I will kill Jeon Jungkook.

That was the thought Jimin woke up with everyday ever since he found out the Prince had been lying and pretending to be someone he wasn't. That night was the hardest he'd spent since the death of his father, and that says much about his heartbreak and deception.

He had gone home, feeling defeated and weak. The voices in his head having at his insecurities and pushing him to the edge with the meanest remarks he could imagine. Everything made so much sense yet he hated that it did.

He can now picture Jungil's covered face and assemble the missing pieces, admitting how they fit so perfectly. The face he so longed to see had been the one of the man he despised this entire past year. 

Jungil's hair was the same midnight black, he even remembers the softness from touching it once with the tips of his fingers. Though, the Crown Prince's hair was always neatly brushed up in his hairpiece with not even a stand out of place.

All about Jungil screamed Jeon Jungkook and he feels stupid for not having noticed sooner. Not even after spending so much time in the palace, and his days working for the very man he plotted against.

He sobbed into his pillow thinking about that night in the forest, wandering back to when he opened up about his views on the Prince, when he told him his deepest secret. That night, he laid in the arms of the enemy and held him in his own.

It was the first time he genuinely cared for someone other than his family.

It's a shame Jungil isn't real, he would've been a fine man. Jimin thought as he bagged this week's daily tea for the General. It was his last batch, or rather, the last batch Jungkook will get to drink. Now both of you will cease to exist.

He looked at the 6th and 7th bags, running his thumb on the silky fabric and feeling the bits of dried plants inside. Carefully, he placed them in the wooden box followed by the usual numbered cardboards just to make sure the order isn't confused at consumption. Just like that he closed it, letting out a sigh when he heard the lock click. 

The Crown Prince arrives from his stay in Hansu today, he left him two weeks to get over himself and set his goal between his eyes, and he couldn't be happier about that. If he had to face him anytime sooner there was no telling what he would do or say.

Maybe he would take the first chance he gets to try and put a crystal dagger through his heart, or maybe he will just break down into a crying mess and let all his pain out in the open. None of those scenarios were acceptable and all would end up with him dead by the hands of the guards. 

"Sir Park, it is great seeing you again" General Jeon said from atop his horse as he entered the palace gates and headed to the stables. All the Crown Prince's direct personnel was to be present for his return, which explains what Jimin's doing there. If it were up to him, he would rather only show up the day Jungkook's last breath was scheduled.

"Likewise my Prince. I hope your trip was restful" he smiled, bending slightly to take a respectful bow. 

"It was a lot of things, restful is not one of them unfortunately" Jungkook replied, stepping down from his horse and smoothing his Burgundy Hanfu. Again not a strand of hair moving out of place, not a single thread pulled out of the fabric. It was so perfect it was infuriating. 

"There is no place like home they say. Shall I send for a court lady to prepare you a bath?" Jimin suggested. He reached to take the reins from Jungkook's hands, not missing how the Prince purposefully brushed his fingers against his. Oh please... Jimin internally rolled his eyes, hoping his discomfort didn't show on his face.

"Before I take that bath, I believe you have something to give me" he said with a small smile, looking down at the shorter man before he walked out of the stable. Jimin followed suit, heading to the Prince's office where he had put the new box along with some of the troops' supplies.

"Indeed your highness, although I will ask you to pardon me. I have only prepared a week's worth of tea bags as I was busy with the other medicine" Jimin replied with a sweet smile, hoping it'll have the effect he aimed for. 

"That is no problem sir Park. As long as you provide the rest when it is due" Jungkook replied in a playful manner, not really threatening or scolding at all. 

"As per usual they are numbered, this time only 1 through 7" Jimin repeated, subtly stressing on the order of consumption.

"Understood sir Park, worry not I know how this goes... It's been around 4 months of treatment now" he replied, reassuring him.

Four months and you're finally going to bite the dust.

"If you'll excuse me my Prince, I would like to go back to the royal pharmacy and finish my work for the day, so that I can start on the rest of the tea bags sooner" Jimin bowed, ready to hear the words and leave.

"No please, stay..." the Crown Prince instead replied, making him raise his head back up in surprise. What he saw was not the same expression he was used to. This one was particularly soft, as if he really wanted to give Jimin a choice, as if he meant his 'please' and wasn't just being polite.

"What's the matter?" Jimin asked, unsure of what the other had in mind. 

"I do not wish to sound inappropriate, making you uncomfortable is the last thing I want, but..." Jungkook started, the last time that happened was when he asked Jimin to come into his room, and he doesn't want him to feel that same embarrassment again. 

He felt the heat rush up to his face but didn't mind looking vulnerable in front of Jimin at all. During his trip to Hansu, when he was so far from Busan and the palace---so far from him, he was the only thing Jungkook could think about.

Hansu was a beautiful state, the architecture was glorious and the gardens were large. Jungkook wondered if Jimin had ever been. He wondered what his reaction would be upon seeing all the different blooming flowers and the beach. 

Indeed, Busan was one of the 4 coastal states, but it had high cliffs for edges, no sand and no access to the ocean. So he wondered what expression would be on Jimin's face as he played in the sand and practiced his element in the waves.

Dreaming was the only way Jungkook escaped the burdens of life, and so he dreamt... Him and the man who caught his heart travelled the world together. They went to a hundred cities and explored everything they couldn't see when they were trapped in their reality. He wished it would come true one day-

"But?" Jimin asked, bringing him out of his trance.

"I would like to ask for your sweet company for a moment" Jungkook replied, hoping his intentions were clear.

"Excuse me-"

"It's not what you may think, I do not want to engage in any intimate endeavours... Not that I would hate that but--- God..." he sighed when he realized he was rambling. The look on Jimin's face was completely composed, there was no sign of any particular emotion and Jungkook believed it was because he made no sense. Unaware of the displeasure bubbling in Jimin's chest.

"What I am trying to to ask is... Would you like to have a drink with me?" Jungkook finally managed to voice out. This is what he'd wanted for so long and never had the guts to do. He couldn't have a tryst with his pharmacist although it would make him the happiest man, but he surely could ask for some time together outside of his duties.

"I am quite flattered your highness... I don't know what to say" Jimin replied, hesitant over which manner to reject the request.

"If you are not meaning to decline, you can always think about it as I pour us the best liquor in Goryeo" the Crown Prince replied with an encouraging smile.

I feel as though I have no choice, he's pulling me in like a magnet... Perhaps I should use this opportunity to find out more about him, maybe he'll tell me something I can use to my advantage. He did talk about Magic once, if he ever tried it, I can get his head cut off by his own people. 

He modestly smiled and followed behind the taller Pyre, who was ecstatic over the turn of events. Him who had just come back from such a tiresome trip, to see his beloved's face and share a sip of liquor with him, how delightful.

"I'm glad you accepted my invitation... Truthfully, I've been meaning to ask you this for some time." Jungkook admitted as they walked together to his quarters. There he had a little garden where he received friends or allies of the Crown, or just used it alone when he didn't have anybody. He told the court ladies not to disturb them and let Jimin walk in first.

"Please make yourself comfortable" The Prince said while Jimin looked around, the area was very pretty, filled with plants and running water, perfect for relaxation. 

"Would you like to have something to eat as well?" Jungkook asked as he got ready to sit down facing the older.

"No thank you, the drink will be fine" Jimin replied, grabbing his cup and extending it towards the Crown Prince, supporting his arm with his free hand out of respect. 

"I should have known that you are a man who can hold his liquor" he pointed out.

"How could you know that my Prince" Jimin smiled.

"I have a feeling you are impressive at whatever you do, that's all" the Pyre replied, a sly smirk adorning his face.

Always insisting on making advances to me...

"That would be you, your highness. I am but one of your humble subjects, the glory goes to my Prince" Jimin replied, retrieving his arm and setting the cup down on the table as he waited for Jungkook to poor some for himself as well.

"So kind of you... Tell me sir Park, am I allowed to ask you somewhat personal questions to get to know you more?" The Crown Prince asked. 

Isn't he supposed to order me around? Shouldn't he just ask the questions regardless of what I want? Jimin confusedly thought as he stalled his reply.

"Or you know what? Let's have this drink first" Jungkook announced, picking up his cup and swallowing the liquor. Jimin mirrored the gesture while covering the bottom half of his face out of respect. 

"Very good liquor indeed" Jimin said, feeling the burning sensation in his throat.

"I'm glad it's of your taste"

"About your previous question, yes you can ask me anything" Jimin finally said, noticing the Prince's smile grow slightly bigger.

"Well then, I must allow you the same. It would only be fair" he announced. "That said, I will start with an easy one... What is your favorite shade of blue?" he said, a soft smile on his lips that he couldn't suppress due to his excitement.

"I do prefer Royal Blue, what about you?" 

"Cherry Red is my favorite"

"Is that so. I expected a warmer one to be honest." Jimin said and watched the Prince shrug as he poured another cup for himself and raised the carafe slightly, as if asking if his pharmacist wanted more. To which Jimin nodded and carried his cup closer again. 

"What's your favorite city? Have you ever gone out of state?" He asked after they both took the drink. Jungkook was still getting rid of the aftertaste when he saw Jimin shake his head no. 

"I've never been that far, my late father needed to stay near the palace in all circumstance. Although my favorite memory is when he took me and my sister to Hanul city, we spent around a couple weeks there." He replied and heard the little hum Jungkook let out in acknowledgement.

Maybe I can take him outside Busan one day... Jungkook thought.

"What do you like to do in your free time my Prince?" Jimin instead asked, he didn't want to hear the answer to that same question as he knew the prince travelled the entire country already.

Plan new battles with poor strategic decisions? Jimin mentally answered his own question.

"I like to cook sometimes, though I am not great because I don't get to practice very often. I also like writing and calligraphy" he said, taking his time to look around and admire the nature around them. 

"What about you? I imagine your craft is your passion, but maybe your interests include other things" He chuckled. 

"I like to read all sorts of books, either related to medicine or not. What I'm looking into recently is folklore and urban legends, you would be surprised to find out what people believe in." Jimin was not about to keep the conversation going in random directions without taking advantage of it. But he was no fool, he would never mention the taboo explicitly in front of a royal. 

"Very interesting, I can relate to that" Jungkook started and Jimin raised an eyebrow in surprise. "But I am not doing the reading myself, unfortunately I don't have time, so I gave that task to Jin" Jungkook said and the other hummed. 

"What is it about if I may ask?" Jimin replied, suddenly interested. It doesn't help that the Crown Prince likes to have liquor at every question he asks, at this point they will be drunken before he can discover anything. He politely accepted the cup again and hoped the other would slow down now. 

"Of course you may, it's about the four elements, I am trying to understand each one of them and how they work... A special friend of mind told me a few of their personality traits but I'd like to know more" Jungkook started, but the mention of the special friend made Jimin's heart beat faster. Why is he telling me this... If I didn't know already, this could give away his false identity.

"What did the... special friend say?"

"Let's have another drink before we get into this" Jungkook instead suggested and Jimin found himself declining this time. 

"I will have to skip this round your highness, I'll be with you on the next one" he said, afraid he will lose control before he learns what he wants.

"Whatever you wish, sir Park. He talked about what makes Pyres, Liquis, Theras, and Vals special. I guess I knew very little about that before but now I'm trying to educate myself" Jungkook informed, "Would you perhaps know something about this sir Park?" he experimentally asked.

"Oh... No, only the bare minimum I suppose" Jimin said and picked up the carafe to pour himself one. Never mind, I actually need this.

"Can we go into deeper matters now? I must warn you that I will ask about what I'm interested in most, though feel free to ask anything on your end" Jungkook spoke, he crossed his arms against his chest and waited for Jimin's permission before letting out a deep breath.

"Very well, do you have someone special in your life?" Jungkook asked, eyes boring into the pharmacist.

"Didn't you say you heard all about my significant other that day?" Jimin decided to play it out with a joke.

"Please, I had no idea what you were saying over there" Jungkook laughed as he lied, maybe he'll tell Jimin about his hearing someday, but not today.

"I do not" Jimin admitted.

"Is there somebody you might consider as one, eventually?" Jungkook tried as his gnawed on the inside of his cheek, he was nervous to say the least. 

"There is no one, no" the silver-haired bashfully replied. 

"I see" Jungkook simply said, wondering why his answer didn't hint at Jungil at all. Is it because he hasn't seen him in a while?

"What about you?" Jimin found himself asking. Why did I ask, I don't even care, he scolded himself, denying that Jungil not being available hurt him a little. It doesn't even matter, he doesn't exist.

"Nobody... I made my father promise that he will not deny me a love marriage, and so I'm waiting for that person" he replied truthfully, "Maybe I won't have to wait for long" he said in a lower voice but Jimin caught every word of it.

"What do you look for in a partner?" Jungkook asked, excited to hear what the other thought was the perfect lover.

"Someone good, thoughtful... A man with kind eyes I can look into and trust" Jimin started, "He wouldn't lie to me, or break my heart. Above all, he would want to protect me and my family from any harm" Jimin finished, tying to hit a sore spot with his last remark.

Well, Jimin sure knows how to make a man sweat... Jungkook thought as he pursed his lips.

"Very understandable... I've known you for how long and I can tell that you deserve the best" Jungkook nodded, regretting that he drank too much to take his mind off of the disappointment with another. He started feeling a bit tipsy about a drink ago and wondered if Jimin was the same.

"I would like to apologize, sir Park" he started and Jimin raised his head to see the Crown Prince's serious expression. 

"What for my Prince?"

"I've presented my condolences before, but I never truly spoke with you about your father's passing" he said. 

He hoped his feelings would be conveyed correctly through his words, but looking at Jimin's solemn expression, he could tell nothing will be taken very well anyway. His eyes screamed of sadness, and he wished he could switch topics, but he needed to do this.

"There is nothing to speak of" the pharmacist replied, his voice rougher. 

"I believe I must present a personal apology as I was the one to call for him" Jungkook countered as he bowed his head to show how heartfelt his words were, unknowingly taking the other by surprise. A Prince was bowing to him.

"He was a dear friend and father figure to me even, may God bear witness... I can't begin to imagine the loss that his own children would feel. I take all the blame for his passing as it happened due to my incompetence" Jungkook replied. 

I should stop him, tell him he shouldn't self-deprecate... But I can't. I want him to say this. Jimin thought as a single tear fell from his eye.

"All I can do now is keep his memory with me everyday, and make sure his family lives a good life" he pledged. His eyes were honest and truthful, the Liquis couldn't deny that, but it mattered not at this point. Nothing he says could change Jimin's mind, he was too deep into his revenge.

"I also wish for a man who will not make me cry" Jimin muttered, drying his tear as he reached for the liquor, and drawing a sad smile on the Prince's face.

"I don't know about someone else, but I promise to never let you feel one more sad day if you let me... Will you allow me to care for you sir Park?" Jungkook finally asked, and right about then, Jimin's heart skipped multiple beats at once. 

"What?"

"I recently realized that you've taken up a special place in my heart, I don't know how to put it into words... But I have deep feelings for you" Jungkook admitted, a red tint on his ears as he spoke.

Why am I so sad, why do I feel like crying again... I shouldn't even pay any mind to these words, yet here I am hearing my heart in my ears. Jimin thought.

He wasn't the only one who heard it. Jungkook's ears picked up on it as well and he could barely distinguish it from his own.

"I do not mean to overwhelm you" Jungkook tried, "I wanted you to know how I feel, but don't feel pressured to say anything back" he reassured.

"I am extremely flattered my Prince. Although---not to sound pretentious, may I ask for time to think about your confession" he said, he needed to buy himself time. One small change could lead to the complete failure of his plan.

"Of course, take as much time as you need. Whatever your answer is, I shall be waiting for it. I sure hope you give me a chance, but if you don't I will respect your decision" the Prince replied, grabbing Jimin's hand on the table, softly cradling it as he spoke.

This warmth...

This coolness...

"If you'll excuse me my Prince, I think I should go" Jimin abruptly said and retrieved his hand back, not missing the way Jungkook's fingers twitched when they separated.

The Prince sighed and nodded "You are excused" he simply replied and watched his pharmacist walk out of the garden, and finally disappear behind the sliding door. 

As soon as Jimin entered his house, he found his sister preparing dinner and barely said hello before locking himself in his room and not coming back out for the night. 

"Jimin, are you okay?" his sister Mina asked, concerned as she looked at the hot food on the table.

"I'm fine Mina, don't worry about me" he said, sniffling once or twice. His voice was rough so she just assumed he'd been drinking, not knowing he was fighting to keep the tears in for over an hour now.

Jimin didn't go back to the palace, not the next day, not the day after, nor a third day later. He decided to keep his distances from the Prince and work in his shop rather than having to deal with another emotionally exhausting situation. 

He barely slept at night, and woke up earlier than usual. Prepared breakfast for him and his sister before she took off for the Queen's academy on her own, while he stayed behind for the day. He got very little work done though, his mind travelling back to a certain man's face every so often and keeping him from focusing on his tasks.

This was day 3 in terms of teabags he made the Prince, only 4 more days and everything will be over. Then again, the voice that said allow me to care for you never left his ears. He should be disgusted, angry, but he was neither. He was just hurting over and over every time he heard it in his mind. 

"Jimin, are you listening?" his sister said and he turned to face her.

"You're back already?" he asked, not having kept track of time. 

"Yes, and I said there's gentlemen outside who have something for you" she informed, drawing his confusion. What could it be...

He stepped outside of the house and found 3 palace guards at the door, the middle one holding a wide box wrapped in fine Blue silk and stamped with the palace's wax seal. 

"Sir Park Jimin, Crown Prince's pharmacist?" the guard asked and he nodded, bowing his head slightly as a greeting. 

"That would be me" he voiced out.

"Please accept this gift from the palace of Goryeo" the man on the right simply said as the one in the middle handed him the unexpectedly heavy box. They bowed him goodbye and left at once, not saying a single word more. 

Perplexed would be an understatement, he looked at the beautiful silk and searched for a card or any sort of indication but found none. His sister joined him in the living space where he settled the box.

"What is that? It looks expensive" she pointed out, sitting at the table with her brother as they both stared at the package.

"I don't know"

"Well? Are you not going to find out?" she said before pulling the box towards herself and opening the seal carefully not to ruin the fine silk. It could always be useful. 

"Brother... This is a real gift if I've ever seen one" she softly spoke as she looked at the box's content in awe. It was a Royal Blue Hanfu, and just from the top part of it, they could tell it was worthy of a Prince. 

"What did you do to earn this?" his sister asked excitedly, touching the fabric and taking in the softness of it. 

"I... don't know, maybe Queen Linha sent it for me as a thank you" he replied, refusing to entertain the thought of the other possibility.

"Go try it on! I want to see what it looks like" his sister rushed, making her brother stand and putting the box in his arms, before pushing him towards his room. 

The young man was as baffled as ever when he took the Hanfu in his hands and gently slid it onto his body, being very careful not to tear it. He looked down at himself when he finished and let out a deep breath. He can already tell his sister's reaction. 

"Heavens... You look---amazing" his sister said, staring in awe. "I don't even have the words to describe how good you look, Jimin. Here stand in front of the mirror" she said, gently taking him to the tall mirror in question. He must admit, the Hanfu was exceptionally pretty. He couldn't even dream of wearing something so beautiful in his life yet here he is.  

"Queen Linha is an angel sent from above" Mina said while she sat back on the chair and admired her brother some more. "By the way... I have something to tell you" she started "Woobin has presented himself to me as a suitor, Jimin" she announced and he turned in surprise.

"He did? Finally! He asked for my blessing in Chuseok and I was wondering if he got cold feet ever since" he chuckled.

"He did?"

"Yes" Jimin smiled, mirroring her equally big one.

"I am going to get married Jimin!" she jumped in happiness and all he could do was hold her tight in his arms.

"I wish you could share this feeling with me brother. I wish you had someone in your life too, who would make you feel the joy I feel" she whispered into his shoulder, "It's unmeasurable" she added.

"That day will come Mina, don't worry about me" he reassured, seeing golden irises in the darkness of his closed eyes, a red Hanfu and a royal hair pin. 

"Please let it not be too far away" she smiled and smoothed his hair endearingly.

"I... I should take this off before something happens to it" he muttered avoiding her gaze, then walked away with the remnants of a soft smile. 

He entered his room and started undoing the Hanfu's ties and knots, he huffed out a shaky breath and tried to be as fast as he could. folding all the pieces neatly again and picking them up to place them inside the box. 

However, as he held the soft fabric in his arms, he noticed a blue envelope at the bottom of the empty box. It must have fallen out when he pulled the clothing. He pondered on whether to look at it or not. The note might say who sent this, but does he really want to make sure?

He picked it up regardless, opened it, and inside found a paper folded in half.

The words were romantic, written in beautiful handwriting. I like to practice calligraphy, Jungkook once said.

As fast as he read the note, a burning sensation started in his nose. He could not even look at it a second time before he felt his eyes blur with the tears that threatened to fall. The tears he'd tried so hard not to shed these past 3 days. 

He covered his mouth with the palm of his hand not to let out any sobs, he would hate for his sister to find him this way. Slowly kneeling to the ground, he put the paper aside on his mattress, muffling his ragged breaths as he dried few of his tears. 

He thought of the Prince's kind eyes as he pleaded for him to stay that day, his sweet voice when asking for permission to get to know him. The warmth of his hand when he cradled his ever so softly. Then he was reminded of Jungil's arms as he laid in them that night in the forest.

Someone cares for him. Someone out there feels something for him, and it happens to be the man he hates most. Or does he?

Just a few weeks back, this would've been a no-brainer for Jimin. The General and Crown Prince Jeon Jungkook took his father away from him. But now? After his heartfelt apology, could he really despise him as much as he used to? 

He pulled his pillow closer and rested his face on it as he cried, wetting it with his tears and letting all his pent up anguish out. Or at least a big part of it. 

---

"Sir Park" Jungkook's voice said from behind him. 

Today was day 6 of the teabags, the day before the final blow. Jimin didn't want to go to the palace just so that he doesn't run into the source of his pain, but it looks like life had other plans.

"My Prince, what a pleasure to see you" Jimin bowed.

"I am not so sure that's true" Jungkook said. They were right outside the royal pharmacy and thankfully nobody was around. "It has come to my attention that you haven't been to the palace in days." the Prince started and Jimin was ready to apologize and make up an excuse when the other beat him to it.

"I hope you are not feeling the need to avoid me after my confession last week" Jungkook indicated.

"Of course not my Prince, I was just taking the time I asked for" he replied.

"I see... Well I'll make the task easier for you, if you let me" he said, searching for Jimin's eyes and only speaking when he's looking right into them. "If your heart doesn't feel the same way about me, you don't have to do or say anything. Let's only address my feelings if yours are the same" he smiled.

Why are you so kind to me.

"I am assuming you also wouldn't want to talk about my present, although I wish I could've seen you in it. If you are not ready to have me in your life as a suitor, think of it as a reward for your hard work here at the palace" Jungkook added, his face held a calm and confident expression, even if he was actively being rejected by the man he fancies.

"Thank you very much my Prince" Jimin replied. A couple of steps past the Pyre, he stopped and hesitantly turned to the man, who was already watching him leave.

"It was a wonderful present" he softly said before taking one last look at the Prince's eyes and leaving. Not witnessing the way the taller sadly smiled at his retreating back.

---

"What are you, and why are you growing so much all of a sudden" Namjoon muttered as he looked at the strange, unfamiliar flower. It was all over the palace garden lately, even outside in the town. His research hadn't led him anywhere in the past weeks, but he's recently acquired a new book that might help. 

"I'll figure you out sooner than later little one" he spoke to the flower before sliding the stem into his bag and taking it home with him.

---

This was a very long chapter my friends!

Did you see the Jimin edit? I made it myself! How do you find it?

What are your thoughts on the inner conflict Jimin is going through?

What is this flower Namjoon is so interested in?

-Aida-