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Chapter Text

"Jeonggukie, you know that I love you, right?" his father asked, looking into his eyes as the sun illuminated the room of the 13-year-old boy. His father, with his gentle eyes, stroked his son's hair while giving a smile that Jeongguk loved so much. One of those smiles that let him know his father spoke from the heart.

"I know, Dad," the boy replied, with his doe eyes, smiling with certainty that yes, his dad loved him, and he had never doubted it.

His father was loving and kind. They played football together, sometimes he accompanied him to his painting classes, even though Jeongguk was the one with true talent. His father had read him bedtime stories when he was younger, and he never complained when Jeongguk went from his room to his father's because he had nightmares.

No matter how busy his father was being the king of Aragorn, he always had time for Jeongguk and their conversations, which he knew were often trivial but never insignificant to the older man.

"You know what I've always told you, right? You and your brother are my number one priority, and..."

"And then comes the kingdom," he concluded.

"Exactly. But you know that you are a prince and that, as such, there are certain obligations for you, right?"

He simply nodded. He had seen how his older brother, the future king once his father stepped down, had taken on more and more responsibilities as he grew older. Jeongguk was glad that his brother would be the king; he was kind. When they were younger, yes, they argued and fought like any pair of siblings, but his hyung always apologized after a few hours when it was his fault. He accepted Jeongguk's hugs and words of apology when he had been the unbearable brother, and moreover, his brother still made time to be with him, even though he was already eighteen and Jeongguk was just a thirteen-year-old. Like his father, he made Jeongguk feel valuable and told him how proud he was when he got good grades on his exams.

"It doesn't matter that you're a prince, Gguk. You have to be diligent and responsible," he always said.

"Our kingdom, my little son, is a kingdom that has lived in peace for a long time. We haven't been involved in disputes over land or other resources," his father said then.

"It's because you're a great king," he automatically replied.

He had studied history, seen what war did to people's lives, how much it damaged things. And many times, that war was the result of the greed of their kings, the selfishness that took hold of their hearts once they had the crown and unlimited power running through their veins.

His father laughed.

"Thank you, Jeonggukie. However, that peace has resulted in us not having the best chances of survival in case of war. Our military is not the best, and we don’t know a lot about war strategy. I think it simply isn't in our DNA."

He shrugged because he didn't know where his father was going and what his new responsibilities as the prince of Aragorn would be.

"I had a friend, his name is Park Jaehyun," his father said, looking out the window.

"He is the king of Berium, the northern kingdom," he said to let his father know that he was paying attention, that he knew who he was talking about. His father nodded before continuing.

"They are very skilled in war. He..." his father paused, searching for the words. "He is very cunning. And he has never lost a fight."

"I know," Jeongguk said. "My political affairs teacher mentioned him."

"He used to be my friend, but over time, we grew apart," his father continued.

"Why?"

"Differences in thinking, perhaps? Each of us grew, and our paths simply separated. But shortly after your birth, we sat down to talk."

Jeongguk fell silent, curious to know the outcome of his father's story with someone who was once his friend and now, like Jeon Seung, a powerful king.

"He has always been a conqueror, always known how to wield power and prevent his enemies' advances. In fact, he has helped me in previous wars a long time ago."

"Did you talk about that when I was born?"

The king sighed, still not looking at him.

"We talked about how I have two amazing children, and he only has Jimin, who is his successor. His wife, like your mother, had complications during childbirth and died."

Jeongguk knew that his mother had died after giving birth to him. His father made sure to explain it to him in the most understandable way possible when he finally started wondering why he didn't have a mother. His father had also always ensured that he didn't blame himself for it and reminded him that his mother had loved him even while he was in her womb, and she loved him in the brief moments when she held him in her arms before succumbing to death.

"So, we talked, one thing led to another, and... He proposed that, in honor of the friendship that bound us for so long, we, as neighboring kingdoms, take our alliance to the next level. It would benefit both of us; he would have a kingdom permanently allied by his side, without the doubt of whether we would betray him at some point or if another kingdom would form an alliance with us that would harm him, and our resources are quite good. And we would have an ally to help us in case of war."

"That seems... intelligent," Jeongguk said. "What does that have to do with me?"

His father finally looked him in the eyes.

"I want you to know, Jeongguk, that you can refuse if you want, even now that you don't fully understand the repercussions. But I want to tell you and explain to you, so that you won't be surprised in the future." His father placed his hand on his head. "You are the most important piece in this alliance. You and Park Jimin."

Jeongguk didn't know much about the son of King Park, only that he was older than him.

"We want you and Jimin to have a wedding and seal the union of both kingdoms. The reigns of Aragorn and Berium would become family, and we would maintain peace for many, many more years. Or forever, I dare say," his father explained.

"You want us to... like you and mom?" Jeongguk asked.

"Exactly. Like your mother and me," his father continued calmly. "You would be the spouse of the King of Berium once Jaehyun abdicates, and your brother would be the king here once my reign also comes to an end. Your brother would never attack you, and you would never allow anyone to attack your brother."

"But... if he is your friend, isn't that reason enough for him not to attack you?" young Jeongguk asked, showing the sensitivity and sweetness of his heart.

"We were friends, son. Greed sometimes claws its way into men's hearts and makes them attack those who were once valuable to them. I trust more in my son to maintain peace."

After all, the king thought as he looked at his son, the fact that Jaehyun even mentioned war indicated that he considered taking over the Jeon kingdom, which had been ruled for generations.

Jeongguk nodded.

"That won't be your only responsibility, of course. I also want you to be part of the administration of Aragorn, perhaps as an advisor. After all, you are a Jeon, not a Park."

"Do you want me to do it?" the young boy asked.

"You mean, do I want you to get married with his son?"

The child nodded.

"I want you to be whatever you want, Jeonggukie, but I won't lie to you, I want you to do it, and I think this will be good for all of us. I also think you will be happy."

"Then I will, Father. For you. For the Jeons."

His father embraced him, and Jeongguk felt it deep in his heart. He loved his father's hugs.

"For the Jeons," the king said.

Now, ten years later, Jeongguk found himself finally having to face his duty. During those ten years, he had wondered several times if he was truly willing to do it, but it was his responsibility, and as he grew older, he also understood what that marriage implied. He also understood that there was a high probability that the coming years would be difficult or, quite frankly, that he would be completely unhappy forever.

For a couple of years, he had sent letters to Park Jimin, his supposed fiancé. However, he never received a response, so everything Jeongguk knew about the man were the rumors that reached the palace or what he heard when he went out into the streets.

He had never traveled to the kingdom of Berium since it was a vulnerability for him to go there alone, and for that very reason, the wedding would be taking place in Aragorn. There would be no problem for his neighboring kingdom, as everyone knew that in case of an offense from Aragorn, the others would annihilate them. Because as Jeongguk grew up, he became more informed and involved in political and military affairs, and he knew that King Jaehyun was not only cunning, as his father had once told him, but also relentless and seemingly insatiable for conquest. The man had demonstrated it in the last ten years by acquiring different small kingdoms that now belonged to him, and perhaps that was why his son had never come to meet Jeongguk. Maybe he was busy, or maybe he had no interest in him at all.

Jeongguk was interested in meeting his future husband because all he knew about him was that he seemed just as relentless as his father; cold, rarely smiling, with eyes that seemed to penetrate your soul, and exceptionally beautiful. But even though Jeongguk could appreciate a good view, he wanted more than just being a spouse. He didn't want just the title, he wanted at least a friendly relationship with the other man. But if he didn't even smile...

Jeongguk sighed as he looked out the window of his room at the palace gardens. He loved that view, and everyone in the palace knew that he spent most of his free time there. If he wasn't, he would be playing the piano; but even that room got a view of the flowers.

Today, however, he was in his room, waiting for Seokjin to return with information about his future husband. Jeongguk could have been in the garden, but he wanted to avoid any possibility of facing Park Jimin or anyone from his entourage, at least for the time being. So, he had sent his assistant to be among those who would receive the visitors or to gather information from Taehyung, who was usually Jeongguk's personal guard.

His thoughts wandered about this future marriage when Seokjin entered the room wearing his palace employee uniform.

Jeongguk didn't treat him as such, though.

"Well?" he asked when the other man just stood there looking at him from the doorway.

"I have three news. Two good and one bad. Which one do you want first?"

"I want a good one, then the bad one, and then the third," he replied as he sat down in a corner of his bed.

Just in case.

"The good news is that Park Jimin is a feast for the eyes, a walking piece of art, I swear. Black hair, divine, well-executed undercut. His skin looks perfect from a distance, and he has lips that can compete with mine."

Jeongguk smiled at the description, knowing that if someone like Jin, who was one of the most handsome men Jeongguk had ever seen, said Jimin was attractive, then he didn't have to worry about not enjoying being with the other. Aesthetically speaking.

"You paid a lot of attention."

"It's my job, after all," the other replied, smiling playfully before continuing, "the bad news is that, as we've heard, he seems to be a man who will make it difficult for you to get close to him. You're a pain in the ass, so I won't say impossible, but I managed to be where he and his entourage were, a bunch of arrogant old men by the way, and our eyes met for a moment. And damn, he has ice in those eyes. They are brown, though, and really pretty, so it will be more like an ice americano”

Jeongguk simply nodded, lowering his gaze to the floor.

"Ask me the third one," Jin said, and when he looked at him, something in his eyes seemed to sparkle mischievously.

"What's the third one?" he said, raising his eyebrows.

"His assistant is a cutie too. I think I'll have to have a long discussion with him. About our roles, of course."

Jeongguk couldn't hold back the laughter that came from his chest, which was very welcome when the fear of what the future held for him became more real as the hour to face it approached, because even though he had the chance to escape, he wouldn't really do it. His future was Park Jimin.

⊱✿⊰

Jeongguk sighed as he looked at himself in the mirror, dressed entirely like the prince he was.

He had never had the opportunity to wear jeans or joggers, but at least when he didn't have these kinds of events, he could wear a simple white shirt and some fabric pants. Usually, he would go to council meetings dressed like that, even if he received disapproving looks.

He wasn't naive; he knew that many saw him as careless and disagreed when he rolled up his sleeves on hot summer days during outdoor activities. They wanted him to wear those rigid suits and all the pomp and circumstance of royalty. He would respond to them that what they had to say mattered more to him than how they looked. They could very well wear exercise clothes for all he cared.

However, now his reflection showed him the image of a man with neatly combed hair, even if it was slightly longer than usual. His ears were devoid of the piercings he usually wore. He wore a navy-blue tailored suit with shiny pins that precisely indicated his rank to the world, accompanied by a white shirt and shiny black shoes. And on top of it all, a beige sash diagonally crossed his chest, also adorned with a shining pin that let the world know he was at the top of the hierarchy.

He sighed, wanting to remove most of it.

"Do I look good?" he asked instead.

"Of course, Your Highness," Jin replied, smiling.

"Hyung..."

"Today, I can't just call you Gguk. We have guests and all," the other replied, and Jeongguk rolled his eyes, knowing that he only called him that in his room to annoy him, knowing that Jeongguk didn't care if he called him by his name. In fact, he preferred it that way.

He wasn't just a prince; above all, he was his own person.

"Come on, tilt your head so I can put on your beloved crown."

Jeongguk leaned forward. He had to admit that he loved the crown, at least aesthetically. Made of white gold, with filigree forming elegant decorations, and a few sapphires adorning it, it made him feel truly pretty.

Just as Jin finished putting on the head adornment, they heard someone knocking on their door.

"Come in," Jeongguk shouted, allowing not only their guard but also their friend in the palace, Jin, to enter.

"Your Highness," the other greeted with a smile, bowing.

"Taehyung-ssi," Jeongguk replied, returning the bow, but in a princess-like manner with his dress, as he didn't want to hear Jin's protests about having to perfectly place the crown again.

"It's time," the other replied, standing up straighter, displaying the gleaming medals on his uniform chest.

Jeongguk simply nodded and, along with both of them, left his room.

"You know, this feels like we're escorting you down the aisle," Seokjin said on his left as they indeed walked down one of the corridors toward the dining hall. Along the way, they had already encountered numerous guards who bowed as they passed.

"I think that will be much more grandiose than this," Jeongguk replied, already imagining the moment. The only thing missing was the person who would wait for him at the altar, and that was about to be resolved.

"I think I'll be standing next to Jimin's assistant at your wedding," Seokjin said, and although he might have meant it seriously, Jeongguk knew he said it in that moment to distract him, because both of them knew he was nervous.

He had spent ten years of his life knowing he was going to marry someone he hadn't met and probably wouldn't feel anything for. Damn, he didn't even know if they would get along.

"Do you know if he has any friends who would like to go out with a guard?" Taehyung asked, looking at Jin.

"Does my upcoming wedding make you all want the same thing? Where does this excitement come from?" he said, smiling.

"Well... you'll have a husband and a country to lead, and we also need some fun," replied Taehyung.

"Who said it will be fun for me?"

"Jeongguk. You'll have a husband. That brings a lot of fun, if you know what I mean," Jin commented, and when Jeongguk looked at him, raising both eyebrows, he simply winked.

Jeongguk probably still had a blush on his cheeks when two of the guards swung open the doors to the dining hall, bowing to him, while another announced his presence.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Prince of Aragorn, Jeon Jeongguk."

He entered a spacious room, elegantly illuminated by exquisite chandeliers. For now, only his father, his brother, and a few council members were present.

"Father," he said as he approached the king, who greeted him by placing an arm around his shoulders.

"Son. Ready?"

He simply shrugged.

"Everything will be fine. Our nation will be grateful and so proud for your sense of duty. I’m proud of you.”

Jeongguk didn't have time to respond to those words because the man at the door announced the arrival of another person. He really hated it when they did that, but in small gatherings like this, where there was a defined purpose, his father liked it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Prince Park Jimin, next in line to the throne of the kingdom of Berium."

As the doors opened, Jeongguk thought that he had never seen a true prince, even though he himself was one, until that moment.

The man who entered the room was radiant. His hair was perfectly combed, but even so, it made one want to entangle their hands in the strands that seemed as soft as satin, and it looked excellent on him, in Jeongguk's opinion. His forehead was exposed, emphasizing his elongated and penetrating eyes.

His black suit was impeccable and had a certain military style. He wore two belts, one of them accentuating his waist perfectly. Like Jeongguk, he had several insignias and a fabric band crossing his chest, but whereas Jeongguk's band was beige, his was blood red.

Beside him was a man with cat-like eyes who Jeongguk could only assume was his assistant. Behind both of them were two men in uniforms, their jackets the same shade of red as Jimin's band, and behind them, at least five more men. Four of them old enough to be his father.

While Jeongguk considered himself  a calm and delicate presence, the man who entered was anything but that. He arrived and immediately exuded an aura of authority, of strength. And Jeongguk wondered, not for the first time in all those years, not even for the first time that day, if he would truly be happy with someone who seemed so closed off.

Jeongguk noticed his lips, which were full and pink, but they were not smiling.

When they finally stood next to them, Jeongguk felt like he was being evaluated by everyone except Jimin; the future king of Berium didn't even spare him a glance.

"Your Majesty," he said, nevertheless, greeting Jeongguk's father.

"Jimin, son," his father said, and Jeongguk heard one of the elders hissing.

"I hope your journey from Berium was fast and peaceful, and that the room is to your liking," his father continued.

"It was. And I like the room, thank you very much, Your Majesty."

That was important, Jeongguk thought, as Park Jimin would stay in the palace for three months before the wedding took place. His father had insisted that the wedding be held in Aragorn, but Jimin could have flown in the day before for that. However, King Jeon had also requested that Jimin come earlier. He had disguised it by saying it was for the future king to familiarize himself with the kingdom that would be their ally, but the truth was that he did it for Jeongguk. He wanted to give his son the chance to at least get to know the man who would be his husband and facilitate the possibility of the Prince of Berium wanting to be involved in the wedding preparations. Jeongguk was the one who said the latter, because he wouldn't allow his wedding to be organized without having a say in it. While his husband had been chosen, he would choose everything else, and he wanted to give Jimin the opportunity to choose as well because he knew that Jimin wouldn't be bound to Jeongguk by his own decision.

“This is my eldest son, Daehyun, the future king of Aragorn. Once I abdicate, he will be the one you deal with in political matters." Jeongguk heard his father saying and watched as his brother nodded his head, and then Jimin imitated the gesture.

"And this is my son Jeongguk," he began to feel his heart beating faster, wanting to burst out of his chest. This was certainly a tense situation because he felt the pressure to make a good impression.

A small voice in his brain told him that Jimin should be experiencing the same thing.

"He's the one you'll be spending more time with from now on, it seems. He's excellent company, as long as you don't make him angry," his father ended jokingly, and although those who were part of the Aragorn kingdom laughed, those from Berium remained serious.

"I think he'll learn his place," Jeongguk heard one of the visitors say.

"His place," his father intervened before anyone else could speak, not that he wanted to. "Will be by Jimin's side, Mr. Lee."

Jeongguk decided to step forward at that moment and extend his hand. He might be nervous, he might have wanted his first meeting with Jimin to be less formal and cold, with all these people around, but he was a prince, just like the man in front of him.

"A pleasure, Jimin-ssi," he said firmly, looking into the other's eyes.

Jimin took a few seconds to shake his hand, but perhaps Jeongguk had caught him off guard.

"Likewise, Jeongguk-ssi," he replied.

After that, which was the grand introduction, it was time for the companions of each prince. Jeongguk remembered every name of the elders, but he had no intention of talking to any of them. The only one who had given him a good vibe was the youngest of them, Kim Namjoon. The man wore glasses, and unlike the others, even his future spouse, Namjoon had smiled at him, revealing slight dimples that made him look endearing in a way. It's not like he would easily trust the people from Berium, but he could see himself trusting Namjoon. He was also willing to be friends with Jung Hoseok, who was Jimin’s personal guard and who gave him a really big smile.

"Let's sit down," said his father when all the presentations were over. "It's time for a good feast."

Finally, Jeongguk thought. He had spent the day too nervous to have a decent meal, and at that moment, he was starving. However, it seemed like he had counted his chickens before they hatched.

"Jeongguk, Jimin will sit on my left today, you sit next to him."

Nodding but going crazy in the inside, Jeongguk did just as he was told, observing how a small blue card with his name was placed on the plate in front of him.

The dishes started to arrive, and they were exquisite. Jeongguk knew it without even having to taste them because he had spent a long time in the kitchen while growing up, and he knew that their chef was a star. But the nerves where making a little bit difficult for him to eat something or to enjoy the flavors.

Initially, everyone was focused on eating, but gradually, conversation started to flow among the attendees. Jin and Jimin's assistant, Min Yoongi, had left the room, Taehyung was in his position against the wall behind Jeongguk, and Kim Namjoon was too far away for them to exchange words. Jeongguk looked at his brother, but he was engrossed in a lively conversation with their father.

When Jeongguk caught the king's gaze, he made a quick, barely noticeable gesture toward Jimin, who was silently eating beside him.

Talk to him.

He cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably in his seat before the words came out of his mouth.

"Are you enjoying the food, Jimin-ssi?" he asked just before taking a sip of wine, perhaps trying to boost his courage.

"I'm doing it, Jeongguk-ssi. Congratulations to the chef," the other replied, but he didn't ask him back or add anything to keep the conversation flowing.

"Do you like your room? I personally love the garden, so I asked for yours to have a view of them," he said before taking a mushroom into hist mouth, looking at Jimin, waiting for a response.

"I don't really care about the views, but I appreciate the gesture," the other said without looking at him.

"Oh, I like to see it from my window, it is so calm, so I thought..." the sentence simply died on his tongue as he watched Jimin seemingly pay no attention. And although Jeongguk might have been a little desperate to see what the future held with the other man; he wasn't desperate enough to beg for a conversation. Apparently, Jimin simply didn't want to talk to him because minutes later, he engaged in a conversation with his father and brother, leaving Jeongguk feeling uncomfortable and eager to leave.

"So, all set for tomorrow's interview?" asked one of the men from Berium, Lee Hwangsoo; an old gray-haired man who constantly wore a frowning and unfriendly expression. Jeongguk knew who he was not only from their previous introduction but also because he had studied Berium. In fact, he knew who they all were before that day, and Hwangsoo was the man known as the right-hand man of the king of Berium and the one who constantly advocated for the harshest measures not only against the enemy but also against the citizens of his own kingdom.

Jeongguk hoped that at some point in his new life, the man would disappear, even though he had shared nothing more than the time they spent in the dining hall.

"Of course," his father replied. "The announcement about the marriage came out this morning. Jeongguk has been on social media, checking to see what people think."

"The result is promising," he said, smiling.

"What are they saying?" a voice next to him asked, referring to him on his own initiative for the first time.

"Some see it as a strategic move, and others as a possible love story to follow," he concluded with a giggle. "They'll be camping on the official profile, waiting for any information about the relationship."

"Isn't a wedding enough?" the other asked, and Jeongguk froze for a moment, unsure if Jimin was joking with him or if he was complaining about what their union would be. He chose a response that wouldn't reveal his confusion about it.

"It's a start."

"We can use tomorrow's interview to dispel those fantasies," Lee said.

"Or we can let them continue," Jeongguk said. "Either way, it's just another reason for support. A love story is a powerful thing."

"It's nonsense," another old man said.

"I think Prince Jeongguk is right," said Kim Namjoon. "Whether it's for love or war, they are showing their support, and we shouldn't interfere with that."

"Jimin, I see that you're the only sane one here. I hope that tomorrow, if you have the opportunity, you make it clear that there's nothing happening between you and this young man. People can't support based on nonsense, and it doesn't matter if they support or not, anyway." Said Lee again, dismissing what Namjoon said.

"I don't see the point of your comment, Hwangsoo-ssi. And for a moment, it sounded like you forgot you were talking to a prince," Jeongguk said, completely losing his appetite.

"I don't see why we should promote lies," the other said. "Do you want to lie to the citizens of your kingdom?"

"It's more like hiding information," his older brother intervened. "It's not harmful if they think it's for love. Besides, they can hope for it to happen. What’s wrong with Jimin and Jeongguk falling in love? It is indeed something that can happen."

Jeongguk remained silent, unsure of how to respond. Perhaps no response was needed.

"Your Highness?" the second old man asked, looking at Jimin.

The other prince took a sip of his wine before nodding.

"I'll do my best tomorrow," he replied, and the coldness with which he said it, the simple fact that he was supporting the others instead of him, for some unjustified reason, made Jeongguk huff and stand up.

"I'm done for today," he threw the napkin on the table, ignoring the words everybody, including his father, were saying. "But I'd like you all to remember that I'll also be in the interview tomorrow, and it won't be just Jimin speaking."

He walked straight to the door, followed by Taehyung, without looking at anyone. Along the way, he missed the smirk playing on Namjoon's lips and the astonished expression of Park Jimin.

⊱✿⊰

Jeongguk sighed before getting into the car that he would share with Jimin to get to the television station where an interview with both of them would take place live and, in the path to the vehicle, he was talking to his guard about how all of the Berium people seem to forget he also has a word to say. And how his future husband was just ignoring it too.

"You're a prince, Jeongguk-ssi," Taehyung said next to him, even though he would be in another vehicle.

"I know."

"But you're also a brat. And I think that'll work with Park Jimin," the other said. "He's reserved, but you'll be with him in that vehicle for about forty minutes."

"You're a good friend, Tae," he replied with a smile.

"I know. Now get in, we don't want to be late."

That was the push he needed to get into the car, and when he did, he was greeted by the citrusy perfume of the other man, and not only that, but Jimin's eyes seemed to bore into him.

"Finally," he heard the other say, and Jeongguk wondered if Park Jimin always spoke in that icy tone or if he ever talks softly to someone.

"Sorry for the delay," Jeongguk said after Taehyung had closed the door for him.

"The important thing is that we can go."

That was the only comment Jimin made for a long time. Jeongguk glanced at him from time to time while the other simply looked out the window, pretending to be alone in the vehicle.

"Why do you keep looking at me, Jeongguk-ssi?"

He thought Jimin hadn't noticed. He was wrong.

"Just... thinking."

"Staring at me?" It became harder to respond when Jimin turned to face him.

Jeongguk had to admit that maybe, just maybe, there was something about Jimin's eyes. He wanted to know what made them melt because if they could still hypnotize him despite being cold, they would look even better with a little more warmth.

"I was thinking about the wedding."

"What were you thinking? Anxious for it to happen?"

He didn't like the tone in which Jimin said it, but he cleared his throat before answering.

"I want you to be involved in the planning."

He knew Jimin wasn't expecting that, and it was confirmed when the other couldn't mask the expression of surprise that flooded his face.

"What?"

"I want you to help me organize it," Jeongguk repeated with a more confident tone. "It's your wedding too, isn't it?"

"Don't you already have people taking care of that?"

He shrugged.

"Partly. But I've been making some decisions, not all of them, because I want to give you the opportunity to be a part of it too."

"I'm not interested."

The man actually dared to look out the window again after saying that.

"Why not? It's not just my wedding, Jimin-ssi, it's yours too. It's something that will only happen once in your life, and you're telling me you don't want to at least make it a moment you can enjoy?"

"Exactly, Jeongguk-ssi. That's precisely what I'm saying," the other replied without even looking at him.

"Fine. Let's see if you feel the same way when I choose food you're allergic to."

He wouldn't actually do it. He would ask Min Yoongi to make sure he didn't kill his husband on the wedding day.

"I can always skip the banquet," the other said, and that was just a reminder that they both seemed to prioritize different things.

"Yes, you can."

With that, he also decided to look out the window, feeling a little less upbeat than when he entered the vehicle twenty-five minutes ago.

Time later they arrived at the television studio, and everything was stressful from the moment they got out of the car. The paparazzi were on both sides, shouting questions, asking them to look in different directions, trying to break through the security barriers to take closer photos. It was as if they were famous musicians. Jimin could be used to it, but Jeongguk wasn't accustomed to this, avoiding the main entrances whenever he could, or crowded places where people might recognize him.

When they entered, it was better. At least they didn't have to deal with more than twenty people; just the stylists who wanted to achieve the perfect look for them.

Surprisingly, when they sat down to be interviewed, side by side in orange chairs in front of a mahogany desk where the interviewer would sit, he felt calmer. Even though the lights were too bright, even though he wanted to get it all over with as quickly as possible. He immediately spotted Jin, who was next to Min Yoongi near the food table.

At least someone could choose their partner and have a kind of fairytale, he thought, smiling.

There was also Lee Hwangsoo. Why? Jeongguk didn't know, but the man really irritated him. Unlike the other two, he was standing next to the cameraman facing the two princes. Jeongguk would do his best not to even meet his gaze.

Right at the agreed-upon time, the interview began. It was live, and Jeongguk could only assume that there were thousands of people from both kingdoms watching them right now. They had already seen the script; he knew exactly what they wanted him to answer.

Except that after a lot of questions, the interviewer asked a question that wasn't in the script.

"So, is this merely a strategy, or do you already share a history? After all, as Jimin-ssi has mentioned, your parents are old friends."

Jeongguk could see the fear in the man's eyes as he asked the question. It had slipped out of him, probably feeling too comfortable with how the interview was going, and surely having read the same reactions that Jeongguk had mentioned the night before. It was probably on his mind, and the filter had simply failed him.

In the seconds that passed, which probably felt slower than they actually were, the prince also noticed the surprised looks from Jin, Taehyung, and even Yoongi; and he noticed Lee's gaze directly on him. He would have smiled if it hadn't been such an intimidating look.

But he simply avoided it and turned his gaze to Jimin, who was also looking at Lee. It  could be his imagination, but he sensed a certain vulnerability in Jimin's eyes, just for a brief moment. And that was the moment Jeongguk might have needed.

"I'm sorry, I think..." the interviewer had started.

He let out a chuckle.

"We weren't expecting that question, Sungho-ssi."

"Well, social media is buzzing about it," the other said with a nervous voice, knowing that if any of them took offense, he could be out of a job before the day ended.

"Jimin hyung and I prefer not to give details about our relationship; it will be the best-kept secret of the palace," and with that, along with one of the smiles that always got him out of trouble, he winked directly at the camera.

Let them interpret it however they wanted.I got us out of that.

Jimin didn't even have time to add anything before the other man changed the subject and continued with the script, surely wanting to return to the calm and boring interview that everyone wanted it to be. They wouldn't discuss anything serious at that moment because the purpose was, in a way, to introduce each prince to the inhabitants of the opposing kingdom. Apart from that, and the furious glare that Jeongguk felt on himself, everything went according to plan.

When it ended, Sungho apologized to them repeatedly, bowing multiple times and expressing how sorry he was with a remorseful voice.

Jimin didn't show much reaction and simply murmured that everything was fine, while Jeongguk reassured the man repeatedly that they weren't offended and that his job was not at stake. He also asked about his wife, trying to get the man to finally stop apologizing. When he finished with Sungho, Jimin was already talking to Hwangsoo, and Jeongguk completely avoided that conversation and went to stand next to Jin.

"I loved your answer," Jin said as soon as he arrived, handing Jeongguk a coffee, knowing how he liked it.

He took a sip and sighed, closing his eyes, and cracking his neck. This relationship was more difficult than he thought it would be at first.

"Thank you. I don't think it's going to appease the internet, though," he shrugged, indicating that there wasn't much he could do about it.

"I think Hwangsoo wanted to rip your head off," his assistant replied.

"Hwangsoo wants to rip everyone's head off, except the king's," Yoongi added calmly by his side. "King Jaehyun, not your father, Jeongguk-ssi."

He smiled.

"I figured. You can just call me Jeongguk, alright? After all, we'll be spending a lot of time together. Don't you think it would be better?"

"You're still a prince," the other replied.

"Don't you speak informally with Jimin-ssi?"

There was a moment of silence, and Jeongguk had the thought that maybe the other prince might be more uptight than he had thought.

"When we're alone," Yoongi replied, however “But you should have seen his face when you called him hyung” finished the other, smiling.

"It was a conscious decision. What kind of couple talks about each other so formally?” he said frowning “But, anyway, if it's more comfortable for you, we can be that way between us. Not necessarily alone, because I always have this old man by my side."

"Listen, brat," he heard Jin say, and he only laughed, disregarding everything his assistant had to say after that.

Still not finishing his coffee, Jeongguk turned around to see where Jimin was. When he first saw him, Jimin had turned his back, but now Jeongguk could see the tired expression on the other's face while the counselor still seemed to be angrily talking with a red face. The prince had a hand on his forehead and was looking at the ground, apparently trying to find patience.

Jeongguk considered that it might be a good time to be a good fiancé and go save his future husband. However, as Jeongguk began to walk, he felt a hand on his arm.

"It's better if you don't," Yoongi said, stopping him.

"I think Jimin-ssi is tired of the conversation."

"He is, but he won't appreciate the fact that you're going," the other one said.

He considered it for a moment, and although Yoongi probably had more knowledge of the situation, Jeongguk didn't feel right leaving the other man to deal with Lee when he had been the one to give the response.

"I'll be fine," he said before freeing himself and heading towards where the others were, feeling Yoongi and Jin walking a few steps behind him. And Jeongguk indeed appreciated the support when the furious gaze of the advisor turned to him.

"I wanted to talk to you. What the hell were you thinking, boy?"

"Hwangsoo-ssi," he heard Jimin speak, but the man ignored him.

"Who do you think you are to go against what we talked about last night?"

Jeongguk laughed, surprising everyone.

"I am Jeon Jeongguk, the prince of Aragorn, future spouse of the future king of Berium, and I think you have forgotten that" he said softly, although his intentions were clear. “And I didn’t agree with anything you said last night. I can't even remember what it was” he took the final sip of his drink.

That seemed to ignite the flame even more, although the other man seemed to simply reflect on what he was about to say to someone he had just been reminded was a prince.

When it seemed like he finally was about to say something, Jimin intervened.

"I think it's time to go, alright?"

The other man didn't bother to look at either of them, simply turning around and leaving.

"Are you okay?" Jeongguk asked softly, looking at Jimin, but the other's gaze seemed irritated.

"Seriously, what were you trying to achieve by coming here?"

"You seemed fed up with having to deal with him. I wanted to help," he replied, and he couldn't deny that he felt a pang of pain seeing Jimin roll his eyes before responding.

"I don't need your help. Mind your own business."

And before Jeongguk could respond, he also turned around.

"Well... that went better than I thought," Jimin's assistant said before rushing after him.

"Why do you think he said that?" Jeongguk asked Jin as they both headed towards the door at a slower pace.

"From what little Yoongi hinted at, it seems like Jimin has a tighter leash than we think. And Lee is one of those pulling it."

"Hmmm."

He didn't say anything else on the way to the car. He didn't even attempt to say anything to Jimin when he sat next to him. He simply let his mind fly, wondering what things were going through Jimin's own mind, and if that brief moment of vulnerability he had seen during the interview betrayed the existence of something more.

Once they arrived at the palace, Jeongguk didn't see Jimin again. He didn't know what the other prince was doing, but he had to work alongside his brother on a matter of exports to another kingdom. Jeongguk wasn't just a prince waiting to be married; no, his father made sure he had the education he needed, not only in royal matters, but now he had a bachelor's and master's degree focused on international business. He spent a great part of his time dealing with representatives from other countries who wanted import or export relations with the kingdom of Aragorn. And that day, by the time he had finished, the sun had already set.

His father had always insisted that his children and he dined together as a family, but he did so even more now that Jimin and the others were there. However, he wasn't in the mood to go and endure more bureaucracy, so on that day, after the interview and what had been an exhausting afternoon of constant discussions with men who believed they could manipulate him due to his age, he understood that he could take a free pass and simply have something to eat in his room. He had already told Seokjin that he could leave; he would go to the kitchen himself and get something.

"Jeongguk-ah," he heard a soft voice as soon as he entered the place that had been his refuge several times while growing up, immediately feeling arms wrap around him, although the person now was smaller than him and it was more difficult for her than when he was eight and ran to the kitchen after arguing with his older brother.

"Eomeoni," he replied, smiling.

"What are you doing here? I thought you would be having dinner with your father. Come, sit down, quickly," said the woman who now had some gray hair, but who was still as beautiful as when he was young.

She was also just as determined to make sure he didn't skip meals.

"What should I prepare for you? What do you want today?"

There were several chefs, but everyone knew that Kang Soori had always had a soft spot for the young prince, treating him like her own son on countless occasions, kissing his scraped knee, wiping his tears when he didn't achieve the expected grades in his courses, giving him words of encouragement when all he wanted was to give up. He hadn't always gone to his father, knowing he was very busy, so Soori had been his support in moments when not even the king knew.

Now, she sat in front of him on one of the countertops as he ate a plate of Jajangmyeon that only she knew how to prepare so deliciously.

"Rough day?" she asked once he had finished, and he shrugged.

"You could say that."

"What's wrong with my golden baby?" she asked, using the nickname she had given him as a child.

"I'm just tired, don't worry," he replied, and she simply leaned forward and caressed his head with her hand.

"You've become a great man, my child," she said, "although you're not a child anymore. You're getting married and everything."

Jeongguk felt his eyes well up and his heart tighten.

I’m such a crybaby.

"I'll miss you so much, eomeoni," he whispered with a broken voice, and the other woman simply stood up and hugged him.

"I'll miss you more. But I'll be here supporting you, and I hope you come to visit me."

He simply nodded.

"And when I have vacations, maybe I'll take a day and go see my little golden in his new kingdom. And see him living happily there."

"I don't know if I'll be happy, though," he whispered.

"You will be. Jin and Taehyung will go with you, and on top of that, you'll have your spouse and whatever friends you have, and above all," she stepped back to look into his eyes, wiping away the tears that had escaped from him as she let a few of her own fall, "you will bloom wherever you go."

"My future husband... I don't even know if he wants to know about me."

She smiled.

"You're too amazing for him not to want to. You'll see. I love you very much, Jeongguk. And I'm so proud of you."

That didn't help him much, and tears just kept escaping from his eyes, hidden by the woman embracing him.

But he felt lighter after that, and when he went to his room, he picked up his phone to finally check social media and see the reactions the interview had received. He could confirm that his response had fueled the fire for those who wanted a fairy tale. And perhaps, unconsciously, Jeongguk had done it because he also wanted it to be that way. He was one of those people who believed in true love, who believed that destiny brought together individuals whose souls sang to each other. He was like that, and he had never been ashamed or hidden it. He wasn't foolish either. His wedding was purely for political-military benefits, but still, he didn't regret dreaming that perhaps this was destiny's way of uniting him and Jimin. Yes, he would suffer less if he stopped thinking that way, and he knew it. He knew he had to see it as a mere fulfillment of duty, and that the love stories he liked to fantasize about probably wouldn't come true in his case.

Jeongguk wasn't in the least surprised when in the meeting the next day, alongside Jimin and the others, most of the counselors and his future husband himself had their eyes on him when he entered. Of course, the most irritated glances came from the men from Berium. The meeting would focus on what things the princes could do to showcase their personalities to the world. It was a nice way of saying it was a media game, something he didn't agree with but could understand why they would do it.

"His Highness, Prince Jeongguk, sometimes visits a nursing home, we could use that. Jimin can go with him and—"

"No," the man didn't finish before Jeongguk cut him off, feeling the tension in his body at the fact that once again, he would have to come across as a spoiled prince in the eyes of those who didn't know him. He didn't even want to think about the fact that the one who suggested it was someone from his own kingdom.

"Why not?” Jimin asked, looking at him.

"We won't use them for this," he replied, and the one who spoke next was his brother.

"Really, Gguk, I think it's not a bad opportunity. You've been going there for a while, they trust you, and you can introduce Jimin to them. The cameras will be there, and everything will flow."

"I won't do it," he said firmly. "As you said, they trust me. I won't use them for superficialities like this. I don't want to. Many of them are people who have been used by their own children and then placed there, and... I won't do it."

"I understand your thinking. But you could talk to them, don't you think?" Kim Namjoon asked. "Explain the situation to them and seek their consent with the whole matter. If they're already used to seeing you, I think they would want to help you."

"I go there by myself because I want to, and no one from the press knows about it. I don't plan on changing that."

Several voices spoke at the same time, some trying to convince him, others simply commenting on how foolish he was being. He looked at his father, and the look he received felt like a slap in the face. He knew what the man would say before his voice was heard.

"To be honest, son, I think it's a good idea. I believe that if you do what Namjoon said, you won't feel like you're using them. You know that I accompanied you once, and it seemed to me that they are really fond of you."

Jeongguk didn't want to hear anything else. Was he behaving like a child? Probably. But right now, he had no desire to behave like a prince, no desire to fulfill his duty.

He was also fond of those people.

He left the room where the meeting was being held, even though his father was one of those asking him to come back. If Jin had been there, he would have followed him, but Jeongguk had him busy organizing things with the damn wedding planner. From the corner of his eye, it seemed like Yoongi was discreetly trying to make his way to the exit at the same time, but Jeongguk didn't know his intention, and he didn't really want company.

However, he couldn't avoid Taehyung, who was at the door talking with Hoseok. Both of them joined him as he walked down the long corridor. He was surprised that Jimin's guard did.

"What happened, Your Highness?" the man asked.

"They want... they... they make me lose my patience, that's all."

"But where are we going?" Taehyung asked.

"I want to be alone," he replied.

"I'm your personal guard, Gguk."

"And I'll be within the palace's security," he said.

"You know that's not how it works."

Jeongguk sighed and stopped to look at both of them.

"Hoseok-ssi, I think Jimin will still be there for a while. I don't know if you should be with me right now."

"You can drop the honorifics with me, Your Highness. But yeah, I know. Honestly, seeing your state, I wouldn't be surprised if Jiminie came out the same way."

"I don't think so. I don't think this affects him," he replied.

However, he was surprised by the other's laughter.

"You'd be surprised how many times I've had to do this. Of course, in his case, he waits until the meeting is over to come out furious. With your permission," Hoseok said before bowing and returning to his position.

"Where are we going?" Taehyung asked again.

"You already know," he said, and together they headed to the gardens, while Jeongguk explained to his friend why he had to leave that place and that stupid people.

"It's the first time you're doing this, Gguk. I think I'll have to be prepared when we're in Berium," the other said trying to joke, but Jeongguk didn't want to think about the future, not even the next meeting. He simply sat on his favorite bench while Taehyung, knowing him, made rounds at a safe distance.

He leaned back, resting his hands on the stone bench, and closed his eyes as he tilted his head to receive the warmth of the sun. It was a chilly autumn, so any moment when the sun felt warm, he took advantage of it, and his first thought was that he loved being there instead of in a meeting.

He doesn't know how much time passed there, feeling the sun and the breeze ruffle his hair. He only knew that he was snapped out of his trance by an unexpected voice.

"May I sit?"

When he opened his eyes, he found Park Jimin himself standing in front of him, unfairly beautiful, as always when he had seen him. Except this time there was a difference; Jimin's eyes didn't seem as harsh, and his voice had been softer.

He simply nodded, and the other prince mimicked his position, also closing his eyes for a moment. The bench wasn't very large, so they were sitting at a close enough distance that Jeongguk could smell Jimin's cologne, could see the angles of his face up close. In the distance, Jeongguk could also see Hoseok making rounds in the opposite direction from Taehyung.

"How did you know I was here?" he asked. "I don't think I mentioned it to Hoseok-ssi."

"You didn't," the other finally replied, opening his eyes again. "You mentioned it during dinner. You said that the sight of the gardens calmed you. I figured you would be here.”

Jeongguk felt his eyes widen in surprise, remembering that he had made such a comment to Jimin during dinner two days ago, when he thought the other wasn't paying attention. Apparently, he had, and what's more, he had remembered that detail and correctly guessed where he would be.

"So... did you come to change my mind?"

"It's not necessary," the other replied, and Jeongguk let out a heavy sigh.

"Do I have to do it anyway? Do I have to do it because all of you agreed it's for the best?" and he could even hear the hint of acidity in his voice.

"Not everyone. I don't want to do it either."

"What?" he asked again, looking at Jimin's profile, who was looking straight ahead.

"I don't want to do it," he repeated.

"You seemed willing in there, you..."

"No," he interrupted. "I just asked you why you didn't want to do it. You explained, and honestly, I don't want you to do it either."

"But I..."

He had no words. He simply couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"It's not necessary for you to do it. I proposed a solution."

"What did you propose?"

The other, surprising him even more, smiled slightly.

"I'll help you organize the wedding."

"What?"

It seemed that his language had been reduced to that single question. And perhaps the other thought the same because he let out a chuckle.

"I'll help you. We'll plan the wedding in these three months. You're right that it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and" he shrugged, "maybe it won't be so bad."

"What's the catch?" Jeongguk asked, squinting his eyes, and the other looked directly at him.

"We'll be filmed. A team will accompany us throughout all of this. It will be like a reality show but just two or three chapters. I thought it was a good idea. We can use that to make ourselves known to the world as a couple, and at the same time I prevent you from killing me by hiring a shrimp-based catering service."

Jeongguk could distinguish a mischievous glint in the other's eyes, even though his face no longer showed any smile. He had created this image of Jimin as a cold, distant, and tough man. Not only from their interactions but also from the precedent set by his kingdom. What Jimin was saying now, what he was doing, simply didn't align with who he believed his fiancé was.

"Shrimp?" he asked, momentarily ignoring his deep thoughts.

"I'm allergic to seafood," he replied, and Jeongguk couldn't help but laugh, remembering his threat to hire a catering service with food he was allergic to. "Are you okay with this idea?"

He nodded.

"Good."

After that, they fell silent for a moment.

"I wasn't going to do it anyway," he said, closing his eyes again, smiling.

"Hmm?"

"I wasn't going to try to kill you," he replied calmly. "I would have discovered your shrimp allergy before deciding on the food. After all, I'm the best fiancé," he finished, joking.

Silence stretched again, and Jeongguk thought that everything had been said, but this time it was Jimin who broke it.

"I'm starting to see it."

When Jeongguk looked at him, surprised, the other had his eyes closed and also turned his face toward the sun.

What kind of personality are you hiding, Park Jimin? he wondered, returning to his previous position. But he didn't ask the question, he simply enjoyed the moment.

⊱✿⊰

Two weeks later, Jeon Jeongguk had made progress. In a way. Sort of.

Jimin and he had shared more moments in the garden. In fact, one of those times Jeongguk had been too tired due to an issue with a head of state from a much smaller kingdom than Aragorn's, who wanted to hinder the business deals Jeongguk had been working on for a while. Jimin had noticed the weight on his shoulders and had offered to help. Jeongguk had refused but told him that he might need to vent. The prince of Berium listened to him from start to finish and, while he  didn't disclose any confidential information, he complained a lot and, by the end of his story, he felt lighter, and had some possible solutions for his problem. And also discovered that his future husband was a really good listener.

When he thanked Jimin, he dismissed the matter and simply said, "I know you are capable, it was a pleasure to hear you" as if Jeongguk's heart wasn't already paying close attention to everything the other prince said or did and his heart was jumping in consequence.

It's not that he had developed feelings already, no. But he couldn't deny that he felt physically attracted to the other man, and he couldn't deny that in those moments when they were alone, he had managed to see hints of who he believed Park Jimin truly was. He was mischievous, and he had a sarcastic sense of humor. He thought deeply about things, and his gaze said more than his words.

He had also talked more with Hoseok and Yoongi, and although they didn't reveal anything, they spoke with too much affection for Jimin in their eyes to be as cold as people portrayed him. The problem was that Jimin indeed was cold when they weren't in the little hideaway provided by the flowers. During the dinners they shared or the meetings Jeongguk had attended, which were no longer as frequent, the other man always maintained distance. Not just physical distance. Jeongguk wasn't foolish, and he could put two and two together; the problem wasn't him, nor was Jimin, the problem lay with Berium's councilors, and probably Aragorn’s too. So, in those two weeks, he had also come to understand that if he wanted more moments that would tell him what his future with Jimin would be like, he had to have the other prince for himself. Of course, there was also an inconvenience there, considering that they were always surrounded by people. Both of them were royalty, and both had work to do for their respective kingdoms, and now both of them were going to be recorded while planning their wedding.

"Good morning, Jimin hyung," he said, smiling as he got into the vehicle that would take them to the food tasting of the day.

Unfortunately, since it was a royal wedding with too many guests, they would need more people besides the two of them to taste everything. Jeongguk had said that Jin was enough for him, while Jimin, unsurprisingly, had chosen Yoongi. They, along with the event planner, would be a kind of dream team. Except that Lee Hwangsoo had decided to join at the last minute for some reason, and Namjoon had also wanted to come. So now, with more people than initially planned, Jeongguk would seize any moment to be with Park Jimin, not the prince of Berium.

"Hyung?" the other asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You're my future husband, hyung. I think the sooner you get used to it, the better," he replied.

Now that he felt more comfortable in Jimin's presence, he saw the possibility of at least being friends. Yes, he thought Jimin had been created by the very Gods themselves, but one could think that of their friends, right? And, on a more serious note, he knew that friendship was something that didn't exist in many arranged marriages, so he would feel good if he could have at least that.

"Hyung..." the other repeated, before rolling his eyes and looking out the window again. But he wasn't quick enough to hide the little smile that had formed on his lips. Jimin liked to be called hyung.

"Yeah. You know what? Organizing our wedding won't be that difficult. We already have the venue, which is the palace. And we don't have to worry about the guests. We just have to figure out where to sit everyone so that our wedding doesn't turn into a battle."

"What do you mean?" Jimin asked, turning to look at him again.

"I have an aunt who can't stand my father, so we can't seat them together, or she'll create chaos," he replied, smiling, before starting to search for a document on his phone. "And I have a cousin who really can't stand the daughter of one of the advisors. I mean, I don't blame him, that woman has tried to throw herself at him in every way you can think of, but she's just not his type. I wonder if he's just not into women, because I have never seen him..."

He looked up when he heard Jimin's laughter. It was the first time the other had laughed so freely, and Jeongguk was tempted to raise his phone and take a picture of him.

"What?" he asked, smiling, nonetheless.

"It's just... you're worried about something so... ordinary. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's just that it amazes me that we're talking about organizing the seating ourselves. And how the hell do you know all that information?"

Jeongguk shrugged.

"It's an art. But getting back to the topic," he said, looking at his phone again. "I have the guest list here; I'll send it to you. Of course, for that, you have to give me your number."

Since apparently both of them were in a good mood, he took the opportunity to bat his eyelashes, surprisingly making Jimin smile even more, and his eyes seemed like crescent moons.

How beautiful.

"You know you could ask Yoongi for it, right?"

"It's better if you give it to me directly," he said, handing him his phone, and Jimin took it with bright eyes.

"You're such a brat," the other said.

"Thank you. My first task for you will be to find out who can't sit together from your side."

The conversation continued for a while, with Jeongguk telling stories about people who, in his opinion, couldn't sit together. Although Jimin didn't have much to add, he listened attentively and laughed occasionally. However, when they arrived at the location, Jimin gently took hold of Jeongguk's wrist as he was about to get out.

"Hey, I know you're not bothered by the speculations about our relationship, but please don't exaggerate things just to prove a point, okay? That will only... bring trouble."

Jeongguk sensed that the trouble Jimin referred to was related to Hwangsoo, so he didn't take offense but decided to take it lightheartedly.

"Don't worry, hyung. If in the video it looks like you're falling for my charms, it's because that's actually how it is," he winked before finally stepping out and embracing the warm morning sun.

They were received with all the attention one could expect. Also, with a camera directly in their faces, but that was out of the question. The place where they would taste the food was peaceful, a large white hall with a round table right in the center, and to Jeongguk's satisfaction, the windows were open, allowing the autumn air to come in. Jeongguk made the introductions between Jimin and the wedding planner, Eunji, and soon after they started the tasks for the day.

The food was delicious, and although he didn't like having the entire process broadcasted for everyone to see, as if his life were a reality show, he had at least been able to pretend that the cameras and microphones weren't there However, what he couldn't completely ignore, despite the pleasant atmosphere, were Hwangsoo's comments.

"Hmm, is it just me or do Berium's eggs taste better?"

"In Berium, we place things more delicately on the plate."

"The longer I'm here, the more I miss the food from my hometown."

Namjoon and Yoongi had tried to balance out his unnecessary and completely out-of-place remarks with their own, praising the food and sending compliments to whoever was cooking. However, surprising everyone, Hwangsoo fell silent when Jimin was the one who spoke with a cold and authoritative voice.

"Hwangsoo-ssi, if your palate is biased to only like national dishes, then I don't see why you decided to come to a food tasting. Your participation wasn't necessary."

That not only silenced the counselor but also everyone at the table. The silence was broken when the next dish was brought in.

"The next dish is truly exquisite. Our chef has received countless compliments for it. It's a fresh salmon loin with roasted scallop on a bed of green bean cream. I hope you enjoy it."

Before anyone could say anything, Jeongguk spoke up.

"Jimin hyung and I won't be tasting this," he said with a smile, "but perhaps our guests can enjoy it," he finished, gesturing towards the others, specifically to Yoongi and Jin, who were just finishing a plate of vegetables, or something like that.

"Is there any problem, your highness? We can—" the woman presenting the dishes began.

"My fiancé is allergic. But we still appreciate your great work," he replied.

"But you're not allergic," Jimin said beside him.

He shrugged before answering, "we're a team."

He could see the moment when Jimin's gaze softened, and he considered it a victory that he didn't make any comments to put up his tough guy façade again, but simply cleared his throat and looked away.

After half an hour, they took a break. In another half hour, they were supposed to be tasting desserts and cake batter, but in the meantime, Jimin and Namjoon stood at a certain distance, sipping wine, and talking about something Jeongguk couldn't hear. Somehow, the event planner had ended up in a conversation with the counselor, and Jin, Yoongi, and Jeongguk were chatting amongst themselves.

"I think someone is softening up," Jin said in a sing-song voice.

"What do you mean?" Jeongguk asked.

"I mean, I think we all saw how Jimin-ssi was looking at you today," his assistant replied.

"Jimin is not a tough guy," Yoongi added, becoming a victim of the incredulous looks from the other two. "Well... it's complicated," he finished saying.

"And you're not far behind," Jin said again, taking a sip of his own wine. "Skipping food to keep him company because now you're a team."

"It's not like it was such an eye-catching dish either," he defensively responded.

"But you love salmon. You can fool everyone but me," Jin said, winking at him.

"It would have been rude for him to be the only one not trying anything, don't you think?"

Jin's mischievous response, judging by his eyes, remained unspoken when Namjoon spoke up.

"Hwansoo-ssi, I think we should go. We have something to take care of."

"What?" the man asked. "Did something come up?"

"Yes, we need to handle it as soon as possible."

The counselor stood up and, at the same time, Jimin sat back down next to Jeongguk.

"Your highness?" Hwangsoo asked.

"Yes?" Jimin replied without looking at him.

"Aren't you coming with us?"

"No," Namjoon interjected. "Only we will be leaving," and after bowing a few times to bid farewell to everyone, he gestured for Hwangsoo to leave first.

"Everything okay?" Yoongi asked, looking at Jimin.

"Of course. Nothing to worry about," he said, although he couldn't hide the satisfied expression on his face, no matter how hard he tried.

"Good," the wedding planner interjected. "I think we can begin; don't you think?"

"In fact," he began on an impulse, catching everyone's attention. "I was thinking about a change of plans."

"What?" asked the surprised organizer.

"Yes," Jeongguk said with more conviction than he actually felt at that moment. "I agreed to have the catering done by a single company because it's more convenient, but... I believe Aragorn has incredible pastry chefs. I think we can order desserts and cake from local bakeries."

"But Your Highness..."

"We will still pay these people, of course, because they prepared samples, but I think it's a better idea to support our local businesses," he continued.

The planner continued to struggle for words until Jin interrupted her, knowing that Jeongguk had already made up his mind.

"Alright. Do you want to do it today? I think if we give the first bakery an hour, they can have something ready for you by then," said his assistant, already messaging on his phone. Jeongguk simply nodded.

"Do you agree, hyung?" he asked, looking at Jimin, who indeed seemed surprised by the question.

"I agree. I think it's a good idea."

Jeongguk then clapped his hands. "Perfect."

"Do you want specific flavors?" Jin asked.

"I want them to prepare what they feel most proud of. Any dessert, cookies, cannoli... You know? I once tried an amazing cake from Serendipity Bakery. Could you reach out to them? I think we can have the wedding cake from there."

"Any flavor preference, Your Highness?" Jin asked Jimin.

"Um... I like red velvet."

Jin simply nodded, while Jeongguk looked at Eunji.

"Please talk to those in charge of this. Or if you think they might be offended, I can go and apologize to them personally," he said, and Eunji immediately stood up, vigorously shaking her head.

"No, no, there won't be any problems, I think. I'll go and inform them. Since they will be paid anyway..."

Jeongguk nodded, and as everything started to unfold, he began a conversation with Jimin and Yoongi, telling them about all the desserts he had tried, ignoring the cameras surrounding them.

When they could, they headed to the first bakery, and that's how their bakery-hopping began. In the process, he could also see that in a way, Jimin was trying to appear approachable. It didn't seem to be in his nature to be friendly, to smile at the business owners like Jeongguk did, and it didn't help that those same owners and waitresses seemed afraid to approach him or talk to him. Everyone in Aragorn knew that the other kingdom was tough, and there was a popular joke that said if you wanted to lose your sense of humor, you just had to head north, where the other kingdom was located. But Jeongguk knew, or hoped, that Jimin wouldn't be like that.

And it seemed that his thoughts were repetitive, always coming back to the fact of what he hoped it would be like, how his life with Jimin would be. But he had been waiting for this moment since he was thirteen, and in a way, he still seemed to not have gotten used to it. At least not to what it truly was.

When they were on their way to Serendipity, their final destination, Jeongguk looked at the man beside him and made another impulsive decision.

"Do you want to do something after this?" he asked.

Jimin turned to look at him. "What do you mean?"

He cleared his throat, slightly intimidated by Jimin's gaze. But he, too, was a prince, and he had been in more distressing situations. He had also been thinking that if he wanted Jimin to open up to him or trust him in some way, he had to be as transparent as possible with his intentions.

"I want us to spend time together outside the palace and... without all these cameras," he said.

"Why would you want that?" the other asked after a moment.

"Whether you like it or not, we are engaged, and we have years ahead of us together. I want to get to know you better, and the truth is, even though I've had glimpses of it during our alone time in the gardens, being in the palace feels..."

He fell silent, searching for the right word.

"Tense?" the other completed.

"Exactly. It still feels somewhat like work, you know? I don't know, I just want to know Jimin who isn't the prince of Berium and isn't staying in the palace because he had no other choice but to marry me."

The other stared at him for a long time, and Jeongguk thought he wouldn't respond. Until he did.

"I did have a choice."

"What?" He felt his eyes widen in surprise.

"About marrying you. I had a choice," a certain darkness momentarily flickered in the eyes of the prince of Berium. "But going back to what you said... I understand. But you know that if you had told your father, he would have probably arranged something for us to interact out of your house, right?"

"I know. But that would feel like an official task. I just want..." he sighed, searching for the right words to make Jimin understand. "I want us to have the choice of going somewhere, just you and me. And if I tell my father, you will feel obligated, and I would feel like I'm forcing you. And we wouldn't be alone; we would have security everywhere."

"We have security everywhere right now," Jimin replied.

"I plan to take care of that if you agree."

"Okay," the other said, surprising him. Because even though he had made the request, he didn't think Jimin would accept.

Smiling, he nodded and softly repeated, "Okay."

Jeongguk, 3:43:21 P.M : Jimin and I are going on a date after this.

Jin hyung, 3:44:00 P.M : What do you mean by a date, and specifically "after this"?

Jeongguk, 3:44:32 P.M: I need you to get us disguises. And cover for me with my father if necessary. And help me get rid of the guards.

Jin hyung, 3:44:50 P.M: Anything else? -_-

Jeongguk, 3:45:35 P.M: Pass this information to Taehyung as well. Thanks, hyung!!

As Jimin and Jeongguk stepped out of the vehicle in front of the cozy bakery, Jin immediately approached and pulled Jeongguk aside while the other prince entered Serendipity.

"What are you planning?"

"I told you, hyung. We're going on a date," he smiled, not looking at Jin but at the bakery, where he could see Jimin through the glass window, greeting the owner.

"Does he know it's a date?"

"Well... not exactly. But he agreed to go out with just the two of us."

Jin sighed and ran a frustrated hand over his face. "Surprising… Anyway, you have one hour. I don't think it's wise for both of you to wander around without an escort. Taehyung and Hoseok can..."

He shook his head. "No. Just Jimin and me."

"Are you out of your mind?" practically screamed the other. Looking around again to see if nobody noticed it.

He shook his head again and finally looked at Jin. "It's not the first time I've done this, hyung."

"It's the first time it's not just you but you and another prince. A prince who will soon be a king," Jin replied, discreetly looking around, slightly paranoid that someone might be listening.

"One hour," Jeongguk agreed.

The silence fell between them, but after a minute, Jin broke it.

"I need a raise," was the only response from Jin before he signaled for Jeongguk to enter the bakery, and it was his sign that he could count on him.

His assistant, accompanied by Yoongi, headed to a nearby thrift store, purchasing hoodies, bucket hats, and masks while Jeongguk and Jimin tasted the extremely delicious cakes. When they returned, both of them had already chosen the perfect one and were watching as the film team packed everything up. Anyone who saw them at that moment would never guess what they were about to do.

Following behind Jin and Yoongi were Taehyung and Hoseok, and by the look on the latter's face, he wasn't very pleased.

"Are you guys insane?" Hoseok asked, kind of echoing Jin's feeling.

"It's not the first time Jeongguk has done this," Taehyung intervened, and thank God for him.

"That doesn't make it any less dangerous," Hoseok said, turning to look at him.

"I want to do it," Jimin interjected, looking at the guard.

 "Jiminie..."

"I want to go, Hobi. Just… it doesn’t need to be a long time.”

Jeongguk had never heard such tenderness in Jimin's voice, at least not talking with him.

Hoseok sighed and nodded.

"Jin said it would be for an hour," Taehyung said. "Where do you plan on going, and where should we wait for you?"

"We'll just walk and... I don't know…wherever the wind takes us."

"Don't you have a specific destination?" Jimin asked beside him.

Jeongguk shrugged before answering, "I just want to spend time with you."

That had him feeling the gaze not only of the other prince but also of his friends, Yoongi, and Hoseok.

"Okay," Taehyung said again after a moment. "You can do that near the square where your father's statue is. We'll wait for you there."

Jeongguk nodded, and Jin took that moment to hand him the bags.

"One hour, Jeongguk."

As they left Serendipity, they headed towards the vehicle designated for them.

"Could you drop us off near the library, Min-ssi?" Jeongguk asked his driver, who was already accustomed to Jeongguk's infrequent but not unheard-of escapades.

Beside him, Jimin silently took off the jacket he was wearing and put on one of the hoodies that Jin and Yoongi had obtained for them. They didn't talk much during the ride, and at times Jeongguk feared that Jimin would back out, that he would say he wouldn't do it. But that moment never came, and sometime later, they found themselves in an area that Jeongguk knew was not very crowded. Both of them got out of the car, with Jimin following the Prince of Aragorn, who walked directly to a bench partially hidden by some trees.

They might have drawn attention with their tailored pants and hoodies that covered their elegant shirts, but it was autumn, and the people around them would understand the cold. Perhaps the same thought crossed Jimin's mind as he stopped by Jeongguk's side.

"How do you know we won't be recognized?"

"People see what they expect to see. I don't think anyone expects to see us walking the streets of the city," he replied. "Shall we?" he said, pointing to his left.

They were in an open space at that moment, but as they walked, the streets became narrower. The library was located in one of the parts of the city that, personally, Jeongguk found more beautiful. It had an old-world charm that could be fully appreciated by walking, listening to the sound of their shoes against the cobblestone streets, and seeing the street art in the alleys.

"Hoseok-ssi cares a lot about you," he said to start the conversation.

"It seems strange that he hasn't told you to call him hyung. He's that kind of kind person," Jimin replied.

Jeongguk smiled. "He did it. It’s just that I’m not used to it yet, we haven't spent that much time together."

"Neither have you and I, and yet you took that liberty."

"You and I are engaged," he said, considering if Jimin had responded that way because Jeongguk offended him by calling him hyung.

"We are," the other one sighted, but before Jeongguk could say anything more about that, Jimin continued, "and in response to your question, yes, Hobi hyung is one of my few friends. Him, Yoongi, and Namjoon. You've met all three of them."

"You have more friends than I do. I only have Jin and Taehyung, and they've been by my side since... forever, so it's not surprising."

Both of them were walking, looking straight ahead, without looking at each other's expressions, so Jeongguk didn't notice the surprise that appeared on Jimin's face at his statement.

"And Namjoon is your friend? He seems so..." he continued, and Jimin completed his sentence once again, laughing a little.

"Formal?"

"Yes”

"It is just an image. We actually have to thank him. He may seem all formal and rule-abiding, but it was his idea to get rid of Hwangsoo."

"Really?"

"Yes," the other said with a slight smile, "apparently, he was stressing us all out, and Namjoon hyung took one for the team."

"I like that. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised that one of your friends is part of the council. He is young, and you are a prince. Also, it's not like you're the embodiment of sunshine either."

As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them.

"I know," Jimin said, however, and it was the first time Jeongguk turned to look at him, but his expression didn't reveal anything.

"I'm sorry, I..."

Jimin interrupted him.

"It's okay. Do you know why I'm surprised that, according to you, you have fewer friends than I do?"

Jeongguk's silence was an indication for him to continue.

"Because you are what I can't be. You have a kind personality, Jeongguk, and you have... freedom. To me, you represent freedom."

Jeongguk let out a snort as he looked up at the cloudy sky and put his hands in the pockets of his hoodie.

"If you know it wasn't my decision to marry you, right? And you told me you had a choice."

"I'm sure you had a choice. From what I've seen, your father would have allowed it without any problems, it's just that you have a strong sense of duty," Jimin replied, and as surprising as it may sound, Jeongguk was amazed to find it was true.

"I had a choice, yes, but ask me what the other option was."

The bitter smile on Jimin's face told Jeongguk that the answer wasn't going to be pleasant.

"What?" he asked.

"War," the other prince replied instantly.

"What do you mean?" Jeongguk looked at Jimin, and the other's face had lost any trace of softness it might have had.

"It shouldn't be a surprise to you," he said in that cold voice that the man hadn't used with him, at least not in the past week. "Berium is strong, we have the best army, the best weapons, and my father is a military strategist. We have conquered kingdoms; we have massacred kingdoms. What makes you think Aragorn was completely safe?"

"Wait," Jeongguk said, stopping and taking Jimin by the wrist to make him stop walking as well. This "date" did not turn out to be what he had expected.

"Jeongguk, my father is not like yours.” Continued the other, not waiting for Jeongguk to even ask. “My father has completely different ideologies from Jeon Seung. So yes, I had a choice, it was either marry you or come and ravage Aragorn. If you expected me to say that my options were to marry or not marry, marry you or someone else, it wasn't like that."

Jeongguk let go of Jimin's hand and simply stared at him. In a way, it was almost funny—two princes from opposing kingdoms, engaged, talking about war in the middle of a street that was supposed to inspire only good moments.

He pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, thinking about what to say next.

"Okay... you... okay."

Jimin sighed. "I'm sorry to tell you like this, but if there's one thing I've learned these past few days, it's that you're too good, you know? And I don't want to hurt your feelings, Jeongguk, but things are darker than what you've been able to see from Aragorn."

"But you—you're my future husband. You will marry me, right?"

"I will," Jimin said, and if it weren't for the situation, the resignation in Jimin's eyes might have hurt Jeongguk.

"I mean... you don't want war, you— why?"

The other also put his hands in the pockets of his hoodie, imitating the prince of Aragorn.

"You said it yourself; people see what they expect to see. No one expects to see us here, although I've noticed some glances. And no one would expect me, as the heir of Berium, to be any different from my father."

"But you're not like him," Jeongguk whispered, looking at him.

After a tense silence, Jimin confirmed.

"No, I'm not."

And although his response should have somewhat relieved Jeongguk, he wasn't foolish, and the nuances he could perceive told him that Jimin had faced problems for not being like his father.

"You're better."

The words didn't seem to affect Jimin in any way. Maybe he didn't believe him, maybe he wasn't in the right mental state at that moment for them to have an effect. And maybe it wasn't the best decision, perhaps all that talk and the image he had formed of Jimin had done something inside him, but if Jimin wanted the freedom Jeongguk had, he would be it for him.

Approaching the other, he interlocked their arms, and that seemed to pull Jimin out of the thoughts he had sunk into.

"Let's go," he began walking, initially practically pulling a surprised Jimin along.

"I'm glad you chose to marry me," he said without looking directly at the other. "Now, I'll show you the best ice cream around here, so you can confirm that you made the best decision by preventing your army from coming to my kingdom."

Jeongguk had more questions, things that still didn't fit together, but he wouldn't ask them at that moment. He wanted to get to know Jimin more, and although he had already had a great revelation about who he was through that conversation, Jeongguk didn't want heavy words to be the ones lingering in the air. So, he began to talk about childhood memories, like when he had fallen in front of everyone while getting out of the car for an event at a nearby building. And at the same time, he asked light questions, like Jimin’s favorite color, what food he didn't like, or what flavor of ice cream he would choose.

Throughout this time, they walked. They only sat down to enjoy the ice cream, where Jimin had ordered simple vanilla, which Jeongguk took as an offense; so, he stared to ask Jimin to try his mint-choco ice cream, just to be facing a frown and a promise that that tasted like toothpaste. And when they stood up again, neither of them paid attention to the fact that their arms had intertwined again. Sometime later, as they were on their way to the fountain with the statue of King Jeon, neither of them paid attention to the fact that Jeongguk's hand had slipped into one of the pockets of Jimin's hoodie, where the Prince of Berium also had one of his hands.

At the first touch, Jeongguk thought about pulling away, but before he could do so, Jimin took his hand, adjusting it better to hold it inside the pocket.

Jeongguk felt his cheeks heat up, but when he looked at Jimin, the other was only looking ahead as if nothing had happened. They continued walking and, when the fountain came into view, faint rays of the sunset that had managed to escape the clouds were shining behind the statue.

"Jeongguk-ssi?" He heard him say by his side when they both stopped at a certain distance of the people throwing pennies into the water or just sitting there. They watched as Hoseok and Taehyung, that were already there, discreetly signaled where they needed to go to find the car.

"Yes?" he said as he appreciated the sun's rays on his skin as they walked around the figure of his father.

"I'm glad I decided that too."

For a moment, Jeongguk didn't understand what he meant, but suddenly, tenderness surged in his heart, making it beat just a little faster.

I'm glad I chose to marry you too.

A squeeze of the hand he was holding was the only indication Jeongguk gave that he had understood. But it was enough. And on the way back to the castle, words were unnecessary, and their hands only separated when they were about to enter through the grand doors.

⊱✿⊰

Recommended song

Something seemed to have changed between them that day. Perhaps admitting to Jeongguk that he wasn't what others believed had been the turning point. The tension that Jeongguk could almost see before was now barely noticeable. He used to see caution in the other man's eyes, but now, more often than not, he could simply see a serene gaze.

They had continued to spend time together, and as the days passed, their desire to see each other only grew. At least Jeongguk felt it that way. Every day, they would sit together on what Jeongguk had now designated as "their bench in the garden”. And that made him fear rainy days. Jimin seemed to want to share that time with Jeongguk. They laughed, and now the other had also started to share stories.

One of them had surprised Jeongguk.

"I used to read your letters," Jimin had said.

"My letters?" he responded, surprised.

"The ones you sent me when we were young."

"Why didn't you respond to any of them?" he asked as he moved his hand closer to where Jimin had his resting.

That had also changed. Since their little escapade, Jeongguk wanted to hold Jimin's hand when they were together, but most of the time, he was too cowardly to make the first move. Then there were the times when he did, and there were also the times when it was Jimin who would casually start playing with Jeongguk's fingers.

"I did. I replied to each one, but then you stopped sending them."

"Why didn't any of them reach me?" he said, getting close enough to touch Jimin's pinky.

"I don't know."

The shadow that passed through Jimin's eyes as he answered told Jeongguk that even if he wasn't sure, he had a suspicion.

Jeongguk did too. But he wouldn't bring up the topic again. He had decided to become Jimin's zone of peace, who, if you looked closely, seemed to be always restraining himself when he was with other people.

The fact that Jimin allowed him to see him like this, that he let Jeongguk see his carefree smile... made him feel valuable.That same smile made an appearance when Jeongguk finally intertwined their pinkies.

Also, every conversation revealed something different.

"I thought you were different," Jimin had said on another occasion as they walked through the rose bushes. Jeongguk was humming a song that wouldn't leave his mind lately.

He turned around to face Jimin as he walked backward. "What do you mean?"

Jimin had his hands behind his back, and even in his perfect gray suit, he somehow created the perfect image amidst the flowers.

"When I arrived, I thought you were... like the world thinks I am."

He smiled to the side, "When did you realize that I'm not?"

"I started to notice it when you confronted my counselor that night. And I think I confirmed it when no one could make you change your mind about using the nursing home for publicity."

"He deserved it. Hwangsoo-ssi, I mean" he responded without missing a beat, and Jimin chuckled lightly.

"He deserves a lot of things. I'll have you to let him know when he's crossing the line?"

Jeongguk liked hearing Jimin talk about their future together.

"I'll defend you," he said with a broad smile.

"Do you think I need it?"

That left Jeongguk silent for a while.

"You don't have to need it for me to be willing to do it."

Jimin's eyes were always expressive, and he still couldn't get used to how they shone like they did at that moment. He also hoped he wouldn't get used to it because his heart always beat faster when he saw him and knew that he was the cause.

"Do you think you have what it takes?" he said now in a joking tone.

"You seemed harder, and look at us," he turned back to walk alongside Jimin, "if I recall correctly, at that same dinner I thought you hated me."

"I thought you were manipulating me," the other responded immediately, and Jeongguk let out a chuckle.

"I don't have what it takes for that."

"I know," Jimin said immediately. "You're too gentle."

"I'll have you for when I need it," he said, glancing at Jimin sideways.

"I don't need to manipulate. Most already think I'll end their lives if they get in my way."

The other said it so naturally that something hurts for him in Jeongguk's heart.

"You're not like that," he felt compelled to say.

"Not with you."

"Shouldn't the world know?" he asked as they reached the end of the path. "Until now, it's only me who knows."

Jimin shrugged.

"You're special."

And there, Jeongguk knew that it wasn’t a product of his imagination; Jimin really thought he was special.

The next time they both met, it was to organize how people would be seated. For that, they had to be accompanied by advisors because, after all, the wedding was a political matter, and they had to consider the sentiments of both kingdoms in that aspect. Surrounded by so many people, they didn't have much interaction. But that didn't matter because Jeongguk felt something different in the air. Apparently, the conversation they had had three days ago had created trust between them, fragile but trust, nonetheless. Or maybe, something more than that, if the grazes of their hands, which happened too frequently to be accidental, said anything.

By the time they finished, Jeongguk felt his cheeks a little redder than usual, so much so that one of the people there to help them asked if he was okay, which, clearly, made him blush even more.

That wasn't their only mission that day, because a few moments later, a man and a woman entered through the door of the grand hall, followed by a multitude of flowers. There was gladiolus, gerberas, roses, lilies... the place filled with a perfume that Jeongguk seriously enjoyed. Although the two florists were a somewhat elderly couple, they prepared various floral arrangements as samples of what they could do, and although Jeongguk had a difficult time deciding, he had something quite clear in mind, and he made it known by looking directly at the couple.

"I want us to have spireas and tiger lilies."

"It's... an interesting choice," said the woman, Kim Mina, in front of him.

"It's the birth flower of my fiancé," he said, pointing with his hand at Jimin, who was sitting next to him, looking at him. "And mine. I would like to use them."

Mina's husband smiled suddenly, an internal light illuminating his eyes. "I used to give her carnations," he said, looking at his wife, who looked at him equally smiling.

"I loved them," she said, and Jeongguk's heart simply softened at the sight of their tender interaction. It also shrank a bit, considering that maybe he wouldn't have that experience. Touching hands? he could do that with a friend. And being special to Jimin? again, he could be just his friend.

"So, you understand me," Jeongguk said.

Mina nodded when she heard Jeongguk, but the wedding organizer spoke.

"Do you want centerpieces with the flowers?"

"I'd like an arch," Jimin said beside him, surprising Jeongguk as he turned towards him. It was the first time the man requested something without anyone asking for his opinion. Jeongguk would make sure he had that arch, so he nodded and looked at the couple of florists.

"We would appreciate an arch."

"Your highness, the wedding is indoors... I don't know if..."

"It can be at the entrance, at the main door, so that all the guests pass through there," Jeongguk interrupted Eunji. "Is that possible?" he continued, looking at the couple, who nodded, smiling. The florists look at them as if they understand what was happening between them. As if they somehow detected a trace of a relationship beyond a mere responsibility, to put it in some way.

"It seems like Jimin-ssi is more involved in the whole wedding process." Said Jin by his side when they were going out of the room after all the decisions were made. Jeongguk, free of any duties for that day, was going to his piano room.

He hummed in agreement.

"I wonder what his councilors will think," Jeongguk said without thinking or, more specifically, without looking around.

"We understand it's just a trick. Personally, I believe the image of the prince is being affected," he heard an irritated tone from behind.

He stopped at that and turned to face the disdainful gaze of Lee Hwangsoo.

"It was his idea, if I recall correctly. All this show, I mean."

"Because you, Your Highness," Hwangsoo began without changing his tone, "were stubborn enough not to follow the best course of action."

"He agreed," his gaze shifted to Jimin, who was standing silently behind the advisor.

"A misjudgment. Now we have to go along with this nonsense because you're a spoiled child."

He raised an eyebrow, "I am a prince, Hwangsoo-ssi. And that's something you seem to constantly forget."

"Not my prince," the other replied instantly, "I can't wait for us to leave, and for you to finally understand your place."

"My place will be as the husband of your king," he said without losing his composure.

"You say it as if it's a great merit” He said mockingly “But your life won't really be much of a king's spouse. You are going to be a trophy, or we will just ignore your existence. Am I not right, Jimin-ssi?"

All eyes turned to the one who had remained quiet until then. But when he looked at him, Jeongguk knew what his answer would be. So, he didn't even stay to hear it. After a snort, he turned on his heels again and walked with his head held high towards his original destination.

"Jeongguk," he heard Jin beside him, trying to keep up. "Don't let it get to you."

"It's not affecting me," he tried to lie.

"Jeongguk-ssi," he heard another voice, one he hadn't heard much.

Kim Namjoon.

"Namjoon-ssi," Jeongguk stopped in the hallway when what he really wanted was to be left alone. He hadn't even noticed that the other had followed them.

"Just call me hyung," the other man said, smiling slightly. "After all, you'll be my friend's future husband."

Jeongguk smiled bitterly.

"You didn't hear what Hwangsoo just said? There's no need for this."

Yes, Jeongguk could be a lovely person, but he was still a person, and he couldn't help feeling hurt and humiliated. Everyone could do whatever they wanted. He would do what was expected of him and try not to create more fantasies in his mind.

Who do they think they are? Fuck them, fuck all the Berium people.

"It's not what we all think," the other replied. "Personally, I'm happy that Jimin is doing this."

"And how many of you are there?" Jin said at his side, as his assistant was nothing less than loyal.

That made Namjoon's aura shifts to discomfort because he knew that while he agreed with everything they were doing, he was the only one.

"Jimin thinks so too."

Jeongguk rolled his eyes at that statement. "It didn't seem like it. In fact, I wonder why he's doing it."

"At first, I wondered the same thing. How long until Jimin listens to all these people who have been giving their opinions on what he should or shouldn't do for his whole life? But... I'm surprised, in a good way. And I think I owe it to you."

"To me?" Jeongguk raised his eyebrow and crossed his arms.

"Jimin... he's not what everyone thinks. He mentioned that you had talked a bit about that, but... there's something you need to understand, Jeongguk-ssi. Jimin has a complex personality, and I know that most people in your kingdom think he's impenetrable. He hasn't helped to improve that image, but—"

Recommended song

"I know he's not like that," Jeongguk interrupted. "I know he's not, but right now I’m not very inclined to understand it. Because even if I know it, I’m tired of his mixed signals, and tired of the complexity of his personality, and tired of his companions."

He didn’t care he was talking with one of those same companions.

Namjoon didn’t seem offended and, instead, he looked at him, as if he was analyzing Jeongguk’s mind.

"I get it. All I’m going to say is that I know he's not the epitome of a soft type, but maybe you are the gentleness he needs."

Jeongguk didn't respond to that, and there was no need because Namjoon was called by Jimin himself, who was walking alongside Hwangsoo to the room designated as his office during their stay in Aragorn. He didn’t want to answer either.

He entered the piano room lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, everything he knew came together, and he couldn't distinguish what he wanted to focus on. He wanted to focus on the fact that he knew Jimin was much more than what he showed? On the other hand, should he focus on how Hwangsoo seemed to control the prince? Or perhaps, should he focus on  the fact that what had happened made him realize that he had feelings for Jimin already?

Maybe he was overthinking, but he felt somewhat betrayed. He knew, or wanted to believe, that the Jimin he shared with in the garden was the real one, but his mind went to the Jimin who couldn't defend him against Hwangsoo. He knew that the other man had a hold on Jimin that Jeongguk couldn't yet decipher, but it didn't make his heart understand. He knew he could be very naive, and he knew that it was probably the case at that moment. Jimin and he, after all, had only been interacting for a little over a month, but he would have wanted the other prince to say something. Something that would give Jeongguk some assurance about what the future would be like after the wedding.

Jin and Taehyung would go with him to Berium, having offered before Jeongguk could say anything about it, and he was deeply grateful that he would have both of them. But he wondered if he would still feel lonely, if Jimin would indeed push him aside. Because that was what Hwangsoo implied. And on top of everything, there would also be Park Jaehyun and he knew that would make everything worse.

He let his troubled thoughts translate into the sound of the piano, and when the last rays of the day bathed the room in a beautiful orange color, the melody had swallowed what his mind was saying.

But when he stopped, ready to continue playing after a short pause, not feeling much desire to go get ready for dinner, he heard murmurs below the window.

As always, his favorite rooms faced the garden, which was considerably large. This specific window was above an arch of climbing plants, which somewhat concealed him from the outside world, but still, through small spaces, allowed him to see a person pacing back and forth below, talking to himself. Not quietly enough for Jeongguk not to hear.

"That's stupid. So stupid..."

"Okay, again," the person, whom Jeongguk had now managed to distinguish as the prince of Berium, stopped and looked ahead.

"Jeongguk."

He thought he had been caught spying, and he almost gave a response, but Jimin wasn't looking at him.

"I know you like flowers," he heard the other say. "So, I brought you these as a gesture of an apology."

His hand extended forward with what appeared to be a bouquet of tiger lilies. Jeongguk, by the window, realized that Jimin was somehow practicing, and his heart quickened as he tried to have a better view.

"That's not romantic at all, Park Jimin," the man said to himself. "He's your fiancé, for God's sake."

Jeongguk wanted to laugh, even if he was mad at the other, but held back, listening to Jimin clear his throat before speaking again.

"Jeongguk, I understand that we're engaged, and I noticed by your expression this afternoon that you like flowers, so I thought it is appropriate to give you—damn it, Jimin, you've been at this for a while, and still..."

Jimin finished the sentence with a sigh, and Jeongguk understood that he hadn't heard the previous attempts due to the sound of the piano. He also wondered how long it would take Jimin to realize that the music had stopped. He probably didn't know that Jeongguk could hear him, and Jeongguk was sure that the man didn't know it was him playing, so even if he heard the silence, it will not be related to Jeongguk immediately.

He wondered if his fiancé would like the melody.

"Jeongguk," he heard again, "this is for you. I hope every time you see them your eyes light up like they did this afternoon. And I’m sorry for dull that spark today with my stupidity."

Aw.

That was the perfect phrase if you asked him. Jimin had noticed his eyes, and the gesture... the truth was that Jeongguk hadn't expected it, which made it even more beautiful.

Namjoon said that Jeongguk was the gentleness that Jimin needed, and from the window next to his piano, Jeongguk pondered just how gentle the other prince could be.

After a few moments of silence, Jimin left the arch, and Jeongguk sat back on the stool.

It seemed he would receive flowers. The thought made his thoughts about the future fade away a little bit, and he started playing with the white and black keys again, now in a more joyful manner. He also decided to attend the dinner, thinking that he might find Jimin on the way and receive the gift, but it didn't happen. In fact, when he arrived at the dining hall, he learned that Jimin was feeling unwell and would not be joining them. He had the intention to turn back at the moment he knew, but he was there already, and all the eyes were on him. Instead, he conversed with Namjoon, while ignoring the disapproving glances sent his way by other council members.

Is it a sin to interact with me?

He also didn't receive the flowers the next day, nor the day after. In fact, another week passed during which Jeongguk couldn't see Jimin a single day, no matter how beautiful the days had been lately. He went to the garden almost every day and sent messages to Jimin. They had started messaging each other since the day they had ice cream, and while sitting on the bench, Jeongguk reviewed each message, trying to find answers as to why the other prince no longer responded. He didn't even read what Jeongguk was sending him.

He still sat next to Jimin during dinner, but that wasn't the man he knew. He no longer associated his fiancé with the cold and stern man who now sat beside him, and the flame of hope and illusion he had once felt was fading as Jimin didn't even glance his way.

What the fuck happened between his courting practice and the dinner that day?

But the feelings he seemed to have developed on his own still lingered within him.

Those same feelings were what led him to watch the first episode of what the wedding was like. It was an interesting experience to look at him on television, alongside Jimin.

The production team had done a fantastic job, he had to admit, because even though he knew the truth, at times he thought it really was a fairy tale. Many people on social media thought the same.

@LeeSun21: They are so cute! I didn't know our prince had a romance. They sure know how to keep a secret.

@Rue : The idea of going to local bakeries makes me see how great of a king Jeongguk would be.

@Mrs.Je0n : Did anyone else get excited when Prince Jimin shut down his councilor? Like, wtf bruh.

@LiaKang : @Mrs.Je0n, the guy is an asshole. The comments he was making? He should go back to Berium.

@Mrs.Je0n : @LiaKang, did you see how Jimin-ssi got rid of him? Some tasks or something like that? The look on the guy's face was priceless, and I bet the tasks were a lie.

@Arami: I know many have a different opinion, but... the prince of Berium doesn't seem to be as they portray him.

@Pm344: @Arami, maybe only with Jeongguk.

He spent a long time after the broadcast had ended just reading comments. From his perspective, everything had been a success. Perhaps that's why he was even more surprised the next day.

Jeongguk had spent the entire morning, afternoon, and part of the night jumping from one meeting to another. The fact that he was going to Berium in less than two months meant he had to tie numerous threads to execute, if not all, at least most of his functions from the other kingdom. This involved meetings with his team and various calls with people from Jimin's kingdom. At the same time, he had other matters to take care of. That's why at dinnertime, he didn't even go to the dining hall, but instead stayed in his office, where his beloved Soori brought him dinner.

"You must eat, dear," she said.

"I will."

"You've been absent for a while” She frowned, but then a mischievous smile appeared on her face. "Is it because of your prince?"

He didn’t want to talk about Jimin.

"I've been busy,"

She nodded.

"When you leave here, come to see me in the kitchen."

"I don't know what time I'll finish."

"Before midnight, I want you in my kitchen, Jeon Jeongguk. I'll make you warm milk, and I have those cookies you like so much. You can come pick them up and take them to your room."

He knew she just wanted to make sure he wouldn't spend much more time working, but he nodded, smiling.

"It's a date."

Hours have passed since that, and he was so fucking tired. The day had been long and busy, and he was ready to go to the kitchen for those cookies, but it seemed it wasn't over yet. As  he left his office, fate had him bump into Hwangsoo.

"I was coming to find you," said the other man, and Jeongguk wanted to groan just at the thought of having to engage in a conversation.

"Of course. Come in," he opened the door again, but the other man shook his head.

"I'm just here to inform you that you have an appointment tomorrow at 10."

"I am not aware of that," he replied, his mind struggling to remember his schedule as best as possible “Did you talk with my assistant?”

The satisfied smile on Hwangsoo's face should have given him a clue that he wouldn't like the response, but he still continued, "What is it about?"

"You'll be going to the nursing home tomorrow. The production team has been scheduled."

"I'm sorry," he immediately said, "but I already said I won't do it. And I don't think it's a decision where I have no say."

"If you don't go, Jimin will go alone. It's all set, your father knows about it too."

Jeongguk raised an eyebrow, and an involuntary smile of disbelief appeared on his face. Until a thought entered his mind, causing his heart to sink.

"Jimin knows?" he asked.

"Oh, of course," the other replied in a sing-song voice, clearly enjoying the situation, "he approved the decision. It was what he needed to do from the beginning."

Hwangsoo must have noticed how much it affected him because he spoke again while smiling.

Such a disdainful smile.

"Jimin-ssi is the prince of Berium, and you are a newcomer. You should start learning how we do things there. It's your decision if you are going. We expect you at 10 tomorrow, or we will leave without you.”

With that said, he continued walking, leaving Jeongguk standing there, thinking about the change Jimin had undergone. His mind couldn't keep up with the twists in the prince's personality.

He had to do something, because he sure as hell wouldn't use those people for that manufactured nonsense. Yes, he would use his wedding and sacrifice his experience by having people running around him with cameras and microphones, but in that case, he was the only one affected. Not even Jimin, because the other didn't seem to care. So, he didn't care that he would have to ruin Jimin's and his entourage's experience the next day.

Watch me do it.

He also had to be honest with himself, pride also made an appearance. He was the damn prince of Aragorn, and they were in his house. Learn how things work in Berium?

Pff... I would teach them.

Before he knew it, he was in front of a surprised Hoseok.

"Jeongguk-ssi," the man said, "is something wrong?"

Yes, something was wrong. He was furious, and it was probably showing on his face.

"I need to go in and talk to your prince," he said.

"Um, I'll let him know that—"

He cut the other man off. "No, it's not about you telling him. I'm going to do it, and he'll have to see me. So, if you need it to be a direct order from the prince of Aragorn, then take it as such."

"You know I like you, but I have to clarify that we don't follow orders from the monarchs of Aragorn."

Jeongguk knew the other man was in an uncomfortable position, and he didn't want to cause him trouble, but he also wasn't going to leave without seeing Jimin and telling him a few truths to his face.

"I'm the fiancé of the prince of Berium. If you want, then forget my royal status, I am still committed to your prince. And, if that's not enough, you're in my house, and I want to enter that room, no matter how rude it sounds to invade the space of my guests."

He was about to start calling out to Jimin loudly when Hoseok realized that he wouldn't budge, and he also seemed to consider that as soon as he opened the door to inform Jimin, he wouldn't be the only one entering. So, he sighed and opened the door slightly.

"You have a visitor, Jiminie. I'll open the door now."

Jimin only had time to ask, "What?" before Jeongguk entered with determined steps.

"We need to talk."

"Jeongguk-ssi? What brings you here?" the other said with penetrating eyes and an unbuttoned shirt. But that wouldn't distract Jeongguk.

But what a nice chest.

"As I told you, Jimin-ssi, we need to talk."

"Couldn't you wait until tomorrow?"

"No. I couldn't," he felt the anger boiling inside him again. Not only because of what Hwangsoo had informed him but also because of the drastic changes in the man he now faced.

Who did he think he was?

Jimin seemed to notice the fury on his face, so he lit a second lamp; apparently, he was about to go to bed. Then he sat on the chaise lounge at the foot of the bed and waited for Jeongguk to speak.

"Did I do something wrong?" was the first question that came out of his mouth. "Are you upset about something?"

"What do you mean by that? You haven't done anything."

The look on Jimin's face indicated that he did know what Jeongguk was referring to. Jeongguk ran a hand over his face, frustrated.

"That's not even the reason I came here. I’m here to tell you that no matter what you think I did, what you did was a low blow."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You don't know? You don't know that you have an appointment tomorrow at 10 AM? Your beloved advisor didn't tell you?"

Jimin furrowed his brow before replying.

"I know that I have something scheduled for tomorrow, but I still don't know what that has to do with you being here looking like you want to punch me."

"Seriously, Jimin? You don't know? Because you must have imagined how I would react when they told me that you were going to the nursing home with or without me. Do you remember now what you have to do tomorrow?"

Jimin furrowed his brow even more, but Jeongguk didn't let him respond before continuing.

"You know how important it is to me and what I believe about it. And you decide to do this? Well, let me tell you that it's not going to happen."

"Jeongguk—"

"It's not going to happen, do you understand? Even if I have to cancel the whole team first thing in the morning. I don't even know if those people were asked, if they were informed that they are being used. But damn it, you're not going there to play with them like you're the perfect prince."

He finished closer to Jimin than when he stared while pointing a finger to his face.

"I haven't decided anything," Jimin said, getting up. "I don't know where you got the idea that I'm going there tomorrow."

"You don't have to lie to me now, Jimin."

"I'm not! Hwangsoo-ssi just—" He interrupted himself with a sigh. "I didn't know I was going there."

"Well, he told me you approved of it. But whether you approve it or not, I..." He ran his hands through his hair. "I'm tired. Tired of dealing with you. So, see you tomorrow."

He turned ready to leave the room, but a hand on his forearm made him stop.

"I'm not lying to you, Jeongguk-ah," the other began with a soft voice. "I don't know where the confusion came from, but... I won't go tomorrow. I haven't decided anything. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding."

Jimin seemed sincere, so Jeongguk nodded before leaving. When he was at the door, he turned to look at Hoseok.

"I'm sorry, Hoseok-ssi."

"Don't worry," the other replied with a smile. "But please don’t do this to me again.

Jeongguk let out a chuckle and nodded.

“And remember that you can call me hyung."

“Thanks, hyung” he said before finally heading towards the stairs to go to the kitchen. On the way, he decided he needed to know who they had called to cover the event because he was going to cancel them.

When he entered through the doors it was almost midnight, and Soori looked at him.

"You waited a long time, dear."

"Sorry, Eomoni. Some things came up," he replied, sitting on the stool in front of her.

"Don't worry, my star. You're just in time."

She walked around, taking a tray of chocolate cookies out of the oven, knowing that Jeongguk loved them.

"Weren’t they already done?" he asked, and she laughed before looking at him again, exchanging her smile for a frown.

"You looked down."

"Don't worry, it's just work." He replied.

She put the tray on the counter in front of Jeongguk, from where he immediately took a cookie, biting into it and enjoying its taste. "I thought I would find you with more lively eyes today."

"Why did you think that? And what's wrong with my eyes?"

"Because of the flowers," she replied, surprising him.

"Flowers?"

She turned to him with a cup of warm milk. "Yes. I thought your relationship with Prince Jimin was going well."

"I'm not following what you’re saying," he said, finishing the cookie but not feeling like taking another one at the moment.

Soori sat in front of him. "Jimin-ssi was looking for you the other day. About... a week ago? Two? I don't know. He had a beautiful bouquet. It was of your birth flowers, Jeonggukie, the ones you always talked about when you became obsessed with flowers."

Jeongguk smiled, remembering. He indeed had tired everyone talking about flowers at some point.

"He came here looking for you. He said you talked about me to him. But I told him you hadn't been here."

Jeongguk didn’t say anything, so she continued, "I was just leaving, and I walked with him to the hallway. He asked me to help him find you, but his advisor found us and said he had to talk to the prince."

"His advisor?"

"Yes. The one who appeared on the show talking nonsense. I don't like that man, Ggukie," she replied, unknowingly giving Jeongguk answers to some of his questions.

So Jimin had intended to give him the flowers but had encountered Hwangsoo. He could infer what had happened after that. He also told Soori that he had never received the flowers, and she was quite surprised because, in her words, "that young man speaks very softly about you, and his eyes sparkled a little. He also tried to hide a smile, but I saw it."

While talking with her, midnight arrived, and they both headed to their rooms. To get to his, he had to go up the stairs again, two floors, in fact, and he was on his way when, at the end of the first flight, he ran into Jimin and Hwangsoo. They didn't see him right away, so Jeongguk could hear what they were talking about, realizing that the conversation must have just begun.

"Who do you think you are to decide things for me, and on top of that, say that I did it?" Jimin said angrily, and if Jeongguk weren't at his back, he would surely see the fire in the man's eyes.

"Jimin, you're being—"

"Your Highness. I am your prince, the son of your king, and the future king of Berium. In less than six months, I will be. You have no right to address me in that manner."

Jeongguk had never heard Jimin's voice so authoritative, lashing out like a whip. The other didn't fall silent, though.

"I've always called you that."

But neither did Jimin.

"That's over. I've had enough, Hwangsoo-ssi. I know you're the advisor my father trusts the most. But I am not him, and you are no one to make decisions for me and lie about it."

"It's for the best, Ji—Your Highness."

"You will cancel everything about going to the nursing home first thing in the morning. Everything, understand? I don't want a single person from the entertainment industry there."

"But—"

"It's an order from your future king," Jimin cut him off again, and turned, perhaps in response to the gasp of surprise that Jeongguk had let out.

Hwangsoo then saw him too, and it seemed he hadn't had enough.

"It's all his fault, isn't it?" he said, looking at Jeongguk.

He fell silent, and based on precedent, he thought Jimin would too, but he turned around again.

"Excuse me?"

"You've changed, Your Highness. And if you allow me one last piece of advice for today, I think it's because of the prince of Aragorn. He is a bad influence on you.”

Jeongguk knew that Hwangsoo didn't respect him, but the audacity to speak like that about him, as if he weren't listening. Rather, not caring if he was listening... it was surprising.

"We can still cancel all this wed—"

"Watch your mouth, Hwangsoo," Jimin didn't even bother to speak formally to the man. "He's my future husband, and it would be good for you to remember that."

"Husband? We know it's just a title."

"You know nothing," ice could be felt in Jimin's voice. "You don't know me; you just think you do. So, allow me one last piece of advice for the night," the prince continued, returning his words, "stay away from Jeongguk, and act as you should. He is the prince of one kingdom and the future king of another—"

"King?" the other interrupted.

"Any order he gives, any suggestion, any request," he was getting closer and closer to the advisor, and from where he was standing, Jeongguk could finally see him becoming intimidated, "take it as if it were from me. Are we clear?"

The other nodded silently.

When Jimin started walking up the stairs that would also lead him back to his room, Hwangsoo muttered under his breath.

"Brat. He should learn from his father."

"He's better."

This time, it was Jeongguk who spoke.

"You really seem to ignore my presence most of the time," he said, smiling ironically, "but listen to me when I tell you he's better."

"Or worse."

Hwangsoo and him, both turned towards the stairs, where Jimin looked back over his shoulder. It seemed he could still hear them.

"It depends," was the last thing he said before looking ahead again and continuing to walk.

Jeongguk went after him. Yes, his room was on the same floor, but he wouldn't go to his own room. Since they were clearing things up, he would go to where Jimin was.

And he knew that the other man knew he was heading in his direction, so the fact that Jimin didn't stop him or prevent him from following was a good sign for Jeongguk. Even more so when Jimin left his room door open.

"Two visits in one night? We're on fire today," Hoseok said, and Jeongguk smiled.

"Is it your night shift now?"

Hoseok shook his head.

"I'm leaving actually. I was just waiting for Jimin to come back. The other guard is just around the corner."

Jeongguk nodded before entering and closing the door. Silence ensued until Jimin broke it, still facing away.

"Do you need something else, Jeongguk?"

When Jeongguk didn't speak, Jimin turned to look at him.

"Do I need to know something else?"

"I know about the flowers," he said. "The tiger lilies. I know about them."

That surprised the other man. And not only did it surprise him, but it also made him blush slightly.

"I-I don't know, I—"

"You do," Jeongguk interrupted, getting closer. "I hope you'll answer honestly, because I'll honestly tell you that I heard you practicing."

"What?" the other asked, alarmed.

"In the garden. I was playing the piano, and you were right beneath the window. You weren't speaking too softly either."

"Because I thought I was alone!"

"Well, you weren't," he said, smiling faintly. "So, tell me, why didn't you give them to me? Do you know how much I was looking forward to them?"

Jimin seemed resigned and sat on the bed.

"I... Hwangsoo-ssi found me. And we talked. He mentioned repeatedly how idiot I was being, and how... how I'd probably make a fool of myself giving you the flowers, because the bouquet would have probably ended in the trash can. And how my father would be disappointed in me if I did what I wanted to do."

Jeongguk listened intently, understanding the pressure Jimin was under. He approached and sat next to him, turning his body to see Jimin's profile, who didn't meet his gaze directly. He placed his hand on the other man's right cheek, moving it slowly until their eyes met.

"With the time we've been talking, hyung, do you think I wouldn't like you giving me flowers?"

Jimin fell silent, and Jeongguk caressed his cheek with the hand that was still on it.

"I would have loved it if you had," he said.

"I'm sor—"

"No," he shook his head. "It doesn't matter now. What matters is that you can't let others emotionally manipulate you into doing what they want."

Jeongguk had never seen someone pout and look so... adorable.

And vulnerable.

So, he made the daring decision to get closer and wrap Jimin in his arms. The other prince tensed for a moment, but Jeongguk didn't allow that to push him away, and when he finally felt tentative arms wrapping around him, he could swear he felt a little like he was on cloud nine.

They stayed there, in silence, in the darkness of the room, alone in each other's arms. Neither cared that it was close to one in the morning, and Jeongguk forgot how tired he had been. At some point, they lay down on the bed, facing each other, Jimin playing with Jeongguk's fingers and the rings he had on one of his hands.

"I'm sorry," the other prince whispered suddenly.

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry for being such... an idiot." Jeongguk could see regret on Jimin's face as he tilted it to look directly at him. "I'm sorry for how I've treated you these past few days, and how I've ignored you all this time. I regret not replying to your messages and not going to the garden."

"It's okay," he said softly.

"It's not. I was a coward, and... well... I've missed you, Jeongguk."

He could cry right then. His heart wanted to burst out of his chest and jump towards Jimin.

"I missed you too, hyung," he restrained himself from saying more. "It hurt, but I understand that Hwangsoo played with your mind."

Jimin looked back at Jeongguk's fingers.

"Hwangsoo... he's my father's most trusted adviser. And when the power transfer was scheduled, my father asked him to be mine."

"I know I said I would defend you, hyung, but I'm glad you're standing up to him. I don't like him," Jeongguk said.

Jimin let out a laugh that had no trace of humor in it. "He was my mom's best friend. He's been in my life since…ever. He and my dad, in a way, became best friends too. So, he's constantly trying to steer me towards the path both of my parents would want me to take. Saying what my mother would have wanted."

Jeongguk's heart ached at the thought of the constant manipulations the adviser played on the prince, telling him that certain actions were what his deceased mother would want him to do.

"You are your own person. And I'm glad you've blossomed so beautifully," Jeongguk murmured.

"I don't know how I managed it," Jimin whispered.

"There are flowers that bloom in the most difficult conditions. Haven’t you seen Mulan?" he replied, gently taking his hand away and then playing with Jimin's little fingers, and Jimin laughed lightly as he intended. Jeongguk debated with himself whether to break the silence that had settled between them or not, but a question kept lingering in his mind.

"Can I ask you something?"

Jimin looked at him before nodding.

"If your father and Hwangsoo were so... opposed to this marriage, why did your father propose it in the first place?"

"Because at first, when my father spoke with yours, Berium didn't have as much power as it does now, and my father didn't have so much greed in his heart."

The answer was delivered so matter-of-factly, as if Jimin were talking about the weather.

"And then, as time went by, his thirst for power and I grew at the same time. So, when I could understand what was happening, what he was planning... I stepped forward and explained that Aragorn could be useful to us."

"How?" he asked.

"I told him that a powerful ally was an advantage. Aragorn has good resources and many international connections. I also told him that if another kingdom made agreements with your father, they would be in a strategic position to harm us."

"We don't have a capable army—" Jeongguk started.

"And that's something we really need to improve, seriously," Jimin interrupted. "But anyway, I told him we could recruit people from Aragorn for an army for both countries. Train them in our style and prevent another kingdom from doing the same."

"If there were war, he would have achieved the same outcome, wouldn't he?" He tried to immerse his mind in a war environment, even though he had never seen the need for it. His approach was about forming alliances, not breaking other kingdoms.

"He would have destroyed resources. It's better to acquire them with the least loss possible. And, in a way, my father is a man of his word. I think that's the only honorable thing I can say about him. And he had already arranged our marriage with your father."

Jeongguk nodded, and that was the last thing they said. Somehow, as they played with each other's fingers, they fell asleep.

The next time Jeongguk became aware of himself was because he felt cold on the lower part of his back, where his shirt had managed to leave a bit of his skin uncovered. Wanting to escape the sensation, he snuggled against the warmth he felt beside him. It was at that moment that he realized he wasn't exactly hugging his pillow; instead, his legs were entangled with someone else's, and his face was truly hidden in the crook of another person's neck. And he had snuggled closer.

Feeling a small alarm in his still sleepy brain and with his eyes closed, he began to be more aware of his surroundings. Just as he had his legs entwined with the other person, he had also put an arm around their waist. His "pillow" was not exactly made of fabric; it was an arm that passed under his head, and its fingers were playing with his hair. He also felt the weight of the other person's arm wrapped around his waist.

All his uncertainty about what to do next was shattered when he heard a voice right in his ear.

"I know you're awake."

Yes, he was awake, but he could very well not be with the amount of disbelief running through his mind at that moment. He couldn't believe that he and Jimin had at some point fallen asleep next to each other. And it hadn't even been in the same spot on the bed, so the other man must have moved him while he slept, because now they were right in the center of it.

He also couldn't believe that they were so entwined with each other. Yes, Jeongguk tended to hug those who slept with him; he did it with his brother all the time when they were young, but this was beyond a simple hug.

And the worst, or best, of it all was that it felt so right.

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"Do you want to sleep a little longer?" He heard Jimin murmur again, and his hoarse voice wasn't doing a good job at keeping his body in a sleepy state, because now he felt other things stirring awake. He was aware of every point where his body touched the other man, he became more conscious of the arm around his waist, of the other's quiet breathing. He was aware that his lips were already on Jimin's neck; he just had to...

The arm around his waist tightened, and the leg between his moved a bit higher, and Jeongguk's brain went from sleep to confusion, and then to having not-so-pure scenarios unfold in his mind at an alarming speed. However, he would always blame his not fully conscious state if anyone asked why he kissed Jimin's neck in that moment.

Because yes, that's what he did. And as soon as his lips made contact with Jimin's skin, the arm around his waist tightened even more if it was possible, and the fingers playing with his hair stopped. It was an instant reaction, so, if they asked him why he did it a second time, he would say it was out of curiosity.

He tilted his head slightly, until his lips pressed against a spot where he could feel the other man's pulse, which, if Jeongguk wasn't mistaken, was beating faster than usual.

Just like mine.

"Jeongguk..." he heard again, the other man's voice getting raspier, darker.

He ignored it and repeated the action. In a way, his brain had thrown shyness out the window, and now he just wanted to be wrapped up in Jimin, to feel him and see how much he could provoke him.

The hand that was on his waist moved to his back slowly, causing goosebumps in him. The one in his hair tangled completely and, without causing him pain, tugged on the strands so that Jeongguk had to leave his hiding place in Jimin's neck and face his gaze, which was dark and made him feel like he was melting.

As lost as he was in the other's eyes, he noticed when they dropped to his lips, and he did the same.

In general, he didn't know what was happening. He didn't have much time to figure it out either before Jimin closed the remaining distance and stole his breath with his mouth.

Jeongguk received the kiss with surprise, even though he was unconsciously, or consciously, seeking it. He felt his eyes widen, noticing Jimin's closed ones. He felt his own imitating the action as soon as Jimin moved his lips slightly.

He also felt the other starting to pull away a few seconds later, probably because he wasn’t getting any response from him, but Jeongguk didn't want that to happen, so he quickly placed a hand on Jimin's nape, pulling him until their lips were fully connected again; until he could finally return the kiss to Jimin. It was clumsy on his part, and a little bit uncertain, but it didn’t matter.

The hand on his waist loosened, content with just caressing him, and Jeongguk felt enchanted by the moment. It wasn't exactly how he imagined his first kiss, but little by little, the nerves were fading away, and all his mind could think about was Jimin. The kiss growth heated and more passionate, sending shivers down Jeongguk’s spine. His hands found their way to Jimin’s back, digging his nails on it, while the fingers of the other man trailed along the nape of Jeongguk’s neck.

When they both ran out of breath, they pulled back and created a small space, just enough for Jeongguk to notice the small closed-lip smile on Jimin's face. He kissed that smile again and felt his own smile emerge.

"Good morning," he heard Jimin say.

At those words, he could only imagine the future. Again. The fact that he was kissing his future husband, the fact that apparently not only he had developed feelings fell upon him, left him with a breaking amazement; more than the kiss he had just received, which, though not the most fairytale-like, was enough for him. Through his mind passed the idea that he could wake up like this every morning.

That was the moment when his future seemed brighter, no matter Hwangsoo, no matter Jimin's father, no matter being far from home.

Driven by the thought, he kissed Jimin again, and again, and again until Jimin was laughing beneath him, because he had turned and climbed onto the body of the other man in what, if you ask him, was a smooth movement . Both their clothes were completely wrinkled, and there was a trail of white sheets around them, but Jimin's disheveled hair spread on the pillow while laughing without any concern was an image Jeongguk would forever carry in his mind.

"You're quite enthusiastic in the mornings," the other said, now with both hands on Jeongguk's waist, caressing it up and down.

"I just received my first kiss; I'm just gaining experience," he replied, and saw surprise on Jimin's face.

"I... This was your first kiss?"

He smiled shyly.

"You are."

"Wow, I..."

"I always knew I was meant to marry you. It didn't seem... appropriate? to be kissing other people," he shrugged, and suddenly a thought came to his mind. He didn’t find any reason to not ask.

"You've kissed other people, haven't you?"

Jimin blushed under him, and his gaze seemed to avoid meeting the face of the prince of Aragorn.

"Well... I... I had a few... escapades. That's it."

Jeongguk couldn't say he was completely fine with that, but he knew that his decision had been a personal one, and he never expected Jimin to do the same. He hadn't even given it much thought until that moment.

"Escapades... were there many?"

Jimin blushed even more, and Jeongguk was tempted to burst out laughing.

"A few."

The prince of Aragorn raised an eyebrow and fell silent. Both did until Jimin finally met his gaze.

"I promise you, there weren't that many. I promise I haven't done it since I'm here. I haven't felt the need either. And I swear, Jeongguk, that I'll be completely faithful to you every day."

The seriousness with which Jimin said those words not only made his heart change its rhythm, but it also brought a smile to his face before he leaned in and kissed him again. He was a quick learner; his hand went to Jimin's cheek, and their lips moved in sync in a sensual rhythm until he pulled back, giving a peck before speaking again.

"It's okay, hyung. You didn't know me. Now you just have to teach me."

"It will be a pleasure, my pupil." Was the instant response.

Jeongguk was laughing and halfway kissing Jimin again because it seemed like an addiction at that moment, when the door opened, startling them both.

"Oh my God..." he heard Yoongi's deep voice say, "uh... Your highness... am..."

Jimin, blushing, turned his head to his right towards the door, seeing his assistant.

"Yes?"

Jeongguk, not daring to look at the other yet, heard Yoongi clear his throat.

"You told me to come at six-thirty, and... well... it's six-thirty."

Jimin cleared his throat before turning his gaze to Jeongguk as he responded, "Of course. Can you...?"

"Of course," Yoongi quickly interjected before closing the door, and the silence in the room settled again.

Unable to control it, Jeongguk burst into laughter, followed shortly after by the other man.

"How awkward," he said amidst laughter, "what a lack of decorum."

"Your virtue is still intact, don't worry," Jimin replied, turning them around so now he will be the one looking down at him, "It's time to work."

"You'll start now," he began to stroke the back of the Berium prince's neck, "I told Jin to be in my room at eight. You should start treating Yoongi hyung better."

"Look at you already giving me advice, and we're not even married yet."

Jeongguk laughed before playfully tapping his chest. "It's time."

Both of them got up, and after what could be described as a walk of shame in front of Yoongi and the on-duty guard, he was kicking and making noises worthy of a teenager in his bedroom. He tried to sleep, but he really couldn't. The day had started in a memorable way for him, and the following hours didn’t disappoint either. It all started with Jin coming to his room and teasing him because, obviously, he already knew that Jeongguk had woken up in his future husband's bed. Jeongguk couldn't figure out if Jin had found out from Yoongi or Taehyung, who had been his guard the night before and obviously knew exactly where he was. Jeongguk was already used to his friend knowing his whereabouts every part of the day.

After enduring the teasing, laughing, and blushing in the process, he was ready to go to breakfast.

However, when he reached the first floor, the first thing he encountered was a film crew. Hwangsoo, in what Jeongguk thought was a direct challenge to Jimin, hadn't completely canceled the cameras but had redirected them to the palace, so they would have to deal with them. And then he understood why people perceived Jimin as cold and unapproachable, because taking on the challenge, he dismissed everyone with respect but without even batting an eyelash. He was straightforward and didn't leave any room for rebuttal; he simply said what he had to say before turning around and heading to the dining hall where, apparently, they would be having breakfast together.

Hwangsoo was surprised, and Jeongguk felt that the whole situation was a bit uncomfortable but completely satisfying. Finally, he thought. The prince of Berium showed the best friend of his parents that he was the future king. With that thought in mind, he entered with a smile, followed by his father, into the room where Jimin was already sitting at the table, eating a piece of pineapple.

Jeongguk sat down next to him.

"Good morning, Jimin hyung."

The other turned towards him, and Jeongguk could swear that a certain coquettishness still shone in the eyes of the prince of Berium.

"Jeongguk-ah."

He didn't have a chance to continue speaking because his brother intervened to engage them in a conversation in which neither had the slightest interest, but they pretended to. Under the table, Jeongguk felt Jimin's hand in his, entwined. And if his smile grew wider on his face even though his brother was talking about tomato prices, no one had to interfere.

However, at the end of breakfast, Jeongguk was able to talk to his fiancé.

"Do you have a moment?" he had asked while the other walked with determination, followed by Namjoon and Hwangsoo. Just as the latter seemed to be the closest to his father, the former was the one who truly had Jimin's confidence.

"Of course, darling."

He had to gather all the strength he had within him not to melt right there. From Namjoon's smile, Jeongguk knew the counselor had noticed something in him. Or them. Perhaps Jimin had already informed him about everything.

"Well," he cleared his throat, "I was thinking that if you have time this afternoon, we can go to the nursing home. Without cameras," he hurried to add, "just you and me."

"Your Highness, we have some—"

"We can handle it," Namjoon interrupted Hwangsoo.

Seriously, couldn't that man keep quiet for once?

"Why wouldn't they want cameras, though?" he kept talking.

"Because it's a private moment, perhaps?" Namjoon asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's a good publicity strategy that we can use. It's—"

"Hwangsoo-ssi," his prince interrupted him with a tired voice and without taking his eyes off Jeongguk, "Namjoon already said you can handle it. My fiancé and I will go alone today."

Jeongguk finally spoke again. "At three o'clock?"

"It's a date," the other replied and left, followed by a now smiling Namjoon and a furious Hwangsoo. Leaving behind a Jeongguk who wanted to run to his room and be a teenager for the second time that day. But he was a prince, and he had responsibilities too, so he approached Jin.

"So... what's first on the list?"

"Actually, you really have cameras to attend to. It's your turn to choose clothing and get measured and all that, and you'll also have an interview about the wedding," the other replied without missing a beat as they both left.

"When is Jimin's?" he asked, already feeling exhausted.

"Tomorrow."

But exhausted or not, he smiled as he entered the room with the designer. And he was still smiling as he got into the vehicle and sat next to Jimin.

"How did it go?" he heard in the soft voice of the other.

"I'll leave you speechless on our wedding day."

"You do that frequently."

He didn't have time to respond to that because Jimin kept talking.

"I was surprised when you asked me to come with you today."

"Why?" He looked at him as he asked, meeting the other prince's gaze directly.

"Because it seems very close to your heart, and... I don't know... I know the reason you opposed the cameras, but I thought it also included me. I'm a newcomer."

Jeongguk considered his answer before speaking.

"I want..." he started, "I want you to understand why it's as close to my heart as you say. I want you to really understand why I'm so protective about this."

It was a gift, or at least that's how he saw it, and he hoped Jimin would see it the same way.

During the ride there, they calmly talked about unimportant things, more about the day's trivialities, and conversations that two people who were not royalty would easily have.

When they finally arrived, they were greeted by a surprised Chanyeol, who was the assistant who always welcomed him when he came to the center. He wasn’t surprised because Jeongguk was there, but because he had never brought anyone apart from his father, and much less the future king of the neighboring kingdom.

"Jeongguk-ssi, Your Highness."

With huge eyes, he turned to Jimin, bowing, and bombarding them with endless questions about how he could make them feel comfortable.

"We're here for what I always come for, Chanyeol-ssi. Nothing official, just to hang out with them."

Jimin's presence seemed hard to believe for everyone who saw them, but they still entered a large room where most people were. Some were reading a book; others were with nurses doing exercises. He could see a few outside the large window, taking walks in the big patio around the nursing home.

"Jeongguk-ah!" a voice shouted as best as it could from one of the corners.

Jeongguk smiled and waved to the man who, despite countless wrinkles on his face, managed to give a smile that seemed like any of a young boy.

"He's Dong-Sun. He's one of the first I met here. We play chess frequently," he sighed, "and my eyes remind him of his son, who brought him here and hasn't visited him even once."

"What?" Jimin turned to him.

"Most of them," he began, vaguely pointing around with his hand, "were brought here by sons, brothers, nephews, or any relative you can think of, but they are completely ungrateful and haven't come to see them since they were left here."

"That's..."

"Sad, I know," he finished, "some come when there are certain administrative matters to attend to, but even the payments are made remotely. I think at least half of them like to imagine that the volunteers are their children. The other half is happy to have someone who cares about them. But they are great people who just want to be heard."

"Don't you think showing it on camera would help get more people interested? Maybe their own children would have come."

"They would have come for the spectacle," Jeongguk responded to Jimin, "and their children too. We advertise this and different nursing homes and orphanages, and the ones who come are the ones who really want to help. I don't want them to come for superficial reasons and then make these people endure abandonment again."

Jimin looked at him in silence, but in his eyes, if Jeongguk wasn't mistaken, there was a glimmer of pride. And understanding.

"Let's go to your friend; he hasn't stopped looking at us."

Jeongguk nodded, and on the way to the corner where Dong-Sun was, they greeted a few others. He tried not to look mesmerized every time Jimin introduced himself not as the prince of Berium but simply as his fiancé.

This would be Jeongguk's last visit for a while. After the wedding, which was just around the corner, he would leave immediately. This visit was a sort of "see you later" and his heart was more sensitive than usual because of that reason. Perhaps that's why he felt like crying even more when Jimin offered to play chess with Dong Sun while he said goodbye to the others. With tears already filling his eyes, he spoke to each person he had interacted with before. It didn't matter that it took him the whole afternoon; he wanted to have a conversation with them, as they already knew he was leaving. Jeongguk was not indifferent, and he didn't want the news to catch them by surprise. Jimin never complained.

When he returned to Dong Sun, Jimin looked at him, and without needing words from Jeongguk, he stood up and said his goodbyes to the older man. He made a bow and joked about the beating he had taken, all with a soft smile.

Jeongguk occupied the seat where Jimin had been.

"So, is it a farewell?" asked Dong Sun, arranging the pieces on the board.

He felt the knot in his throat grow. It felt as if he were cutting all ties to Aragorn at that moment.

"I'll call frequently, and I'll come every time I visit this kingdom."

"I hope to see you once more. Or twice. Just to see you again before I need to cross the rainbow" replied the other with a trembling voice, just like Jeongguk's.

The prince took his hand and looked into his tearful eyes.

"Don’t say that” he caressed the knuckles of the other with tenderness “I'll miss you, Dong Sun-ssi."

The other nodded, and although it was a sad situation, he smiled.

"That young man, your fiancé, is he what you hoped for?"

The old man knew Jeongguk's concerns. He had sometimes needed advice, and he wouldn't go to his father for those matters, knowing that the king might want to cancel everything.

He shook his head, "He's better."

"I'm glad. He's a good man, he treats you well?"

Jeongguk nodded, tears already streaming down his cheeks.

"I hope you'll be happy, Jeongguk-ah. You have a sweet and pure heart, and you're the closest thing to a son I've ever had. And, giving you paternal advice, I hope you never let that spark in you to be crushed. You bring happiness to everyone around you, and Jimin-ssi... he needs happiness. I hope you both can be happy together."

At this point, he was already crying with force, not pretending to hide it and with a lot of sobs.

"He also needs a few chess lessons."

Jeongguk didn't have the strength to laugh at the attempt to lighten the mood.

"You're just too good. You've taught me so much."

The man simply opened his arms, and Jeongguk hugged him for a long time.

"Go and show those people from the other kingdom what you're made of."

When he came out, he was welcomed by Jimin's arms, because he just had to see his swollen eyes to know that he needed it.

"We have nursing homes in Berium too. And orphanages. And other programs. I know it's not the same, and if it's not enough, you can create the ones that are needed." Whispered to the other while caressing his back, trying to make him feel better; showing a gentleness so deep that Jeongguk wanted to cry again.

He listened to him, but his heart still cried too much for any other thought to pass.

That night, he slept in Jimin's room again. And a few more nights that followed that week and the next two. They were slowly forming a bond. The feelings inside Jeongguk were solidifying, expanding, trusting in Jimin. At times, the fear of the unknown still reared its head, and he would express it to his future husband, who would then kiss him to soothe his doubts about what the future held for them and assure him that he would be there for him. It was incredible how until recently he believed that Jimin and he would have, at best, a friendship, and now everything had changed. They were getting to know each other more, and perhaps that's why Jimin knew that his heart ached when, two weeks before the wedding, his belongings began to be sent to Berium. He still felt sad about the goodbyes he had already said and the ones he would have to say. His entire life was being left behind to go to a realm he didn't know. The weight of uncertainty and change hung heavy on his heart, and he tried to handle it by looking at Jimin.

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Perhaps it was that state that made the prince of Berium invite him to meet him at midnight in one of the halls of the castle. Without getting any answers from Hoseok, no matter how many times he asked what the other prince was up to, he entered.

Jimin had somehow managed to place many candles around, illuminating the hall without the need for the large chandeliers, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The room was spacious enough to be well-lit by the fire yet still had a large open space in the center where there were no candles, just Jimin in his suit, smiling shyly.

"What is this?" he asked from the doorway.

"Do you like it?"

He closed the door behind him and walked slowly, looking around. There wasn't much, just the candles and Jimin, but yes, he liked it, and he let him know.

"I was thinking that we haven't talked about our first dance."

"What?" he asked surprised.

"Our first dance," the other prince replied, smiling at how distracted Aragorn's prince was, "Our wedding is almost ready, but we haven’t practiced our first dance." He extended a hand, which Jeongguk took quickly.

"You can't dance?"

He mentally slapped himself for such a foolish question. Of course, Jimin could dance. But the other laughed, even tilting his head back, and under the candlelight, he looked charming, and Jeongguk was enchanted.

"I can. But maybe you can teach me a few steps."

With the hand that held his, Jimin pulled Jeongguk closer until their chests touched. Without giving him much time to recover, Jimin placed one hand on his waist and drew him even closer and, automatically, Jeongguk put his hand on Jimin's shoulder.

For a moment, the hand on his waist moved away, and after a while, during which Jeongguk guessed Jimin manipulated a small remote control, music began to play through the strategically placed speakers in each room of the palace, confirming that someone from Aragorn's side had helped the prince with this. Probably Jin.

Jimin began to move with delicate and deft steps to the rhythm of the piano and the strings, and Jeongguk followed him.

"You're thinking too much," he heard in his ear.

"I didn't expect this," he replied without looking at the other, feeling himself blush.

"That was the idea," Jimin said in a teasing voice. "Let's just dance, okay?"

They didn't just practice one dance; no, song after song, they stayed in each other's arms, and little by little, Jeongguk let go more and more. He went from looking over Jimin's shoulder to watching the shadows play on the other man's face, and by the end of the fourth song, he had his head resting on Jimin's shoulder.

"I wish we could do this always," he murmured, closing his eyes and feeling like he was dancing in the air.

"Whatever you want, darling."

"Do you really like calling me darling?" he asked, as if he didn't quite like being called that.

"What can I say? I'm a romantic."

This made Jeongguk laugh before murmuring, "You had it deep inside you."

"And since I'm a romantic," the other continued, not paying much attention to the prince's words, "I can't allow myself to have a stain on my record of not giving you the perfect first kiss."

This made Jeongguk raise his head and look at the man.

"My first kiss?"

"Yes. I can't let it be so... ordinary, in my bed and without brushing our teeth. How... lacking in decorum, as you said." The other smiled as he spoke. Then he made Jeongguk spin, and as he turned, Jimin moved away to go to a small table that Jeongguk hadn't noticed while he kept talking. "But I'm determined to make amends, you know?"

When he returned, he was holding a bouquet of tiger lilies, and Jeongguk, sensitive as he was because of the events of that day and the previous weeks, wanted to cry. "I thought about how to make this completely overshadow and surpass our first kiss." He took his hand and right there, in front of Jeongguk, he got down on one knee, smiling mischievously, probably knowing what he was causing.

"Marry me."

"What?" His eyes widened without him being aware of it, and his mouth seemed unable to close.

Suddenly, a small open box with a platinum ring appeared as if by magic in the other prince's hand.

"We didn't have a first kiss as it should have been for you, and not a very common proposal either. Since I can't alter the past, I want to improve the proposal. So... Prince Jeon Jeongguk, second in line to the throne of Aragorn, will you marry me?"

Jeongguk didn't know if he nodded or if the words came out of his mouth, all he knew was that a ring was sliding onto his finger, and as soon as Jimin finished the task, he lunged forward to kiss him, wrapping him in his arms, the bouquet of flowers still in his hand. The kiss was perfect, magical, everything he could have imagined in a fairy tale. The candles around them, behind his closed eyes, seemed like stars. The music surrounding them, the keys of the piano creating a melody that Jeongguk will always remember, made it feel like they were truly living a love story, and Jimin's mouth, skillful and perfect, was everything he could ask for. He would always remember their first kiss, because it was special to him. He would keep it in a special corner of his heart. But he couldn't deny that this one took the honors, causing fireworks to explode in every cell of his body.

Jimin's hands wrapped around his waist, and his kiss sent shivers through Jeongguk's body. It was a decisive kiss, one that filled Jeongguk's insides with damn butterflies dancing around the fireworks, making his toes curl. A kiss that ended with both of them smiling.

It was a kiss that had him smiling every time he remembered it during the following week.That week he hadn't gone to see Jimin because, well, lately their kisses had been getting hotter and hotter, and he wasn't sure if they were both ready for what might follow.

At the beginning of the week before the wedding, he regretted not having taken advantage of those moments, because there, in front of him, smiling like the almighty, stood what he considered an obstacle. The biggest one.

King Park Jaehyun.