense to ask her out." 

"It doesn't have to make sense. It's a fanfic," you argue, leaning your back against the wall. "Plus, she's cute, come on. We need her to trust us." 

Not as cute as you. And she's dumb. Jimin doesn't know if he could last a whole evening as her date let alone pretend to be attracted to her. She's not his type anyway. 

"Statistically, dating someone based on physical attraction alone only works like two percent of the time," he assures you, sticking out his tongue at the sour taste of just the idea. 

"Well, just pretend this is one of the times when it does." 

"Sorry, I don't have enough experience points for that." 

You roll your eyes. "Ha ha, very funny. Just go ask her out. We don't have any other ideas than to make Jungkook jealous somehow, and me dating Jungkook won't work because Your Name is too timid to act on jealousy." 

Well, that does it. Now Jimin is determined to find a better solution. There's got to be a way to get those crazy kids together that doesn't involve you getting with Jungkook or Jimin acting like he can last longer than ten minutes with Your Name before wanting to suck his brain out through his ears. 

"Look, every story has an algorithm, right? We just have to find this storyline's algorithm and use it to make the ending get here faster so we can get the fuck out of here." 

"What do you mean?" you ask, not following along at all. But you're interested in where Jimin is going with this exactly. 

He glances across the room at Your Name, eyes bouncing between her seat on the far wall and Jungkook's table surrounded by fellow archers who think they're cool because they can shoot a tree from thirty yards. 

"Okay, hear me out," Jimin starts talking with his hands, which means he wants you to really listen, so you do, "you know how in video games–" 

"No." 

He rolls his eyes but there's no mistaking that tiny smile hidden in the corner of his lips. "Well in video games there's something called an algorithm." 

"This is fanfiction, Jimin, algorithms are a math thing." 

"They're also a story thing. The algorithm is the step by step process of what eventually gets you to the ending. It's what draws you in, makes it attractive. Sorta like the formula to the story. Predictability." 

"Okay," you reply slowly. "I think I understand." 

"So, what's the algorithm of this fanfic? What's the thing that makes the story move forward to get to the ending?" 

You have to think for a moment, consider the characters and setting. What's the main premise that's going to eventually trigger the progression of the storyline? The glue between the romantic interests? 

"Opposites attract?" 

"Getting warmer." He taps his chin. "Anything else it could be?" 

"Sexual tension?" 

"That's it, you're a genius!" Jimin lights up. 

A sense of warmth fills your cheeks knowing you answered correctly, and you have to stop yourself from smiling like a middle schooler when Jimin praises you. 

He leans in closer, placing his hands on either side of you on the wall, encasing your smaller frame in his presence. 

"A build up of sexual tension between two unlikely characters," his eyes trace the lines of your nose to your lips, "that eventually erupts in a heated finale of confession and passion." 

You exhale, unaware you were even holding your breath, chest sinking and then filling up again with much needed oxygen. 

There's that infamous slow-mo, the one that keeps happening during the most inconvenient moments. You're still not sure if Jimin also experiences it - probably not - but it's doing things to you. 

His features become softer and rounder, the illusion of a blurry background causes your attention to be enraptured that much easier. His eyes gently blink and when they open, they've moved upward, now looking directly into yours. 

The moment is all too fleeting when his expression shifts into something horrified and he suddenly clears his throat and stands up straight again. 

You brush off your clothes, trying to act as inconspicuous as possible because whatever the heck that was has no impact on the goal at hand. No matter how unusually pretty his eyes are. 

"So," you pull your hair over your shoulder and then toss it back again, "we need to build sexual tension between Jungkook and Your Name." 

"Luckily, Your Name already thinks Jungkook is sexy. But how to make Jungkook notice her…" Jimin comments, a hand on his hip and the other scratching his head. 

And then an idea clicks in your mind. "A costume change." 

"Be serious." 

"I am serious. In fanfiction, when a character changes their outfit to something sexy or different from their usual vibe, it makes the other characters notice them. OC's do it all the time." 

Jimin guesses that could work. He tries to put it into perspective by imagining you wearing something you normally wouldn't. His gaming sweatshirt would be much too big for you considering it's big on him. The zipper is broken so it would probably fall off your one shoulder. His cat ear headset certainly would be a costume change, not to mention the sight of your beautiful legs in leggings, or even better, oversized pajama shorts and fluffy socks. He imagines how cute you'd be sitting in his lap and letting him teach you how to use the controller, whining when your character dies for the tenth time but then getting so happy when you win. 

Maybe you even twist around and hug his neck, maybe you're so happy you give him a kiss. Maybe the two of you get so caught up in the kiss that you forget the game and end up straddling his lap in his gamer chair. Maybe things get a little heated and he takes off your sweatshirt. You're nervous but he makes sure you're comfortable first and foremost because he just wants you to feel safe and loved because you deserve to be taken care of and kissed like that. You deserve so much. 

Yeah, a costume change could work. 

Jimin responds before his imagination can go further, "Okay, so how do we do that?" 

At that moment, your phone vibrates with a text from an unknown number. 

[unknown] hey there cutie ;) it's JK ;) my team is throwing a party tonight to celebrate our win at the tournament ;) wanna swing by? ;) 

Putting aside the major turn off that Jungkook just asked you to a party without indicating that he will be taking any kind of responsibility for the fact that he invited you to a party, this is just what the doctor ordered. 

You show Jimin the screen. "Boom." 

"Why four winky faces? Wait a damn minute, is he asking you out on a date right now?" 

"Yep." 

"Didn't even offer to pick you up," he grumbles, "what a loser." 

"It's still a party." 

"I guess." 

"A sexy party," you clarify, "probably with alcohol. There'll be a bunch of NPC's and I'll make sure Your Name wears something that'll catch Jungkook's attention." 

As much as Jimin is dreading going to a major social event that's not a sports game or gaming tournament, he can't deny that this is probably going to be your greatest chance at making some progress in the story. 

He gives a little side eye, a smile in the corner of his lips as the two of you head to get food. "I didn't think you knew any video game lingo." 

You nudge his shoulder as you walk. "I know a little. I live in the 21st century after all." 

Jimin commits your giggle to his memory because, damn, it wasn't slow-mo but he felt his world light up because of it. 

You get two trays and casually make your way over to where Your Name is finishing up her lunch. 

"Hey, mind if we join you?" 

"Sure," she smiles innocently - is it just you or is it annoying how symmetrical and sweet her smile is? 

Jimin takes the seat between you both, instantly regretting the decision when Your Name scoots a little closer so their shoulders touch. He looks at you as if you're going to fix it, but you brush it off, starting to eat while moving the conversation along. 

"So, Your Name, did you get the invite to Jungkook's party?" 

"I heard about it–" wow news travels fast in fanfics, "--but I haven't gotten an invitation." 

"You're in luck! Jimin needs a plus one." 

"I do?" the unsuspecting victim asks in terror. 

Your Name instantly starts acting shy, leaning even closer to him but turning her face away and only glancing to feign vulnerability or whatever other reason girls do that shit. 

"You're going to the party, Jimin?" 

"Apparently." He glares at you. 

"I'd love to be your plus one. I don't typically go to parties, but it might be fun to go together." She bites her lip, catching Jimin's easily distracted attention. 

Wait a second, is he actually staring at her? 

"Really? You want to go with me?" 

"Yeah, I really do!" 

His expression softens. "No girl has ever wanted to go to a party with me. I'm kind of a geek." 

Your Name shakes her head with a gasp, placing a hand on his bicep with a subtle squeeze. "Oh no! You're not a geek at all! You're the coolest guy I know." 

You swear there are hearts in her eyes. Bitch. Can she back the fuck up? He's not a piece of meat. 

Jimin looks totally lost. Flustered and very lost. Clearly, he's never been in this situation before. He turns to you for guidance and you reach around him to peel her hand off his arm, starting to regret your plan of having them go together. 

"Sounds like you guys have a plan then." That came out a little more disappointed than you intended. 

"Yeah," Your Name agrees with a soft giggle. "Should I meet you there?" 

"I'll pick you up." Because that's what a gentleman does. 

"Kay." She sways back and forth for a moment just looking at him, eventually picking up her tray and gathering her bookbag. "See you later then, Jiminie." 

She practically skips away, her little skirt bouncing at her thighs. Jimin watches until she's out of the building, out of the scene, out of sight. And then he collapses in the booth with a tired sigh. 

"That was intense." 

"Jiminie?" you mock and cross your arms. "Where does she get off calling you Jiminie? You're not even dating, it's just a party." 

"If you're that jealous, you can call me Jiminie too." 

"I'm not jealous." Your reply is a little too fast, mumbling after, "...nothing to be jealous about." 

He wants to call you out but you're cute like this, and he doesn't want to stifle your jealousy just yet. So instead, he lets you grumble through the rest of your meal together, resting his cheek in his hand and chuckling to himself each time you roll your eyes or stuff your cheeks a bit too full to keep yourself from cursing out loud. 

:: 

Jimin doesn't own trendy clothes. Actually, in this universe, he doesn't own any extra clothes. Turns out when you get transported into a fanfic, your dorm room doesn't come with you. A dumb rule but whatever. 

Thankfully, Jungkook is kind enough to lend him some party wear at your request. Not that the archery star is obligated to share his exclusive wardrobe, but he wants to get on your good side, and Jimin is in desperate need of an upgrade. 

Jimin steps out of the closet and grimaces. "It's a little…tight." 

"That's the point." Jungkook whistles. "Girls like tight." 

"I like breathing." 

"You look hot." 

Despite his requests for something more comfortable, Jungkook is not the most accommodating character. His compliments help a little bit, but Jimin can't sit down without popping a button and that's an issue. 

After Jimin has been dressed comes the agonizing process of choosing what Jungkook will wear to his own party. He leans against the door frame while Jungkook pulls more shirts from the closet and tosses them on the bed one by one. 

"So," Jimin talks in the meantime, casually looking at his feet and the walls, "you sure you're cool coming with me to pick up Your Name?" 

"Yeah, of course, man," Jungkook says, trying on the first top and checking it out in the mirror. "___ will be there anyway, so I'll just pick her up at the same time." 

The fact that Jungkook was not going to pick you up without the convenience of Jimin's date is just outrageous. As if guys should need a reason to be gentlemen. But apparently Jungkook needs more than that. If you ask Jimin, he needs a reality check. How ironic. 

"Plus she's your girlfriend, so I don't mind," Jungkook adds. 

Jimin's eyes go wide. "Your Name? She's not my girlfriend," he quickly corrects. 

"She's not?" Jungkook seems shocked, but then shrugs it off. "Oh." 

"Oh?" 

"It's just…does she know that?" 

"What do you mean?" 

Jungkook sighs as if he's not supposed to be sharing this secret information. He slips a shirt over his head, taking his time in answering while Jimin's concern grows out of hand. 

"Your Name has been going around telling everyone that you asked her to the party, so people just kinda assumed you two are a thing." 

"I didn't – I mean, I guess I did sorta ask her but it was more of a convenience thing. I don't like her like that," Jimin says. 

"No worries, man, you don't have to explain anything to me." 

Surprised his answer was satisfactory, Jimin decides now may be an excellent time to lure the conversation in a different direction. He's not only here to get an outfit for the party, he's here on a mission. Step one to get Jungkook and Your Name together is to get Jungkook thinking about her. 

"So like, if someone else wanted to ask out Your Name, that'd be totally fine." 

"Cool." 

Jimin nonchalantly drags his toe across the ground, picking at his nails and shrugging as if his next comment isn't meant to be important. 

"Would you wanna ask her out?" 

"Me?" Jungkook chuckles to himself. "I mean, she's cute but I don't really know her that well. I'm glad you're the one bringing her actually." 

"Why?" 

"Your Name is friends with ___, right?" 

Uh oh. Jimin doesn't like where this is going if this is going where he thinks this is going. There was a sliver of hope left that Jungkook hadn't completely counted Your Name out of the game, but it looks like his worst fear is becoming more and more real. 

"I'd rather get to know ___ better to be honest. She's less, you know, ditsy." 

Well, Jimin can't argue with that statement. He keeps trying, he has to. Even if the hope of getting out of this story without any broken hearts is already long gone. 

"Your Name is cute though," he says in a positive tone. 

"Yeah, of course she is." Jungkook's head drops back and he smiles at the ceiling like an idiot. "But ___ is just…" 

Incredible? Enchanting? Hilarious? Genuine? Smart? Dedicated? Inspirational? 

"Hot." 

Jimin waits for him to say something else – something about your humor or sense of individuality or favorite shape of dino nuggies – but Jungkook doesn't mention any of Jimin's favorite things about you. 

"Just hot?" 

"What, you don't think so?" 

"Of course, I think she's attractive." 

"You'd have to be blind not to," Jungkook winks, gathering his shoes and spritzing some cologne into the air just to walk under it. "Besides, I'm supposed to be the hottest girl on campus." 

"Who said that?" 

Jungkook's attitude shifts for a moment, something somber that makes him appear more human than he has before. His usual main character glow dims and a filter flickers for just a moment, long enough for Jimin to glimpse something that was hidden before. 

"You know, just people. I mean, if I'm not supposed to get the girl, then what? What should I do?" 

It's a weird moment, one that Jimin isn't quite sure how to label. There's a dullness in Jungkook's eyes, behind which is a thought he'd never thought before. His eyes lower to the floor in a few blinks, the corners of his lips sinking too, and then it hits Jimin like a truck. 

Jungkook isn't happy. Not by a long shot. 

He shakes it off as soon as Jimin notices it and plasters his winning, stunning smile over whatever realism was showing. 

"How do I look?" 

Like the boy of every girl's dream. It hurts a little bit to look at Jungkook and know that's your type. Because Jimin will never be that guy. It's not his character, not his profile. He won't ever be a fanfic boy who wears designer clothes and always says the right thing and has perfect hair. He won't ever be good at archery or acting, or be able to make you swoon simply by walking across the room. 

You want a Jungkook guy, and that's not Jimin. 

"You look perfect." 

:: 

Your Name is so pretty, there's no question. The girl of every boy's dream. But her wardrobe is…well. Let's just say her style is a bit bright compared to your preferred color palette. 

"Come on!" she urges you, bouncing on her bed and clapping her dainty hands. "Let's see it!" 

This is so stupid. Clothes are not this important, so why you have to try on fifteen different outfits just to make a fanfic character happy doesn't sound logical. Then again, has anything in this world been logical so far? 

You shyly step out of the closet and into view, pulling down the material of your skirt to your mid-thigh. Layers of bracelets and patterned stockings flatter your body type while your halter top shows off round shoulders. 

"Wow," she says breathlessly, "you're beautiful." 

Okay maybe you feel a little pretty, but you didn't come here to get compliments. As long as she doesn't make you change again, perhaps you can actually make some progress on the story. 

"Make up time!" Your Name announces, patting the seat in front of her mirror for you to sit. 

"Oh, I don't need any, thanks." 

"Of course, you don't need any, but it's fun to wear it," she gives you a sassy shoulder and clicks her tongue, gesturing for you to sit anyway. 

Her smile says you don't have the choice. 

As she starts with some cleansing pads to make sure your skin is ready, you figure this is as good as any time to talk about what girls usually talk about during scenes like this. 

"So, boys," you start with an awkward chuckle, "they're cute." 

"Boys are the best!" 

"Especially Jungkook. He's super cute, right?" You open one eye while she does the shadow for the other. 

Her lips spread into a sly grin, pausing your makeup so she can gasp. "Do you like Jungkook?" 

"What? Me? No!" 

"You totally do! You have a crush on Jungkook, oh my god! That's so cute, ___, you guys are so cute together. I can totally see it!" 

"No! I don't have a crush on Jungkook, he's just a friend. I swear." You have to cut her off before she gets too excited about this completely wrong idea.

"Oh." She seems disappointed. "But isn't he taking you to the party?" 

"He's – well, yeah – but it's more of a convenience thing. I don't like him like that." 

"Then who's your crush?" 

"It's–" 

Whoa, were you about to say Jimin? You'd have to cut your tongue off if it did that. Unacceptable and unhelpful, why would he even be on your mind right now? This scene isn't about who you like anyway. 

"I don't have a crush." Playing it off with a vague statement is probably wise. 

Your Name pauses where she stands, a glitch-like twitch on her lips when she tries to respond. She starts to speak but backspaces over and over, like an unsure author rewriting a line again and again. 

"But…you're such girlfriend material," she finally gets a full sentence out. 

"Thanks, but that doesn't mean I have to crush on someone." 

She actually looks a little worried for you as well as confused. "Then what do you do all day?" 

"Go to school, play games, study, hang out with friends, write fanfi– uhh, write fantasy stories." That was a close one. "Just whatever makes me happy." 

"Oh." 

It's very faint, but you swear you see her eyes dull for a moment. Her main character gleam flickers out and what's left seems…real. Her shoulders slump into a lower position, the usual pep in her limbs drained while this seemingly brand new concept swims in her mind. 

She looks down at herself unimpressed, unsure. 

"Do you wanna change your clothes? They look uncomfortable," you ask slowly, not wanting to assume but also not trying to hinder whatever sudden character development may be happening. 

"Oh no! I wasn't…well, I'm supposed to…I dressed up for Jiminie," she tells you innocently, "but the skirt is kinda…short, I think." 

You take her hands and smile confidently. "Do you have an outfit you feel more comfortable in?" 

She nods. 

"Then you should wear that instead." 

"What if Jiminie doesn't like it?" she frowns. 

"So what? To hell with what Jimin thinks. To hell with what any boy thinks." You stand with half done makeup, Your Name's gaze following you in wonder and amazement. "Is it in your closet?" 

She tentatively follows behind, watching you search through the many dresses and skirts hanging prettily organized by color and style. 

"Which one is it?" you ask over your shoulder. 

Your Name shyly points to the very back of the closet, to a small dresser with a single drawer. You open it and immediately gasp. 

"Your Name, this is perfect!" 

"Really?" 

"Of course!" You pull out the clothes and hold them up to her frame, giggling at the sight of her lips slowly twisting into perhaps the first genuine smile you've witnessed from her. "It's your favorite outfit, right?" 

"Yeah," she shyly admits. "Because it's comfy." 

Then your eyes light up brighter than any main character, an aura of gentleness and genius emitting from your very body. 

"Do you have a second pair?" 

:: 

He's not sure why he's so nervous. It's not this is a legit date, plus he doesn't even like Your Name. 

Jungkook gives him a nudge. "Smile when she comes down the stairs. Girls like that."

The previous conversation lingers in Jimin's mind, different possible outcomes if he had said something else, if he had kept the convo focused on Your Name for a little while longer. Eventually, the boys got to talking about archery and Jungkook led the conversation from there with hardly enough time for Jimin to comment. 

For what it was all worth, Jimin didn't mind hearing about the different types of arrows and their tendencies when matched with a recurve bow versus a compound bow. Jungkook is clearly passionate about it, so he let the fanfic character rant. It's what friends do. 

"Are they almost done?" Jungkook checks his phone and chuckles. "Girls. They take forever to get all dolled up, huh? It's cute that ___ wants to look nice for me." 

Jimin starts to reply, but it's pointless when you arrive at the top of the stairs. 

"Hi, guys! Sorry for making you wait." 

With absolutely zero concern for your posture, you skip down the stairs, jumping off the last one and landing directly in front of Jungkook. 

"I'm ready!" 

He gawks at you, blinking and unable to utter a single word. You're wearing a blue sweatshirt with matching solid blue sweatpants. Your hair is tied into a messy bun, all makeup cleaned off, and ugg boots with bows on the back. The only accessory is a cute pair of casual studs in your ears that match your blue aesthetic. 

You give him a once-over and smile. "You look nice, Jungkook." 

"___," Jimin catches your attention while Jungkook glitches, unable to hold in his laugh when you rock on your tiptoes and hold your hands behind your back, "what's with the sweatsuit?" 

"Your Name picked it out." 

"She did?" He's surprised, as you expected. 

"Yep!" You turn back to the stairs and call for the last member of your group. "Come on, we're gonna be late!" 

All eyes are on Your Name as she appears in a matching pink set of sweats and classic black ugg boots. Her usually perfect hair is half up, half down in a braided bun, and this moment officially marks the first time a boy has ever seen her without makeup. 

She shyly begins her descent, immediately reaching for your hand when she joins the group. 

"Hi, Jimin," she swallows nervously. 

"Your Name," he smiles, offering her his hand instead, "you look pretty in pink." 

Her hand slips out of yours and into his, the lovely way his fingers fold between hers, the physical comfort leaking from his touch as it fills every crevice of her self-doubt. 

She's glowing. Not solely because of Jimin. But because she's finally starting to be a main character of her own story. You can see it in the way her smile stretches across her face. There's something different about this one, something much more real. 

You're smiling too, on the inside. But for some reason, you can't bring your lips to lift at all. All you can do is stare at their hands and feel your chest cave in on itself. 

The rest of the world blurs into a hazy background, a lonely melody hums in the distance. The only thing in focus…him. Him and his precious, strawberry cheeks. 

You should have expected this. After Your Name's comments left your thoughts in tune with your feelings for him, a slow-mo moment was inevitable. Still, it manages to catch you off guard because…he's not looking at you. 

He's looking at her. 

Unblinking, gentle eyes scan from head to toe in awe of what they see. His lips part when he talks like a magician using a spell to keep you mesmerized. The sound of your heart thuds in your ears, only getting louder and faster the longer you see him. But no matter how loud your heartbeat is, he doesn't hear it. Doesn't even acknowledge you while he's got her in his sights. 

"You look cute in blue." Jungkook is the one who breaks the slo-mo by offering you his arm, unashamed to have you on it now that he's done belly laughing at the initial shock of seeing you dressed so casually for his party. "Shall we?" 

The costume change worked in a way you didn't intend. It seems Jungkook didn't notice Your Name at all after he saw you. Even worse, Your Name couldn't care less about Jungkook right now either. 

Things keep getting more and more complicated. As you walk with Jungkook behind the other couple, you can examine Your Name when she looks at him, when she talks to him, when she watches him. And it's very clear. 

Not only does Jungkook not have a crush on Your Name, but now Your Name's attention has been swept away seemingly for good too. 

And you realize…Jimin is glowing like a main character. But when you look at Jungkook, his aura is as quiet as yours. 

Shit. This is not good.

::

Part 2 coming soon!

perm taglist: @staerryminimini @unicornbabylover @kookieswan @sugarflywme @dvalitaes @kookiecrumb @jeonsjiddies @myooniverse @miscelunaaa @jinsquishes @azreeeeee @armys-dna @thesugatoyourtae @jmforevs @kimprosperi @jjkeverlast @joontied @pamzn @ssaboala @hobipost @jimilter @sleepilysworld @rjsmochii @familiarlikemymirror3 @gimmethatagustd @alluringfairies @minijagiya @roseyykris @jwnghyuns @kaitaesupremacy @squawkadoodledoo @jimin2014 @jminthinker @femmesstuff @valhallawhispers @bora-kat @bloodline1632 @lookhere-2seok @hoseokteardrop @minniesvenus @seokjinkismet @chimchimmarie @mywhispered-thoughts @pasttelrose @screamertannie @soeur-de-ame @dunixxd @taolucha

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you're amazing, superb and your blog makes me smile 🌸💘 you are such a gift to this world please don’t forget that, as well that you are so loved and appreciated! pass on this message to all your friends and favourite bloggers. 🧸💝🧺🦋☀️☁️🌷🍞🌱

Not sure what I did to deserve this, but thank you so much, lovely! 🥰 I really appreciate your support, your comments always make me smile, and I love seeing you around my blog! YOU are awesome and I wish you every happiness! 💜

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It's your birthday!??? HAPPY BIRTHDAY DARLING!! I hope it's a wonderful day full of relaxation and the people you love 💗 eat something yummy and treat yourself, you deserve it!! Yoongi wants you to be happy too!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

It is! Thank youuu, darling!!! 🥰🥰🥰

I have the day off, I had cookies for breakfast, just got a pedicure with my bestie, and have dinner plans with my family tonight, so it’s a good day. 😊

You’re always so sweet, and I LOVE the cute Yoongi pics, thank you so much!!! 😍😍😍

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Oh! I love these! Hi darling, how are you? Did you have a good day? I'm watching a kdrama and it's time for the break up episode so I'm a little sad but it'll get better in about 2 episodes lol

19. If you had one wish, what would it be?

32. Favorite show?

36. Any bad habits?

I hope it's okay I asked more than one 👉👈💕

Hello, darling! 💕 Enh, I’ve definitely had better days (I’m sick with a cold), but I’m hanging in there. How are you, sweetheart? Oooh, what drama are you watching? I’m watching Business Proposal and today’s episode ended on an awful cliffhanger! 😬

19. If you had one wish, what would it be?

My gut response is perfect health - for both myself and my family.

32. Favorite show?

I’m a sucker for The Bachelor/Bachelorette. I’m a hopeless romantic, ya know?

36. Any bad habits?

Probably more than I realize, but the biggest one is emotional eating.

Thanks for playing! 💜

Ask me a personal question!

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I looove a slight emotionally constipated y/n because...same. anyway this was so good because the only thing stopping them is y/n's fear of how Hobi makes her feel. I vote yes for a part 3 because I love a happyish ending and 2..your writing is so good!

-> As much as that night changed your relationship title with Hoseok, it didn't change your feelings toward him. You may be mates but you're not friends.

Pairing: wolf hybrid!hoseok x wolf hybrid!reader

Genre: pwp, hybrid!au, enemies to lovers, angst

Warnings: swearing, possessive behavior, jealousy, unprotected sex, knotting, scratching, hittin it from the back, they go pretty rough, on the couch, on the floor, on all fours, mounting, ass grabbing, he's rough because she wants it that way, but he's also low-key gentle bc we got a secret softie over here

Wc: 2.3K

💿 War of Hearts - Ruelle : Wild Life - Hedley : True Love - Pink

a/n: this is part 2 to the anon request for jealous wolf!Hobi. Some people were asking for it, so here it is! I hope it meets expectations. I recommend you read the first part if you haven't.

"Do you want me to call Hoseok for you?"

"No, Joon, I'll be alright," you assure the alpha with a smile.

Being the observant leader that he is, Namjoon knows that's bullshit. And not just because you've been low-key rubbing your stomach for the past two hours. But also he's pretty sure every hybrid in the neighborhood knows you're going into heat at this point. You've always had a particularly strong scent and it's only amplified on nights like this. He's not sure if leaving you alone with no male in the house is safe....

His nose twitches and you slowly turn the doorknob to your front door.

"If you're really worried about me...you could come inside."

You've never put the offer so blatantly on the table before. Namjoon is aware of your wishes but he doesn't feel that way about you, and it's not fair to take advantage of your feelings, no matter how much his wolf wants to mount you right now.

You hoped the idea would at least make him consider, but Namjoon doesn't flinch at the offer. Not even a blink.

"If you need me to call Hoseok, just let me know."

Namjoon usually pats your shoulder or ruffles your hair after dropping you off, but he doesn't touch you this time. You're already struggling as your heat approaches and even a touch on the arm would be a lot to handle right now.

As he walks away, you watch him for longer than you probably should. There's a stinging pain between your legs and a gut-wrenching desire flowing through your body, but Namjoon is too respectful to do anything about it while you belong to another member of his own pack.

Just another reason he's the best alpha you know.

::

He should say something. Letting this go on would bring shame upon his pack, not to mention make him look like a fucking loser.

It's been a month. Word has gotten around. Everyone knows you're Hoseok's mate, but apparently that doesn't mean much when you don't act like it.

Where the hell do you get off sitting in some random guy's lap like it's no big deal, twisting and laughing while Hoseok sits alone. If you needed a spot, Hoseok's lap was wide open. You didn't even notice that he chose the recliner for that very purpose.

So what if you're not friends? You still have a responsibility, a loyalty to him as his mate. Or at least, you should.

Hoseok would have felt a little better if you smelled like him. It's been weeks since he last marked you, his scent overpowered by multiple showers, perfume, and those pompous alphas you always hang out with.

But he can't find a chance to mark you again since you keep avoiding him. And he really really wants to. Wants you back in his bed, in his arms, in his scent. It's where you belong. But instead, you're running around grinding on anything that moves just to irritate him.

Your behavior is unacceptable, and he's had enough of your disrespect.

He's not sure exactly what he'll say when he gets there, but he can't let you walk all over him anymore. He needs to stand up for himself. Show you he can be tougher than any alpha you know.

Your home is dark on the inside, but even if you're sleeping, he'll just keep knocking until you answer.

Knock knock~

"___? Hey, can you let me in? We need to talk. You can't avoid me forever--"

Whoa.

Damn, that's strong. It sets fire to his bones the moment that instantly recognizable scent hits his nose. Your arousal has always been potent to him, even before you became his mate. But it's never been this strong. And to think he's not even inside the house.

Hoseok presses his ear to the wood. The sound of a crash and a cry spikes his heartbeat.

He tries the doorknob.

Locked.

"___, are you okay? Can you answer the door?"

No reply.

"If you don't say anything, I'm breaking down the door. You understand?"

All he gets is a faint curse in the background of your bedroom, gentle and filled with anguish. There's no question about it. You're in pain.

A sudden rush of strength fills his body, adrenaline in every crevice and vein. His shoulder slams against the door a few times, each time weakening the lock little by little until it breaks off the wall and the door swings open.

Hoseok stumbles into the house, catching himself just before he runs into your plant display.

Your scent leads him to a back bedroom. When he opens the door in a panic, his worry is immediately replaced with an innate need to cover you with his body and mount your pretty ass.

There you are, curled up on the floor with a pillow tucked between your naked legs, laying among shattered vases and make up pallets. You must have tried to catch yourself on your vanity, but slipped and crashed onto the floor.

Hoseok reacts out of instinct, scooping you up in his arms and bringing you to the couch where you can more comfortably curse in pain. Thankfully, it doesn't look like any of the broken glass hurt you.

"Oh, fuck," you groan, pushing his hands away from checking you for cuts. "Don't touch me, for the love of god, Hoseok!"

"Excuse me for trying to save you."

"I don't need saving," your hips buck into the pillow, a strangled, needy whine ripping from your throat.

"You're right." Hoseok swallows thickly but manages to keep his hands to himself. "You need to be fucked."

You give him a side eye and a huff, but your pupils unconsciously dilate at the sight of him.

"I can deal with it myself. I've gotten through my heat alone before, I can...I can do it again."

What you neglect to mention is how bad this heat actually is. Everyone close enough to be privy to such information knows your heat cycles are particularly painful. Supplements don't do much even if you do remember to take them, so the only options are to either suffer through nights of unbearable agony or find relief in someone's bed.

But how is it possible that your heat is even worse this time around? Perhaps because your body is aware it has a mate, if you would just get past your pride, it could have what it wants. All you'd have to do is ask.

But you're not ready to admit he's become the only thing you crave late at night when you're all alone. You hate his guts and he hates yours...at least he used to. You're not sure how he feels about you as a person. Only that he sees you as his property mate.

"___," he says your name and your body physically reacts, "just let me help you."

You shake your head. This is what happened last time and it landed you with a mate you didn't want and every other eligible male refusing your advances, no matter how hard you rubbed their junk.

How unlucky did you have to be to end up with your worst enemy as your mate? Even more, how is it he manged to find you right when you go into heat?

Fuck, you want him. You want him so badly. It hurts more knowing that he's only here as your mate. As much as you don't like him romantically, right now you want him to care about you as more than a responsibility. But that won't ever happen.

"It hurts..." you whimper.

Hoseok kneels beside the couch, not touching you because you told him not to. No matter how much he wants to brush that strand of hair from your eye, to wipe the sweat from your brow.

"I'm right here. Say the word, and I'll fuck the pain away."

It was supposed to be a one time thing. But perhaps that arrangement isn't plausible anymore. Because in the back of your mind, you know what this will mean. And you know you won't want to stop him from marking you because deep down you're overwhelmingly attracted to him. Hoseok has always felt magnetic as much as he is maddening.

It all comes down to this. The pain has become almost too much to bare, so intense you can't move your legs even to sit up.

Finally, physical contact as you reach out and grip the collar of his shirt, slowly pulling him closer.

You hover there, just barely an inch away from his lips. The phantom remembrance of what it was like to have him mounted on your ass makes your back start to arch on the couch. He notices and digs his nails onto his thigh to keep them from scratching beautiful lines of red down your skin.

"My legs are practically numb."

"I'll carry you," he whispers, refusing to close the last few centimeters of distance himself unless you tell him too. "Don't worry anything. Let me make it all better."

Your hand slides around the back of his neck and into his hair, pulling it tight as you pull yourself forward.

"Do it. Fuck the pain away, Hoseok. Please."

Both your lips collide with a unmeasurable kind of desperation, a needy moan in the back of your throat because he's undressing himself for you in record speed. Damn, his body is perfect. Perfect from his collarbone to his thighs. His babies would be powerful, slender but strong, just like him. Survivors.

His arms scoop you up easily due to the rush of adrenaline feeding his primal instincts.

He wants to take his time, do you right, make it last. But even more he wants to put you before himself and make sure you're okay. Right now, it's all about you and what you need. His wants be damned. If he doesn't bend you over the arm of this couch and make you cry tears of relief then he's not worthy of being your mate at all.

It's that face you give him when you look over your shoulder, perched on your elbows and waist practically in half over the arm of the couch. It's the view of your ass on display and your lip caught between your teeth, eyes pleading and hole dripping. Through the aches and pains, you spread your legs as best you can for him, feeling the way his hand runs down your spine in awe.

Without a word, he grabs your ass and fills you to the brim, the tip of his cock bottoming out snug against your cervix.

The initial squeeze of your walls around him causes his knees to go weak, but he keeps himself standing and begins rocking his hips. Thrusting rough enough to make the couch begin to scoot along the floor.

That painful knot you felt in your gut slowly unravels with every time he pulls out and tightens again when he pushes back in. A euphoric rhythm of pulsing pleasure reaching into your toes and to the top of your head.

You wish he would do that thing. The thing he did last time when he fell over your back and hid his face in your neck when he emptied inside you. This position over the couch doesn't give him that option really, but you want it. Want him to cover you with his body and breathe in your ear and mutter your name when he knots inside you.

"Hoseok," you grunt, hissing at the delicious dig of his nails onto your ass cheek, "the couch, fuck, the couch is moving."

And your legs are too weak to stay standing on your own.

"Where?" he asks in a short, breathy tone.

"Anywhere," you reply desperately, pushing off the couch when Hoseok begins to pick you up. "Floor." Because it's the closest fuck-safe surface.

And so, he lets you drop onto all fours in front of the couch, falling onto his knees behind you. You beg him to hurry, pushing back on his dick with an urgency as soon as he's aligned again. All his air gets trapped in his throat when you begin rocking on your hands and knees, fucking yourself on your man's cock like a good girl, head thrown back and toes curling.

The eruption of your heat mixes with his natural scent and it threatens to tip you over the edge. God, you're so close. Just a few more times, just a little more.

Hoseok takes hold of your hips, essentially forcing them to stay still while he does the work. Snapping into you with fever, each time swelling just a little bit more until he's too big for comfort and you fall to your elbows in ecstasy.

Too long. You resisted him for far too long. The utter relief in your trembling bones is nothing compared to the feeling of Hoseok's knot releasing inside you. He fills you so perfectly, so beautifully. You can feel it painting your womb and easing every ounce of pain in your body.

And then you both collapse, bodies tingling and eyes tearing up from the relief. Hoseok catches you and pulls you into his arms, making sure your precious head is supported by his arm. He's panting with you, his abs spasming when your hand follows them to lay against his chest.

Gentle fingers brush your hair from your face. When you open your eyes, he's looking at you with the softest eyelids and parted lips.

"___," the way he says your name scares you a little, "how's the pain?"

No, that's not what he was going to say. Something is holding his honest feelings back and it looks an awful lot like the fear of another rejection.

"The pain is gone. Thank you."

As much as his heart hurts right now, he's glad. He pulls you in closer so your forehead rests against his, wrapping strong arms around your frame. It instills a sense of security in your exhausted, vulnerable state. You do feel secure. You feel safe in the moment. Safer than you've ever felt with anybody.

"Good."

For a second, you swore he was going to kiss you. But he doesn't. You're disappointed.

He doesn't try to mark you either, although a small part of you wants him to. His scent won't last long just from cuddling, even with his hand soothingly massaging the path from the curve of your ass to your back. The motion put you to sleep pretty soon.

When he's sure your fast asleep, he slips his other hand under your knees and carries you to your bed where you can snuggle with your favorite blanket and pillow.

But he doesn't leave the house because he knows that in a few hours, your heat will wake you up again, and when it does, he'll be here for you again. For now, he'll clean up the glass from your bedroom floor and rehydrate, make you a snack to keep in the kitchen just in case.

As many times and as much as you need him. He won't leave you to be in pain for even a second.

Regardless of your feelings toward him, he'll be your mate and he'll take care of you.

::

Part 3? Y'all tell me bc I have an idea! <3

perm taglist: @staerryminimini @unicornbabylover @kookieswan @sugarflywme @dvalitaes @kookiecrumb @jeonsjiddies @myooniverse @miscelunaaa @jinsquishes @azreeeeee @armys-dna @thesugatoyourtae @jmforevs @kimprosperi @jjkeverlast @joontied @pamzn @ssaboala @hobipost @jimilter @sleepilysworld @rjsmochii @familiarlikemymirror3 @gimmethatagustd @alluringfairies @minijagiya @roseyykris @jwnghyuns @kaitaesupremacy @squawkadoodledoo @jimin2014 @jminthinker @femmesstuff @valhallawhispers @bora-kat @bloodline1632 @lookhere-2seok @hoseokteardrop @minniesvenus @seokjinkismet @chimchimmarie @mywhispered-thoughts @pasttelrose @screamertannie @soeur-de-ame @dunixxd @taolucha @vrsoza

requested: @wwilloww @hopefulreveries @supernoonanyc

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are there any writers u like here and follow?☺️☺️

my moots. they’re all fantastic, amazing, show-stopping writers 🤌🏻

@agustdakasuga @amourtae @bangtanloverboys @beckysworld7 @bonvoyagenoona @bratkook @cultleaderyoongi @dionysusrage @dreamescapeswriting @erotikkook @helenazbmrskai @jimilter @joheunsaram @joonscypher @jjksblackgf @jjungkookislife @kimnjss @kithtaehyung @kookdiaries @kookingtae @lavienjin @lonelyhobi @lushtans @missgeniality @myooniverse @opaljm @parkdatjimin @raplinesmoon @readyplayerhobi @ressjeon @scribblemetae @sugakookitty @sumzysworld @taegularities @xjoonchildx @xlovelyyoongix @xpeachesncream @yoon2k

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mindy, this was really good! i’ve been saving your fics to read them & this little drabble showed up on my dashboard yesterday! i deeply enjoyed it, it was super soft! thanks a lot for writing this ❤️

maybe smth about late nights and a sleepy, cuddly koo? I love your writing!

Sleepy cuddly Koo is always a good thing 😍 I'm all soft now, thank you 👉👈 and sorry this took me a year and a day to post

no warnings

pic requests are CLOSED

All your friends who have boyfriends or girlfriends always have the same complaint.

"I can't STAND it when they're on their phone. It's so annoying! Hours pass and they don't say a word to me. It bothers me so much!"

And for a while, you thought it over. You're dating, so it makes sense right? If they're with you, they should pay attention to you. After all, what's the point of being together if you're not talking or sharing? Isn't that what you do in a relationship? But then something happened...

When you walk into your bedroom tonight, there's your boyfriend, back against your headboard, legs manspread across your comforter, and thumb rhythmically scrolling through his phone. His hair is messy; clearly he's been sleeping in your bed for a while if his socks scattered across your floor have anything to say about it. Now your sheets will smell like him when you lie down later. He sighs as the light from his screen illuminates his freshly washed cheeks and damp eyelashes from his earlier hot shower.

You stand there for a moment. But he doesn't notice you, or if he does, he doesn't say anything to you.

"Hey, Koo."

He doesn't respond verbally. He doesn't smile at the sound of your voice. He just lifts his arms to provide ample space for you to shimmy your way into the spot between his legs. Your head rests against his chest, your own phone held in front of your face while his chin uses your hair as a prop. His legs gently enclose around you, twisting and interlocking with your limbs as if second nature. When his arm lays across your middle, you can play with the hair tie he keeps around his wrist for those times you forget one.

Still, he doesn't say anything and he doesn't even look at you while he cuddles you into a cocoon like embrace.

He's so familiar to you. Knowing him since you were kids, your first memories are with him playing in the yard and napping together on your mother's couch. He's always been there, and now that he's claimed you as his, you've been promised he always will be. You memorized each constellation of his freckles before you memorized your multiplication tables. He understood that flicker of excitement in your eyes before he understood his own thoughts.

Glancing up, you catch sight of his Instagram feed. He scrolls past a few pics, double tapping his members' posts and leaving a short string of emojis beneath the newest profile update from uarmyhope.

"What's that?" you ask.

"Hoba." He shows you the screen, titling it so you can see better.

"Cute."

And that's it. No analysis of how Hoseok's personal style has developed lately. No deep internal revelation of your own need to identify what your personal aesthetic should be. Jungkook doesn't feel the need to ask what you're doing on your phone and he doesn't make small talk with you while you scroll through your feed.

The silence is comforting. Just being with each other, no noise, no talking, no expectations. Outside is dark and in your room is very warm. His body is firm beneath you but his sweatshirt is fluffy and inviting. The bare skin of your thighs might be embarrassing if Jungkook had not been between them more times than you can count. But tonight isn't one of those nights. He doesn't try to start anything and neither do you, and that's okay.

He kisses the top of your head as you adjust, never once asking about your day or sharing about his. He just sits on his phone without a care in the world, allowing you to lean against his chest while you play on your phone. He doesn't pay you any special attention and you don't pay him any. Not on the surface anyway. You both text other people, like other posts, do other things. Every so often, you feel him shift beneath you and slowly sink further and further onto the bed, and you sink further and further into his embrace.

Hours pass and not a word is spoken.

And the funny thing is...it doesn't bother you one bit. You appreciate that Jungkook can be here and be on his phone. You like being able to be together, enjoying each other's company without the need of words or verbal confirmation. Just being here with him like this is rejuvenating.

When you rub your eyes, Jungkook reaches over to turn off your lamp as if on command. When Jungkook starts fiddling with the edge of the blanket, you immediately sit up to pull it back and help him cuddle inside safe and sound as if on routine.

When the two of you are ready to sleep, you place both your phones on their respective chargers and return to find Jungkook already with his eyes shut and his head resting prettily on your pillow.

He doesn't say a word; he just opens his arms to provide you ample space to crawl in with him, scooting close to his body and wrapping your arms around his waist so you can pull him closer. His lips find your forehead to press a gentle goodnight to your skin, and then he's asleep. Soundly and lovingly holding you to his heart so the beating sings you a lullaby into the night.

And he doesn't say a word.

But he doesn't have to.

And it doesn't bother you one bit.

::

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mindy, first of all, i want to apologise for all the time it took me to reply to you 🥺 thanks from the bottom of my heart for reading this and loving it!! ❤️ & couldn’t agree more with you, yoongi is very much husband material! and yoongi with tangerines is something that needed to be added here lmao thanks again for reading ❤️

marry me, yoongi | myg

⏤ pairing: yoongi x female reader

⏤ genre: established relationship, fluff, and smut.  

⏤ rating: 18+

⏤ warnings: swearing, petnames, some jealousy, penetrative sex, unprotected sex, and creampie

⏤ words: 2,126

⏤ summary: when yoongi decides to get married in vegas after all the fan’s comments on the vlives.  

⏤ author’s note: do i even need to explain why i’m posting this? the thought of yoongi getting married is driving me crazy 🥴 so here you have this little fic & i hope you’ll enjoy it, angels 💛

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