My Husband.

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Author's POV

The royal families were eating together for the night as a small celebration of the crown prince's arrival. Everyone was there except for NamJoon and SeokJin who lived far away, hence the King decided to not bother them. 

That was the problem, Taehyung was there too. 

It was well known that Jungkook didn’t like these types of gatherings, even more so now when he knew that few of them in the room were silently praying for his death. Smiling and talking to him as if he was stupid enough to fall for such a masquerade. How counterfeit. They were waiting for the food to arrive and it hadn’t been more than five minutes but Jeongguk already felt he wanted to leave. 

He sat in silence beside his mother, followed by the King and Queen Kim, the 4th prince, and Jimin who was the opposite of him. He gritted his teeth, brushing his wedding ring using his thumb. His cold gaze remained on Jimin who was laughing and speaking to Taehyung about god-knows-what. Jeongguk didn’t care enough to know the topic, but one thing for sure they needed to stop.  

He didn't know where this possessive feeling came from but he was covetous, needless to say. Regardless, of course, he had no intention of accepting it and claimed he was only infuriated because the way they both conversed was disrespectful. Taehyung was unmarried and Jimin was his. But the older one behaved as if Jeongguk wasn’t sitting ahead of him. How tactless, laughing with some other man in front of the husband. 

Jeongguk scoffed mentally at the sight. 

After a few minutes which felt like an hour to him, the meals finally came as court ladies entered and put down the dishes on the table, followed by small bowls and chopsticks along with a spoon beside. It was at that moment, a beautiful princess stepped into the room. She was wearing a baby blue Hanbok with pink and purplish flowers decorating the fabric. Her hair was styled in a twisted half-up with loose curls, letting her hair fall beautifully over her shoulders with butterflies Binyeo to complete the sweet look. To say she was angelic was an understatement. 

Instantly, Jeongguk lit up seeing her. “Ah… my daughter. You finally came.” He heard the King speak and she chuckled in return before taking a seat beside Jeongguk. “Hieora…” He initiated as the woman bowed her head a little. Though they were the same age, Jeongguk’s title was what kept them different. Kim Hieora, the youngest child of Kim, and the only princess in the family. Jeongguk had grown up with her for as long as he could remember and they were closer than the rest.

“Jeongguk… It’s been a while since we met.” Hieora uttered and he spared a smile at his twin. “So, how are you? You’ve changed,” The princess commented as Jeongguk could only chuckle dryly before answering. “As you can see, I’m doing fine. And yeah, I have changed somewhat. I have become more handsome now.” He teased and watched as she rolled her eyes in annoyance. That made both of them laugh. 

“You’re so annoying.” She remarked, making the smile wider on his face. 

“But you love it.” Jeongguk taunted.

“Yes, I do…” Hieora unexpectedly said. Making him stop chewing on his food and glance to his side only to see the princess already staring at him with a glint of shine in her almond eyes. It wasn’t the look you always gave to your siblings, it was the look you gave to your lover and Jeongguk knew her feelings for him despite her keeping it silent over the years. It was evident that even a blind man could see it. The crown prince, however, also didn’t bother to point it out. He only viewed her as his twin and nothing more. 

The sudden confession had made the air a little bit awkward between them but he knew better than to let it linger as he shrugged and continued to eat. Hieora took that cue and ended the conversation there. It wasn’t the first time she had shown her true feelings and it seemed like they both were used to it. 

She watched him eating, openly gazing at the crown prince with a warm smile. But it didn’t last long when she noticed the gold lock around one of his fingers, reminding her that he belonged to another. Instantly her face fell as she looked away, keeping her eyes on her food. “Nice ring…” The princess complimented, catching Jeongguk’s attention as he looked at his hand before nodding in acknowledgment. “Just like the owner.” He spoke and she scoffed at the answer. 

“I’m jealous…” She spoke up and Jeongguk laughed at the silly comment. “What for? You’re beautiful, yourself Hieora…” He spoke truthfully and watched his twin lit up at the statement, looking at him before smiling shyly. She looked exactly like Taehyung, anyone could tell they were siblings. “You think so?” She asked, fishing for praise from Jeongguk as he only complied with the silent request.

“I know so,”

“How unfortunate…” Hieora trailed off, taking a piece of beef using her chopsticks before placing it in Jeongguk’s bowl. It was an act of affection. “Are you in need of money, Your Highness? I didn’t bring any right now.” She jested and Jeongguk couldn’t help but crack up at that, closing his mouth with his hand while doing so. “Yah, that’s so mean!! I was genuine!!” He argued and she sighed dramatically while smiling. 

“That’s weird… The crown prince wasn’t known for complimenting people.” Hieora picked on Jeongguk and they soon fell into a proper conversation, laughing and teasing each other here and there while talking about their lives and what had happened. Suddenly, the minutes seemed to move fast as Jeongguk gave all his attention to the princess. It had been years since they last met because he had a very busy schedule so he decided to cover those days during the dinner. 

Unaware of the pair of eyes that were watching both of them.

Two hours had passed and the King decided to wrap it up as the Queens agreed and they all stood up from the table, bowing to the eldest. Jeongguk was about to walk out when Jimin suddenly called him, catching his attention. Looking at his husband, all the bitter moments he had earlier with Taehyung came across his mind. He let himself drown in pique but still stood in his place. 

“Jeongguk… Can we-”

“Gguk, can you walk me to the gate?!” Hieora interrupted excitedly, gripping Jeongguk's arm, and looked up at him with a wide smile that showed her perfect teeth.  He chuckled at that, forgetting his husband who was still standing in front of him. “Of course, we can talk a bit more then, beautiful.” He concluded before subtly pulling away from the girl. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, but all of a sudden he felt uncomfortable by the physical affection. Hieora nodded happily before glancing away. 

“Oh, sorry!! Were you talking to him?” She apologized when she noticed Jimin looked at them, making Jeongguk look at his husband. She furrowed her eyebrows when she realized she had never seen him before. It didn’t occur to her who Jimin might be. “It’s fine…” Jimin assured and smiled at her. “I forgot what I wanted to say.” He concluded, ignoring the stare he got from his other half as he bowed a little to Jeongguk and took the chance to leave.

“Wait!” Hieora called out, stopping Jimin on the track as he turned around and saw the view he never wanted to see again. “Who are you?” Jimin almost let out a chuckle at the question but he refrained from doing so as he spun around, ignoring the way Hieora held onto Jeongguk’s arm again.

“I’m Park Jimin…” He stated simply before walking away. 

‘And the man you flirted with is my husband…’

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Jeongguk sighed as he was now, on his way back to his room. They didn't do anything other than talk, of course, he made sure to do so. He scoffed at the thinking as he glanced downwards to his wedding ring and brushed it using his thumb, feeling the cold metal against his fingerprint. 

Memories earlier flooded his mind, remembering how Jimin grinned so widely when he was talking. The way his eyes disappeared completely when he laughed. And the way his voice sounded so angelic when he giggled made Jeongguk’s heart beat fast. Jeongguk looked up and stared at the moon, smiling a little as he recalled how beautiful his husband looked. 

But he threw it away when he realized that Taehyung caused every second of them. The older man was happy with the 4th prince to the point he forgot to even spare Jeongguk a glance. He didn’t want to admit it but his heart ached at the thought as he looked at his ring again before letting out a scoff. He was the only one who got worked up in the marriage and actually behaved like a married man. On the other hand, Jimin didn’t even give a damn about him. 

“You’re so pathetic.” He mumbled and clenched his fist. “You should stop it.” He spoke to himself, implying the fact he cared. He cared about the marriage as much as he wanted to deny it. He cared about Jimin as much as he hated the truth. And he needed to stop. 

His thoughts suddenly were interrupted by a loud scream, making him stop in his tracks. His eyes widened when another painful yell was heard and he was able to catch it was a female’s voice. Realizing it belonged to Hieora, he turned around and started running to the palace’s gate where he had left her earlier. He dashed down the passageway, moving his legs as rapidly as he could but it was far away. 

He cursed mentally. At times like this, he wished the palace wouldn’t be too big to the point it took almost an hour just to go back to the entrance. He shrugged those thoughts aside, now wasn’t the time to complain. He needed to check on his twin, that was more important. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally saw the large door again, followed by agonizing cries.

He wasted no time than to dash towards it and saw the sight of Hieora covering her face with her hands. “Are you okay?! What happened?!” He questioned instantly, towering over the female who was still yelling in pain and covering her face from everyone. “Go away!” She shouted and pushed Jeongguk away, not letting him be near. “Don’t be like this Hieora, tell me what happened.” He pleaded and heard the royal guards’ footsteps, now surrounding them. 

“Go away, Gguk. I don’t want you to see me in this state-” She begged, her voice cracked and Jeongguk felt sadness washed over him. She was his sibling, and a very close one, and all she thought of in her worst state was what he would think. “No… Just please… Are you hurt? We need to bring you to the doctor.” The crown prince insisted and went closer to hold Hieora. But before he could get any near he was pushed harshly to the floor with both of her hands and that was when he saw it.

Her face… half of them were disfigured. 

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something but he was too shocked by the view. It was a vitriol attack, he knew it well. 

“W-who did this?” He asked, eyes dilated as he stared at Hieora. Just now he was complimenting her for being beautiful and now half of her face was melted. “Did you see where the culprit went? Tell me.” He raised a question and watched her pointing inside the palace. “T-the man was wearing a mask.” He heard Hieora stuttering as his ears perked up at the mention of it. It reminded him of the assault night, the culprit also was wearing a mask. A talbak one that used to cast away evil spirits.

Could it be the same person? 

“What does it look like?” Jeongguk wasted no time and asked, feeling his heart thumping as he waited for the answer patiently. 

“T-talbak.”

His heart dropped at that. 

Suddenly, he remembered his husband as he looked away. His breath hitched at the realization that the man was inside the palace. It means… 

“Safety guards!! Go to my chamber!! Now!!” He yelled, 

Jimin might be the second victim. 

He didn't wait any further as he sprinted inside, running faster than before. “Damn it!!” He cursed and cut off the guards, leaving them behind to follow him as he no longer cared for anything. He needed to get to Jimin, it doesn’t matter the rest. So he ran and ran but it seemed like the time had stopped and the road was getting longer with each step he took.

“Jimin…” He whispered under his breath. He can’t hold it anymore, the strain rushes inside his body, pulling him down into the depths of the sea. It was filled with fear and fright, creating angry waves that were passing over him again and again, making him breathless. He tried to swim to the surface but it seemed like he was meant to be drowned. 

Drowned in the dark. 

He had never felt scared of losing something in his entire life before. Not even losing his life. But then again, nothing in his life had ever meant as much to him as Jimin did…

For the first time that night, he felt terrified.

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[A/N: As promised, two chapters ;)]

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