More and more, Taehyung grew to feel accomodated to the commoners' world that he had once thought of such an abhorrent and unspeakable taboo.

With a disciplined mind and more of Jungkook's old school things, he worked his brain to its ultimate capacity and was proud to say he had learned everything he needed for the new school he attended. Math problems he could now solve much quicker than Jungkook, no matter if vectors, square roots or else.

He even had to admit, it was quite empowering to possess this amount of knowledge. However, something he valued even more was the fact that he could now study everything related to medicine as he pleased. It was extremely gratifying, sitting in the Jeons' living room in the evenings, his nose poring over yet another biology or chemistry book as his ears picked up the wonderful sound of firewood burning.

And before going to sleep (he still slept in Jungkook's bed and felt no rush to move elsewhere), he liked to recite his newly gained knowledge to Jungkook, to which the younger didn't object to and simply listened to until his eyes started drooping and he fell asleep listening to Taehyung's voice which, to him, sounded smooth like dripping honey.

After the humiliation he had to endure on his first school day, the prince was delighted to say there was no further occasion on which he happened to embarrass himself. Mr. Ma still didn't seem to like him very much, however, clearly grew to respect him and his knowledge, persistence and (quite lonely) enthusiasm in class.

The boys were currently busy planning an event to celebrate Jungkook's returning home, a 'Welcome-Back-Home-Party' that would take place at the Jeons' residence. Taehyung was quite looking forward to that as he had never witnessed a party in this new world. All he was used to were the silly banquets and feasts in Elysium during which no one actually seemed to be having fun. Or maybe it had just been him who failed to enjoy those events.

It was not a surprise party, which meant that Jungkook had full knowledge about this party and could participate in the preparations, something he was very grateful for. If there was one thing he didn't like, it was surprise parties planned behind his back for whose procedure he would hardly have a say in.

He was very glad to see Taehyung feel more comfortable in his environment as time passed. He got to see his flower-like smile, hear his laughter ring like bells and see his cheeks glow in a healthy, rosy colour.
Something he was also extremely relieved about, Taehyung had crept his way into his friends' and parents' hearts.

Mr. and Mrs. Jeon, who had been so sceptical about him in the beginning, were now perfectly fond of him and were ready to let him stay in their house for the rest of their lives. Yoongi and his brother also adored him very dearly and every time Jungkook spent time studying at Yoongi's place, he brought Taehyung with who was simply the best study help they could have asked for.

It was just Yugyeom who seemed to have a personal vendetta against the boy despite all the polite efforts of said boy. What only could be his problem?

Today was another where the four of them met up and sat together in Jungkook's room, along with snacks and drinks, to plan the party further. They wanted this party to be the most fulfilling event ever. However, not one with tons of alcohol, people and loud music. Much rather, they wanted this to be a gathering with trusted people and events they know they would all enjoy.

"So, who wants to take care of the catering?," Yoongi asked, holding a list with different categories that all needed to be covered.
Taehyung and Jungkook looked at each other. "I think one of us could do that. Food at Elysium was pretty much an artwork, I can't tell you how many times I watched Jimin do the plating and even did it myself."

"The food isn't supposed to be an artwork, it's supposed to taste good," Yugyeom spoke, rolling his eyes. Yoongi raised his eyebrows, deciding to continue before the situation could happen to escalate into something they didn't want as the frown on Jungkook's face looked quite dangerous. Every time they mentioned the secret kingdom, Yugyeom turned dismissive and talked of it as if he were talking about a bunch of disgusting insects!

"The ones in charge should decide what it'll look like. Should we decide on a theme first or what sort of food we'd like to provide? Considering allergies and intolerancies and stuff?" Both Yugyeom and Jungkook shrugged.
"Okay, let's do the theme first. What do you want this party to look like. Jungkook, this is your call since it's about you."

"I'd like it to be... sort of a crossover. Between the worlds I've been in. Is that possible? Like, a mixture of things that I like and things that intrigued me most on my journey." Yoongi nodded and smiled. "Sounds like a great idea."
"No offense, Jungkook, but it sounds like you're planning this party for him rather than yourself," Yugyeom commented.

Taehyung simply cast his head down, wishing he could disappear right now. He didn't want anyone fighting because of him, he certainly did not.
"Yugyeom, in case you haven't noticed, this party is still about my return so I think it's only fair I decide the theme of it."

"Well, excuse me for being simply observant and trying to warn you, Your Majesty." Noticing the tension rise to something he absolutely did not want, Yoongi quickly butted in.
"We can discuss the details later, but at least I have a concept now. So, what sort of food and beverage?"

"What do you think, Tae? Any snacks you want to recommend?," the brunette asked in fear of making the prince feel alienated. Luckily, being asked his opinion seemed to lift his spirits. "My brother Seokjin used to sneak into the royal kitchens to make desserts when we were younger. My favourite has always been delicious blueberry muffins--"

"No can do, I'm allergic to blueberries," Yugyeom interfered, to which Taehyung quietened down again. Yoongi sighed, wondering if he was currently dealing with toddlers and petty kindergarten catfights.

"We're out of snacks, I'm going to the supermarket to get more. Yugyeom, surely you don't mind coming with?," Jungkook spoke in a strangely calm tone. The three others looked at him in surprise, all having assumed he would have asked Taehyung to accompany him.

However, Yugyeom slowly nodded. "Uh, sure. But... just me?" Jungkook stood up, shooting apologetic glances towards Taehyung and Yoongi. "Yes, you heard me. It won't take long."

As soon as the two were out of the room, there was a short silence. Again, Yoongi sighed.
"Oh boy, I hope this won't end in a bloodshed. Taehyung, let's be productive in the meantime. I'd love to hear more about snacks from your place."

°○●○●○°

"Okay, spill."

Jungkook and Yugyeom were currently standing in front of a supermarket shelf filled with various sorts of chips. An outsider might have thought they taking extremely long to decide on one flavour they wanted to buy, but truthfully, Jungkook had brought him here to have a serious talk with him. He simply couldn't stand Yugyeom's behaviour and wanted to know the reason behind it.

"Spill what?," Yugyeom asked hesitantly. Jungkook turned towards him with an impatient glare. "Please don't play dumb, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You don't have to love Taehyung, but can't you at least not be so horribly rude to him? He's done nothing wrong." The dirty blonde boy scoffed.

"Yeah, except for the fact that he's changing everything. Ever since you've been to that weird kingdom place, you changed. When's the last time we went motorcycling together, just the three of us for the whole Friday afternoon? Watching the sunset, sometimes even camping outdoors. But no, Mr. Jungkook is too busy babysitting the pampered prince who apparently can't take care of himself."

"I really tried to like him, alright? I tried, but isn't it blatantly obvious that he's trying to completely have you for himself and tear you away from us? Tear through our friendship of many, many years? What special memories could he have made with you, more special than all the stuff we went through together? And I thought you'd be smarter than to go along with it, be manipulated into being the prince's lapdog!" Jungkook couldn't believe his ears, but decided to be the civil one and took a deep breath to calm himself.

"So that's what this is about. You're jealous and scared of our friendship breaking. So you make him out to be a horrible manipulator without even knowing the first thing about him. What special memories could we have made together, you ask? To be perfectly honest, at least as many as yhe ones I made with you. Not that it's any of your business. I wish I could get pissed at you, but I'm honestly just disappointed." The brunette shook his head in disbelief.

"Why would you just jump to conclusions about him? About the time I spent with him? You think he made me work like his personal slave when I intruded their kingdom? No, he helped me stay hidden and he treated me like a friend from the beginning, even helped me when I was injured. And no matter how much he rolled around in riches and no matter how perfect and proper he looked, I was the one to see how unhappy he actually was. And he knew I missed my loved ones at home, so we comforted each other and formed a special bond."

"People can change and he demonstrated that perfectly. The mask that all the expectations and influences from the environment around him created crumbled and he embraced himself for who he actually was, without repression. That's why he ran away, and now he's finally starting to be happy here. And I'd rather you didn't destroy his happiness with your snarky little comments." He crossed his arms in front of his chest, a silence forming.

"Sorry," Yugyeom spoke after a while. "I don't know why I kept acting like that. My words just burst out of me, you know? Maybe I was a little jealous. I spent months mourning my missing friend and don't even get to spend time with him alone when he turns back. I didn't consider the fact that you guys have a history of your own, I honestly just thought you brought him here for fun, to be perfectly honest. I'll apologize to him when I get the chance, okay?" Jungkook nodded.

"Thanks. I get that it might be hard to see me hang out with others, too, but I promise he's the sweetest. Plus, he's super smart. One conversation and you can learn from him and he'll make you smile with the way he sees nature and this world." Thinking about the other, he couldn't help but smile a little himself.

"You really like-like him, huh?," the dirty blonde established, to which Jungkook could only shrug a little. "Is he even gay?"
"He is. And if you care enough to listen, maybe I'll tell you about all the beautiful moments we shared. There are a lot, I just didn't share them since you never seemed to be in a mood to listen."

"You've never been in a relationship! Of course I'll listen, I think you being in love is kinda sweet. And... I guess I should be glad it's him you like and not some super toxic kid." The two of them smiled at each other, feeling like the little crack that their friendship had to endure had just been mended perfectly and smoothly.

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

(A/N: haha i have no idea what i just wrote😭

also please pray for me that i won't have corona cause my dad caught it and i have school in a week and i can't afford missing even a single second😳 anyhow thanks very much for reading i luv ya alot byebye💗💗)